African Big Cats Safaris
- Offices In:
-
United States
Australia
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
CH
Email Jonas | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
A lifetime experience
We had a multigenerational Safari with 2x >70 years of age, 2x around 40 years of age and two kids 9&12 years.
Our guide Obedi was great and soon realized, that we are also very interested in birds. So apart from the big cats (lion, leopard and cheetah) the elephants, giraffes, hippos, warthogs, antilopes, etc., he also explained and found lots of wonderful birds for us. He drove very carefully and safe and did everything to fulfill all our wishes. The car was good and we didn’t experience a single problem. When he went to the petrol station in Serengeti on the third day, he left us at the visitors center and organized a great guide which showed us around.
We chose Big cats Safari because my sister and her family traveled with them last year and were extremely satisfied, and we were not disappointed a single minute of the trip.
We would definitely choose Big Cats Safari and Obedi again
CA
Email Nancy | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Our Tanzania Safari with African Big Cats was awesome!
We had an amazing 8day/7night luxury Tanzania Safari thanks to African Big Cats.
Our initial inquiry with the company was promptly and professionally answered by William Frank who diligently collaborated with us adjusting our itinerary until we settled on one that included everything we wanted. Our file was then handed over to Naomi who continued with excellent communication answering all our queries up until our departure.
Upon our arrival at JRO we were met by Samuel our driver and guide. Samuel was an excellent driver throughout our Safari. His ability to spot the animals while manoeuvring the roads was amazing. We were able to see all that we imagined and more, including seeing the wildebeests crossing the river. Who could have ever imagined seeing lions, elephants, giraffe, and zebras within feet of the jeep. Samuel always gave us plenty of time to sit and watch the animals and was willing to stop whenever we wanted him to. We owe Samuel a huge thank-you for making our Safari experience more than we expected and something we won’t forget.
The luxury tented camps were all exceptionally clean and comfortable with very courteous and welcoming staff. The Serengeti River Camp in the North Serengeti stood out above the rest including the outstanding chef who provided us with some delicious meals.
Asanti-Sana to African Big Cats for a job well done and leaving us with many wonderful memories.
CN
Email Runxue | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A great experience with Claus
My friend and I had a wonderful experience! Everything was nice and clear starting from email communications to the end of trip. The staffs are very professional and helpful. All the acommadations recommended are comfortable and clean. Our guide Claus is dedicated and friendly, he tried his best to make sure we see as much animals as possible, we truely appreciate his effort! Overall, it was a great experience. I would recommend African Big Cats Safaris to friends and family.
CN
Email LIZ ZHOU | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent service and unforgettable wildlife encounters
I first got in touch with Big Cat through BookingSafari back in February. At the time, I was speaking with a few different local operators and had some good conversations with other sales reps too. But overall, Joshua from Big Cat gave me the best impression. He was always patient and responsive, and very reliable whenever we had questions or special requests.
We already had a few camps and a rough route in mind, so the communication was smooth and efficient. Once we got the final quotes and confirmed the camps we wanted, we decided to go with Big Cat right away. Then came a long wait of almost six months before our actual trip at the end of September.
On our first night, we were welcomed by the manager who carefully went over all the key information with us. He was friendly and very detailed, which made us feel well taken care of. The next morning, we took a small domestic flight to the northern Serengeti, where our guide Lovio was already waiting for us. He led us through an amazing Safari journey. On the very first day, we were lucky enough to witness two river crossings by wildebeests. Over the next few days, we managed to see almost all the animals we hoped for, except the black rhino which was a bit too far away.
Lovio’s vehicle did break down twice during the trip. The first time, it caused some delays, but after the car was fixed, he really gave his best effort to help us spot more wildlife. The second time it happened was on the way to Ngorongoro Crater. Honestly, I guess we were just too lucky in our own way, since not everyone gets this kind of “experience,” right?
On the last afternoon, while we were heading back to Arusha, I suddenly came down with acute food poisoning. Lovio was incredibly helpful and brought us to two hospitals to make sure I got the treatment I needed. Luckily, my condition was under control by that night, and I was able to catch my international flight the next day without issues.
I’m truly grateful to Big Cat and especially to our guide Lovio. This trip gave us unforgettable memories. I hope the next time I visit Tanzania for another Safari, I’ll have the chance to meet them again.
PT
Email Lucy | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Trip of a lifetime thanks to African Big Cats
We were very impressed with African Big Cats Safaris! We organised a 14 day combined trip of safari and a beach stay in Zanzibar. There was very good communication for the organisation of our trip and the booking process went smoothly thanks to Salim and Naomi. We appreciated the personal touch of Emmanuel meeting us before we started the trip.
We had never been to Tanzania before and the safari was an incredible experience. This was hugely due to our amazing guide, Charles. He collected us from Arusha airport and was so knowledgeable and informative, but very humble and friendly - we immediately felt at ease with him. We were blown away by the different animals we saw and enjoyed learning about them from Charles. We appreciated that he was so patient and we were able to stay and watch the animals longer, whilst other vehicles sped off as we really got to see how the animals behaved in their natural habitat!
The Moonbow lodge and Embalaki camp we stayed in on safari were both of high quality with very good food. The amazing staff at these accommodations really go out of their way to make you feel welcome!
Our stay in Zanzibar at the Z hotel was equally amazing. The hotel is lovely, with excellent facilities and is right by Nungwi beach which is stunning.
We really recommend African Big Cats as a company and would use them again given their professionalism in the organisation of our incredible and unforgettable experience!
CA
Email Kayleigh | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Brilliant company
I could not recommend this company enough. It is a locally owned and operated. Emmanuel who owns the company met with us personally at the beginning and end of the trip which was a nice personal touch. From enquiring about the safari till arriving, the communication was excellent and we always had speedy replies to any questions. The safari was completely tailored to what we wanted, and included lots of activities to learn about the culture as well as animal viewing.
From start to finish, the whole tour was amazing. Our guide Venance was an expert on all the animals, including the birds. Venance also told us lots of details on the culture and local tribes. Venance seemed to be able to spot an animal from a mile away. His eyes were so sharp that we'd regularly be the first to spot animals and enjoy them alone before other vehicles would joined. We seen the big 5 as well as so many other animals that lives in the park.
The vehicle was well stocked with water, soda and beers the whole trip. Nothing quite like having a beer when watching a Pride of lions.
Venance could not have taken better care of us and made us feel well cared for and safe the whole trip. Venance also provided a lot of flexibility to make the trip exactly what we wanted it.
All of the accommodations chosen by African Big Cats were brilliant. We did not have a bad meal the whole trip. And we certainly did not go hungry at any time. There was so much food.
We would recommend this tour group to everyone and we would not hesitate to use African Big Cats when we return to Tanzania.
US
Email Kimberly Rotticci | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
AMAZING!
How do you quantify greatness? From start to finish, African Big Cats Safaris was incredible. They went above and beyond in EVERY aspect.
My first encounter was with William Frank. Mr. Frank was immediately responsive to my initial inquiry; listened to what I wanted from our safari adventure and carefully curated the exact itinerary and experience for which we were hoping - through several iterations of itineraries and experiences...until he had it perfect.
From there, Naomi Kavishe took over as our coordinator for our safari. Naomi was amazing, patient and kind. She fielded a million questions from big to small. Naomi was communicative; available for any issue and timely in her responses. She was informative as to processes to get visas, clothing advice; transportation needs; and, she even made spa appointments for us!!
The icing on the cake was our safari guide, Festo. Oh my goodness! He was the BEST. Festo greeted our group of four (crazy) ladies celebrating MY 70th birthday. Little did he know what he was in for. Festo was sweet; kind; incredibly informative and knowledgeable about the wildlife and environments; fun and funny. Festo made every single moment special and a memory for a lifetime. I cannot begin to thank him for the over the top experiences we had. Festo, the Team Kudu Mamas LOVE you!
If you're looking for a quality safari experience, I cannot recommend African Big Cats Safaris enough. They nailed it!
CA
Email Karen and Lucas | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Most memorable adventure of my life!
Beyond our wildest dreams!! Thanks to our incredible guide Eric, who understood the animals habits and knew where they hung out and hunted, we were often within 6 feet of the animals: lions and cheetahs lying in the shade of our vehicle, herds of elephants and wildebeests meandering around our parked vehicle while grazing, zebras by the side of the road staring at us. The animals know we won't attack so they carry on their life as if we are one of them. Our greatest thrill was seeing the wildebeest river crossing, being close enough to hear their grunting efforts as they swam against the swift current. Eric also had a great sense of humour, which makes life fun as the 3 of us spent 12 hours a day together for 6 days. I strongly recommend African Big Cats for their prompt, thorough communication planning exactly what we wanted. They provided a perfect trip for a very reasonable cost. Their vehicles are pop-top which allows 360 degree viewing, and safety during close encounters with the wildlife. In the comfortable tent-camps we could hear the animals passing our tents during the night. A fantastic adventure.
US
Email J. Dennis | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Amazing Experience with African Big Cats
Our experience with African Big Cats was incredible. We are a family of 5 and were looking for a private safari. There are so many companies to choose from and we're so happy we decided on African Big Cats. The initial communication with William was top notch. He was polite and patient with us throughout. We provided an itinerary we wanted and William suggested some changes that would enhance the experience, and we're glad he did. Nothing was ever pushed on us. Timing, accommodations and everything was based on what we wanted. After making the decision to go with them for an 8 day safari, Naomi took over as the safari coordinator and the communication was still great. The night we arrived in Arusha, Emmanuel met with us at our lodge to go over the final itinerary and make sure we were on the same page and that all our expectations were being met. We then met Mrosso, who was our guide, the following morning. Mrosso was amazing and we were so glad we had him as our guide. Mrosso was super knowledgeable, a great driver, especially on the bumpy roads and provided amazing service. He was so patient and accommodated all our requests, even necessary bathroom breaks. He is kind, respectful and such a great man. He also had such a keen eye for spotting wildlife that we never would have noticed on our own (cheetah poking its head out of the grass under a tree). The Land Cruiser was in good shape, well suited for the journey and very comfortable. We never thought an overland safari would be so comfortable. All the accommodations were amazing, even the tented ones in the Serengeti as well as the food. All the Tanzanians we encountered were all so nice and pleasant.
If you're looking for an amazing experience, go with African Big Cats, you won't be disappointed. It's not about what you're going to see out there, it's about who you're interacting with and the overall service and Mrosso was a HUGE part of the experience. Thanks Mrosso and the entire African Big Cats staff. Keep doing what you're doing. Asanta Sana!!!
J. Dennis
MX
Email Sylvia | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Excellent Service, will choose them every time
Emanuel and his Team at African Safari Cats are truly dedicated and good at what they do, they are involved in everything from beggining to end making sure everything goes as planned and were very accomodating with a last minute change addition and a mistake I made with departure times of final flight home.
Obedi is a wonderful guide, he was very patient and knowledgeable and took great care of our family so our children would have a spectacular time, we would choose ABC and Obedi every time if we went back to the area. Asante Sana...maisha marefu to the entire Team at African Big Cats they are the Best at what they do!!!