African Big Cats Safaris
- Located In:
-
United States
Australia
Canada
- Size:
- 10-20 employees (Founded in 2013)
- Member Of:
- Tanzania Tourist Board
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $380 to $600 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
NL
Email Tom | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing experience, well organised, super luxurious
We had an amazing trip. It already started in the booking process, they are very responsive, and happy to help with customising the trip. All questions are answered quick and clear. On the trip itself everything was well organised, we had a great guide and amazing luxury locations (while not specifically asking for it).
US
Email Megan | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Lordi was knowledgeable, caring, organized, and fun!
We were thrilled with our safari experience. The company planned the park visits well to accommodate travel time & time needed to fully enjoy the park, and we met with a representative from the operations team on our way to the first park to set expectations, answer questions, and discuss the itinerary and any changes we might want to make last minute. For example, we switched our first and last parks due to what time we would arrive based on how the day was going; this allowed for more time at the larger park and avoiding the hottest part of the day when fewer animals might be active.
Our guide was very personable and stopped to get us some fresh ginger for a cold I was trying to get over which was very thoughtful - you could tell he wanted us to have the best experience possible. We did not feel that there was a set route or timing at any park; we were able to explore and drive to where the animals were, pause when we needed to, and take as many pictures as we liked. Lordi made an effort each time to ensure we had a good view of the animals and would not have any vehicles in the background of our photos which was a very nice extra touch. He even planned our lunch stops so that we could enjoy our meal alongside giraffes one day, cheetahs another, and elephants a third.
Communication was strong with no language barrier, the accommodations were very comfortable, and we never had concerns for safety nor service level. Everything was tailored to how we wanted our safari experience to go, and we learned a great deal about animals, the Maasai tribe, and life in Tanzania. Finally, the vehicle provided ample shade, beverages, and there were charging stations so we never had to worry about running out of battery while we took pictures of the countless animals we saw.
FI
Email Kulinarist | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
A fantastic safari! Asante sana!
We were looking for an experienced Safari operator to make our extended family’s Safari a success. Having lived in Tanzania (years ago) and with plenty of safari experience, we knew what we were looking for. And we found it.
African Big Cats Safaris office staff were absolutely fantastic in helping us tailor the package to our 9 person groups (ages ranging from 11 to 77) needs and wishes. All our questions were answered swiftly and professionally and their experience based advise was offered at all the right moments.
We ended up making a 6 days 5 nights Ndutu Migration Safari, visiting Tarangire, South Serengeti (Ndutu area), Ngorongoro and Lake Manyara.
The first night was at Ilboru Safari Lodge in Arusha, for a very needed acclimatisation day at the pool after the long flights from Finland. The two nights to-and-from Serengeti we spent at slightly upgraded hotels (Ngorongoro Farm House and Escarpment Lodge), which can both be recommended. In fact, we probably could easily have spent an entire day at the farm house.
At Ndutu we spent two nights at the Ndutu Heritage Migration Camp, which was fantastic and made the safari really feel like a safari. After all, a safari without sleeping in tents is not really a safari, is it (even if the tents did have fantastic beds, running water and wi-fi)? There were wild animals walking close to the camp, and grazing outside our tent during the night. And still even our children felt safe and comfortable.
Our guides ”Denny” and Khalid were absolute professionals and did an outstanding job in both deepening the knowledge of our more experienced Africa-travellers and teaching our first-time safari-going children about the local animals, nature and culture.
Admittedly, our expectations were very high about the animals we wished and wanted to see on the safari. And they were met. The only big five that eluded us (not for lack of searching) was the leopard, but it was more than compensated by the four cheetah, the very rare caracal cat spotting at close range, and the incredible ten rhinos we saw at Ngorongoro.
In addition to all the different species of animals and birds, it was great to see the migrating herds of Zebra and birthing wildebeest in such vast numbers. Staying in the Ndutu area was absolutely the correct choice at this time of year.
All the arrangements were top notch, the cars were comfortable, the food was excellent and the drinks were (mostly) cold. And the animal spotting was plentiful. Most importantly, unlike some of the other safari guides we saw in the parks, our African Big Cats Safaris guides were experienced professionals with a high respect for the animals and the nature (as it should be).
P.S. If you are wondering how many lions can fit into one tree, the answer is ten.
CA
Email Pierre-Luc | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The most magical honeymoon with ABC safari
We went on the 10 day luxury safari and cultural experience tour with African Big Cats for our honeymoon in February.
It could not have been more perfect.
From the first welcome at the airport to the last goodbye at the end of the trip, we always felt safe and in good hands.
The lodges were comfortable, clean and it was very exciting to hear the animals at night while always feeling very safe. The food was also delicious during the entire trip.
Last but not least, our driver Endeni has been amazing from start to finish. He was excellent at spotting animals from far, was very knowledgeable and planned the different days in order for us to be able to see everything. He knew where to spend more time based on our itinerary and this way, we were able to appreciate the great migration, wildebeests giving birth, while also having time to see hunting cheetahs, many lions and of course, the big 5. (Rhino was far but if it was not for Endeni, we would not have seen any as all the other drivers drove past where it was without noticing it). He also did not hesitate to do the extra mile for us to have the best trip. The car was great, spacious, comfortable, and Endeni was an excellent and careful driver.
My wife and I want to thank ABC safaris for this incredible adventure, we will definitely refer this company to anyone who asks and hopefully will have the chance to go back in the future.
US
Email Ethan | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Knowledgeable, responsive, and put together a great time
From the moment I messaged them 3 months before arrival, they were very responsive, at the latest within 24 hours.
I was traveling solo and hoped to be paired with a group, but they do not combine groups. I stick with this company because my friends had recommended them, and they did not disappoint. It was a bonus to be solo because I received extra attention and assistance I may not have in a large group. My guide Steve and the team were incredibly experienced, guiding me to the top via Marangu route 5 days safely.
DE
Email Franzi | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Wonderful Safari
Hello,
Our safari in Tanzania with African Big Cats Safari was wonderful.
Everything is tailored to the needs of the vacationers.
Payment via the Wise app/internet site worked really well, despite a few reservations on my side.
I would use this payment method again in the future.
The service from ABC-Safari was very good and fast before, during and after the safari.
Our driver was able to tell us a lot about the traditions of the people and indigenous people as well as about animals and plants.
He also knew every spot in the national parks and so we saw an incredible number of animals.
The catering during the safari was also very good. There was always a packed lunch provided by the hotel. There is also plenty of water available free of charge.
Beer, Coke and Sprite were also available - in limited quantities. (By arrangement with the driver / service provider)
Conclusion
I would recommend the African Big Cats Safaris safari to any of my family / friends.
I was thrilled with the safari.
Thank you for the wonderful moments.
DE
Email Andreas | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Beautiful safari with African Big Cats Safaris
Hello,
Our safari in Tanzania at African Big Cats Safari was wonderful.
Everything is tailored to the needs of holidaymakers.
Payment via the Wise app/website worked great, despite a few concerns on my part.
Would use this payment method again in the future.
The service from ABC-Safari was very good and quick before / during and after the safari.
Our driver was able to tell us a lot about the traditions of the citizens and indigenous people as well as about animals and plants.
He also knew every spot in the national park and so we saw an incredible amount of animals.
Care during the safari was also very good. There was always a packed lunch provided by the hotel. There is also enough water available free of charge.
Beer, cola and Sprite were also available - in limited quantities. (After consultation with the driver / service provider)
Conclusion
I would recommend the African Big Cats Safaris safari to any of my friends/acquaintances.
I was thrilled with the safari
Thank you for the beautiful moments
(automatic translation from German)
US
Email Andrew Krauska | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Trip of a Lifetime with African Big Cats Safari, Tanzania
My wife Jane and I chose African Big Cats Safari (ABCS) for our 20th Anniversary trip to Tanzania after reading the over 300 reviews of other travelers who had loved their experience. We made the right choice. From start to finish it was a first-class, luxury vacation. In my working career, I was a Quality Management advisor so I know what a quality experience looks and feels like. In every way, ABCS "exceeded our expectations."
We spent the first two nights at the Gran Melia Hotel in Arusha to recuperate from jet lag. What a beautiful hotel experience that was. You will love it.
ABCS tailored their 7-day, 6-night luxury tour to my requests, including an incredible Serengeti Balloon Safari which took us directly over the Great Migration and set us down right next to it, alongside eight lions walking parallel to the migrating animals. From the balloon, we could see the great migration from horizon to horizon. It goes on year-round and in February the migration is in the southern Serengeti in the Ngutu region where 8000 baby wildebeest are born daily. It is well worth the added cost to do the Balloon Trip; you won't regret it.
Our safari guide, Obedi (Obe), had been guiding for 14 years and he knew every road, turn, tree, and bush like it was the back of his hand. Without a GPS or map he guided the entire trip from memory. Other guides would flash their lights at him, to have him stop and they'd asked him how to get to their camp, as they were lost. This happened twice on this trip. My wife and I love Obe so much we adopted him and plan to keep in touch with him and use him as our guide when we do our next trip to the Northern Serengeti. He calls us Bebe Jane and Babu Andy now.
Obe always asked me daily what we wanted to see and always delivered.
I wanted to see lions in trees, he knew just the tree that they often climbed and we got great photos of 3 lions sleeping in trees. He did the same for finding lion cubs, newborn wildebeest, warthogs, hyenas, giraffes, elephants, rhino's, Cape buffalo, hippos, leopards, cheetahs on a kill, male lions, and even mating lions. We saw them all. We are avid birders as well and he knew them all and pointed out many that I had missed.
We had previously been to Krueger Park in South Africa and it was a great experience, but in terms of the number of big cats we saw in Tanzania I can honestly say, we saw more each day in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater than we saw in a week In South Africa.
The vehicle was a Toyota Land Cruiser with pop-top roof with seating for six passengers. Most all the other safari vehicles were the same make/model. I am so glad we paid extra for a private safari guide and vehicle as we could move from front to back of the vehicle easily with just my wife and me. The roads are bumpy from Ngorongoro Crater to the Serengeti but I was impressed with the great shocks on the Toyota. I might also add that after every safari trip, ABCS has the entire vehicle inspected to proactively make any repairs that may be needed.
Besides Obe's experience as a guide and knowledge of the terrain, he was also a skilled driver, both on-road and off-road, and you spend a lot of time going off-road in the Serengeti. He knew when to slow down and take it slow, he knew how to deal with mud and streams of muddy water, and he knew when to turn around and take another route.
ABCS goes far and above most companies would do. We received a free upgrade to a private Bungalo on Lake Manyara at the Maramboi Luxury Lodge which had our own private infinity pool right at the edge of the lake. The second day, after the morning safari I had an upset stomach and Obe took me to a local pharmacy to get some nausea medicine which corrected the problem. On the third day, I wanted an early start for the Ngorongoro crater and we ended up with a great view of the crater, even getting photos of rhinos far down in the crater. On our last night in the Serengeti, I wanted to try some Tanzanian food, specifically Ugali but was unable to get it made at the lodge we were at. Obe, calls back to the office and talks to Emanuel, the owner and when we return to Arusha, takes me to their office and surprises me with a full-course Tanzania dinner with Ugali! Now that's what I call "5 Star service."
There are hundreds of safari companies offering similar trips. They all use the same type of vehicles, stay at the same lodges, go to the same parks, and have comparable prices. I like supporting ABCS because they are a locally owned, small business and not owned by a foreign/European owner. Emanuel, the owner of ABCS started as a safari guide himself, and just as we in America pursue the American Dream, Emanuel is living his Tanzanian Dream, starting his own business, and employing local talent. I'm impressed with him, his Office Operations Manager, Naomi, and the entire team at African Big Cats Safari, and hope other Americans will choose them for their own once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Two pieces of advice:
1. After 25-30 hours of travel, take a two-night stay at the Gran Melia to start the trip.
Emanuel will come over the next day and give you a brief of your booked safari and answer all questions.
2. Pay the deposit and/or balance via a wire transfer as credit cards have an added 5% charge in Tanzania and they don't take international Bank Drafts.
I am a retired Naval Aviator, and a retired Senior Network Engineer, living in the Villages, FL (If you're a Villager, look us up in the Villages Directory if you want to talk). Anyone who wishes to contact me about my trip may do so. I will be posting a trip review, photos, and video within a couple of weeks on Youtube, just search Youtube for African Big Cats Safari and you should be able to find it
Here is Emanuel's YouTube intro to ABCS.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nm9pGWMd8wY
Andy and Jane Krauska
RO
Email Marius | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great and safe Safari
We had a 6 days Safari in February 2024, including Tarangire, Lake Eyasi, South Serengeti, Ngorongoro. We are a family with two 7 years old children. Everything went smoothly during planning. They were flexible, with quick responses and adapted very well to our plans.
Our guide was Lovoi, an experienced guide and a very good driver (this is very important in a safari). He seems to know every single path in Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Tarangire. Lovoi has "eagle eyes" as he can spot and identify animals where you cannot imagine. He knows a lot about animals, birds and plants. Being a family with relatively small children, safety was very important. Thanks to Lovoi this criteria was completely fulfilled.
The accomodations that were arranged for us were great in all locations.
We also appreciated the meeting we had with Emanuel (manager of the company), that took place both before and at the end of the safari. We had the opportunity to ask questions and also to provide a feed back at the end of the journey.
In conclusion, thanks again Lovoi and African Big Cats Safaris!
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.