AfricanMecca Safaris

Fantastic experience: The most amazing experience of my life!

Fantastic experience: My Botswana safari with AfricanMecca was fabulous! The accommodations at each of the camps were very comfortable and authentic to the African bush surrounding each location. Forget dieting…the food is delicious and plentiful and each chef is more than happy to accommodate individual dietary requirements. Game drives were led by experienced and knowledgeable guides, many of whom grew up in the bush themselves. They were so willing to answer questions and share all they knew about animal and plant life in Africa. Staff at each camp were helpful, kind, and went out of their way to make my trip wonderful. You can trust AfricanMecca to provide you with the trip of a lifetime!

Fantastic experience: I had a great safari trip in Kenya. The African Mecca website gave me some great suggestions for camps to visit that suited what I personally wanted which was 'off the beaten tourist path' and smaller camps. Raza’s organization of my trip was perfect - everything went very smoothly with pick ups on time and escorts through airports and transportation to and from all the flights and camps. It was impressive. I felt well taken care of at all times by all the staff who met me, who worked at the camps and who drove me around. They were all very attentive to what I needed and seemed to care that I was having a good experience. The people of Kenya are very warm, friendly and caring.

Fantastic experience: Wow, making dreams come true!! Raza and his team went above and beyond to ensure every detail of our trip was planned and met everything we had hoped for and more! He took care to listen to everything we wanted to experience and planned our trip perfectly! We visited 5 countries, 3 safaris, Victoria falls, and Cape Town! He watch all of our transfers and events and ensured we made it where we needed to be! This truly was a trip of a lifetime!!

Fantastic experience: I cannot recommend this AfricanMecca Safaris enough! From start to finish, Ali made our trip to Zanzibar absolutely seamless. He went above and beyond in every aspect of our planning, ensuring that even the smallest details of our stay were covered. He provided us with multiple resort options, each with a thorough breakdown of pros and cons, which made it so easy for us to make an informed decision. What really impressed me was how he made sure of all the visa requirements were met, well before our departure—no last-minute scrambling! He also ensured we had all the contact info for the resort and how to get a hold of him, just in case anything came up during our trip. It’s clear that Ali truly listens to his clients and takes the time to understand their needs, tailoring the perfect travel experience. We’ll definitely be using him again for all future travels. His dedication to making your experience unforgettable is unmatched! Asante Sana for a memorial trip with my family

Fantastic experience: AfricanMecca organized our Kilimanjaro trek via the Lemosho route, followed by a 5-day safari. Both the trek and safari, along with all the arrangements, were excellent. We had an incredible time, and Tanzania exceeded our expectations. It's a stunning country, and we're so grateful for the opportunity to visit and experience it. A big thank you to AfricanMecca for making our trip a memorable one.

Fantastic experience: AfricanMecca Safaris’ team helped us with our magical trip to Kenya. We were truly blown away with our time visiting Kenya. Raza was extremely helpful with the trip planning, ensuring our utmost comfort and safety at all times and gave us a trip of a life time to remember. He gave us the perfect overview of what Kenya has to offer through his choice of locations and we were definitely not disappointed. We saw lots of amazing wildlife, unbelievable. We felt completely safe throughout the trip and were nothing short of satisfied from all of the hard work that was put in by him and his team. Client service and dedication was unbelievable. Raza picked the best camps with very experienced guides, we learned a lot about nature from these guides. Thank you Raza and team for putting together an amazing trip!!!!

Fantastic experience: We used African Mecca Safaris recently to coordinate tours in Zanzibar, and Kigoma/Gombe Stream. Pre trip, AMS answered all of our questions and prepared us with many tips and resources. We found AMS’s local partners were all top notch - friendly, knowledgeable, helpful, and on time which was especially important for our packed schedule. The hotel options gave us exactly the experience we were looking for. AMS saved us a lot of time having to research everything on our own. One reason we choose to book with AMS instead of booking all the individual excursions ourselves was to have a quarterback to coordinate it all. Raza and his team did an excellent job of keeping tabs on us throughout our journey and directing changes as necessary. 2 of our 4 flights got rescheduled by the airlines and AMS took care of rearranging the itinerary, transportation etc. so we didn’t miss a beat. Our last flight out of Kigoma (the only one leaving that day!) got rescheduled 3 times (earlier then later then earlier again) and we were kept informed of the alternate arrangements every step of the way. I’m sure we would’ve missed our flight if it wasn’t for AMS!

Fantastic experience: Raza worked relentlessly to put together the perfect African trip of a lifetime. Traveling for 23 days throughout Rwanda, Kenya and Tanzania - we experienced everything we hoped to and more. The accommodations were top notch, the guides extremely knowledgeable, the travel effortless and the pleasure immense. I would definitely recommend Raza and AfricanMecca Safaris.

Fantastic experience: After the trip we continue to sing your praises:-)) All of the logistics worked out as planned and we were greeted by helpful aides throughout our journey. The guides and drivers were all top notch and we had many great wildlife encounters. Once again, you have come through with delivering another trip of a lifetime! Our driver/guide for the main safari was Emmanuel and he was very pleasant and we enjoyed his company. I really liked his safari style. We did not chase whatever sightings were coming in over the radio. In fact, he never used the radio. He would talk to other drivers that we passed, but that was it. We really preferred this approach as we did not want to be a part of mob scenes around wildlife encounters. The lodging all along the way in Tanzania was fine. I prefer smaller camps to the more resort-type lodging. The staff at each site were great and the food was good all around. I really enjoyed the camps in the Serengeti. Lake Manyara was a bit of a disappointment. The lake levels have changed and along with that the salinity of the water. Flamingos are no longer being seen there in any numbers. Ngorongoro crater was, as I expected, very busy. Emmanuel still managed to keep us out of the main frey. Melissa was really impressed with the amount of wildlife. We had some great sightings here. Best of all was a front row seat to a Serval that was hunting. The move from Tanzania to Kenya was pretty simple and we had an agent from the regional airlines (Simon?) that guided us through the process of forms, what lines to stand in etc. Once we got picked up in the conservancy it was a short ride to camp, but it was a 3:00 lunch. A long bit of travel. We all loved the conservancy. You said I would thoroughly enjoy it and you were right. The lodging was great, service and food were excellent. I found a boomslang on the patio and alerted the staff. That was exciting! It has been a pleasure to work with you on this trip. We're glad we did the trip, and I'm glad that Charlie and Peggy had a first rate trip for their first African experience. I hope it is not their last.

Fantastic experience: Since returning from Kenya I've passed on African Mecca Safari's details to several friends and family as I only have high praise for their outstanding communications, advice and support in helping to make our trip so memorable. The paperwork they sent detailing the itinerary agreed and how to prepare for our trip was first class and any queries we raised were answered promptly. If you're looking to book a trip to Kenya then you've found the right company to arrange everything for you!

Fantastic experience: We used African Mecca via Mt. Carmel Travel Center’s owner Christina Milani for our Honeymoon in Kenya in Sept 2024. Every detail was meticulously planned with thorough explanations of both the final programming and options available to us. We had a 2 week experience across Kenya including Laikipia, The Mara, Nairobi, and Diani Beach. Each part of our trip exceeded expectations making for a very memorable honeymoon. We can’t imagine a better alternative. Reza and Christine were very attentive, adding a personal touch at each accommodation for us including birthday and honeymoon treats. We even had a pre-departure call to ensure we knew the details of our very thorough programming PDF. We will definitely use Mt Carmel Travel Center and African Mecca Safaris for our next adventure in Africa!

Fantastic experience: Just went on my second safari with AfricanMecca and it was great as expected. They were very helpful when needed with my travel issues which were not their responsibility. The accommodations were excellent , everyone was friendly and always felt safe. This is a very responsible organization that will do their best to provide a great experience.

Fantastic experience: African meccas is an Outstanding company. Raza was great to work with, made us feel comfortable before booking and put together a very precise EXCELLENT game plan. I must add that I have traveled to many places like Thailand and Bali and have booked and planned everything myself so it was hard for me to take a seat and allow someone else to plan my africa trip. However, I would highly recommend working with African Mecca and Raza for multiple reasons. He picked out the perfect places and travel itinerary between cape town, victoria falls, masai mara and kenya beaches. He steered us into doing the masai mara and diani beach which hadn’t been on our radar before (we were going yo do zanzibar). The camps sentinel and karen blixen were incredible. Sentinel won my heart for the authenticity and family feel it had. Also, most importantly my husband lost his passport (was found) Raza was prompt in calling us , providing help urgently, and giving us directions on next steps. He rebooked and replanned the remainder of our trip so we could enjoy it , like this blip of the passport never happened . He made us feel safe and secure in a cruddy situation. Also, we had concierge service at every point in our trip and personal one on one tours for everything. Just outstanding. Leave this trip to the professionals.

Fantastic experience: We want to thank you for this superb perfect safari tour. The rooms, the service, the places you booked us, the incredible easiness of everything was fantastic. You had drivers and airport personnel waliting for us to walk us through the airport and all the many security checks we had to go through - and we had 5 different flights in various airports. It can be difficult navigating through airports, hotels in a foreign countries but we could have been brainless and never made a mistake with all the many details you covered. Coverage A to Z. Our safari locations and accomodations were excellent including the comfort and beauty of the rooms along with the excellent dining. Our guides were knowledgeable and educated us with our many questions. We wanted to see the "Big 5" and we certainly did that many times over. After we finished our safari, we went to work in a little village called Umala. A tiny, poor outback village with very special people. Coming back home to the States, we were exhausted, bug bitten and plain worn out. Coming from Kisumu, our next flight back was from Nairobi. We had a major surprise as Raza had arranged for an airport person to waltz us through all the check points, security stops and to our gate. His excellent attention to the many details for an extended trip is beyond high expectations. Everything was PERFECT. We are so grateful to him and AfricanMecca for the trip of a lifetime. Asante Sana, Debbie and Rose

Fantastic experience: Good evening Raza I am so very grateful for all you did for my honeymoon clients Rachael and Chris. You went above and beyond to give them a honeymoon of a lifetime. Rachael sent a note today and gorgeous pictures. . I am sure you can feel her gratefulness to you for giving them an amazing travel experience. I know the day of the lost passport, you were just amazing rearranging and executing a new travel plan to make everything work. Your expertise and dedication to making the clients have the most amazing travel journey is so impressive. You took control and made it seem seamless. I didn’t have to worry. I knew they were in the best of hands! I am so grateful to you for all you do. Thank-you is not quite enough but from the bottom of my heart THANK-YOU!!!!! I look forward to working with you in the future.

Fantastic experience: Just returned to the US from two GREAT tours booked through African Mecca Safaris - both tours were in South Africa. One was a 4-day safari from Motswari Lodge, a private reserve in Kreuger. The other was a 4-day driving tour from Capetown to Port Elizabeth along the Garden Route. In each case we found the tour operators he arranged for us to be extremely knowledgeable, personable and fun. We credit most of the success of the trip to Raza Visram at African Mecca Safaris. He not only planned out great trips for us, but he worked out ALL the details needed to get there and connect easily (and painlessly) into each of these trips. This kind of detailed planning made it easy to sit back and enjoy!! We. additionally, very much appreciated Raza's making himself available by phone and email before the trips to answer questions during the planning process. This was my 2nd safari planned by Raza (1st was in Tanzania). I know if I ever get to do another in the region, he will be my "go-to" person to call - no questions asked! Thanks!!!

Fantastic experience: Raza and his team planned a simply marvelous 8 day trip to Nairobi and the Masai Mara. As he promised, all we had to do was show up and everything was taken care of to the very last detail. He clearly knows the country and the Safari industry and we would most certainly recommend him to friends or book with him again.

Fantastic experience: An amazing time on our AfricaMecca adventure. Raza planned and organized every detail of the trip we asked for. We are 2 senior ladies (66ish) Everything went perfect. Communication via WhatsApp was always available to me and answered immediately. Being greeted on arrival at Kigali airport at 1:30 AM was so welcoming and meeting Nshuti, our private driver/ guide for the drive to our room, was perfect. The staff at the Park Inn were friendly and welcoming. What a fantastic hotel to rest up before our African trip became real. The days of the Safari at Akagera National Park were very informative and Nshuti was the perfect guide, very knowledgeable about all animals we encountered ! His vehicle was clean and he knew every road in the vast park! He took the time to answer all our questions and found us not only the Big Five, but every specie that lived in the Park. The Ruzizi lodge was spectacular, staff were amazing, along with the meals. Staying in the glam tent on the water and hearing a hippopotamus every morning, birds, and monkeys was amazing! Onto the Five Volcanoes Hotel, another spectacular place and meals were great. The gorilla trek was absolutely amazing, Nshuti firmed up a top guide and we had the most amazing experience with the gorillas. Off to the airport to be greeted by wonderful staff, Kenya Air was an amazing airline. Then greeted into Zanzibar by a fabulous driver who offered up lots of history of the island. It was appreciated to have him also pick us up on the return to the airport. The Neptune Resort was beautiful! The food abundant. While waiting at the Zanzibar airport we received 2 personalized videos, of our entire trip, put to music, from Nshuti, wow so amazing! He went over and above from being just a guide to our friend. He was so accommodating to everything we needed and wanted to do. I highly recommend him for a guide and driver. Back in Canada now and will always cherish the friendliness of all the persons we met through AfricaMecca, and the experience of lifetime memories. Thank you, Raza, for making it happen. Lori Petreny, Osoyoos BC, Canada

Fantastic experience: My wife and I travel a lot, and our 16-day safari to Tanzania last month that was organized entirely by AfricanMecca Safaris was by far our best trip ever. We started planning our trip almost a year in advance. After doing considerable research on the internet, we sent inquiries to four travel companies: National Geographic, African Mecca Safaris, and two others. AfricanMecca immediately stood out as the most knowledgeable about Tanzania and the best prepared and eager to help us organize our trip. We discussed our interests and budget with them, and they quickly sketched out a trip that included a week in the Serengeti and a week at Gombe National Park. After some fine-tuning, we were set. AfricanMecca made all of our bookings and confirmations within Tanzania, including the safari camps, hotels, flights within Tanzania, and all transfers between airports and lodgings. They sent us a detailed and comprehensive itinerary that was 25 pages long. The bookings were impeccable. Just as an example: we arrived in Tanzania at the Dar es Salaam airport (KLM from Amsterdam) and were met immediately upon walking off the plane by an AfricanMecca representative who had security clearance. He whisked us through passport control, helped us with our bags, and introduced us to the driver who took us to the hotel. The hotel was jaw-droppingly beautiful, but even more impressive was the cheerfulness and hospitality of the hotel staff. Our driver made sure that we were checked in and set, and before leaving he introduced us to another driver who had showed up at the hotel and would be taking us to the airport for a flight to western Tanzania two days later. This all happened during our first hour in the country - and it was late at night. Incredible. The three safari camps that AfricanMecca selected for us were all spectacular, with great facilities and beautiful views. We were catered to way beyond our expectations and we saw more far more wildlife than we had anticipated. We especially liked that we were not part of a tour group. Yes, we could interact with the other guests at these camps, but we were under no obligation to do so, not even for the meals. All of our treks and game drives were with private guides, who went out of their way to make sure we had the best viewing experiences and that we saw the animals that were of most interest to us. The guides were all Tanzanians who had detailed knowledge of the animals and the habitat. They all spoke English in addition to Swahili, and they were all incredibly friendly and courteous. Upon our arrival at each camp, the chef requested to meet with us to discuss my wife's dietary restriction (low sodium). AfricanMecca had already alerted the camps to this. The chefs prepared customized no-salt meals that she loved. We were really caught off guard by how well we were treated, and this was true for the entire time that we were in Tanzania. We always felt safe, secure, and appreciated. When we book our next safari to Africa we will definitely do so with AfricanMecca. We cannot thank them enough for the incredible adventure that they prepared for us. Bravo!!

Fantastic experience: I had a review added but I wanted to tag some photos. This experience was Spectacular and a must do. The flight is so serene. We woke up early and brought to the area where all the balloons were going to leave from. Floated for a little over an hour. Our Guide Rodrigo was outstanding. So knowledgeable, and made you feel at ease. The balloon ride is smooth and serene. You end with a beautiful brunch outside. they have toilets set up and wash stations before brunch. Bring money if you want the USB filled with all the video of balloon lift off and photos of the tour. Was 50$ and cash. Also they sell little souvenirs if wanted. (Belts, sweatshirts, magnets etc. ) here are some photos

Fantastic experience: Jambo Raza, I don't think we have enough words to say how amazing our honeymoon was and how absolutely beautiful Kenya was!! Everything was so well organized and coordinated! From the booking arrangements, you guided us on our travels, the communication and many links we received for more information was well worth the read. To our first time we stepped of the plane till the end of the trip, we were greeted at each airport by such friendly faces and transported to all our destinations with no delays and such ease! The accommodation was just perfect and all the details they went to to make us feel special on our honeymoon definitely didnt go unnoticed! We got back well rested, sad that it was over but both of us said we would definitely do that again! It was just what we needed and we want to express our biggest thanks to you and everyone involved for the wonderful experience! It was definitely one of our highlight trips we have taken THANK YOU, THANK YOU AND THANK YOU!!!

Fantastic experience: Jambo, we have been home now for a few days reflecting on our amazing adventure while catching up on what seem like unimportant things. In short, I cannot express how great this trip was, thanks to AfricanMecca, Raza and the other people who designed this once in a lifetime trip for my wife and I and another couple who have been friends since our college days. Our travel companions had dealt with Raza and AfricanMecca previously and insisted we go this route again when we began talking about going to Africa two years ago. Raza and his cohorts asked us what we were looking for in this trip and came up with a couple options for us to review. Finalizing our thoughts, we let them start to confirm dates with the lodging and support people. Although we booked our own flights, once we landed at our initial destination, we were greeted at the airport and accompanied throughout the entire trip, all the way to our gate in the Nairobi airport to return to the US. Throughout the entire trip, everything ran to perfection. AfricanMecca was on top of the inter-country flights and even called our second tent camp accommodation in the Serengeti in the middle of the night to relay a flight change for the next morning. That is the level of support we got during the trip. The accommodations were a nice mix of lodges, some with swimming pools, two different tented camps in the middle of the Serengeti where the wildlife was howling, groaning and snorting during the night not too far from the tents. We even had a balloon ride scheduled at sunrise; WOW!! Wonderful. The guides were fantastic, not only with finding every possible bird and animal we could have hoped to see but many we could not have imagined seeing. The staff at each camp were also top shelf and became our surrogate family while we stayed there. We all became very good friends by the end of the journey, and also with the many people we met along the way on our 16 day adventure through different lodges and tented camps. Our last place was four days at Saruni Eagle View in the Naboisho Conservancy in Kenya. Easily one of my favorite places I have ever visited. Accommodations were magnificent as were the meals, the incredible mammal and bird diversity, and especially the Masai people who staff this fabulous compound. AfricanMecca hit a bullseye scheduling this as our last stay before heading home. We met a lot of people along the way who were going to Zanzibar to chill-out before returning home, but I can think of no better place to be, riding along with Edward and Ellias on morning and night game drives or taking a walking safari. While staying here we went to Basecamp where Obama had stayed while a Senator in Illinois. To help combat climate change they have a tree nursery there with over 100,000 seedlings and visitors can have trees planted in their name. We did six, one for each family member. If you are reading this review and contemplating going to Africa to be part of this incredible experience, call Raza at AfricanMecca. You will not be disappointed So for now, Asante sana. Charlie and Peggy Page

Fantastic experience: Words alone cannot express our experience with Raza and African Mecca. From the drivers, accommodations, activities, meals, transfers, and the school. We were 3 women traveling together and we felt safe and secure during all aspects of our stay. We know none of this was an easy task but Raza and his team took care of everything so we could throughly enjoy every moment. Raza's expertise and knowledge for the areas we traveled were invaluable. He listened to us and truly understood the experience we were looking for. All questions or concerns were addressed quickly. Even locating a lost IPad. Our driver Ezra was amazing and we felt like we had known him for years. He was patient, informative, engaging, professional, and most importantly kept us safe. He is proud of his country and made sure we also felt a special connection. He used his local knowledge and connections to enrich our experience and made it a little more authentic. The people of Rwanda are lovely and went above and beyond to make our stay memorable. The service we received in all of our stays was 10/10. No detail was missed or need overlooked. We were even greeted with a foot massage after our long hike to see the beloved Gorillas? It was an opportunity I will never forget. Kenya was another beautiful experience. Our camps (Luxury Glamping) were spectacular and blew away any of our expectations. It was a total emersion in the wildlife. The drivers went above and beyond to make sure we were up close and personal with nature. We saw every animal on the safari except for the Rhino and took thousands of pictures to document it while also taking the time to just be present. We know the hard work that Raza put into this trip and it showed. There was not one glitch and it was amazing to see all the people involved to make sure we were taken safely to the next step. Thank you Raza for an unforgettable trip and lifelong memories. I hope to meet again and will be sure to refer you to friends and family.

Fantastic experience: AfricanMecca Safaris is a lovely company to use to help book and plan your whole safari experience. My partner I used them for our safari to Maasai Mara. They booked everything for us, including travel to and from the airport, our lodge, our airplane tickets etc. We worked with Raza, who was so generous and even got us an early morning drive on our final day. It was nice to not worry about booking things. Raza was super lovely. We got to learn a lot about the Kenyan safari industry, and the squeeze the government is putting on them. Being here during the 2024 demonstrations against the government has been quite fascinating to learn about how all this functions. The Lodge we stayed at Neptune Mara Rianta was truly amazing. It was so serene. And there were hippos right there in the Mara River. It was so fun to see them daily, and hear them at night (they are nocturnal). My partners and I were all smiles our whole safari experience. Thank you, Raza and your amazing team! ❤️

Fantastic experience: Our 3-generations family safari in Kenya was truly breathtaking. The kindness and generosity of the Kenyan people, the stunning landscapes and the awe-inspiring wildlife have formed indelible memories for all of us, and AfricanMecca and Raza made it all happen seamlessly and luxuriously. Travelling with ages spanning from tweens to grandparents is usually no easy feat, but AfricanMecca made it easy. From the greeters at the airport who help you navigate customs and security (especially the chaos of departures), to the transportation and guides in the big cities, the flying and driving itself was so easy. And then the safaris were exceptional. We flew to 3 different locations in Kenya (Amboseli, Lewa and Maasai Mara), all unique and beautiful in their own way and the accommodations were the same. Service at all the camps was excellent. The guides and drivers on the game drives were all knowledgeable, passionate, and always made us feel safe. The 5* breakfast in the bush, the dinner under the stars, the lunch by the Mara River, and the many sundowners were delightful surprises and made the safaris extra memorable. The mixture of public national parks and private conservancies/sanctuaries was a good way to experience all there was to offer, though we definitely got closer to the wildlife in the private conservancies. Thank you and your team for all that you did to arrange an unforgettable experience for us all. This was a first trip to Africa for most of us, but this was my parents' fifth African safari, but it was the most memorable because they could experience it with their grandchildren in such a special and stress-free way. I would highly recommend AfricanMecca to any of my friends and family, and already have. And when we inevitably return to Africa we will be calling Raza again!

Fantastic experience: We just returned from a four day safari in Kenya planned and arranged by Africa Mecca Safaris. Raza was generous with his time as we planned the trip. ALL logistics went as planned and the camps were excellent. We greatly enjoyed the trip. Sentinel Mara and Karen Blixen were very different experiences but each amazing in their own way. At both camps we were treated graciously and with utmost interest and engagement. The guides at both locations were excellent - felt like we had their best ones. Although staying in the "shoulder season", we saw an enormous variety of animals and came home very grateful for the professional advice and arrangements. The private transfer guys who took care of us in Nairobi (pickup/ transfer & airport) - Phillip & Dickner - did a great job.

Fantastic experience: This was one of the best vacations I’ve ever had! Highly recommend the Saruni Wilderness camp. It was stunning, we saw lions from about 2 feet away, watched them hunt a zebra. The hospitality was incredible! And booking this trip was a breeze thanks to Raza. Will recommend to all my family and friend!

Fantastic experience: We had the most PERFECT trip thanks to Raza and the African Mecca team. We have gone on 2 safaris with this team and everything (absolutely everything) has been exceptional. Itinerary, customer service, lodging, accessibility, flexibility …. All has been above and beyond expectation. I can not recommend them enough and wish they would plan travel outside Africa; I would travel the world with them. Our trip was so smooth, our guides were professional and knowledgeable. Our accommodations were amazing. We were taken care of every step of the way and had the time of our lives. Can’t wait to go back.

Fantastic experience: My husband and I had a truly INCREDIBLE experience on our safari/beach vacation in Kenya thanks to Raza and AfricanMecca Safaris. From beginning to end, Raza made sure that everything ran seamlessly. He caught an error with our flight booking that saved us hundreds of dollars in rebooking fees, assisted with selecting the right luggage, and overall was available at all hours and extremely responsive as we got ready for our trip. When there was an issue with our connecting flight causing us serious delay, he made sure that the hotel and ground transportation were aware and there to pick us up at the new time. The itinerary was just perfect, and we really appreciated the thought and attention to detail at every level. Each of the lodges we stayed at were absolutely amazing, surpassing our expectations, and the staff were so friendly. The locations were each so special, and ideal for seeing as much wildlife as possible in an intimate setting (Amboseli, Lewa, and Masai Mara). After 10 days of safari, we ended our trip with 4 nights at Diana Beach for some much needed relaxation in a beautiful setting. We created lifelong memories, and hope to someday plan another trip with AfricanMecca. I cannot recommend them highly enough!!

Fantastic experience: My partner and I travelled to Kenya (Maasai Mara North) in October. I can safely say that the trip was the best thing I’ve ever done in my entire life! We had the most amazing time. Thank you so much to Raza for all his advice and recommendations - it was the PERFECT holiday. No question was too much when we were organising our trip and we’re so glad we followed his advise to stay in a private conservancy rather than the public parks. It meant that we were able to Safari off road and be closer to the animals! We received regular emails prior to the trip with relevant details and were able to custom make our holiday package. This allowed the trip and all transfers to run smoothly. We are very sad to be back in the UK and I have been listening to Jambo Bwana on repeat on the way to work every day!!

Negative experience: Be careful and sceptic when approaching this company. They gave me fake prices of Park Entry Fees in Masai Mara (Kenya). They told me it costs 200$, while the cost is 80$. When i told them the official prices they told me i was wrong. When i asked them for proof of their saying they didn't even answer on my message. I don't know if they do good safaris, but they are not a trustworthy company and will try to overcharge you.

Fantastic experience: We are absolutely thrilled with our overall experience with African Mecca (AM) We loved our accommodations at Hemingways Ol Seki Mara Camp and Governor's Il Moran Camp We thoroughly enjoyed the game drives with knowledgeable guides We were delighted with the level of comfort and service provided All our dietary restrictions were adhered to at both camps A suggestion made by AM to include the conservancy stay in our trip was very wise. We could see how comprehensive the experience gets with the conservancy stay, especially the 'off roading' part of it. While the stay in the reserve met all our expectations, conservancy stay went above and beyond The logistics were handled perfectly well by AM so we could focus only on the 'fun' part Additionally, we greatly appreciated the clarity of the detailed itinerary in PDF format and the informative links shared with us prior to our trip. We found them very useful. This was truly a trip of a lifetime

Fantastic experience: We never imagined that we would sit mesmerized under a tree watching a magnificent leopard, within pounce distance, for half an hour. Nor did we ever dream we would sit and observe a dozen hyenas squabble while devouring a water buffalo. While everything in nature is amazing, surprising and unpredictable, you can be assured that with Raza designing your African trip there will be amazing and surprising experiences, but without the unpredictability. African Mecca’s team professionally plans and perfectly executes everything from beginning to end. We are not high adventure people, but knew we wanted to experience the beauty of Africa’s wildlife and culture so Raza suggested 10 days that included Kruger, Cape Town & Victoria Falls. African Mecca Safaris took care of reservations for our 4 flights within Africa, and booked our accommodations. Most importantly they realized the logistics involved and made sure we had ground transportation between all points and arranged the BEST, most knowledgeable guides for all of all land tours. Angel in Zambia, and Mohammad in Cape Town were the most competent and knowledgeable guides we could have had. We had constant, prompt communication with African Mecca before our trip, but we also had a local number South Africa number to call any time needed once we arrived. There is no way we could have figured this all out on our own, especially for our first trip to Africa. We initially requested Motswari Lodge from the middle tier of Kruger lodges on African Mecca’s site, but they were booked on our dates. Raza was able to book us at one of the four rooms at Geiger’s Camp, Motswari’s luxury level camp. We are very grateful Geiger’s Camp was our safari experience because we loved the small group experience of only 4 people in our safari jeep, compared to most we passed having 6-10. Geiger’s safari guides were experts and made sure we saw the big five, and more, in our 5 safari drives and informative bush walk. Morning drives are from 6-9am & evening drives are from 4-8pm, and there is so much incredible food to enjoy in between. Surprising me and my husband, Geiger’s hosted an amazing birthday celebration for my husband with a special bush dinner and about 20 local people singing and dancing for him. Little did they know how much he loves to dance and what an incredible memory they created. It was definitely worth every penny we spent on this once in a lifetime trip. Africa’s wildlife was everything we expected, and more. We also learned so much about African culture and found that South Africa and Zambia are full of good, hard working people, with beautiful souls. Raza knows and loves Africa and wants others to experience the best it has to offer. I believe he grew up in Kenya, and has lots of knowledge planning East Africa trips, but South Africa was a good sampling for us. Don’t search further because you will not find a more knowledgeable, professional and caring travel group to plan and organize every detail of your African dream trip. We guarantee you will be in the most competent hands to trust Raza and his exemplary team at African Meccas Safaris.

Fantastic experience: I have the highest praise for AfricanMecca Safaris and our primary contact there, Raza. They provided seamless travel, from the moment we landed in Nairobi - transport to Wilson airport, pick up in the Mara and great guides and accommodations while on Safari. We felt safe and well taken care of throughout our experience. They are knowledgeable and great with communication and safety. Highly recommended!

Fantastic experience: Could not be happier or more impressed with Raza and AfricanMecca Safaris! A colleague and I were trying to squeeze in sightseeing prior to a meeting so we had quite a few limitations. After attempting to work with multiple safari tour companies we found AfricanMecca. Raza was the most responsive individual I’ve ever worked with for any tour. Not only did he reply almost immediately (in spite of the time zone difference) but his emails were FULL of helpful information, recommendations, and details. Raza was able to put together the perfect trip for us and I couldn’t recommend anyone more highly. First night was a stay at Neptune Mara (fabulous!) and our second night was at Karen Blixen (equally amazing). Our personal guide (Derek) was also 5 stars. He knew where to go to see the very most. Based on my experience you CAN NOT go wrong working with Raza and AfricanMecca. I know if I ever have the chance to return to Kenya he will be my first call!

Fantastic experience: Raza with AfricanMecca Safaris was amazing to work with. He was VERY responsive, even to the smallest of questions I had while working with him to plan our trip to Tanzania, Kenya and Rwanda. Our trip was planned with expertise and catered to our wishes. Raza covered every detail to streamline our entry/exit of the 3 countries and had very kind, polite and happy people in place to assure we were taken care of all along the way. My husband and I met amazing people while in Africa. We also experienced every wildlife situation that we hoped for. An example is that we really wanted to see the wildebeest/zebra migration crossings of the Mara River. Raza planned our trip so that we would be able to experience it from both sides if possible. The animals are unpredictable and this year, it was mainly seen from Tanzania during the time we were there. While at Sayari Camp, we saw the mass crossing 6 times and could have seen more if we hadn't have gone to see other things while there. Being surrounded by hundreds of thousand of wildebeest was something I will never forget. Thanks to Raza and AfricanMecca for the trip of a lifetime.

Fantastic experience: I had a wonderful trip to Kenya that was organized by Raza from African Mecca Safaris. He was very willing to answer my MANY questions beforehand and helped plan the perfect itinerary. The lodges and transportation were both excellent, and as a solo female traveller, I felt safe and comfortable throughout the trip. Raza went above and beyond during and after my trip. He is very knowledgeable about Kenya, and was also very attentive to my needs, he made sure I was well taken care of at each lodge and that I had a great time. He even had a birthday cake ordered for me at one of the lodges! I would highly recommend African Mecca Safaris to anyone planning a trip to Africa. Raza is THE best in the game, and he will make sure that you have a wonderful experience. I will definitely be using African Mecca for my next trip! THANK YOU RAZA!

Fantastic experience: From start to finish… African Mecca had everything you will need! The drivers were great! We stopped at all the right places for pics and memorabilia. Everything was amazing from the many different experiences to the food, to the cultural dancing!! Our travel companion, Kennedy, was top notch, and we genuinely plan to return with family in the future. We could not have done it without African Mecca making it so easy and leading the way between the domestic air travel, 2 separate safari camps, meeting locals at Diani Beach with the full beach tour. We had rides waiting (and included) at every stop or turn. We have brought so many memories back from our trip that we will hold forever! 100% recommend taking this trip to Kenya if you use African Mecca! Jambo!

Fantastic experience: We just returned from an incredible 11-day trip, with 3 days in Zanzibar and 8 days on safari in Kenya (Amboseli and Masai Mara). Raza and his team went above and beyond, both before our departure and while we were in Africa, to ensure a seamless trip experience that was organized from end to end. The detailed itinerary provided by AfricanMecca was a very useful guide to keep us oriented and knowledgeable on what was planned for us each day. All of the accommodations were unique and comfortable. The food was great. Care was taken by everyone to ensure safety of all guests. The hospitality shown to us was truly top notch. The guides and drivers on the game drives were knowledgeable and experienced. A five star experience throughout. Thank you, Raza, to you and your whole team for a trip that will be remembered for a lifetime.

Fantastic experience: African Mecca arranged my accommodation at Ole Serai Moru Kopjes and daily safari drives. I was given a choice of a lodge based setting or an intimate, completely wild glamping experience in a luxury camp with five star accommodations inclusive of a personal butler. I chose the latter. Hot showers, amenities, meals, and probably the best beds I have slept in all in the middle of the Serengeti with wildlife RIGHT OUTSIDE OUR TENT. We shared a space with giraffe, zebra, Cape buffalo, baboons and elephants. Lions we heard nearby every night. Our family made memories for a lifetime African Mecca provided all the discounts available, made sure we had a huge family tent and the vehicle of our choice. They were honest with what else we could do (an unforgettable hot air balloon ride, inclusive of a mind bending breakfast in the middle of the park). They made sure that we were taken care from beginning to end. Don’t book yourself - use a North America based expert who knows the terrain, culture, language and experiences intimately.

Fantastic experience: African Mecca organized the most fantastic trip of our lives. We travelled to South Africa, Zambia, Tanzania and Kenya in July. From Cape Town to Victoria Falls (definitely a must to visit) and safaris in Kenya and Tanzania, we could not have asked for a better organized custom tour. We had excellent guides and drivers, wonderful five star hotels and camps, and easy to navigate air travel within Kenya and Tanzania. African Mecca (especially Raza) answered any question in a timely fashion. While traveling, we had a list of emergency contacts - none of which we had to use as all went smoothly. A big thank you to Raza and the tour companies he contracted with for a wonderful once in a lifetime experience. If we could afford the time and money to go back and explore some more, we would. Photos cannot express the wonders of the trip. Sunrises were worth getting up early to view. Photo attached is sunset in the Masai Mara.

Fantastic experience: A loud shout to Raza and the whole African Mecca team for the way they planned the whole Kenya trip for us. We had an amazing experience. From day one till the last day, everything was just perfect. We would definitely recommend African Mecca to all our friends and family who wish to travel to Kenya. I would like to specially mention about Mr.Raza who would promptly reply to all our emails, however petty the queries were. Looking forward for a trip with African Mecca soon! Thanks to the whole team for the best experience and hospitality!

Fantastic experience: Hakuna matata! The idea of going on an African Safari can be a bit overwhelming at first. But planning it with Raza at AfricanMecca Safaris made it fun, educational and seamless. He listened, researched and recommended an itinerary and accommodations in our budget. After answering our many questions and discussing alternatives if first choices weren’t always available, we agreed on the best fits for our particular needs and desires - hakuna matata or no worries! I cannot tell you how many times he told me not to worry and he was right! AfricanMecca’s attention to detail was exemplary. We were informed on what to pack, wear, and special precautions to take on our journey. This was all documented on a very detailed itinerary along with contact numbers for help if we should need it along the way. Not to mention that Raza was always in touch behind the scences (without our knowledge) checking to make sure we had arrived where we should be every evening and that we were safe. We were greeted and guided through every airport, lodge and camp by knowledgeable staff. The trip was stress free and it was lovely to be “coddled” as my husband put it. We were always comfortable, whether in a beautiful lodge or a migration camp in the middle of the Serengeti. (If you prefer unlimited electricity and hot water, though, you might want to stick to the lodges :) Our guide, Rodrick, was exceptional in educating us on Tanzania, the people and the flora and fauna that abounds in Africa! His ability to spot animals near or far was like a secret super power! Our visit to the Olduvai Gorge and Masai village on the way to the Serengeti will always be remembered as highlights of our trip of which there were many. Finally, we would like to thank Raza and his whole team for making our 50th anniversary trip the experience of a lifetime! At times we thought he must have told everyone in the country it was our 50th anniversary :) The hot air balloon ride on that day will forever be ingrained in our minds and hearts as a special treasure from Africa made possible by AfricanMecca. They exceeded our every expectation and we will be forever grateful.

Fantastic experience: Can't recommend Raza and the team highly enough. We had little idea of what we wanted to do aside from seeing the gorillas in Rwanda and despite booking late, we ended up with a fantastic trip. Four locations, 2 countries and everything was seamless with accommodation that exceeded expectations. I was very hesitant at first to use an agent who we had no first hand recommendation of - its an expensive trip and I generally prefer to book direct - but should not have worried. Their knowledge and experience was second-to-none.

Fantastic experience: Jambo! We just returned, completely refreshed, from our safari vacation in Kenya. It was a perfect experience of comfortable and luxurious staying / living space, three spectacular safaris (Amboseli, Lewa Conservancy and Mara North Conservancy) along with sightseeing in Nairobi, and interacting with the world’s most dedicated and friendly people whose knowledge of their country is astounding! The trip was etched out by African Mecca Safaris. Raza Visram custom-made the safaris for us, listening very carefully to our expectations. Raza is just fantastic at what he does. There was absolutely nothing lacking in his meticulous planning which included selection of safaris that covered all wildlife, guidance with what to pack and once we we were there, being in touch with the camps to make sure everything was moving like clockwork! And it sure was! Thank you very much, Raza, for this enriching experience of a lifetime. You are amazing at what you do! Asante Sana! ~The Govande Family, PA, USA

Fantastic experience: This long review of AfricanMecca Safaris is much needed, and I give 5-stars all across the board, as my experiences far exceeded my expectations. I was incredibly fortunate to find this company & the ground team to coordinate all of my comprehensive travel arrangements in Kenya from end to end. In particular, Raza Visram’s deligence, expertise & hard work of going the extra mile especially contributed to this incredible journey. Unexpectedly, my first flight was delayed for 5 hours due to a technical issue, which caused me to miss my connection flight from New York( NY) to Nairobi…& this occurred right before I upgraded to business class. The dilemma was totally out of my control, and JetBlue Airlines, hardly took accountability and the representatives didn’t even tried to rebook because I purchased through a third-party. Also, Air Kenya, registered me as a “no-show”, despite me communicating by phone & message via WhatsApp. It was a total nightmare. During this entire time, I communicated with Raza about the delay and the disruption of my entire itinerary. He also continually shared updates with the two properties in Kenya. Keep in mind, I booked about a year in advance to secure rooms at two of the most exclusive hotels, which sometimes require a waitlist. Raza vouched for me & miraculously managed to reschedule my reservations with both Kenya Airways & the two properties penalty-free due to my extenuating circumstances. Clearly, he is well connected & highly respected! After landing, I met with my driver & was transferred to the immaculate property of Giraffe Manor. The staff immediately acknowledged me by name and shared that they long awaited my arrival. The interactions with the giraffes at the Giraffe Manor was truly unique & memorable. Where else can you experience waking up to giraffes poking their heads through your bedroom windows & sharing breakfast with them? The next day I was taken to the Wilson airport for my arrival at the Samburu National Game Reserve. I was flown on a safari plane with a unique landing on a dirt airstrip. Then I was immediately greeted by two members of the Maasai Mara tribe before taken to the Sasaab lodge. The Sasaab lodge is luxurious without sacrificing the local, jungle-like touch & Moroccan-style cosiness.It is perched atop the wilderness overlooking the muddy river along with a torquoise, private infinity pool. I enjoyed the seeing the “SPECIAL 5” aninals on the safari & will not forget the animals I noticed from my bedroom tent. Eventually, I was greeted by the curious monkeys & an assortment of insects which kinda only added to the charm of the accomodation. One night, I overheard the sound of a noisy donkey while enjoying a book on the deck. I was a bit startled but then laughed it off. This was a real treat! Sadly I saw no the elephants on the river. Maybe next time! Unfortunately, I became sick due to a stomoach bug I picked up elsewhere & my safari guide informed the staff. They all made sure to provide extra care; my diet was then adjusted to include yogurt, bananas, electrolytes, even medication & plenty of water to help with digestion and hydration. Even the Park Ranger brought warm tea at my request at 12 in the morning. I wasn’t quite dressed but he maintained the upmost professionalism & discipline which completely impressed me. I totally felt safe & respected the whole time. Honestly, just wow! My drivers, butlers & all the other staff were all friendly, and fully aware of my schedule & flight itineraries. Every transfer, connection and logistics was perfectly seamless. I have no reservations about Raza in assisting with your Safari experiences and destination needs. He even shared certain updates regarding destinations not related to my booking with him, and he always answered all of my inquiries in a timely manner. His confident attitude & practical approach is much needed especially when dealing with issues associated with more complicated travel. Africa Mecca definitely has my business & recommendation for the future. Asante Sana, JD

Fantastic experience: End of an amazing trip! Initially we were a bit reluctant to plan this. We wanted to go but we had lots of questions and hesitations. So we looked up the reviews and pictures from African Mecca Safaris and decided to contact Ali. Ali first told me to tell him what your preferences and hesitations are and I will address each one. I literally had a whole list. Lol. I am scared of animals coming too close to us. I am worried that we will get sick. I am worried about safety. I am worried about staying in cabins overnight all the way in Africa. I wanted a mix of safari and beach. My husband wanted to take his dad on this trip as his retirement gift. This was the initial reason we started planning it a year ago. He literally answered all our questions even on what to pack for the trip. Ali had to accommodate 3 generations. My father in law, me and Saad, and of course our kids. We had a meeting with him and he went over all our concerns and he came up with an itinerary that was just right for all of us. He gave me different options and didn’t rush us to finalize things right away. We did a mix of safari, beach and some historical sights. We were welcomed by two people right when we got out of the plane and we literally had someone with us for the whole trip. He arranged all of the local flights. Again someone stayed with us until we boarded and someone was always there when we got off the plane. We didn’t have to worry about one thing. His staff in Africa was very nice and went above and beyond to make sure that we are comfortable. Ali was always in touch with us too. During the trip we always had excellent views, beautiful and clean cabins with attached bathrooms. We had wifi, electricity and very comfortable beds. I literally didn’t see any bugs in our cabins. We had booked 3 cabins and rooms in every place. Each one with its own special view. We had a nice family villa with private pool for us in Zanzibaar. I noticed that a lot of people were doing group safaris and tours but we always had a car, a chauffer and a dedicated guide just for our family. Ali is a parkland dad and he knows these kids really well. He made sure that we all stayed comfortable through out the trip. He honestly provided us with way more than we asked for including two surprise cakes for my father in law for his retirement. Me and my husband can’t thank him enough for all that he did to make this such a memorable trip for all of us. Also no one, literally no one got sick during our trip. I took so many medicines but the whole pack came back untouched. I am so glad we pushed ourselves out of our comfort zone because it was all worth it. The guides were very understanding and cooperative. We saw the big 5 and a lot more. Lions in action. Cheetah’s taking a stroll. birds chirping. rhinos, giraffes, elephants. Zebras playing around. I am already missing our bonfire dinners, wake up call coffees, African hospitality, breakfast in the valley and not to mention the yummy fresh juices and delicious lattes. Witnessing how all these animals can live in so much harmony was mind blowing. I realized animals are content with what they get for that day and are very happy to chill and enjoy the sun for the rest of the day. If you really want to see and understand the meaning of Hakuna Matata, please go and learn it from those animals :)

Fantastic experience: Entire trip was arranged very professionally by African Mecca. Had an awesome vacation with entire family. Trip was planned very well and arranged in the correct time when the water level at the Victorian falls was at its highest. Thornybush Private game reserve, Shumbalala game lodge, Western Kruger, South Africa trip was arranged nicely. Was able to see the big 5 and birds in their natural habitat.

Fantastic experience: AfricanMecca Safaris organized our Masai Mara Safari (Feb 2023). Raza was our coordinator and he went out of his way to make everything perfect. He responded quickly and thoroughly every time. Once we settled on the tour we wanted, he sent us VERY thorough information for everything! The itinerary, the flight itinerary to the Masai Mara from Nairobi, the accommodation, the hot-air balloon ride, the transfer to the Wilson airport and back. Everything was very well done and professional. I had absolute confidence in all the arrangements. And, the safari was AMAZING. I would use AfricanMecca Safaris again, if I ever get back to beautiful Africa.

Fantastic experience: I can't say enough good things about Raza and African Mecca Safaris that we took in August 2021. First off, our trip was a big delayed due to a death in the family, but he was there to make all last minute changes needed. And then when Hurricane Ida hit New Orleans, he assisted one of our travelers to find a way to get out of the US and to Africa via a well thought out route, and with constant check ins along the way. He's a pro and was so helpful in making sure we arrived safely. The locations we went on the safaris were fantastic. They were sustainable companies that gave back to the communities and hired local people supporting the locals (Karen Blixen Camp AND Safari Mara). He knew the fastest way to get us from Nairobi to the camps (via private plane) and we felt safe and well cared for every step of the way. At the camps, we had the BEST guides, and those that knew all the best places to find the animals. We loved the food, it was fantastic, we drank amazing wine and had animals to view at the camp dining areas (lots of hippos, giraffes, crocs, elephants... both camps were fantastic options). We'd looked at some of the other camps but they were impersonal large structures that devastated the area around them rather than working with the environmental surroundings. We stayed in tents but they were more like luxury suites elevated on decks with fine couches, outdoor showers, comfy beds, windows and awesome furniture. They had bathrobes and slippers for us to wear and hang out areas outside on our covered decks. We really loved the give back programs that were offered by Karen Blixen Camp and went to a Masai village to meet the locals and see how they lived. They have so many programs that support the locals, Raza knew just where to take us to make us feel most comfortable. Our next trip was to climb Kilimanjaro for 7-days. We were the only group that had cots which was something that Raza suggested which made sleeping so much more comfortable an warmer as we weren't on the cold ground. He's done the treks, he's been to the areas, he's got first hand experience on what will work best for you. Raza and AfricanMecca Safaris were by far so knowledgable and helpful. We are very experienced travelers and never book all inclusive or work with travel agencies as we usually book trips all on our own. But I will always trust Raza and his team moving forward with any trips we take for safaris to Africa. He and his team were on call the whole time to help us with a delayed flight and to help us get there under unforeseen circumstances. His first hand knowledge of the area, the camps, the guides and what is going to support the local communities was so on point. His experience shows and we are so happy we were able to work with him and his team. They truly are the BEST! Don't book with anyone else!

Positive experience: Only if u could pet the animals would be nice

Fantastic experience: Finest of Tanzania

Fantastic experience: Raza at African Mecca Safaris was extremely pleasant to deal with. Our trip was flawless, with every connection and stopping point smooth and well-planned. We couldn't ask for better accommodations or transportation among these well-chosen destinations.

Fantastic experience: A trip of a lifetime. A vacation is something you pay to get all is promised and more. African Mecca Safaris do exactly that we (mother/daughters team) were able to enjoy a relaxed and well organized trip at Tsavo National Park. From the booking of the trip, the African Mecca team organized everything taking into consideration all the details. The guide was knowledgeable and took time to educate my daughters about the wildlife in Tsavo. African Mecca help you create memories of a lifetime.

Fantastic experience: I can't say strongly enough how well this photosafari went. African Mecca does a tremendous job of coordinating and selecting places to see. Every bit of the journey went like clockwork. I would encourage anyone who wants a real ecotour in Kenya to get in touch with Raza at African Mecca.

Fantastic experience: Just came back from my fourth trip to Africa arranged by AfricanMecca!! These guys do a fantastic job! The attention to every detail is meticulous. Everything went smoothly. The camps were great, guides were so knowledgeable and kind and willing to share so much information. I highly recommend using AfricanMecca if you are planning a trip to Africa.

Fantastic experience: We used AfricanMecca Safaris when we booked and paid our deposit in 2020 - unfortunately the pandemic arrived and we had to cancel for 2020 and 2021 and have just returned from the most wonderful experience anyone could ask for. Raza and his team were very patient with all our questions, cancellations and more questions Our safari ran like clockwork and everything that Raza promised was delivered. Pickup at Nairobi airport went seamless and staff were very friendly and helpful. We stayed two nights at Tamarind Tree hotel in Nairobi in order to recover from the time change in Canada. Hotel was excellent, staff were helpful and room was good Our pickup for Wilson Airport was early and Governors Aviation was fantastic - only airline we know that gets you to your destination before you were actually supposed to leave Wilson Airport Team from Lake Elmenteita Serena Camp were waiting for us and took us to camp where we had a leisurely lunch looking over the lake full of pink flamingos. Accommodation was excellent, with all the amenities you could need. Food was excellent - our safari to Lake Nakuru was wonderful with all kinds of animals, black and white rhinos, zebras, etc. Transportation back to airstrip was prompt and on time and our next flight was to Masai Mara where transportation were waiting for us from Spekes Camp. The driver asked if we wished to go on a safari before going to camp which we were all for and saw all kinds of animals within 10 minutes of departing plane. We even saw a cheetah with a kill - amazing. Lunch was provided by camp while we sat by the river watching the hippos and elephants Our four night stay at Spekes Camp was excellent, accommodation was excellent, the hot water bottle in your bed each night is a wonderful treat, food was good and we thoroughly enjoyed our time - even got to see the migration which is beyond words Flight back was excellent, transportation was waiting as promised and we were even able to purchase train tickets for our trip to Mombasa to see our nephew. We cannot thank Raza and his team enough for all the help with our safari and would definitely recommend AfricanMecca Safaris for any future safaris

Fantastic experience: We had the best trip in my life with them. Very reasonable price. Super good service and arrangement. Very responsible, the best agent I ever met. Before the booking, they already started answer all your quetions. After you booked, they will send you all the details within 1 week so you can ask more questions if you need. My friend was sick during the trip. We reached raza and altar through WhatsApp, they replied right away and arrange with the camp to take us to the hospital. We changed some plan during trip too, they arranged for us. Somehow they always replied you 24/7 very quickly. You can’t have this type service anywhere else. Highly recommend to anyone planing going to Kenya.

Fantastic experience: We finally managed to go on our safari trip this past June 2022 in Kenya and Uganda. We had booked this back in 2019 for travels in May 2020 but of course COVID held us back for 2 years! I booked this trip direct with the safari tour operator based out of South Africa. But when I asked more questions regarding touring the city of Nairobi and its surrounding cities and sights, unfortunately, I didn’t receive much useful information. I’m not saying that my safari tour operator was bad; it’s just that they are not familiar with destinations outside of their safari lodges. So off I went looking for someone with more local experience of Kenya and came across AfricanMecca Safaris. I reviewed their website carefully to see what they had to offer and read their story. They have A LOT of info on their website! I decided to reach out to them mainly because I read that the operators were born and raised in Kenya. Raza answered my inquiries promptly like he always does and has been very generous with his time with helping me build the best one-week pre-safari trip in the cities of Nairobi and Mombasa in Kenya. He had provided me with different options based on the budget and comfort level we were seeking for. Raza was so easy to work with and always has a “don’t worry, be happy / zen” attitude which was nice as I am a bit of a worry-wart. He’s corrected me on some misconceptions I had and provided me with some really great recommendations as well. What I liked about working with Raza is that everywhere that I wanted to go to and even to stay at, he personally had experienced as well. This was very important to me. Once everything was finalized, a very detailed itinerary was given outlining our trip details and important information such as Kenya’s visa requirements, COVID vaccination status, that plastic bags are banned in Kenya (so don’t bring them), info on the tipping culture, and much more. And they even provide their phone numbers to communicate over WhatsApp in case we ever needed to reach out to them during our trip. Everything that Raza had arranged for us while in Kenya went SOOOO smoothly from the person who picked us up from the airport (both in Nairobi and Mombasa), sightseeing destinations, the accommodations we stayed at, the restaurants we ate at, and finally when we had to depart to the airport to our safari in Masai Mara. Looking back, I wished that I had known of AfricanMecca Safaris sooner. I would have arranged our entire trip with them as I had learned while conversing with Raza, that he has a TON of knowledge of all of the different tour operators in East Africa. Besides being very knowledgeable tour operator, I truly believe that Raza is a wonderful, genuine person and if I ever have the chance to go to Pennsylvania, my husband and I would love to take him and his family out and give him a huge hug as well! I highly recommend Raza at AfricanMecca Safaris for your next African vacation! I’m thinking Tanzania next in a few years. Gotta save up!

Fantastic experience: My husband and I recently returned from our first safari which was booked with African Mecca Safaris("AM") in 2019. We found AM online and after a telephone call and a few emails had this trip booked. Raza's level of knowledge/expertise was evident from our initial phone conversation and his passion for the wildlife and care for the conservancies resonated with me. The level of care was evident as Covid delayed this trip until 2022. Raza maintained contact with us during this period, revised travel plans, provided information for insurers which enabled policy amendments amongst other things. The planning, attention to detail, timely response to questions and information provided before the trip were excellent. The safari went as planned and as detailed in our itinerary - we were met with professionalism and care at each step of our journey. The lodges/camps, selected were outstanding and the guides and camp staff were excellent. Seeing the animals in their natural habitats, the peaceful morning drives, the efforts in the conservancies to protect and care for wild life and its people were very special. Raza - to you and your team - thank you! We had a trip of a lifetime and look forward to planning our next safari with you.

Fantastic experience: My family and I booked a trip to Tanzania with AfricanMecca. They stuck with us with grace and help from the time we contacted them in 2019, through COVID changes, to when we went in 2022. They did an outstanding job of taking care of every detail. The hotels they booked were top-rate, in wonderful spots for safari game drives and relaxing and with great food. They made sure the transportation was smooth. And perhaps the highlight, far better than we ever expected, was the tour guides they booked with; AfricanMecca knows the best guides and we got 'em! I would highly recommend AfricanMecca.

Fantastic experience: For my first trip to Africa (during a pandemic!) I trusted African Mecca Safaris and they did not disappoint. Everything was so well planned, all hurdles anticipated and it was just a wonderful experience. Our group of 14 got along so well, we saw SO MANY animals, and they were so close to us! The guides and all the staff of each camp were just superb. Such a great adventure - I will remember it for the rest of my life.

Fantastic experience: We had a wonderful time in Botswana. Our tour guide Hillary Smith was a wonderful leader. She let us know where we had to be and what time we had to be there. In this time of COVID things got complicated as we traveled from one country to another. She made it easy for us. African Mecca Safaris arranged for everything. The camps were great. Our guides were fabulous. We lacked for nothing. I was extremely impressed with the way people treated us and the quality of the food and service was impeccable. I can’t imagine a better or more organized trip. I highly recommend this trip.

Fantastic experience: Thank you Raza and AfricanMecca Safaris for organizing such a wonderful adventure in Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Though travel has changed dramatically with the current covid requirements you made it work. My favorite time in Africa was all the time spent in Botswana in the three Machaba Safaris camps. The entire staff at each camp was dedicated to making sure we saw as many animals as possible, were kept well hydrated and fed delicious and varied meals and, felt comfortable in our well appointed tents. Our guides at each camp had superior knowledge about the land, the birds and all the animals. They answered all our questions and provided unique insights into many of the animal behaviors. How they were able to track and sight animals at great distances constantly amazed me. I never felt rushed when taking photos and they always tried to find the best angle to get the good photo shots. AfricanMecca's attention to detail and their commitment to supporting the African communities made this journey all the more enjoyable. They choose to work with camps that are dedicated to their local communities; camps that build schools and provide ongoing support for those schools, as an example. Thank you for your thoughtful attention to the countless details.

Fantastic experience: I started planning our trip to Kenya in 2019 with AfricanMecca Safaris. We were supposed to go in 2020, but Covid put a hold on that. AfricanMecca Safaris was the absolute best to work with. They helped us reschedule everything and to navigate all of the covid restrictions/requirements. Every single question I had was answered quickly and patiently. When we got to Kenya, Raza continued to make sure that we were being taken care of. It was the perfect trip. Every little detail was thought through and we didn't have to worry about anything. From airport transfers, to the lodge staff knowing that we were on our honeymoon, it was wonderful. I have absolutely nothing to say that is not positive about this experience. We will 100% be using AfricanMecca Safaris for other trips and I will recommend them to anyone trying to plan a trip in Africa.

Fantastic experience: We took a trip to Tanzania with the help of AfricanMecca Safaris in late September/early October of 2021. AfricanMecca was extremely professional and planned a wonderful trip for us, taking care of all of the logistics and complicated travel procedures due to COVID. They made the trip experience a relaxing one on our end, were extremely professional and responded to messages immediately. Every step of our trip was planned and taken care of, with a lot of thought put toward every detail. We had a great time on our vacation! I would highly recommend AfricanMecca to anyone planning a trip to Africa!

Fantastic experience: African Mecca Safaris was a great company to work with for my first Kenyan safari. From the beginning, Raza was extremely communicable and went out of his way to show us our options and the best campsites for our stay. The campsites were impeccable and our expectations were far surpassed. Raza did everything in his power to ensure our trip ran smoothly; he scheduled our transit and worked with us to make sure we were up-to-date regarding Covid travel rules. He always responded promptly and provided us with very detailed itineraries and items that we needed to do/bring prior to our trip. Overall, it felt very professional and efficient, and it was pleasant to work with someone that was so knowledgable on all of the ins and outs of going on a safari in Kenya. Raza truly went above and beyond, and honestly, this is the quality of service that every company should strive to achieve. I would highly recommend using African Mecca Safaris for your safari trip.

Fantastic experience: After the experience we had with AfricanMecca Safaris - and specifically, Raza - I can't imagine planning / booking a safari experience without them. At every single step of the process, they were extremely helpful and proactive in ensuring everything went perfectly smoothly. When we started planning a safari to Kenya, we were a bit overwhelmed by the options, rules, regulations, and simply coordinating all of the travel necessary. All of these headaches went away when we started working with Raza. Literally everything - from a detailed itinerary at each camp to transportation from the moment we landed in Nairobi until we left to organizing all of our necessary COVID testing - not a single thing is overlooked. Raza's service is unmatched, not just in safari world, but just generally - I've never had such attentive and responsive service. I don't know how he does it, but he is on top of everything. This was especially helpful during the pandemic, with things constantly changing. He was always on top of updated rules and requirements, and would proactively reach out to make sure we were in the loop. Our safari unsurprisingly was a blast and went off without a hitch. Raza makes it seem easy, but it's clear that there's a lot of work done in the background. There are few things I would more strongly recommend than working with Raza and AfricanMecca Safari's if you're interested in this kind of experience.

Fantastic experience: AfricanMecca was helpful every step of the way! From recovering my insurance policy, to setting up Covid testing to get back into the US, to handling any and all questions before and during the trip in a timely manner, our contact Raza was superb! No question was left unanswered. I would highly recommend using AfricanMecca Safaris for any travel to Africa. Can't imagine any better service from anywhere else.

Fantastic experience: I am incredibly impressed with this company! Raza patiently and courteously answered my many questions over a period of months. The tour guides and accommodations were superb. A detailed itinerary with contact numbers was provided before our trip, and things went very smoothly throughout our three week safari in three countries. I highly recommend AfricanMecca Safaris.

Fantastic experience: AfricanMecca is excellent at what they do and deeply knowledgable about every aspect of traveling to Africa. Raza is excellent to work with in making a plan for a successful trip—he knows the region and has contacts on the ground, and he is great at figuring out how to make things work for any time and budget. Both camps booked by AfricanMecca (Sentinel Mara and Karen Blixen) for our trip to Kenya were outstanding spots in the Masai Mara. I highly recommend using AfricanMecca to any considering them.

Fantastic experience: I had an excellent experience with AfricanMecca Safaris and will be sure to use the company for my next adventure. I am a frequent solo traveler, but I always make it a point to book my first trip to a new region with a tour operator. Typically I then take a second trip and plan everything myself. However I received such great care and service from AfricanMecca that I will be sure to use them again whenever possible. I originally planned a trip to a different part of the continent with a different tour operator for August 2021, but the trip was cancelled. I still really wanted to go on a safari, so I decided to find one on my own. I came across AfricanMecca will doing an internet search and decided that it seemed like the best option. I booked a 3 day 2 night safari at Ilkeliani Camp. I booked my trip in late July for travel dates in late August. Within 24 hours of booking, Raza got in touch with me. Even before I departed for my trip Raza was great about communicating with me. He answered all my questions in a timely manner and helped me to arrange some last minute add-ons like my hot air balloon ride. One of my biggest concerns with booking this trip was making sure that I was aware of any COVID restrictions/would be able to get a COVID test in time for my flight out of Kenya. Raza took care of everything. Not only did he make sure I could get my test, he found the most cost effective place for me to have the testing completed. Thanks to Raza, I felt prepared for my trip. Due to various issues, outside of AfricanMecca's control my trip was not as smooth as planed. Thanks to AfricanMecca I had a great trip despite what went wrong. For example, due to bad weather I missed my connecting flight in Chicago. When I realized this meant I would not arrive in Nairobi on time I immediately contacted AfricanMecca using the WhatsApp number they provided in their information packet. Raza replied quickly and reassured me that my arrangements would be okay (that someone would still meet me at customs, I'd still have a ride from the airport to the hotel, etc.). Upon arrival in Nairobi I received excellent service from every member of the AfricanMecca team. My driver in Nairobi was friendly, knowledgeable, and accompanied me to ensure things went smoothly when I got my COVID test and when I checked in for my safari flight. Upon arriving in Maasai Mara I accidently went with the wrong game driver and ended up at the wrong camp. (Again this was not in any way AfricanMecca's or Camp Ilkeliani's fault). By the time I arrived at the camp and realized I was in the wrong location a few hours had passed. Thankfully, we were able to call Camp Ilkeliani and someone came to pick me up. While it was unnerving to realize I had gone to the wrong place, it was comforting to know that the staff at Camp Ilkeliani and at AfricanMecca had been looking for me. The camp had gotten in touch with Raza who in turn had been trying to get in touch with me. Meaning that as soon as I arrived at the first camp and had internet access I saw the messages, emails, and calls from Raza trying to figure out where I was and ensure that I was safe. That experience alone showed me how great AfricanMecca was as a company. They made me feel reassured that my safety and well-being was their number one priority. Once I arrived at Camp Ilkeliani I received excellent service. Everyone there was professional, kind and personable. My game driver was knowledgeable and helpful. During my game drives I saw 4 of the big 5. The accommodations exceeded my expectations and the food was delicious. Despite the hiccups it truly was one of the best trips I've ever taken. My flight from Maasai Mara to Nairobi went smoothly and a driver from AfricanMecca was waiting for me at Wilson Airport. Once we arrived at the international airport I was met by another staff member who helped me through check-in, security and led me to the gate making the whole experience a breeze. Overall I cannot say enough good things about AfricanMecca and am so happy I chose to book with them.

Fantastic experience: Our journey to go on Safari…a lifelong goal of mine….to see the animals in their own environment was made possible by AfricanMecca and RAZA. A group of 7 of us started planning our trip in 2019 for a June 2020 departure. Raza helped us determine what type of safari experience we wanted and accommodated the group splitting up and going in different directions midway through the 14 day excursion. Covid had another plan for our group and we decided to rebook for June 2021. As we all know Covid was also out of control in June 2021 as well. The group once again rebooked to June 2022 My husband and I, determined to not let Covid get in our way this year, approached Raza for alternatives that would allow us to go on safari safely in June 2021. As with all the other many reviews posted, RAZA came through with an experience of a lifetime. I also recognize that without his preplanning and support regarding covid testing it would have been somewhat overwhelming. The simplest things are what made our trip great. The contact at arrival and departure at the airport removed the stress that would have been a challenge for us. Your help with transport in Zanzibar another. We enjoyed our time in Selous so much that I don't think there are English words to convey it. Our time at the at the Mivumo River Lodge, the staff was wonderful, so friendly and genuine. Simon, our guide, had us laughing and learning every day. He obviously has found his calling and purpose in life. We spent 5 – 7 hours a day with him for 5 days straight. It was difficult to say goodbye as he dropped us off at the air strip. What makes AfricanMecca above and beyond all other travel guides is their attention to detail, the simple approach they take to putting your experience together, the detailed itinerary with contact name/numbers, The self help guides to prepare yourself for this kind of travel, keeping up with the ever-changing global covid requirements, responding to requests or questions during the trip, the extensive ground resource network, kindness and patience with us travelers! My husband and I can't thank you enough AfricanMecca!. Selous safari was a beautiful, amazing, humbling experience. Can’t wait for June 2022 Serengeti!

Fantastic experience: Everything was absolutely wonderful. Perfection. Everything went smoothly and the accommodations were first class. We so enjoyed our trip and we’re so pleased with every aspect, including Raza's service. I’ll be looking to go back to East Africa sooner rather than later and will definitely be reaching out again soon! Thanks for your professionalism and follow up. Will certainly recommend your services. Asante Sana!

Fantastic experience: Raza and Altaf did a great job planning our trip to Uganda based our wishes and requests, tried to know about us so they can learn what we expect of the trip and gave us more by catering the itinerary to us. We initially planned for Rwanda and they made the whole itinerary for us and when I had questions about Uganda they were able to answer everything and learn about us and suggest what was best for us. We had a last minute request a day before we left from Uganda and they were able to accommodate us with the best of our interests. They have been very responsible and always gave us a quick reply even when we were traveling. The lodges and hotels they chose do a great job wrt service and food. Everyone is very friendly and humble. Our guide was the BEST ! So knowledgeable very welcoming and friendly. Gorillas are beautiful and so are the chimpanzees, we also saw lions, leopards, elephants, giraffes, various types of monkeys, birds and antelopes. The service is 100/100 I have no complaints what so ever and have been referring them to everyone we know. Dont doubt their planning, just book it. I also looked at reviews before I booked and it helped me and hope mine will help you land with them. We will surely go back and going to work with them again. 100/100 Worth the quote

Fantastic experience: Raza was absolutely awesome! He scheduled a wonderful safari for a group of 5. At the last minute we had someone join and he graciously accommodated them. We have used Raza and African Mecca Safari for many years and have never been disappointed.

Fantastic experience: So this is my 2nd time traveling with AfricaMecca Safaris - I guess I can't do 2 reviews so you can see my first one below, but it is interesting my first line is that you should trust this 5 star review and the fact is I would write the same first line for my 2nd trip. So for this trip I spent two weeks in Africa. My dream was to see the gorillas in Rwanda. And then I had gotten a scuba certification so I wanted to get out into the water so we went to Zanzibar as a 2nd location. This was in May 2021 so during COVID and when I planned the trip I was not sure what circumstances we would be facing. Luckily both myself and my daughter who I was traveling with were able to get vaccinated before the trip. So first Raza stayed on top off of all the complications and testing we would need for the trip which was great. He got us treated as VIPs at both airports which was so important because you had to get tested in both locations. Our experiences were flawless at both airports. In Tanzania my daughter was amazed - we were out of that airport in like less than 30 minutes incredible. So first Rwanda. I loved this country. Again, we got an incredible driver Sam who really made the experience similar to my trip below to Kenya. He was very supportive with answering questions and making us get the most out of our stay. In Kigali he recommended restaurants which was great and found us a walking tour when we did not need to quarantine which was all amazing. And then shared gorilla stories that made me so excited. We stayed at the Sabinyo Lodge which I know is not the top end resort in the area anymore but I could not imagine staying anywhere else. I only stayed for 2 nights but the service is what really made it stand out. We really felt loved and appreciated. They made a cake for my bday which was still 2 months out because they knew this was my birthday trip. And the gorillas were everything i could have wanted and more. I loved it all so much I carry around a little gorilla carving I got at the hotel as a good luck talisman. I wish I had stayed in Rwanda longer. We had to stay a night in DAR travellign to Zanzibar and we expected a boring airport hotel but stayed in the lovely Serena Hotel where we had a delicious dinner included - another lovely gem that I did not expect. In Zanzibar we got upgraded to a more luxurious sister property, the Palms. The settings and accomodations there were idyllic and I got to swim for the first time in the Indian Ocean. It was all inclusive so I really got to relax but also do scuba diving and the Stone Town Tour was a highlight as was a cooking tour we did via AirBnB. We spent 6 nights there. The original plan had been 5 nights but flights got moved to every other day. In retrospect it was a bit long for me in one location but a very small complaint for an amazing trip. The last line I wrote in my 2016 review was that it was the kind of trip that the day it ends you wish you could relive it. I feel the same about this trip. Africa really has my heart now. I definitely want to do South Africa and experience the wineries on a future trip and another safari with AfricanMecca in the future. Thank you Raza for an amazing trip. October 2016 Sometimes when you see so many 5 star reviews you start to wonder if they are real - these are. On extremely short notice with some limitations on how we would travel, Raza really put together the trip of a lifetime. My only complaint is it was too short (our fault). From the moment I emailed him he was incredibly responsive - quickly got me on the phone to hear a little about me and my expectations. The guide he found was incredible. Our hotels and experiences were incredible. It really was one of those trips where the day it is done you just want to relive it.

Fantastic experience: Raza and his team helped me plan a wedding (elopement) safari in Kenya in March of 2020. Of course, none of us planned for COVID to happen. Raza helped us prepare the paperwork and officiant to have a truly valid marriage happen. Unfortunately, COVID derailed the official wedding plans as the Kenyan marriage office shut down the day we were there to file the paperwork. Raza was in constant communication with us every step of the way to ensure we were able to maximize the rest of our booking and safari plans, including a photographer for engagement/wedding photos. We had a great trip with the itinerary that Raza setup for us with Governors and would highly recommend Raza to plan your Safari and any unique requests that you may have. Looking forward to another safari under normal conditions!

Fantastic experience: This is long overdue (my mom and I traveled to Kenya and Tanzania July 2019). I'm an obsessive compulsive researcher when it comes to planning trips. I have always planned them myself, but when I was looking into a safari with my mom, I realized there were so many moving parts and so many things that could potentially go wrong, I needed a travel agency. So I started obsessively researching agencies. I had a few calls with a really expensive one - and they seemed great - but something just wasn't clicking. I started emailing with Raza from AfricanMecca and it became clear that they were the right agency for us. They were SO responsive, completely transparent, and affordable (as far as safaris go). The entire trip was seamless from start to finish. Every employee of theirs or employee of a camp/hotel that they work with was beyond belief. We never had to lift a finger or try and remember pickup times. It was like a dream. And the actual locations we were in - and the animals we saw - it was just...magical. We saw the Big Five in Masai Mara and...wow...it was just unreal. I told Raza that I had booked the last leg of our trip myself (post safari in Zanzibar) and they still answered question after question that I had even though they weren't benefiting from it. And they actually reached out to the hotel on my behalf and got us a better room. Our trip was over a year ago and my mom and I still get giddy when we talk about it. It was the best trip of my life. Oh, and AfricanMecca really cares about choosing hotels/camps that are also good to the people in the communities that they are in and that they are practicing responsible tourism. I feel like I'm leaving out so many details, but you get the gist. You can't go wrong choosing AfricanMecca. And again, self-proclaimed OCD traveler here and I was blown away.

Fantastic experience: Working with Africanmecca Safaris was a wonderful experience. I had gone on a trip to South Africa with a few work colleagues and we used them to plan all of the things we were going to do and see and it was one of the best trips I have been on. Everything was planned out so well. My favorite part was our time spent in Kruger park where we got to see the big five along with so many other animals. We also went to Elephant and Cheetah reserves where we got to learn about the animals along with how the park rangers protect and take care of the parks for the animals. We also got to explore many of the beautiful views South Africa has to offer. Blydes River Canyon was one of my favorites it was absolutely breath taking. It was definitely a trip of a lifetime and I would do it again any day.

Fantastic experience: AfricanMecca Safaris were the experts at tailoring our recent magnificent vacation in South Africa, from our arrival in Capetown to our eventual departure from Johannesburg - it was so well planned out and most enjoyable. AfricanMecca Safaris did a fantastic job of organizing our daily tours with wonderful and friendly tour guides, we bombarded them with questions every step of our travels and they were were most fun and knowledgeable. Our group of 8 had a fine balance of Safari tours, during the day, with an occasional early morning safari, where we managed to see all the animals we hoped to see in the Kruger National Park and close-by the many majestic canyons and waterfall landscapes - all very memorable. Our carefully chosen resort at The Protea/Marriott at Kruger Gate was perfect for our mixed group so we did not have to travel excessive hours to see animals, visit animal sanctuaries, canyons and waterfalls. I would definitely recommend AfricaMecca Safari Tours for their careful attention to our varied itinerary.

Fantastic experience: What a phenomenal experience we had early spring. We traveled as a team and spent a week in South Africa touring three places, Capetown, Kruger National Park and Johannesburg. From the time we got off the planes till the time we boarded to head back, we had VIP service arranged by Raza where we didn’t have to figure out where to go, what to eat and what to do. He maximized our six full days to the most impactful and memorable time. He planned the trip so well that we visited the spectacular view from table mountain, the breath taking drive along the Atlantic Ocean. The colorful houses in Capetown to our drive to Cape of Good Hope. Our kids were so excited to see penguins by the sea and the boat ride to see the sea lions was totally worth it. We were also able to drive along a very scenic route to visit the Cape of good hope, the most southern point of Africa. After two days In Capetown, we left for Kruger Park on a small flight and arrived early afternoon right outside the park gates. Our two day game drive on a safari land cruiser was full of excitement seeing elephants, monkeys, zebras and Impalas, a lion, buffaloes, giraffes, and birds. Our guide Solly, made sure we saw the big five before we left the park and boy he was good we waited to see a leopard cross the road right in front of us!!! We also visited animal conversations , the endangered animals- this was truly a great educational experience not only for the kids but also adults on how some of these animals species may be extinct in years to come. Our panorama tour included awesome views at Gods window, the pot holes and lucked out catching a boat ride on the Blyde River canyon, the views were absolutely breathtaking. From Kruger Park we flew to Johannesburg to spend a day, we were able to visit Nelson Mandela’s house in Soweto, we were able to visit Sterkfontein caves and see an under ground lake. This was truly an experience we’ve ever had on our previous trips to other countries. Looking back we cannot believe how much we saw and toured, in a week with three kids (age 2, 7 and 13). Raza’s South African package deal was packed with tremendous value and filled with memorable experience. As time passes, we cherish our once in a lifetime experience more than we could have ever imagined. His service on the ground, the guides, was always timely and impeccably executed from the time we landed in Capetown airport to the time we boarded to come back home from Johannesburg. He left no detail to chance—just perfect execution! Thank you, thank you, thank you Raza!. We will definitely use your Services again and highly recommend AfricanMecca Safari! Asante Sana!

Fantastic experience: What an excellent experience! We were able to see and do SO much with the itinerary and guidance provided. There was so much thought and consideration put into each restaurant and excursion planned, consistently exceeding our expectations. There were hikes, boat tours and drives with the most breathtaking views, fantastic accommodations, and the safari experience of a lifetime! Highly, highly recommend!

Fantastic experience: My partner and I traveled to both Tanzania and Rwanda in Feb/March 2020 to celebrate a 40th birthday had an absolute blast. Raza, from African Mecca Safaris, was fantastic through the entire process in providing very thorough guidance, as we worked towards an itinerary that both fit our budget and travel objectives. Though we started by considering South Africa, due to desiring a more authentic experience, the time of year of traveling, etc. we agreed that Tanzania was going to be a better overall trip. Initially we were concerned with the logistics (vehicle transportation, lodges, food quality, guides, ..) but everything was coordinated by African Mecca with high quality companies within Africa, who executed the trip flawlessly from the time we arrived in Tanzania. Though we initially had concerns with safety and food quality, those both ended up being non-issues, as the guides were very informative with respect to local areas and the food we had throughout the vacation was top-notch! We were amazed at how, on 9 days of safari, each day was unique and offered its own glimpse into what the African National Parks have to offer. We traveled during the "rainy season," which had the advantage of not being cluttered with tourists, and afforded slightly lower costs than the dry season. We got lucky with the weather and while it rained many nights, all the days were clear, making for great photos. We now, however, understand the benefits of traveling in the dry season where animals are easier to find and are more likely to be clustered in tighter locations. All the people that we met and talked to were very friendly and made us feel welcome. We started our trip with a day hike to Kilimanjaro then stayed in Arusha, which kicked off the longest trip we have taken. We really enjoyed the variety of lodging and in particular, Kitela Lodge (and the birthday surprise) was wonderful. All the food at the various locations was great and the trip ran like clockwork. We also learned a great deal about cultures (Masai, Chugga, etc tribes) and got to try local drinks such as mbege from a local’s hut. We ultimately did end up seeing all the animals (lions, rhino, cheetah, leopard, serval, wild dogs, giraffes, elephants, ...) that we wanted, as driving through the migration was amazing!! The highlight of our trip was the hikes taken in Rwanda to see the mountain gorillas and golden monkeys. The treks are tightly controlled and limited in both people and time, to minimize the disturbance to the gorillas. Being acclimated to humans, they just went about their business, barely paying us any attention, even though we were right next to them. There is just something amazing about being outside and right next to those amazing animals that makes those treks special. Bernard was a knowledgeable and friendly driver from African Sun Safaris and was with us throughout the entire Tanzania experience. In Rwanda, George took great care of us in providing all transportation and guidance between Volcanoes National Park and Kigali. Overall, this was a trip of a lifetime and it did not disappoint. It was an adventure, which was incredibly well laid out and executed perfectly. Even given the emergence of pandemic issues, our timing was great and we were minimally impacted. We are still working to consolidate 5000 combined photos, which is definitely a record for us, but not unexpected given the magnitude of this trip. The experience will stick with us forever and we highly recommend African Mecca Safaris for anyone looking to book a trip to Africa, as it is invaluable to leverage someone with in-depth knowledge in navigating the many logistical hurdles. Asante Sana for everything!

Fantastic experience: The owner is very well knowledged on the various places to visit and the website provided plenty of useful information for a 3 week budget trip me and my brother were planning to go back to Africa after 30 years! He helped with information on places to visit and activities for all the cities we were going to be traveling to and assured us about transportation we should use in the various cities. We planned such a good trip my father decided to come along! We had problems paying for our visas but the owner took care of it for us! Would def recommend AfricanMecca Safaris for planning trips to East Africa. Looking forward to planning another one with more nature and wildlife in the near future! Thank you!

Fantastic experience: I have been a travel advisor since 1981 and travel agency owner since 1993. My office has been working with AfricanMecca for the past 13 years and look to them for guidance, experience and in-depth knowledge. We have had nothing but satisfied clients who have been on safari with them in Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Botswana and Zambia staying at top of the line luxury camps such as Mombo Camp, Singita Ebony and Zarafa to mid-range camps like Little Governors Camp. So when it came time for my family and I to travel to East Africa I called Raza. He put together an amazing vacation. We started off by staying at Giraffe Manor outside of Nairobi. What an experience! My daughter, 8 at the time, was able to interact and hand feed the Giraffe's as they stuck their heads through our bedroom window. A completely amazing experience for an 8 year old. We continued on to Solio Lodge in Laikipia. The Solio Private Reserve is internationally recognized as the most successful private rhino breeding reserve in Kenya. The wildlife experience here was intense and exclusive with 19,000 acres of conservancy surrounded by 45,000 acres of ranch and just one lodge, Solio Lodge, in the midst of it. We ended our trip at Angama Mara in Masai Mara. Wow is all I can say! This place exceeded our expectations. We never wanted to leave our room. The views overlooking the Masai Mara were breathtaking from the escarpment. The service and food were just outstanding. Our daily game drives were filled with adventure. All the recommendations along with all the services made through AfricanMecca Safaris were flawless. Every detail was looked after. Can't say enough wonderful things about this company and it has earned all my African business. Highly recommended!

Negative experience: I had a shocking consultation experience with Raza. He will at first be dismissing your budget under $1200 per person (too low) for a group of 12-18, 3-4 nights (lost sales >$60k) plus possible add ons, then engage in an email ping pong to call out the customer’s lack of understanding of “how things go here”. Recommend you to prepare an eloquent, friendly and large budget before approaching them and mentally prepared to be scolded for your ignorance.

Fantastic experience: I can’t say enough positive things about the team at African Mecca! I’ve just finished my third trip with them and, as usual, it was flawless! The logistics of every trip are planned seamlessly, the recommended lodges are perfect and every interaction is a pleasure :) I’ve only just returned home and have already reached out again to start planning the next trip!

Fantastic experience: I was so nervous/excited about booking my very first trip out of the country. I was nervous about money, my safety, and the quality of my lodging. Raza was so incredibly patient with daily emails filled with my concerns; he always answered immediately with sincerity. I can’t say enough good things about the service provided to me to prepare for this trip!!! THEN came the trip!!! We booked a Masai Mara safari..... it was the most amazing experience of my life!! Raza went above and beyond for accommodations, our guide, even the short flight!!! Our guide is ranked #7 amongst 1000’s.... we had a breakfast served to us on the Mara River while watching zebras migrating!! I will definitely return and even more sure that I will use African Mecca!!! Asante Sana, Raza, for ALL you did to make this dream a reality!!!!

Fantastic experience: Our trip to the Central Kalahari Game Reserve in Botswana, Africa was arranged by Raza from AfricanMecca Safaris and I couldn't be more pleased with their service. Raza usually got back to me with answers to my questions in one business day; provided detailed information on flight reservations and any bag restrictions that might apply; what was covered in the trip pricing; and general information to help in the travel planning for our trip. Our trip happened without a hitch and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Tau Pan Lodge. I highly recommend this company for any travel plans you are considering in Africa.

Fantastic experience: Raza and team, Asante Sana for a wonderful selection of camps (Maramboi, Kitela, KubuKubu, Mara Mara, and Arusha Serena) for my stay in the Serengeti and surrounding areas recently. The food was wonderful in all of the camps and, I might add, the staff was so friendly and very willing to teach me Swahili when I asked. I have begun editing my images and with every view of the wildlife and landscape, I have been planning my next photographic adventure in Tanzania. Tarangire, Ngorogoro Crater, and Lake Manyara National Parks were as spectacular as the Serengeti. You were very responsive to questions in advance of my trip and were always available with any concerns. I also traveled to Zanzibar for a taste of the African beach and snorkeling at the Mnemba reef after leaving Tanzania. Pongwe Beach Lodge was a beautiful place on the East coast of the Island on the Indian Ocean. So beautiful! The food was excellent and the staff very accommodating . My goal for this trip was to see and photograph cheetahs, since I had not had that opportunity on 2 previous trips to South Africa on photo safari. My goal was achieved within one hour of our drive into Tarangire! That was amazing and our driver/guide was the recipient of a high five! Regards, Lee Levin-Friend

Fantastic experience: My husband and I just returned from a fabulous trip to Tanzania and Rwanda organized by African Mecca. We really had a wonderful experience everywhere we went. Our guides were top notch. They saw everything and were expert in guiding our inexperienced eyes to where the action was. Our acommodations were far nicer than many hotels we've stayed in. The rooms were large and well appointed. The size made it much easier to keep organized while covering so much territory. Two lodges had outdoor showers. It may seem odd to get excited over a shower, but trust me, showering under the stars of the Serengeti is unforgettable. We found Raza and his team easy to work with and kept us informed on issues prior to departure. They answered every question promptly and provided excellent written information on what to expect traveling in Africa. We've traveled extensively and this trip to Africa was the best we've ever taken.

Fantastic experience: I had an absolutely awesome experience that was organised by African Mecca. Their advice was spot on, they were so thorough in their responses to my questions, their knowledge, professionalism and quality ground staff were amazing. We started at Giraffe Manor in Nairobi which was an awesome way to begin the trip, gorgeous place and staff who treated us like royalty, giraffes and warthogs roam on the property and poke their heads in windows on the ground and upper levels, just amazing to get so close! We then went to Rwanda and stayed at Virunga Lodge. I cannot describe how wonderful that experience was. The Lodge is beautiful and sits atop one of the mountains in volcanoes national parks area. The views are gorgeous and the staff are so special. I loved being woken by a singing porter with my early morning coffee! The rooms are absolutely gorgeous, no sacrificing anything even being in that remote area. Trekking with the mountain gorillas was the highlight of the trip, also loved the golden monkey trekking, and really loved the people of Rwanda, especially the children. The warmth we felt was so very special, one of those experiences that can bring one tears of joy. I was so impressed with what Virunga Lodge has done for the local community and their conservation efforts, I would hop on a plane back there in a heartbeat. The experience with the gorillas is so amazing, my only regret is that I only booked it for one day! Hearing about the conservation work was great, it is not a commercial feel at all. The golden monkey trekking takes place in a different area and is also fantastic, a little more commercial as they allow a few vendors to sell souvenirs (we all bought a walking stick with gorillas carved in them that unscrew into 3 segments, so easy to get home!). It just feels so good to be there and to support their local economy, their resilience is amazing. We then went to Governor’s Camp in the Masai Mara which was also fantastic. The staff there were great and worked tirelessly to make everyone happy. The setting on the river was gorgeous, loads of hippos in the river such a joy to watch. I love that the camp is not fenced off and there are staff and guards all over watching out for us. The tents were great, although we spent very little time in the tents as we didn’t want to miss a minute of game viewing! We did 2 early morning drives and afternoon drives, plus a full day drive so we could try and catch the great migration. We also did the balloon ride which was totally surreal, I wasn’t sure if we’d like it, but the view of the game and the landscape was like nothing you could see from the ground. The staff at Governor’s were fantastic, they moved tables to where we wanted to view the river from for some meals. The lounge overlooking the river at night was beautiful and relaxing, again watching the hippos and occasional croc! Our guide from Governor’s was extremely knowledgeable and determined to deliver the experience we wanted, truly amazing. The breakfasts on the vehicle in the middle of our morning drive was great. The diversity and volume of game we saw blew me away. Definitely the big five and the ugly five, and then some! We then went to the Northern Conservancy and stayed at Karen Blixen. We really loved it, the tented rooms are spectacular, it feels a little more special to me because I love night drives and having that flexibility, which is not allowed in the Masai Mara. You can also do walking safaris which we did with our guide and protector! So we did morning drives, afternoon drives and night drives. It’s an amazing feeling to look for game with a huge infrared torch and touch upon a lion in the middle of no where. Sundowners in the vehicle are a special treat too. There are fewer vehicles in the Northern Conservancy, which I really liked, and they can drive anywhere as the game are not as easy to find. Our guide was the most gentle and knowledgeable man, all the staff at Karen Blixen were extraordinary. We had amazing game experiences too. Thank you African Mecca!!

Fantastic experience: I recently returned from a walking safari in Zambia, planned by AfricanMecca Safaris. I can't say enough about how smoothly the entire trip went. From my first meeting with Raza, I had a sense of confidence that he and his organization knew what they were doing. Their capability was evident through all stages of the planning. Phone calls were returned promptly and all my questions were answered. I felt that Raza quickly grasped who I was and what type of experience I hoped for. A package was put together that included flights, the safari, and all the ground support en route to make the trip easy and worry-free. Raza's obvious knowledge of his work and careful planning allowed me to relax and fully immerse myself in the wonderful Zambian landscape, knowing that all the details were taken care of. I can't recommend AfricanMecca Safaris highly enough. I am well-traveled, and can honestly say that this was the best planned and most care-free vacation I've had. Two years later, I've just returned from a trip to Kenya, planned by African Mecca. This was a more complex trip, and It was executed perfectly. My opinion of African Mecca as being top notch still stands! And now, one year later, another perfectly executed trip planned by AfricanMecca Safaris. This was a fifteen day trip through northern Tanzania and Zanzibar, and was magical in every way. We traveled with a group of 17, and AfricanMecca excelled at personalizing the trip to the particular interests of each traveler. We were a diverse group, and Raza and Altaf patiently met the needs and answered the questions of all. Communication was ongoing during the 18 months of planning, allowing each participant to feel that they were in good hands. The accommodations chosen - Maramboi, Kubu Kubu and Mara Mara tented camps and Kitela lodge, were luxurious and beautifully situated, with all the amenities a modern traveler could ask for, including plentiful hot water, electricity, in-room safes and internet. This was remarkable considering the remote settings. Special diets were accommodated and birthdays were celebrated. Wildlife was plentiful, including plenty of big cats and a rhino and her baby. All the support necessary (internal flights, airport transfers, etc.) were handled seamlessly. Our guides from Wildersun were informative and well-humored, helping us make the most of our time on safari. My opinion of AfricanMecca as being top notch still stands! If I could give them 10 stars I would.

Fantastic experience: I cannot recommend AfricanMecca Safaris highly enough. I have just returned from an amazing safari in the Serengeti (early October 2019). It was a last minute thing organized around a work trip and Raza pulled out all the stops to organize a truly incredible safari experience for me at very short notice. He was very patient with my hundreds of questions, as I found it hard to know where to go in Tanzania and what choices to make. He provided a few sample itineraries with different locations and price ranges, and supported me with lots of information to ensure I was happy with my choice. In the end I decided to visit northern Serengeti. My first night I stayed in Serena Hotel in Arusha which was lovely, though I arrived late and left early so didn’t get to see much of it. I then got a tiny plane up to Lamai airstrip near the Kenya border, stopping a couple of times on the way to drop off and pick up other passengers, which meant I got to see Lake Manyara and the flamingos and Ngorongoro Crater from the air. The little bush planes are an amazing experience in themselves – landing and taking off from dirt airstrips surrounded by zebra and wildeest. For 3 nights I stayed in Kimondo mobile migration camp, which I would highly recommend. It’s a beautiful camp run by lovely people – the camp manager Richard is great, as are Michael, the chef and the whole team of staff. They were all incredibly welcoming. They also had amazing guides – Moingo was my guide and he was so knowledgeable and gave us an amazing experience. I saw so many beautiful animals up really close like a few feet away – hundreds of elephants, about 20 lions, 2 cheetahs, lots of giraffes, zebras, hippos and many more (baboons, wildebeest, monkeys, warthogs, antelopes, ostriches, vultures, eagles, crocodiles, tortoises, impala, mongooses, hyenas, jackals...and I know I’m forgetting lots of animals). This is partly because there is so much wildlife in the Serengeti but also because my guide Moinga and trainee guide Nang’ida were so skilled in spotting animals, knowing where they were likely to be, and knowing how to approach so you could get really close without interrupting or bothering the animals. I saw three crossings in three days which were truly spectacular (thousands of wildebeest crossing the Mara river, with some zebras). I saw two kills – a crocodile killing a zebra drinking in the river and another crocodile a wildebeest during a crossing. One night a hippo came to visit my tent which was an amazing experience! Kimondo camp manages to strike a great balance between luxury and authenticity – the food is incredible and there is a mobile bar serving anything you could want to drink at any time. You have an outdoor shower looking out in total privacy onto the wildebeest and zebra as you wash – an incredible experience! You eat together in the evening, so meet lots of interesting people both staff (management, guides, catering etc) and other guests. Kimondo camp is part of Asilia, and I was really impressed with the company – there is a real focus on conservation, the environment, education and giving back to local communities (demonstrated in terms of who is hired, and community outreach to local schools etc). Overall it was a truly unforgettable experience. The customer service and support that you get with AfricanMecca Safaris is exceptional. I had an issue with the flight I had booked from New York to Tanzania which meant I landed in a different airport (Dar Es Salaam rather than Kilimanjaro as planned) and Raza was extremely helpful in quickly finding me a flight from Dar to Kilimanjaro and changing the arrangements with the team on the ground to ensure I got collected and made it to my safari starting point on time. He stayed in touch throughout the experience which meant I felt in very safe hands, which is particularly good when you’re traveling solo as I was. I would wholeheartedly recommend working with African Mecca Safaris. The local knowledge and bespoke support was really impressive. Asante sana, Raza and team!

Fantastic experience: Just returned home from a trip to the Masai Mara. African Mecca guided us with our lodging and game ride choices; their expertise and knowledge resulted in a trip that exceeded our expectations. The entire process was handled professionally from beginning to end. I highly recommend African Mecca and will use them again.

Fantastic experience: I just returned from a safari with AfricanMecca last week, August 3-8 2019 and my experience was absolutely amazing. I CANNOT SAY ENOUGH GREAT THINGS ABOUT THIS COMPANY AND THE EXPERIENCE. The staff at each location went above and beyond my expectations in more ways than I can possibly mention in this limited space for review. First... we arrived 5-6 hours late into Nairobi Kenyatta airport, about 2:30 a.m. to find that our African Mecca rep has WAITED that entire time for us. Our airline lost some of our luggage, and again, our African Mecca rep helped us report it, transporting us to hotel and checking us in. While we were on the first leg of our safari, our African Mecca rep located the missing luggage at Kenyatta airport, transported it over to Wilson Airport, and had it waiting for us on the runway in between prop flights so that we could grab it and continue on our safari with all of our packed provisions. This, in my opinion, is exemplary service and dedication to our comfort which deserves recognition. Thank you so much Nicole! We flew to Amboseli the first night, Governor's camp the next two, and Karen Blixen the final two days. All accommodations were exactly as shown in the photos, perhaps even better in person. Clean, well kept, super comfortable. Food always plentiful and enough variety to find things that you liked from the many choices presented. Staff UNBELIEVABLY service oriented and willing to go beyond normal expectations for personal requests. The game drives were amazing - each time, we saw something we hadn't seen before. We saw all of the big 5, most of them several feet from our vehicle. At Karen Blixen they are allowed to drive off the main roads, which means they will drive you right up and onto lions, leopards, wildebeasts, hyeenas, jackals, vultures, elephants, giraffes, etc RIGHT NEXT TO the car. Experience is unlike anything in your wildest dreams. We went on a night drive, ended up within viewing distance of TWO kills, one a lion, and the other, cheetah brothers, which were chased away by hyeenas, who were chased away by lions, and then had a little lion/cheetah fight followed by two male lions showing and a female engaging them in a chase to protect her 4 cubs which we had been watching for several days. For those of you who are environmentally or socially conscious, TAKE THE CAMP TOUR at Karen Blixen camp, find out how they cook and clean and garden and use solar grids for sustainability, meet the students in the cooking school there, and walk past the dormitories where the 65 people that work there live. It WILL CHANGE you. Just an additional note on GAME DRIVES - I have visited several American national parks and have spent hours looking for animals... on these safaris, be prepared, there are animals EVERYWHERE and you will see more of them than you are prepared for closer than you could ever hope, in many instances. Our safari guide Twala had been doing it for over 30 years and knew the animals extremely well. After our safari was over, Nicole was there to greet us and take us to our next great Kenyan adventure, which was a traditional wedding of my son to the love of his life, a young lady from Kenya whom he met in U.S. during college. Raza from African Mecca had taken the time to provide me with some invaluable information on the wedding customs and expectations, all of which are very different from here in the U.S., and I was so grateful for this insight and felt so much more at ease while there. Thank you so much Raza for investing yourself in my situation and providing such fantastic recommendations and guidance. This trip could not possibly have been as easy and stress free without your constant help and guidance. Asante Sana, Raza and African Mecca! Kim

Fantastic experience: Raza worked with me for two years to put together the best honeymoon for my husband and I. I emailed him hundreds upon hundreds of times with questions and concerns. I probably drove him nuts! All of these questions answered and my concerns were eased. He was responsive and professional. We drove from NJ to PA to meet with Raza to give our final deposit. During that time he went through our entire itinerary telling us what to expect and bring to each location we stayed at. We opted for Kenya, which is where the AfricanMecca team is native to. Kenya is top notch for a safari. I am not sure many other places can top it. It offers many diverse landscapes. AfricanMecca set us up in the Serena Hotels. The Serena’s were top notch for service and safari. I have never seen such hardworking people anywhere on the planet then I have seen at the Nairobi, Amboseli, and Mara Serena’s. The safari vehicles were safe and sturdy and the guides very informative. AfricanMecca informed each location we were celebrating our honeymoon so the Amboseli and Mara Serena’s threw in two extra experiences for us, a bush dinner and breakfast at the hippo pool. After safaris, we also visited Giraffe Manor as per recommendation of Raza. Giraffe Manor should not be missed when passing through Nairobi. Where else can you eat breakfast with a giraffe sticking its neck in? We toured Nairobi a bit visiting the Giraffe Center, Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, Kazuri Bead Factory, Karen Blixen House, and Carnivore. I would recommend all of these stops in Nairobi. Our last stop was the Sands at both Diani and Chale Island. Raza and Altaf rectified an issue with our accommodation at Chale Island at lightning speed and had us moved to a better sister resort. There are thousands of safari companies around the world, especially in Africa itself. Many companies are low quality and don’t pride themselves on the guests being comfortable. Raza booked us on Safarilink flights to save time in getting us from place to place. He also set us up with Ke-Ray transportation which transferred us around Nairobi in style and comfort. This company has so many top notch connections around African that I could not have planned this trip on my own. We felt safe and secure throughout the entire trip. AfricanMecca made my vision for a safari honeymoon a reality. I would highly recommend their level of expertise and customer service to anyone who is planning to travel to Africa.

Fantastic experience: Stayed at Karen Blixen and Little Governors Camps...both wonderful accommodations! Can’t say enough about the hospitality and accommodations...both wonderful. Karen Blixen even had a spa if you need a massage after your trek. African Mecca works with you to help you experience the best safari adventure. It begins with Raza finding out your needs and then putting together the best package to fulfill that dream vacation. It really was the vacation of a lifetime! Thank you, Raza and staff, and to all we met along the way.