Rwanda & Gorilla Trekking Specialist

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Vessy Smith, Travel Agent in Sugar Land, TX

Vessy Smith

Sugar Land, TX Travel Agent
Super Agent

Vessy Smith

Sugar Land, TX · 5 Years of Experience

Vessy Travel, LLC, a Travel Leaders Network Affiliate Agency
5.0
(30)
100% Recommended
She was a delight to work with and so very helpful and responsive ! She made things so easy for us. Couldn't be happier with... Read More >
About
Reviews
Certificates & Awards
My Places
Travel Stories & Media
Client Testimonials

Areas of expertise

Destinations:

Rwanda, Africa

Interests:

Animals & Wildlife, Nature, Adventure, Sustainable Travel, Luxury

About Me

Gorilla in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
Gorilla in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

Rwanda, the Land of a Thousand Hills, is far more than just a gorilla-trekking destination. It’s one of Africa’s safest and cleanest countries, deeply committed to conservation, sustainability, and community-led tourism. Plastic bags are banned, the landscapes are stunning, and the hospitality is exceptional.

With stays ranging from thoughtful mid-range lodges to some of the continent’s finest luxury properties, Rwanda stands proudly as a destination in its own right. Let’s take a closer look at some of its gems:

Akagera National Park offers classic savanna scenery, Big Five game viewing, and peaceful boat safaris and sundowners across Lake Ihema. Nyungwe, one of Africa’s oldest rainforests, provides a completely different experience — families of chimpanzees, canopy walks above the trees, lush hiking trails, and sweeping tea and coffee estates. And at Volcanoes National Park, gorilla trekking becomes a profound encounter, shaped by decades of dedicated protection and research by outstanding pioneers like American conservationist Dian Fossey.

I’ve traveled extensively throughout Rwanda, staying at and inspecting the country’s top lodges and camps. I've also been fortunate to connected with incredible local partners as well as the tourism board, giving me the insights and relationships needed to design experiences that are seamless, meaningful, and authentic.

If you are seeking a destination that blends adventure, natural beauty, sustainability, unforgettable chimp and gorilla encounters, and genuine cultural warmth, Rwanda has it all. It's compact yet extraordinary!

Contact me today, and let’s plan your once-in-a-lifetime adventure to this remarkable land!

Additional Languages
Bulgarian

REVIEWS

Rating: 5.0
30 reviews
100% Recommended
Your trust is our priority. Every review is submitted by verified travelers after they have booked and completed their trips. Learn more about our review guidelines.
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Showing 30 reviews

Italy
Reviewed By Sunshine - Oregon | Traveled to Bari ~ Italy ~ Europe
She was a delight to work with and so very helpful and responsive ! She made things so easy for us. Couldn't be happier with her service!
Vessy Smith responded
"Thank you so much! So glad I was able to help you out! :)"
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
11 of 12 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Best family vacation ever!
Reviewed By Omar H. A. - Houston, TX | Traveled to Playa Del Carmen ~ Quintana Roo ~ Mexico
Before working with Vessy, our experiences going to the beach and staying in resorts were pretty average - too noisy, bad room, waiting too long to check in, bad food, lack of good activities for children, etc. Not to mention, figuring out and arranging all the details ourselves was so overwhelming and daunting.
Working with Vessy has completely changed our concept of a family vacation. She always asked us the right questions and understood exactly what we needed. She went above and beyond to arrange every detail (like making sure we had a proper child seat in the shuttle from the airport). Unlike our previous vacations, everything went so smoothly this time around, and we are looking forward to getting Vessy’s help again for our next vacation!
Vessy Smith responded
"Dear Omar, I'm so happy everything went as planned ... And I'm very excited to help you put together your next family vacation!"
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
10 of 11 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
The Most Amazing Ski Trip...Period!
Reviewed By Bruce - Farmington Hills, MI | Traveled to Jackson Hole ~ Wyoming ~ USA
Each year I plan a ski trip with family and friends out west. Sometimes my plans go smoothly, but often it turns out to be a hassle. This year I wanted to go skiing in Jackson Hole (Wyoming), and I decided to ask Vessy to help me plan the trip. All I can say is: Why didn't I do this before?! Not only did Vessy plan our trip down to the last detail, but she also found a great deal on an amazing hotel right in Teton Village. Vessy took care of everything, from our airline tickets and airport transfers to accommodations and discounted lift tickets...She even recommended restaurants for us to try while in town. So, I’ve decided…I'm never planning another ski trip by myself again! From now on, I'll let Vessy do all the work, and I'll just go and enjoy my time skiing with family and friends!
Vessy Smith responded
"This truly makes my day! Thank you so much! I had the best time planning your ski trip to Jackson Hole! What a beautiful destination to ski!"
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
11 of 13 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
The Best Beach Getaway Ever!
Reviewed By Natalia - Houston, TX | Traveled to Jamaica ~ Caribbean
I had a great experience booking my vacation to Jamaica with Vessy. She listened carefully to all my requests and ended up getting me exactly what I wanted and needed - a peaceful beach getaway and plenty of authentic food options. I love the fact that Vessy has a huge amount of knowledge about so many destinations, and she is a passionate traveler herself. She truly has a gift when it comes to vacation planning, and her enthusiasm is sure to get you super excited about your trip!
Vessy Smith responded
"Thank you for the kind words, Natalia. I had so much fun planning your dream Jamaican getaway, and I'm really looking forward to working with you again!"
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
13 of 17 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Best Caribbean Trip Ever!
Reviewed By Matt - Houston, TX | Traveled to St. Lucia ~ Caribbean
Vessy is the absolute best! She is super enthusiastic about travel, and went above and beyond to plan us an incredible trip! Highly recommend!
Vessy Smith responded
"I am so thrilled you enjoyed your experience, Matt. It was a pleasure working with you and obsessing over all the details of your Caribbean getaway! Looking forward to planning many more adventures and happy times for you and your family!"
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
15 of 21 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO

Certifications & Awards

ASTA is the leading global advocate for travel agents, the travel industry and the traveling public.It is the world's largest association of travel professionals.Our members include travel agents and the companies whose products they sell such as tours, cruises, hotels, car rentals, etc.Expand your world. Go with the pros.
Certified Active & Adventure Travel Specialist: During this certification program Travel Agents study several components including: Understanding the Active & Adventure Travel Customer, Destination Knowledge, Active & Adventure Travel Experiences, ATTA Travel Resources, Active & Adventure Preferred Suppliers, Case Studies and a Marketing Plan. This is a two-year study program.
Trusted Travel Advisor: A Trusted Travel Advisor credentials, resources and global connections translates to today’s consumer in respectful interactions, confidentiality, knowledge, and client advocacy of travel services provided in parallel with building long lasting client relationships that builds with each interaction.  A Trusted Travel Advisor knows their client better than the client may know themselves and puts those polishing touches on each travel collaboration.

My Places

When it comes to travel planning, real-world experience makes a huge difference. Check out the map below to see all the places I have personally visited or booked for my clients. I know these destinations well and can give you reliable guidance.

My Photo Albums and Videos

Rwanda: Beyond a Thousand Hills and Gorillas
View Album

    My Travel Stories

    Young Gorilla in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

    Rwanda: Beyond a Thousand Hills and Gorillas

    My last trip to Rwanda truly opened my eyes to the diversity and beauty of this unique country. What I discovered is a destination that goes far beyond gorillas—a place that seamlessly blends incredible wildlife, thrilling adventures, stunning landscapes, and a rich, unique culture. My journey began in Akagera National Park...
    Read more

    Client Testimonials

    Amazing Birthday Trip to South Africa and Zimbabwe
    Vessy created a wonderful itinerary for my mom's 80th birthday in South Africa and Zimbabwe surrounding elephants (mom's favorite animal). She was so helpful in taking my mom's mobility challenges (walker/wheelchair) into consideration and ensuring that all locations could accommodate her needs. She was willing to adjust the itinerary with suggestions I had (fewer stops, increased nights at locations) and get discounts to keep it under budget. My mom had never been out of the USA before and was surprised at the details included in this trip. Her favorite highlight was the safari at a private game reserve and getting to meet their elephants on her birthday. There were some disruptions to our plans in Cape Town due to weather that Vessy was able to assist with trouble shooting while we were away. I cannot thank Vessy enough for creating such a special birthday adventure for my mom!
    Victoria W. - Denver, Colorado
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