5 days Christmas Holiday Gorilla, Chimpanzee and Game Safari

I recently traveled with this company on a 6 day tour in Uganda to see Queen Eliazbeth, Bwindi and Mgahinga National Parks. This trip included 5 friends. Starting with the good, Four Crane Safaris was communicative and responded quickly in the trip planning phase. I enjoyed the hotel accommodations arranged through the company, as well as the arrangements to see golden monkeys in Mgahinga National Park, gorillas in Bwindi National Park, and a boat trip on the Kazinga Chanel in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Unfortunately, the trip itinerary also included a game drive to see tree climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth Park, and a permit to see chimpanzees in Queen Elizabeth National Park. As we departed Entebbe on our first day of the trip, we were met with an unexpected surprise from our driver that the chimpanzee permits had not been secured, and that it was unrealistic to see the tree climbing lions even though both of these activities and their permits had been previously confirmed by Four Crane Safaris, and we had paid for both activities. It felt disappointing and an unwelcome surprise to find this out after the trip had started, rather than being informed upfront. We were offered two alternative game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park which felt like poor substitutions to seeing chimpanzees and tree climbing lions, especially when were were excited for these activities and were told that they were previously secured for the trip. While the other activities were enjoyable and memorable, it was disappointing and felt misleading that Four Crane Safaris promised and confirmed parts of the itinerary that it didn’t deliver.

We just returned from gorilla experience in Bwindi and this is the best safari experience I have ever had in my life. The guides are friendly, very supportive, the office team were patient and helpful in giving the information we asked and they were faster in replying emails and questions well answered. Our holiday to Uganda with Four Crane safaris was hustle free. Thank you for taking good care of us while in your country. We look forward to return again in near future for longer stay.

It was our first time to visit Africa and meeting with gorillas in their real home. We started planning early and did a lot of research and contacted countless safari companies then we found Four Crane Safaris and their prices were not so high. They came up with a great itinerary that convinced us more and designed to meet our needs. Ambrose our guide was the best and made our visit an experience we will never forget. We arrived at Entebbe Airport and found guides on time waiting to welcome us and taken to a good clean Hotel in Entebbe where we enjoyed good view of the Nile before our drive to Bwindi next day. Next day We arrived in Bwindi in the evening and enjoyed nature walks watching lot of bird species and had luxury night at the good lodge in the park. The staff is welcoming and experienced. The following morning we woke up to trek rare mountain gorillas, we didn't move long distance as the gorillas were near and like they were aware of us, they came closure to us more than the recommended metres! We didn't expect experience like this, they surrounded us and looking them directly was not possible. Next morning we drove to Queen Elizabeth and had game ride at queen Elizabeth National Park to spot big five and in the evening we took boat cruise at Kazinga channel before we proceeded to Kibale for Chimpanzee tracking next day, which was very exciting. We followed a family in the forest and watched as they climbed up and down trees with their babies and witnessed a fight which was very intense. Sometimes the trail is difficult for both gorilla and Chimpanzee trekking but the porters pushed those who were not able to climb. Everyone was very attentive and careful. During our journey we saw so many animals and birds, as well as the cultural life of the many towns we passed.