Mawe African Ventures Limited

Our second Tanzania safari was beyond our wildest expectations. We visited East Serengeti and Ndutu areas. We witnessed the mega herds of Wildebeest, Zebra, over 70 hyena, leopard, lions and cheetah with cubs. Over 1.7million animals spread out as far as the horizon. A sight to behold. Team Rafa didn’t follow the crowd we blazed our own trail thru mud, ditches and tall grass. Other adventures looked at our vehicle in disbelief because it was so filthy. When they found out what we saw they all wanted to know where, when and how. Rafa is the right ingredient to a successful Tanzania safari.

We are avid world travelers with our young family (currently in Galapagos!), and Mawe (Raphael as guide) was our best all around adventure to date. He is an exceptional guide-passionate, interesting, encyclopedic knowledge, clearly loves sharing his incredible country with visitors. He went above and beyond to provide the best nature guiding. Most remarkable was him as a person-he treated my family like we were part of his. Our twins were 7 and he made sure everything was catered to their interests and needs, ie we had a lot of ‘spaghetti in the Serengeti’ and hot chocolate no matter the weather. He had such a wonderful sense of humor and attitude. We will definitely see him again someday!

My husband and I had the incredible opportunity to visit Tanzania last April, and our journey was made extraordinary thanks to Mawe African Ventures and our exceptional guide, Raphi. From the very beginning, Raphael’s professionalism and passion for his country were clear. He meticulously prepared an itinerary that perfectly matched our interests, ensuring that every moment of our trip was memorable. One of the most remarkable experiences was our visit to the Hadza tribe. We were privileged to not only visit them but also to take part in a hunting excursion, gaining a rare insight into their traditional way of life. Raphael’s deep respect and understanding of the Hadza culture, coupled with his excellent translations and explanations, made this an incredibly enriching experience. The safaris were nothing short of spectacular. Raphael’s keen eye and extensive knowledge of the wildlife ensured we saw an abundance of animals, including the Big Five. It was amazing to see the tiny cubs with their mothers, a sight that will stay with us forever. Raphael’s ability to spot animals hidden in the tall grass with his naked eyes was truly impressive, adding an element of wonder to every game drive. An unexpected delight was our lunch experiences at local restaurants, referred to as “hotels” by the locals. These meals gave us a genuine taste of Tanzanian cuisine and culture, far from the typical tourist spots. Eating where the locals dine added an authentic touch to our trip that we will always cherish. Another highlight was our visit to a very local market. It was fascinating to see the variety of products and the freshness of the produce. Shopping alongside the locals and experiencing the vibrant market atmosphere provided a unique glimpse into daily life in Tanzania. Throughout our entire journey, Raphael made us feel safe and well-cared for. His attention to detail and dedication to our comfort and enjoyment were unparalleled. What started as a client-guide relationship quickly turned into a genuine friendship. We came to Tanzania as guests and left as friend with Raphi and Veronica his wife. If you are planning a trip to Tanzania, I cannot recommend Mawe African Ventures and Raphael enough. Their commitment to creating personalized, safe, and unforgettable experiences is truly exceptional. Thank you, Raphael, and Mawe African Ventures, for making our Tanzanian adventure an unforgettable chapter in our lives. We will be back very soon !!!!!!!!!!

I have traveled the World and been fortunate to visit Tanzania and truly see its Wonders , Culture and Wildlife on multiple trips all with Mawe African Ventures. Every trip has been spectacular and organized with skill and experience not found with the big safari operations that focus on numbers not quality. If you are looking for a trip of a lifetime with a focus on travel details and providing you the best wildlife viewing opportunities in the Serengeti, National Parks ,and Conservation areas Mawe does it all. They will customize your trip to fulfill your travel dreams and do it with safety, respect for the wildlife ,and share cultural insight that makes Tanzania so special.

This was my husband and my second trip to Tanzania, and with Raffy. Tanzania is such a unique country, with so many things to offer. It was well worth returning. Raffy is a very experienced safari guide. He goes the extra mile to make your trip amazing. Every detail is attended to from the accommodations, the food, the vehicles, and of course the excursions. It's obvious he wants you to have the best experience. From the moment I see him at the airport with his big smile and an exuberant jambo. I know everything is gonna be great. The first night we stayed at a beautiful hotel in Arusha to get acclimated to the time change. The next morning, we get up and have a hearty breakfast, and we pack up our vehicles simba 1 and simba 2 and take off to the bush. The travels in his vehicle are always good. They're maintained meticulously, and he selects excellent drivers. This year, we had Good Luck and Mike. Both are excellent drivers with great stories about Tanzania and the environment. We always enjoy the accommodations Raffy provides for us all unique in different ways. I love laying in bed at night and hearing the roars of the lions or the sounds from the hippos. We find the staff at all the lodges so kind and engaging. They're all very proud of their country, which is refreshing, and they're always interested in hearing where you are from. It's very important to Raffy that you get the full experience of the Safari. So we're up early in the morning, have a cup of coffee, and we're off, seeing the animals in the early morning light. Some of my best animal sightings are early in the morning. When we've seen enough, and we start getting a little hungry, Raffy sets up an enormous breakfast sitting out in the Bush, which is always the best. This year, we got to see the wildebeest migration across the Mara River, which is an amazing event. Unbelievable amount of animals crossing in huge herds. Raffy is very knowledgeable about all the animals in Tanzania and the environment. He's diligent about giving the animals their space and not approaching them too closely. He wants his clients to see the animals, but not to endanger them. One of my favorite experiences was visiting a local school that we visit the previous year. It was so nice to visit the children and see their enthusiasm and their learning. One of the things that we bring over there is educational toys for the school. The teacher is amazing having 63 students. Bringing items that she can use and donations are always greatly appreciated. My visits to Tanzania are always very special and seem to go so quickly but I have so many memories of all the animals, people, and experiences we got to see. I can't begin to say what a wonderful trip this is. Mawe African Ventures Limited is definitely the company to do it with. You will not regret it.

We can’t speak highly enough about Raphael “Raffy” Loisolo and his Mawe African Venture Tours. We have done both a “rainy season tour” and a “dry season tour” with Raffy. He has taken us to five different parks: Arusha National Park, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro, Ndutu, Serengeti. He takes great pride in his vehicles and tries very hard to exceed all expectations of his guest. Raffy knows that travelers have many options of tour companies to chose from, and he knows he has to differentiate himself. He does that by attention to detail and his extensive animal and bird knowledge. Just as important is his outgoing, good natured personality. You will spend up to eleven days for hours on end with your guide. You will not get tired of Raffy. With Raffy being the owner of the company and not just a regular guide, he will eat several meals with you at camp. We always look forward to these meals as we learn more about Raffy, Tanzania, Masai, the animals and the next days plans. No matter the season, Raffy will find the animals. I joke that Raffy is multi-lingual speaking English, French, Swahili and Lion. He can do the deep guttural imitation of a lion, as well as many of the birds calls. He can tailor the tour to you and your wallet. Want Five Star accommodations? He can provide that. We travel to Tanzania for the animals, not the hotels. Raffy is keen to be the first jeep out of the camp and the last one back. But if you, our someone in your party, want to relax in one of the superb camps for a massage or pool time. He is more than happy to accommodate your desires. Raffy has set up private catered picnics in the bottom of Ngorongoro Crater for our group. But what we really enjoyed was eating picnic brunches on the Serengeti plains. Or just sitting in the jeep and eating a box lunch watching the animals. On our first Safari we had four of us in one jeep with Raffy doing the driving and guiding. The next safari had seven in our party. Raffy had two of his hand picked guides, to do the driving; while he rode in alternating jeeps each day giving the narration. We had brought some school supplies the first time to Tanzania. Raffy took us to a privately run two room school. Interacting with the 62 students, crammed 3 and 4 to a desk, was very special. So we doubled down on the next visit bringing a whole suitcase of educational games. We are always impressed with how different hotel staff are quick to ask if we enjoyed our stay in their country. Many times they ask us to please tell our friends to come visit. Tanzanians are such a lovely and appreciative group of people. Safety has never been an issue for us. Yes, Dar es Salaam has it’s problems. But Arusha does not. Raffy personally picks us up at the airport and is with us when we depart Tanzania. You will have a great time in Tanzania if you chose Raphael Loisolo, Mawe Adventure Tours.

Our family had an absolutely unforgettable experience with Mawe African Ventures Limited during our wildebeest migration safari through the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater this past February. From start to finish, the entire trip was flawlessly organized, personalized, and exceeded every expectation. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable, patient, and truly passionate about the wildlife and the culture of Tanzania. Thanks to his expertise, we were able to witness the awe-inspiring wildebeest migration, explore some of the most breathtaking landscapes on earth, and—most exciting of all—spot all of the Big Five during our journey. Every day offered something new and extraordinary. The accommodations, food, and attention to detail made it an ideal experience for our entire family. We always felt safe, cared for, and well-prepared for each day’s adventure. No Middle Man Tours delivered not just a safari, but a once-in-a-lifetime memory that Adrian Antunes and his family will always treasure. We cannot recommend No Middle Man Tours highly enough for anyone considering a true, authentic Tanzanian safari. They made our dream trip come to life.

Guide, vehicles, reliability, affordability, Communication and planning excellent. Rapha has an extraordinary ability to deliver the most glorious trip and experience one could ever imagine.

We came 2 couple friends age 60. Even celebrated a birthday that he orginised in surprise for one of us... Our tour was well planned and was very exciting to discover new adventures and scenes of tanzania from day to day.. Rafa orginsed the tour in an outstanding way thinking of every moment and details to make us pleasent and happy. He chose for us great lodges to sleep in and always wanted us to be so satisfied. It was a great adventure for us and a new friend to meet .

It was an amazing trip. Rafa is an excellent and highly recommended guide. He organized everything down to the last detail. The training was excellent, Rafa's knowledge is huge. Always positive, full of energy, and tried to answer all our requests for changes. When we travel again it will surely be with him

My husband and I had the incredible opportunity to visit Tanzania last April, and our journey was made extraordinary thanks to Mawe African Ventures and our exceptional guide, Raphi. From the very beginning, Raphael’s professionalism and passion for his country were clear. He meticulously prepared an itinerary that perfectly matched our interests, ensuring that every moment of our trip was memorable. One of the most remarkable experiences was our visit to the Hadza tribe. We were privileged to not only visit them but also to take part in a hunting excursion, gaining a rare insight into their traditional way of life. Raphael’s deep respect and understanding of the Hadza culture, coupled with his excellent translations and explanations, made this an incredibly enriching experience. The safaris were nothing short of spectacular. Raphael’s keen eye and extensive knowledge of the wildlife ensured we saw an abundance of animals, including the Big Five. It was amazing to see the tiny cubs with their mothers, a sight that will stay with us forever. Raphael’s ability to spot animals hidden in the tall grass with his naked eyes was truly impressive, adding an element of wonder to every game drive. An unexpected delight was our lunch experiences at local restaurants, referred to as “hotels” by the locals. These meals gave us a genuine taste of Tanzanian cuisine and culture, far from the typical tourist spots. Eating where the locals dine added an authentic touch to our trip that we will always cherish. Another highlight was our visit to a very local market. It was fascinating to see the variety of products and the freshness of the produce. Shopping alongside the locals and experiencing the vibrant market atmosphere provided a unique glimpse into daily life in Tanzania. Throughout our entire journey, Raphael made us feel safe and well-cared for. His attention to detail and dedication to our comfort and enjoyment were unparalleled. What started as a client-guide relationship quickly turned into a genuine friendship. We came to Tanzania as guests and left as friend with Raphi and Veronica his wife. If you are planning a trip to Tanzania, I cannot recommend Mawe African Ventures and Raphael enough. Their commitment to creating personalized, safe, and unforgettable experiences is truly exceptional. Thank you, Raphael, and Mawe African Ventures, for making our Tanzanian adventure an unforgettable chapter in our lives. We will be back very soon !!!!!!!!!!

My husband and I and another couple had the opportunity to visit Tanzania and go in the safari last February. I love to travel and see other cultures and places. I have to say this was the most phenomenal trip I've ever been on. Our trip was booked through Mawe African Ventures. This was my first safari and I was a bit apprehensive getting this all set up. Our travel guide Raffy made this a seamless experience everything from the booking to being picked up at the airport was perfect. As far as a safari, you could not imagine how many animals we saw. I saw more animals than I thought could be possible. The accommodations were spectacular. Everything from high-end hotels to beautiful tent lodges out in the Serengeti. The first tent lodge we stayed at I had two giraffes walk right in front of me as I sat in the porch. unbelievable! We also could hear the lions roaring at night in the distance. The food at the establishments were like 5 star restaurants. Even when we got to have picnics out on the plains with the zebras, walking around us. The staff. At the accommodations are unbelievably gracious. I love to talk to about their experiences living out in the Serengeti. Raffy's expertise with the animals and his country was unbelievable. He knew so much about the animals and their environment. His vehicle "Simba" was very comfortable and his Is driving skills were exceptional. We were there for 12 days. We would get up early in the morning before the other drivers got out. We would bring our breakfast and see the animals in the early light. It was surreal! We saw a Mama lion with her cubs eating a fresh killed zebra. We saw a mama cheetah teaching her children how to track down dinner. In the Ngorongoro Crater we even saw a newly born wildebeest. Raffy was very conscientious of the animal's safety and and well-being. He approached them at a safe distance. Close enough, so we could see them but not interfere with their behavior. I brought some school supplies and toys for children. I asked Raffy if we could drop them off at a appropriate place. He found this wonderful Montessori school where we got to visit the children and the teachers. It was probably one of my favorite experiences. The children were so excited about their learning. And it was very interesting talking to the teachers about their education and their experiences teaching. Our trip went by so quickly. It was unbelievable all the things we saw. Just remember to bring your camera. But remember to sit back and enjoy the experience.

Raffy’s attention to your every want and need is outstanding. He loves his job, the birds, animals and his country; and it shows.H His knowledge of the birds and animals was phenomenal. He can mimic many of the birds. He will stop “Simba” his trusty four wheel drive. Pull up an app with the birds call and description. He can pick out animals at a distance while driving and stop to show you. It took us a minute from the stopped vehicle to find what he had seen while navigating the muddy road and shemos. In the evenings he would have dinner with us, answering all of our questions. Few other guides eat with their clients. We really felt like he was part of the family. We call and write to him frequently. A person in our party needed some prescription drugs. Raffy called back to Arusha and had them delivered the next day by aircraft. When out driving, he knows all the other guides. Even though they speak Swahili, you can tell they respect him and ask him for information on where the animals are. He helped two other jeeps out of the mud, yet never came close to getting stuck himself. Food was outstanding in the evenings. Most days we took a breakfast or lunch and left the camp at sunrise. Then Raffy would find an open spot, do a security check. Then set up a table and chairs so we could eat a huge breakfast. Just a real treat to experience. But the experience would not be the same without Raffy smiling and laughing.

When planning our trip to Tanzania, I remember hoping we would get paired with a a safari guide that was knowledgeable and respectful towards the animals we would encounter. And, wow, were my expectations exceeded by Raphael of Mawe African Ventures! I was blown away by his level of professionalism, kindness and knowledge. And he was just fun to hang out with! He took great care of our group and was attentive to all of our needs, even my dietary restrictions. He would always ask how we were doing, made great conversation on our long drives and answered any question we had. He knows the territory and parks like the back of his hand, so we always felt safe and happy to be with someone so experienced. Everybody we met knew and had good things to say about Rapha. Several times during our trip, I noticed other safari guides would stop him or radio him to ask questions, making it clear that he was not only knowledgeable, but also had great intuition that other guides maybe hadn’t refined yet. Raphael always knew exactly where to be to get the best pictures and experiences. Above all, and this was very important to me, he never scared or pursued any of the animals we encountered. He knew exactly how close to get and when to give them their space. And because of that, we had the most amazing encounters with elephants, cheetahs, leopards and more. If you are a birder, you will love Rapha! He spotted so many birds for us and it added another level of fun to our trip we were not expecting. Do not hesitate and book your trip with Mawe.

This was our second trip with Rafa. Our first trip was August 2023. As the title states “simple the best better than all the rest” . Truer words have never been spoken about Rafa. When other guides and clients want to know where we’ve been because our truck was covered in mud. Their laughter stopped when we told them today we witness the mega herds of the East Serengeti. Over 700,000 Wildebeest, Zebra, and so many hyena we stopped counting after 70. All our days were filled with Cheetah and cubs, leopard, hyena, lions and elephant. During our trip we witnessed well over 1.7 million plains game animas. Rafa arranged the itinerary too perfection. If we missed the herds in East Serengeti we would find them in Ndutu. We had them in both places. Accommodations, 5 star. Food, excellent and delicious. Everything and anything was available. If not just ask. You won’t be disappointed putting your trust in Rafa’s hands. From the time we landed at Kilimanjaro airport till the time we departed he was with us.

We went on our very first Safari trip with Rafa. From the moment we met, I could feel this would be a special experience. Rafa promised we would be going against the tourist crowds and see the big 5 still. We had a unique experience of admiring the animals closely without being surrounded by other tourists and felt safe at all times. It’s like the jungle was ours ✨ Rafa is very passionate and informative. You will learn lots about the animals and the fascinating biodiversity of the jungle. Never have I met someone with such great eye vision, Rafa never misses any of the hidden animals while you need to look 3 times before even noticing. We had a lot of fun, such a great human experience in addition to the fulfilling Safari experience. A once in a lifetime experience ✨ Let’s be explorers and not tourists

The service was incredible. Truly beyond anything we expected. Rafa, our tour guide was always timely, flexible, reliable, friendly, polite, happy and fun. We couldn’t have asked for a better tour guide. He has 18 years of experience and we could tell because he always knew where to go and what to do at the exact moment needed. He is also very knowledgable about the region and the animals. As a bonus, he is an expert birder and helped me identify 90 unique species in a manner of days. Our tour started in Arusha. From there we went to Lake Manyara National Park, then Ngorongoro Crater and then on to Serengeti National Park. Every park was its own amazing experience with Rafa as our guide. I truly will never forget this amazing experience.

Having Raphael as our safari guide was a true blessing! I felt completely safe in his hands throughout our trip —he is so experienced and knowledgeable that other safari guides would stop to ask him for advice on our drives. Not only that, he was funny, engaged with everyone in our group and looked out for each one of us with the utmost care. As a vegan, I was concerned about food options, but Raphael provided me with amazing vegan picnic options to eat while out on safari. I was also concerned about disturbing the animals while we observed them in their habitat, but Raphael made me feel at ease because he was respectful of the animal’s space and we never disturbed their peace. I got amazing pictures and an unforgettable experience. You must book your safari with Mawe African Adventures.

Our experience was excellent, services were great and our Tour Guide.,Raphael, was the best, never let us down always protective, courteous and respectful made sure that everything went smoothly. We would come back anytime…Teresa, from San Diego Ca.

If you’ve read any of the other reviews for Mawe on this site, you know that Rafa (Raphael) comes VERY highly recommended. I can tell you from my personal experience that these gushing reviews are not hyperbole at all – Rafa is the real deal. First and foremost: he knows, loves, and respects nature. Want to know how to spot the difference between, say, a Grant’s Gazelle and a Thomson’s Gazelle? Rafa has you covered, in a way that’s aligned with a good guidebook but goes above and beyond. He’s passionate about helping the group determine what they want to see and then doing everything possible to make that happen, all the while ensuring that everyone is safe and the wildlife is unbothered by your presence. His knowledge of eastern Serengeti and Ngorongoro is elaborate, and I’m sure it extends much further than that. We were amazed at how many species of incredible animals we were able to see throughout the tour, many of them from quite close. Beyond that very important requirement for a great Safari, Rafa is simply a great person to spend time with. You get the sense that he could navigate any difficult situation you might find yourself in (fortunately none for us), but at the same time he’s extremely friendly and fun. It’s difficult to adequately describe, but for my group he created a true team atmosphere where we were all working together to spot amazing wildlife, have a good look with our binos, and document it in photos/videos to help keep the memories alive for a lifetime. We all felt like we were a part of something special. And of course while wildlife is the main draw, Tanzania also offers many windows into its vibrant culture, and Rafa gave us great insights and answered all our questions about that aspect too. In summary, we felt extremely fortunate to have Rafa as our guide. If you’re looking to do a proper Tanzanian safari, honestly, look no further – Rafa is the best!