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
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 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 ;)
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 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.
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.
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!
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!
US
Email Jen Whalen | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
An idyllic, private conservation safari experience.
My 15 year old daughter and I recently traveled from the US to Tanzania for a conservation safari with Paul Tickner Safaris. We had been on safari in the Serenegti the previous year with the whole family, but my daughter and I returned to southern Tanzania for a more in-depth cultural and conservation-minded experience. We spent 10 days in and around Ruaha National Park with Paul as our guide. It was nothing short of fabulous - we definitely got what we were looking for! The landscape is breathtaking, the animals are plentiful, and the people are kind beyond words. And Paul is an expert on it all! 5 stars for Paul Tickner Safaris. We cannot wait to go back!
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Authentic wildlife and photography safari in Ruaha National Park Tanzania
In the short time I was there we had an amazing safari, wildlife experiences and photography we're key on my list. Totally living up to my expectation's in every way, Wildlife Connection a conservation initiative with Paul and Hannah was really impressive. The concept of human and elephant conflict with local farmers to protect these magnificent animals is awesome and a must see while you are there.
Email Aili | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
An incredibly interesting and memorable tour - a real-life Attenborough experience!
Paul Tickner Safaris provided excellent service long before I had even set foot in Tanzania. Everything was organised and communicated to me in a manner that dispelled any anxiety prior to the excursion - Paul is highly knowledgeable - not only about wildlife and conservation, but also about the culture and travel within the country. I was constantly blown away with his ability to answer ANY queries I had.
Paul made the entire journey as easy as possible, which made for an extremely worry-free trip. Since this is the first time I have visited East Africa I was expecting some difficulties on the way, but Paul completely removed any troubles and was clearly ALWAYS considering my comfort and safety.
The safari tour was unbelievable. Ruaha National Park is absolutely huge, but it seemed as if Paul knew it like the back of his hand! He would stop the car whenever I saw something I wanted to take a photograph of and kept his sunny disposition for the entire trip. He'd also speak to other drivers on the safari to see if there were sightings of lions (which I was particularly keen to see). Being able to speak to the locals in Swahili, it meant that Paul was accurately able to locate two sets of lions for me to take photographs of which was a dream come true.
My main takeaway from the safari tour was how much Paul cares for and respects the animals and the local communities. There was a real personal feel to his tour which I doubt you would get from other safari companies. At one point during the tour, he stopped the car nearby a group of elephants napping under a baobab tree. I had numerous questions about the behaviour of the animals and the tree itself and it felt like I had a David Attenborough sitting next to me telling me everything I wanted to know. He was constantly able to provide me with information about the area, the birds, local culture, conservation, the animals, the vegetation, etc.
Paul also organised flights, accommodation and transfers for me so I could take a mini-break in Zanzibar. The hotel I stayed at was on the beach and brilliant value for money - it was a beautifully relaxing way to end my trip in East Africa.
I highly recommend Paul's services and suggest that everyone takes a trip to Tanzania to indulge in a mind-blowing experience! Thank you Paul Tickner Safaris for providing me with a holiday I will never forget.