African Ubuntu Safaris
- Located In:
-
Australia
- Size:
- 5-10 employees (Founded in 2012)
- Member Of:
- ATTA, AFTA & ATAS
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $250 to $3,000 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
Email Anita & Ben | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
An incredible trip!
We were referred to African Ubuntu Safaris by a friend who worked in the travel industry.
We are Victorian based and dealt with Cuan over email and phone. We initially rang Cuan and explained what areas we wanted to go to in Africa, experiences we wanted to have, and dates we had to work with. Within 2-3 days Cuan had emailed back 3 Itinerary options, and within about a week, we had flights, accommodation and all transfers booked.
We only booked 6-8 weeks out from going and wanted to see a lot in 2 weeks. Somehow, Cuan orchestrated packing in everything we asked for. We managed to get fabulous accommodation (hotel and lodges) across Victoria Falls, and a combination of fishing, water and land safaris across Zimbabwe, Namibia, and the Delta and Salt Pans in Botswana, which all offered unique & different experiences.
Due to our short travel window of 2 weeks inclusive of travel from Australia, we had a combination of 2 & 3 nights stays to fit everything in. We knew our trip was going to be fast, however we wish we planned a few extra days of travel, so we could have stayed 3 nights at the water & fishing lodge as there was so much to do (and we left some Tiger Fish out there!), and 4 nights in the Delta. If you have more than 2 weeks, we would recommend 3 nights (+) at most lodges.
One of us is a very detailed person, and Cuan answered all our questions via phone/email, was incredibly responsive, and they also have an office on the ground in South Africa if you need help resolving any issues you may have on your trip.
We were very hesitant to outsource to an agent, however this is the type of trip you need to outsource. I highly recommended for travellers seeking no stress travel as everything on our 14-day trip was planned perfectly for us! We just had to turn up. I would recommend Cuan from African Ubuntu Safaris to family and friends and would use again when we go back!
Thank you!
Email Susie & Ian | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Customised trips where everything fits together seamlessly
This was our second trip arranged by African Ubuntu Safaris. The first was a dozen years ago when Cuan designed us an amazing trip through Kenya and Tanzania. Now having a sudden urge to see gorillas, Cuan was the first and only person we called. He provided some amazing advice on how to structure the trip. Advice that we happily accepted at the time, but once in Rwanda and moving around, we came to understand why it made huge sense to do things the way Cuan had proposed. This is the sort of value-add that Cuan brings to the table, and after our first experience, we had no hesitation in just putting our trust in him and his team. Our experience was seamless and flawless. There were quite a few moving parts in making everything fit together, but it all worked effortlessly from one end to the other.
I think travelling in Africa could be a bit challenging without someone who knows the ropes. It was just nine weeks from when we first sat down with Cuan to discuss some ideas, until the day we departed for Africa. A remarkably short time to put together such an amazing trip that was executed so smoothly.
Email K Coveney | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Professional, knowledgeable and delivered my dream trip to Uganda
To start with, by the time other travel agents had emailed me back, Cuan had already sourced and organised an ideal trip for me to Uganda, a primary objective being to see the Mountain Gorillas. Despite the immense challenges of the last two years, Cuan kept me updated regularly.
The trip itself certainly exceeded my expectations - especially as a solo traveller I was a little apprehensive. From the time I landed in Uganda to the time I left I was taken care of by exceptionally friendly, professionals from Wild Frontiers. The accommodation was outstanding - stunning rooms, locations, scenery, staff and food. All such great places to relax between the utterly incredible treks / safaris to see the amazing animals Uganda has to offer. The treks (I did two) to see the mountain gorillas were just surreal - there is nothing else on earth like seeing these stunning gentle giants in their habitat. Trekking to see the chimps in Kibale Forest was a close second.
I can highly recommend Cuan at Ubuntu African Safaris to ensure you have the best experience possible in Africa. Very knowledgeable, professional, friendly and great attention to detail.
Thanks again Cuan for a 5⭐️ Trip !
Email Bernadette and Colin | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The recommendation for a tour that never happened
We never got to go on our safari in May 2020. We were looking forward to it but COVID prevented us from doing so. We would like to thank Cuan though for working with us to keep within our budget and put together what we believe would have been a wonderful personalised trip. We would also like to thank Cuan for working tirelessly for us to get our monies back. We are certain that he worked above and beyond for this. If this is the service that is given to a new client, then we have no hesitation to recommend African Ubuntu Safaris to anyone who is looking for a very reputable tour company. Thank you once again.
Email Tiffany & John | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
An adventure we will never forget!
We highlighy recommend anyone travelling to Africa to get in touch with Cuan at African Ubuntu. Cuan did an outstanding job organising our trip to South & East Africa. It was an unforgettable trip and more magical than we ever imagined!
Cuan took the time to understand our travel interests and planned the trip to perfect - from transfers, selection of camps and safari tours.
Cuan was always willing to help, answering all of our queries promptly (not only during the planning stages but also during the journey).
Thank you again for a trip of a lifetime!
Email Brad & Tracey | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A company that goes above and beyond, excellent local knowledge and service - highly recommend
In November we completed an amazing 22 night personalised tour for 4 people covering South Africa, Zimbabwe and Botswana with African Ubuntu Safaris. Cuan McLaren our principal contact was brilliant to deal with, as was there South African contact on the ground Gerald. One week before we were due to travel we had to defer our trip for two months and they handled the whole reschedule of 7 flights and 6 locations with minimal fuss. Not only that they were also in constant touch with us when South African Airlines went on strike mid holiday and organised alternative flights and transfers, plus they organised us a mid transfer stop for us to watch the Rugby World Cup Final. Our tour exceeded expectations, all the accommodation, transfers and tours were first class, we thoroughly enjoyed our first trip to Africa and we be back. We would highly recommend African Ubuntu Safari for your African holiday, you will not be disappointed their knowledge of Africa and service were excellent.
Email Sam | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great service, knowledgeable and friendly - couldn’t recommend more highly
Second Safari tour planned by African Ubuntu Safaris. Both have been incredible. Cuan’s knowledge and passion guarantee a brilliant African safari. Friendly, always willing to assist and professional.
Email Jenelle & Ron | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Ubuntu miraculously managed a complete holiday reschedule for four of us and did it with a smile.
When everything is running smoothly it all looks easy but it is when unexpected complications arise the worth of a really good Travel Agent comes to the fore. Ubuntu Safaris are really good Travel Agents.
Our South African-Zimbabwe-Botswana tour involving 6 flights and 7 locations had to be completely rescheduled due to a parent's illness which Ubuntu Safaris miraculously managed on our behalf. There was much to do and a lot of communications between all parties to make our wonderful tour happen and Ubuntu were tireless in their efforts to accommodate our needs. Ubuntu's recommendations and choices of accommodation and Safari Lodges were spot on. We will return to southern Africa one day and it will be through Ubuntu Safaris.
Email Chris & Barbara | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Extremely helpful and informative, delivering all the information in a timely and pleasant manner.
The information provided was accurate and informative. All questions answered in a friendly manner with a nothing is to much attitude. The tour was great fun and everything went as planned. The finer details were precise and even when we were in what appeared was the middle of nowhere our every need was catered for. Food and accomodation was top knot notch and the trip was amazing. Africa and its people were simply amazing.
Email Lorna & Colin | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Hakuna Matata- no worries everything was perfectly well organised.
Communication during the planning stage was great. Every issue or concern I had was addressed either on the phone or via email. Cuan was always honest and willing to discuss options and because of his experience, was able to make sound recommendations.The service was very good and we could set off on our safari with confidence.
The accommodation was excellent, surprising that such high quality establishments and services could be found in such remote locations. The only concern was that the Farmhouse at Ngorongoro Crater (although an excellent establishment) was quite a distance from the crater so it took a good hour or more driving to reach it on the morning of our safari.
All the safaris were excellent and each and every driver we had was extremely knowledgeable, interesting, friendly and easy going. This made each safari so much better. We were fortunate enough to see lots of different animals and birds and our guides were very accommodating so we could get the best possible view and have time to take plenty of photos. The highlight was seeing the great migration with thousands of wildebeest in the Masai Mara.
Each game park we visited was interesting and rewarding - offering something different in each place, so couldn't really say that one was better than the other - we enjoyed them all. The downside was the long, slow, dusty roads between places which meant we had very full days and little time to relax on arrival to the lodges. I guess that this is unavoidable when trying to fit in visits to lots of places in a limited time.
The hospitality and service at each hotel was excellent and so nice that the staff were very friendly and always willing to talk to us. So good to hear their stories. I felt that maybe the tipping is getting a bit out of hand and there is a growing expectation to tip for every service supplied.
In conclusion, we were thoroughly satisfied with the organisation of our trip with African Ubuntu Safaris and everything seemed to "spot on". We had no concerns whatsoever and would wholeheartedly recommend them to other travellers.
