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:
- $250 to $600 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 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.
US
Email Joseph | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
African Safari
Breathtaking! Amazing!
Anyone thinking of a safari, think no more, wait no further. The experience is absolutely soul fulfilling ! My wife and I are world travelers and would not trade what we experienced here for any of our many other adventures. This was so remarkably fulfilling.
Thank you African Big Cats Safari!
We could not have asked for more. Every desire we had for our safari was expertly met. The lodges were beautiful and welcoming. The camps we stayed in were absolutely amazing, as were the people.
We could not believe such comfort could be had in the middle of the Serengeti! All of their staffs, both at ABC and the lodges and especially their camps were so welcoming. The hospitality was exceptional. We have never in our lives been treated so well. Well beyond expectations.
And even with all this done so well, we must say, our guide Endeni was the single most important part of this. All the planning, catering and care would be meaningless without a guide that can find game, educate and keep you safe.
Endeni’s knowledge is incredible, he educated and entertained us with it. We learned so much while our jaws dropped in wonderment! With Endeni we always felt safe and we always had adventure.
Thank you Endeni! You took such good care of us. You should make ABC very proud to have you.
And, yes, WE FOUND THE BIG 5! Even off season!
The pictures are amazing!! Only second to the memories.
We even saw a Calacal cat! What a rare find!
Book with African Big Cats Safari and bring a good camera and be prepared for a life edifying experience.
CA
Email Cassandra | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fantastic family safari experience
We chose African Big cats because they had great communication before safari, answering all our questions. They also had a better price point than the other companies we were looking at.
We did an 8 day, 7 night safari and enjoyed our experience immensely. We have twin 9 year olds and they also enjoyed their experience and learned a lot. Our guide, Lodi, was excellent at finding us the animals we wanted to see and worked with the other guides to help locate the animals. We really appreciate the camaraderie amongst all the guides, helping each other with flat tires or pulling out people who got stuck. It's a great atmosphere.
Our lodges were all very well chosen and excellent places. Our favourite was the intimate camp zebra and seeing lion eyes in the dark as we sat by the campfire.
Thanks ABC and Lodi for the amazing safari experience.
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Email Gabby | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great experience!
ABC Safaris guides Imram and Elias guided myself and three friends up Kilimanjaro using the Machame route. All 4 of us summited and we really believe they helped us so much with our trek and ultimately reaching our goal of getting to the top. The entire team of guides, porters, chefs, and staff were respectful, caring, helpful, and went above and beyond to make our trek special and successful. The whole team worked with each of us to ensure that we were eating well, hydrating and carrying the right gear throughout the trek. The staff also helped us with figuring out storing our bags and renting our gear! We could not recommend ABC Safaris for a Kili trek more.
CN
Email Wendy | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Perfect
Our trip was truly perfect.
I was very lucky to choose ABC as our tour guide. We are a family of 8 people. Including two 70-year-old and two children. 9 and 5 years old girls. We have set a luxury itinerary. All five-star hotel for 9 days 8 nights.
It took me several months to talk about this trip with ABC. I have changed the plan like 3 times, They replied quickly and were very considerate. They gave us a lot of useful tips before our trip, and they also included the insurance of the flying doctor. It’s truly thoughtful.
The manager Emanuel met us 2 times, before our safari and after , he told us all the details and made us feel very secure.
We had 2 vans. 2 guides. They were amazing, very professional. The manager told me that their guides all had more than ten years of safari experience. On our game drive time, the roads were not very smooth. Coz March was raining season. They need to drive while looking for animals based on experience. They have eagle-like eyes, can quickly find all kinds of birds, big cats, and taught us a lot of knowledge. My two children are very happy to come to Africa to see the real animal world that they had watched on TV. ( Our guides names were Endeni and Obedi. )
Before I came, I was worried that we couldn't see anything in the rainy season, but my goodness , we actually saw everything! thousands of wildebeests and zebras in Serengeti. We are very lucky to see all Big Five of east Africa . We saw beautiful cheetah, elegant giraffe family. African elephant family, at least 15 elephants with babies. We also saw more than 20 lions hunting. Right in front of us, the feeling of being close at hand, you can't imagine how great it was.
We were very happy of this safari trip. We will share this experience with our friends and strongly recommend that they choose ABC African big cats when they visit Tanzania.
(Btw I think Endeni learnt some mandarin, he can say elephant , hippo , impalas ,zebra wildebeest ,lions in mandarin. So cool. )
CA
Email Tyler, Beke, Teala and Benno | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Incredible, customized safari
Absolutely incredible trip! African Big Cats was professional from start to finish. Our safari was in great hands with an experienced & knowledge driver. Tanzania is a special place and Big Cats helped us to experience this to the fullest!
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).
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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.