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 Rajy A. | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Wonderful attention to detail and a trip that was crafted with our family's best interests in mind
The thing that impressed me most about Paul Tickner was that we felt he was truly creating an experience for us. He didn't have a package A, package B, package C, etc. that he was trying to fit us into. He took the time to ask what we wanted out of our Tanzania experience, and offered ideas and suggestions. We went back and forth a number of times, and Paul was very patient with us. As a true "once in a lifetime trip", we obviously wanted to make sure we planned the trip we have always dreamed of -- being from the States, it wasn't practical for us to say "too bad this didn't work out, we'll just come back next time", because there may not be a next time. We explained to Paul what it was we wanted, and he was a wealth of information. He encouraged us to see Southern Tanzania, which was a terrific recommendation as we loved Ruaha and Selous so much. We stayed at amazing lodges/facilities, and some of the other guests (who had also used Paul) and many of the staff at the lodges (who were familiar with Paul) had nothing but good things to say. If (or when) we do make it back to Tanzania -- we'd definitely use Paul again to plan our safari.
As a bit of a background, we did come from the States. We were a family of five with three children (19,16,14). Paul did an outstanding job.
Reply from Kusini Safaris
Posted on Apr 21, 2020Rajy, I certainly like to think it's a case of 'when' you'll be back in Tanzania rather than 'if'! Our tailor made approach doesn't suit everyone, but when it works, this is what can happen. I would say that you were very patient with me as well, the perfect team.
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Email Marv Weidner | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Five Locations - Five Incredible Experiences
Paul and I together planned five very diverse experiences over a 3 week Tanzania safari. First was Arusha in the North and a deep dive into this high paced African city and all of the wonderful diversity of people, cultures and perspectives it holds. There I spent most of my time in the local markets and places not often visited by tourists. Chem Chem was my first deep dive into the bush and Tanzania's amazing wildlife. Here at Chem Chem, the guide, the Maasai warrior companion for walking safari, and the hospitality are simply exceptional. On to Ndutu in the Serengetti with Nomad Safaris, more exceptional guiding and a team with deep respect and care for the wildlife. Here I watched a male Cheetah finish a kill on a Wildebeest and much, much more. Then to Ruaha National Park in the South for its abundant elephant populations, big cats and as elsewhere remarkable bird species diversity. Finally to Chole Island in the Mafia Archipelago where I lived for several a in tree house.
Paul's knowledge of Tanzania, its people, its wildlife and the biodiversity of this beautiful country made this experience possible. Its is hard to imagine a better experience than I had with Paul Tickner Safaris. It doesn't get any better than this. I would give Paul my highest recommendation and my deepest thanks.
Reply from Kusini Safaris
Posted on Apr 21, 2020Marv when you first contacted us you said you wanted to really experience Tanzania, to meet people, to see wildlife and to learn along the way. Your open minded attitude made it a pleasure to work with you, a fellow wanderer. It's a joy to be a part of a journey like this.
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Email Iris Ho | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Highly professional operator with a heart for wildlife conservation
I am a repeat customer of Paul and have gone on safaris arranged by Paul a few times by now. I have different needs and requirement every time due to my budget, length of stay and other factors. Paul was patient and able to accommodate my requests every single time without any hassle. My husband and I visited the northern circuit and it was my husband's first safari. The package that Paul put together was the highlight of our life. Paul has years of experiences and wealth of knowledge on African wildlife and best safari destinations. What impresses me most is that while he is a safari tour operator by trade, he has a heart for wildlife conservation - as evidenced in his incredible wildlife photos on his social media platforms and his highly informative newsletters.
Reply from Kusini Safaris
Posted on Apr 21, 2020Someone reads the newsletter! Thanks Iris, always a pleasure to work with someone who works for animals everyday and is willing to bump down hot dusty roads in the middle of nowhere listening to me waffle on about elephants to do it! We even managed to find the shirt, some months later...
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Email Elizabeth Axelrod | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fabulous safari. Great lodgings and Guides combined with unforgettable animal encounters
We had a fabulous trip to Tanzania! Everything worked like clockwork. We were picked up, dropped off, and told of our scheduled times. Everyone was well informed and so welcoming. The accomodations were great..good food, good people and knowledgeble guides. We felt well cared for and welcomed. And we saw an amazing array of wildlife with beautiful sunrises and sunsets.
It is an experience we always remember.
Reply from Kusini Safaris
Posted on Apr 21, 2020Thank you Elizabeth, that's exactly what we all work for. You're always welcome in Tanzania.
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Email Marc Axelrod | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
So many wonderful memories and stories - Thank you Paul Tickner!!
Paul Tickner made our vacation animal safari very easy. We just had to show up. At every stop someone was waiting for us to take us to the next place, and those places were all amazing. We saw so many interesting and beautiful animals and experienced the African bush really, really up close. Everyone we met was helpful and friendly. The bush camps that Paul picked for us were all very comfortable and the service friendly and accommodating. Our experience was deeply satisfying and it was no accident - we owed it all to Paul's experience, good taste and desire to share the world that he has come to know and love.
Reply from Kusini Safaris
Posted on Apr 21, 2020Wow, what a lovely thing to say Marc. We're so glad you enjoyed your safari. Hope to see you guys in Tanzania again one day!?
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Email Annie Graham | 65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Amazing Tour Guide
My husband and I have had the opportunity to take six trips to Africa. We have gone on safari in six countries. Our latest trip was to Zimbabwe with Kusini Safaries. Paul Tickner is by far the best guide that we have traveled with. His knowledge of the flora, fauna and general history of the areas visited was spot on. His easy demeanor and charming personality made the trip a success. We look forward to traveling with him in the future!
Reply from Kusini Safaris
Posted on Oct 5, 2021Humble thanks Annie. It was a pleasure to be on safari with you. I shall be testing you on the call of a Cape Turtle Dove, clue is; cracking open a Zambezi. Where are we going next!?
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Email Kathy and Richard Kimbrough | 65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
The Best in the Business
In June we traveled with Kusini Safaris to Zimbabwe. This was our second safari with Kusini, our first being in Tanzania. Both Safaris with Kusini have been the absolutely best of the 6 safaris that we have been on. They both surpassed our expectations...the best game, best camps, best gourmet food, and the greatest adventure...all done with meticulous detail. We would never use another operator !!! We Love Paul Tickner!!!!!!
Reply from Kusini Safaris
Posted on Oct 5, 2021How lucky am I to find such wonderful guests! Adventure is certainly the word for it. A privilege to be on safari with you in such wonderful places. Here's to the next one...
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Email Kathy and Phil | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
An outstanding experience with Paul Tickner in Zimbabwe...
This safari was our fifth time in Africa but our first experience in Zimbabwe. It was a huge success, due in large part to Paul Tickner's expertise and the efforts he put into planning and execution. There were 10 in our group...some were experienced Africa hands and three were on their first safari. Everyone in our group had a five-star experience.
Each of our four camp locations was unique but each was characterized by outstanding staff, facilities, and food/beverage. Transportation logistics are often slip-shod on safaris, but that was not the case here...our transportation between venues was outstanding, with no negative surprises. Paul's knowledge of the animals and birds made for an educational as well as entertaining experience, and his affable personality and manner were a plus. Our group of Texan travelers appreciated the fact that he mastered our "Howdy, y'all" form of greeting!
All in all, this was a wonderful experience and represented good value for our dollar. We would recommend Paul Tickner to anyone considering travel in Africa.
Reply from Kusini Safaris
Posted on Oct 5, 2021Well thanks ya'll! I'm glad you enjoyed the safari so much. I think my Texan still needs some work though.
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Email Mike and Kathryn | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
10 Happy Campers
From beginning to end this safari exceeded all our expectations! For weeks before we left for Africa, Paul made sure we had all the information we needed to make this a successful trip. Ours was a large group of 10 and our trip was two weeks long. While we're sure at times it felt like herding cats, Paul did a fantastic job of coordinating everything from transportation to camp arrangements and food needs. We found Paul to be super knowledgeable not just about the animals, flora and fauna but also about the history, people and customs of the places we visited. Our evening sundowners were a highlight as well as the camaraderie and laughter at the dinner table every evening! Paul's friendly and outgoing personality made the trip of a lifetime just that much more special. We will find a way to get back to Africa and can't imagine using any other company but Kusini Safaris.
Reply from Kusini Safaris
Posted on Oct 5, 2021Herding cats! We certainly saw a lot of those. Quite the adventure, some hard yards there. I think Mike was always going to get a lot of cultural exchange, we certainly learnt a lot about American customs from him! Thanks for being there guys and I look forward to next time.
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Email Marv Weidner | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Epic Two-Country Safari - Namibia & Tanzania
Epic Two-Country Safari!!!
My aspiration was to safari extensively in Nambia, travel back to Tanzania for a second time to see friends at Chem Chem, and spend time on the northern Serengeti near the Mara River for the crossings. Paul converted my dream, my aspiration, into reality. While Paul is clearly a Tanzania expert, I spent two flawless weeks in Namibia at great lodges with outstanding guides tracking desert Rhino and Lion, spotting desert-adjusted Elephants and Giraffe, visiting a traditional Himba village near one of the most remote lodges in southern Africa, and learning about the remarkable conservation efforts in Namibia. In Tanzania, Paul met me at Lamai on the Sarengeti as my private guide where we enjoyed epic game drives, Leopards and Lions nursing cubs, Hippos, Crocs, my favorite bird – Ground Hornbills - and so much more. His exceptional expertise as a safari planner is exceeded only by his abilities as a Tanzanian guide. Paul is simply the best in the business and now a good friend. Thank you! A fantastic safari!
Reply from Kusini Safaris
Posted on Oct 5, 2021What an epic journey Marv, I'm so pleased we made it eventually. Next time I'm coming with you to Nambia.