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 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 !!!!!!!!!!
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 .
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
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.
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 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.
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 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!
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 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.