African Big Cats Safaris
- Offices In:
-
United StatesAustralia
Canada
- Size:
- 10-20 employees (Founded in 2013)
- Member Of:
- TATO & TTB
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $200 to $1,100 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
for a custom tour
Your request will be sent directly to the operator
If preferred, you can contact the operator directly
Reviews
Email Chris Horne | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
African Big Cats were fantastic and could not have done more to make our holiday the best ever.
African Big Cats Safaris were excellent from start to finish. The booking process went smoothly and they made some adjustments to our trip without any issue.
Our guide, Lordlugard, was just brilliant. He was knowledgeable and passionate about the wildlife and environment, and a mine of information about the local tribes and cultures. He had knack of knowing when something was about to happen, be it waiting for a little longer than all of the other jeeps and being rewarded with a lion hunt, or finding the exact place to park when a herd of elephants was about to cross a road. He's also a really nice guy :-)
We had a 2 week trip and every day was a highlight. Not just the stunning nature reserves, but also the cultural experiences like making arrows with the Hadzabe tribe or spear throwing and dancing (not at the same time) with the Maasai. We saw all of the big 5 and many more. Listening to a leopard prowling around our tent was something that we won't forget.
We had very high expectations of this holiday and these were exceeded by African Big Cats. Truly the experience of a lifetime.
Email Philip | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Simply the best.
My wife and I could not have had a better experience with African Big Cats Safaris. Our honeymoon was unforgettable, and I am so grateful that we ended up choosing this tour operator.
Planning: Justice and Naomi helped me customize the itinerary, provided helpful suggestions to accommodate our needs, and communicated clearly throughout the process.
Arrival and Pre-Safari: Upon arrival, we were greeted by our guide, Obed, outside the airport and taken to Arusha. The next morning, Emanuel gave us a briefing on what to expect and answered all of our questions.
Safari: Obed was an incredible guide--I cannot speak highly enough of him. Despite some less than ideal road conditions in the parks, we trusted him completely to get us where we needed to go safely. We really appreciated his fun and insightful comments between destinations, as well as the information he provided to us about the animals. I truly could not have imagined a better guide. We visited Tarangire, Ngorongoro, and the Serengeti. Each was great, but Ngorongoro was a can't miss.
Lodgings: Our lodgings (Melia Arusha, Maramboi Tented Lodge, and Lion's Paw) were each unique and amazing, truly world-class.
Zanzibar: We chose the Zanzibar add-on as part of our honeymoon, and we stayed at the Melia Zanzibar. Getting to Zanzibar from the Serengeti had only one slight delay at the airport but otherwise went very smoothly. Upon arrival, we did the Stone Town tour, which I would highly recommend. The hotel itself was fantastic and relaxing--exactly what we wanted after the game drives.
Notes: I was slightly nervous about transferring out money to a Tanzanian bank account, but it ended up being no problem at all. I also was slightly nervous about not receiving hotel or travel confirmations, but everything went smoothly.
Email Cherie | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Very professional organized company that provides a spectacular experience.
We chose African Big Cats Safaris by researching local Tanzanian company reviews, and we had a fantastic private safari experience. We booked everything on line with email communication and paid via wire transfers from our bank to theirs. It was all very easy and straightforward. We told them which parks we’d like to see and they arranged the whole package for us. They picked us up at the Arusha airport and we were taken for an in person briefing with Emmanuel, who also personally debriefed us at the end. From the time we arrived to the time we left, African Big Cats Safari took care of everything—all transportation, meals, lodging and fees. We just had to show up every morning and enjoy the beauty of Tanzania. Our Maasai guide Levoi was amazing—he was so knowledgeable about so much—animals, flora, fauna and birds. He even saw a sleeping bat in the shade of the tree! He took great care of us during our week with him. Levoi also taught us so much about the culture and history of the area. We would not hesitate a moment to book again with this company. It’s a tremendous value (we chose “comfort” level and stayed in great tented camps and lodges). There are so many safari companies in Tanzania, it’s daunting to chose one, but African Big Cats Safari is definitely a fantastic and safe choice.
CA
Email James | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very professional and courteous
The tour was fantastic!! Very professional and courteous. Excellent guide who did everything possible for us to see the big five and much more. Would definitely use them again!
Email Michael | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Adventure of a lifetime
We had a great time on our Tanzanian safari with African Big Cats. Everything went so smoothly - all we had to do was sit back and enjoy the amazing sights. Lavoi was a superb guide. Funny, knowledgeable, a great driver and unbelievable animal spotter. When other guides were lost, they would be asking Lavoi how to get back to the lodge! We had so many unbelievable animal encounters and Lavoi made sure we found everything we wanted to see!
From initial enquiry, the team were quick, flexible and helpful. We chose African Big Cats due to a recommendation from a friend and we will now strongly recommend anyone to go with African Big Cats.
Email Amanda Locke | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Incredible experience
From our initial enquiry we experienced prompt communication. All questions were answered fully and the booking process was simple and straightforward. We felt secure and valued at all times. No question was too much bother and all information received was fully explained.
We were collected from the airport and met by Emmanuel at breakfast who talked us through what to expect from our trip. Endeni was our safari guide and he was excellent from start to finish. He was knowledgeable, and communicated with us in detail at all times. He had a great sense of humour too. We felt valued and safe throughout.
Accommodation and food was great and complimented our safari.
We were lucky enough to see all of the BIG 5 and the UGLY 5 and so much more.
Our experience was incredible and we cannot recommend Big Cats Safari highly enough. Very reputable company.
CA
Email Emelie | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing
Very good company, well organized, experienced guide
All necessary equipment provided
We had an amazing week
(automatic translation from French)
Professional
Professional guide, amazing views, unforgettable experience.
ES
Email Carolrp | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Helpful and well organized company
We spend 5 days and 4 nights touring Tarangire, Ngorongoro and Serengeti National Park and every minute was worthy. We got picked up from the airport and the adventure began. African Bug Five is extremely accommodating, reliable and it’s great value for the money that we had paid. The Safari is spectacular, the accommodations are great and our guide the best. I would always recommend Endeni he was outstanding, from early morning to late afternoon. He would give us all the necessary information and answer to all our questions. And the most important: We got to see the Big 5.
CA
Email Marinko | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Thank you for the greatest guide
First and foremost. We had an amazing guide. experienced Moses is very very knowledgeable in his field. He has a history of many different adventures. He answers any and every question you might have. Guide on the scale 1 -10. Moses is 11. The vehicle left something to be desired. Windows require a power of an ox to open. Seats are what they are and tent camps however talked up are uncomfortable. Hot water bottles needed and was placed in bed to warm you a bit so you don’t freeze. All in all with exception of our glories guide, we payed too much for what we got. They sometimes think that American dollars are on even par with Tanzanian shillings. Don’t drink in safari camps. Each shot of vodka leaves you wanting to stop drinking for ever by its size. The art of a cheat. Single shot is no shot. The smallest in the world. And I’ve seen the world. Short and sweet !robbery.
Tanzanians are fast business companies.They will slow you down. Hard working People are honest tough,and truly very hard working for small money. Your tips are supposed to compensate there starving wage.the companies are not ashamed to tell you how much to tip, and that’s not jut a pitons,on daily bases mind you. You are pinned against hard,hard working man and women however you look at it.
Safari is a swim where only fitest can survive
And your wallet will be victimized in no time.
Thank you to the greatest guide ! “Moses”
Moses is the best
Forget the rest.
Reply from African Big Cats Safaris
Posted on Jun 27, 2025Dear Marinko,
Thank you very much for sharing your feedback, and for highlighting the exceptional service provided by our guide, Moses. We are delighted to hear that he made such a strong impression on you. Moses is indeed a dedicated professional, and your words of praise will mean a lot to him and to our entire team.
We are also grateful for the constructive parts of your review, and we would like to respond to a few of your concerns with care and clarity.
Regarding the safari vehicle, we understand your experience and apologize for any inconvenience caused. These vehicles are specially designed to handle rough, dusty, and sometimes muddy roads common in the bush. Occasionally, wear and tear such as stiff windows can occur after long hours in rugged terrain. However, our guides are trained to inspect and service the vehicle each evening to ensure comfort and reliability the following day, and we do appreciate you bringing this to our attention.
About the hot water bottles, these are commonly placed in beds in the Ngorongoro area due to the naturally cold climate at that high altitude. This is a standard and thoughtful gesture offered by most lodges and camps in the area to help guests stay warm at night, and we are sorry to hear it came as an unpleasant surprise.
In terms of accommodation, the safari camps we use are categorized into various levels ranging from mid-range to luxury plus. Each level offers a different experience and range of amenities. While mid-range camps may not have all the luxuries of top-end lodges, they are carefully selected for their comfort, safety, warm hospitality, and proximity to wildlife areas. We always aim to match our guests with the best option based on their preferences and budget.
With regard to beverages, the drink portions and pricing are set by the individual lodges and camps. We do not control their standards, but we will share your feedback with the camp in question to help them improve the guest experience.
Concerning tipping, it is indeed a customary practice in Tanzania and throughout the safari industry. However, we never require it. At each guest briefing upon arrival, we provide clear and transparent guidance on tipping as an option not a rule. If a guest is not satisfied with the service received, they are under no obligation to tip.
Finally, we fully respect your views on value for money. We strive to create meaningful, high-quality safari experiences while ensuring that our team and partners are fairly compensated for their hard work in delivering complex logistics across remote locations.
Once again, thank you for traveling with us. We sincerely appreciate both your compliments and your suggestions. Your feedback helps us grow and serve future guests better. Most importantly, we are thrilled that Moses made your journey so memorable.
Wishing you many more enriching adventures ahead.
Warm regards,