January 2007

I had to arrange my trip at quite short notice.There are many tour operators who organise trips around Rwanda (they will provide a 4wd, a driver/guide and arrange accommodation and permits). I got a few quotes and the price did not vary a great deal between most of them. I ended up using Access Rwanda Safaris because they were cheap, and Ossy there was always very fast to answer my emails. They were also very relaxed about payments and so on - using their own money to reserve gorilla permits for us, rather than insisting I transferred the money in advance. None of the operators I spoke to seemed particularly knowledgeable about the wildlife and they all offered similar standard tours.

Our driver and guide - Alphonse Hategekimana - was soon christened The Fonz, a name that appeared increasingly was appropriate as time went on. Although he wouldn't claim to be a wildlife expert, he did know every other person in Rwanda, especially the guides in the national parks, all of whom greeted him as a long lost friend, with cried of "Caaaa Va" or "Oh my God:" . His good connections were very useful. He was reliable and I trusted him totally.

website:

www.mammelwatching.com

email:

jon@mammalwatching.com

17th - 22nd November 2007

"hi ossy!!
well i am back home and i just wanted to thank you for everything
my trip was fantastic!!! gaston was a great driver and guide!!
i would be happy to be a reference and if anyone asks, please fell free to give them my name and email address
thanks again ; )"

MELISSA SMEJKAL from Chicago

website:

email:

known by the webmaster

December 2007

Hi Ossy,

 We wanted to thank you for a wonderful trip to Rwanda. Guston was a fantastic driver and the vehicle was very comfortable.

We loved the people, landscape, history and gorillas. I definitely plan on returning in the future-hopefully spending a week or so with the gorillas. I may have a friend contacting you who may be visiting Rwanda during his honeymoon, hoping to see the gorillas.

I hope you had a great trip to Nyungwe and a great holiday, Ossy! Thanks again for all of your help and for arranging the permits for the gorillas. It was the BEST experience I have ever had. I saw Susa the first day and Katindo the second day. Both amazing experiences.

Thank you again!

Marielena Smith

website:

email:

goblue0204@yahoo.com 

January ,  2008

--- On Tue, 7/1/08, Jaime Roman wrote:
 
From: Jaime Roman Subject: My Rwanda visit

Date: Tuesday, July 1, 2008, 2:42 PM
Hello Ossy!


First and foremost I want to thank you because I truly believe that you, Gaston and Emmanuel had a lot to do with the fact that my Rwanda visit was amazing!

It all began with the countless messages you and I exchanged until I was happy with the itinerary. I thank you for your patience.

When Gaston picked me up at the airport, I was a bit worried to hear that you would not be accompanying me on my trip because all the details of my itinerary were discussed with you, not Gaston. My main concern was the Mountain Gorillas; I wanted to see a baby Gorilla and I remember discussing that with you. On the day I visited the Golden Monkeys, I asked the rangers
and found out about a new born baby gorilla. I immediately told Gaston
and he told me he would talk to the guy in charge so I can be put on that group...and he did! The next day I was face-to-face with an eight day old baby Gorilla! I don't have words to explain to you how amazing that was nor do I have the words for thanking everyone that made this possible.

The following day I had another gorilla trek but the problem now was that we had to be in Nyungwe the next morning. Gaston said to me: "don't worry, I will ask them to place you on a short trek so we have enough time to drive to Nyungwe". And once again, he delivered! It only took an hour to reach the gorilla group so I was back in time for the long drive. For
this, I really thank Gaston because I know it's not easy driving over seven
hours straight.

As you may know, that morning at Nyungwe, the chimpanzee trek was cancelled; I was very disappointed! We drove all the way To Nyungwe for nothing but, Gaston said " don't worry, I know where to take you". We went to Lake Kivu and I loved it! I can't believe that while I was doing my research for my trip, nobody mentioned this place! After three days of hiking it was exactly what I needed. Lake Kivu was one of the best parts of my trip! I love the little monkey on Amahoro island! If it wasn't for Gaston, I would've never known about this place.

The only thing I wasn't happy with was the food at Gorillas nest. The breakfast at Chez Lando was not great either. Everywhere else I had lunch or dinner the food was very good.

Overall, this trip exceeded my expectations. I was very happy with Gaston. He was very knowledgeable and always answered all my questions. He is also a great person and lots of fun to hang around with.

Rwanda is beautiful. Consider yourself fortunate for living there. They call it " the land of a thousand hills", for me, it's the land of
a thousand memories!

Thank you for a great experience!!!

Life is good!

Jaime Roman
 

website:

www.nimlok.com

email:

known by the web master 

Subject: Thanks

To: accessrwandaprimate @ yahoo.com

Date: Tuesday, January 13, 2009, 12:14 PM

Hi Ossy,
Many thanks to you and your staff for a wonderful holiday in Rwanda. We really enjoyed ourselves and found Rwanda to be a beautiful and friendly country. The gorillas were all that we expected and more.

Our driver was friendly and courteous and helped to make the holiday so memorable.

We will not hesitate to recommend your company to our friends and acquaintances.

Many thanks

Jan & Russell Candy

website:

email:

jancandy @ gmail.com