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:
- $4,303 to $7,746 per person per day (MXN, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
Email Sam H.W. Sappington | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Two Amazing and Remarkable Safari Trips to East Africa with Africa Safari Classics!
I am nearly a year late in writing this review, but VERY Happy to do so! 2020 has been a very rough year for the safari travel business in Africa, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, international flights to Kenya have recently resumed and I hope my comments and observations here can help to generate renewed interest among potential safari-goers, as the industry slowly begins to recover.
We made our first safari adventure to Kenya back in November 2016, and booked our trip through Maurice Nzwii with Africa Safari Classics. We chose one of their 9-day itineraries ("Wildlife in Style"), which took us through 5 national parks and game reserves. It was an outstanding adventure, and we came home to Oregon (USA) determined to make a return trip as soon as possible. We came across some amazing airfares to Africa in the summer of 2019 (less than $650 RT from Seattle to Nairobi), and we booked our 2nd trip with Africa Safari Classics for November of last year. Once again, Maurice came through for us in remarkable ways, and gave us the single BEST travel adventure of our lives (followed closely by our first trip to Kenya in 2016)!
In planning a second trip to East Africa, we knew that we wanted to see more and stay longer. So, we extended this trip to two full weeks, and expanded our travels into Tanzania as well as spending our final three days relaxing at two beach resorts in Watamu (just north of Mombasa). We made a point of revisiting two of the parks we particularly enjoyed on our 2016 trip (Maasai Mara and Amboseli), both of which are true gems in the Kenyan National Park and Game Reserve system! We spent four days venturing in to Tanzania to visit the Serengeti National Park as well as the Ngorngoro Crater. We also made a point of visiting a couple new parks in SE Kenya (a private wildlife sanctuary in the Taita Hills and Tsavo East NP) as we made our way to the beach region along the shores of the Indian Ocean.
I cannot state this emphatically enough, but EVERY SINGLE aspect of this itinerary for our 2nd trip with ASC met or exceeded our expectations! First, I cannot find the words to convey how pleasant and satisfying it is to work with MAURICE NZWII from ASC in arranging all of our trip details. Travel costs in Africa had increased significantly between 2016 and 2019. Initial cost estimates for our two-week itinerary (excluding airfare) were nearly $6000 per person -- approaching double what we paid in 2016. However, after just a few rounds of email communications with Maurice, he was able to generate a revised and COMPLETELY satisfying alternative travel plan that was $1500 less, much more in line with what we were hoping for. Maurice is unlike ANY other travel agent I have ever worked with, and he is truly in a class of his own! He is totally dedicated to customer satisfaction, and he consistently communicates in a very friendly and timely fashion! He joined us for dinner on our first full day in Nairobi and he even met us at the Kenyatta Int'l Airport as we transferred for our return flight to Seattle. Maurice checks in with your driver EVERY DAY of your trip, just to ensure that everything is going well. You know you are in VERY GOOD HANDS when you set up a safari adventure through Maurice Nzwii! I cannot recommend him highly enough!
Let me say more about our driver as well, Boniface (a.k.a. Boni). We spent our entire 9-day trip in 2016 with Boni as our driver, and we had such a good time with him that we requested him once again for our return trip in 2019. And we got him! Boni has been a safari guide for 20 years, and he seems to know all the parks and game reserves like the back of his hand. He has remarkable vision and is able to spot all kinds of animals and sightings that the untrained eye would likely completely miss. Like his boss, Maurice, Boni is also completely dedicated to showing safari-goer's a great time! He will give you as much time as you wish to take photos or videos, or just to linger and enjoy what you are seeing. He also has a wonderful sense of humor, and every day brought multiple rounds of hearty laughter! We were SO Happy to travel with Boni once again and feel like we have become great friends! (It is worth noting that drivers cannot cross national borders, so our time in Tanzania was with another pleasant driver, Abdul. But Boni met us at the border once again for the remainder of our trip in SE Kenya.) We have become Facebook friends with both Boni and Maurice, and we continue to communicate with both of them that way, which is loads of fun!
I know this is getting to be a lengthy review, but let me also point out that we were completely satisfied with ALL the lodging accommodations that Maurice booked for us ranging from very nice hotels, to exotic tented safari camps, as well as relaxing beach resorts. They were all very nice facilities and we really enjoyed the variety! The service was consistently outstanding, the food was very tasty and satisfying (with no stomach issues at all across the entire two weeks). When Maurice brought down our travel costs by 25% from his initial estimates, we thought that might translate to staying at less appealing facilities, but that was not the case at all. We were not disappointed in the least with ANY of the 8 places we stayed at! Again, Maurice takes very good care of you!
Some final closing thoughts here. Our two trips to East Africa have been life-changing experiences for us, and have filled our hearts and minds with a treasure trove of wonderful memories! Both trips brought us to many different regions, covering large swaths of geography, and allowing us to see an impressive diversity of locales, landscapes, and local norms. It was interesting to note some of the differences between Kenya and Tanzania, something that only comes with international travel to new lands. We took both of our trips with Africa Safari Classics in the month of November, which we have found to be a very pleasant time of the year to travel. It is almost like a spring-time vacation during the light rains season, with all kinds of new greenery emerging, new water holes for the animals to enjoy, and the opportunity to see many newborn animals as well (oh, baby warthogs are SO cute!). It is outside the peak season, so there are far fewer safari-goer's. There were much heavier rains during our 2019 trip (and for the next few months in the region, we understand), but this did not create any inconveniences for us. It only added to the adventure, as we did have to contend with some low-level flooding in some regions. But Boni handled this like a real pro!! Boni did talk with us about his perceptions of the impacts from climate change in the region. Over the past 20 years, he reports seeing fewer trees from hotter, drier summers and a gradual decline in the numbers of animals as well. Our entire planet is being impacted by these changes, and it is not clear how many more years these kinds of travel adventures will even be feasible. If a safari is something you have ever dreamed of doing, we strongly encourage you to give this idea your utmost consideration!
We want to offer our full, heartfelt support to Maurice and his company, Africa Safari Classics, as they begin to bounce back from the huge impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the safari travel industry. So many people in developing countries depend on the business generated by international travelers for their basic livelihood. You would not only be giving yourself a huge gift (and a possible adventure of a lifetime), but you would also be doing immeasurable good for the people of Kenya and Tanzania by taking the step of traveling to that part of the world! We cannot recommend this idea, and this company, highly enough!
Email Ignacio | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Wonderful Second Trip!
Once again, Africa Safari Classics exceed my expectations. We traveled with them to Kenya in 2017, and last December they organised our trip to Uganda. Maurice did a fantastic job from day one, tailoring the itinerary to our needs/request.
Whilst in Uganda, our guide was amazing, very knowledgeable and very patient with us so we could always get he best out of the day.
I would definitely recommend Africa Safari Classics, they team is supportive and responsive and they make sure you definitely get the best value for money!
Well done Maurice and thanks! Looking forward to our next African trip with you!
Email Daria | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Highly recommended operator
Highly recommended. We went to Kenya with Africa Safari Classics in 2017 and when we decided to visit Uganda recently no other options were even considered. Everything went as smoothly as the first time and I have since recommended the company to friends. The itinerary is tailor made so we were able to enjoy the activities we specifically asked for. Our guides were always super knowledgeable, fun, experienced, and above all patient, always making sure we got the best views and the best shots. The hotels and camps were amazing (in fact, some of the best I’ve even been to) and our special meal requests were always considered. Overall, the company is fantastic and I will continue going to Africa with them.
LU
Email Nicole | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Christmas in Kenya - Safari & Chale Island
During the 2019 Christmas holiday, our family of 4 (kids ages 8&9) spent 12 nights on a Kenya safari and Chale island holiday. We traveled with another family with kids similar ages. We all made memories to last a lifetime!
We stayed at 3 very different camps (Sweetwater's, Mbweha and Mara Safari Club) and ended our trip relaxing in the pools and beach on Chale Island. The Fairmont Mara Safari Club was our favorite camp. We saw ALL of the animals - leopard, cheetahs, lions, elephants, rhinos, buffalo, zebras, giraffes, hyenas, and so much more. I recommend the hot air balloon ride in Masai Mara!
Maurice helped with every detail of our trip. He met with us in Nairobi at the start of the holiday and stayed in touch to make sure everything was going well throughout the trip. He was always easy to reach by phone and quick to respond.
If you love animals and are up for an adventure, I recommend contacting Maurice to help plan your safari and beach holiday.
IT
Email Simone | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Amazing Experience!
We found Africa Safari Classic on safaribooking.com and, since one of the tours matched perfectly with what we had in mind, we decided to contact Maurice.
From the first moment to when we returned home everything was perfect and superbly organized.
Abdul, our guide, was extremely helpful and very kind throughout our trip, giving us lots of interesting information about what we saw and satisfying all our requests.
Shifts and lodges were truly incredible and we had the chance to stay in fantastic places surrounded by nature.
For all these reasons I can only recommend Africa Safari Classics because it will surely give you an extraordinary experience!
Email Matt | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fantastic Honeymoon
We just returned from our honeymoon trip with Africa Safari Classics and we had an amazing experience.
When we first looked at going on a safari trip to Africa we quickly noticed how many operators and different options we had to choose from. It seemed like a very difficult task to decipher what was going to be the best option for us, but luckily we found Maurice at Africa Safari Classics.
Maurice is the most helpful person we have ever worked with in the travel industry. He helped us plan and customize the perfect honeymoon experience for us, and then once the trip started he made sure he checked-in with us several times to make sure that everything was going well. We were lucky enough to meet Maurice in person in Kenya at the beginning of the trip, and he also took time out of his day to meet us again at the end to make sure that we were happy with how things went.
Maurice set us up with Joseph who was the perfect safari guide for the type of animals and birds we wanted to see on our trip. Joseph was such a great resource in pointing out all of the various mammal and bird species, and he always made sure that we were safe and had plenty of time for photos.
The attention to detail and level of service that we experienced with Africa Safari Classics was amazing. After we confirmed our flight details we didn't have to lift a finger. The airport transfers, luggage handling, hotel/lodge reservations, transportation, park fees, etc. were all handled by Maurice and his staff, and everything was made extremely easy for us. Basically all we needed to know was what time we would start the game drives each morning!
We give Africa Safari Classics our highest recommendation, and whenever we decide to take our next trip to Africa we fully plan on contacting Maurice again!
Email Steve | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Magical Africa Experience
I contacted Maurice from Africa Safari Classics along with several other Aferica adventure tour companies. From the start, Maurice provide clear, insightful information. I wanted to customize this trip and Maurice provided me with an itinerary that exactly met my wish list. We (my daughter and I) experienced a Kenya multi-day safari, a Uganda mountain gorilla trek, and a visit to Victoria Falls. Maurice not only laid out the perfect schedule, but he provided us with superb accommodations, outstanding guides, and complete, quick response to all questions I had prior to the trip. He also did everything within my price constraint. During the trip, he was in touch every day to make sure everything was up to speed and met our expectations. This 11 day trip exceeded all of my expectations and is one I will never forget. My daughter (age 19) and I take one trip together each year. We've been across the US, through Europe several time, and in South America. Her simple response of "Dad, this was by far the coolest trip ever" summed up our entire experience. I give Maurice and Africa Safari Classics my highest possible recommendation.
CH
Email Robert | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Unforgettable
We celebrated our 10th anniversary with a 7 day safari (Tarangire, Ngorongoro, Western Serengeti, Lake Manyara) followed by a 4 day stay in Zanzibar. Visa, return flight and excursions in Zanzibar we organized ourselves. All transfers, safari incl. Camps and Lodges as well as hotel in Zanzibar we booked via Africa Safari Classics and were more than satisfied with our choice.
In comparison with other providers, Africa Safari Classics offered us a fair price-performance ratio. The care by Maurice was extremely competent. The journey could be adapted to our wishes. The travel documents were informative and complete.
Arrived at the airport Kilimanjaro everything worked like clockwork. The tip to get the visa already in Switzerland, was worth gold and saved us a long wait on entry. In front of the airport we were greeted by a well-tempered Abdul, who introduced himself as driver and guide for the safari. Of course, he first congratulated us on our anniversary and immediately handed us a snack against the small hunger. During the following, four-hour drive in the comfortable safari jeep to the first camp, we had ample opportunity to get to know each other and get first information.
During the following safari days, Abdul turned out to be a safe and very good driver and, thanks to his 12 years of experience as a connoisseur of national parks and excellent animal spotters. Often it was us who could inform the other drivers about an animal sighting. An invaluable advantage as these are usually the best photo opportunities. So we were the first who had a cheetah mother with her cup, a leopard or four lions close up in front of the lens. But the highlight of the trip was that thanks to Abdul we were able to experience the Big Migration. Watching the 8th Wonder of the World in the midst of an estimated 100,000 to 150,000 animals is an incredible experience. In addition to this highlight, we have seen tons of cape buffaloes, zebras, elephants, giraffes, flamingos, pelicans, storks, hypos, crocos, impalas, antelopes, monkeys or pumbas. Of course, there were also encounters with other lions, hyenas or jackals.
Thank you Abdul, that you transported us safely (over partly long and mostly bumpy routes), patiently and in very good English, you answered to all our questions and you made possible sensational animal sightings.
After the safari, Abdul took us back to Arusha. There a plane to Zanzibar awaited us. After another unforgettable days with picturesque sunset, long beach walks, snorkeling excursion with dolphin sighting and a romantic beach hotel with great food, we were safe, healthy and all around happy again dropped off at Kilimanjaro International Airport.
Thanks Maurice, for the excellent advice. The proposed camps and lodges all exceeded our experience. Facilities and standard were up to luxurious, the staff very friendly and helpful and the food including lunch boxes always excellent and well-tolerated. Also we were always surprised with nice attentions to our anniversary. Of course, this was a great pleasure for us and it was definitely a "hint" on your part. You did an excellent job!
DE
Email João Mata | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fantastic Safari in Kenya and Tanzania!
My wife and I had an amazing Safari experience in Kenya and Tanzania and we couldn't be happier about it! Not only did we easily spot the Big 5, but we had a fantastic time in both countries and got to know a lot about the people, the culture, the land... We definitely recommend Africa Safari Classics and would certainly plan another trip together with them again!
We started by looking up a suggested itinerary from Africa Safari Classics found on safaribookings.com and together with Maurice Nzwii made some adjustements that made our trip unforgetable.
Since the first email right until our departure back home Maurice was very engaged, always available and with all his experience gave us very valuable tips.
We booked a 11-day Safari, with 1 night in Nairobi, 1 night in Lake Nakuru, 2 in Masai Mara, 3 in Serengeti, 1 in Ngorongoro/Lake Manyara and 2 in Amboseli.
Additionally we stayed one night in a private concervancy near Masai Mara where we also did a Night Safari and a Walking Safari. Both of them were spectacular and offered a whole new Safari experience!
Among the highlights we saw from very close a cheetah hunting and eating a gazelle, several lions with their cubs, leopards and their preys on the trees, millions of wildebeests and zebras taking part in the Great Migration, hundreds of elephants in all sizes, black and white rhinos with cubs and also some animals mating (such as lions, crocodiles and hippos)
During our trip we had 4 guides: David in our first part of the trip in Kenya, Abdul in Tanzania, Jones in our last part of the tour in Kenya and Samson in the private conservancy near the Mara.
Every single one of them was very friendly, helpful, had great experience and knew the parks like the palm of their hands. If it wasn't for them we wouldn't have seen the half of what we did and we surely wouldn't have learned so much about the wildlife and the two countries. To them a very very special thanks!
We stayed in very beautiful and luxurious tented camps located at scenic spots in the parks, such as the Eagle View Camp, Basecamp Masai Mara, Kirawira Serena Camp and Tanzania Bush Camp in Serengueti and Kibo Safari Camp in Amboseli, where all the local people were extremely welcoming and always made us feel at home. And the food was delicious!
We definitely recommend Africa Safari Classics to anyone who is considering doing a Safari in any or both of these countries! We were extremely happy with the services provided by Maurice and all his attention! It certainly was the trip of a lifetime!
CM
Email Antonio | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Air&Road Trip
Everything perfect! Above expectations.Professionalism, dedication, and sympathy. I recommend.
