Reviews of safaris to Volcanoes National Park
179 holiday reviews from our travellers of holidays which include Volcanoes.
"A magical trip"
The Expert Africa/Primate Safari part was only 8 days out of 22, but we have no regrets about the organisation, the pace and the activities. Rwanda is still developing its tourist industry, which means not everything runs perfectly, but also that people working in the tourist sector are not yet as jaded or cynical as in neighbouring countries. This was reflected in the friendliness of the staff, who were almost always willing to do that little bit extra to make things right.
Likewise, we were favourably impressed by our knowledgeable and highly professional driver-guide from Primate Safaris: we learned a lot about the country's history, politics and nature from our lengthy conversations with him and he drove extremely carefully. If there is one thing we would have liked to have seen more, it was Nyungwe Forest - it is a beautiful place. The two days we spent were too short: the activities are quite far apart and the general atmosphere merits a 3-4 day visit at least.
On the other hand, we were delighted to go gorilla tracking on two separate occasions. The permits are extremely expensive - even by the standards of rich Western tourists - but we saw something completely different on each day. The other primate-related activities (chimpanzee, colobus monkey and golden monkey tracking) were also rewarding. One piece of advice, though: don't leave without a pair of binoculars! They really do make the wildlife viewing experience much more intense.
In short, this was an extremely memorable and well thought-out trip - and we'd warmly recommend it to anyone who wants to explore this mountainous part of East Africa.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
You may already know this, but Turkish Airlines fly direct to Kigali and Entebbe from Istanbul several times a week. With excellent connections from Manchester, Edinburgh, London and possibly other regional airports too, this makes Turkish a good (and cheap!) option for flights to this part of Africa." Read full review: 8 nights in Africa; 8 on a Rwanda safari
"Unforgettable experience in Africa"
Don't put off going on safari. So many species are under pressure from humans and habitat loss to survive.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Thanks to Ellie for her patience with our labored and prolonged itinerary planning. And thanks to Claire when she filled in during Ellie's absence. We benefitted enormously from her knowledge and suggestions.
Thanks so much to all for another amazing and unforgettable trip to Africa that we will never forget!" Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 5 on a Tanzania safari
"My Jan 2014 trip"
"Rwanda 2013"
Our tracking of the mountain gorillas and chimpanzees was conducted very sensitively and as a result our experience was extraordinary and quite magical." Read full review: 7 nights in Africa; 6 on a Rwanda safari
"My Oct 2013 trip"
The drive up Lake Kivu fascinating and the visit to the Genocide Museum and Kings Palace etc very interesting.
We were very impressed with Rwanda: economically and socially there seems a great deal of highly constructive sustainable development. It was just as well we had our bad experience first and finished on a high!" Read full review: 8 nights in Africa; 8 on a Rwanda safari
"My May 2013 trip"
Thank you ExpertAfrica" Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 7 on a Botswana safari
"African experience"
"Africa with relatives and friends"
"An absolutely wonderful holiday."
We were extremely happy with all of our accommodation and transfers. The only disappointment was Rwandair Express which is the most unreliable airline that we've ever flown with, but Saskia did warn me of that in advance so I should have taken her advice to fly SAA instead!
Would highly recommend Expert Africa - and Saskia Adye in particular - to anyone planning a trip to this fascinating continent.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
You thought of everything so .....no!" Read full review: 24 nights in Africa; 5 on a Rwanda safari
"Trip in Dec 12/ Jan 13 and just to Rwanda."
Expert Africa (Liz, Eleanor and Chris) were very helpful in addressing what at the time (Dec 12) was a delicate security situation in the Rwanda/DRC border area with changing FCO advice. As a result we did not stay in Gisenyi which would have more going on than Kibuye.
Our vehicle/guide were provided by Primates Safaris who were very good - we would recommend them if available." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 13 on a Rwanda safari

Looking for inspiration on where to travel next?
Visit our trip chooser to explore your options and find inspiration for your perfect African adventure
Inspire meWhere to stay in Volcanoes
Our suggestions for safari camps in Volcanoes National Park