Getting muddy in the Serengeti
Kusini Safaris
- Located In:
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United Kingdom
- Size:
- 1-5 employees (Founded in 2014)
- Member Of:
- African Travel & Tourism Association
- Tour Types:
- Custom luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $400 to $2,000 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
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Email Grant Dodson | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Hightly recommended. See comments.
Paul worked with us to arrange a Safari trip in 2018. We were novices and he spent time via email and phone to understand our interests and propose options. We settled on his Tanzania recommendations and ended up with a great experience. He selected the tour operators for 2 parks and arranged the flights and accommodations from the time we landed until we left. The parks and operators were excellent. Paul is quite knowledgeable and helped us pick through the locations, timing and experiences and then was able to arrange a terrific experience. We would use him again without reservation.
Reply from Kusini Safaris
Posted on Apr 21, 2020Thank you for such a kind review Grant. I know you had a great safari because your photos are fab!
Email Richard Plows | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Honeymoon safari in Tanzania and Zanzibar
We used Paul to book our honeymoon.
Having never been on safari before, and prior to speaking with Paul, we were a little overwhelmed with the prospect of booking our first trip to Africa. Paul was very patient with our queries and took time to understand our requirements. He responded quickly and personally, taking time to understand our budget and where he could best add value to our trip before providing a tailored itinerary. We visited two parks (Selous & Ruaha) followed by some R&R in Zanzibar.
Pre-travel advice was great, but it wasn’t until we landed in Dar Es Salaam and subsequent transfers where we truly appreciated the Paul’s efforts. The transfers and background logistics were seamless. Having experienced local customs, taxis, internal flights, etc. first hand we were so glad that Paul stepped in to arrange for us – we would have been naive to think we could have arranged on our own.
Moving on to the safaris, Paul booked us into the most incredible camps. The experience far exceeded our expectations and it was clear that the camp managers personally knew and respected Paul.
Paul personally guided us during our stay in Ruaha. He was exceptionally knowledgeable of local wildlife (as would be expected), but mixed in a good sense of humour made the game drives great fun. Paul was also well integrated with the other local guides so we were never to miss out if another guide stumbled across a viewing somewhere else in the park.
The gushing sentiments sound like the introduction for an internet dating profile, but we couldn't have asked for a better honeymoon and I would (and will be) wholeheartedly recommend(ing) Paul to anyone who is looking to book a safari.
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Email Lori | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fantastic Custom Safari Exceeded Our Expectations
This was our first safari, and with zero experience we needed a lot of guidance and hand holding while planning our 21 day adventure in Tanzania and Zanzibar. Hannah was a tremendous help, responding quickly to every question and concern. The safari camps were fantastic, each one unique but of similar high quality. The food was wonderful, healthy and delicious. Paul was our guide in Ruaha, and his knowledge, expertise and good humor were a highlight of the trip. We recommend Paul Tickner Safaris without hesitation, and are confident that we made the right choice in safari companies!
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Email Iris | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Unforgettable experience with impeccable service
Paul Tickner Safaris arranged my trip to southern Tanzania to the Ruaha National Park and nearby area in January 2017. I was a bit hesitant prior to the trip as it was my first visit to Tanzania and I was traveling alone. I absolutely enjoyed every part of the trip, thanks to Paul's arrangement and company!
The lodge Paul arranged, Ikuka, was spectacular! The service there was impeccable with amazing staff. The view from the lodge overlooking the Ruaha National Park was something that will stay with me the rest of my life! The safari guide was knowledgeable and friendly. Paul also took me to visit local conservation projects which were the highlight of my trip and shared with me his expert knowledge on the African wildlife.
Paul is a highly experienced safari operator with solid wildlife conservation knowledge and experience - which are an important factor for me when booking my travel. I can't wait to return to Tanzania and explore other parts of the country.
Thank you, Paul Tickner Safaris, for an unforgettable experience and lifelong friendship.
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Email Chris | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
All the good, none of the bad
Paul, who I found through this site, did an outstanding job of organizing and guiding my 4 night/5 day photo safari to Ruaha, which we selected based on my initial criteria. He communicated well and effectively, organized all my transfers from the time I stepped off the plane, through my day in Dar, to the time I checked back in. Ikuka lodge, where I stayed, was brilliant (reviewed on Facebook and Tripadvisor). I was concerned that a solo guided trip would be prohibitively expensive compared to the group tour I had expected, but by starting one day later (low season), and not reserving a separate vehicle, we were able to keep the cost within my budget- and in fact we ended up have a vehicle to ourselves the entire trip. Paul did not merely meet my expectations, he exceeded my hopes for this trip; and I have for years travelled on average 200k miles a year globally, so I can say I think my expectations were reasonable.
Friends with more experience of East Africa ( a niece lived there for a year, and has been back many times) had warned me about the dust, the insects, the food hazards,the heat, and the crowds. I experienced none of that- it was hot midday but cool in the mornings and reasonable in the evenings when we did our drives. If you are going to Ruaha, I would recommend Paul in particular, and local Ruaha guides more generally, as they do work together where those coming from Dar do not know the park as well, nor do they share information. In a typical 3-4 hour drive we might see 4 or 5 local vehicles from other camps, always stopping to chat and trade sightings. Along with multiple fresh lion kills (we saw lion on 10 of the 11 drives, counting the trip to and from the airstrip), endless elephants, antelope of all types, hippo, herds of giraffe, zebra, buffalo, we also had an exceptional leopard experience, once with a fresh kill where he stayed in view while we watched for the better part of an hour, and again later that day, after he had moved a short distance. As well as very sharp eyes (the leopard was invisible to me until pointed out under a tree) Paul has a broad knowledge of animals, birds, plants (rattling off the latin names), tracks, bird calls which was both helpful and interesting. Ruaha for me was magical, I cannot recommend the park, Ikuka or Paul more highly.
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Email Judy L. | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
My Adventure of a Lifetime was made possible by Paul Tickner
As a safari operator Paul has several very strong characteristics. First, he listened to what I wanted to do, second, he provided 1st hand knowledge of the realities of such a safari so that I was able to travel as a single, older traveler safely, meeting and exceeding all my objectives and ensuring that I had a fun and memorable experience.
This was my second safari and my first custom safari. His attention to detail, his follow up during my trip's progress, and his recommendations based on my list of "must haves" was flawless. My entire itinerary went forward without a problem. His recommendations for tented camps and locations was spot on, his suggestions for a hotel in Dar Es Salaam were just right.
Paul also served as my private guide for 6 days during a 14 day safari. He knows southern Tanzania, it birds, animals, culture and environment. He is extremely knowledgeable, competent and has really good common sense. Since the tented camp managers knew him personally, the warmth extended to me was lovely. He also introduced me to the work being done in the area regarding ecology and education.
He is able to sight birds and animals, direct my attention to them, even if they were well hidden and described in detail what they were, what their habits were and what was interesting about them. Since I have experience with guides in Northern Tanzania, Kenya and now Southern Tanzania, I can say he is the best guide I know. In addition he is fun to be with, level headed and environmentally concerned and knowledgeable. To add even more, he is an expert photographer and was kind enough to set up some lovely photo shots for me with my camera.
I would recommend Paul as a Safari Operator and/or Guide. He is responsible, trustworthy and knowledgeable. I had the time of my life and will never forget the camps, the wonderful landscape, the birds (amazing) and the animals and the fun.
Email Owen Marples | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
An experience of a lifetime
I cannot recommend Paul Tickner Safaris enough. Prior to arriving in Tanzania, Paul helped us design a trip specific to ours wants and expectations. This being Tanzania, any unforseen issues were dealt with efficently and quickly leaving us to enjoy what proved to be an incredible trip.
On safari, Paul's extensive knowledge and expertise were available at all times. The sightings of leopards, lions, elephants, giraffes, hippos, eagles, zebra (the list goes on) was always complemented by Paul's expertise, which only enriched our time on safari and in Tanzania in general. Paul clearly loves what he does and cares deeply for his clients experience.
As it's probably become apparent, I would without doubt recommend Paul's services. If you're thinking about going on safari then do not take any shortcuts, Paul's integrity and knowledge will ensure you'll haves a trip of a lifetime.
BE
Email Bartosz Nienaltowski | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A journey of a lifetime thanks to Paul and Sarafino
We had amazing time in Tanzania, and we are so glad we trusted Paul Tickner for organising it! Every detail was arranged, we fell in love with our guide Sarafino and there are no words to thank Paul for taking care of all our needs from the very beginning to the days after our trip was over.
When we first contacted Paul we had some ideas on where to go and what to do, and without imposing his opinion, Paul gave us precious advice on where to stay (all lodges booked by him were state of the art and for reasonable price), how to prepare for the trip and what experiences to chose taking into account our preferences. We exchanged tons of emails, also on the most ridiculous details, and he was always there for us, fitting every single capriccio in our tight budget. Sarafino was our guide and driver, and he made us feel secure and at home during the whole journey. We went by car from Dar es Salaam to Mikumi, Udzungwa and Ruaha, and we spent an average of 12 hours a day with Serafino. Not a single issue came up in 8 days, with pleasure he told us the history of Tanzania and its people, their culture and habits, with amazing empathy and understanding of the fact that we came from so far that our understanding of his country was childish and naive. Sarafino was more than a guide, the confidence he inspired (and for a reason!) tranformed in a strong attachment and a friendship that will last.
Aside from the game drives (mind blowing!), Paul also arranged some additional activities like village visits, hiking, our hotel in Dar, etc. Everything went perfectly well, and we enjoyed every single minute. The whole experience was so amazing, and turning back the time, we would not change a single detail. It was our honeymoon, and Paul's expertiese and attention made it the journey of our dreams!
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
My Iringa Experience
I had the opportunity to experience this amazing safari experience in March 2014. Paul was a fantastic guide, very knowledgeable in his field and enthusing passion in wildlife conservation. An accomplished photographer himself, Paul's expert tips on wildlife photography add a special bonus to his tours.
SR
Email Will and Ellie van Beek | 65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
excellent
my wife and I have been on several safaris (7 or 8) twice with Kusini. Our most recent safari started at Sand River Selous,Tanzania last Febr.
A beautiful location with an abundance of game, hippos, buffalos, wildebeest, giraffe and many with little ones. Our next stop was Ikuka Safari Camp. A completely different environment with the camp at the top of a mountain and great vieuws over the lowlands. Here we encountered more wildlive than we ever could have expected. Two lionesses with a cub, a leopard walking less than two yards past our car and climbing a baobab tree and another pair of lions, male and female, in love, hard to meet in the wild and when we thought we had seen it all we met a pack of perhaps 15 or more wild dogs who had killed an impalla and lets not forget the chitas although the grass was high we still met them.
The last stopwas Pole Pole at Mafia Island. This was a bit disappointing, certainly n t the lodge, service or the food but had hoped for an encounter with a whale-shark but wrong time of the year. In any case,these were two fantastic weeks which we could do again anytime and let's not forget the exellent organization with both the local transportation as well the domestic fights
