African Big Cats Safaris
- Offices In:
-
United States
Australia
Canada
- Size:
- 10-20 employees (Founded in 2013)
- Member Of:
- TATO & TTB
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $200 to $1,100 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
for a custom tour
Your request will be sent directly to the operator
If preferred, you can contact the operator directly
Reviews
US
Email J. Dennis | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Amazing Experience with African Big Cats
Our experience with African Big Cats was incredible. We are a family of 5 and were looking for a private safari. There are so many companies to choose from and we're so happy we decided on African Big Cats. The initial communication with William was top notch. He was polite and patient with us throughout. We provided an itinerary we wanted and William suggested some changes that would enhance the experience, and we're glad he did. Nothing was ever pushed on us. Timing, accommodations and everything was based on what we wanted. After making the decision to go with them for an 8 day safari, Naomi took over as the safari coordinator and the communication was still great. The night we arrived in Arusha, Emmanuel met with us at our lodge to go over the final itinerary and make sure we were on the same page and that all our expectations were being met. We then met Mrosso, who was our guide, the following morning. Mrosso was amazing and we were so glad we had him as our guide. Mrosso was super knowledgeable, a great driver, especially on the bumpy roads and provided amazing service. He was so patient and accommodated all our requests, even necessary bathroom breaks. He is kind, respectful and such a great man. He also had such a keen eye for spotting wildlife that we never would have noticed on our own (cheetah poking its head out of the grass under a tree). The Land Cruiser was in good shape, well suited for the journey and very comfortable. We never thought an overland safari would be so comfortable. All the accommodations were amazing, even the tented ones in the Serengeti as well as the food. All the Tanzanians we encountered were all so nice and pleasant.
If you're looking for an amazing experience, go with African Big Cats, you won't be disappointed. It's not about what you're going to see out there, it's about who you're interacting with and the overall service and Mrosso was a HUGE part of the experience. Thanks Mrosso and the entire African Big Cats staff. Keep doing what you're doing. Asanta Sana!!!
J. Dennis
MX
Email Sylvia | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Excellent Service, will choose them every time
Emanuel and his Team at African Safari Cats are truly dedicated and good at what they do, they are involved in everything from beggining to end making sure everything goes as planned and were very accomodating with a last minute change addition and a mistake I made with departure times of final flight home.
Obedi is a wonderful guide, he was very patient and knowledgeable and took great care of our family so our children would have a spectacular time, we would choose ABC and Obedi every time if we went back to the area. Asante Sana...maisha marefu to the entire Team at African Big Cats they are the Best at what they do!!!
US
Email Donna Cleary | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Endeni was exceptional.
Endeni, our GUIDE EXTRORDINAIRE, is the KING OF THE SAFARI.
Our trip started off with a bang. The resort, Tumbili Lodge, is gorgeous with wonderful food and staff. On our first day, we were able to settle in and prepare for the rigors of our Safari.
We met Endeni on day 2. He is, in fact, the KING OF THE SAFARI because of his unparalleled ability to multitask under pressure.
DRIVER - over some incredibly difficult terrain. As a result, each day provided a free African Massage. :)) EDUCATOR - about Tanzania, its people, its history. About the animals - their names, their status, their routines, how to spot them.
EAGLE EYE - while driving over washboard roads riddled with giant pot holes and deep ravines, Endeni spotted Lions, Giraffe, Elephants, a Leopard, a Cheeta, Hyenas, Baboons, Warthogs, Zebra, and Wildebeast (which were everywhere), Secretary birds, Ostrichs, Water Buffalo, Hippos, Eagles, Vultures, Hornbills, an Owl, a variety of small birds, Crocodiles, and every iteration of Antelope, Gizelle, and Deer-like being.
WRESTLER - at times, stealth-like movement of the Land Cruiser was needed to ensure the best viewing, photos, videos, and comprehension of the animals' behavior. There were often other vehicles and an unspoken coordination between the guides. With his big smile and outgoing personality, Endeni somehow always landed in the right location.
PERSONALITY - he did all of this while skillfully managing the personalities of a group of six friends.
PROVIDER - Endeni brought us to various locations for our midday meal, laid out some delicious food, cleaned up, and gave our leftovers to the needy. All with a smile while answering a barrage of endless questions.
COORDINATOR - Endeni knew where we needed to be and when. He worked with us on timing and ensured we arrived at our lodging safely and in a timely fashion. HERO - Endeni came to the rescue of a young couple who had rented their own vehicle and were stranded on the side of the road - in the middle of the Serengeti. We spotted a crowd of trucks up ahead. Others had stopped to look and watch while a young man struggled to figure out what to do next. No one had gotten out of their vehicle to help. But Endeni didn't hesitate. As soon as we arrived, he jumped out and jumped in. Soon, he was under the truck, found out what was wrong, and helped this young couple put their truck back together - using a seat belt - so they could continue their adventure.
Because on top of everything, Endeni is also an EXPERT. Endeni has a deep knowledge of the workings of the Land Cruisers and helped a few other drivers figure out what was wrong with theirs, imparting sage advice.
FRIEND - We had a flat tire. This was no surprise based on the roads. Out of nowhere, Endeni's best friend drove by and helped him change the tire - in stifling heat under the hot sun, while we all sat in the shade of our covered vehicle. There was no complaining, but it was clear there was a deep sense of camaraderie, and their get-it-done attitude prevailed.
We stayed in a variety of beautiful accommodations, some tents guarded by Masaii warriors while we slept, while wild animals moved around us. It was at once terrifying and exhilarating, knowing we were safe inside and would not be disturbed.
If he hasn't had one in a while, Endeni deserves a raise. This trip would not have been the same with anyone else. He is a PHENOMENON. Hold onto him.
There was a lot of coordination and back-and-forth, putting this trip together. Ensuring that three couples living in different parts of the US were accommodated was no small task. Naomi did a great job, and we're grateful for her skills as well.
Great job, African Big Cats Safari. Keep up the good work.
Email Maree | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Trouble free tours
African Big Cats Safaris arrange two tours for my husband and myself. One was to Rwanda to trek to see the chimpanzees and gorillas and the other was an 8 day safari with our friends, 8 people together.
The whole process of arranging and booking both tours was seamless. We communicated with Justice to begin with to organise what we wanted to do - he organised our itineraries. Once we had finalised our programmes and paid the deposits we dealt with Naomi. Both staff members were very competent and efficient. All our driver/guides were very knowledgeable and careful drivers. They went above and beyond to take care of us. The days were long, but they were always ready to pick us up in the morning at whatever time we had arranged the night before. They gave us so much information about the places we went and the animals we saw.
Our tours were of a high standard and the accommodation was fabulous and very comfortable. The modes of transport were suited to the type of tours we were undertaking - we had a comfortable sedan in Rwanda and 2x 4WD's for our safari. The 4WD's had a top that 'popped up' which was excellent for viewing the animals, they seated 6 persons, but we only had 4 in each 4WD, so it gave us extra room, so we were not in each other's way to take pictures.
I cannot recommend African Big Cats Safaris highly enough with whatever you would like to do, they are very accommodating and will organise a tour to suit your needs and budget. There are a lot of safari companies in Tanzania but these guys were exceptional.
US
Email Maureen | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Awesome đź‘Ź !!!
First, African Big Cats Safari could not have been more professional and responsive to our needs.
Second, Festo (our guide) made the entire experience absolutely magical for all of us. We were four women celebrating a big birthday and I will always remember his knowledge, humor, big heart, and patience in every circumstance. He is a true gem, and I hope that others will request him.
Team Kudu ❤️!
HU
Email Abigél | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Unforgettable experience!
If you are looking for a great experience, look no further!
We started with a slight hiccup, but Naomi was extremely professional, handled everything with empathy, helped us patiently.
Emanuel, the owner was very nice, he personally made sure to greet us and to explain the itinerary.
But the biggest shout out is to our safari guide Khaled, the animal whisperer. He drove safe, he knew the answer to every question about the wildlife and he somehow was able to spot every animal from the distance. We got to see the big 5, cheetahs , leopard babies etc.
An unforgettable experience. Thank you!
MY
Email Celeste | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Smooth and flawless experience
I chose African Big Cats Safaris in part because of the reviews by previous travelers and I am glad I did. My initial inquiries with their representative, Frank (and later, Naomi) were met with not only prompt and informative responses but also, with utmost patience when I made adjustments to the itineraries along the way. The planning phase did not encounter any hiccups at all.
Our guide, Rick was a gem. He was very accommodating and went out the way to ensure that we were not only comfortable but felt secure throughout the 6N 5D mid luxury safari we eventually chose in Aug 2025.
The cherry on the cake was the fact that Emmanuel (whom we later found out is the Managing Director of the company) made it a point to personally greet us on our first day of arrival to brief us on what to expect during the safari and also, to meet us on our last day to get our immediate feedbacks as to how it went. This shows the care and effort African Big Cats Safaris put into ensuring that their clients have the best experience in their safaris.
I would definitely recommend going with African Big Cats Safaris should you decide to tick that item in your bucket list.
CA
Email Leilah | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Outstanding!
By far the best tour company and safari experience I have participated in. Using this company will ensure you have the best memories to bring back home. Our guide was fantastic and our adventure will be etched in our memories for a long time!!!!! Thank-you so much for a dream come true :)
Email Miriam | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Unforgettable honeymoon with Big Cats Safari—perfect planning, amazing guide, Big Five, migration &
We had an unforgettable honeymoon with Big Cats Safari. From the very beginning, Salim provided excellent tailored planning that made everything smooth and stress-free. On the first day, we were warmly welcomed by Emanuel, the operations manager, who gave us a helpful briefing about the week ahead and ensured everything was perfectly arranged.
Our guide, Frank, was absolutely fantastic—knowledgeable, friendly, and always making sure we had the best views. Thanks to him, we saw the Big Five, countless other animals, and even witnessed the Great Migration at the Mara River crossing, which was truly breathtaking. If you are planning a safari, definitely ask for Frank—he made our honeymoon trip exceptional.
All of the accommodations were wonderful—comfortable, welcoming, and set in beautiful locations. The food throughout the trip was consistently delicious. A special highlight was visiting a Maasai village, where we had the chance to learn more about their traditions and way of life.
Everything exceeded our expectations, and we would highly recommend Big Cats Safari to anyone looking for a truly memorable safari in Tanzania!
Email Fiona | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Patient, Kind, Learned and Friendly
Wonderful safari experience from being picked up at the airport and dropped off. Our guide, accommodation and food were first rate. We learned a lot from our guide on our travels around the Serengeti and saw the big five and more. I couldn’t recommend this experience more highly.