Reviews of safaris to Nyungwe Forest National Park

"We had an enjoyable time, but the location and recommendations of the Olmara camp was not a good choice. We expected more expertise on this — or at least to have made us aware. Some of the side trips were not good use of time." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 7 on a Tanzania safari

"Once in a lifetime trip! Was truly magical and our driver Magezi was truly amazing - what a great week with him!

Thanks for making this so special and perfect!

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Nope - u guys do an amazing job" Read full review: 6 nights in Africa; 4 on a Rwanda safari

"From our first enquiry through to the end of the trip we have been kept well informed, well looked after.

The information pack was excellent, loved the unexpected travel wallet.

The whole trip delivered on all levels." Read full review: 9 nights in Africa; 7 on a Rwanda safari

"The good points: great trek to Dian Fossey's grave, good gorilla trek in spite of the size of the group (8 visitors) and my free day at Gisenyi.
Also, nice car and driver.

The less good ones: too much spare time in the afternoons at Nyungwe House and at Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge. I suggest that Expert Africa recommends some optional visits for free afternoons, like a visit to a tea plantation in Gisakura (I only realised this might have been possible after I left) or a visit to the Dian Fossey Fund Campus (which I visited at my request after the golden monkey trek, as the Campus is well visible from the road, otherwise I would have missed it).

Some final details:
Cost: my itinerary included a villa in Nyungwe House and not a room in a 4-room small building." Read full review: 7 nights in Africa; 7 on a Rwanda safari

"Very enjoyable. It did seem that the during the booking process we had to be juggled to different team members because one or the other were on extended holiday. All team memebers were helpful but there wasn't always continuity.

We transited through Kenya before and after getting to Rwanda, as Expert Africa was aware. We applied for multi entry visas for Kenya but had no idea of the difficulty and time it takes to get a multi entry approved. SIngle entry visas get approved in 24 hours but because we didn't know to take that approach we ended up having to miss our departure flight out of the US.

I realize the Kenya visas were our responsibility but some specific guidance from Expert Africa would have been really helpful. The multipoint entry visa took 2 weeks to approve, no where in the Kenya e visa website is that explained." Read full review: 7 nights in Africa; 7 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

"I have already recommended Expert Africa (and Tanzanian ground partner) to friends. I love the bespoke approach to the planning and execution. Jessica, who organised it, was very helpful and knowledgable - and made us feel well taken care of. The whole trip was incredibly well organised every step of the way. We really enjoyed Tito's company, knowledge and driving skills in Rwanda and the same for Raj while we were in the mobile camp in the Serengeti! Even the PCR tests were handled well - hopefully they won't be necessary next time! In terms of what to bring and what to expect: not once were we asked to weigh our luggage (but do keep in mind that there's not a lot of storage room on the puddle-jumper planes); we also were not questioned re plastic bags; do minimise the clothing (pack your bag, then unpack half of what you thought you might want to bring - there are lots of laundry options - and no one really cares what you're wearing anyway!); bring a warm sweater/jacket and/or a waterproof windbreaker. Invest in really good binoculars - even if they are heavy - we didn't and regretted it.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

No - it was terrific! As regards the mobile camp in the Serengeti, I was glad we stayed at the camp where we were - we visited the more "upscale" non-mobile camp nearby and were glad we were at the mobile one! Many thanks to Jessica - I've already passed her name onto friends of mine!" Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 7 on a Tanzania 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

"utterly amazing - loved every single moment of the trip.

Thank you Expert Africa for organising." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 10 on a Rwanda safari

"Our trip was amazing!! Beyond expectations!! The people we met and spent time with enhanced our trip. Isaac, who was waiting for us when we reached Nairobi. Isaac toured us around for a couple of days and was a pleasure spending time with him.

Manfred our guide at the Leopard Hill Basecamp was Excellent. He is very experienced at guiding and a pleasure to be around. We had many questions. Manfred answered them all with sincerity and patience.

Shema was with for our entire time in Rwanda. What a great man. We spent many hours driving from the most Northern Region of Rwanda to the Southern Region. We felt safe and confident with Shema behind the wheel. He was always on time. Always greeted us with a smile and a warm welcome. He took care of us and we are so thankful to have met him.

Thank you to everyone involved in our trip. What an experience. Life changing!!

We hope to be back in Kenya and Rwanda soon to see our new friends again!!


Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

No!!" Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 6 on a Rwanda safari