Rwanda: reviews from our travellers

"Aside from a few miscommunications about costs and clarity on details it was smooth. This was my first ever trip to Africa and after pouring over department of state guidelines, CDC, WHO and various data bases I was overwhelmed with preparations to visit Africa. I think the website could be simplified but since many people from all points in the world read it there has to be a generalized way of presenting information.
I recommend getting clarification on all costs and any Etickets you will need for connecting flights provided by the tour.
Read the documents you get thoroughly. I missed one small but important detail which smoothed out but when you are tired and hot and have to stop and deal with entrance fees or visas it can be irritating, so read everything. Did I say everything? Yes!!!!!
Tipping was something I needed more knowledge on and after this trip I am way more prepared. I would say read the tipping guidelines section and follow the advice given. Those could be more specific but personally, I felt the Rwanda trip was deserving of more than modest tipping but it’s a sensitive subject that many don’t like discussing. You will know more as you proceed and keep your heart open.
I am already thinking about my return trip. I am still floating. Just do it……go!!!!!!" Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 5 on a Rwanda safari

"These comments are very specific to us and might not be relevant to most of your clients. First and foremost, we were very happy with Expert Africa and can't find anything negative to say. Lyndsey was always helpful and responsive. The outfitters, guides and drivers were all excellent.

This was our sixth trip to East and South Africa, some of which were long and covered multiple countries. Only two were done with groups. This trip was very much a bucket list trip for us as we're 77 and 81 and finding physical limitations to our travel. (Our first trip to Africa was stopping in Nairobi on our way to India. We rented a jeep, a tent and two sleeping bags and drove all around the country.)

We had alway planned at some point to visit the Mountain Gorillas. We chose to go to the "easiest" accessible group. The trackers found the group deep in the brush and much which made getting to them difficult. The porters were a great help, always there to help us through the mud. It was a great experience but we were so exhausted by the day, we passed on the second. Realized our limitations but were really happy with the single visit.

Rwanda is an incredibly beautiful country with wonderful people, many of whom are survivors of their genocide. That realization can make a visit more complex than with other countries in the region but it was important to us. The current situation with respect to what was happening just miles away in the Congo was hard to ignore. What is presently going on in the U.S. and its worldwide implications made it even harder for us to be tourists as was the case on our other trips. So even though we were not worried about our personal safety, we just didn't feel comfortable going to the south to see the chimps. Note that we had hoped to see life along Lake Kivu but that wasn't possible in the present circumstances. One thing we were able to do with those days was to spend more time with a variety of the local people and engage in serious discussions with them.

We had spent a lot of time in the Serengeti on our Kenya trip and in 2011 on a long trip to Tanzania. Both these trips were in the dry season in the northern Serengeti. This time we decided to go the southern Serengeti to see the height of the migration. Our experience was great but not what we expected. The Nomad mobile camp was wonderful but the migration had passed a couple of days earlier. The first night in the camp there was an enormous rain storm that lasted well into the next day. The result was that the Southern Serengeti was flooded and most of the roads were impassible. We had a couple of interesting fun days going mostly overland for hours though the muck to catch up with the migration.

One thing we didn't realize is that the elephants and cape buffalo disappear into the forrest during the migration. We never saw a cape buffalo (except from the plane) and only two isolated elephants. We did see many groups of lions, a surprising number of cheetahs, a couple of leopards and many giraffes. In terms of what we enjoy the most, I'd recommend a dry season trip to the northern Serengeti. We also had similar experiences in terms of seeing a greater variety of large animals in Zambia and South Africa. But the main reason for our trip was the Mountain Gorillas so we're happy." Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 8 on a Rwanda safari

"Richard and Expert Africa did an outstanding job putting our trip together.

From start to finish, we were always welcomed and guided on our way, making for a very stress-free vacation.

Even when one of our short bush flights got changed due to the weather, Richard made alternative arrangements and emailed me the new plan before the camp staff even had a chance to tell me of the change.

I can be quite critical, but I cannot think of a single thing that I would change. You did an amazing job." Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 11 on a Kenya safari

"The trip was fantastic.

Logistics were very smooth from landing in Kigali to drop off at JRO.

Expert Africa even had someone greet us at Kigali to escort us through customs, see us to a lounge while waiting, gather our bags, and direct us from the lounge to our driver.

Our driver in Rwanda was incredible. Just a fantastic experience." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 5 on a Tanzania safari

"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

"Rwanda is a gem of a country.

Clean, well organised, incredibly friendly and full of hope for the future.

The gorilla trekking was the highlight but Akagera also stunning.

We have travelled extensively in Africa and Rwanda is one of best countries we have visited." Read full review: 9 nights in Africa; 7 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

"Yet another wonderful trip from Expert Africa.

Everything went very smoothly. Many thanks to all concerned, and especially to Lyndsey.

She always understands really quickly what we want, provides suggestions on timing and accommodation, and goes on to build a brilliant holiday.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

No - you do a great job. Just keep on providing lovely holidays." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 6 on a Tanzania 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