65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
The perfect safari tour in Rwanda with a truly unforgettable experience
My Golden Rwanda Safari tour in Rwanda was an extraordinary adventure from start to finish. The communication with Frank was seamless and efficient, ensuring all my questions were promptly answered and my needs were exceeded. The service provided by our guide Mansoor was flawless and staff exceptional, with his deep knowledge and genuine passion enhancing the entire experience. Considering the quality of the accommodations, the expertise of the guides, and the unique encounters with wildlife, the tour offered great value for money. The reliability of the logistics was impeccable, with smooth transitions between different parks and activities. The highlight was undoubtedly the breathtaking moments spent tracking mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, complemented by the stunning biodiversity of Akagera and Nyungwe Forests. This safari tour exceeded all my expectations and left me with unforgettable memories.
Lastly this: everyone single Rwandan we met and interacted with was genuinely interested in providing us the the very best experience and as my daughter put it ‘zero attitude’ !
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Mansoor was excellent in every way--friendly, accommodating, knowledgeable, and a great driver!
My brother and I did a custom safari tour and gorilla treking with Golden Rwanda Safaris and I cannot reccomend it strongly enough! Frank (the owner) was great--he was communicative by email and WhatsApp and we were even able to speak to him over the phone (wifi call via WhatsApp). I must admit we were a bit nervous when we had to wire money to a stranger in another country but Frank stayed in constant communication with us and really delivered on everything he said he would. Also i will say that at first we thought it was a bit expensive, but after the experience I must admit that it was a great value and I definitely got my money's worth!!
Here is a breakdown of what we got for our price (about 5000 per person):
A driver who picks you up from the airport and drives you around to all your places (basically a personal chauffeur), nice(!!) hotel accommodations for 8 nights where either all or some meals included, gorilla permit (when we went these cost about 1500 per person), and park entrance fees. Here is what we did on our trip:
When we arrived, we were met at the airport by our guide, Mansoor. He drove us to our first hotel in Kigali which was one of the nicest hotels I've ever stayed (Serena-breakfast included). The next day Mansoor drove us around Kigali where we visited the genocide museum and some local markets. The next day Mansoor drove us into the mountains to do our gorilla trekking and we stayed at the beautiful 5 volcanoes lodge (all meals included here). The next morning we hiked into the rain forest and literally hung out with a family of gorillas for an hour--it was incredible!!!! When we got back to the hotel the porters took off our gators and our shoes and rubbed our feet!!!!!!! I don't know if you'll get this service too but man...and I think they have other massage and spa treatment you can pay for as well. The next day we drove to Akagera park and went on a sunset boat ride on one of the lakes in the south, which was nice (and included in price). We stayed at ruziza lodge which was beautiful, but right on the water which means it was a little buggy (bring mosquito repellant!). Here all meals were included. Then we moved north through the park towards our next hotel, the kerenga bush camp looking for animals along the way. Along the way we picked up a field guide (not included--120$ for 3 days) Sandrine and she was amazing!!! She was super knowledgeable about the park and she spotted so many animals that we definitely would have missed otherwise. Over the course if 3 days in the park we saw many animals including 4 if the "big 5": Buffalo, rhino, lion, and elephant (we did not see any leopards). We also saw tons of giraffes, zebras, hippos, and antelope, and we even saw a crocodile and a black mamba snake (from the safety of our safari truck!) All meals were included at kerenga bush camp including a packed lunch when you're on safari! We also went on a really cool night safari (also included!). Afterwards Mansoor drove us back to Kigali for the night, them dropped us at the airport to catch our flight home.
This was the trip of a lifetime and worth every single penny I spent (including all the tipping...be ready for that and don't be stingy!!)
One last thing I will say: everybody we met: our driver Mansoor, Frank, all the staff at every hotel or restaurant, the guides and and trackers on every trek or safari, everbody was super super friendly and nice and always made us feel very welcomed and at home. Rwanda is a super special place and I highly reccomend it for everyone to visit and I highly highly highly recommend that you hire Frank's Golden Rwanda Safaris to arrange everything for you! You will not be disappointed!
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great experience and good communication with Golden Rwanda
Overall had a great experience with Golden Rwanda. From the initial communication and setting the itinerary to payment, permits, and transportation everything went smoothly. I would use this operator again. Upon airport arrival, to airport drop off 5 days later, everything was seamless and taken care of.
Frank was responsive up until arrival, and Claude our driver for the week aimed to please and nothing was an inconvenience. Highly Recommend.
CH
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
best tour guides on the planet
it was a rather spontaneous trip but the tour operator and especially the tour guide who was assigned to me made it a great experience. i really knew they love what they do and care about the animals, environment and their customers so much. very welcoming people, the safari was great even though i missed out on lions and leopards. Got to see a huge herd of giraffes as well as hippos, elefants, and thousands of zebras and impalas though :) 10/10 would do it again
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Frank and team were everything we hoped a tour operator would be: caring, responsive, honest
GoldenRwanda were excellent tour operators, as good as we hoped for. Frank and Gad were extremely responsive and communicative by email, always got a response within a few hours. They were able to adapt quickly to our changing plans both before and during the trip. The trip was exactly as promised, no "bait and switch", and given the expense of individual permits, was good value for money. The residences were stellar and top quality even in remote areas, clean and with great hospitality, Our driver Jean-Claude became our friend and family. The cars were very comfortable and we felt completely safe and secure even on poor roads. Our tour covered Kigali and 3 NPs in 3 different corners of Rwanda, Nyungwe, Volcanoes, and Akagera. The encounters with gorillas and chimpanzees we shall remember for the rest of our lives. Our experiences in Kigali, including the genocide memorial, were unforgettable, and Rwanda is a moving tribute to the human spirit and its ability to move beyond unimaginable horror to recover humanity, humility and hospitality. Rwanda is one of the most beautiful places in the world, both visually and spiritually, and noone should miss the opportunity to visit if they can. And for those who do visit, GoldenRwanda will be among the best possible hosts and guides for the trip.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The most amazing safari company ever!
Working with Golden Rwandan Safari was the best decision ever. Frank was amazing to work with in planning and setting up/arranging ALL of it literally from start to finish.
Our driver/guide was Taufique...WOW..words cannot describe how he went over and beyond our expectations, from pick up at our airbnb to drop off at the airport at the end of the Safari with a few other stops per our request. Taufique made it a point to search for and help us see all our favorite animals. It was a great pleasure to spend 3 days with him driving and guiding us around and through Akagera. Taufique is your #1 guide. Very knowledgeable and experienced.
65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
This company is the one to use for any tours in Rwanda.
I recently used Golden Rwanda Safaris for my mountain gorilla and golden monkey treks. Frank quickly answered my initial inquiry and was very helpful planning and customizing my trip, as well as answering my questions. Before I left home, I knew I was in good hands for this trip.
Muhamed contacted me before I arrived and met me at the airport. He was my guide for the entire trip to make sure I had an exceptional experience. He even picked the best porters and group for my ability level during the gorilla trek. Muhamed is a top-notch guide.
I highly recommend Golden Rwanda Safaris as the pinnacle tour company for any Rwandan tours.
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
They make it easy
So you find yourself in Rwanda and maybe you want to see gorillas but have no idea how to proceed? That was me and I just happened to find this company on the internet. Don’t worry about anything just contact Frank and he will take care of all the details. Frank was very responsive and virtually everything he promised came true plus more… from the hotel to transportation even being able to arrange the gorilla trekking to be an easier trek. I know it’s a lot of money but this is a bucket list thing you should just do it , our driver Mohammed was more than courteous. My opinion is that you need a company to help you organize the details and if I ever come back to Rwanda or have any friends I will definitely use Golden Rwanda Safaris again. Thanks Frank and Mohammed.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great service from start to finish
Golden Rwanda Safari were great from working with me to modify the tour to fit my interests and time, through to first pick up and drop off at the airport. Jean Claude, my driver guide, was thoughtful and attentive, providing me with useful information throughout our time together. The experiences in Volcanoes National Park were exceptional, as was the accommodation at the 5 Volcanoes. Definitely recommend, and I hope to be able to travel with them myself again soon
DK
Best way to see Akagera
This is really great value for money. If you have the chance, go with Jean Claude. He is the nicest person and he really goes the extra mile to make sure that you have the greatest experience possible - and that you see as many animals as possible. Fully recommend booking with Golden Rwanda Safari.