FR
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Nice
Great guide, strong program!
Maybe needs some renewal of the fleet.
Overall is good!
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Exceptional safari company, specializing in tailor made itineraries at a variety of price points
I just returned a couple days ago from the experience of a lifetime with African Big Cats Safaris (ABCS). I did the 8-day/7-night Wildebeest Migration Safari (Mid-Range or Comfort) with my brother, his wife and their two adult children - a total of 5 in our group. We spent 3 nights in Northern Serengeti, 1 in Central Serengeti, 1 near Ngorongoro Crater and 2 at Tarangire National Park.
I first contacted ABCS back in late May to see if they could pick us up at the border at Isebania. We would be coming from Maasai Mara and did not want to have to back-track to Nairobi. Justice responded within a few hours and said they could have our guide pick us up at Isebania. Communication with Justice was outstanding, very responsive. Our accommodations fit his description.
Our guide, Endene, was truly exceptional. Endene not only got us to the best spots for pictures, but he also took the time to explain the intricacies of animal behavior and wildlife management. For example, why do wildebeest walk in single file when moving from one place to the next? Or how does a predator know when its prey is dead? His love for nature and wildlife was clear. He was always checking with colleagues, either via radio or as they passed by on game drives, to learn where the animals were, constantly scanning the horizon to get us into position for the best photos. His knowledge of animal behavior was truly impressive. I doubt there is a bird that he cannot identify. Truly remarkable. We saw many predators, herbivores, and birds as well as wildebeest crossing the Mara River.
The food was outstanding, particularly the hot lunches. Unlike many of the other safari companies I saw, we were provided with delicious hot lunches prepared by our accommodation staff. I don't know if all companies do this, but I thought it was a nice touch from ABCS. Also, the operations manager, Emmanuel, came and met us personally at the conclusion of our safari, to thank us for our business and ensure that we had a memorable experience. Another nice touch.
Prior to the trip, I read the reviews here and on TripAdvisor. I was a bit skeptical. How could one company receive so many positive reviews? Well, after experiencing their professionalism and customer service first-hand, I can say that ABCS is the real deal. They are legit. In an extremely competitive industry, with several excellent safari operators, few can match what ABCS offers: an exceptional safari experience at a fair price. You will not regret booking your safari with ABCS.
A few final thoughts. Tourism accounts for approximately 25% of Tanzania's economy. If you don't go with ABCS, try to go with a company owned and operated by Tanzanians. Also, your guide works long hours, often driving 10-12 hours a day. It is customary to tip your guide $10-$15 per day, per person. Finally, going on a safari is inexpensive. It's not a backpacking trip through Southeast Asia. It's an investment in an experience you can get in few other countries. Be open to what nature has on offer. Thank you.
ES
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
They are Vert professional and friendly
Highly recommended, the safari with Meerkat has been very good. We have enjoyed both the safari seeing animals and the rest afterward in the shops and the food (exquisite).
Very calm seeing how well they work.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Absolutely amazing. From start to finish nothing was too much. Went above and beyond.
Honestly amazing. Didn't just want to take the money, advised the best place to go. Sorted it out very quickly and nothing was too much. Both drivers where amazing and friendly. The food and drink was out of this world and the trip itself was out of this world. Gutted I can't go again. Second trip with this company and can't recommend enough.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great
I had a wonderful time on the safari. There were so many companies to choose from. I read some reviews and chose crater explorer. It did not disappoint. I did the 4/3 night safari starting with tangerine, Serengeti and ngorongo and the crater ( excuse my misspelling) i met wonderful people in my group aswell. We spotted the big 5 during the trip aswell! Make sure to bring towels and warm clothes for the night !
NO
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Fabulous
10 days Kilimanjaro hike including Safari with Gosheni Safaris.
The 6 day hike up to Africa’s rooftop was my biggest adventure yet, it was made super exciting and pleasant by the guide we had, Richard. Leading 7 demanding ladies with huge personalities was something he did with great finess. The pace he set for us, the advice we got, the laughs and easy conversations we had with him made it possible for all of us to summit. Assisting him was Olivo Oscar Oskido, such a soft spoken man with a lot of knowledge about nature. These two were also our talented photographers They captured memories to cherish forever. Then there was Georgie, the choir master. We had a dream team taking care of us. Thanks to Peter for putting our guides and porters together.
For the Safari part, we had our future brother in law, Ombeni driving us, taking pics and sharing with us his immense knowledge of the parks, the animals, the people and the Tanzanian society. On occasion doubling up as head waiter for our lunch stops.
Gosheni has given me new friends whom I truly appreciate. Asante sana, na shukrani, Tebogo from Norway/South Africa
FR
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing trip with Kibuyu African safaris.
An exceptional trip, everything was perfect thanks to the Kibuyu African safari agency, a human-sized agency which is very professional and organizes the trip of your dreams to measure.
Thank you to the whole team for their kindness and professionalism which made our trip unforgettable!!
(automatic translation from French)
BE
Outstanding experience, very reliable tour operator
We booked a 9 days/8 nights safari with Uwanda Tours and Safari for a reasonable price compared to others. From the first contact to the very last day, we were not disappointed once. We asked to customize a bit the original itinerary, which was done without any problem. We did visit Mikumi, Ruaha and Nyerere National Parks + the Udzungwa mountains for a hike. We did everything according to the plan and the whole trip was honestly above our expectations. We discovered very different landscapes and unique environments within all National Parks. Katuku was such a nice, funny and friendly guide. He cares a lot about his guests and always made sure we were happy and could enjoy the most of the wildlife experience. He made us feel a lot of time like we were almost alone in the park, driving around and always looking for animals till the very end of each day. We could stop and admire the wildlife as long as we wanted. He is a very experienced guide who knows a lot about the nature and animals and shared a lot with us.
We had amazing time for our safari. Very trustworthy tour operator, everything was well arranged and they provide very good services. Accommodation and food were very good too. We don't regret our choice for the southern parks instead of the more busy ones in the North. The extra distance by car is so worth it -- the trips on the road are part of the experience, you can see a lot of small villages and local life. Thanks to Uwanda for this outstanding experience, highly recommended!
AE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Extremely professional and knowledable tour operator who will make sure you have a great safari
We had an amazing time with Lion King on a 4-days luxury safari tour though Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire national parks seeing lots and lots of wildlife and beautiful scenery staying at some fantastic accommodation.
From the booking everything was extremely professional. We reached out via email and got a well laid out itinerary for the time of our holiday. The team helped us with any follow up questions and adjusted the plan to our needs. All the comms were clear, timely and useful. I would have been impressed if a company operated like this in the UK and I’ll admit I was very surprised for a Tanzanian based company to be so easy to plan with!
Our guide Aroni was one of the highlights of our trip. He shared his good knowledge of the wildlife and nature and ensured we got to see some of the best sights on our safari (some examples - a group of cheetahs, up close with elephants, lions feasting on an unfortunate zebra and much much more). We also had some great chats about Tanzania in general which we really appreciated. Aroni is very responsible - he took into account when we needed to be someone by a certain time (our flight times and arrival) but we also never felt rushed and is a careful driver. With Aroni you always feel like you’re in safe hands. Overall, you’ll have a great time if you get Aroni as your tour guide.
The Lion King organised accommodation was top notch with great hospitality, rooms and facilities. Two of the locations we stayed at inside the Serengeti and you can watch the wildlife from the comfort of your hotel. It was always exciting to pull up to the next place and be bowled over again by the amazing setting and high standard.
Lion king also make things even better with the little details. They provided plenty of drinks, including red and white wine with mine and my wife’s name on them. The lunches we had while out for the day were tasty and each time Aroni would set up with a table cloth, drinks and nice cutlery. We felt pretty spoiled.
Overall, you can’t go wrong with Lion King. They are extremely profession, have some great guides and take extremely seriously taking care of you and making your safari an amazing experience.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fantastic, Knowledgeable, professional and friendly, would highly recommend.
We couldn't have asked anymore from Misuku Expeditions. What a fantastic experience! Thank you so much James and Johnnie we wouldn't hesitate to recommend you. We went on a 2 night safari to South Luangwa and stayed at Croc Valley. James drove us to the Zambian border where Johnnie was ready to collect us. We were with Johnnie for most of the trip and felt like we'd known him for years, It was so lovely to talk to somebody so impassioned about the flora and fauna of Malawi and Zambia. The whole experience was fantastic and the safaris were amazing. I really hope I can return to Malawi and Zambia in the near future and wouldn't hesitate to book an expedition with James and Johnnie again. I really wish them every success for the future as they truly deserve it.
