African Big Cats Safaris
- Located In:
-
United States
Australia
Canada
- Size:
- 10-20 employees (Founded in 2013)
- Member Of:
- Tanzania Tourist Board
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $380 to $600 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
US
Email Chad | 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.
Email Conor | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Extremely professional, kind and friendly.
We did a 5 day 4 night budget/camping safari with African Big Cat safari’s and it was a 5 star experience! Our guide Obed was extremely accommodating and tailored each day to our wants and needs. Obed had in depth knowledge on all the national parks and the wildlife within them, he answered all of our questions and helped us seek out the wildlife we were most interested in. We saw all the wildlife we wanted to see and more- it was an unforgettable experience.
The whole trip was well organised and went smoothly- we couldn’t have loved it more!!! Also the food provided by our private chef Dickson was delicious- he prepared a wide variety of food each day and made sure we never went hungry.
Booking the trip via the safari bookings and then communicating with the team via email was a simple and easy process. I couldn’t recommend African Big Cats safari’s enough we had the most amazing trip and felt safe and comfortable at all times. We will definitely be back again for another Safari!!
BE
Email Diana C | 65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
" I will be back ! "
The Mara river crossing and Ngorongoro was my third safari with African Big Cats this year .
After a first trip in februari (Northern circuit and Ndutu ) , the second in june ( Selous / Nyerere and Ruaha ) , I ll simply have to come back to see the rest of this fascinating country .
Email Steve B | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Nothing was too much trouble!
These guys offer an excellent service and great value.
Nothing was too much trouble - they accommodated all of our requests for a tailor-made tour, including little extra diversions and stop-offs on the day to visit street markets etc.
Our guide (Lordlugard) was extremely knowledgeable, helpful and friendly. He was happy to fit in with our requests for super-early starts and late finishes in order to squeeze the max out of our time.
We had an amazing experience and can heartily recommend!
US
Email Sona | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
The BEST Service
We stumbled upon African Big Cats Safaris and it was the best decision ever. They worked with our budget and provided excellent service. We had a 7 month baby with us and our guide/driver, Lourdes, was so wonderful with her and accommodated our needs. I have passed their contact info to all my friends looking to go on safari. See you in 2023 for Serengeti!!
CH
Email Anna T | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing experience!
Awesome experience! Communication was very easy, we had problems with our flights and they rescheduled everything perfectly. 100% recommended. Thank you Justice, Khalid and Emmanuel!
NL
Email Melanie | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
WAUW, don’t look any further for a Safari company!
Wow, what a fantastic Safari we had thanks to African Big Cats Safari and in particular to Ernest our guide. Everything was arranged down to the last detail. All accommodations have exceeded all expectations. This organization is small-scale among the 100th others, which is very nice. Price-quality ratio is particularly good. Communication is fast and clear, no surprises afterwards. I highly recommend this organization. What an adventure and what a journey!
US
Email Robert | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Wonderful Experience!
Had a great time with African Big Cats Safaris. Our guide, Lodi, did everything he could to make sure we had a great experience. He was knowledgeable and punctual with all our pickup times and communication. We saw so many animals in the park and felt like we got a full experience. Would recommend to anyone looking to visit Tanzania.
IL
Email Nili | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fantastic - Professional and well organized tour.
The tour was very well planned, with a nice balance of activities, and was orchestrated without any hitches.
Accommodation that was organized, and beyond expectations.
Our guide was Longie, who was very professional, and knew how to find the best, and utilize the time well. We were able to see lots of interesting things, including the Great Migration - viewing a spectacular massive Gnu crossing of the Mara River. Besides his sense in finding the "action", he was very knowledgeable about the wildlife, and gave a lot of interesting information about life in Tanzania.
Would very highly recommend this agency.
FR
Email Justine | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
So professional, always at our disposal, excellent safari
So kind, professional, always at our disposal. Our safari was excellent thanks to them. We did a tailor made safari, and we’ve seen exactly what we wanted to see. Tarangire, Serengeti, NGorongoro, masai villages. Our guide was very joyful and so kind, and learnt us a lot on the Tanzania’s story, and animals and biodiversity. They are passionate. We loved this! We had a special chef and the food was so good!! From breakfast, meal and dinner it was always so tasty.
Everything was smooth, they came at the airport when we landed and they bring us back at the airport at the end. Thanks again African Big Cats Safari !!! Truly recommend to everyone, friends and family