Gorilla Operators
 

Can't seem to find much info. on reputable gorilla trekking companies in Rwanda. Anyone have any suggestions? Is it really that important since actually the Nat. Park Rangers and Guards are the ones taking people up the mountain?
I've heard back from Footprint Adventures, Magic Safaris, and Kiboko Safaris and Primate Safaris. Anyone have any feedback or experience with these?
Thanks-Marisa

Several Fodorites have used R&N Xplorer with good results:

http://gorillasafarisrwanda.com/

Amahoro was good too as an overall tour guide and was able to book our hotels and other things we needed.

Once you get to the ranger station, you will be given new guide for your gorilla trek and your driver waits at the bottom of the trailhead while you are hiking so I don't think you are going to find any information saying which company has better gorilla trekking guides or which is a better gorilla trekking company, so that part is really irrelevent.

We used Volcanoes Safaris and had a wonderful experience -- very professional. There are several others on this Forum who have used them as well. The importance of the tour company is that they are responsible for getting you around between the lodge where you are staying and the park, and also can assist you in checking in and making any special request you may wish to make (for a particular gorilla group or whatever). Having someone reliable responsible for you makes taking the trip much more relaxing and enjoyable.

Chris

i used thousand hills safari (located at the hotel milles colones (dont remember spelling), i hired private car and guide, it was great

I used Primate Safaris in 2004 and was very pleased. A good driver/guide did make a difference to me because he had to be reliable enough to be at the Uganda/Rwanda border to pick me up. I did numerous gorilla trips and spent many days with him so a good repor was important. Theogene was outstanding.

I also have heard good things about the other operators mentioned by the other posters.

The only thing I've heard about Magic was that they did not provide references so the person I knew who was considering Magic went instead with Great Lakes, yet another operator. He was happy with Great Lakes.

What is important is you have safe transport to PNV and not a dangerous, inexperienced driver. It also depends on whether the company secures your permits or if you go direct from the Park Service.

Have a fantastic trip. If you can do 2 gorilla trips, then a less expensive golden monkey tirp, that's ideal.

Hello mori_africa, I used Great Lake Safaris and they were wonderful. Mukasa Jaynefer, was the contact in the office and David Musisi Ssejjombwe was my Guide. David is very knowledgeable and I learned much through his many interesting stories about his (and others) personal experiences in Rwanda, Uganda, and Tanzania. He was such good company, a good thing as I was traveling alone; he was an excellent driver as well. David and his wife (a teacher), and daughter hail from Uganda where I imagine them to be living urban chic Kampala style! This address is to an article where they are mentioned, allafrica.com/stories/200712031913.html.

Another person that would be worthwhile to contact is Eben, from KiliWarrior Expeditions, with whom I did one of my Safaris with in Tanzania. KiliWarriors is a small safari and trekking outfitter based in Arusha, TZ owned by Eben and his partner, Wilbert. Eben connected me with Great Lake Safaris after taking care of most of the arrangements. This was in 2006 and since then, I have noted through his posts on this forum, that, he has been to Rwanda several times researching other traveling options for visiting the country for his clients. I have no clue myself what he has discovered but he is a very detailed person who seems to be constantly tweaking ways to offer special experiences.

Saw this yesterday on BBC Africa: The hidden meanings behind gorilla grunts

Have fun!

Den

Da BBC address http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7193505.stm

We used Magic Safaris for our trip to Rwanda last summer with great results. We looked into Volcanoes as well, but Magic was a little cheaper... and budget was a big concern to us!