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
US
Email Teresa | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Raphael is the best Guide, so knowledgeable and took care of us like family…super professional A+++
Our experience was excellent, services were great and our Tour Guide.,Raphael, was the best, never let us down always protective, courteous and respectful made sure that everything went smoothly. We would come back anytime…Teresa, from San Diego Ca.
US
Email Mariel | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fun, brilliant, professional, respectful of animals and nature
Having Raphael as our safari guide was a true blessing! I felt completely safe in his hands throughout our trip —he is so experienced and knowledgeable that other safari guides would stop to ask him for advice on our drives. Not only that, he was funny, engaged with everyone in our group and looked out for each one of us with the utmost care.
As a vegan, I was concerned about food options, but Raphael provided me with amazing vegan picnic options to eat while out on safari. I was also concerned about disturbing the animals while we observed them in their habitat, but Raphael made me feel at ease because he was respectful of the animal’s space and we never disturbed their peace. I got amazing pictures and an unforgettable experience. You must book your safari with Mawe African Adventures.
US
Email Carl | 65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Simple the BEST.
Rafa, owner/operator, of Mawe African Adventures is simple the best. His attention to details, whether it’s the safari drive, the best photo opportunities or lunch in the bush, puts Rafa on top. His experience of the Serengeti and the Maasai is a history lesson you will won’t soon forget leaving you with a thirst for more.
When you tour with Rafa you become part of a team. “Team Rafa” doesn’t follow the crowds but ventures out exploring and seeing the unusual activities of game movement and predators. Many times we were able to get close to lions and cheetah when staying put and letting the game move naturally rather than chase all the other vehicles for a look and photo.
I look forward to returning to the Serengeti in 2025 to experience the calving season with Team Rafa.
Email Mark | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Probably the Best safari Guide in the World.
Rafa,
How can I ever thank this man for giving my family and I the best ever Safari experience.
Nothing was ever too much trouble, his knowledge and experience was so vast , interesting and enjoyable.
We were taken to places that no other guides would bother to go to , giving us unique and outstanding insight to the area . It also gave us some fantastic discoveries of all the wildlife in the area alongside the Big 5 .
Rafa , went way beyond his duties and made sure we were well and truly looked after in all our accommodation.
If you are looking for a 10 star experience, this guide will deliver and most probably excel above this rating.
I cannot thank him enough and cannot wait to return one day .
US
Email Sanya Bari | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Rafa provides a spiritual experience of centered excitement, you feel the spirit of the Serengeti
If you are coming to Africa there is no one who can give you a better experience that Rafa.
He was pivotal in creating an unforgettable experience. I have never seen anyone love what they do more than Rafa.
I can never come back to Africa and take a tour with anyone else.
His energy is infectious, his love for the animals fuels the tour. His knowledge of the flora and fauna in unparalleled. Don’t even think twice. You WILL NOT regret it.
US
Email Oria R. | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The most experienced, knowledgable and friendly tour operator in Tanzania
The service was incredible. Truly beyond anything we expected. Rafa, our tour guide was always timely, flexible, reliable, friendly, polite, happy and fun. We couldn’t have asked for a better tour guide. He has 18 years of experience and we could tell because he always knew where to go and what to do at the exact moment needed. He is also very knowledgable about the region and the animals. As a bonus, he is an expert birder and helped me identify 90 unique species in a manner of days.
Our tour started in Arusha. From there we went to Lake Manyara National Park, then Ngorongoro Crater and then on to Serengeti National Park. Every park was its own amazing experience with Rafa as our guide. I truly will never forget this amazing experience.
US
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.
US
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.
IL
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
IL
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 .
