Travel reviews by N&J from West Sussex
Review Distribution
Total number of trips
1
Countries visited
1
Lodges stayed in
7
Excursions taken
6
Rwanda Trip September 2022
Rwanda between 2 Sep 2022 and 19 Sep 2022
"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!"
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!"
Arranged By Jessica Plumb
Heaven Boutique Hotel
"An excellent choice for staying in Kigali"
3 nights
Arrived
2 Sep 2022
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Facilities
Excellent
Rooms
Good
Food
Excellent
Kigali Tour and Genocide Memorial Visit
"Kigali Tour and Genocide Memorial Visit review"
4 Sep 2022 • All-day excursion
The tour gave us a good grounding on the history and make up of life in, not just Kigali, but also Rwanda. We would recommend this to anyone.
The genocide Memorial visit itself is a difficult, but rewarding experience.
It is certainly something which enables you to put into context a lot of how Rwanda is today as you travel around the country
The genocide Memorial visit itself is a difficult, but rewarding experience.
It is certainly something which enables you to put into context a lot of how Rwanda is today as you travel around the country
Nyungwe House
"This is an outstanding place to stay"
3 nights
Arrived
5 Sep 2022
"This is an outstanding place to stay - the quality of the rooms were amazing, but it is the postioning of Nyungwe House itself and the proximity of the Forest, which made it so special.
We were lucky to watch Blue Monkeys and Blue Turacos from our balcony, enjoyed a birdwalk one afternoon with Gadi, the resident Birding Guide, along with enjoying the spectacular pool area and the wonderful meals.
The staff were all friendly and keen to share all the place has to offer."
We were lucky to watch Blue Monkeys and Blue Turacos from our balcony, enjoyed a birdwalk one afternoon with Gadi, the resident Birding Guide, along with enjoying the spectacular pool area and the wonderful meals.
The staff were all friendly and keen to share all the place has to offer."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Excellent
Facilities
Excellent
Sightings report
Chimpanzee
Many sightings
King’s Palace & Museum Visit
"King’s Palace & Museum Visit review"
5 Sep 2022 • All-day excursion
Both of these were on the way to Nyungwe from Kigali and were well worth the stops.
The standard of the guides at both the Palace and the Museum were excellent and they were clearly enthused by their work.
The standard of the guides at both the Palace and the Museum were excellent and they were clearly enthused by their work.
Excellent
Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe Forest
"Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe Forest review"
6 Sep 2022 • All-day excursion
This was an early start, but very much worth it.
We did have quite a drive initially to get to the trail head (about an hour), but the visit itself was well organised - although a challenge hiking at pace in the steep and muddy terrain.
We would definitely recommend a porter - it is hard to balance to take photos on steep slopes with a day-pack on and the Chimpanzees don't stay still for long and were mainly in the trees!
We were lucky enough to spend forty minutes or so with the group.
We did have quite a drive initially to get to the trail head (about an hour), but the visit itself was well organised - although a challenge hiking at pace in the steep and muddy terrain.
We would definitely recommend a porter - it is hard to balance to take photos on steep slopes with a day-pack on and the Chimpanzees don't stay still for long and were mainly in the trees!
We were lucky enough to spend forty minutes or so with the group.
Paradise Malahide
"Paradise Malahide review"
2 nights
Arrived
8 Sep 2022
"We booked Paradis Malahide mainly for the position and in order to kayak on Lake Kivu. The rooms themselves are basic, with concrete floors and functional en-suite bathrooms and the whole hotel has a slightly run down feel. It is also charming! The hotel staff were the friendliest of our trip.
The food was very good - including a mix of local authentic stews and curries - along with more than adequate pizzas. Sitting in the bird-filled garden overlooking the lake for breakfast was magical.
We also booked kayaking on Lake Kivu with Kingfisher Journeys, who house their kayaks at Paradis Malahide - this was a great excursion with knowledgable and professional guides.
We enjoyed it so much we also booked a canoe trip with them on the Mukungwa River, which was a wonderful thing to do after our Golden Monkey Trek."
The food was very good - including a mix of local authentic stews and curries - along with more than adequate pizzas. Sitting in the bird-filled garden overlooking the lake for breakfast was magical.
We also booked kayaking on Lake Kivu with Kingfisher Journeys, who house their kayaks at Paradis Malahide - this was a great excursion with knowledgable and professional guides.
We enjoyed it so much we also booked a canoe trip with them on the Mukungwa River, which was a wonderful thing to do after our Golden Monkey Trek."
Good
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location
Excellent
Service
Good
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Average
Food
Excellent
Facilities
Average
Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge
"A delightful place to stay "
4 nights
Arrived
10 Sep 2022
"This was a delightful place to stay - again further bolstered by the enthusiasm and friendliness of the staff - especially Patrick who looked after the 5 of us impeccably.
3 of our group stayed elsewhere and joined us for dinner in the evening - which worked extremely well, with Sabyinyo Silverback being welcoming and thoughtful over what was clearly an unusual request.
Our room was quite stunning and a great base following early morning starts and arduous hiking . The quality of service, which stretched to providing gaitors (and backpacks, gloves, raincoats and boots if needed), snacks for hiking, laundry and boot cleaning - along with evening fires in our room and hot water bottles was exemplary.
It was misty for much of our stay, but when the mist lifted the views were beautiful and the birdlife was abundant.
The standard of food was very high as was the cocktail making!
If you are travelling as a small group or a couple it does seem you have to accept the presence of a large tour group most evenings in the bar and restaurant areas."
3 of our group stayed elsewhere and joined us for dinner in the evening - which worked extremely well, with Sabyinyo Silverback being welcoming and thoughtful over what was clearly an unusual request.
Our room was quite stunning and a great base following early morning starts and arduous hiking . The quality of service, which stretched to providing gaitors (and backpacks, gloves, raincoats and boots if needed), snacks for hiking, laundry and boot cleaning - along with evening fires in our room and hot water bottles was exemplary.
It was misty for much of our stay, but when the mist lifted the views were beautiful and the birdlife was abundant.
The standard of food was very high as was the cocktail making!
If you are travelling as a small group or a couple it does seem you have to accept the presence of a large tour group most evenings in the bar and restaurant areas."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Excellent
Facilities
Excellent
Sightings report
Buffalo
1 sighting
Mountain Gorilla
Many sightings
Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
"Mountain Gorilla View Lodge review"
4 nights
Arrived
10 Sep 2022
"Three of our group stayed her - having dinner at Sabyinyo Silverback.
The staff were very friendly and helpful. Breakfast and lunch buffets were good. There was a long walk from the main lodge to the rooms."
The staff were very friendly and helpful. Breakfast and lunch buffets were good. There was a long walk from the main lodge to the rooms."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Good
Service
Good
Activities
Good
Rooms
Good
Food
Good
Facilities
Good
Sightings report
Buffalo
1 sighting
Mountain Gorilla
10+ sightings
Gorilla Trekking Safari
"Gorilla Trekking Safari review"
11 Sep 2022 • Morning excursion
This is a wonderful experience, which is difficult to describe. Our trek was long - about 3 and half hours - after a 1 and a half hour drive - we were aware this was to do with the relative youth of our group. The arduousness of the trek possibly enhanced the enjoyment of actually finding and spending time with the Gorillas.
The porters were excellent and helpful over such a long and steep climb. Our guide - Emmanuel - was another gem among a number in Rwanda. He kept us upbeat, was good at explaining the terrain and honest about the stinging nettles and the need to go off trail! He was also very informative about the Igashi group and Gorilla etiquette, as well as being good fun.
The hour we spent in hushed awe with the Igashi group in an open clearing on the mountain-side was an amazing time.
(we do wish we had taken more snacks for the trekking there and back - we left the lodge at 6:30 am and arrived back at 6:45pm!)
The porters were excellent and helpful over such a long and steep climb. Our guide - Emmanuel - was another gem among a number in Rwanda. He kept us upbeat, was good at explaining the terrain and honest about the stinging nettles and the need to go off trail! He was also very informative about the Igashi group and Gorilla etiquette, as well as being good fun.
The hour we spent in hushed awe with the Igashi group in an open clearing on the mountain-side was an amazing time.
(we do wish we had taken more snacks for the trekking there and back - we left the lodge at 6:30 am and arrived back at 6:45pm!)
Excellent
Golden Monkey Trekking
"Golden Monkey Trekking review"
12 Sep 2022 • Morning excursion
This was a delightful trip to do, although having experienced the Gorillas the day before in a group of 8, we were a little unlucky to be in a much larger group for the Golden Monkeys - 16 or more.
The Golden Monkeys themselves were active as a group and wonderful too watch in a sceninc bamboo grove, which is only a short hike.
Perhaps because of the size of our group, there was less interaction from our guide - although we were able to spend a good hour observing the Monkeys close up.
The Golden Monkeys themselves were active as a group and wonderful too watch in a sceninc bamboo grove, which is only a short hike.
Perhaps because of the size of our group, there was less interaction from our guide - although we were able to spend a good hour observing the Monkeys close up.
Gorilla Trekking Safari
"Gorilla Trekking Safari review"
13 Sep 2022 • Morning excursion
This was our second Gorilla Trek and after our wonderful experience the first time we were uncertain if this could live up to that. Because of our long drive and hike on the first trek were given a shorter journey on this occasion.
A big bonus for us was that we had the same guide - Emmanuel - the trek this time was remarkably different.
We saw the Amahoro group who were in a more-forested region and were far more active in the trees and so the trek provided quite a contrasting experience for us, which worked so well.
We were really happy with our decision to set up a second trek.
A big bonus for us was that we had the same guide - Emmanuel - the trek this time was remarkably different.
We saw the Amahoro group who were in a more-forested region and were far more active in the trees and so the trek provided quite a contrasting experience for us, which worked so well.
We were really happy with our decision to set up a second trek.
Excellent
Magashi Camp
"Magashi Camp review"
4 nights
Arrived
14 Sep 2022
"This was an excellent contrast to the hills and forests of the rest of our travels in Rwanda.
As a group of 4 we were with the same vehicle and guide for our 4 night stay. Our guide, Luke was a joy from the drive in to the lodge on our first day from the Park Gates to our departure 4 days later. His knowledge and experience, both of the Park, Rwanda and the wildlife and especially birdlife was outstanding. He was thoughtful and engaging for the whole of our trip - which included 3 boat trips on the lake, multiple game drives and 3 night drives.
Highlights included, watching an Impala give birth, Leopard sightings in the day and at night, Hyena, Lions, Elephants, Black and White Rhinos, Roan Antelope, Bushbabys and a variety of colourful birdlife - from Kingfishers to Fish Eagles.
The lodge itself was stunningly situated, with faultless service and friendly helpful staff.
The tented rooms were of a great standard with Hippos ever-present on the lake below our veranda."
As a group of 4 we were with the same vehicle and guide for our 4 night stay. Our guide, Luke was a joy from the drive in to the lodge on our first day from the Park Gates to our departure 4 days later. His knowledge and experience, both of the Park, Rwanda and the wildlife and especially birdlife was outstanding. He was thoughtful and engaging for the whole of our trip - which included 3 boat trips on the lake, multiple game drives and 3 night drives.
Highlights included, watching an Impala give birth, Leopard sightings in the day and at night, Hyena, Lions, Elephants, Black and White Rhinos, Roan Antelope, Bushbabys and a variety of colourful birdlife - from Kingfishers to Fish Eagles.
The lodge itself was stunningly situated, with faultless service and friendly helpful staff.
The tented rooms were of a great standard with Hippos ever-present on the lake below our veranda."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Excellent
Facilities
Excellent
Sightings report
Black Rhino
1 sighting
Buffalo
10+ sightings
Elephant
10+ sightings
Giraffe
10+ sightings
Hippo
10+ sightings
Leopard
2 sightings
Lion
3 sightings
Roan antelope
2 sightings
Spotted Hyena
2 sightings
White Rhino
7 sightings
Zebra
10+ sightings
Heaven Boutique Hotel
"Heaven Boutique Hotel review"
1 night
Arrived
18 Sep 2022
"A lovely place to start and end our trip - see review at beginning"
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Good
Facilities
Good
Rooms
Good
Food
Excellent
The staff were all friendly and welcoming. The room standards were good. We visited the restaurant for buffet breakfasts - which were varied and extensive, the views from the restaurant over Kigali were a bonus.
We also had dinner on a couple of occasions in the same restaurant and again were impressed by the service and the variety and standard of the food. We did take advantage of the pool, which was nice to have as we stayed at both the start and end of our trip and so had some"downtime".
Overall we felt it was an excellent choice for staying in Kigali and had a nice small hotel feel to it."