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:
- $500 to $2,500 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
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!
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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.
Email Paul Phillips | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Not your average Safari
My partner and I spent two days in Ruaha national park with Paul Tickner and I have to say we both found it a life changing experience. His accommodative nature and limitless knowledge of the animals and surroundings made our time there rich and fulfilling as well as comfortable. At times we passed other people on safari with the regular safari companies and I felt sorry for them, only spending a cursory amount of time viewing the animals before moving on with guides that seemed semi interested. Paul has a contagious love for the park and its inhabitants which is charming and his level of service is of the utmost professionalism. He is also a keen photographer so if you like taking photo's he is helpful and knows all the best spots for opportunities. We could not have anticipated a better safari.
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65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
If I had one operator to choose it would be Paul.
Paul was my driver who took me to Tandala Tent Camp near Ruaha National Park. I found Paul extremely knowledgeable about all aspects of the region we were driving through. He knew about the people, their way of life, and if something came up that he thought was interesting or you thought was interesting he would stop to make sure you understood whatever it was that you wanted to see. Twice on our trip he stopped to show us interesting wildlife along the way. And his knowledge of birds astounded me. Be it sound or live bird he knew what it was. His love of helping to protect the wildlife of Africa is to be commended. When I decide to go back I will contact Paul to help me with my safari. He told me before I left to go home that he would make sure things would be arranged with whatever I needed. I would recommend Paul services to anyone that wanted to have a fabulous time on safari in Africa. As a matter of fact, I have told some of my friends that if they ever decide to go on safari that I have someone they should contact. That person would be Paul Tickner.
Custom experience, personalized service
Paul was great to work with. He put together an excellent custom package for us based loosely on what we saw on the Safari Bookings website. He was very conscious of our budget and came in with an excellent package that met our price point. He was super flexible when we wanted to change. Best of all, his communication was great. He answered all our questions promptly as we were preparing for the trip.
On the ground in Africa, service was awesome. Paul is a very knowledgeable guide, but even better he is a great communicator and made sure to focus our game drives on the things we wanted to do. Paul is very personable, and it was easy to have a great time on safari with him.
Highly recommended. Southern Tanzania was great - we saw all the game at half the price and none of the people.
SE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Best travel organisor ever
We never went on a safari with Paul, but he helped us setup up an amazing trip to Mafia Island including flights and transfer. He's polite, knowledgeable and professional. I can really recommend him.
Efficient, knowledgeable and spot on recommendations.
We were looking for a secretive and relaxing getaway on Tanzania's Mafia island. Paul Tickner Safaris' first recommendation was Ras Mbizi lodge and it was absolutely spot on. Deserted beach, wonderful staff, great food, interesting activities, all for a very reasonable price. PTS booked flights and nights efficiently and professionally, keeping us informed every step of the way. Highly recommended!