Bill William - our USA Representative and contact
Africa Adventure Safaris
- Located In:
-
United States
- Size:
- 5-10 employees (Founded in 2004)
- Member Of:
- NU & AUTO
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $1,388 to $9,540 per person per day (MXN, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
Email Andrew Sneddon | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Bujumbura to Entebbe - close encounters with Gorillas, Chimps and Primates
I recently travelled to Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda and Uganda with Africa Adventure Safaris.
At the planning stage Nelson in the office was able to tailor an itinerary to my exact requirements. We discussed options for accommodation which could either take the cost up or down depending on my requirements. I opted for staying two nights in most places to minimise time spent travelling, and to maximise the time I spent in the various national parks. The main purpose of my visit was to visit lowland and mountain gorillas, chimps and other primates, but Nelson was able to suggest other cultural sites and activities to break up the journeys between parks.
Payment can be made by credit card, although there is a surcharge for this. Credit card payments do, however, add an extra layer of protection for anyone nervous about transferring money to a company based in another country with which they have not previously done business. Next time I use Africa Adventure Safaris I may well go for the cheaper bank transfer method.
Sam Elliot my guide was very professional, knowledgeable and kind – a real pleasure to be with over a two and a half week period. On the road he was able to fine tune the itinerary and make suggestions to ensure I got the most out of my trip. He was also able to respond positively to any suggestions I made. The vehicle was a sturdy Nissan Patrol, well able to deal with the local roads.
Travelling in November (the rainy season) turned out to be very successful. It may be slightly more risky in terms of delays due to road conditions, but this was balanced by being the only visitor in many places (chimps at Kibale, lowland gorillas at Kahuzi-Biega, primates at Nyungwe and Mgahinga). I only got seriously wet twice in two and a half weeks – less than I would have if I had stayed at home in Scotland!
A word about DRC – I had a separate guide, Julius, in Bukavu. As well as the agreed wildlife activities, he took me for a walk through Bukavu, visiting the neighbourhood where he was brought up, some family members' homes and his old school – places a normal tourist/traveller would never get the opportunity to visit. This was a real worthwhile experience if you want to try to increase your understanding of life in other countries. And if you want to see the Eastern Lowland Gorillas, this is the only place in the world where they live. They, and the dedicated rangers protecting them, need the support of our visit and cash!
Overall I can't fault the value for money. In many part of the world I travel myself using public transport and booking activities as I go. In this part of the world this would not have been a sensible option. I met an American couple trying to do their own thing, but in conversation everything was taking them longer and costing almost as much as my trip, as well as causing constant uncertainty for them as they tried to find the next driver to take them where they wanted to go.
Although I asked for accommodation at the cheaper end of the scale, the quality was on the whole excellent. In particular Bakiga Lodge in Bwindi and Enganzi Lodge at Queen Elizabeth NP were excellent, as were the Club Du Lac hotel in Bujumbura and the Panorama hotel in Bukavu.
The main purpose of my trip was wildlife. In two and a half weeks I saw 13 species of primate, including the Owl Faced Monkey in DRC, which I never expected to see in my life, so I consider this a major success.
I have visited Africa on many occasions, but I consider this trip, organised by Africa Adventure Safaris to be amongst the best, and I would say that for a first time visitor to Africa this company would work hard to ensure you had the best possible experience.
Part of the great joy in visiting Africa is the people you come in contact with. Come with an open heart and mind and Africa will reward you many times over.
FR
Email Leah | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Gorillas -- the best of Africa
We just returned from Africa. Rwanda and gorillas were first on our agenda which also included safaris in several other countries, but nothing tops the gorillas experience. We were in their midst, surrounded by various members the gorilla family on the move. Amazing. Awesome. We were more than pleased with all the arrangements made by Africa Adventure Safaris: hotel in Kigali, city tour, mt. lodge, great guide/driver. We can highly recommend this company.
If you go in the rainy season, take and wear top quality gear. We got soaked, but we were so enamoured of the gorillas, it did not matter.
Email Ted Grayson | 65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Excellent service and organisation all round.
I decided to do this trip on the spur of the moment, and gave AAS only two days notice. Within the day, all was fixed over the phone.
The tour itself worked like clockwork, the guide was brilliant. On the way to Volcanoes NP, the guide pointed out all the places of interest, stopping off for me to take photos. The drive from Kigali takes about 2-3 hours along spectacular countryside.
I stayed in two lodges over the 3 nights - Bamboo and Mountain Gorilla View. Bamboo's accommodation and service were much better than MGV, but the food at MGV had a slight edge.
The guide looked after all the park paperwork, and chose the appropriate easy routes for me (I am 68). The whole experience of seeing and almost interacting with the gorillas was an unforgettable once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Lots of opportunities to take photos. The park guides and porters were friendly and full of useful information.
I wholeheartedly recommend Africa Adventure for a truly wonderful trip. Well done to them.
Email Julie | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Uganda truly is the 'Pearl of Africa'
Africa Adventure Safaris provided a wonderful tour of Uganda. Our guides Robert and Cris took excellent care of us and were very knowledgable; we learned a lot from both of them. The gorilla trekking experience was amazing and well worth the difficult hike. We were very satisfied with the accommodations and the food was fantastic! While we had already been on safari in Kenya in 2013, this experience allowed us to see many new things that we did not see in Kenya. The boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel allowed us to get closer to hippos and crocodiles which was very exciting. Uganda is a beautiful country and we are so happy we chose Africa Adventure Safaris. I would recommend this company and tour to anyone who wants a comprehensive, first rate tour of Uganda!
LV
Email Alex | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Really Uganda, people and nature is nice.
Once again thank AAS for a very interesting and informative tour. I really liked it.
Everything was exactly according to the timetable, hotels and service was at the highest level.
It was clearly, on time and no one was late.
Really Uganda is nice, people and nature.
There were no problems.
Guide Patrick proved a great side, he made all to trip was interesting. He knows a lot about the animal in Uganda. Best regards to him.
If we talk about the shortcomings, the car that i have is not suited for a safari. inconvenient to photograph and nothing to hold on when the car is moving.
The diesel engine is not stopped immediately, so everything worked, and the small vibration (this was only visible on the computer) made a lot of blurred images, which were taken from the car.
I write about the micro-sharpness picture. I had noted with regret today on the computer.
Trekking to the gorillas, chimpanzees and rhinoceroses left the most pleasant memories. Face to face with wildlife is remembered for a long time.
Basically, me liked all very much. Once again, thank AAS very much.
Very professional, kind and helpful
Our good experience with African Adventure Safaris has started at the very first mail to the company with our intention to do the Uganda safari. Nicholas was extremely efficient in these e-mail communications. He replied promptly and effectively and helped us to plan according to our wishes, and was very flexible in any changes we wished to make. Upon arrival we met Rogers, our driver and guide for the week. Rogers also was very kind, professional and tried to follow our needs and requests as possible. Except from one location, we asked for a budget tour, and we had quite good accommodations with excellent food in all of them. The car was very comfortable and Rogers tried hard that we will get the most from our safari tours. The safaris were excellent – once in a lifetime experience.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing
This company was professional from the first moment I made contact via email. My concerns and questions were addressed promptly and professionally, and every detail was covered prior to my departure. Upon arrival our driver was professional and informative. Never did we have any concern or question that was not addressed efficiently and to our satisfaction. Our accommodation exceeded our expectations, and the trek itself was phenomenal. We visited mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, about a 2.5 hour drive from Kigali. This is not to be missed!
Email Lynn | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
4-day tour to Bwindi and Queen Elizabeth National Parks exceeded expectations!
I'm happy I booked with Africa Aventure Safaris. I was looking for a moderately-priced tour and after talking to US spokesman Bill Williams, I was reassured about the professionalism and expertise of this company. Nelson responded immediately to my emails and answered all my questions. Our transport was a spacious and comfortable van; lodgings and food were very good. And Bernard was superb! He was a not only a skillful driver and wildlife guide, but also a passionate observer of local culture who helped us understand how the people live and deal with the challenges they face. I expected to see amazing animals and birds, but learning about Ugandans with Bernard's help was a very special experience. Thanks!
Well organised. Your Guide Zcris was excellent All went to plan and it was very enjoyable.
Everything was good well organised. No problem at alls
CA
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Exceeded My Very High Expectations!
My four-day tour in Uganda with Africa Adventure Safaris was outstanding! The planning with coordinator Nelson, the pick-up at the hotel, the Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, the lodges, restaurants and the games drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park were all world class. Guide Joseph Sabiiti was extremely knowledgeable and professional. I give Joseph and the team at Africa Adventure Safaris my highest possible recommendation.