OffTrek Safaris
- Office In:
- Size:
- 1-5 employees (Founded in 2024)
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $140 to $880 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
for a custom tour
Your request will be sent directly to the operator
If preferred, you can contact the operator directly
Reviews
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Email June | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
An Unforgettable Experience with Emmy
Our family of four, including our two college-age children, recently returned from an incredible journey through Rwanda, and we cannot say enough wonderful things about our guide, Emmy. From the very first meeting to our final goodbye, he exceeded every expectation we had.
Emmy was the epitome of professionalism—always punctual, completely reliable, and impressively knowledgeable about Rwanda's history, culture, wildlife, and people. His deep understanding of the country brought every location we visited to life, and he answered our endless questions with patience and genuine enthusiasm. Whether we were learning about the country's remarkable recovery and growth, exploring its stunning landscapes, or going on our treks to see the gorillas, Emmy's expertise enriched every moment.
But what truly set Emmy apart was his warmth and genuine kindness. Within hours of meeting him, we felt like we were traveling with a dear friend rather than a guide. He had a natural way of connecting with each of us—engaging each of us in conversations about our interests, sharing stories and laughter, and making us all feel like part of his extended family. That personal connection transformed our trip from a standard tour into something truly special and meaningful.
Emmy didn't just show us Rwanda; he helped us fall in love with it. Our time in this beautiful country will stay with us forever, and Emmy is a huge part of why. If you're considering a trip to Rwanda, we cannot recommend him highly enough. He's simply the best.
Thank you, Emmy, for giving our family memories we'll treasure for a lifetime!
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Email Jedd | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Rwanda Extraordinaire
Emmy possesses every quality you'd hope for in a top-tier guide. He's personable, deeply knowledgeable, and clearly passionate about what he does. My wife and I had the pleasure of learning from him over a three-day period, and he quickly became one of the standout highlights of our time in Rwanda.
His personal story, combined with his ability to share information in a meaningful and engaging way, left a lasting impression on us. We’re truly grateful for the experience and look forward to the chance to cross paths with him again in the future
SG
Email Ommy | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Emmy made sure we had the best experience, very attentive and knowledgeable.
We did a ten day trip through Rwanda. Emmy guided us for the first seven days from Kigali to Nyungwe, Musanze and up to the entrance of the Akagera National Park, where he left us in the capable hands of the Magashi lodge staff. Throughout the trip Emmy was super attentive and friendly trying to make our trip extra special. We also learned a lot about Rwanda today and in the past from all of Emmy’s stories. We really enjoyed the trip thanks to Emmy’s company and guidance.
SG
Email Cedric | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Emmy made our trip one to never forget
We spent seven days with Emmy and had the best time. He’s a very knowledgeable, friendly, thoughtful, warm and positive person, who always tried to make sure we had the best experience. We highly recommend him.
JP
Email Yukiko | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Marvellous
My son and I joined a gorilla trekking tour – truly a splendid experience. I had taken part in one more than a quarter of a century ago, and it was unforgettable. This time, the experience exceeded my expectations – even better than before. Let me share our story.
I found OffTrek through an online search for gorilla tours. I contacted them directly and arranged a private tour. The arrangements were smooth, though there was a slight communication issue when sending money online. Fortunately, everything was resolved within a day, and they made sure I felt confident about the booking.
On the day of the tour, our guide Kevin picked us up at our hotel right on time and drove us about 2.5 hours from central Kigali to the gorilla trekking site. He ensured the process went smoothly, and our trek began. The hike itself lasted around 4.5 hours – quite challenging (though our guide Daniel described it as “medium difficulty”). The highlight, of course, was the unforgettable moment of encountering gorillas in the wild.
After the trek, Kevin drove us back to Kigali, stopping at a few souvenir shops along the way, where we bought a gorilla cane (a collapsible one that fits easily into a suitcase!) and some gorilla T-shirts. Instead of visiting a “nice” restaurant, I asked Kevin to stop at Sina Gerald’s restaurant, where we enjoyed brochettes and Irish potatoes. It was perfect – far better than waiting a long time for food in a formal restaurant after such an exhausting trek.
As for the gorilla trekking itself – it is absolutely worth the price. The natural beauty is breathtaking. At one point, a mother gorilla charged at us after being disturbed by a trekker’s oversized camera, but the guides handled the situation calmly and professionally.
A couple of tips for anyone planning to join gorilla trekking:
1. Hire a porter – essential. At first, I wasn’t eager, since we didn’t have much to carry. But I quickly realized that porters are not just for carrying bags – they assist you in climbing steep hills. Most trekkers agreed that without them, it would have been far more difficult to reach the gorillas.
2. Footwear – buy local boots. Instead of bringing expensive hiking boots and gaiters, I strongly recommend buying simple rubber boots in Rwanda. The soil can get very muddy, and many trekkers struggled with their hiking shoes. Local boots cost only about 6,000–10,000 RWF (around USD 4–10), and are widely available in Kigali for even less. After the trek, we gave ours to our porters, who appreciated them. (I checked with our guide Daniel first, and he confirmed it was perfectly fine.)
All in all, it was a wonderful trip. Many thanks to Emmy and Kevin for arranging such a memorable private tour!
Email Nicole | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Exploring Rwanda with the BEST guide you’ll ever meet
I cannot recommend Emmy highly enough. He was the absolute highlight of my trip to Rwanda. From the moment I met him, he was the nicest, warmest, most easy-going person — full of energy, humour, and kindness. He instantly makes you feel like family, not just a guest.
What makes him truly special is his incredible knowledge of literally everything — the culture, history, nature, wildlife, and people. He seems to know everyone, everywhere, which makes traveling with him not only smooth, but also full of special local touches. You’ll feel like Rwandan VIP.
Every single day felt like exploring Rwanda with a dear friend rather than a guide. He went out of his way to make sure I was comfortable, safe, and enjoying every moment. His positivity is infectious, and he has such a genuine love for his country and for sharing it with others.
Anyone would be incredibly lucky to have the opportunity to travel with Emmy. I’ve done quite a lot of travel around the world, and he is honestly one of the best people I’ve ever met on the road.
If you are considering booking with him, do not hesitate. You will come away not only with an amazing trip, but also with a lifelong friend!
Thank you Emmy for everything, you’re simply the best!!!
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Email Claire | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
5 star experience—Emmy is the BEST!
Our safari experience could not have been more pleasant. Our guide, Emmy, briefed us each morning with the day’s logistics. We felt taken care of at all times and did not have to think about logistics once. We could just focus on our incredible vacation!
While the drives between camps, to the airport, etc, can be somewhat long, Emmy made the rides incredibly pleasant in a clean, comfortable vehicle. His vibrant sense of humor and radiating kindness made the drives go by in a flash! Emmy is also incredibly knowledgeable about the local communities and wildlife/conservation. We could ask him anything and he always answered our questions in such a well thought out manner. In addition, Emmy packed our requested beverages in the car and listened to any/all requests we had. We came back from our treks and he had drinks, warm towels, and sandals prepped and ready for us. He truly cares about his guest’s experience and makes holiday the best it can possibly be!
The gorilla and golden monkey trekking is a must-do in Rwanda—10/10 experience!
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Email Rebecca | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Emmy was professional pleasant helpful always with a smile on his face! Excellent guide!
We were greeted at each airport and guided through the various airports and through customs as well. It was very helpful as some places were really complicated. Great to be in lounges while we were waiting too. The Genocide Museum and gorilla trek are must sees in Rwanda. Our tour guide was excellent and really made our first time and first country in Africa a memorable experience!
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Email Paul | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Attentive, intelligent, kind.
Emmy was wonderful in every way. He was personable, very friendly and quite knowledgeable. He was truly a joy to spend time with. There was absolutely no room for improvement in our experience. Emmy made us feel like we are good friends and every minute of our time together was wonderful.
Exceeded Expectations, over and over!
After the initial booking, all we needed to do was pack and show up; everything was taken care of for us from point A to point Zed.
Our local tour guide, Emmy, was an expert in hospitality and was on top of every aspect, handling our trip with compassion, humor, patience and history (of himself as well as Rwanda). He is an ambassador for his country, company and profession.
Trekking to visit the mountain gorillas was arduous and tricky, but worth every slippery step. I was so humbled in their presence. Emmy assisted in arranging exactly what we were looking for, again, exceeding expectations.