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Hekima Safaris
- Located In:
- Size:
- 5-10 employees (Founded in 2006)
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $210 to $1,200 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
Email Queen | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Hekima Safaris – A Truly Trustworthy and Outstanding Safari Operator
Our experience with Hekima Safaris was absolutely outstanding! From the very beginning to the end of our journey, everything was exceptionally well organized, and our 5-day safari in Tanzania exceeded all our expectations.
The entire experience was fantastic. The accommodations were comfortable, the food was excellent, the transportation was reliable, and the level of customer service was truly impressive. Every detail was handled with professionalism, care, and attention.
A special thank you to our safari guide, who made the journey unforgettable through his extensive knowledge of wildlife, passion for nature, friendly personality, and dedication to ensuring we had the best possible experience.
What really sets Hekima Safaris apart is the team’s genuine hospitality, honesty, reliability, and commitment to their guests. We always felt welcomed, safe, well cared for, and confident that we were in good hands.
We were fortunate to witness incredible wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and unforgettable moments that we will cherish for a lifetime.
If you are planning a safari in Tanzania and looking for a trustworthy, professional, and genuinely caring local safari operator, we wholeheartedly recommend Hekima Safaris.
Thank you to the entire Hekima team for delivering such an exceptional experience. We would happily travel with you again and recommend you to our friends and family!
Highly recommended – Hekima Safaris truly delivers on its promises!
PL
Email Wojciech | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Something went wrong
We used this operator before and everything went well, but when we decided to organise Safari again, we paid in advance for a safari that never took place.
We have been waiting more than a year for a full refund. Most of the money was returned, but not all of it. The remaining balance is still unpaid.
Cannot recommend.
FR
Email Ruth | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
We Came Looking for Uganda… Hekima Showed Us Its Heart ❤️
Sometimes, the best travel experiences are not the ones you plan perfectly. They are the people you meet, the stories you hear, the food you taste, and the moments that make you feel connected to a place.
That is exactly what we found with Hekima Safaris.
We were travelling around East Africa and, while in Rwanda, we heard about Hekima Safaris and their cultural experiences in Uganda. We decided to look them up and read through their reviews before making any decision. What interested us was that Hekima was not only about safaris and animals. They also seemed passionate about showing travelers the real culture and everyday life of East Africa.
So we contacted them.
From the first conversation, we felt comfortable. Jenipher was incredibly helpful and patient with us. She explained the different options, listened to what we wanted, and helped us organize our trip without making us feel pressured to choose the most expensive option.
When we arrived in Kampala, our hotel was already arranged. After a long journey, it was such a relief to arrive and know that someone had taken care of the details.
Then we met Sylvia, and our Kampala experience really began.
What we loved most was that we didn't feel like ordinary tourists being rushed from one attraction to another. We were able to experience Uganda through its people, culture, stories, food and local life. Those are the moments we will remember long after we have forgotten the names of some of the places we visited.
And honestly, that is what we believe good travel should be about.
Of course, price matters when you travel, and we found Hekima's prices reasonable. Their payment arrangements were also convenient for us. But what mattered even more was the feeling that there were real people behind the service who cared about whether we were enjoying ourselves.
We have travelled through different parts of East Africa, and this experience gave us another reason to want to come back.
Our next plans include Kenya and Tanzania, and we already know who we will contact first.
Hekima Safaris.
If you are reading this because you are wondering whether you should book with them, we understand the hesitation. We had questions too before we booked.
But sometimes you have to trust the reviews, contact the company, ask your questions, and take that first step.
We did and we are very glad we did.
Thank you, Jenipher, Sylvia, and the whole Hekima Safaris team, for giving us more than a trip. You gave us memories, connections, and a chance to experience Uganda in a way we will never forget.five stars dont feel like enough 🙏
We will be back.
Email Shatel | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Thank you Hekima ! Asante Sana
We arrived in Arusha for a conference and, just two days before it ended, we made a spontaneous decision to climb Mount Kilimanjaro via the Marangu Route in just five days.
At a restaurant, we met some travelers who had just finished a safari and Mount Meru with Hekima Safaris. They couldn’t stop talking about their experience and highly recommended the company, so they shared Mopoo’s WhatsApp contact with us.
We messaged him immediately, and despite being out of the country, he responded quickly. He explained all the climbing options in a clear table and arranged for us to meet the Hekima team that very same day. We met Jumanne and the rest of the crew, and everything was organized incredibly fast considering how last minute our request was.
Our five day Kilimanjaro climb was exceptionally well organized from start to finish. Before the trek, we ran into an unexpected problem with our bank, and we couldn’t make the payment on time. This is where Hekima earned our trust.
Instead of canceling our trip, their finance team calmly told us to go ahead with the climb and settle the payment after we returned. The only thing they asked was that we make sure we had enough money to tip the mountain crew, explaining that the tips go directly to the porters, guides, and cooks who work incredibly hard. After spending five days with that amazing team, we completely understood why they absolutely deserved every bit of appreciation.
After the climb, we completed our payment without any issues, and Hekima helped us with all the remaining formalities.
Before leaving Tanzania, we wanted to visit an organization helping people in need. We called Mopoo for recommendations, and he suggested several different organizations. Later, we noticed on Hekima’s website that they also support children’s education across Tanzania, so we asked him why he hadn’t recommended his own project.
His answer impressed us even more.
He said that a portion of Hekima’s profits already goes toward supporting those children, so he thought it would be better for us to help another organization instead. That level of honesty meant a lot to us. It wasn’t about promoting himself,it was about making sure our support created more impact.
Because of that, we chose to support Hekima’s project as well, and we plan to continue doing so.We had great time as well with cultural program after visiting Hekima projects!Asante Sana
Trust is built through actions, and throughout our entire experience from responding to a last minute request, to trusting us with delayed payment, to treating their mountain crew with respect, and putting people before profit.we experienced exactly that.
If you’re looking for a trustworthy company to climb Mount Kilimanjaro with, or you want your trip to contribute to something meaningful beyond tourism, we wholeheartedly recommend Hekima Safaris.
Thank you Hekima team for an unforgettable experience !Ahsante
NL
Email Florence | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
21 Days with Hekima Safaris !The Best Decision We Made
After spending 21 incredible days with Hekima Safaris across Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and South Sudan, we can honestly say this was one of the best travel experiences of our lives.
We booked this trip for research, and to be honest, we were a little nervous especially about South Sudan. We couldn’t find any previous reviews showing that Hekima had operated there before, and because of the country’s reputation, we initially thought we should book directly with a South Sudanese company.
Then we spoke to Mopoo.
Instead of making promises just to secure the booking, he was completely honest. He openly told us that South Sudan would be a first for Hekima Safaris, but explained that he had trusted local contacts there, including a close friend he had known from Europe. That level of transparency immediately stood out. He treated us like people, not just customers.
A few days before our arrival, we noticed a few negative comments online. Since this trip was extremely important to us, we called Mopoo and asked every difficult question we had. He stayed calm, professional, answered everything honestly, and even decided to personally join us for the South Sudan part of the journey. That gave us real confidence.
Kenya – A Perfect Start
From the moment we landed in Nairobi, everything ran like clockwork. Our guide, Joseph, welcomed us warmly, and our three days in Amboseli National Park were outstanding. The organization, wildlife sightings, accommodation, and attention to detail were excellent.
Tanzania – Beyond Expectations
Crossing the Namanga Border was seamless, and our Tanzanian guide, Juma, was fantastic. He was knowledgeable, friendly, and passionate about wildlife. The safari vehicle was even upgraded beyond what we had requested, making our experience even more comfortable.
At that point, we already knew we had made the right decision choosing Hekima Safaris.
Uganda & South Sudan – The Ultimate Test
We flew to Entebbe, where we were picked up on time by a professional driver in Hekima uniform. Everything was organized perfectly as we traveled through Kampala to Gulu, where we finally met Mopoo in person.
His energy was exactly as we imagined young, calm, positive, and incredibly dedicated. He explained every detail, kept everyone relaxed, and somehow managed to balance serious situations with a great sense of humor.
Then came the South Sudan border.
If you’ve read about this crossing online, you’ll probably understand why we were worried. It wasn’t the easiest border experience, but this is where Hekima truly proved itself.
Mopoo went above and beyond. He handled conversations with officials professionally, protected us from unnecessary stress, and made sure everything was completed properly without asking us to pay random unofficial fees that we had heard so much about before traveling.
Throughout the trip, we noticed something special about him.
He genuinely loves what he does.
Even when unexpected situations happened and they always can during long expeditions Mopoo, our drivers, and his local friend Ashel handled everything with patience, care, and professionalism. We could see he was constantly coordinating logistics, answering calls, and making sure every part of our journey worked smoothly.
We later learned he had spent years helping travelers through Couchsurfing, and honestly, it made perfect sense. Hospitality seems to be part of who he is.
Why We Recommend Hekima Safaris
* Complete honesty from the very beginning.
* Excellent guides in every country.
* Smooth logistics across multiple borders.
* Professional and well-maintained safari vehicles.
* Quick solutions when unexpected challenges arose.
* Personal care that made us feel like friends rather than clients.
As we write this from the airport on our way home, we’re already talking about coming back.
Thank you, Mopoo and the entire Hekima Safaris team.
Keep growing. Keep doing what you’re doing.
We will recommend Hekima Safaris to anyone looking for an authentic East African adventure especially if you’re planning a multi-country journey that requires a company you can truly trust.
See you again soon.
With lots of love,
Two very grateful travelers ❤️
MT
Email Kim | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A tour operator that turned a dream holiday into a stressful experience due to poor service, unsafe
Avoid Hekima Safari if you value your safety and holiday experience.
Our experience with Hekima Safari was extremely disappointing. After paying in full, we were pressured during the trip to pay an additional $5,000, with the threat of changes to our itinerary. We eventually paid $1,000 in good faith after a promise from the director, Moppo, that it would be refunded, but we are still waiting.
The safari vehicle was the biggest issue. It was unreliable and, in our experience, unsafe. It broke down repeatedly in remote areas, causing us to lose valuable game-drive time, especially in the Serengeti. Some journeys took up to five hours instead of one due to constant problems.
The vehicle was in poor condition, with no air conditioning, faulty windows, heavy dust and exhaust entering the car, and parts even falling off during the trip. At times, we genuinely feared for our safety.
Other excursions arranged by Hekima Safari were also below expectations, with poor standards compared with what was advertised and what other groups received.
A trip that should have been a once-in-a-lifetime experience became stressful and disappointing. Based on our experience, we cannot recommend Hekima Safari.
MT
Email Val | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Avoid Hekima Safari if you value your safety and your holiday.
Avoid Hekima Safari if you value your safety and your holiday.
Our experience with Hekima Safari was extremely disappointing and, at times, genuinely frightening.
We paid for our safari in full before the trip, yet during our holiday we were pressured to pay an additional $5,000. We were told that if we did not pay, our safari itinerary would be changed. No customer should be put under this kind of pressure after they have already paid for their holiday.
After a long dispute, we agreed to pay $1,000 purely out of our own goodwill, based on a promise from the director, Moppo, that the money would be returned. Despite repeated promises, we have still not received that refund.
The biggest issue was the safari vehicle. It was constantly breaking down and, in our experience, was not fit for purpose. We repeatedly stopped in the middle of remote areas while repairs were attempted, causing us to lose many hours of our game drives. As a result, we missed opportunities to see wildlife, particularly in the Serengeti, which was the part of the trip we had been looking forward to the most.
Journeys that should have taken around one hour regularly took up to five hours because the vehicle kept breaking down or getting stuck. On several occasions, we genuinely feared for our safety. While driving on steep terrain, the vehicle leaned heavily to one side after dropping into large holes, and it felt as though it could tip over. Instead of enjoying the safari, we were worried about whether we would safely reach our destination.
The condition of the vehicle was unacceptable. The windows barely opened or closed, there was no functioning air conditioning, and the amount of dust and exhaust entering the vehicle left everyone coughing and feeling unwell. At one point, part of the underside of the vehicle fell off completely. We had to stop again while oil poured from underneath the vehicle. The broken parts had to be loaded into our own van, and oil leaked throughout it, ruining some of our branded bags. The damage was so severe that we had no choice but to throw them away.
Unfortunately, the poor standards extended beyond the safari itself. Other excursions booked through Moppo at Hekima Safari were also far below what was advertised and what we saw other groups receiving. For example, on the Nakupenda excursion, lunch was advertised as being included. The lunch we received consisted of a burnt fish that was inedible, along with fruit including rotten watermelon and bananas. Meanwhile, other tour groups were being served fresh, well-presented seafood platters and a much higher standard of food. The difference in quality was obvious and extremely disappointing.
Overall, this holiday was nothing like what was promised or what we paid for. Between the pressure to pay additional money during our trip, the unsafe and constantly breaking-down vehicle, the loss of valuable safari time, the poor quality of the other excursions, and the unfulfilled promise to refund the $1,000, this experience was deeply upsetting. What should have been the trip of a lifetime became a stressful and traumatic experience that we would not wish on anyone.
PT
Email Daniela Caixinha | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Possible fraud alert
Hekima Safaris required us to pay the full cost of our safari one month before our trip, despite our contract stating that the final instalment would be paid upon arrival. Hekima insisted they needed the full money before the trip to pay for the national park fees and secure the hotel reservations. However, our problems began immediately. On the first day, our guide had not been given money for fuel from HEKIMA and we had to advance USD 230 so the safari could even begin. We were accommodated in some hotels that were not those agreed in our contract, and at one lodge in the middle of Serengeti National Park we were required to pay USD 716 ourselves because, although Hekima Safaris had made the reservation, they had not paid the hotel. When we contacted the company, they claimed they were experiencing banking problems, leaving us with no alternative but to pay if we wanted somewhere to sleep that night.
The same pattern continued with the park fees. We were delayed entering Serengeti because the reservation was not valid, and later we were stranded for around five hours at the exit towards Ngorongoro because the required payments had not been made. During this time, the Hekima company stopped answering our calls and became unreachable. We lost the final day of our safari, because the guide abandoned us at another accomodation not payed by HEKIMA, instead spent it at the Tourist Police in Arusha filing a formal complaint. We are now taking legal action to recover the full cost of the safari, together with the additional expenses we were forced to pay because of the company’s failures! SEE YOU ON COURT, MOPOO!
EG
Email Mohamed | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing
There are not enough words to describe how amazing Hekima Safaris was.
Lets get to the actual safaris. Our guide is amazing he shared a lot of information about botany and zoology and people of Kenya ! In all me and my family was really satisfied with Hekima Safaris
Email Aisaya | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Excellent
We did a 5-day safari covering the three Northern National Parks with Hekima Safaris, and it was an exceptional East African safari experience from beginning to end. Our guide, Faraji, was outstanding—highly knowledgeable, professional, and incredibly skilled at spotting wildlife. Thanks to his expertise, we were able to see the Big Five along with many other amazing animals.
Everything throughout the journey went very smoothly. The lodges, hotels, and tented camps were comfortable, clean, and well-organized, with friendly and welcoming staff at every stop. The food was excellent and consistently well prepared.
The safari vehicles were clean, comfortable, and in excellent condition, making our game drives enjoyable and relaxing. If there was one small thing we wished for, it would have been a bit more time in the Ngorongoro Crater—but overall, the experience exceeded our expectations.
We were extremely happy that we chose Hekima Safaris for our safari experience in East Africa and would gladly choose them again. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a professional, memorable, and well-organized safari in the region.