African Big Cats Safaris
- Office In:
- Size:
- 20-50 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
CN
Email Summer | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A Vehicle Accident and What Followed
Our safari with African Big Cat Safaris in May 2026 was unfortunately marked by a serious vehicle accident, and I believe future travellers should be aware of both the incident itself and the company's response afterwards.
During our safari in the Serengeti, the vehicle left the road and came to rest on its side. Official incident reports and a traffic citation were issued following the accident.
Several members of our group sustained injuries. I was seated in the rear row of the vehicle and, after returning to China, CT imaging confirmed fractures of the L1-L3 lumbar transverse processes resulting from the accident. Another member of our group was diagnosed locally with a mild concussion.
Local medical assistance was arranged after the incident, and based on the medical assessments available at the time, no serious bone injury was identified. However, both the concussed passenger and I were unable to participate in safari activities the following day and remained at camp while the rest of the group continued the itinerary.
To be fair, the company covered local medical expenses incurred in Tanzania and provided the accident documentation when requested.
My concern relates less to the accident itself and more to the level of care and support shown afterwards.
After returning home, medical examinations confirmed injuries that had not been identified locally. We submitted the relevant medical evidence and attempted to resolve the remaining accident-related costs through direct and respectful communication.
We also limited our request and did not pursue compensation for missed safari activities, damaged personal property, loss of income, rehabilitation costs, or other indirect losses. Instead, we requested a modest contribution toward a small portion of the accident-related expenses that remained uncovered by our travel insurance.
The company ultimately declined any form of goodwill support beyond the medical expenses already covered in Tanzania and informed us that its position was final. More importantly, at no stage did we feel there was meaningful acknowledgement of the impact this accident had on the injured members of the group.
Safari travel inherently carries risk, and I understand that accidents can happen even with experienced operators. For me, the most important measure of a company is not whether an accident occurs, but how it responds when guests are injured.
I encourage prospective travellers to ask detailed questions about vehicle safety procedures, seatbelt policies, emergency response arrangements, accident reporting processes, and post-incident support before booking.
This review reflects my personal experience and is supported by official incident records, medical documentation, and correspondence with the company.
Reply from African Big Cats Safaris
Posted on Jun 5, 2026Dear Summer Tang,
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience.
First and foremost, we are truly sorry that this incident occurred during your safari and that both you and your travelling companion suffered injuries as a result. We understand how distressing the experience must have been, and we sincerely regret that it became part of your journey with us.
Guest safety and wellbeing remain our highest priorities, and whenever an incident occurs, our focus is on ensuring that affected guests receive prompt assistance and appropriate medical care. Following the accident, our team arranged medical attention immediately, assisted with transportation and logistics, maintained communication throughout the remainder of your stay, and covered the medical expenses incurred in Tanzania.
Based on the medical assessments available at the time, no serious bone injuries were identified, and medical professionals did not recommend hospitalization, emergency evacuation, or discontinuation of your safari. We therefore understand how concerning it must have been to later learn, following further examinations in China, that additional injuries had been identified.
We also appreciate your acknowledgement that local medical expenses were covered by our company. After receiving the medical documentation submitted following your return home, we carefully reviewed the matter and considered the request presented to us. While we were unable to provide additional financial support beyond the assistance already provided, this decision should not be interpreted as a lack of concern for your wellbeing. Rather, it reflected our position regarding expenses incurred after the completion of the safari and outside Tanzania, which are typically addressed through travel insurance arrangements.
We respect that you feel disappointed by the outcome, and we understand that your experience has led you to view the situation differently. At the same time, we would like future travelers to know that our team remained committed to supporting you throughout the incident and its immediate aftermath, and that every decision made was taken in good faith and with your welfare in mind.
Safari travel takes place in remote wilderness environments where, despite experienced guides, maintained vehicles, established safety procedures, and careful planning, unforeseen incidents can occasionally occur. While such events are extremely rare, we continuously review our operations and procedures to maintain the highest possible standards of safety and guest care.
We are grateful that you and your travelling companion were able to complete the remainder of your safari, and we sincerely wish you both continued recovery, good health, and all the very best for the future.
Kind regards,
African Big Cat Safaris