African Big Cats Safaris
- Office In:
- Size:
- 20-50 employees (Founded in 2013)
- Member Of:
- TATO & TTB
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $3,463 to $19,046 per person per day (MXN, 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
Email Wayne | 65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
They provided exactly what we asked for in a special trip that we worked out with them.
This was a family trip including my wife and myself, four adult daughters and three husbands. We required two jeeps for the 12-day safari using a route that we worked out with the company. This was my 10th time to Africa and my 9th safari, but my first to Tanzania and the Serengeti. I (and my family, four of whom had never been to Africa) were extremely pleased with Africa Big Cats Safari and with our driver/guides who were very knowledgeable about the animals and birds and helped us locate those on our extensive list we had put together. We were treated to a very rare sighting of the black rhino in the Serengeti, with good photos and videos. Our family took at least 3000 photos and videos, including two massive wildebeest crossings on the northern Mara River. We took in the Lake Manyara Park, Ngorongoro Crater, the central Serengeti, the north Serengeti, and Tarangire National Park. We preferred and liked the smaller tent camps
Email Alex F. | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Amazing Experience - Above and Beyond!
My wife and I went to Tanzania for our honeymoon and chose to do our safari through African Big Cats Safaris. I have previously done a safari in Uganda so I had some idea of what to expect, but the trip honestly was better than I ever could have imagined.
We cannot stop talking about how impressed we were with Endeni, our guide for the trip. Endeni really went above and beyond every single day of the trip; we ended every day feeling like he had done everything that he possibly could have to make our safari that day as amazing as possible. In addition to his knowledge of wildlife (especially birds - wow!), he knew so much about photography and never failed to get us in a position for the best lighting possible.
Obviously a lot of what you will see is dependent on nature, but Endeni did everything he could to make sure we saw as much as possible. We saw all of the big five - we did not expect to see any rhinos, but ended up seeing six (three in Ngorongoro and three in Serengeti!). We also saw a leopard carrying a zebra in a tree in the Serengeti, which was a truly unforgettable experience.
While there were countless things that Endeni did to make our trip perfect, there are two examples that I want to share. The first was in the Ngorongoro Crater. We had been there all day, and the park was closing soon, but Endeni went out of his way to take us to a hippo pool. We were the only car there, and got to watch three hippos get out of the water and walk right in front of the car. It was such a special experience and made possible by Endeni choosing to stay as late in the park as was permitted. The second was in the Serengeti. I asked if there were cheetahs in the area that we were in, and Endeni deducted that I was hoping to see more cheetah. Somehow, he knew exactly where to go to find two cheetahs that had been hiding and let us spend an hour with them getting tons of great pictures.
For the entire trip, we never felt rushed or pressured. Endeni always made sure to give us enough time with the animals, but could sense when we were ready to move on.
Everything else was great as well. The company was great to work with during the planning phase and helped a lot with selecting our lodges. We stayed at Gran Melia Arusha, Maramboi Tented Lodge, Kitela Lodge, Ngorongoro Serena, Elewana Pioneer Camp Serengeti, and Z Hotel Zanzibar. I will write separate reviews for each of these, but they were all great. Pioneer Camp was by far our favorite (the coolest place we have ever stayed), but we also loved Gran Melia, Maramboi, and Kitela. Serena Ngorongoro was good, but it was definitely an older crowd (as honeymooners, we were in our late 20's and felt like we didn't see anyone at the hotel below the age of 40 while we were there). But the views were excellent from our room and we didn't really have any complaints. The transportation we received to our first hotel in Arusha and to and from our last hotel in Zanzibar was also excellent.
If I had to mention one bad part of the trip, it would probably be our flight from Seronera Airstrip in the Serengeti to Zanzibar (but this really wasn't African Big Cats Safaris' fault). The airport is just very chaotic and it wasn't even clear to us when our flight was leaving - we basically just got on a plane and hoped for the best. Our flight also had a longer layover in Arusha than we expected. However, I took a regional flight within Uganda when I was there and had a similar chaotic experience, so I think it is just something to be prepared for when taking flights from smaller airports in Africa. Again, nothing African Big Cats Safaris could have helped - Endeni got us to the airport in plenty of time and waited there until we were through security and situated.
Overall, it was the trip of a lifetime and we really couldn't have been happier. I would recommend using African Big Cats Safaris to everyone I know - the cost was fair and I can't imagine how we could have possibly had a better experience than we did with them. If you are on the fence, just book with them! You will not regret it!
CN
Email Zhixiong | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Perfect safari, professional guide and warm-hearted businese manager
Our Itinerary:
Sep 29~Oct 3, 4 days safari from Arusha to Ngorongoro and serengeti. Roads in and fly out.
Business:
Manager Emanuel is very polite, warm-hearted.
We contact 4 or 5 safari company to check the availability, itinerary and price before leaving China. Only Emanuel make the whole safari plan for us and modify it according to our situations. For example, we only have 4 days to safari and need to go Zanzibar after it, Emanuel recommend us 2 best park to visit and select flying out to save time. Actually, this selection do help us save a lot of time, reduce our tiredness and help us have more chances to see the all "Big five".
He also help us a lot when we in Arusha. When we arrive in Arusha hotel the first day, we need to withdraw some cash, he drive us to the closest bank without hesitation which take him more than 1h on roads and missed another meeting. He always try his best to provide us convenience when we in Tanzania.
Guide:
Guide Ernest is very professional. He‘s good at communicating and speak English very well. We saw the all “Big five” in his help which include a cute baby cheetah. Ernest is older than all of us, he take good care of us in both physical and mental in 4 days safari.
Accommodation & Foods:
We select Hotel Melia in Ngorongoro and Lahia tented logde in Serengeti.
Melia is new and have a great view to see all the creator. We take lots of great photos in there. The foods in Melia is fresh and delicious.
Lahia tented lodge is best hotel we lived in Tanzania, which has seperated wooden house for each guests, and also have a great view to see the plain & stars. The foods in there is also good.
Conclusion:
Perfect safari!
We see many species of animals, beautiful sightseeings which are beyond our imagination by Big Cats Safari's help.
Before we leave, Emanueal told us their company is not too big nor too small. But we all think ther're the best.
If one company is not too big, It definitely have a group of original, warm-hearted staffs who are keen to help all the guest they meet.
If one company is not too small, It definitly have skilled guide who can help you enjoy your safari a lot.
How lucky we are to select this company when we visit Tanzania for the first time. Hope we have chance to meet your guys again!
Email Joyce | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Reliable and professional company.
We loved our safari. In the months leading up to the safari African Big Cats was very helpful and responsive to all emails. Helped us select the best Safari for our time in Tanzania. We did a private 5 day 4 night comfort safari. We started at Tarangire National park, then Ngorongoro Crater, then two days in the Serengeti, then Lake Manyara on our way back to Arusha. Our accommodations at Eileen’s trees inn and Embalakai Camps we both excellent.
I would definitely recommend staying two days in the Serengeti. And Lake Manyara is lacking but we did have a cool elephant encounter there, otherwise I would skip that stop. Our guide Ernest was excellent and very knowledgeable, we saw it all and enjoyed our time together! Such a memorable trip. I recommend a camera with a good lens, as you will have many opportunities for excellent pictures.
CH
Email Sam Drummond-Brown | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Our safari - a blend of adventure and luxury
Our four-day safari across Tarangire, Ngorongoro, Serengeti, and Lake Manyara turned out to be a thoroughly enjoyable and well-organized adventure. From the get-go, our guide, Lodi, impressed us with his easy communication style, making us feel comfortable and in good hands from the start. We were also able to meet Emmanuel (Managing Director) at the start of the Safari, who gave us a good briefing about our journey including all the information we needed. We met Emmanuel again at the Airport when we flew to Zanzibar – he made sure everything was perfect!
Lodi's in-depth knowledge of the parks and wildlife was evident, helping us spot the Big Five within just two days. His understanding of animal behavior allowed us to be in the right place at the right time, ensuring our safari truck always had the best views.
The only minor tweak we'd suggest is a more relaxed pace. The four days were packed with incredible sightings, leaving us yearning for a bit more time to soak in the experience without feeling rushed.
The accommodations at the lodges were exceptional. From the views to the design and the attentive staff, each lodge contributed to a comfortable and enjoyable stay. The only downside was the limited time we had to fully appreciate the lodges amidst the whirlwind of the safari. For that we recommend a longer trip with more rest time in between.
In essence, this safari, was a balanced blend of adventure and luxury. It showcased the beauty of Tanzania's wildlife and landscapes while providing a comfortable retreat at day's end. Despite the slight time constraints, it was undoubtedly our best holiday, and we would recommend it to those looking for a well-rounded safari experience.
FR
Email Leslie Bakouche | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
A second amazing safari with African Big Cats Safari
Our second safari with African Big cats Safari and we were not disappointed! Our guide LOVOY was absolutely perfect, he showed us the Big five and much more! He was very professional, funny and understanding (some of us got sick with the flu during the safari ). Our hotels were stunning (I recommend Melia Ngorongoro and Serengeti), breathtaking landscapes, we witnessed the great migration of wildebeests and zebras... in a word, it was magical! And I will absolutely go for a third time with this agency
GR
Email natalie | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Accommodating, responsive, experienced !
African Big Cat Safari surpassed my already high expectations of what our safari was going to be. I picked them because they were very responsive from the beginning of the planning process, they added me on whatsapp and we discussed all options at length.
From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed by our amazing guide Obed, and felt in very good hands.
The lodges we selected were excellent, we decided to book a range of accommodations from luxury tents to five star hotels - simba lodge, four seasons hotel, intimate zebra camp, Melia Ngorongoro lodge.
Obed was very knowledgeable, flexible, an expert at finding where the animals are, explaining what they’re doing etc and overall a great companion/ fun guy to hang out with!
We had the best time. We visited local tribes and had an especially amazing time at the hadzabe tribe visit, which was a completely last-minute request from us, that african big cats immediately accommodated.
I recommend them highly !!
Email Andrew Krauska | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Trip of a Lifetime with African Big Cats Safari, Tanzania
My wife Jane and I chose African Big Cats Safari (ABCS) for our 20th Anniversary trip to Tanzania after reading the over 300 reviews of other travelers who had loved their experience. We made the right choice. From start to finish it was a first-class, luxury vacation. In my working career, I was a Quality Management advisor so I know what a quality experience looks and feels like. In every way, ABCS "exceeded our expectations."
We spent the first two nights at the Gran Melia Hotel in Arusha to recuperate from jet lag. What a beautiful hotel experience that was. You will love it.
ABCS tailored their 7-day, 6-night luxury tour to my requests, including an incredible Serengeti Balloon Safari which took us directly over the Great Migration and set us down right next to it, alongside eight lions walking parallel to the migrating animals. From the balloon, we could see the great migration from horizon to horizon. It goes on year-round and in February the migration is in the southern Serengeti in the Ngutu region where 8000 baby wildebeest are born daily. It is well worth the added cost to do the Balloon Trip; you won't regret it.
Our safari guide, Obedi (Obe), had been guiding for 14 years and he knew every road, turn, tree, and bush like it was the back of his hand. Without a GPS or map he guided the entire trip from memory. Other guides would flash their lights at him, to have him stop and they'd asked him how to get to their camp, as they were lost. This happened twice on this trip. My wife and I love Obe so much we adopted him and plan to keep in touch with him and use him as our guide when we do our next trip to the Northern Serengeti. He calls us Bebe Jane and Babu Andy now.
Obe always asked me daily what we wanted to see and always delivered.
I wanted to see lions in trees, he knew just the tree that they often climbed and we got great photos of 3 lions sleeping in trees. He did the same for finding lion cubs, newborn wildebeest, warthogs, hyenas, giraffes, elephants, rhino's, Cape buffalo, hippos, leopards, cheetahs on a kill, male lions, and even mating lions. We saw them all. We are avid birders as well and he knew them all and pointed out many that I had missed.
We had previously been to Krueger Park in South Africa and it was a great experience, but in terms of the number of big cats we saw in Tanzania I can honestly say, we saw more each day in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater than we saw in a week In South Africa.
The vehicle was a Toyota Land Cruiser with pop-top roof with seating for six passengers. Most all the other safari vehicles were the same make/model. I am so glad we paid extra for a private safari guide and vehicle as we could move from front to back of the vehicle easily with just my wife and me. The roads are bumpy from Ngorongoro Crater to the Serengeti but I was impressed with the great shocks on the Toyota. I might also add that after every safari trip, ABCS has the entire vehicle inspected to proactively make any repairs that may be needed.
Besides Obe's experience as a guide and knowledge of the terrain, he was also a skilled driver, both on-road and off-road, and you spend a lot of time going off-road in the Serengeti. He knew when to slow down and take it slow, he knew how to deal with mud and streams of muddy water, and he knew when to turn around and take another route.
ABCS goes far and above most companies would do. We received a free upgrade to a private Bungalo on Lake Manyara at the Maramboi Luxury Lodge which had our own private infinity pool right at the edge of the lake. The second day, after the morning safari I had an upset stomach and Obe took me to a local pharmacy to get some nausea medicine which corrected the problem. On the third day, I wanted an early start for the Ngorongoro crater and we ended up with a great view of the crater, even getting photos of rhinos far down in the crater. On our last night in the Serengeti, I wanted to try some Tanzanian food, specifically Ugali but was unable to get it made at the lodge we were at. Obe, calls back to the office and talks to Emanuel, the owner and when we return to Arusha, takes me to their office and surprises me with a full-course Tanzania dinner with Ugali! Now that's what I call "5 Star service."
There are hundreds of safari companies offering similar trips. They all use the same type of vehicles, stay at the same lodges, go to the same parks, and have comparable prices. I like supporting ABCS because they are a locally owned, small business and not owned by a foreign/European owner. Emanuel, the owner of ABCS started as a safari guide himself, and just as we in America pursue the American Dream, Emanuel is living his Tanzanian Dream, starting his own business, and employing local talent. I'm impressed with him, his Office Operations Manager, Naomi, and the entire team at African Big Cats Safari, and hope other Americans will choose them for their own once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Two pieces of advice:
1. After 25-30 hours of travel, take a two-night stay at the Gran Melia to start the trip.
Emanuel will come over the next day and give you a brief of your booked safari and answer all questions.
2. Pay the deposit and/or balance via a wire transfer as credit cards have an added 5% charge in Tanzania and they don't take international Bank Drafts.
I am a retired Naval Aviator, and a retired Senior Network Engineer, living in the Villages, FL (If you're a Villager, look us up in the Villages Directory if you want to talk). Anyone who wishes to contact me about my trip may do so. I will be posting a trip review, photos, and video within a couple of weeks on Youtube, just search Youtube for African Big Cats Safari and you should be able to find it
Here is Emanuel's YouTube intro to ABCS.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nm9pGWMd8wY
Andy and Jane Krauska
Email Raju | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Marvelous
Good service,reliable and value for money,good communication and very
reliable tour operator.
Email John | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
A great Tanzanian safari which exceeded all expectations
We had good communication organising the tour, were able to have the itinerary modified to suit us. The mid range accommodation suited us perfectly. Our driver-guide Lavoi was a good driver, knew his animals and birds and a very good guide. The tour through the four national parks was great. A highlight was seeing the Great Migration in Serengeti National Park.
