AfricanMecca Safaris, Allentown PA

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!

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!

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.

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.

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

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.

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!

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!

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!

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!

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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 Sane~The Govande Family, PA, USA

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

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