Reviews of safaris to Akagera National Park

"We booked this trip about a year ahead of our actual travels. We did so as we were being very selective on the camps and the dates. So we had very high expectations.

Lyndsey Marris was both incredibly knowledgeable and patient as she guided us through the various options and alternatives. We were not disappointed. We stayed at 2 wonderful camps in Rwanda ((Magashi and Sabyinyo Lodge). Both were exceptional. Wonderful accommodations and food. Staff attentive but yet fun. We saw the Big 5 at Magashi and marveled at the golden monkeys and silverback gorillas at Volcanoes National Park.

Then we traveled to Sirikoi Camp (Lewa Conservancy) and Naboisho (Naboisho Conservancy) in Kenya. Both camps were terrific. I could not pick a favorite. And abundant wildlife….lions, rhinos, elephants, giraffes, hyenas, and many,, many more…..H

ighly recommend working with Lyndsey and these particular camps.

We do a couple of international trips each year. This was one of the very best in every aspect.

This was our 2nd trip with Expert Africa. You do everything…..everything….very well. Happy to recommend EA to all of our friends." Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 9 on a Kenya safari

"Fantastic trip in a really beautiful country with wonderful people. Jessica did a fantastic job!

We just wish that people around the world would start to recognize this country for its beauty and lovely people and not just for the horrific events of the past." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 7 on a Rwanda safari

"The trip was extremely well organised.

We were well taken care of in Rwanda with an excellent local guide providing transport, liaising with the camps and organising the gorilla treks." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 10 on a Rwanda safari

"The trip grew from a group of 2 to a group of 5 and we were very grateful for all of Expert Africa's help in the organisation, re-organisation and covid-related rescheduling. It became a little evident during our travels that a longer trip in Rwanda combining Nyungwe Forest, Lake Kivu, Volcanoes National Park and Akagera National Park was a little unusual, but we can't recommend it enough.

The ground agents for Expert Africa were excellent and we were very fortunate with our guide Omar, who was so integral in making the trip work. We are aware that he was certainly part of the reason why things were such a success and you do need to be happy to travel long distances as a group for this type of trip, but it does reward you with seeing a lot of Rwanda and getting a good feel for the country.

The accommodation, standard of wildlife guides and experiences and the additional activities such as canoeing, kayaking, a guided hike in Gisenyi and birding in Nyungwe all exceeded our expectations.

The Gorilla treks were both unique experiences. The Chimpanzee sighting in Nyungwe was certainly closer and better than we had expected and Nyungwe itself has lots to offer in the way of other Monkeys and birding. We also found it to be a beautiful forest. We were either very lucky with the wildlife and birdlife in Akagera or the experience the park provides is now much closer to that of a typical Tanzanian or Kenyan Safari than is advertised - currently, it feels, you are also likely to experience the wildlife far more privately than in other countries.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

We struggle to think of anything!" Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 21 on a Rwanda safari

"It was an amazing adventure. It was great to be able to return to Africa after so long.

The wildlife was generally as good or better than expected. We particularly enjoyed Akagera and Volcanoes. The great birding a real bonus.

Sadly a couple of the lodges were much less good than expected in terms of the accommodation, food and service levels." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 12 on a Rwanda safari

"We had a fantastic trip covering three East Africa countries, Rwanda, Kenya and Tanzania. We stayed at two camps in each country along with extra days at each end of the trip in Kigali and Dar. Each country is different and has their own culture.

Rwanda was the cleanest country we have ever been to. Even way out from towns people are sweeping the roadsides and trimming vegetation. The Gorillas and Golden Monkeys were great to visit.

Kenya and Tanzania were the greenest countries, recent rains. The quantities of wildlife are incredible. The guides in both countries were excellent and transportation between camps was easy and convenient.

Everywhere we went we felt very welcome.

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I don't see how it could get any better." Read full review: 36 nights in Africa; 12 on a Tanzania safari

"This was an incredible trip that is even more amazing given the limited time Amanda had to prepare.

Everything I could have thought of from Rwanda was included. I would love to go on another safari prepared by Expert Africa, and I will be recommending them to anyone who asks for my opinion.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Maybe just a little more detail regarding information about the lodges and accommodations.

Hard to find something to improve on such a great experience!" Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 12 on a Rwanda safari

"A really extraordinary adventure. An excellent itinerary in Rwanda, capped by the priceless experience of tracking gorillas and other primates.

A beautiful week in the Quirimbas Archipelago, including a visit to a hidden gem of southeast Africa, historic Ibo Island.

Just a wonderful experience all around.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Many thanks to Tracy Lederer for another round of assistance in arranging and assembling an African adventure (our third in three years through Expert Africa). An excellent initial recommendation for an itinerary and extremely helpful advise in refining our ideas. The arrangements came together quickly and worked almost flawlessly.

Thank you again Tracy and Expert Africa." Read full review: 20 nights in Africa; 12 on a Rwanda safari

"I generally plan my trips myself without a lot of input from agents. This time I relied heavily on your company and felt I was well rewarded for doing so. I never would have visited Akagera, Katavi, Mahale, Ruaha, or the Selous on my own. I likely would have confined my itinerary in Tanzania to the Serengeti and maybe Ngorongoro Crater. I'm really lucky to have taken James' advice.

In fact, one of my guides in the Serengeti was extremely impressed with my chosen itinerary, commenting that he didn't see many tourists who went that route.

Again, I'm very grateful for your help and would highly recommend your company in the future." Read full review: 27 nights in Africa; 20 on a Tanzania safari

"This trip far exceeded my expectations for all the reasons mentioned previously.

It was designed specifically for my requirements by Ellie Walkingshaw who I owe a debt of gratitude to. It is a pleasure dealing with knowledgable people who have got the T-shirts ! Thank you.


As usual in Rwanda, Expert Africa arranged a private guide for this traveller. He commented:

I have been fortunate in my travels to have experienced some of the best guides in the world - underwater as well as on the land !! NAYEBARE SAM is without doubt in that elite band. He recognised early on that I had a real passion for the natural world and the desire to record that with my cameras. Sam worked tirelessly to make sure that I obtained everything that I wanted as far as is humanly possible.

He is clearly well known and respected by others and that is used to the benefit of his clients in many ways.

He is passionate about his country and that was an inspiration to me.

In summary I am so pleased to call him friend. Thank you Sam - you will never be forgotten.


Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

This is the second time I have used Expert Africa - keep doing what you are doing !" Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 12 on a Rwanda safari