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.
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.
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!
IT
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Fantastic, Great Tour Operator...
The communications were very clear, since the beginning. The service was TOP, they gave us the best TOUR we could have and in the same time the best guide/driver FRANKKKKKKKKK. I talked with many Tour Operator but Fun ride gave me the best rate (price/quality). The tour was AMAZINGGGGG and Fun ride (in particular Sharifah) was absolutly GREAT and RELIABILITY in everything.
DE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Very competitive price and great knowledge
We made 3 days safari, we received for free an upgrade to better lodge and we see so many animals, also lion hunting. It was an amazing experience, everything was better than expected. Dicky is an amazing guide.
Very knowledgeable and an excellent tour operator
Went to Serengeti and Ngorongoro with Ombeni, he is just an amazing human being and tour operators. Very knowledgeable and highly experienced, you should definitely ask for him on your next adventure
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Amazing safari in Zimbabwe and Madagascar
We had a truly amazing safari in Zimbabwe and Madagascar organized by Tailormade Africa. We had many discussions with Clyde ahead of the holiday to make sure he knew what we were looking for as a family of six. We stayed just over a week in three locations in Zimbabwe's Hwange National Park where we saw so many beautiful and exotic animals including the "big five". Victoria Falls was amazing and we took the helicopter ride as well as doing a bungee jump on the bridge between Zimbabwe and Zambia - if you are ever going to do one, this is probably the place in the world to do it! We then spent just under a week in Madagascar which was equality beautiful with it's many unique animals and trees/plants. Logistically the trip was quite complicated - we took a total of 11 flights including returning to UK via Mauritius where we spent one day. Everything went to plan, and when at one point it did look like a plane was going to be delayed overnight, Clyde was immediately on the case investigating other options. I would thoroughly recommend Tailormade Africa.
MT
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
VERY FRIENDLY AND HELPFUL
I appreciate all the information and help received throughout in order to make my safari holiday a very memorable one. I do not have enough words to thank them, especially Adelle.
RO
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The best
It was an unforgettable experience. The guide guided us through all the wonderful places, we saw many animals, including the most coveted: "big five".
Every detail, every curiosity, uncertainty or need was met by the guide! The chef was very careful with us, me being a vegan!!!! He cooked deliciously.
I recommend!!!!!
(automatic translation from Romanian)
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fantastic first safari
We had a fantastic first safari experience with Suricata. There are a lot of different safari companies and we booked with them as they had great reviews, a reasonable price, and also they provided accommodation on either side of the 5 day safari so it was a FULL 5 days and we could make the most most of our time. We were looking for “mid-range” lodging (e.g. didn’t want to camp, but didn’t necessarily need super luxury) and the places we stayed were AMAZING. The guides were very knowledgable and we saw so many incredible animals. We are already looking forward to another safari one day!