Stuff waiting For You :)
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
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.
ER
Email Yusuph | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
TRUSTED TO! with a room of improvement :)
Just finished up an amazing journey with Hekima Safaris. From the moment I arrived staff was available to make sure my journey was safe and everything I needed was taken care of . On the road my guide, Subra shared her knowledge of Uganda/Rwanda. They join me with another clients yes i didn't booked private but the information was little bit not clear! That is why i gave 4 star ;) But i strong recommend it to anyone !
NL
Email Babra | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
WE MADE IT! Lost Luggage, Kilimanjaro Summit & The Best Decision We Made Was Booking Hekima Safaris
If you’re reading reviews because you’re nervous about booking a safari or climbing Kilimanjaro, this is for you.
We booked both a safari and the 7 days Machame Route with Hekima Safaris, and after this experience I can honestly say: they deserve every single cent. We will recommend them to everyone we know.
Before the adventure even started, they proved we could trust them
Our luggage was lost after arriving at JRO Airport, and we were stressed. We filed a baggage claim immediately, kept the barcode from our luggage tags, and Hekima’s team jumped into action.
Safiness from the office kept telling us, “Don’t worry, your bags will find their way to you.”
She was right.
Working together with the airport staff, they had our luggage delivered to our hotel within a day. We didn’t even have AirTags. That was our first lesson about Hekima!they don’t disappear after taking your booking. They stay with you until problems are solved.
Another thing that impressed us was Mopoo. He spent time helping us find the best flights from the Netherlands before we even paid for our own tickets. Who does that? It’s clear this isn’t just business to him he genuinely loves what he does.
We were economy passengers, but Hekima treated us like VIPs from day one.
We Summited!
September 2nd at 6:50 AM.
We made it.
I cried at Stella Point.
Then I cried again at Uhuru Peak.
Our group had 8 climbers, and thanks to an incredible team of 38 staff including guides, guides in training, porters, chefs, a waiter, and our camp master every single climber reached the summit.
That says everything.
Pole Pole Really Works
I was probably the slowest person in our group.
Instead of leaving me behind, the guides moved me to the front after Day 2.
I became the one setting the famous pole pole pace.
That simple change completely transformed my confidence.
Even better, whenever we found a little internet on the mountain, Safiness from the Hekima office kept checking on us, asking if the crew could do anything more for us.
That level of care is rare.
May God bless these people.
The Little Things Made the Biggest Difference
Anyone can promise a great trip.
Hekima proves it through small details.
* Hot water bottles waiting in our sleeping bags every night.
* Vaseline when our noses became painfully dry.
* Constant encouragement from the guides.
* Smiles, singing, dancing, and laughter after exhausting days.
Those little moments made us feel like family instead of customers.
The Food Was Incredible
Eat.
Seriously.
Eat everything.
The chef spoiled us every single day.
I was eating triple what I normally eat at home and still lost weight because your body burns so much energy on the mountain.
The crew even loved sharing Peanut M&M’s with us. Somehow those became everyone’s favorite summit night snack, and hearing the crew singing made those moments unforgettable.
NAWAPENDA SANA, Hekima crew. If I could have packed all of you into my suitcase and brought you back to Europe, I would have.
Practical Tips for Future Climbers
A few things that genuinely helped me:
* Diamox from Day 2 worked well for me (250mg daily).
* Drink as much water as possible.
* Electrolytes helped with headaches.
* Pack baby wipes and carry your trash until camp.
* Bring snacks from home.
* Earplugs and an eye mask are lifesavers.
* Use trekking poles—they will save your knees.
* Sleep with your phone inside your sleeping bag.
* A solar panel was worth bringing.
And one thing I wish someone had convinced me to buy…
Rent the Portable Toilet
Don’t think about it.
Just get it.
The public toilets work, but after seeing other people using the portable toilet, I regretted skipping it immediately.
Worth every penny.
For the Girls
One tip I wish someone had told me earlier.
At night it’s completely dark.
For a quick bathroom break, don’t waste energy walking all the way to the public toilet alone.
Take a few steps from your tent, switch off your headlamp, do your business, and get back into your warm sleeping bag.
Summit Night
Four layers kept me warm.
Mittens over fleece gloves.
Hand warmers.
Heat patches.
Positive attitude.
And one step at a time.
I literally counted:
“One… Two…”
following my guide’s footsteps all the way to the top.
The Safari Was Just As Amazing
After climbing Kilimanjaro, our safari felt like the perfect reward.
The organization was seamless.
The guides were knowledgeable.
The service stayed consistent from beginning to end.
Why We Trust Hekima
Every company can have unexpected challenges.
What matters is how they respond.
Hekima responded with professionalism, honesty, and genuine care every single time.
They solved problems.
They communicated.
They checked on us.
They celebrated with us.
They cared about the smallest details not because they had to, but because that’s who they are.
Thank You, Hekima
I work a desk job.
I’m not an athlete.
I’m not the healthiest eater.
Yet I stood on the Roof of Africa.
That happened because of my determination and because Hekima’s team believed in me every step of the way.
The sunrises.
The sunsets.
The stars.
The songs.
The laughter.
The tears.
We’ll never forget any of it.
If you’re thinking about climbing Kilimanjaro or going on safari in Tanzania, stop overthinking.
Book with Hekima Safaris.
One day I truly believe Hekima will become one of the biggest and most trusted safari companies in East Africa.
Asante sana, Hekima.
We’ll be sending everyone your way. ❤️
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
Highly recommended – 5/5! Trusted company
Thank you, Hekima Safaris, for making our dream come true!
For years, our dream was to see Africa’s wildlife in real life—the same incredible animals we had only watched on National Geographic. We were originally planning a trip to Latin America, but at the last minute everything changed when our friend, who had traveled with her family to Kenya and Tanzania in December 2025, recommended Hekima Safaris and shared their contact with us. It turned out to be the best decision we could have made.
From our very first WhatsApp message, the Hekima team responded quickly and professionally. Sophia, their Customer Relationship Manager, designed a perfect itinerary that combined an 8-day safari with 5 relaxing days in Zanzibar. Two weeks before our arrival, we even had a video call with Sophia and Mopoo, who explained everything we needed to pack, answered all our questions, and offered us a secure and convenient payment option. That gave us confidence before we even arrived.
When we landed at Kilimanjaro International Airport, our driver Faraji was waiting for us. He transferred us to Arusha, where we stayed at the beautiful Melia Hotel. The next morning, Mopoo and Faraji joined us for breakfast to go through every detail of our safari and Zanzibar plans. That personal welcome made us feel like we were traveling with people who genuinely cared about our experience.
Before the safari began, we spent a relaxing day exploring Arusha with our local guide, Ambrosia, and in the evening we experienced the city’s nightlife. One thing we loved about Hekima was that they didn’t just show us tourist attractions—they introduced us to the real Tanzanian culture and hidden gems that many visitors never get to experience.
Our 8-day safari was perfectly organized from beginning to end. We started in Tarangire National Park and continued through the breathtaking Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. One detail that impressed us was the hot lunches during the safari. While many companies were serving lunch boxes, Hekima kept their promise and provided delicious hot meals, which made a big difference.
In the Serengeti, we had plenty of time to witness the Great Migration, and Faraji was an exceptional guide. Every game drive came with fascinating stories and knowledge about the wildlife, making the experience even more memorable.
Hekima truly gave us more than we expected. They arranged our flight from Soronera to Zanzibar seamlessly, booked us into a fantastic all-inclusive hotel, and made every transfer smooth and stress-free.
If you’re looking for a safari company you can genuinely trust, we wholeheartedly recommend Hekima Safaris. They are professional, honest, organized, and they go above and beyond to make sure every guest feels safe and well taken care of.
Thank you, Sophia, Mopoo, Faraji, Ambrosia, and the entire Hekima team. We will happily recommend Hekima Safaris to anyone looking for an unforgettable safari and Zanzibar holiday.
Highly recommended – 5/5!
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.
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