Rwanda: reviews from our travellers

"The trip as a whole was AWESOME!! The trip by far exceeded our expectations and was so so so so much fun!! Olivia spent countless hours talking to me on the phone and answering non-stop questions over email to make sure this trip was tailored exactly to our preferences. From the moment we stepped foot off the plane in Rwanda, to the moment we flew out of Nairobi, my family had an absolutely phenomenal time. Each aspect of the trip fit my family like a glove, and was a once in a lifetime experience. The entire trip, including transfers and activities were flawless and my family and I never had to worry about what was next. A guide or staff member always made sure we were where we needed to be, and that we were well taken care of.

Olivia recommended Kigali Serena and Encounter Mara, and Encounter Mara was the best time! Expert also booked all of our transfers for us and the guides were personable, knowledgeable, professional, and a blast! This was such an excellent trip and there is not a single thing about the trip that we didn't love!!

The only negatives we had about our trip was some layover schedules, but that was booked through a different US agency, so everything Expert did was great!

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

THANK YOU to Olivia for booking this trip with us! She is absolutely wonderful and did such an amazing job! The only suggestions on how you could improve would be pushing more people towards Encounter Mara because it was so amazing :)

There is nothing we think you could have done to improve, great job!" Read full review: 8 nights in Africa; 4 on a Rwanda safari

"A long trip, which cover. Overall key to success was our driver/guide Felix. An excellent spotter with terrific knowledge of the parks. We were very lucky to be with Felix for 10 days.
We thought all our lodges and camps were fine. Tarangire Safari Lodge was our overall favorite with great location and comfortable basic room. Nomad Serengeti Camp was the best camp, but also quite expensive. You do get great service for the money.
Animals and a sense of central Africa are why we went. Our hopes were well met. Every day was a new adventure.
There were no logistical problems, everything happened as planned. We simply had to be ready to get up and going early every day to see as much as we could.
Thanks for arranging such a great trip.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service: One suggestion about dinners. Only Nomad Serengeti Camp offered a communal dining table for dinner. We would have like that option at every camp. Our fellow travelers seemed to be a folks we would have like to get to know a bit better." Read full review: 21 nights in Africa; 12 on a Tanzania safari

"I was absolutely delighted with the trip. The Expert Africa folks were all great to work with. if one person happened to be out of the office, someone else would respond. We never had to wait long for a reply through the planning process and all 'connections" and hand-offs in were seamless. You guys are true professionals.

The contractors you provided us with in Rwanda and Tanzania were equally well beyond satisfactory. I hope to go back someday. I hope you offer a discount for repeat customers as i would like to bring family members :)

Thanks much!
Rusty Hudak" Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 8 on a Tanzania safari

"I was on a 3 week trip to Uganda and Expert Africa planned a short extension primarily to visit the Nyungwe Forest.

Amanda Bond was the agent and she did a great job of creating a trip that met my expectations. The tour guide and vehicle were excellent. The accommodation and food were great. There could have been a bit better co-ordination of the activities at Nyungwe, but in the end I had a great time.

Only wish I had had longer to spend in Rwanda." Read full review: 4 nights in Africa; 4 on a Rwanda safari

"If I had a choice of something even better than “very satisfactory”, I’d pick it. Early back-and-forth with our Expert Africa agent (Amanda Bond) were very productive, and we got the perfect itinerary. All the arrangements were all excellent. Some very minor negative feedback about our stay at MGVL won’t change that.

Our guide, Sula, was extraordinary. From the pickup at KGL airport, through drop-off for departure, his friendly, low-key personality were just right. His local knowledge and his obvious love for what he does were very reassuring that our visit was safe and positive for us travelers and for the people and environments where we visited.

We had an airline glitch at the very end. RwandAir cancelled our 10am departure and put us on a flight out at 0010 the next morning. That was a serious disappointment, but obviously beyond the control of … really anyone, other than RwandAir, at whom I’m still miffed (though I expect I’ll get over it). Sula made sure we were comfortably delivered to the hotel that RwandAir booked for us before taking his leave." Read full review: 7 nights in Africa; 6 on a Rwanda safari

"Our trip was absolutely fabulous, from the accommodations to the food to the experiences!

Maruska is simply phenomenal; she goes above and beyond to answer all possible questions and to ensure each client has the trip of a lifetime.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

The only suggestion I have with respect to trips to Rwanda is to provide a bit more guidance on the tipping etiquette. While the information provided on the website was quite helpful on the amount to give the various folks involved in a successful trek, my husband and I didn't realize the number of folks involved in each trek, and therefore, didn't bring enough USD.

It would be helpful to note how many rangers, trackers, etc. to expect on a trek (on average) to assist with this element of planning." Read full review: 8 nights in Africa; 4 on a Rwanda safari

"Magical trip, especially Rwanda was a gem.

We loved the rolling hills, the beautiful birds, the ever smiling people and of course the gorillas (but Rwanda is much more than the gorillas, let's be clear)
The trip was perfectly prepared by EA again, thanks to Lyndsey.

Sula, our Primate safari guide deserves a special mention!" Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 7 on a Rwanda safari

"you never asked me about the gorillas they were the highlight and absolutely amazing

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Include an extra day to hike up to the volcano or to see Diane Fosse's grave" Read full review: 9 nights in Africa; 7 on a Rwanda safari

"We were very impressed by the country it’s cleaness the smiles of the people, seeing them walking on the road was an experience the way they are so beautifully dressed with all those colors.

One thing was a bit annoying was the tipping, so munch for the ranger so much for the trackers so much for the porters, we would have liked to pay more and to have everything included.

Concerning the porter it would have been compulsory because they are on site and not every body take them, so they go back home without payment, it is not good" Read full review: 9 nights in Africa; 8 on a Rwanda safari

"We have had a brilliant trip and found Rwanda to be a remarkable country.
The people are exceptionally resilient and everyone was welcoming and friendly.
The level of service, quality of food and welcoming nature is marvelous.

Our personal driver Johnston was great, full of enthusiasm and knowledge of the country and culture. A credit to his company. We would request to have him again." Read full review: 7 nights in Africa; 6 on a Rwanda safari