Expectations exceeded!! - The communication prior to the trip was spectacular and easy. The accommodations were wonderful and far exceeded my expectations for being a "budget" experience. As for my driver, Jeff, he went above and beyond to ensure my trip was memorable. He was my personal photographer, translator, event coordinator, driver, babysitter, bodyguard, tour guide and friend. As a solo female traveler, he was truly invaluable.

Stirring Experience - TRIP was in VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK -- not Bwindi. My trip was marvelous. Unforgettable and touching, beautiful, thoughtful and personal. My driver, Olivier, was superb and we created a lovely new friendship. I cherish that. Traveling alone, we had flexibility and time to stop for baskets and textiles. My only comment on that is "Why didn't I buy more?" Rwandan basketry is among the finest I have seen anywhere and each piece is a gem. This could be the entire review but perhaps a few more comments will be helpful to others. The "cultural village" is a debatable excursion but unless someone wanted to rest, what else can one do the day of arrival before the Gorilla Trek. As a cultural anthropologist, I found some meaningful ethnographic information in the "Village" but in general, those settings are not so comfortable for me. Stopping at the tiny "gallery" near the parking was important because it allowed me to support a local artist and is efforts to draw upon nature. There are more ways that one to support the local area. While the Dian Fosse Gorilla Center is an optional visit, it is very much worth the voluntary donation (no fixed amount) to see the exhibitions. Very well done; stories told well, primatology and specifics of the Rwandan research were clearly and beautifully presented. I won't opine on going before or after the hike to the gorillas because both are worthwhile. But yes, see it and donate what you wish. I think there were ways that I could have cut costs on this outing. But travel alone is a premium. When I think about this, I prefer to focus on the splendid times spent with Olivier, our rich conversations, and his understanding of my love of folk art and textiles. Missing the Golden Monkeys would not have been so much to miss but they are a fascinating contrast to the gorilla family. Being monkeys, they have tails and scurry about digging up potatoes and veggies as opposed to leisure dining of their distant relatives. All in all, I'm glad I added it but this was a way to have saved money. Kabira was attentive and lovely to deal with.