African Big Cats Safaris
- Office In:
- Size:
- 20-50 employees (Founded in 2013)
- Member Of:
- TATO & TTB
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $3,443 to $18,937 per person per day (MXN, excl. int'l flights)
for a custom tour
Your request will be sent directly to the operator
If preferred, you can contact the operator directly
Reviews
CN
Email Summer | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A Vehicle Accident and What Followed
Our safari with African Big Cat Safaris in May 2026 was unfortunately marked by a serious vehicle accident, and I believe future travellers should be aware of both the incident itself and the company's response afterwards.
During our safari in the Serengeti, the vehicle left the road and came to rest on its side. Official incident reports and a traffic citation were issued following the accident.
Several members of our group sustained injuries. I was seated in the rear row of the vehicle and, after returning to China, CT imaging confirmed fractures of the L1-L3 lumbar transverse processes resulting from the accident. Another member of our group was diagnosed locally with a mild concussion.
Local medical assistance was arranged after the incident, and based on the medical assessments available at the time, no serious bone injury was identified. However, both the concussed passenger and I were unable to participate in safari activities the following day and remained at camp while the rest of the group continued the itinerary.
To be fair, the company covered local medical expenses incurred in Tanzania and provided the accident documentation when requested.
My concern relates less to the accident itself and more to the level of care and support shown afterwards.
After returning home, medical examinations confirmed injuries that had not been identified locally. We submitted the relevant medical evidence and attempted to resolve the remaining accident-related costs through direct and respectful communication.
We also limited our request and did not pursue compensation for missed safari activities, damaged personal property, loss of income, rehabilitation costs, or other indirect losses. Instead, we requested a modest contribution toward a small portion of the accident-related expenses that remained uncovered by our travel insurance.
The company ultimately declined any form of goodwill support beyond the medical expenses already covered in Tanzania and informed us that its position was final. More importantly, at no stage did we feel there was meaningful acknowledgement of the impact this accident had on the injured members of the group.
Safari travel inherently carries risk, and I understand that accidents can happen even with experienced operators. For me, the most important measure of a company is not whether an accident occurs, but how it responds when guests are injured.
I encourage prospective travellers to ask detailed questions about vehicle safety procedures, seatbelt policies, emergency response arrangements, accident reporting processes, and post-incident support before booking.
This review reflects my personal experience and is supported by official incident records, medical documentation, and correspondence with the company.
Reply from African Big Cats Safaris
Posted on Jun 5, 2026Dear Summer Tang,
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience.
First and foremost, we are truly sorry that this incident occurred during your safari and that both you and your travelling companion suffered injuries as a result. We understand how distressing the experience must have been, and we sincerely regret that it became part of your journey with us.
Guest safety and wellbeing remain our highest priorities, and whenever an incident occurs, our focus is on ensuring that affected guests receive prompt assistance and appropriate medical care. Following the accident, our team arranged medical attention immediately, assisted with transportation and logistics, maintained communication throughout the remainder of your stay, and covered the medical expenses incurred in Tanzania.
Based on the medical assessments available at the time, no serious bone injuries were identified, and medical professionals did not recommend hospitalization, emergency evacuation, or discontinuation of your safari. We therefore understand how concerning it must have been to later learn, following further examinations in China, that additional injuries had been identified.
We also appreciate your acknowledgement that local medical expenses were covered by our company. After receiving the medical documentation submitted following your return home, we carefully reviewed the matter and considered the request presented to us. While we were unable to provide additional financial support beyond the assistance already provided, this decision should not be interpreted as a lack of concern for your wellbeing. Rather, it reflected our position regarding expenses incurred after the completion of the safari and outside Tanzania, which are typically addressed through travel insurance arrangements.
We respect that you feel disappointed by the outcome, and we understand that your experience has led you to view the situation differently. At the same time, we would like future travelers to know that our team remained committed to supporting you throughout the incident and its immediate aftermath, and that every decision made was taken in good faith and with your welfare in mind.
Safari travel takes place in remote wilderness environments where, despite experienced guides, maintained vehicles, established safety procedures, and careful planning, unforeseen incidents can occasionally occur. While such events are extremely rare, we continuously review our operations and procedures to maintain the highest possible standards of safety and guest care.
We are grateful that you and your travelling companion were able to complete the remainder of your safari, and we sincerely wish you both continued recovery, good health, and all the very best for the future.
Kind regards,
African Big Cat Safaris
Email Lynzie Rockett | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Lack of communication
Complete lack of communication. Had us pay for a person that wasn’t even there! If a deposit means something different in Tanzania than America it would have been nice to know. African Big Cats advertises one lodge on their website but downgrades last minute to another. The downgraded lodge is on the complete opposite side (East/West-of Zanzibar) and rooms smell terribly of mold/mildew. Two safari days were not needed (the first and last). Those need to be removed from the itinerary completely. Note that most of these safari companies go to the same exact spots. As evidenced by the massive amount of jeeps at every stop and animal sighting. Skip African Big Cats and go with one of the MANY other companies. Our guides (Zab and Jumma) were good!!
Reply from African Big Cats Safaris
Posted on Sep 7, 2023Dear Lynzie, Thank you very much for your review, and i am very sorry to hear that the trip wasn't to your satisfaction.
I want to take a moment to address some concerns and provide clarity regarding your recent safari experience with us. It's essential for us to ensure your understanding and satisfaction.
First and foremost, regarding the issue of a participant who couldn't join the trip at the last moment, I understand how frustrating this can be, especially when plans and expenses are already in place. Originally, the safari was booked for seven people, but just two days before your arrival, we received notification that one person had to cancel. According to our policy, cancellations made within 15 days of travel would result in a 100% loss of the trip cost. However, recognising that this situation was beyond your control, we decided to deviate from our policy and charged only 50% of the cost. This decision still resulted in a loss for us, but we wanted to accommodate your circumstances as best as we could. We genuinely wish we could have offered a full refund, but unfortunately, we couldn't pursue this option due to the policies of the accommodations involved. Please know that we tried our best to assist you in this matter.
Concerning the accommodations themselves, we want to clarify that we never altered the options we initially quoted. When the trip was booked in January, it was based on a pre-made tour that Crystal, the person who booked on behalf of your group, selected from our website. While we do provide the flexibility to change accommodations, Crystal opted to stick with the original itinerary. Upon confirmation, we sent a comprehensive itinerary, which included the accommodations she had chosen. However, in the low season (April), our website underwent renovations, which involved changes to some itineraries and accommodations. One of the affected itineraries was the one Crystal had selected. The accommodation in Zanzibar was changed from Amaan Bungalows to Nungwi Dreams. We were unaware that Crystal was using the website itinerary as a reference for your entire group instead of the final itinerary sent to her via email. This miscommunication led to the belief that you were to overnight at Nungwi Dreams instead of Amaan Bungalows, as per your original quote.
Lastly, regarding the duration of the safari days, it's important to understand that the length of the safari significantly influences the quality of the game drive. Your arrival flight on the first day was scheduled to arrive in the afternoon, making it impossible to arrange any game drive on that day. Furthermore, your subsequent flight directly to Zanzibar meant that you could only accommodate a half-day game drive at Manyara on the last day. Given the limited number of days your group had, extending the safari was not feasible. Please note that the duration of the safari directly impacts the quality of the experience, as more extended periods allow for better exploration of the parks and more private game drives, as our guides have the opportunity to venture beyond the standard routes.
I sincerely hope that this clarifies the concerns you had about your recent safari experience. We greatly appreciate your feedback, and I apologise that the trip did not meet your expectations. Our commitment is to continually improve and ensure the best possible experience for our valued clients.
CA
Email Marinko | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Thank you for the greatest guide
First and foremost. We had an amazing guide. experienced Moses is very very knowledgeable in his field. He has a history of many different adventures. He answers any and every question you might have. Guide on the scale 1 -10. Moses is 11. The vehicle left something to be desired. Windows require a power of an ox to open. Seats are what they are and tent camps however talked up are uncomfortable. Hot water bottles needed and was placed in bed to warm you a bit so you don’t freeze. All in all with exception of our glories guide, we payed too much for what we got. They sometimes think that American dollars are on even par with Tanzanian shillings. Don’t drink in safari camps. Each shot of vodka leaves you wanting to stop drinking for ever by its size. The art of a cheat. Single shot is no shot. The smallest in the world. And I’ve seen the world. Short and sweet !robbery.
Tanzanians are fast business companies.They will slow you down. Hard working People are honest tough,and truly very hard working for small money. Your tips are supposed to compensate there starving wage.the companies are not ashamed to tell you how much to tip, and that’s not jut a pitons,on daily bases mind you. You are pinned against hard,hard working man and women however you look at it.
Safari is a swim where only fitest can survive
And your wallet will be victimized in no time.
Thank you to the greatest guide ! “Moses”
Moses is the best
Forget the rest.
Reply from African Big Cats Safaris
Posted on Jun 27, 2025Dear Marinko,
Thank you very much for sharing your feedback, and for highlighting the exceptional service provided by our guide, Moses. We are delighted to hear that he made such a strong impression on you. Moses is indeed a dedicated professional, and your words of praise will mean a lot to him and to our entire team.
We are also grateful for the constructive parts of your review, and we would like to respond to a few of your concerns with care and clarity.
Regarding the safari vehicle, we understand your experience and apologize for any inconvenience caused. These vehicles are specially designed to handle rough, dusty, and sometimes muddy roads common in the bush. Occasionally, wear and tear such as stiff windows can occur after long hours in rugged terrain. However, our guides are trained to inspect and service the vehicle each evening to ensure comfort and reliability the following day, and we do appreciate you bringing this to our attention.
About the hot water bottles, these are commonly placed in beds in the Ngorongoro area due to the naturally cold climate at that high altitude. This is a standard and thoughtful gesture offered by most lodges and camps in the area to help guests stay warm at night, and we are sorry to hear it came as an unpleasant surprise.
In terms of accommodation, the safari camps we use are categorized into various levels ranging from mid-range to luxury plus. Each level offers a different experience and range of amenities. While mid-range camps may not have all the luxuries of top-end lodges, they are carefully selected for their comfort, safety, warm hospitality, and proximity to wildlife areas. We always aim to match our guests with the best option based on their preferences and budget.
With regard to beverages, the drink portions and pricing are set by the individual lodges and camps. We do not control their standards, but we will share your feedback with the camp in question to help them improve the guest experience.
Concerning tipping, it is indeed a customary practice in Tanzania and throughout the safari industry. However, we never require it. At each guest briefing upon arrival, we provide clear and transparent guidance on tipping as an option not a rule. If a guest is not satisfied with the service received, they are under no obligation to tip.
Finally, we fully respect your views on value for money. We strive to create meaningful, high-quality safari experiences while ensuring that our team and partners are fairly compensated for their hard work in delivering complex logistics across remote locations.
Once again, thank you for traveling with us. We sincerely appreciate both your compliments and your suggestions. Your feedback helps us grow and serve future guests better. Most importantly, we are thrilled that Moses made your journey so memorable.
Wishing you many more enriching adventures ahead.
Warm regards,
Email Chris | 65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Africa Big Cat Safaris: Great people
An amazing wildlife sighting experience, very well looked after by our guides Obedi and Thomas. We covered about 1000 km, and we never felt threatened by their driving. The only hickups were the very poor bar selection at some of the lodges, and one has to bear the odd cold shower. The food was acceptable to very nice at times. This must be taken in the context that the trip offers incredible value for money. The booking process was very well handled with good pre-tour information. Tanzania offers an incredible wildlife experience, and the people of Tanzania are just so friendly and respectful.
CN
Email LIZ ZHOU | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent service and unforgettable wildlife encounters
I first got in touch with Big Cat through BookingSafari back in February. At the time, I was speaking with a few different local operators and had some good conversations with other sales reps too. But overall, Joshua from Big Cat gave me the best impression. He was always patient and responsive, and very reliable whenever we had questions or special requests.
We already had a few camps and a rough route in mind, so the communication was smooth and efficient. Once we got the final quotes and confirmed the camps we wanted, we decided to go with Big Cat right away. Then came a long wait of almost six months before our actual trip at the end of September.
On our first night, we were welcomed by the manager who carefully went over all the key information with us. He was friendly and very detailed, which made us feel well taken care of. The next morning, we took a small domestic flight to the northern Serengeti, where our guide Lovio was already waiting for us. He led us through an amazing Safari journey. On the very first day, we were lucky enough to witness two river crossings by wildebeests. Over the next few days, we managed to see almost all the animals we hoped for, except the black rhino which was a bit too far away.
Lovio’s vehicle did break down twice during the trip. The first time, it caused some delays, but after the car was fixed, he really gave his best effort to help us spot more wildlife. The second time it happened was on the way to Ngorongoro Crater. Honestly, I guess we were just too lucky in our own way, since not everyone gets this kind of “experience,” right?
On the last afternoon, while we were heading back to Arusha, I suddenly came down with acute food poisoning. Lovio was incredibly helpful and brought us to two hospitals to make sure I got the treatment I needed. Luckily, my condition was under control by that night, and I was able to catch my international flight the next day without issues.
I’m truly grateful to Big Cat and especially to our guide Lovio. This trip gave us unforgettable memories. I hope the next time I visit Tanzania for another Safari, I’ll have the chance to meet them again.
Reply from African Big Cats Safaris
Posted on Jan 16, 2026Thank you very much for sharing your experience with us. We’re delighted to hear that Joshua’s support, our planning process, and Lovio’s guiding made your safari memorable and rewarding. We truly appreciate your understanding during the unexpected vehicle issues and are especially glad our team could support you during your illness and ensure you traveled safely. Your kind words mean a lot to us, and we would be honored to welcome you back to Tanzania for another safari in the future.
BE
Email Yves | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
African Big Cats Safaris delivered a wonderful, safe, and unforgettable adventure.
We chose African Big Cats Safaris based on a link in The Lonely Planet of trusted safari companies. They arrived on our long list and finally on the short list. We picked them because of the interaction, price and the customisation of the trip. We initially drafted our route (Tarangire – Lake Natron – Serengeti – Ngorongoro – Lake Manyara), and the company helped us fine-tune it. The direct booking process was very good: emails were answered swiftly and clearly, and we even had a helpful video call beforehand.
Our driver was truly outstanding: highly experienced, deeply knowledgeable about flora and fauna, and always prioritised safety. He knew his way around the national parks, handled check-ins smoothly, and gave us useful briefings each day. We appreciated his punctuality, the way he coordinated with other guides to locate interesting animals, and even how the car was cleaned daily despite all the dust. We also liked the thoughtful planning of arrival times—always before 4:30 pm—allowing us to relax and enjoy the scenery before sunset.
Overall, we would rate the company as very good, a 4.5. The only reason we cannot give a full “Excellent” rating is due to a last-minute change in accommodation caused by a mistake on their side. While we had approved the lodges in advance, they had to make a change just days before the trip began, and unfortunately the replacement was a slight downgrade.
This safari was truly “Memories for life.” Despite the minor hiccup, African Big Cats Safaris delivered a wonderful, safe, and unforgettable adventure.
Reply from African Big Cats Safaris
Posted on Jan 16, 2026Thank you very much for your detailed and balanced review. We truly appreciate your kind words regarding our communication, trip customization, and the professionalism of your driver.
Regarding the last-minute accommodation change, we would like to clarify that this was due to the originally confirmed lodge overlooking their availability and later informing us that the booking had been accepted in error, as no rooms were available on the specific date. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused and appreciate your understanding.
We are glad this did not detract from your overall safari experience and are honored to have been part of your “memories for life.” Thank you for choosing African Big Cats Safaris, and we hope to welcome you back in the future.
Email Garth B | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
An unforgetable experience
We started our search a year ago. We contacted 6 companies, but narrowed it down to 3 when we saw some companies wanted you to pay on arrival in Tanzania. We spent a few weeks comparing the different lodges and accommodation. Joshua was our initial contact and we appreciated how flexible he was with changes to the lodges. We planned to visit in June, but told him seeing the migration was the main reason for our visit. At his suggestion, we changed to the end of July. What a great suggestion! We finally decided on a nine day / eight luxury safari.
Once our deposit was paid, Naomi was our contact person. We decided to add an extra day so we could see Mount Kilimanjaro. She was able to rearrange our itinerary so we do that. She also contacted us when we had to change lodges in Tarangire due to the lake being flooded.
A few months later we had a few questions and sent numerous emails which weren't answered. We finally resorted to writing a WhatsApp message, which was answered almost immediately. Somehow my emails went into a spam / junk folder. I can understand how that happens, but got worried when my two emails for confirmation of payment weren't answered. This was the only issue we had.
Our guide Obedi met us at Kilimanjaro Internation Airport. He was an amazing guide and was very knowledgeable on the vegetation, animals and birds that we saw. We really enjoyed his great sense of humor. Driving around Tanzania can be very hair-raising but I didn't ever feel unsafe with his driving.
The Operating Director Emanuel met us in Arusha to discuss our experience with the company so far and to discuss our itinerary. I really appreciated this personal touch. We met him after the safari too.
Our first night was spent at the Tumbuli Lodge in Arusha. We really enjoyed the relaxed environment and the grounds are like a botanical gardens. I would highly recommend it.
We spent two nights at the Intimate Camp Zebra in the Northern Serengeti. It was a few minutes drive to the Mara River to see the migration. The airstrip is also close by. At night we had wildebeest and zebra moving around our tent. I can understand why you needed a guide to lead you at night.
We got to see a few hundred wildebeest crossing the river. Obedi was in radio contact with the other guides, so was able to get us great viewing spots. At one stage everywhere you looked there were wildebeest. Amazing!
We saw lions every day. We also saw cheetahs, a leopard (stalking a wildebeest crossing the Mara river), herds of elephants, buffalo and numerous birds species. The only member of the big 5 we didn't see was the rhino. Obedi really went out of his way to find one in the Ngorongoro Crater, but unfortunately we didn't see one!
Our last night was spent at Kambi ya Tembo in the Western Kilimanjaro. This was our favorite lodge. Sylvester and his staff made us really welcome. There were only 2 safari vehicles in the camp, so we enjoyed the tranquility. The game drive was very unique and I suggest it.
We hoped to see Mount Kilimanjaro but it was covered in clouds. Maybe next time!
We would highly recommend Africa Big Cat Safaris. My friend and I had an amazing experience. The lodges were great and Obedi our guide was amazing. Ask for him when you make your booking. He was extremely patient when we wanted to stop to take photographs. He also makes excellent coffee.
One suggestion: If you have to get from Tarangare National Park to North Serengeti take a plane. The nine to eleven hour drive on dusty, bumpy, wash board roads wasn't fun.
Email Nisha | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Knowledgeable
Overall had a great experience with our tour guide. He was nice, funny and kind. You can tell he is passionate about the safari. He was knowledgeable and provided great information. I enjoyed him and the pleasant experience.
Email Achal | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
It was a wonderful experience.
It was very well organized. Ernest, William, Naomi and Emanue did a great job from start. There were some change of plans at last minute which they were able to adjust for us. I will definitely recommend others to use this company. Few things that I noticed that could have been better are:
- Few other land cruisers had better setup for passengers like charging board, a small platform to keep mobiles etc. Not saying that this jeep did not have any but it was better in other cars.
- They could have recommended us a better route initially as we were new to this country but they were able to adjust our plans during the trip. As per original plan, we were traveling for straight 2 days - Karatu to North Serengeti and back whereas they could have recommended to stay in central Serengeti for a day where you see all big cats. Nonetheless, team was quick and changed our accommodation which was great service.
Reply from African Big Cats Safaris
Posted on Oct 19, 2024Dear Achal,
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us your feedback, and we’re thrilled to hear that you had a wonderful experience with African Big Cats Safaris. We’re glad that Ernest, William, Naomi, and Emanuel were able to provide you with a well-organized tour and make adjustments when needed. Your recommendation means a lot to us!
We appreciate your insights on areas where we can improve. We’re always looking for ways to enhance the experience for our guests, and your comments about the vehicle setup and the initial route planning are valuable. We will certainly review these points to ensure a smoother experience for future travelers.
Once again, thank you for choosing us for your safari adventure, and we hope to welcome you back in the future.
Best regards,
African Big Cats Safaris
GR
Email Illias | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Well organised and awesome experience
Our safari in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro was an incredible journey through some of the most stunning landscapes and wildlife we’ve ever seen. The itinerary was thoughtfully curated, and we enjoyed most of the lodges, which were comfortable and provided a perfect retreat after long days of exploration.
However, there were a few aspects that didn’t quite meet our expectations. The overall cost seemed a bit steep for the experience, and we felt that it was slightly overvalued. Additionally, the car air conditioning was not working and there was a lot of dust in the road that made the experience uncomfortable.
Despite these minor issues, we had an amazing time and would recommend this safari to anyone seeking an unforgettable adventure in Tanzania.