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
Email Andy & Sandy | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Raffael is a passionate expert in safaris, uncovering hidden wildlife on unique off-track adventures
We wanted to share a few words about our safari guide, Raffael Loisolo, from our trip to Tanzania. We were one of his first customers when he was starting to build up MAWE as his own company. He's truly a gem! His knowledge of the local wildlife, plants, and African culture is remarkable, and his knack for taking you off the typical tourist trails offers a unique and authentic experience. Every day with him was an eye-opener, and his openness to our endless questions made it a great learning experience. We felt really connected to Tanzania, and the personalized service, like the visit to a local hairdresser, added such a unique local touch. Raffael provided excellent value for money, with his incredible insights and experiences making every penny spent worthwhile. Plus, his reliability was spot on, with everything perfectly planned and our trip completely worry-free. We're already looking forward to our next trip and wouldn't dream of going without Raffael as our guide. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a memorable safari experience.
US
Email David | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
If you’re looking to do a proper Tanzanian safari, honestly, look no further – Rafa is the best!
If you’ve read any of the other reviews for Mawe on this site, you know that Rafa (Raphael) comes VERY highly recommended. I can tell you from my personal experience that these gushing reviews are not hyperbole at all – Rafa is the real deal.
First and foremost: he knows, loves, and respects nature. Want to know how to spot the difference between, say, a Grant’s Gazelle and a Thomson’s Gazelle? Rafa has you covered, in a way that’s aligned with a good guidebook but goes above and beyond. He’s passionate about helping the group determine what they want to see and then doing everything possible to make that happen, all the while ensuring that everyone is safe and the wildlife is unbothered by your presence. His knowledge of eastern Serengeti and Ngorongoro is elaborate, and I’m sure it extends much further than that. We were amazed at how many species of incredible animals we were able to see throughout the tour, many of them from quite close.
Beyond that very important requirement for a great Safari, Rafa is simply a great person to spend time with. You get the sense that he could navigate any difficult situation you might find yourself in (fortunately none for us), but at the same time he’s extremely friendly and fun. It’s difficult to adequately describe, but for my group he created a true team atmosphere where we were all working together to spot amazing wildlife, have a good look with our binos, and document it in photos/videos to help keep the memories alive for a lifetime. We all felt like we were a part of something special. And of course while wildlife is the main draw, Tanzania also offers many windows into its vibrant culture, and Rafa gave us great insights and answered all our questions about that aspect too.
In summary, we felt extremely fortunate to have Rafa as our guide. If you’re looking to do a proper Tanzanian safari, honestly, look no further – Rafa is the best!
FR
Email Melissa | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Rafa is a Safari-GEM ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
We went on our very first Safari trip with Rafa. From the moment we met, I could feel this would be a special experience. Rafa promised we would be going against the tourist crowds and see the big 5 still. We had a unique experience of admiring the animals closely without being surrounded by other tourists and felt safe at all times. It’s like the jungle was ours ✨ Rafa is very passionate and informative. You will learn lots about the animals and the fascinating biodiversity of the jungle. Never have I met someone with such great eye vision, Rafa never misses any of the hidden animals while you need to look 3 times before even noticing. We had a lot of fun, such a great human experience in addition to the fulfilling Safari experience. A once in a lifetime experience ✨
Let’s be explorers and not tourists
US
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.
US
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 !!!!!!!!!!
US
Email F . Bari MD | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
If you want the best experience possible THIS is your man!
From the moment we landed (5 of us) Raffa's desire to maximize our experience was palpable. He is not only extremely knowledgeable about the Serengeti but also has the perfect balance of calmness with excitability about what he does and where he lives. This is a man who takes pride in providing the best experience possible and he does it with an elegance and grace that left us with a vacation of a lifetime. He became a friend of the family and my kids still talk about his much he added to our trip. Our joy was his joy.
His English is excellent (also speaks multiple other languages) and his concern for everyone's welfare and maximize our experience was always front and center.