African Big Cats Safaris
- Offices In:
-
United StatesAustralia
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
Email Kathie Sherman | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
We really made the right decision with African Big Cats Safari!
African safaris had always been on our travel list, but we were unsure it would be worth the cost. We were wrong! Our only regret is not going on safari earlier.
We chose African Big Cats Safaris (ABC) because they were highly recommended by friends of ours and they were so flexible in designing our itinerary. We wanted to spend a few days in Kenya, to see Nairobi and visit the Amboseli National Park. ABC was able to start our adventure there, using a Kenyan safari company, Essence of Kenya. Our guides, Sam and John were wonderful, especially when one of our duffels was delayed. And our transition into Tanzania was easy, switching guides at the border. In Tanzania, we concentrated on four areas: Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Southern Serengeti near Ndutu, and Central Serengeti (the Seronera area). Each area was different, but all were fascinating.
As for our accommodations, each of us had our own vision of how each day would end. Would it be: a refreshing dip in the pool? A cool drink and a good meal? A campfire with other travelers? ABC made sure we would all be happy. And we were. Our accommodations were mostly tented camps, luxurious and comfy.
But as anyone could guess, the game drives were the real main features. Watching the animals living their daily lives in their own natural world was incredible. We witnessed giraffes snacking on high tree limbs, families of elephants strolling along with babies at their side, prides of lions lounging in the tall grass, gazelles frolicking, cheetahs stalking, the leopard sleeping in a tree. And I cannot forget to mention all the other animals: hippos, alligators, water buffalo, zebras, baboons, rhinos, hyenas, warthogs, and thousands of birds. We saw them all and more. And all of it was amid the great green expanse of open plains and savannahs (it was January). Truly magical!
It was all made possible by ABC and our fantastic, brilliant guide in Tanzania, Festo. I cannot say enough about Festo. His knowledge of Tanzania, of the animals and their habits is unbelievable, not to mention the delicious picnics he brought and his ability to know the perfect place to park the Land Rover for a great photo. Between the four of us, we have over 5,000 photos – after we deleted the duplicates and fuzzy ones. Festo had a knack of making every game drive into a new day of discovery and insight into the natural world of Tanzania.
As for tips for travelers to Tanzania, we came prepared for mosquitoes, cold nights and hot days. However, perhaps because it was January, we experienced no mosquitoes, warm days (ok, hot in the direct sun) and pleasant evenings. We did use our warm clothes in the evenings at the Ngorongoro Crater rim, which was nippy due to the altitude. So, my best and only real tip is to let African Big Cats Safaris do your planning and let their guides take care of the rest.
On a personal note, I have breathing problems walking, especially on an incline. I noticed we always had a tent close to the dining and social area. Asante, ABC! And Festo was always there, urging me to walk “pole pole” (Swahili for “slowly slowly”). Such care and patience! Asante, Festo!
DE
Email Katja | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing experience
We had an amazing experience with African Big Cats Safaris. The communication throughout the booking process was excellent and our safari was very well planned! Our guide Samuel did everything to get us as close to all the animals as possible and always provided helpful information about the different species we saw. All the accomodations were wonderful and we can really recommend booking with African Big Cats. We will surely come back!
CA
Email Karin | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Most amazing adventure!
We had the best experience with African Big Cats Safaris. From creating the 2 week safari with staff (who were very responsive and helpful) to the actual safari with our unbelievable guide Sam. He really helped make our experience unforgettable. He was knowledgeable, kind and always present. We stayed at fabulous lodges and tented camps- each one unique and very cool. Accommodations were spectacular and the food was very good. We had some rain and a lot of overcast (which kept the temperature pleasant). There was some fairly tricky, sloshy driving. So many vehicles became mired in the mud- not us. Our Sam was always the first to help them which, again, spoke to his character. I'd go back in a heartbeat and would absolutely use African Big Cats Safaris again.
Email Richard | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Fantastic - would thorogly recommend using African Big Cats Safaris
We arrived at silly oclock in the morning at Kilimanjaro airport and our guide was there to meet us with a smile on his face. We were with him for another 2 weeks as he guided us through 5 game parks in Tanzania. His experience shined through as he got us to the places to see the best of African big game. One of our party was into his birds and the guide knew his birds. Whilst I'm not not into birds, the enthusiam between the two was infectious. A good guide is what makes a safari and I think we had one of the best. The tour itself went like clockwork, the guide took care of all of the admin around the national parks and accommodation so that went like a breeze. African Big Cats were prompt in their replies to our questions in the lead up to the safari. I believe that the trip represented excellent value for money and would undreservedly recommend them to any others that are considering a company to go with for any kind of safari in East Africa.
Email Iain J | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Amazing 5 day fly-in drive out safari with African Big Cats.
Amazing 5 day fly-in drive out safari with African Big Cats. (Central Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Lake Manyara).
Our guide, Omega was first rate. Spotted cheetah and leopard seemingly out of nowhere, got us in prime viewing positions without being at all pushy but rather by anticipating wildlife behaviour, and was widely knowledgeable about all animals and birds. Also very friendly with us and other guides, even pulling a couple of other jeeps out of the mud during the rains!
The lodges were all very good - excellent in fact. Arrangements, pick-ups etc exactly on time and as arranged. Naomi & Emmanuel from the office were efficient and organised - they helped us with advice and booking an extended stay when our flights back through Doha were cancelled.
Would definitely recommend African Big Cats
Email Toni | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Knowledgeable tour operator that coordinated our whole trip.
Our six day safari with African Big Cats Safaris went beyond our expectations. We had an amazing guide Ally. He was very knowledgeable about all the birds and animals and their habitat. I don’t think there was a question he couldn’t answer. Every day was better than the last. We didn’t think we’d see cheetahs or leopards but Ally found them. He found a baby elephant that was only weeks old, four endangered black rhinos and African blue monkeys. We saw seven lion cubs playing and an adult male and female fighting. We saw “The Big 5” and numerous other birds and animals. It was all pretty awesome. If you’re even considering a safari contact African Big Cats. They made all of our arrangements which also included a hike to Mt Kilimanjaro and a trip to Zanzibar.
Email Katherine | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Festo was the ABSOLUTE BEST tour guide we could ever for!!
Festo was the ABSOLUTE BEST tour guide we could ever for!! He was knowledgeable, patient, and did everything he could to make us have the most memorable experience yet! This company went above and beyond to schedule just what we wanted, listened to our interests, and planed everything around that. They have amazing communication and responsiveness and made us feel very well taken care of. The value is amazing and we feel like it was the best money spent.
CA
Email Annie | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Perfect safari
"I felt in good hands with African Big Cats Safari from the start. They were very attentive to my needs, and our guide, Lavoy, was amazing throughout the entire trip. He was so knowledgeable and sharp at spotting animals—we saw more than I ever expected! Even though this was our third safari, it was easily the best one yet. We did a 5-night mid-range tour with two nights camping in the Serengeti, which was a fantastic experience. Highly recommended by the whole family!
CA
Email Estelle Poirier | 65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Excellent company,
The driver was at Time. He is excellent to see animals. I recommand the Africain big cats.
Email Chris | 65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Africa Big Cat Safaris: Great people
An amazing wildlife sighting experience, very well looked after by our guides Obedi and Thomas. We covered about 1000 km, and we never felt threatened by their driving. The only hickups were the very poor bar selection at some of the lodges, and one has to bear the odd cold shower. The food was acceptable to very nice at times. This must be taken in the context that the trip offers incredible value for money. The booking process was very well handled with good pre-tour information. Tanzania offers an incredible wildlife experience, and the people of Tanzania are just so friendly and respectful.