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 Edward and Jennifer | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
This was the trip of a lifetime.
When we visited Cuan in his Greenwich office he focused our thoughts and harnessed such a passion for Africa that we found it easy to follow his suggestions. We were never disappointed! From the moment his father met our plane in Johannesburg we knew that the trip was going to be special. From then until we left for home the travel and handovers from one guide to another occurred seamlessly, and we felt safe, organised and very pampered.
Whether it was Victoria Falls, the Chobe Princess (a highlight), Pom Pom Camp, Kwando Nxai Pan in Botswana, or the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania, the service and food was great, and because all the details had been arranged by someone who truly knows this part of Africa, we were free to relax and enjoy everything. The animals and birds were sensational and too plentiful to describe.
The guides are very special people with great knowledge and it was wonderful to spend time with them.
Cuan was always very responsive to any request and was happy to customise our safaris according to seasons, our budget and special wishes. He suggested flying between the camps in Botswana and parts of Tanzania, and this was efficient, lots of fun and we saw the countries from the air. We even organised a week in Rwanda by ourselves for some not-for-profit activities then picked up a private tour in Tanzania, organised by Cuan to be where the great migration is in March. Needless to say the zebras and wildebeests were just where he had planned.
We will treasure our memories of this trip and are very pleased to recommend African Ubuntu Safaris to anyone who wants to visit this beautiful continent.
Email Rita | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
It sounds like a cliche but this trip was a trip of a lifetime. Spiritual, exciting, awe inspiring.
The organisation of the trip was exceptional. We were consulted during the planning and all our suggestions were considered and discussed. Once we all agreed with the itinerary, we were happy for African Ubuntu Safaris to finalise the arrangements. The final Itinerary looked great and we were all excited about the trip.
Cuan from African Ubuntu Safaris communicated regularly with us to ensure we were happy with the plans. Our questions were answered immediately.
The Trip was incredible, we were impressed with the ease of transition from one place to the next. Having someone welcome us at each airport and hotel enabled us to relax and enjoy the journey. Everything was organised and went like clockwork....our drivers and guides were always on time. Our guides were professional, knowledgeable, and passionate about their jobs. They were always extremely helpful and accommodating. We felt valued and that this trip had been planned personally for us. We always felt safe and were amazed that each daily adventure offered something special. We experienced 3 weeks of wonderful experiences, rich, spiritual and awe inspiring. When we thought we could see nothing new, something would surprise us. Our guides shared their love and respect for the animals, environment and culture of all the National Parks and places we visited. It was such a personal experience and fantastic that 7 of us were able to share it. 7 women travelling together. We continue to say it was a trip of a lifetime. Loving reliving the experiences as we share our photos with each other. Finishing our trip with a Glam camping experience was magical. We are recommending African Ubuntu Safaris to everyone. A magical trip of a lifetime!
Email Mick de Mamiel | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Ubuntu ticked all our boxes in arranging and delivering our bucket list safari in East Africa
Right from the start Ubuntu provided good advice on a potential itinerary and opportunities for our 20 day safari. Wherever we went there was always someone there to great us, provide advice about the next stage, answer any questions and arrange transfers. Our lodge accommodation, meals, and guides were first class and we saw all of the big 5 and much more, a fantastic safari with memories that will stay with us for a lifetime. Our itinerary took us through Kenya, Tanzania, Zimbabwe and Botswana. Ubuntu even arranged our airfare to Victoria falls and we were picked and delivered to airports and directed us through borders wherever we went - a great comfort to us given we had no prior experience travelling in any of the countries we're visiting. We definetly recommend Ubuntu to anyone wanting a memorable safari in East Africa. Thank you Ubuntu.
If I died after this it would be with a smile on my face !
So I wrote a wish list , called Cuan at Ubuntu and he turned the list into an itinerary and then some !
I was smart enough to listen to his suggestions and keep an open mind.
Never heard of Tanzania , didn’t know where it was - now I’m going back within 12 months of the best experience of my life to do it again.
I travelled for a month on my own , a couple of tours , some time on my own - never felt unsafe.
"Dad" greeting me at the airport upon landing made me feel like I was not alone - thank you Mr McLaren.
I embraced each and every country , throwing myself into the additional opportunities and most importantly just stopping to take it all in whilst filling my lungs with air so sweet I thought I was dreaming.
99% of the accommodation was more than expected ,one was a little run down but the views more than compensated for an old "tacky" room.
In short , I saw what I wanted and more than I thought I ever could. The beautiful people and cultures , the long and sometimes painful history’s and then there is the landscape and those animals - heaven .
Highlights
• Meeting the Maasai people in Tanzania , the gathering of the great migration in the Serengeti ( millions of Zebra and Wilder beasts )
• Standing at the top of the Ngorongoro Crater – A crater on top of the world filled with animals. Put this in your list.
• Victoria Falls , walking with Lions , seeing the Maasai Giraffes for the first time – yes they do exists
• Elephant Sanctuary in Hazyveiw along the Sabie River ( Panorama Route)
• Trying to remember all the names of the various animals !
• Seeing the top five and more – African Wild dogs , Black Rhino as well.
• The various tribes allowing us a glimpse of life , dance , music , food and culture. The beautiful kids.
My tip , in whatever country you are blessed to visit , learn to say hello and thank you in the native language.
Not only is it fun , but your hosts will love you for it.
Write that list , send it to Cuan and let him make those suggestions - you will not be sorry.
Ubuntu - the word has strong meanings in Africa - You’ll find out !
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 Linda & John | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
A delightful, well organised trip with attention to detail at all levels
Our trip to Africa with Ubuntu Safaris was amongst the most enjoyable we have experienced. From the initial meeting with Cuan, to the excellent documentation that gave accurate detail of what we could expect, to the actual trip itself, all was professionally organised and seamless.
The communications related to costs, travel arrangements and camps were all as advertised. All border crossings were smoothly negotiated and plenty of personal time was available over and above the morning and evening safari outings.
The relationship between African Ubuntu Safaris and staff at the various camps was relaxed, friendly and helpful. Overall, the trip more than lived up to our expectations.
We have no reservations in warmly recommending African Ubuntu Safaris. Go Ubuntu!
Email Andrea & Keith | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Outstandingly good advice and personal service - our 4-week family tour could not have been better
At our first meeting Cuan listened to what we wanted to do, then helped us to draw up an itinerary with dates. He organised our 6-night (2 Camp) visit to Kruger, and our 4 night (2 Camp) visit to the Okavango Delta, choosing the best locations and taking care of every detail, as well as all internal flights including 3 light aircraft flights, all airport transfers and a 7-seater car hire. The staff at all of these camps were incredibly friendly and kind, and the safari tour guides did a wonderful job. Cuan advised us where to stay in Johannesburg - the Holiday Inn Rosebank has the enormous advantage of having its own private entrance to the Shopping Mall, with an excellent range of shops and restaurants. Entrance back to the hotel is with your room card. He also advised whereabouts to stay in Cape Town (which turned out to be an amazing location), and which Johannesburg airport hotel to book en route to Botswana - another very good choice and very reasonably priced. His suggestions regarding where to stay on the Garden Route again turned out to be very good advice. Before we started, Cuan sent us an 8-page illustrated itinerary complete with tour map. A really nice touch was being greeted by Cuan's father each time we stayed in Johannesburg. A delightful person who was also most helpful. Although no problems arose, he was always contactable in case we needed him. We fully expected to pay African Ubuntu Safaris a fee for all the services provided, but no charge was made. Can't think of any aspect of this tour which could have been better.
Email Petrina Martin | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
What an amazing experience. Cuan tailored our trip and exceeded all our expectations
We were a group of eight friends who were recommended to contact Cuan for our dream holiday to South Africa. Cuan came up with an amazing itinerary including options we would not have thought of and we went further on than South Africa. All our internal flights, accommodation, transfers along with some extra experiences where included. Everything went off like clockwork. The accommodation Cuan chose for us was outstanding and would trust his judgement on any choices when we return to Africa , hopefully sooner rather than later.I'm sure our holiday and Africa was made that bit more special because of Cuan and his attention to detail. We look forward to our next African safari with African Ubuntu Safaris.
Email Carol | 65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Very knowledgeable and giving outstanding service
We have used African Ubuntu Safaris 3 times now for planning our visits to the game lodges and each time we have had the most amazing holiday. Cuan thought of every detail and saw to it that there was nothing left to chance so that all we had to do was to have a wonderful time. Thank You - and until next time.
Email Barbara J | 65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Expert local knowledge and attention to my wishes = perfect safari experience!
This was my sixth safari experience in Africa and my second using African Ubuntu Safaris - who will always be my go-to company for inevitable return trips to my favorite travel destination. My overall trip was complex (from Australia to Africa over the Christmas period with a side trip to Europe before starting on safari) and for the first time I was travelling solo. Fortunately Cuan McLaren at African Ubuntu was able to bring together his knowledge of my prior safari experience, his understanding of my current wishes and constraints, and his own experience and expertise to suggest both overall direction for a safari tour at this particular time of year and particular camps from which I could choose. He provided detailed information on each camp so I could make informed choices and was always willing to tweak the itinerary get to the perfect overall arrangement.
In the resulting safari tour, each camp was excellent in its own different way, giving me outstanding comfort & security, a wide variety of environments, extraordinary nature and game viewing experiences, and delightful interactions with lively, friendly staff - who also facilitated seamless, worry free transfers by road or air.
I simply had the best time!
And I'll be back - always using African Ubuntu Safaris!
