Getting muddy in the Serengeti
Kusini Safaris
- Located In:
-
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
US
Email Sarge | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Paul made this trip perfect! He's an amazing guide - hilarious, yet professional and knowledgeable!
I couldn't be more pleased with the trip. Paul handled everything and made sure everyone was comfortable, engaged, and getting from the experience what they'd hoped for. The teams Paul assembled for us on the ground were stellar (from the drivers to the lodge staff) and at no point did we ever feel that we needed something we didn't have. It's a massive benefit having someone who is both a native English and Swahili speaker.
Being on a safari can be draining or just generally a lot - driving in the car all day in the sun/rain, but Paul made sure everyone was comfortable at all times, prepared for any conditions, and scheduled everything perfectly (we never went too long without a nice meal, a rest stop, or a break). As for the sightings themselves, we had an amazing time. We saw everything from Leopard and Cheetah cubs to mating lions. Paul knows how to be patient, which many other guide companies seemed to disregard - we watched a cheetah hunt a gazelle after waiting for about 10 minutes, at which point 3 other tour companies had come and gone.
The bottom line for me is this: Paul will always be my top choice for a safari. If he is available, it is a mistake to choose anyone else.
Reply from Kusini Safaris
Posted on Apr 21, 2020Ooopffh, thanks Sarge, very humbling review. And great photos as well. I had a smashing time with you guys. Especially our highly intellectual chats with you and Victoria, well you being intellectual and me listening and trying to understand!
Let's do it again sometime.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Undzungwa and Ruaha
Paul arranged a bespoke Safari in a short space of time at very competitive rates. But that was just the start of a very tailoured adventure with someone who not only enjoys Africa but is knowledgeable too, so able inform at the right level. Tanzania is not as developed as other countries which is part of its charm, so be prepared to get close to nature, the people and understand that life is simply wonderful. If you are looking for something out of the ordinary, call Paul.
US
Email Anne & Mike | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Every Detail Tended To
What an amazing trip. My husband and I had been planning to visit Africa for several years. Finally all the pieces fell into place when our good friend Marv introduced us to Paul Tickner. And then things came together. Well, until Covid. But even then, Paul kept the plan together and answered all our questions leading up to when we could finally make it to Tanzania. We are so thankful for his knowledge and attention to detail. He has forged relationships with the most wonderful people and places. We knew this would be the trip of a lifetime, but this exceeded all expectations. Can't imagine working with anyone else, as we definitely plan to go back.
US
Email Kari Abulhosn | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Paul's love/knowledge of Tanzania was obvious in the AMAZING trip he organized for our family.
My husband and I found Paul on the internet and were impressed with his reviews. We liked that he had not only spent much time traveling in Tanzania, but had such a deep love and appreciation for the country and the people. As such, we felt 100% confident with his responses to questions we asked him during the planning stages and felt 100% confident he was creating an amazing itinerary for our family (of 5). Paul was always quick to respond to questions and sent our itinerary electronically, complete with daily activities and pictures of the accommodations and the surroundings. While the pictures were absolutely stunning, they didn't hold a candle to being there in person! When we arrived at our first camp, Paul had chilled champagne waiting for us in our tent as a welcome gift. We visited 4 areas: South Serengeti (Nomad Serengeti Safari Camp Kogatende), Ngorongoro Crater (Nomad Entamanu Camp), Ruaha (Ikuka Safari Camp), and Selous (Sand Rivers, Nomad). The staffs at each place were incredible hosts. Everyone was kind, accommodating, knowledgeable. Our guides were outstanding. They each worked incredibly hard and had a deep respect for the environment and animals. They took great care to not just make sure we had a great experience, but to make sure we had as little impact on the land/animals as possible. We had community dinners most nights (food was delicious!) with other guests at the camps, which the entire family really enjoyed. In addition, because our trip was in late December, the staff went to extra effort to make the holidays special for everyone there. I happened to be celebrating a birthday while we were at Ikuka, and with the help of Paul and the staff, I was treated to a special day, complete with champagne and a cake. It was a birthday to remember! We had zero problems with transfers, accommodations, etc. Everything was exactly as Paul's itinerary stated it would be. I highly recommend to bring more tip money than you expect you will use. I was deeply moved by the kindness and the work ethic of everyone and wished I had brought more tip money. Other highlights include: fly camping/hiking in the Selous, game drives (of course!), sunsets/sunrises, picnics in the parks/preserves. Although our balloon ride over the Serengeti was cancelled because of wind, I have heard from other travelers that this is a must. It is impossible to pick a favorite place as they were each special. I will say for our first trip to Tanzania, seeing the wildebeests during their migration and the plethora of animals in the Serengeti was quite moving. Overall, this trip left us in awe. It's was an amazing experience and Paul could not have planned a better trip for us. If you are looking at other tour operators, I would advise you to talk to Paul, too. We did and it solidified our decision to go with Paul. Simply put, his heart and soul are attached to Tanzania and he wanted us to love it, too. It showed in the amazing trip he put together for us.
Reply from Kusini Safaris
Posted on Apr 21, 2020Thank you Kari. What an incredible way to celebrate your birthday, Christmas and New Year, on safari! What a pleasure it was to work with you and your family and my only regret is that I couldn't be there myself. This is why we do what we do.
US
Email Gary | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Mr.Tickner is an incredibly knowledgeable tour operator with an unparalleled dedication to wildlife.
After many family discussions, my wife and I settled on an African Safari to celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary. We also decided that the entire family of 12 ranging in age from 8 to 75 would be going on the once in a lifetime adventure. In order to sort through the overwhelming number of options, we used Safari Bookings and their reviews almost exclusively. After many emails and phone calls with potential tour operators with very high reviews, we settled on Paul Tickner. What a perfect choice! Paul tailored a safari that matched precisely with our expectations. We stayed at Kiba Point in Selous Game Preserve and Ikuku in Ruaha National Park, Tanzania. In both cases the facilities exactly matched our family of 12 and the staff , tours, guides, and facilities were all superb. Paul kept us incredibly well informed and answered our questions without hesitation during the planning process. We all have nothing but superlatives to describe Paul Tickner Safaris. It was an adventure of a lifetime we will not forget.
Reply from Kusini Safaris
Posted on Apr 21, 2020Oh, thank you Gary, what kind words. You know, I feel so lucky to have been in the right place at the right time to meet you and your wonderful family. Three generations of you together on safari, it was so special.
US
Email Kurt | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Trip of a lifetime
My parents, my family (of 6), and my sister's family (of 4), spent two incredible weeks with Paul in southern Tanzania (Selous and Ruaha) in June 2018. It was all of our first safari experience and it blew away every expectation I had - it was truly a trip of a lifetime. Paul's organization of the trip his knowledge of the country, the animals, the camps, the guides, the people and his passion for all of the above made this an experience that we'll never forget. If you have the opportunity to travel to Tanzania, do it with Paul, you will not regret it.
Reply from Kusini Safaris
Posted on Apr 21, 2020Thank you Kurt, it's really a privilege to be able to work in such a place with such wonderful people.
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
If I had one operator to choose it would be Paul.
Paul was my driver who took me to Tandala Tent Camp near Ruaha National Park. I found Paul extremely knowledgeable about all aspects of the region we were driving through. He knew about the people, their way of life, and if something came up that he thought was interesting or you thought was interesting he would stop to make sure you understood whatever it was that you wanted to see. Twice on our trip he stopped to show us interesting wildlife along the way. And his knowledge of birds astounded me. Be it sound or live bird he knew what it was. His love of helping to protect the wildlife of Africa is to be commended. When I decide to go back I will contact Paul to help me with my safari. He told me before I left to go home that he would make sure things would be arranged with whatever I needed. I would recommend Paul services to anyone that wanted to have a fabulous time on safari in Africa. As a matter of fact, I have told some of my friends that if they ever decide to go on safari that I have someone they should contact. That person would be Paul Tickner.
Great service
We had a great safari in Tanzania that we booked through Kusini. There was no way we'd have thought of the incredible Ruaha without Paul's help. He was the only agent that actually listened to what we wanted and whilst not the cheapest we were very happy with the results.
EE
Email Birgit Vilippus | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great experience with great people! Must repeat!
We were two families who went first time to Africa. We were extremely lucky finding Paul Tickner who planned us very nice trip to Ruaha and Selous. With his experience and contacts in Tanzania you do not have to worry. About anything. Just wake up when it is told. Our itinerary looked very nice and reality exceeded the expectations. For us, mostly novice in Africa, the web based read ahead package was very informative and useful. All in all, the preparations went with ease. And one should not be worried if Paul is not answering quickly. He might be in the bush and there is very limited internet access. Which is good. You can focus on the wildlife.
Ruaha and Selous are hidden gems in Tanzania. There is a lot to see and very few people to see it. Every drive we did was with pumping into something new and had different experience. The vehicles were very comfortable and some snack and cold drink (also some GT or beer) was always available. Just enjoyable!
I will not describe what we saw or what we did not, as this is the main reason to go there and see it yourself! I can tell that there is a lot to see, hear and smell. Day and night.
Another great aspect on our trip was that Paul himself agreed to join us as guide. However, the local people are very trustworthy. It was very easy to establish good relationship with everyone and it felt that you are on the adventure with punch of friends. Every guide had its own stories to tell.
One thing I can suggest is to have honest expectations, tell who you are, where are your standards and surely you will be suggested where to go and which camp to use for accommodation.
By the end of our trip to bush, we were overwhelmed and started to talk when to come back. Moreover, we are waiting when we can host Paul and show him one, 100 years young country he has not visited :)
Reply from Kusini Safaris
Posted on Apr 21, 2020We even send someone to wake you up at the right time Birgit, and they bring coffee! And yes you are totally right, people should not worry if I don't reply quickly, I might be in the bush with my Estonian friends.
You make a great point Birgit about preparations and expectations, we had great discussion before the safari so we could make sure the group got what they wanted and more from the safari. I had a wonderful time and it was really a privilege to meet you all and share Selous and Ruaha with you.
I'm super excited to come to Estonia one day, in the summer though! We'll talk about your next safari then.
US
Email Miller | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Unbelievable time with Paul, just as fun hanging out with him off the safari as on the safari.
I didnt communicate much with Paul before the safari, but the service of Paul and the staff members at the camps was unbeatable. Super attentive, friendly, and protective. Lived up to all my expectations of the animals, and blew away my expectations of the housing. Paul and the drivers he works with are extremely knowledgeable on the areas and really fun to be around during the safari. We were lucky enough to see every major animal we wanted up close and personal, especially Lions.
Reply from Kusini Safaris
Posted on Apr 21, 2020We also saw some leopards, and that was no accident either I think you'll remember! All down to the leopard whisperer himself. I must say I have not been practicing my beer die, but I don't think there's anywhere to play as good as the Serengeti!