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:
- $3,460 to $19,031 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 Zhixiong | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Perfect safari, professional guide and warm-hearted businese manager
Our Itinerary:
Sep 29~Oct 3, 4 days safari from Arusha to Ngorongoro and serengeti. Roads in and fly out.
Business:
Manager Emanuel is very polite, warm-hearted.
We contact 4 or 5 safari company to check the availability, itinerary and price before leaving China. Only Emanuel make the whole safari plan for us and modify it according to our situations. For example, we only have 4 days to safari and need to go Zanzibar after it, Emanuel recommend us 2 best park to visit and select flying out to save time. Actually, this selection do help us save a lot of time, reduce our tiredness and help us have more chances to see the all "Big five".
He also help us a lot when we in Arusha. When we arrive in Arusha hotel the first day, we need to withdraw some cash, he drive us to the closest bank without hesitation which take him more than 1h on roads and missed another meeting. He always try his best to provide us convenience when we in Tanzania.
Guide:
Guide Ernest is very professional. He‘s good at communicating and speak English very well. We saw the all “Big five” in his help which include a cute baby cheetah. Ernest is older than all of us, he take good care of us in both physical and mental in 4 days safari.
Accommodation & Foods:
We select Hotel Melia in Ngorongoro and Lahia tented logde in Serengeti.
Melia is new and have a great view to see all the creator. We take lots of great photos in there. The foods in Melia is fresh and delicious.
Lahia tented lodge is best hotel we lived in Tanzania, which has seperated wooden house for each guests, and also have a great view to see the plain & stars. The foods in there is also good.
Conclusion:
Perfect safari!
We see many species of animals, beautiful sightseeings which are beyond our imagination by Big Cats Safari's help.
Before we leave, Emanueal told us their company is not too big nor too small. But we all think ther're the best.
If one company is not too big, It definitely have a group of original, warm-hearted staffs who are keen to help all the guest they meet.
If one company is not too small, It definitly have skilled guide who can help you enjoy your safari a lot.
How lucky we are to select this company when we visit Tanzania for the first time. Hope we have chance to meet your guys again!
Email Alex F. | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Amazing Experience - Above and Beyond!
My wife and I went to Tanzania for our honeymoon and chose to do our safari through African Big Cats Safaris. I have previously done a safari in Uganda so I had some idea of what to expect, but the trip honestly was better than I ever could have imagined.
We cannot stop talking about how impressed we were with Endeni, our guide for the trip. Endeni really went above and beyond every single day of the trip; we ended every day feeling like he had done everything that he possibly could have to make our safari that day as amazing as possible. In addition to his knowledge of wildlife (especially birds - wow!), he knew so much about photography and never failed to get us in a position for the best lighting possible.
Obviously a lot of what you will see is dependent on nature, but Endeni did everything he could to make sure we saw as much as possible. We saw all of the big five - we did not expect to see any rhinos, but ended up seeing six (three in Ngorongoro and three in Serengeti!). We also saw a leopard carrying a zebra in a tree in the Serengeti, which was a truly unforgettable experience.
While there were countless things that Endeni did to make our trip perfect, there are two examples that I want to share. The first was in the Ngorongoro Crater. We had been there all day, and the park was closing soon, but Endeni went out of his way to take us to a hippo pool. We were the only car there, and got to watch three hippos get out of the water and walk right in front of the car. It was such a special experience and made possible by Endeni choosing to stay as late in the park as was permitted. The second was in the Serengeti. I asked if there were cheetahs in the area that we were in, and Endeni deducted that I was hoping to see more cheetah. Somehow, he knew exactly where to go to find two cheetahs that had been hiding and let us spend an hour with them getting tons of great pictures.
For the entire trip, we never felt rushed or pressured. Endeni always made sure to give us enough time with the animals, but could sense when we were ready to move on.
Everything else was great as well. The company was great to work with during the planning phase and helped a lot with selecting our lodges. We stayed at Gran Melia Arusha, Maramboi Tented Lodge, Kitela Lodge, Ngorongoro Serena, Elewana Pioneer Camp Serengeti, and Z Hotel Zanzibar. I will write separate reviews for each of these, but they were all great. Pioneer Camp was by far our favorite (the coolest place we have ever stayed), but we also loved Gran Melia, Maramboi, and Kitela. Serena Ngorongoro was good, but it was definitely an older crowd (as honeymooners, we were in our late 20's and felt like we didn't see anyone at the hotel below the age of 40 while we were there). But the views were excellent from our room and we didn't really have any complaints. The transportation we received to our first hotel in Arusha and to and from our last hotel in Zanzibar was also excellent.
If I had to mention one bad part of the trip, it would probably be our flight from Seronera Airstrip in the Serengeti to Zanzibar (but this really wasn't African Big Cats Safaris' fault). The airport is just very chaotic and it wasn't even clear to us when our flight was leaving - we basically just got on a plane and hoped for the best. Our flight also had a longer layover in Arusha than we expected. However, I took a regional flight within Uganda when I was there and had a similar chaotic experience, so I think it is just something to be prepared for when taking flights from smaller airports in Africa. Again, nothing African Big Cats Safaris could have helped - Endeni got us to the airport in plenty of time and waited there until we were through security and situated.
Overall, it was the trip of a lifetime and we really couldn't have been happier. I would recommend using African Big Cats Safaris to everyone I know - the cost was fair and I can't imagine how we could have possibly had a better experience than we did with them. If you are on the fence, just book with them! You will not regret it!
Email Wayne | 65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
They provided exactly what we asked for in a special trip that we worked out with them.
This was a family trip including my wife and myself, four adult daughters and three husbands. We required two jeeps for the 12-day safari using a route that we worked out with the company. This was my 10th time to Africa and my 9th safari, but my first to Tanzania and the Serengeti. I (and my family, four of whom had never been to Africa) were extremely pleased with Africa Big Cats Safari and with our driver/guides who were very knowledgeable about the animals and birds and helped us locate those on our extensive list we had put together. We were treated to a very rare sighting of the black rhino in the Serengeti, with good photos and videos. Our family took at least 3000 photos and videos, including two massive wildebeest crossings on the northern Mara River. We took in the Lake Manyara Park, Ngorongoro Crater, the central Serengeti, the north Serengeti, and Tarangire National Park. We preferred and liked the smaller tent camps
Email Natasha Peters | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Our Dream Honeymoon!
Where do we start?
From booking the 5 Day 4 Night Luxury safari, throughout our trip and beyond, the communication was amazing. Any questions we had, we had a reply super quickly (within 24 hours).
We arrived at Kilimanjaro Airport and our transfer was ready and waiting. Everyone who we met along the way was super friendly and kind.
Our operations Manager (Emanuel) came and spoke to us the evening before our safari, giving us an in detail itinerary and answered any questions we had. This made us super excited (more than we already were!)
The next 5 days were nothing but EXTRAORDINARY. The safari exceeded all of our expectations. Especially having Ernie as our guide everyday.
The animals that we encountered and how close we managed to get to them just made it that even more special.
We have learnt a lot about the animals at each national park due to the 20+ years Ernie has been doing safaris.
The food throughout our trip was beautiful. I am a fussy eater but there was nothing that I didn’t like!
And not to mention the accommodation - breathtaking. Please look through my photos and see for yourself!
If you are considering African Big Cats Safari then our experience is enough to encourage you to go with them! They are incredible.
Thank you Ernie and the team - you made our honeymoon the best we could ever imagined!
AE
Email Ashis Swain | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Tanzania Big 5 experience with African Big Cat Safari
We had planned to spend our anniversary vacation in Tanzania in July 2023. Since it was an important trip during the peak season, we made arrangements with Mr. Emanuel, the manager of African Big Cat, four months in advance. We meticulously planned and booked the luxury safari trip, which lasted for 9 days and 8 nights, covering Tarangire, Manyara, Ngorongoro, and Serengeti. The highlights of the tour included breathtaking landscapes, private safaris, adventurous wildlife encounters, and the opportunity to see the Big 5. We enjoyed luxury adventures at Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater, and the Central and North Serengeti regions.
We flew from Zanzibar to Arusha with Precision Airways and arrived in the afternoon. Our tour guide, Mr. Ernest, greeted us with a private Land Cruiser 4x4, which remained with us throughout the tour. The package included all nights' accommodation, park fees, government taxes, Flying Doctor Insurance, unlimited drinking water, and food. We stayed at various accommodations throughout the safari, including Gran Melia Arusha, Manyara Serena Lodge, Mbalimbali Soroi, Mara Under Canvas, Lake Masek Tented Lodge, and Escarpment Luxury Lodge.
Throughout the safari, we did not encounter any mechanical or electrical issues with the Land Cruiser. We were lucky to spot the Big 5 along with other animals and birds abundant in all the national parks. Overall, our stay, food, guide experience, and immersion in African culture were outstanding. Our guide, Ernest, was in continuous contact with the radio, providing us with updates on wildlife sightings and the Big 5 spots.
We were able to capture valuable and unique photos and create unforgettable memories during our trip. We would like to express our gratitude to African Big Cat Safari for providing us with the most memorable and satisfying African safari experience. We took all necessary vaccinations and malaria medication as recommended and did not encounter any health-related issues. The entire planning, payment, travel, and execution of the safari tour were handled responsibly and professionally by African Big Cat Safari.
CH
Email Priska | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
An operator who makes the wishes of his guests possible.
Thanks to the perfect organisation of Big Cads Safaris, we were able to experience the wonders of Africa on safari.
PT
Email Teresa Gradim | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC, ONE OF THE BEST EXPERIENCIES IN MY ENTIRE LIFE!
Big Cats Safari were just amazing. We booked directly with them and everything went 100%. Speed in responding to our queries was very important. From the JEEP vehicle, always clean and with fresh drinks. Possibility of loading equipment, very useful.
Our guide, Venance, always careful and tireless in the search for animals. We saw them all. Venance loves his job. He was tireless throughout the tour and very knowledgeable about all the Parks.
We visited Taranguire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Lake Manyara.
We did the comfort circuit. The proposed accommodations were excellent. We couldn't ask for more. Thank you Big Cats Safari and Venance.
We also did a tour of Arusha on the first day, very interesting, especially Massai Market. Thanks all team Big Safari Cats
Email Martin Alswang | 65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
I have been on many safaris; you cannot find a better tour operator, experience, value than ABC S
I live in Denver, CO, USA but am from South Africa originally. I am a physician. I have been on numerous (over 30) safaris, including Kruger, luxury safaris near Kruger, Chobe, Okavango, but have always wanted to do the "big one" - Tanzania.
As you know, there are many different tour operators, so it was difficult to choose one. My son is a medical student (at Harvard), doing research in Dar Es Salaam. We wanted to do a Tanzanian owned and based safari, in order to try support their economy in our small way. He asked around and the consensus was ABC Safaris (African Big Cats).
I then looked at reviews and saw only 5 star reviews. I was a bit suspicious at first as it seemed too good to be true, but the reviews and their websites seemed genuine, so we went with them.
Best safari decision I have made.
Communication: excellent.
Justice, the organizer, Emmanuel, the owner, and our guide (Endeni) always answered promptly, politely, professionally, in a welcoming, reassuring and friendly manner. Their correspondence was informative and they addressed and answered all our (numerous) questions. We were never left guessing.
Flexibility: excellent.
We changed our itinerary a few times, making it 2 days longer, and included two hikes. This was never an issue with ABC - they gladly made all the changes we requested in a seamless and accommodating way, never making us feel we were being demanding or difficult.
Itinerary: excellent.
We went on the Ndutu Calving Luxury safari, to Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Lake Manyara.
Numerous baby animals seen - so adorable.
Saw teeming game, more than I've ever seen, including their calves, of numerous different antelope, elephant, rhino, buffalo, hyena, eagles, vultures, numerous other birds, hippo, jackals etc etc. We saw "kills". We saw carcasses being eaten. We saw the big 5. We were part of the migration (not the crossing of the Mara River though - wrong season).
Accommodation: excellent.
Luxury glamping, lodges had awesome views, great abundant food, immaculately clean and comfortable, safe, and the staff are the friendliest nicest people you can imagine.
Vehicle: excellent.
There were three of us, my wife, son and myself, in an 8 seater. Comfortable Land Rover, with a roof that pops up so we could stand and look for and view game even while driving. Also has a fridge and chargers.
Guide: Unbelievable excellent!!!!
Endeni was the best guide and spotter I have ever met!! He knew the roads, how to find game, was so knowledgeable, patient, friendly, funny, kind, caring. Never tired of our questions. He honestly was BRILLIANT, the best, and I've met many guides in the past. Spoke excellent English.
Value: excellent.
For what we did, saw, got, the price was more than reasonable, fair, appropriate, affordable. Excellent value for the money.
Reliability: excellent.
We received everything we expected and asked for. Seriously, nothing went wrong, and it could not have gone better...
Side note: on the way to the airport, my son's flight was cancelled by Tanzania Air (not the most reliable airline...). He had to be in Dar the next morning. ABC had nothing to do with our transport/airline. Nonetheless, Endeni phoned Emmanuel, who then drove to Precision Air, booked my son a flight, paid for it, and "saved the day" - an example of how ABC went above and beyond...
IE
Email Gerard | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent service from the beginning to the end including our tour guide Valence!
The entire team at African Big Cats Safaris provided an excellent integrated service from the booking process right through to the safari tour itself.
Their administration team, including Esuvat and Emmanuel, were accommodating, efficient, and responsive in organizing our safari tour at short notice as we considered several different itinerary options.
On arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport, our excellent tour guide Valence patiently waited for an hour as we processed our tourism visas (which we hadn’t done in advance). From there, everything went smoothly, and to plan, as Valence made it his priority to ensure that our 4-day safari trip was as enjoyable as possible for us as the customers. Valence was extremely knowledgeable about all things relating to the Safari and Tanzania and was happy to answer any questions/queries we raised. Although there was an itinerary in place, Valence was also flexible around our daily schedule to suit our own personal needs. This included bringing us to a local Masai village at short notice which wasn’t on the original itinerary.
In addition to our tour guide, the transport, accommodation, food, and drinks were also excellent. We saw all the animals that there were to see, and we left feeling that the trip went as well as we could have expected.
In summary, I would highly recommend African Big Cats Safaris and Valence to anyone considering a Safari Tour.
CH
Email Marine | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very good value and amazing trip !
A dream!!! We had a dream stay with Emanuel our guide for 5 days / 4 nights.
We had the chance to see many animals thanks to Emanuel's experience! The lodges were great (tip: the kubukubu in Seregenti Park was amazing) and the food was delicious throughout our trip.
It was our first safari and we only want to book a next one with African Big Cats Safari !
Asante sana Emanuel for these beautiful memories! We hope to see you soon!
Marine & Robin