14 independent reviews for Gorilla safari & the Masai Mara
Reviews for Gorilla safari & the Masai Mara
Tanya Moore review 4 Sep 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Meeting the gorillas!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
The gorilla trek is strenuous so you must be quite fit.Lots of early starts and long bus journeys so be prepared for that. There are upgrades available in most accommodation so I would recommend budgeting for these as tents are small and basic. Ok for one person who is used to camping, too small for a couple really.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes to supporting local people and supporting conservation.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
I had an excellent group, really fun. It was a small group, only 7. I think many more than this would be too many.Madeleine walker review 23 Oct 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The wildlife2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
If you choose the camping trip book the single supplement- the tents are too small for too people if they are not a couple! Also the gorilla trek is extremely arduous, definitely hire a porter to help you!!3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes it was great to support tribes who are struggling with loss of habitat and FGM4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
The staff were fantastic and worked tirelessly to meet our needs. We had the best wildlife encounters ever! A couple of the campsites were more urban and very noisy, but apart from that it was incrredibleVioleta Maftei review 20 Jul 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Just returned from my first African wild adventure and I'm still day dreaming of it! Couldn't have asked for a better crew team members and better group. Absolutely awed day in day out. This being my first experience camping and group traveling i must say it has been a blast! Do not let the camping put you off! It is a great experience and i loved every minute of it! From day one, every day was memorable! And just when i thought that nothing could top seeing the big five, here comes chimpanzee trekking, mountain gorilla trekking, the scenery all around were absolute breathtaking. Totally totally would recommend this trip to anyone who's ready for adventure. Our tour guide Gilbert together with chef Albert, driver Stony and all around helper Charlie made our experience a memorable one. I could not have asked for a better crew! They were awesome and their hard work must be acknowledged. Absolutely stunned with Gilbert's knowledge in terms of culture, nature, wildlife; and throughout the trip he always kept us informed, always smiling laughing and ready to listen to everything we had to say. Driver Stony, hat down! His many years of experience definitely had a say and he kept us safe throughout the journey. 100% confidence is his skills. Chef Albert looked after our stomach affairs! The whole group were astonished how he always managed to come up with the most delicious dishes even when camping. Healthy and freshly cooked food, always a bonus. Charlie the man does it all! By the end we were like a big happy family!:)2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Pack a sense of adventure and a big smile and you'll have the vacation of a lifetime! I was nervous when i booked this trip as was traveling alone, and never done this sort of trip before, but words cannot express how amazing the trip was and how well the group and crew members integrated from day one! Be prepared for long drives on bumpy roads sometimes. Its part of the adventure package!:)3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
As responsible travel, we've done everything in our power to reduce the environmental impact. Locals were very welcoming and definitely believe that tourism benefits the local communities, We were given the opportunity to hire a local porter, which helps the community, we were very happy to be part of that.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
When we had to say goodbyes we cried....No one wanted the trip to end... I've created what am hopping to be lifelong friendships and it's amazing! EXCEPTIONAL! BREATHTAKING! ASTONISHING! IT'S BEEN A BLAST!lisa houston review 15 Jan 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Gorillas and Chimps.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Be prepared for long drives take a book or maybe playing cards but enjoy the scenery as well. Take gloves for gorilla trek and definitely get a porter.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes all crew were Kenyan and we stopped for supplies at local markets.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Very good great experience very well run and crew are fantastic.Billie Jean Stubbs review 23 Oct 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The Bwindi gorillas and Masai Mara2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Get fit! The trekking was hard for the fittest of people. Be prepared - take heed of equipment needed for the treks. Travel light - there will always be the opportunity for clothes washing.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes. The ban on plastic in Kenya is a good example. The restricted time allowed to view the gorillas and chimpanzees will benefit future visitors4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Excellent. It is a shame that we did not do this before we reached our sixties. We struggled at times but would not have missed it for the world. We would encourage people to visit the websites for Responsible Travel and the operator before making any vacation booking. Both Companies were efficient and informative.Kay Emblen-Perry review 1 Aug 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Too many to pick just one highlight - spending an hour with a family of 10 mountain gorillas, a balloon flight over the Masai Mara at sunrise, seeing wild chimpanzees, spotting elephants, big cats, hippos.... The list could go on.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Be prepared for long days, early starts and to have the best time of your life!3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The licence fee for the gorilla trek is expensive but worth every penny as it goes to protecting one of the world's most endangered species; there are less than 1000 left in the wild. The rangers involve the local communities to provide education, employment and reduce poaching so using a porter not only helps make the trek easier, it also gives money to the local community. Chimpanzee trekking is lower cost but provides similar conservation and economic benefits. The operator encourages spending in local shops and buying food from markets as the trip progresses through Uganda and Kenya. The guides provide filtered water to refill reusable bottles so reduces plastic bottle usage.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Absolutely brilliant!Xi Wang review 3 Jan 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
White Water Rafting in river Nile is very interesting. Seeing Lion, Elephant and Zebra.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Expecting lots of traveling within the bus. (80% of time)3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I think so.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Very interesting. Get to know lots of animals. Our Guide, Chief and Driver are super nice, they are very helpful.Alice Neeson review 16 Jul 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Getting up close to a gorilla family at Volcanoes National Park; seeing white and black rhinos in Lake Nakuru NP; seeing the Wildebeest migration in the Maasai Mara.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
If you love wildlife, you'll love this trip. There are a few long days driving, but it's worth it to see such a variety of landscapes and animals. It's also suitable for travelers of most ages - our group ranged from people in their 20s to around 70 years of age.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes - the crew bought from local markets and road side vendors wherever possible. Our tour leader also advised on the ethics of optional trips.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
An absolutely wonderful experience.Adam Southorn review 7 Jan 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
It's hard to pinpoint one moment because the entire trip was so full on. I came on the trip expecting to be excited about seeing the Gorillas at the end, but there was so much other stuff to marvel at that I didn't even think about the Gorillas until the day before we saw them. The nature was incredible, seeing lions chase cheetah, groups of hippos on the bank of the lake beside our campsite, a family of rhinos getting close to us, and not to mention the incredible natural landscape. We then got to visit an orphanage, walk through towns and villages, go white water rafting on the Nile, go swimming in a beautiful lake, learn about local projects etc. This was an African adventure that fully surpassed my expectations and is one that I implore everyone else to consider booking.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Make the most of all the optional activities. Go on the Nile, visit the towns, learn about the projects, and take in all that Africa has to offer. There wasn't a single moment of disappointment.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The vacation was perfect for not only helping the local community and natural surroundings, but also great at teaching our group about the importance of community and conservation within the East African community. Our money for park permits, souvenirs etc. greatly helped the projects in each community, and we got to see up close how places such as schools and churches provide the backbone for these communities which highlighted the importance of helping them. We got to meet many people that run or help run projects for the people and the environment, which also enabled us to keep in touch if we wish to further help these projects in the future.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
This is by far the best vacation I have ever been on, and I've been on quite a few! Nothing beats the natural untouched beauty of Africa, but it was the beauty of the people that helped us feel at home that I will remember most. They talked to us with such joy and passion of their families, friends, and community, that it provided a conscious reminder that in an area where so little is available, you can still find true happiness.Valerie Koppi review 28 Mar 2014
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Every day was fabulous always something different, gorilla trek, Rwanda genocide museum, local people, orphanage, camping, scenery, game parks, animals, elephant orphanage and numerous other too many to mention but traveling with like minded people was also a good thing. Thank you.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Go with a sense of adventure & you won't be disappointed.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, by buying goods from local stalls, following rules & contributing to local causes & respecting customs & spreading the word about the wonderful countries in Africa & their people.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Everything I wanted, loved every minute, thanks.Mark Asquith review 12 Mar 2014
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Gorillas!!!!! Interacting with them was the most exceptional experience of my life and the biggest adrenaline rush I have ever had. It is without comparison. The Masai Mara was amazing, wild camping was a buzz and white water rafting on the Nile was an amazing experience but being close to the African people (especially the happy kids) and not isolated in 5 star resorts made the trip a once in a lifetime experience.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Don't over worry what you take. The trip is well run, food is great, accommodation works really well, and go with the flow. It's just the best escape from our western lives.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
It interacted well with local people and charities without being overbearing. Some individuals benefited directly while lost of things were bought locally. Food was sourced locally but was of a great standard.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Awesome. Do it now! I miss it already.Sally Knowles-Jackson review 1 Feb 2014
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Where can I start, it was such a fabulous trip from the start in Kigali to the end in Nairobi. Seeing the gorillas was obviously so special and memorable and the rafting in jinja was an unexpected highlight. Also the people in my group and our fabulous tour operator's team who were so efficient, friendly, patient and organised.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Go for it you won't regret it. It has inspired me to see more of Africa and I would definitely go with this company again.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes I thought they did a great job in supporting local people - through local guides, buying food locally and a number of other things. Also small things like encouraging us not to buy water and throw out the bottles etc.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
It was excellent. I would go again tomorrow.Chris Hehir review 26 Mar 2014
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Wildlife from Masai Mara to Rwanda was amazing, varied and stunning.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Don't be put off for traveling in short wet season. We went at the end of Feb and still saw many animals.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes - but more could be done. Ensuring all trekkers for gorillas use a porter to carry their bags, stopping more at local markets on long driving days.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Brilliant - one I shall never forget.Mary-Laure Bollini review 8 Jan 2014
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Spending time in the middle of a gorilla family, having one walking very close to me.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Take a small bag to take your items in the tent without taking the full bag and as well for the 2 days in the Masai Mara. Take warm clothes. The nights in Kembu and Lake Nakuru were cold. Take an additional padlock and music for the travel time.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes for the gorilla permit, the porters, the food and charcoal bought on the way, the rangers/guides for the different activities.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
It was a really great vacation; great wildlife, beautiful scenery, great people, and well organised.Holiday Reviews
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