Daphne-Travel Designer and expert on East Africa
Hirwa Safaris
- Located In:
- Size:
- 1-5 employees (Founded in 2023)
- Member Of:
- Rwanda Tours & Travel Association
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $400 to $775 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
Email Leslie & Ken | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Thought of everything that we needed before we knew we needed it!
We had the absolute pleasure of booking our trip to Rwanda through this wonderful husband-and-wife team, and it was truly an unforgettable experience from start to finish. Daphne went above and beyond in every way—carefully listening to what we wanted, tailoring the trip to fit our needs, and ensuring every detail was handled flawlessly.
Their customer service was exceptional. Anytime we had a question, they responded quickly with thoughtful and helpful answers, giving us complete confidence and peace of mind throughout the planning process. Once we arrived, everything exceeded expectations—each hotel and experience felt like it had been handpicked just for us. Levis was waiting for us at the airport and made us feel at home after full night and day of travel from the US. Daphne brought ideas to us that we would never have thought of since this was our first trip to Rwanda.
We were so amazed by the country and how exceptionally clean (seriously, not one piece of trash) and safe we felt the entire time, no matter what time of day we were out and about. The people of Rwanda are proud of their country and have come so far in 30 years. If you are thinking about Rwanda, don't hesitate - GO! The gorilla trekking was something that we will never forget!
This wasn’t just a trip; it was the experience of a lifetime, and we know it wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication, passion, and personal touch of Daphne and Levis. We can’t thank them enough and highly recommend them to anyone looking for a travel company in Rwanda that is as seamless as it is unforgettable.
Email Gabe | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Easy and responsive communication. Quality service. Amazing trip.
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I could not recommend this trip more. And Daphne and her team at Hirwa made it smooth, easy, and very comfortable. Do not hesitate to use them.
Daphne made the booking process easy. She was always quick to provide options and update an itinerary based on my changing needs. There are lots of ways to do this - from high end to moderate - and she can guide you through. The trip she put me on was amazing.
Vazquez (Dani) was a terrific guide throughout my journey. Easy to talk to. Kind. Responsible. Knowledgable. Respected by his peers at the National Park as well, which opened me up to extra opportunities- like driving with our trek guide to and from the trailhead and learning even more about Rwanda and gorillas.
Amazing
Hirwa is simply outstanding—truly the best tour company we’ve ever worked with. I was connected with Daphne through the wonderful staff at One&Only, and choosing to work with her was one of the best decisions we made for our trip.
Daphne is a first-rate professional with deep knowledge and care. Having previously worked at One&Only, she brings an extraordinary level of dedication and insight. For nearly a year leading up to our trip, she helped us plan every detail—advising on the best hotels, securing hard-to-get park passes, and keeping us on key waitlists. She made the entire process seamless and stress-free.
What stood out even more was her constant care during the trip itself—Daphne checked in every step of the way to make sure everything was perfect, that the hotels met our expectations, and that we were truly enjoying ourselves. One moment that captured her thoughtfulness: when we were too exhausted to do a tour, she went out of her way to take care of us an accommodate though these changes were not easy for her.
She also arranged for an exceptional driver Levis who stayed with us throughout our journey. His brilliance speaks for itself—fluent in English, French, Spanish, German, Chinese, and the Rwandan languages, and as warm and kind as he is capable. He took care of every logistical detail with calm precision, all while being a joy to travel with.
Thanks to Hirwa’s expert coordination, we had the privilege of witnessing some of the most incredible sights of our lives—trekking deep into the forest to see chimpanzees in Nyungwe and spending time with magnificent mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. These were once-in-a-lifetime experiences, and we felt fully supported and prepared every step of the way.
My husband, who has traveled extensively across Africa, described this as his favorite trip—and that’s entirely thanks to the thoughtful planning, expertise, and heart that Hirwa brought to the experience. We are incredibly grateful to Daphne and her team for making this journey so special.
Email Dan M | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Mountain Gorillas in Rwanda
We had a trip of a lifetime! Seeing the gorillas has been a bucket list item for me and when we had a chance to make it happen Levis and Daphne made it easy and awesome!
From the airport pickup, hotel and lodge arrangements, driving between stops and meeting the trek guides, they made it easy and comfortable. We were always in the right place when we needed to be there and were well informed what to expect before we got there.
The lodge they arranged for us to stay at was the nicest of our three week trip. The food was great and their attention to detail was as complete as Hirwa Safari’s.
We will definitely visit Rwanda again and use Hirwa Safaris to arrange everything.
Email Antonia | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Incredible!
Hirwa Safaris has done it again! I first worked with Daphne, General Manager and Travel Designer with Hirwa, three years ago on my first trip to Rwanda, where she curated an amazing gorilla trekking experience for me.
When it was time to explore Akagera, I knew exactly who to go to.
The Hirwa team is fantastic! Prompt communication, a beautiful itinerary tailored to your needs/desires and follow up throughout and at the end of the trip to ensure all needs are met.
Our driver Mansoor promptly arrived at 5am and remained with us for the entire trip. His knowledge of Akagera and all the animals was impressive!
Next up, Nyungwe!
Book with Hirwa, you won’t be disappointed! :)
Email Adam Kyamatare | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Accomodating
They were wonderful. Worked with us with a short timeline to organize the trip. Helped accommodate all of our request while still providing wonderful service. They were attentive, informative and very high class service. I have no hesitation recommending them to another person/group.
Email Yvonne Kelly | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Hirwa Safaris team truly delivered a life changing journey for me in Rwanda!
I came to Rwanda as a stranger, but thanks to Daphne and the Hirwa Safari team, I left feeling like family.
From start to finish, every detail of my journey was handled with such care, warmth, and professionalism that it became more than just a trip - it was a deeply personal experience.
The bespoke itinerary included unforgettable adventures such as chimpanzee trekking & a canopy walk in Nyungwe, mountain gorilla trekking and the Dian Fossey hike in Volcanoes, and encountering the “Big 5” on Safari in Akagara.
Each moment was thoughtfully curated, blending Rwanda‘s incredible wildlife with cultural immersion, healthy and delicious cuisine, and handpicked accommodations that reflected the beauty and hospitality of this amazing country.
What I appreciated most was just how seamlessly everything came together. From the beginning when this was just an idea, Daphne was there to answer every question & offer suggestions, guaranteeing my experience in Rwanda to be an unforgettable one. From the second I arrived (being greeted at the airport!) until I landed back home (with a “check in text!)) she was there every step of the way!
Daphne anticipated my needs before I even knew them, making the entire experience effortless and enriching.
I arrived with the expectation of a great trip, but I left with a lifetime of memories, a full heart, and a profound love for the people and landscape of this remarkable country.
I wholeheartedly recommend Daphne, Levi’s, Fiston, and the entire Hirwa Safari team to anyone seeking not just a vacation, but a life changing journey in Rwanda.
-Be prepared because this country of 1000 hills and 1 million smiles will have you falling in love.
Date of experience: August 2025
Email Renee | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
A lifetime experience
A dear friend and I discovered Hirwa through a review of the One&Only property, and from the very beginning, our experience was exceptional. Daphne thoughtfully helped us design a fully customized itinerary that included trekking to see both chimpanzees and gorillas. Her professionalism and communication was excellent leaving no surprises. The most expensive part were the chimp and gorilla permits but the hotel selections were all very reasonable with lovely accommodations. Levis was our guide throughout the entire journey, which spanned nearly two weeks and concluded with a safari in Akagera National Park. We left Rwanda feeling as though we had made lifelong friends and truly experienced the Land of a Thousand Hills to its fullest.
