Getting muddy in the Serengeti
Kusini Safaris
- Located In:
-
United Kingdom
- Size:
- 1-5 employees (Founded in 2014)
- Member Of:
- African Travel & Tourism Association
- Tour Types:
- Custom luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $400 to $2,000 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Guiding at its best
I have now been on safari with Paul Tickner Safaris several times. I keep coming back because of the "off the beaten track" trips into rarely visited areas of Tanzania, especially Ruaha National Park. Paul is an incredibly talented guide and his knowledge of conservation, wildlife and of the culture is unequaled in Tanzania. Highlights of our trips include hearing a leopard while on a foot safari, hundreds of species of birds (identified by Paul) and great photography in the early morning and evenings. Highly recommended!
BE
Email Bartosz Nienaltowski | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A journey of a lifetime thanks to Paul and Sarafino
We had amazing time in Tanzania, and we are so glad we trusted Paul Tickner for organising it! Every detail was arranged, we fell in love with our guide Sarafino and there are no words to thank Paul for taking care of all our needs from the very beginning to the days after our trip was over.
When we first contacted Paul we had some ideas on where to go and what to do, and without imposing his opinion, Paul gave us precious advice on where to stay (all lodges booked by him were state of the art and for reasonable price), how to prepare for the trip and what experiences to chose taking into account our preferences. We exchanged tons of emails, also on the most ridiculous details, and he was always there for us, fitting every single capriccio in our tight budget. Sarafino was our guide and driver, and he made us feel secure and at home during the whole journey. We went by car from Dar es Salaam to Mikumi, Udzungwa and Ruaha, and we spent an average of 12 hours a day with Serafino. Not a single issue came up in 8 days, with pleasure he told us the history of Tanzania and its people, their culture and habits, with amazing empathy and understanding of the fact that we came from so far that our understanding of his country was childish and naive. Sarafino was more than a guide, the confidence he inspired (and for a reason!) tranformed in a strong attachment and a friendship that will last.
Aside from the game drives (mind blowing!), Paul also arranged some additional activities like village visits, hiking, our hotel in Dar, etc. Everything went perfectly well, and we enjoyed every single minute. The whole experience was so amazing, and turning back the time, we would not change a single detail. It was our honeymoon, and Paul's expertiese and attention made it the journey of our dreams!
Email Marco Marini | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
The best holiday we've ever had
Paul is many things: tour operator, safari guide, conservationist, somebody deeply involved with his local community. But above all he's a great guy.
Paul arranged a trip to Southern Tanzania for me and my girlfriend, 1 night in Dar, 3 in Selous, 3 in Ruaha and 4 on Mafia Island. He listened to our requirements and budget constraints and put together a tailored tour that delivered way beyond our expectations. Everything worked out really smoothly and as planned.
Every bit of our tour was incredibly enjoyable, but best of all was the Ruaha leg, during which Paul was our private guide. Ruaha NP is a special place with a rough charm that's hard to describe, and driving around it all day with Paul was absolutely captivating. He is a very knowledgeable guide and passionate about conservation - something that really came across at every close encounter with elephants, lions, leopards and all the other amazing animals we were able to observe with him. Thanks to him we learned a huge amount about behaviours of different species, as well as the challenges for the park and conservation in Tanzania more broadly. He was keen for us to experience as much as possible, but without overdoing things, making sure we also had the time to take to simply take in the scenery and enjoy the experience of being in the bush.
This tour was our first proper safari and now we can't wait to go back. We wouldn't hesitate recommending Paul to anyone who's thinking about a safari holiday in Tanzania.
Email Owen Marples | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
An experience of a lifetime
I cannot recommend Paul Tickner Safaris enough. Prior to arriving in Tanzania, Paul helped us design a trip specific to ours wants and expectations. This being Tanzania, any unforseen issues were dealt with efficently and quickly leaving us to enjoy what proved to be an incredible trip.
On safari, Paul's extensive knowledge and expertise were available at all times. The sightings of leopards, lions, elephants, giraffes, hippos, eagles, zebra (the list goes on) was always complemented by Paul's expertise, which only enriched our time on safari and in Tanzania in general. Paul clearly loves what he does and cares deeply for his clients experience.
As it's probably become apparent, I would without doubt recommend Paul's services. If you're thinking about going on safari then do not take any shortcuts, Paul's integrity and knowledge will ensure you'll haves a trip of a lifetime.
US
Email Judy L. | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
My Adventure of a Lifetime was made possible by Paul Tickner
As a safari operator Paul has several very strong characteristics. First, he listened to what I wanted to do, second, he provided 1st hand knowledge of the realities of such a safari so that I was able to travel as a single, older traveler safely, meeting and exceeding all my objectives and ensuring that I had a fun and memorable experience.
This was my second safari and my first custom safari. His attention to detail, his follow up during my trip's progress, and his recommendations based on my list of "must haves" was flawless. My entire itinerary went forward without a problem. His recommendations for tented camps and locations was spot on, his suggestions for a hotel in Dar Es Salaam were just right.
Paul also served as my private guide for 6 days during a 14 day safari. He knows southern Tanzania, it birds, animals, culture and environment. He is extremely knowledgeable, competent and has really good common sense. Since the tented camp managers knew him personally, the warmth extended to me was lovely. He also introduced me to the work being done in the area regarding ecology and education.
He is able to sight birds and animals, direct my attention to them, even if they were well hidden and described in detail what they were, what their habits were and what was interesting about them. Since I have experience with guides in Northern Tanzania, Kenya and now Southern Tanzania, I can say he is the best guide I know. In addition he is fun to be with, level headed and environmentally concerned and knowledgeable. To add even more, he is an expert photographer and was kind enough to set up some lovely photo shots for me with my camera.
I would recommend Paul as a Safari Operator and/or Guide. He is responsible, trustworthy and knowledgeable. I had the time of my life and will never forget the camps, the wonderful landscape, the birds (amazing) and the animals and the fun.
Email Rebecca | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Lovely people and a great trip
Paul and his wife Hannah went above and beyond to ensure our dietary requirements were met in a country that has never heard the word vegan! We really had a great time and appreciate the amount of effort you went to to ensure we were enjoying our trip. Calling our guide to check in on us while we were on the actual safari was a very nice touch!
Thanks ;)
Email Phil & Fran Johnson | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Ruaha with an expert
My wife and I were fortunate enough to spend a weekend of November 2015 with Paul Tickner Safaris at Ruaha National Park.
Having enjoyed some other sights of Tanzania, this proved to be a real - and well hidden - highlight, and Paul proved to be true expert in his field. His knowledge of the park and of the wildlife were apparent throughout the safari, and his local contacts ensured entirely faultless logistics.
We couldn't attach a higher recommendation for a safari with Paul. We look forward to visiting again.
Phil & Fran Johnson, November 2015.
Email Dawn Thinpson | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing Experience
The safari was fantastic! Recommended through a friend, Paul explained thoroughly what would happen on the safari and I was left in the experienced, capable hands of Michael, a Tanzanian guide who was a professional gentleman from start to finish. He knew everything there was to know about the animals and birds and was able to answer all my questions. Despite visiting Ruhua during the grassy, wet season, I was delighted to see a vast range of animals from baboons to lions to hippos to crocs to zebras. It is hard to explain how fabulous and what a one in a million, life-changing experience it was. I felt like I was on a film set. Michael went out of his way to ensure I saw as much as possible in the short time I had on my schedule. I would highly recommend Paul Tickner Safaris!
Thank you for a fantastic experience and memories I shall treasure forever!
Email Kathy Shaw | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
A once in a lifetime experience
Paul is an extremely efficient and knowledgeable tour manager. The transfer from Dar es Salam to Iringa was well organised and I would recommend the Slipway Hotel, chosen by Paul, to stay in while waiting for the morning flight to Iringa.
Paul recommended the lodges that we stayed in and they were of a high standard from the point of view of accommodation, food and staff who were very attentive to our needs.
Paul is an excellent safari guide and we covered many different habitats while in the Ruaha. He knew the best places to look for wildlife and hence we had excellent sightings of all the larger animals including a young male leopard. He is an extremely accomplished bird watcher and photographer and willing to share his knowledge.
US
Email Marina | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Fabulous Safari Experience - Thanks to Tickner Safaris.
My experience with Paul Tickner Safaris was outstanding. Paul spent two weeks with our group as we travelled to Selous from Dar, then from Selous to Ruaha, and back again to Dar. The whole trip was absolutely seamless and Paul was a delight to have in our group. He is very knowledgeable about Africa, the people, the animals, photography, etc., and was very willing to try to answer any question we might have had. I would highly recommend Paul Tickner Safaris to anyone considering a trip to Tanzania.