Maurice, Your Personal 24hrs Safari Consultant
Africa Safari Classics
- Located In:
- Size:
- 5-10 employees (Founded in 2008)
- Member Of:
- ATTA, ASTA, NTA & FTA
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $4,336 to $7,805 per person per day (MXN, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
Email Karen D | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
African Safari Classics is a top-notch tour operator that provides seamless, personalized experience
I recently traveled to Africa for two weeks of Safari Bliss. Our group included a childhood friend and two of his friends I had never met. We only agreed to the trip because our mutual friend had been on two previous safaris arranged by Africa Safari Classics, and Maurice (who made all the arrangements) curated a personalized trip for us based on all the favorite sites our friend had visited, along with some new ones. I would have been very hesitant to "shop" for a tour company online without firsthand knowledge of the experience I might hope to have. WOW - was I ever amazed by our incredible safari experiences in Kenya, Tanzania, and our final few days of relaxation in Zanzibar. I appreciate all the effort that went into making my trip memorable.
The sequence and flow of our itinerary were excellent. We started off with a day of leisure in Nairobi at the Tamarind Tree Hotel to adjust to the time change. Tours were arranged for us at the Giraffe Centre, Karen Blixen Museum, and a bead factory. I enjoyed each of these immensely (don't miss the Giraffe Centre for some great photo ops). We set off the next day for the first of our five-day Kenyan safari drives in Amboseli, beautiful Lake Naivasha, and the Maasai Mara Game Reserve. For the next phase of our adventure, we boarded a small plane for a flight to Central Serengeti in Tanzania. Everything was ready for us, and we said goodbye to our Kenyan driver, Boni, to be met at the other end by our Tanzanian driver, David. We enjoyed four days of game drives in the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, with a stop at Olduvai Gorge. The final part of our itinerary began with a flight from Arusha to Zanzibar for three final days of relaxation at the beautiful Next Paradise Resort. Each camp and lodge was unique and provided a different perspective of the region. The accommodations were comfortable and well-chosen, each with its own flavor, enhancing the overall experience. Maurice, our tour organizer, checked in daily with our drivers to make sure we were having a wonderful time, as well as checking in with me - I call that first-class service.
From the moment we landed in Nairobi, where our driver Patrick was waiting with a sign, to the arrangements at our final destination, everything was perfectly organized. The logistics were seamless and handled in true "Hakuna Matata" stress-free style. Africa Safari Classics will always be remembered by me as a "No Worries" company that embodies the true spirit of the people at every location I visited. I was able to thoroughly enjoy every moment of my vacation.
The food was delicious and varied, catering well to different dietary needs. We had a gluten-free member of our party and preferred more vegetarian options, which were available everywhere we stayed. The game drives were thrilling, with an abundance of wildlife sightings that exceeded my expectations. We had several, what I like to refer to as "National Geographic moments" that I will never forget. We were able to locate the Big Five must-see animals as well as many more varieties and amazing birds everywhere you turned. Each day brought new and exciting encounters. One week later, I am still sorting through hundreds of stunning photographs, trying to narrow down the best of everything that captured my heart.
Something to think about when you go on a safari: You will be spending hours and hours in your vehicles driving, from location to location and on the drives themselves. The drivers you will spend all that time with make all the difference in the world. We spent our first five days with the driver that our companion had traveled with on his two previous Kenyan safaris. His name is Kasimba Boniface, a.k.a. "Boni." He brings his 36 years of guiding experience and knowledge to your adventure, from finding the hard-to-spot animals and getting you up close and personal, to helping other guides get their vehicles out of the mud. All the other drivers call him "sir," and he is known and respected everywhere he goes. What he adds every day is a jovial spirit, a giant heart, and more laughter than our vehicle could hold - I haven't laughed this hard in years (don’t even get him started on the “Shewee”). He and Maurice helped make my birthday at Zebra Plains Mara Camp the most wonderful one I have ever experienced. If your excursion includes Kenya, you have to request Boni (and make sure to ask him to give you a demonstration of how hippos handle their poo). We had a wonderful driver in Tanzania as well. David was a gentle soul with a wealth of knowledge. He was fantastic about explaining all the facts about each animal, and he knew land sizes, populations, and so many details about everything we were seeing, like a walking encyclopedia. Boni and David were exceptional guides. Their knowledge, cooperation, and initiative greatly enriched the safari experience. They were attentive to our needs and provided excellent customer care, ensuring that every aspect of the trip was enjoyable.
Thank you, Africa Safari Classics, once again for organizing such a fantastic safari. I look forward to recommending your services to others and hope to travel with you again in the future. I left a part of my heart in Africa.
Best regards,
Karen
Email Mitsue | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Awesome Experience!
My husband and I got to experience an amazing safari trip in Kenya.
The itinerary flowed smoothly, and the camps and lodges chosen met and sometimes exceeded our expectations.
Because the plane schedule from Kenya Airways changed suddenly, we lost a night at our final destination in Seychelles which was very disappointing and frustrating.
Maurice, our safari coordinator, was gracious enough to provide a substitute stay at a bed and breakfast high star hotel.
One of the first-class tent resorts that we stayed at included Little River Camp which was ideal for honeymooners with an emphasis on personal attention to you as a visitor.
Because there were so many moving parts regarding our stay in different tents and hotels, we were anxious in determining what was next on the agenda.
In spite of the time difference between Washington DC and Kenya, Maurice always answered the phone at all hours to answer our questions and he did it without complaint or showing the frustration that he must've surely felt.
Even during our stay when we were confused about what was the next event, Maurice in his usual calm way assured and guided us along the way of the event without hesitation or frustration.
We got to experience nature in action with a lioness hunting and feeding her cubs which is something very few people get to witness!
Tony, our safari driver was the perfect guide—very thoughtful, skilled, and very attentive of our safari surroundings.
With him we saw the big famous big 5.
He always had snacks and drinks on hand, along with his silly humor, which definitely added to the experience.
And he even took us to take a dip in the Buffalo Spring which was an unexpected bonus.
We got to converse with Maasai warriors in their village and visit their homes where they explained to us their way of life, the daily tasks and what it took to become a warrior.
We saw cheetahs hunting for their prey up close and personal.
In addition, several times we saw lions. One lion was in the high grass hiding from a group of gazelles as he watched their movements.
In another case we pulled up with 1 foot of pride of 7 lions leisurely relaxing after a kill. This was very scary because we were as close to them to become their next meal if they so chose to.
We fed an elephant from the back of our tent as we watched a group of monkeys called the Monkey Menace steal some of the food from the elephant.
Our trip ended up in Seychelles at a 5 star resort where the amenities were first class in every respect at the Kempinski.
Be aware that if you are going to tip for the services, the currency may be different in each region that you plan to visit.
Email Peter P | 65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Luxury accommodation, good vehicle, competent and friendly driver. And LOTS of animals.
We had just completed a few weeks of work with an NGO. Maurice designed a safari for us which included pickup from the NGO in East Kenya and drop off at Nairobi airport at the end. And it all went like clockwork.
All accommodation was very good but the two tented camps were amazing. Luxury with hot water (only a little cold water at the NGO!) and fabulous food.
Our driver Thomas was knowledgable and tried hard to find good sightings. He obviously knew his way around the parks and was always in touch other drivers about possible animal sightings. Vehicle was also excellet - a stretch Troopcarrier with fridge and inverter for 240V charging. Even when there was an issue with the vehicle that had to be attended to, Thomas arranged (and paid for) a game drive through the camp we were staying at so we wouldn't miss anything on our itinerary. Then picked us up when he said he would - our tour never missed a beat.
Oh, and we saw a lot of animals.
Hi Team from Africa Safari Classics
We are now to our routine in London, going to work again... and we could not conclude this amazing trip without thanking you for all your professional work. The experience in Kenya has been a lifetime experience, completely over the expectations. We have had the best advices and guidance, accommodation, service and of course, best driver, John!! We have seen EVERYTHING, and it has been beautiful to understand the wonders of the Kenya that close. We had no problems at all. The communication with you has been helpful and excellent since the first time we got in touch. You have been very honest and reliable from the beginning and completely open to adapt the Safari to our needs and budget. We have already recommended you to all our friends and relatives. We have to come back soon and see more of that beautiful Africa with you!!!
Email Leanne | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Dream Kenyan Safari
I originally located Africa Safari Classics through the Safari Bookings website. Subsequent email communications with Maurice at Africa Safari Classics then increased my confidence in pursuing a booking. Any concerns or questions I had raised throughout the booking process were answered promptly and confidently.
Accommodation recommendations made by Maurice enhanced our safari experience & itinerary changes were made easily
The 4x4 was comfortable and enabled great game viewing. Game drives were enhanced by the experience, driving skill, driving care and knowledge of our Driver/Guide Nicholas. He, amazingly, seemed to know his way around all the game parks and his game observation skills and dedication to finding us the best sightings possible was most appreciated. Our safari was unbelievable in every way, largely due to the quality of Nicholas’ guiding.
Would most definitely use ASC if we ever returned to East Africa and have no hesitation in recommending ASC to anybody…in fact I would strongly recommend anybody use ASC and am happy to communicate this to any future clients.
I believe the entire safari experience is dependent on the organisation of the safari company and the quality of the guide. Africa Safari Classics surpassed expectations on both counts, resulting in a dream safari for my parents and I – they still haven’t stopped talking about it and I cannot thank Maurice and Nicholas enough for that.
Email Jocelyn and Claude | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
A Truly Memorable Safari Experience in Tanzania
We decided to contact Africa Safari Classics because their website (www.africasafariclassics.com) was easily available, the client comments were most positive, and the company was based in eastern Africa where we wanted to go. Maurice Nzwii, the very professional sales director of the company, recommended a custom-made safari in Tarangire, Ngorongoro, Serengeti, and Lake Manyara National Parks just for the two of us. Maurice was efficient during the entire planning stage of our trip. His tact and expediency in responding to our emails are truly commendable. Because our excellent guide Abdul knew all the back trails and places to find hard-to-see wildlife such as leopards, cheetahs, and rhinos, we felt privy to the entire parks.
We highly recommend Africa Safari Classics.
Email Daniel Taillant | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Once in a Lifetime Experience (or twice!)
Wonderful experience. Maurice (from Africa Safari Classics) helped us out from beginning to end. Waited for us upon arrival in Nairobi, ensured we got to our hotel safely, picked us up the next day and took us to the plane waiting for us to go to the Savanna! We did a 5 day safari to two camps (Ashnil and Il Moran) in Samburu and in Masai Mara, respectively. They were both great, and complimentary. We saw all kinds of animals, except the elusive Rhino (which gives us a reason to return!). Food was great, sunsets spectacular, service stellar. Make sure you take binoculars and a good, high resolution camera. Don't rely on cell phone zoom or live shots, they are horrible and you'll regret it on your return when you want to blow up that awesome picture of the Lion eating a Giraffe! We went in March, and if we return we'll definitely aim for June-August for the big migration. You may want to take a few electrical adapters to charge equipment. Remember to tip your guides!
Email Tony C | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Maurice was responsive, thorough and competent, and booked an exceptional safari trip for us.
We recently completed a 10 day safari adventure with Africa Safari Classics. It was one of the best travel experiences I have ever enjoyed. Maurice was extremely responsive and promptly and thoroughly answered all of my questions and e-mails. He reviewed options with me, and assured he booked us in the accommodations we desired. Maurice coordinated our pick up at the airport, and all of our guides and transfers for the entire trip. Peter and Levi were awesome as our guides, and our tent rooms at Satao Elerai and Mahali Mzuri were incredible. We felt safe and well cared for the entire trip. I would highly recommend Maurice and his staff for your safari planning, he provided the trip of a lifetime.
Email Shauna Ryder | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Maurice M Nzwii was wonderful, thoughtful, thorough and listen to what we wanted and delivered.
If you're looking for an incredible safari experience in Kenya, I highly recommend booking your trip through Africa Safari Classics, Maurice our travel agent was fabulous. He made sure all the places we stayed new it was our 25th wedding anniversary. They made each place stay so special. Our trip to Kenya, which included stays in Nairobi, Amboseli, Samburu, and Masa Mora and Diani Beach was nothing short of unforgettable.
Firstly, to Nairobi. The highlight of our trip was definitely visiting the Sheldricks Elephant Orphanage and witnessing the feeding of the adorable baby elephants. I also had an incredible experience at the Giraffe Center where I got the chance to feed these majestic creatures and learn so much about them from the knowledgeable guides. Another highlight was visiting the Kazuri Bead Factory where I learned about its inspiring mission to empower single women and observed the intricate process of bead-making.
Next off to Amboseli, we stayed at Tortilis Camp that overlooked the stunning Mount Kilimanjaro. The views from our room were breathtaking and the lodge was well-equipped with all the amenities we needed. The highlight of our time at Amboseli was getting up close and personal with the elephants during a game drives well as a pride of Lions with babies. We were able to watch them play and interact with each other in their natural habitat, which was a truly special experience. We also visited the local village of the Masa tribe. the people were so friendly and you could see the importance of community with in the village. It truly was inspiring.
Then to Sumburu, which was another amazing destination. We stayed at Samburu Saruni Villa. The scenery from our suite was breathtaking, with the mountains in the distance. During our game drives, we were able to spot a wide variety of animals, including zebras, giraffes, baboons and a three sibling cheetah eating a resent kill.
The last of our safari's we ended with Masa Mora. It was an absolute highlight of the trip. The Entim Mara is stunning and the staff are incredibly friendly and accommodating. We went on multiple game drives during our stay and were lucky enough to see a whole pride of lions with cubs, a herd of elephants with babies, hippo's, cheetah and hyenas to name a few. The food at Masa Mora was also exceptional, with a great variety of dishes that catered to all dietary needs.
Finally, we ended our trip at Diani Beach in Kenya. It was absolutely unforgettable! We stayed at the Almanara Resort, which was nothing short of breathtaking. The view from our room was simply stunning, with a picturesque view of the beach and the sound of the ocean providing the perfect backdrop for our stay. The accommodations were top-notch, with every detail thoughtfully considered - from the comfortable bed to the air conditioning that kept us cool while we herein the room. One of the highlights of our stay was spotting monkeys on the resort property. Overall, Diani Beach is the perfect destination for anyone looking to relax, unwind, and soak up the natural beauty of Kenya's stunning coastline. I highly recommend the Almanara Resort for anyone looking for a luxurious and unforgettable experience.
Overall, I highly recommend booking your trip to Kenya with Africa Safari Classics. The guides were knowledgeable and passionate about the wildlife, the accommodations were top-notch, and the overall experience was truly unforgettable. I can't wait to book another trip with them in the future!
PL
Email Jakub | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Tanzania with Zanzibar - best trip in my life
I had the great pleasure of taking a private, two and a half week trip to Tanzania, safari and stay in Zanzibar, organized by Africa Safari Classics. The safari included the National Parks: Arusha, Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Conservation Area and additionally Olduvai Gorge. Accommodation at Venus Premier Hotel, Tarangire Osupuko Lodges, Migunga Tented Camp, Robin Safari Camp Serengeti was very good, close to the entrances or in the parks itself with delicious food and excellent, very friendly service. In particular, Migunga Tented Camp very close to Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro Kuhama Camp – both tents very clean, without any insects. What's more, from the lodge in Osupuko Camp at Tarangire National Park, I had the pleasure of observing a herd of waterbucks in the morning and at evening, and in the Migunga Tented Camp - Marabou storks. The internal As Salaam Air flight from Arusha Airport to Zanzibar and the transfer to the Nur Beach Resort Hotel went very smoothly.
Staying at the Nur Beach Resort right on Jambiani Beach on the east coast of Zanzibar was also a perfect choice. I had my own hut, the food and service were excellent, and thanks to the complete silence around the clock, I could relax. It was also difficult to find a better location on the whole island (during my stay in Zanzibar I was also on the beaches of Nungwi and Kendwa – very nice but relatively small and very crowded with tourists) – from the hotel I could go for many hours long walks along the beach, because in this part of the island individual beaches form a several-kilometer-long series of beaches – the longest in the whole of Zanzibar. I also had the opportunity to take tours of the island, which allowed me to explore Stone Town, Prison Island, Jozani Forest, spice farm, and Mangapwani Cave.
Maurice, Sales Director deserves special recognition for the excellent organization of the entire trip, including the choice of accommodation, professionalism, excellent contact, daily support and commitment to ensure that the program is done in the smallest detail and with safety. I am no less grateful to the guide and driver Ally, who constantly provided me with a great deal of knowledge about the country, the characteristics and customs of the wild animals observed. Thanks to his excellent commitment and perfect daily cooperation in spotting animals, I had the opportunity to see many animals, not only: elephants, lions, buffaloes, zebras, giraffes, wildebeest, Grant and Thomson's gazelles, hippos, ... but also many for the first time in nature – with the leopard at the forefront in the Serengeti Park.
All this makes the trip to Tanzania and Zanzibar organized by Africa Safari Classics an unforgettable experience for me and without a doubt the best trip I have made so far in my life. I highly recommend Africa Safari Classics!