African Ubuntu Safaris
- Located In:
-
Australia
- Size:
- 5-10 employees (Founded in 2012)
- Member Of:
- ATTA, AFTA & ATAS
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $250 to $3,000 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
Email Abbie | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Trip of a lifetime in Africa!
Wow! Wow! Wow! I could not recommend Cuan and his team enough. My friend and I both knew Cuan was the person for us (two ladies in their 30's from Aus) from the first phone call. Cuan's expertise is exceptional and he created the most magnificent itinerary that was EXACTLY what we were looking for. He was extremely prompt with all communication and happy to answer any and all questions we had. I had been wanting to go to Africa for about 10 years but had put it off because of the perception of it not being very safe. Having someone like Cuan to assist in putting everything in place such as transfers, staying at comfortable and welcoming places etc. made all the difference. My trip completely challenges the perception of Africa not being safe and I cannot wait to go back. The other thing that was on my mind was the cost. I was happy to pay for safe and comfortable accomodation but I didn't have all the money in the world to splash out on everything. This was absolutely no problem for Cuan, we found a price range that would help me have the experience I wanted to have and was achievable from a cost perspective. The itinerary was a perfect balance of animal and nature sightseeing, delicious food and provided lots of opportunities to get to know the locals and hear their stories. Will be forever grateful to Cuan and his team for creating the trip of a lifetime!
Email Tracy & Amanda | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
The name you need to know for travel in Africa
While we usually organise our travel ourselves, travel in Africa was a complete unknown so we opted to go with a travel agent. Selecting African Ubuntu Safaris was the first best step in the trip of a lifetime. Our agent Cuan McLaren, listened to our trip ideas and budget and came up with a range of appealing options based on his extensive experience as a travel agent and guide in Africa. When we had to change part of our travel plans he came up with the perfect Plan B.
From Cuan’s suggestions we chose the Jenman’s 23 Day Intimate Botswana Zimbabwe Encounter Small Group Safari. Jenman’s is a well-respected company which develops amazing itineraries at reasonable prices (given that travel in Africa is very expensive).We were in good hands with our knowledgeable and efficient guide, Thulani, who dealt with any minor hiccups that arose, and our driver, Tham, who kept us safe on some very dodgy roads. Local guides were used wherever possible to ensure we got the best local information on our trip. Two small plane flights were included to reduce the amount of time spent on the dusty bumpy roads, which we really came to appreciate! The itinerary, which included houseboat time on Lake Kariba, was varied and interesting. Days were often long but this is an unavoidable feature of African travel and there was downtime wherever possible. There were so many highlights but the beautifiul Matobo Hills deserve special mention as does the sunset views at the Shashani Matobo Hills Lodge. Accommodation was varied, interesting and comfortable. The traditional thatched huts of Planet Baobab was a highlight. Last but not least, the dizzying variety of animal and birdlife made every day an unforgettable adventure.
Post tour we spent time in Cape Town in the perfectly located Commodore Hotel, minutes away from the Victoria and Alfred wharf. After a tour of the Cape Peninsula, including Seal Island and the penguins of Boulders Beach, we relaxed in the wineries of Franschhoek, a perfect end to a busy few weeks. Our fabulous B&B, Maison Chablis, was another great choice.
Cuan organised every detail of our trip with great care and often went above and beyond. Thank you for interrupting your own family holiday in Africa because you wanted to cover some issues to your satisfaction! Thank you for the tip spreadsheet to help us work out what tips might be needed and when!
We cannot recommend Cuan and African Ubuntu Safaris highly enough to anyone thinking of going to Africa. We certainly will be contacting Cuan for any future travel there.
Email Anita & Ben | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
An incredible trip!
We were referred to African Ubuntu Safaris by a friend who worked in the travel industry.
We are Victorian based and dealt with Cuan over email and phone. We initially rang Cuan and explained what areas we wanted to go to in Africa, experiences we wanted to have, and dates we had to work with. Within 2-3 days Cuan had emailed back 3 Itinerary options, and within about a week, we had flights, accommodation and all transfers booked.
We only booked 6-8 weeks out from going and wanted to see a lot in 2 weeks. Somehow, Cuan orchestrated packing in everything we asked for. We managed to get fabulous accommodation (hotel and lodges) across Victoria Falls, and a combination of fishing, water and land safaris across Zimbabwe, Namibia, and the Delta and Salt Pans in Botswana, which all offered unique & different experiences.
Due to our short travel window of 2 weeks inclusive of travel from Australia, we had a combination of 2 & 3 nights stays to fit everything in. We knew our trip was going to be fast, however we wish we planned a few extra days of travel, so we could have stayed 3 nights at the water & fishing lodge as there was so much to do (and we left some Tiger Fish out there!), and 4 nights in the Delta. If you have more than 2 weeks, we would recommend 3 nights (+) at most lodges.
One of us is a very detailed person, and Cuan answered all our questions via phone/email, was incredibly responsive, and they also have an office on the ground in South Africa if you need help resolving any issues you may have on your trip.
We were very hesitant to outsource to an agent, however this is the type of trip you need to outsource. I highly recommended for travellers seeking no stress travel as everything on our 14-day trip was planned perfectly for us! We just had to turn up. I would recommend Cuan from African Ubuntu Safaris to family and friends and would use again when we go back!
Thank you!
Email Susie & Ian | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Customised trips where everything fits together seamlessly
This was our second trip arranged by African Ubuntu Safaris. The first was a dozen years ago when Cuan designed us an amazing trip through Kenya and Tanzania. Now having a sudden urge to see gorillas, Cuan was the first and only person we called. He provided some amazing advice on how to structure the trip. Advice that we happily accepted at the time, but once in Rwanda and moving around, we came to understand why it made huge sense to do things the way Cuan had proposed. This is the sort of value-add that Cuan brings to the table, and after our first experience, we had no hesitation in just putting our trust in him and his team. Our experience was seamless and flawless. There were quite a few moving parts in making everything fit together, but it all worked effortlessly from one end to the other.
I think travelling in Africa could be a bit challenging without someone who knows the ropes. It was just nine weeks from when we first sat down with Cuan to discuss some ideas, until the day we departed for Africa. A remarkably short time to put together such an amazing trip that was executed so smoothly.
Email K Coveney | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Professional, knowledgeable and delivered my dream trip to Uganda
To start with, by the time other travel agents had emailed me back, Cuan had already sourced and organised an ideal trip for me to Uganda, a primary objective being to see the Mountain Gorillas. Despite the immense challenges of the last two years, Cuan kept me updated regularly.
The trip itself certainly exceeded my expectations - especially as a solo traveller I was a little apprehensive. From the time I landed in Uganda to the time I left I was taken care of by exceptionally friendly, professionals from Wild Frontiers. The accommodation was outstanding - stunning rooms, locations, scenery, staff and food. All such great places to relax between the utterly incredible treks / safaris to see the amazing animals Uganda has to offer. The treks (I did two) to see the mountain gorillas were just surreal - there is nothing else on earth like seeing these stunning gentle giants in their habitat. Trekking to see the chimps in Kibale Forest was a close second.
I can highly recommend Cuan at Ubuntu African Safaris to ensure you have the best experience possible in Africa. Very knowledgeable, professional, friendly and great attention to detail.
Thanks again Cuan for a 5⭐️ Trip !
Email Bernadette and Colin | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The recommendation for a tour that never happened
We never got to go on our safari in May 2020. We were looking forward to it but COVID prevented us from doing so. We would like to thank Cuan though for working with us to keep within our budget and put together what we believe would have been a wonderful personalised trip. We would also like to thank Cuan for working tirelessly for us to get our monies back. We are certain that he worked above and beyond for this. If this is the service that is given to a new client, then we have no hesitation to recommend African Ubuntu Safaris to anyone who is looking for a very reputable tour company. Thank you once again.
Email Tiffany & John | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
An adventure we will never forget!
We highlighy recommend anyone travelling to Africa to get in touch with Cuan at African Ubuntu. Cuan did an outstanding job organising our trip to South & East Africa. It was an unforgettable trip and more magical than we ever imagined!
Cuan took the time to understand our travel interests and planned the trip to perfect - from transfers, selection of camps and safari tours.
Cuan was always willing to help, answering all of our queries promptly (not only during the planning stages but also during the journey).
Thank you again for a trip of a lifetime!
Email Brad & Tracey | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A company that goes above and beyond, excellent local knowledge and service - highly recommend
In November we completed an amazing 22 night personalised tour for 4 people covering South Africa, Zimbabwe and Botswana with African Ubuntu Safaris. Cuan McLaren our principal contact was brilliant to deal with, as was there South African contact on the ground Gerald. One week before we were due to travel we had to defer our trip for two months and they handled the whole reschedule of 7 flights and 6 locations with minimal fuss. Not only that they were also in constant touch with us when South African Airlines went on strike mid holiday and organised alternative flights and transfers, plus they organised us a mid transfer stop for us to watch the Rugby World Cup Final. Our tour exceeded expectations, all the accommodation, transfers and tours were first class, we thoroughly enjoyed our first trip to Africa and we be back. We would highly recommend African Ubuntu Safari for your African holiday, you will not be disappointed their knowledge of Africa and service were excellent.
Email Sam | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great service, knowledgeable and friendly - couldn’t recommend more highly
Second Safari tour planned by African Ubuntu Safaris. Both have been incredible. Cuan’s knowledge and passion guarantee a brilliant African safari. Friendly, always willing to assist and professional.
Email Jenelle & Ron | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Ubuntu miraculously managed a complete holiday reschedule for four of us and did it with a smile.
When everything is running smoothly it all looks easy but it is when unexpected complications arise the worth of a really good Travel Agent comes to the fore. Ubuntu Safaris are really good Travel Agents.
Our South African-Zimbabwe-Botswana tour involving 6 flights and 7 locations had to be completely rescheduled due to a parent's illness which Ubuntu Safaris miraculously managed on our behalf. There was much to do and a lot of communications between all parties to make our wonderful tour happen and Ubuntu were tireless in their efforts to accommodate our needs. Ubuntu's recommendations and choices of accommodation and Safari Lodges were spot on. We will return to southern Africa one day and it will be through Ubuntu Safaris.
