35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Jacqueline is detailed, caring, invested, and relatable.
Booking a tour through a company you've never used before is...in a word, scary.
Especially these days. In the age of AI, how do you even know a company is real? And if it is real, can you trust them? Will you get your money's worth? Will they show you a good time? Will they keep you safe?
It's a lot of trust to place in a complete stranger, especially when thousands of dollars—and your precious few American vacation days—are on the line.
So, naturally, I did my detective work.
Jacqueline's company had been around for years. There were reviews. Photos. Active social media accounts. All the reassuring signs of a legitimate business.
But still...how do you really know?
Well, thankfully, Jacqueline knew exactly how to put my mind at ease.
She was attentive, responsive, and genuinely invested in making our trip special. She listened to what we wanted, happily customized itineraries, and came back with thoughtful new ideas. Quickly, but not suspiciously quickly. She shared photos, let her personality shine through, and kept in touch without ever making us feel pressured.
So, after playing internet sleuth for probably longer than necessary, we finally took the plunge.
And the verdict?
BEST. DECISION. EVER.
Jacqueline arranged the most incredible trip to Tanzania. She paired us with an absolutely phenomenal guide (Danford, you're the MVP!), planned unforgettable experiences, and somehow managed to deliver a vacation that exceeded even our wildest expectations. And yes, we SAW THE CROSSING!
I actually work in travel myself. I know how competitive this industry is, how many companies are out there, and how difficult it can be to distinguish the exceptional from the adequate.
I'm sure plenty of those companies have their merits. But what made Jacqueline stand out wasn't just the itinerary, the experiences, or even the extraordinary trip itself.
It was the care.
Real, personal, thoughtful, invested CARE. The kind that makes you feel like you're more than a booking number or a deposit in someone's bank account. The kind that starts long before you arrive and continues throughout your trip.
If that sounds good to you? Then you want Jacqueline.
And if you're lucky enough to get Danford as your guide, well...you're in for one heck of a trip.
CA
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent
I was with Edward he was very knowledgeable and professional
As solo female traveler I felt very safe. The parks that were arranged on my tour were excellent.The accommodations were top-notch
I would recommend Imara Africa Safaris.
VN
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Amazing safaris tour
I searched and found Mountain Warriors on Google. I was checking another 2-3 tour companies that recommended by some friends but no company having better price and hotel rooms and services than Mountain Warriors. The sales lady (Ruth) replied my texts and responded to my request very quick when I needed her most. Then step by step all the program was done exactly as the plan mentioned in the quote she offered us making us happy and trust her more… thanks to Ruth and Mountain Warriors team, we had amazing trip in Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park that we could never forget, all the best to Ruth and your company team.
CA
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
An exceptional travel agent who combines eco-friendly tourism, incredible organization, outstanding
Our group travelled through Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and the Seychelles, and The Eco Travel Boutique exceeded every expectation! From start to finish, Esther was impeccable, the itinerary was jam-packed with incredible experiences and unforgettable activities, and the attention to detail was second to none. Communication was absolutely top-notch starting with the panning phase, what’s app conversations the entire trip,ticket confirmations, and all the information we needed thoughtfully sent in advance, often the day before each activity. Every detail was carefully taken care of, allowing us to relax and fully enjoy our adventure. For an eco-conscious, professional, and exceptionally attentive travel agent who delivers outstanding value and truly memorable experiences, I couldn’t recommend The Eco Travel Boutique more highly! In the end I actually feel like I underpaid for this unbelievable trip. We will be booking with Eco travel boutique in the future.
CA
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Seamless Safari from start to finish
For so many of us in Canada, an African safari is a dream. It’s one of those experiences you imagine, read about, and see on TV, but can hardly conceptualize until you’re actually there, living it.
Choosing the right country for a safari is daunting enough, but narrowing it down to the right company is another challenge entirely. We didn’t have friends or family who could offer recommendations, so we did the research ourselves. Thankfully, we chose African Big Cats Safaris, a smaller, locally owned company, and we couldn’t be more grateful that we did.
From the very beginning, the experience exceeded our expectations. In the lead-up to our trip, we had A LOT of questions LOL but every single one was met with a prompt, professional, and thoughtful response. We always felt informed, supported, and confident that we were in good hands.
And then we landed at Kilimanjaro International Airport.
From that very first moment, we felt 100% taken care of. Every aspect of our journey had been thoughtfully considered, every detail accounted for, and nothing overlooked. We could simply be present and take in the experience, knowing that we were being looked after every step of the way.
We also had the pleasure of meeting African Big Cats’ owner and director, Emmanuel, in person on the second day of our journey. He took the time to walk us through our itinerary, explain what lay ahead, and answer any questions we had. That personal touch gave us even more confidence that we were in excellent hands, and from that point forward, everything was seamless.
Every accommodation was beautiful, the food was delicious, and the service was exceptional. And the hospitality? Honestly, I have travelled to many places around the world, but I have never experienced anything quite like the warmth and generosity we encountered in Tanzania. The people are truly beautiful, inside and out, and the kindness we were shown throughout our journey left a lasting impression on both of us.
What really stood out about African Big Cats was the thought and care behind every decision. From the accommodations they selected to the transfers, logistics, and countless details connecting each part of our itinerary, everything felt polished, intentional, and effortlessly coordinated. We never had a moment of uncertainty about where we needed to be, what was happening next, or whether we were being taken care of. We could simply relax, be present, and enjoy every moment.
As luck would have it, the best guide in all of Africa was available to accompany us on our adventure.
We met Venance at the airport, and he introduced us to two words that would become a theme throughout our journey: pole pole, which means “slowly, slowly” in Swahili. It was exactly what my mom needed to hear, and perhaps a reminder that we all need from time to time.
Venance’s patience, kindness, knowledge, and gentle way of being are difficult to put into words. He had a remarkable ability to make us feel comfortable, safe, and completely at ease. We trusted him wholeheartedly, and that trust made all the difference in the world.
And when it comes to driving, Venance is hands down the best driver I have ever seen. Navigating everything from winding roads to rugged safari terrain, he handled it all with a level of skill and confidence that was nothing short of impressive. We felt 100% safe at literally every turn. Pun intended. 😂
And then, of course, there was the safari itself. There is simply no way to fully prepare yourself for the feeling of being out in the African wilderness, surrounded by landscapes that stretch endlessly into the horizon, never knowing what might appear around the next bend.
Thanks to Venance, we didn’t just see the Big Five; we experienced wildlife encounters we could never have imagined. From a mother cheetah feeding her cubs and leopards perched in trees, to lions feasting on a zebra, countless giraffes, tiny baby warthogs, and even a black rhino — a rare and incredibly special sighting — our days were filled with moments that felt almost surreal.
But what truly set Venance apart was the effort behind every single sighting. He was constantly observing, listening, scanning the landscape, communicating with other guides, and looking for opportunities to give us the best possible experience. His knowledge, instincts, patience, and sheer dedication were extraordinary. He wasn’t simply driving us around hoping to spot wildlife; he was actively working to make sure we didn’t miss the magic happening all around us.
Looking back, we know that the incredible experiences we had were no accident. Having a guide who cared that much about what we saw, what we learned, and what we would take home with us made all the difference. These are the kinds of moments you dream about when you imagine an African safari, and Venance helped turn those dreams into memories we will carry with us for the rest of our lives.
After the safari, African Big Cats also arranged for us to fly from the Serengeti to Zanzibar International Airport.
Venance took such exceptional care of us during those days that when we landed in Zanzibar without him, we felt lost and had to recalibrate. We missed our gentle teacher, caretaker and friend. It sounds cliche but we became a little family on that magical journey through the Serengeti.
We spent one night in Stone Town at the Seyyida Hotel before settling into three nights of rest and relaxation at the beautiful Z Hotel on Nungwi Beach.
Zanzibar was an incredible way to end our journey. The food was amazing, the accommodations were beautiful, and the location was immaculate. We spent our days relaxing on the beach, taking in the beauty of Nungwi, and watching sunsets that were truly to die for. Every detail made the experience feel special and effortless.
Although the Zanzibar portion of our trip was arranged through African Big Cats’ partner company, Tima Tours, it was still organized as part of our overall journey by African Big Cats. It was another example of the care they put into every detail, ensuring that our trip didn’t simply end with the safari but continued with a beautiful, peaceful, and unforgettable experience in Zanzibar.
African Big Cats didn't just organize a safari; they created an experience that exceeded anything we could have anticipated. From the initial planning and personal attention to the exceptional accommodations, seamless logistics, and an outstanding guide who went above and beyond, every element came together perfectly.
This was, without question, one of the most incredible experiences of our lives.
We are so grateful we chose African Big Cats, and we wouldn't hesitate to recommend them to anyone considering a safari in Tanzania. If you're researching companies and wondering whether a smaller, locally owned operator is the way to go, our experience speaks for itself. We couldn't have asked for anything more.
SG
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Absolutely fantastic and well planned
Khalid was the perfect guide. He is so professional and made the safari incredibly enjoyable. Would recommend his services to anyone.
CN
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Reasonably priced—pretty good.
Great value for money—I’m very satisfied with this safari! The accommodations were clean and tidy, and every meal—breakfast, lunch, and dinner—was generous and delicious. The driver and the cook were both excellent and provided wonderful service. Thank you!!!
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CZ
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Professional but personal approach.
Thank you so much for out safari experience!
Both the Ngongoru and Tarangire were amazing!
Special thanks to Emanuel, our safari guide who knew exactly where to look for all the animals.
DE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Unforgettable safari in Nyerere National Park
We booked a one-day safari from Zanzibar through this provider. The pickup, the flight, and the safari itself were all very well organized. Many thanks to our tour guide, Charles, and to Jonathan for the excellent organization. Our family thoroughly enjoyed the experience, and we would definitely book with them again. Thank you very much!
CL
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Simon the best driver!
A good tour, Everyone was very kind. The guide and drivers very friendly