Are you dreaming of experiencing a wildlife adventure in Akagera National Park? This incredible park, located in eastern Rwanda, is truly an African paradise where open savannahs, forested hills and lovely lakes meet. Best experienced fully, including early morning game drives to sleepy boat safaris, you’ll want to go with an experienced safari company that knows the land, its wildlife, and the people who live there.
We’ve compiled a list of some of the most reputable East African safari operators who offer incredible trips to Akagera National Park, and beyond:
Chopper Tour and Travel
Website: https://choppertourandtravel.com/
Email: info@choppertourandtravel.com
Phone: +256 393 103 336 / +256 748 664 608
Wild Wonders Safaris
Website: https://www.wildwanderssafaris.com/
Email: info@wildwanderssafaris.com
Explore Africa Vacations
Website: https://www.exploreafricavacations.com/
Email: info@exploreafricavacations.com
Inside Africa Destinations
Website: https://www.insideafricadestinations.com/
Email: info@insideafricadestinations.com
Selecting the Best Safari Operator
With countless safari operators in Rwanda and throughout East Africa, it can be overwhelming to select the ideal one to experience their Rwanda safaris. Every traveller wants their tour operator to be reliable, seasoned, and able to create a stress-free journey that inspires them to get up in the morning and go see the beautiful creatures and scenery. To ease your mind when searching for an operator, keep an eye out for the few important details outlined below before booking.
Experience Matters
One of the greatest assets an operator possesses is experience. Historically, operators that have taken visitors to Akagera and other East African parks for many years have a rich understanding of the terrain, the animals and the seasonal patterns of the parks. They know the best time of day to go out for great wildlife sightings, where these great animals are often found, the best places to take photos, and the best and most comfortable lodges to stay in after a full day in the wild.
While a new operator may not yet have the historical record of reliability, many are created from tourism veterans who have been in the business for many years. While you should not choose a new operator, simply check it out to see where the operator got their start, and you may find you will book with one of the leading experts in the field.
Safari Packages and Pricing
Everyone appreciates a good deal, but quality should always take precedence. A properly constructed Akagera safari package will strike a cost-comfort-experience balance. Your safari package should always have plenty of options, including safari vehicles, bird watching, and motorboat excursions into Lake Ihema, while also being a reasonable amount of travel time.
Steer clear of packages that appear to be unusually cheap; they may forego essential services or provide poor-quality services. On safari, always shop at least a few options to see what is all bundled into the pricing, so you don’t feel like you got ejected from the last helicopter out of Saigon. Always ask about park fees, meals, accommodation, transportation, and, during the sunny part of the day, the cost of the guide service. Generally speaking, a quote that lays out all of this information is an indication of a safari operator that is reputable and trustworthy.
Reputation and Reviews
One of the easier ways to evaluate if a safari company is a good choice is to see what people who have actually travelled with them have said. You can search TripAdvisor, SafariBookings, and Google reviews to read about the experiences of others in the same situation as you.
You will want to see if there is consistency to their ratings and reviews; if the majority of reviews highlight their communication, guides, and overall experience, this could be a good sign. Do not be deterred by lower review amounts with travel companies; a smaller operator may offer far more individualised service than a larger company can give to travellers. Genuine clientele feedback and a response to clients are what is most important.
Membership and Registration
Many people consider professionalism to be synonymous with credibility within the tourism industry. Registered operators are affiliated with tourism organisations like the Rwanda Tours and Travel Association or the regional groups AUTO or TATO.
Membership in these groups guarantees that the operator is legally operating and abiding by a code of ethics. Additionally, this protects the traveller because these groups monitor operators to ensure they are not operating in an unethical manner. Before you confirm your safari, confirm that the operator is a member of an organisation; reputable tour operators will not hesitate to provide you with proof of membership.
Communication and Customer Care
The way a tour operator engages with you leading up to the booking process says a lot about what kind of service you can expect during your travels. A good operator responds promptly to messages, offers clear answers to questions, and, most importantly, develops an itinerary that reflects your interests.
If you find that response times or answers are delayed or vague, you are likely dealing with an operator who is a red flag. Good operators get you accustomed to a comfortable and informed pace of travel before you even send them any money, and they make communication a priority. Good communication is the cornerstone of a good safari.
Smart Tip: Compare Before You Book
Don’t just jump into a decision. Talk to multiple operators, share your expectations, and ask for detailed itineraries. Look at price and inclusions, along with flexibility and personal attention.
Picking a travel company focused on open communication, with your interests in mind, leads to a more enjoyable experience from start to finish, and prepares you to think about what really matters: enjoying the stunning beauty Akagera has to offer.