Exceptional Safari Experiences
Mawe African Ventures
- Located In:
- Size:
- 5-10 employees (Founded in 2021)
- Member Of:
- Tanzania Tourist Board
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $200 to $1,800 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
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Email Kim Richard Gibson | 65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
The Serengeti shall not Die - Raphael / Mawe will bring life and understanding to these words.
As an experienced World traveler I have learned that a great adventure requires
the Best tour guide you can get. Raphael ( Rafa) and Mawe African Ventures customized two memorable trips to the Serengeti , Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire National Parks
and provided life memories I will never forget. Traveling solo with Rafa from the Northern border ( Mara River ) to the Southern gate in this magical wonderland of wildlife was a mind blowing experience. Witnessing the wildebeest / Zebra migration , hearing the migration melody , and seeing up close the African Big 5 was only part of the trip experience. His vast knowledge of the wildlife, birds, geography, and ability to share cultural insights about TZ and the Maasai people was a bonus.
I found Rafa to be reliable, respectful,
full of positive energy, and fun to be with. His attention to detail and safety were greatly appreciated. It takes great effort to travel and see the Wonders of the World and Rafa / Mawe enhanced my experience with lifetime memories of these trips.
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Email Nancy Vihlen | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Trip of a lifetime!
My husband and I and another couple had the opportunity to visit Tanzania and go in the safari last February. I love to travel and see other cultures and places. I have to say this was the most phenomenal trip I've ever been on. Our trip was booked through Mawe African Ventures. This was my first safari and I was a bit apprehensive getting this all set up. Our travel guide Raffy made this a seamless experience everything from the booking to being picked up at the airport was perfect. As far as a safari, you could not imagine how many animals we saw. I saw more animals than I thought could be possible. The accommodations were spectacular. Everything from high-end hotels to beautiful tent lodges out in the Serengeti. The first tent lodge we stayed at I had two giraffes walk right in front of me as I sat in the porch. unbelievable! We also could hear the lions roaring at night in the distance. The food at the establishments were like 5 star restaurants. Even when we got to have picnics out on the plains with the zebras, walking around us. The staff.
At the accommodations are unbelievably gracious. I love to talk to about their experiences living out in the Serengeti. Raffy's expertise with the animals and his country was unbelievable. He knew so much about the animals and their environment. His vehicle "Simba" was very comfortable and his Is driving skills were exceptional.
We were there for 12 days. We would get up early in the morning before the other drivers got out. We would bring our breakfast and see the animals in the early light. It was surreal! We saw a Mama lion with her cubs eating a fresh killed zebra. We saw a mama cheetah teaching her children how to track down dinner. In the Ngorongoro Crater we even saw a newly born wildebeest. Raffy was very conscientious of the animal's safety and and well-being. He approached them at a safe distance. Close enough, so we could see them but not interfere with their behavior.
I brought some school supplies and toys for children. I asked Raffy if we could drop them off at a appropriate place. He found this wonderful Montessori school where we got to visit the children and the teachers. It was probably one of my favorite experiences. The children were so excited about their learning. And it was very interesting talking to the teachers about their education and their experiences teaching.
Our trip went by so quickly. It was unbelievable all the things we saw. Just remember to bring your camera. But remember to sit back and enjoy the experience.
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Email DanaV | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent guide. So enjoyable to be around. He even speaks Lion!
Raffy’s attention to your every want and need is outstanding. He loves his job, the birds, animals and his country; and it shows.H His knowledge of the birds and animals was phenomenal. He can mimic many of the birds. He will stop “Simba” his trusty four wheel drive. Pull up an app with the birds call and description. He can pick out animals at a distance while driving and stop to show you. It took us a minute from the stopped vehicle to find what he had seen while navigating the muddy road and shemos.
In the evenings he would have dinner with us, answering all of our questions. Few other guides eat with their clients. We really felt like he was part of the family. We call and write to him frequently.
A person in our party needed some prescription drugs. Raffy called back to Arusha and had them delivered the next day by aircraft. When out driving, he knows all the other guides. Even though they speak Swahili, you can tell they respect him and ask him for information on where the animals are. He helped two other jeeps out of the mud, yet never came close to getting stuck himself.
Food was outstanding in the evenings. Most days we took a breakfast or lunch and left the camp at sunrise. Then Raffy would find an open spot, do a security check. Then set up a table and chairs so we could eat a huge breakfast. Just a real treat to experience. But the experience would not be the same without Raffy smiling and laughing.
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Email rina cezana | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
an amazing trip with an amazing guide
It was an amazing trip.
Rafa is an excellent and highly recommended guide.
He organized everything down to the last detail.
The training was excellent, Rafa's knowledge is huge. Always positive, full of energy, and tried to answer all our requests for changes.
When we travel again it will surely be with him
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Email Motty and noya boutton | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Rafa was excellent. He was a great guide, very frienly with lots of knowledge concerning the safari
We came 2 couple friends age 60.
Even celebrated a birthday that he orginised in surprise for one of us...
Our tour was well planned and was very exciting to discover new adventures and scenes of tanzania from day to day..
Rafa orginsed the tour in an outstanding way thinking of every moment and details to make us pleasent and happy.
He chose for us great lodges to sleep in and always wanted us to be so satisfied.
It was a great adventure for us and a new friend to meet .
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Email Luana | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Unforgettable adventure with Mawe African Ventures
My husband and I had the incredible opportunity to visit Tanzania last April, and our journey was made extraordinary thanks to Mawe African Ventures and our exceptional guide, Raphi.
From the very beginning, Raphael’s professionalism and passion for his country were clear. He meticulously prepared an itinerary that perfectly matched our interests, ensuring that every moment of our trip was memorable.
One of the most remarkable experiences was our visit to the Hadza tribe. We were privileged to not only visit them but also to take part in a hunting excursion, gaining a rare insight into their traditional way of life. Raphael’s deep respect and understanding of the Hadza culture, coupled with his excellent translations and explanations, made this an incredibly enriching experience.
The safaris were nothing short of spectacular. Raphael’s keen eye and extensive knowledge of the wildlife ensured we saw an abundance of animals, including the Big Five. It was amazing to see the tiny cubs with their mothers, a sight that will stay with us forever. Raphael’s ability to spot animals hidden in the tall grass with his naked eyes was truly impressive, adding an element of wonder to every game drive.
An unexpected delight was our lunch experiences at local restaurants, referred to as “hotels” by the locals. These meals gave us a genuine taste of Tanzanian cuisine and culture, far from the typical tourist spots. Eating where the locals dine added an authentic touch to our trip that we will always cherish.
Another highlight was our visit to a very local market. It was fascinating to see the variety of products and the freshness of the produce. Shopping alongside the locals and experiencing the vibrant market atmosphere provided a unique glimpse into daily life in Tanzania.
Throughout our entire journey, Raphael made us feel safe and well-cared for. His attention to detail and dedication to our comfort and enjoyment were unparalleled. What started as a client-guide relationship quickly turned into a genuine friendship. We came to Tanzania as guests and left as friend with Raphi and Veronica his wife.
If you are planning a trip to Tanzania, I cannot recommend Mawe African Ventures and Raphael enough. Their commitment to creating personalized, safe, and unforgettable experiences is truly exceptional. Thank you, Raphael, and Mawe African Ventures, for making our Tanzanian adventure an unforgettable chapter in our lives. We will be back very soon !!!!!!!!!!
