African Big Cats Safaris
- Offices 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:
- $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
US
Email Lynzie Rockett | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Lack of communication
Complete lack of communication. Had us pay for a person that wasn’t even there! If a deposit means something different in Tanzania than America it would have been nice to know. African Big Cats advertises one lodge on their website but downgrades last minute to another. The downgraded lodge is on the complete opposite side (East/West-of Zanzibar) and rooms smell terribly of mold/mildew. Two safari days were not needed (the first and last). Those need to be removed from the itinerary completely. Note that most of these safari companies go to the same exact spots. As evidenced by the massive amount of jeeps at every stop and animal sighting. Skip African Big Cats and go with one of the MANY other companies. Our guides (Zab and Jumma) were good!!
Reply from African Big Cats Safaris
Posted on Sep 7, 2023Dear Lynzie, Thank you very much for your review, and i am very sorry to hear that the trip wasn't to your satisfaction.
I want to take a moment to address some concerns and provide clarity regarding your recent safari experience with us. It's essential for us to ensure your understanding and satisfaction.
First and foremost, regarding the issue of a participant who couldn't join the trip at the last moment, I understand how frustrating this can be, especially when plans and expenses are already in place. Originally, the safari was booked for seven people, but just two days before your arrival, we received notification that one person had to cancel. According to our policy, cancellations made within 15 days of travel would result in a 100% loss of the trip cost. However, recognising that this situation was beyond your control, we decided to deviate from our policy and charged only 50% of the cost. This decision still resulted in a loss for us, but we wanted to accommodate your circumstances as best as we could. We genuinely wish we could have offered a full refund, but unfortunately, we couldn't pursue this option due to the policies of the accommodations involved. Please know that we tried our best to assist you in this matter.
Concerning the accommodations themselves, we want to clarify that we never altered the options we initially quoted. When the trip was booked in January, it was based on a pre-made tour that Crystal, the person who booked on behalf of your group, selected from our website. While we do provide the flexibility to change accommodations, Crystal opted to stick with the original itinerary. Upon confirmation, we sent a comprehensive itinerary, which included the accommodations she had chosen. However, in the low season (April), our website underwent renovations, which involved changes to some itineraries and accommodations. One of the affected itineraries was the one Crystal had selected. The accommodation in Zanzibar was changed from Amaan Bungalows to Nungwi Dreams. We were unaware that Crystal was using the website itinerary as a reference for your entire group instead of the final itinerary sent to her via email. This miscommunication led to the belief that you were to overnight at Nungwi Dreams instead of Amaan Bungalows, as per your original quote.
Lastly, regarding the duration of the safari days, it's important to understand that the length of the safari significantly influences the quality of the game drive. Your arrival flight on the first day was scheduled to arrive in the afternoon, making it impossible to arrange any game drive on that day. Furthermore, your subsequent flight directly to Zanzibar meant that you could only accommodate a half-day game drive at Manyara on the last day. Given the limited number of days your group had, extending the safari was not feasible. Please note that the duration of the safari directly impacts the quality of the experience, as more extended periods allow for better exploration of the parks and more private game drives, as our guides have the opportunity to venture beyond the standard routes.
I sincerely hope that this clarifies the concerns you had about your recent safari experience. We greatly appreciate your feedback, and I apologise that the trip did not meet your expectations. Our commitment is to continually improve and ensure the best possible experience for our valued clients.
CA
Email Kimberly | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
African Big Cats made our Safari Experience Exceed our Expectations!
From the very first enquiry with African Big Cats, we knew we had chosen the best! Throughout the planning, they responded promptly and efficiently to our enquires and requests for information. We booked the 5 day/4 night luxury private safari (Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Manyara) and it was perfect. We started our Tanzanian adventure in Moshi. Emmanuel met us there the day before to give us our briefing and our guide Kanti picked us up to begin our adventure the next morning. Our vehicle was a comfy and well equipped Land Cruiser.
Huge kudos to our guide Kanti, he was so incredibly knowledgeable about all the wildlife, the birds, the landscape…we learned so much from him. I don’t know how he was able to spot things of interest so quickly and often from a distance! He made sure we had an opportunity to stop whenever we wanted to for photos etc. It was clear that Kanti’s goal was to make our safari experience the best and he most certainly achieved that. He was funny and kind and it was a joy to travel with him.
All of the accommodations arranged by Emmanuel and staff were first rate! The staff at all the lodges were kind and helpful, the accommodations exceeded our expectations, the meals were five star + (out of five!)
We began our safari with Tarangire National Park and it was our favourite. We saw soooo many animals. Zebra, elephant, lions, hippos, giraffe, wildebeest and close up! The landscape of the park is varied and beautiful. Our first night was at the Escarpment Luxury Lodge, wow. Gorgeous huge bungalow with our own little patio from which we watched a family of baboons stroll by. The best dinner ever sitting outside overlooking the landscape as the sun set. Next day we were off to the Serengeti…a long drive but so much to see as the view changed. We spent two nights at the Serengeti Mbalimbali Soroi which was magnificent (sorry, loads of superlatives but they are well deserved). After a long day in the land cruiser it was lovely to return to our rooms and have an outdoor shower (so cool!) and then sit out either on our own balcony or on the lodges’ huge patio and watch the amazing sunset. Many thanks to Emmanuel at African Big Cats and the Soroi for arranging for/accommodating a last minute request regarding our booking there. Our days in the Serengeti were all that we had hoped for with so many animals in their natural environment. Then we were off to the Ngorongoro crater which is such an amazing site…a very different landscape from the Serengeti, lush and lots of animals in large groups by the water. It’s where we saw our first rhino (at a distance). Kanti made sure to get us in the best spot to watch the rhino through our binoculars. Our last night was at the Ngorongoro Retreat Lodge…I think our favourite lodge because we were able to walk around their beautiful grounds, something you can’t safely do elsewhere due to the other lodges’ more remote locations. Again, the staff and food were fabulous. Last day was Lake Manyara which was unique but there were fewer animals out and about and we had been so spoiled with the sights on the first four days. Then to Arusha to end our safari at the Cultural Heritage Centre. This place is a shopping experience and museum…our recommendation for the best opportunity to buy your gifts/memories. Beautiful craftsmanship and very good prices. We met with Emmanuel as he wanted to get feedback about our experiences (all 100% plus) and then Kanti took us to the airport for our flight to Zanzibar.
In summary, the safari exceeded our expectations. It was well worth the cost. It was apparent from the very beginning that African Big Cats is dedicated to ensuring we had the best experience, and they did.
Tips for travellers. Bring comfy clothing for hot weather and remember it’s quite cool overnight and in the morning. African big cats provides a list of items to bring with you…they have covered it all. There was a pair of binoculars provided but I was happy that I had brought along my own small ones so we could both watch the goings on. The people of Tanzania are some of the most kind and helpful people we have met in our travels. They made us feel so welcome.
Please don’t hesitate to contact African Big Cats to help you achieve the experience of a lifetime. Thanks to Kanti, Emmanuel and Naomi!
Kim and Peter
ES
Email Luis | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fantastic, impossoble to forget.
Absolutely satisfactory. Very recomendable, if possible I would like to repeat the experience.
DE
Email Adam | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent operator, great guide and vehicle, excellent selection of properties
We did a 5-day safari with African Big Cats and had an amazing time. Was originally a recommendation from a friend, I was amazed how many animals she had seen. We also saw a ton of animals over the course of our safari, including all of the big 5. Our guide didn't say much, but he was amazing at finding animals. The accommodation options were all very nice, very beautiful properties with very nice staff and good food. The vehicle provided was also very good. Overall, we were very happy with the service and would recommend it to others.
EG
Email Mostafa | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Without them it wouldn’t be possible. An amazing team
We did summit Kilimanjaro using lemocho route, it was a long trip but thanks to the amazing team we had, we were able to make it.
Overall it wasn’t hard the toughest part is defiantly the summit day, we started 11pm and hiked all night. It was cloudy so we couldn’t see sunrise. But the view is breath taking none the less.
Decending from the summit was the most difficult part for me as i was super tiered and didn’t sleep at all.
The second most tiering day was the last when we were decending to the gates.
However this wouldn’t have been possible with out the amazing team and amazing guide.
I would like to do a shout out to imran he was our main guide and informed us in our briefing with all the details and during the hike he was always there.
The cheif ( can’t remember his name) was amazinggg the food was super tasty. During high altitudes when we had no appetite the food was delicious and made us eat it. He even managed to do an amazing cake in the mountain for our friends birthday.
Also I would like to do shout outs to the elyasse that were there and helping us.
Also samson was amazing
I just don’t want to forget anyone. ( sorry for spelling mistakes in the name)
Ps during the cold nights they provided us with heating pouches it was really nice and helped us sleep.
100% would recommend African big cats and specially imran and his team to anyone
ES
Email Gema | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
An Unforgettable Adventure: A experience Beyond Expectations
I had the privilege of experiencing an unforgettable safari, and I can't recommend it enough. From the moment we arrived, the professionalism and expertise of our guide, Claus, were outstanding. Not only is he an expert in local wildlife, but he also has a contagious passion for the surrounding ecosystem
Each day was filled with surprises, from up-close encounters with majestic elephants, Being a witness to the daily life of great predators., The way Claus shared every moment, offering insights into animal behavior and their environment, made every minute fascinating and educational.
Additionally, the accommodations were top-notch, perfectly situated in a setting that allowed us to fully immerse ourselves in nature. The attention to detail, both in the safari and in the facilities, made our experience even more comfortable and memorable.
If you're looking for a safari experience that not only amazes but also educates you about nature, don't hesitate to choose Claus and Emmanuelle and this safari. It’s an adventure that will stay in your memory forever!
JP
Email Simon | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing service!
We chose African Big Cats to organize our honey moon safari trip. It was without a doubt the best decision we made. Starting from an excellent communication to plan the trip. They were super flexible to modify their luxury standard plan according to our requirements. Then during the trip the guide/driver had an incredible knowledge of the Serengeti, Tarangire, Ngorongoro, and all the animals we encountered, and he had a really good attitude all the time. The food in the lodges and the lunch boxes were amazing as well. Most of important of all we feel that the value for the money was very good.
I will definitely work with them again if we have the chance to come back.
Asante-sana African Big Cats!
AN
Email Philmore Watson | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Big Cats Safari: trusted, expert-guided tours with seamless planning and stunning wildlife.
African Big Cats Safaris exceeded our expectations on every front—communication, service, value, and reliability. From the start, Mr. Emmanuel and Naomi ensured smooth planning and prompt responses to any questions. Our guide David and Ringo were knowledgeable, patient, and went the extra mile to guarantee we saw the Big Five. Every detail was managed perfectly, making the experience feel effortless. African Big Cats Safaris truly delivered excellent value for money with their focus on creating a safe, memorable, and immersive adventure. For anyone looking for a trusted safari company that values both quality service and customer satisfaction, I highly recommend Big Cats Safari!
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Email Claudia | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Reliable
African Big Cats Safaris is a reliable company. Our tour guide “Lovoi” was very experienced, and knows the parks very well. We were impressed by his ability to spot animals that otherwise we would have missed. He was very polite and a joy to be around. A mix of Lovoi’s expertise and with luck, we were able to see the Big Five. He always positioned the safari car in a way that I was able to take the most amazing photos. Highly recommend this company. Safari superseded my expectations. Left Tanzania very happy to say the least!
DE
Email Daniel | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Unforgettable Safari
We booked a 6-day safari with African Big Cats Safaris. It’s important to note that the first day is considered an arrival day, so the actual safari includes 5 days of game drives.
Our journey took us through the stunning national parks of Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti, and Tarangire. Staying at the Intimate Camp in Serengeti was a highlight – sleeping in the park with hyenas roaming near the tent at night was unforgettable. The lodges were very clean, and the staff was always friendly and helpful.
The visit to the Maasai village was interesting and provided insight into their culture, but the significantly overpriced souvenirs left a slightly sour taste. Despite this, learning about the Maasai lifestyle was fascinating, though it's advisable to negotiate when buying souvenirs.
Our guide Lovoi was amazing! He was incredibly friendly, patient, and knowledgeable. Thanks to him, we learned a lot about the wildlife and even saw the Big Five – a major highlight of our safari!
Overall, it was a fantastic experience, despite minor disappointments like the high souvenir prices at the Maasai village. We highly recommend African Big Cats Safaris!