We plan / tailor most safaris to suit your needs! The itineraries outlined on our website are examples and any of these packages can be booked or simply modified to suit your interest / budget & time availability. Our packages are completely flexible and can start on ANY day as long as there is room availability (except for group tours with fixed departure dates).
SEE AFRICA FOR LESS!
Curated for your perfect safari
Explore Africa’s wild wonders with handpicked tours from African Crested Rat Safaris — all at great value.
Experience Africa, Expertly Guided
Turn Safari Dreams into Reality
Authentic, Expert-Led Safaris Across East Africa
At African Crested Rat Safaris, we specialize in crafting unforgettable, tailor-made safari experiences across Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, and Zanzibar. Founded by Geoffrey, a professional safari guide with 15+ years of field experience—including time with top-tier brands like Micato Safaris and Angama Mara—and Pauline, a tourism and hospitality expert known for her thoughtful planning and calm leadership, we bring local expertise and personal care to every journey.
We’re proudly owner-run, and we live and work right here in East Africa. That means you get real-time support, insider knowledge, and access to the best guides, camps, and conservation partners.
Our name is inspired by the African crested rat—a rare, misunderstood creature with a fascinating survival story. It reflects our mission: to show you the hidden magic of Africa, the places and moments others often miss.
From luxury safaris to off-the-beaten-path adventures, every itinerary is handcrafted to match your interests, pace, and budget. Whether you’re dreaming of the Great Migration, gorilla trekking, or a family-friendly wildlife safari, we make it happen—your way.
You’ll never pay more than booking direct. In fact, our exclusive industry rates often save you money. Plus, we handle logistics, insurance, and custom activities through our strong relationships on the ground—giving you peace of mind and more time to enjoy the wild.
Let us show you the Africa few ever truly see.
Start your journey with African Crested Rat Safaris today.
Best quality African safaris
We’re proud to be based here in the region, with strong local partnerships and a commitment to sustainable tourism. Our safaris support conservation and local communities while offering guests meaningful, world-class travel experiences.
At Africa Crested Rat Safaris, we don’t just plan safaris — we live and breathe them. Let us help you experience the wild, beautiful heart of Africa the way it was meant to be seen — up close, in comfort, and completely your own.
Discover Your Next Location
Our Safari Destinations
Kenya
Kenya is a country located in East Africa, straddling the equator. It's home to a stunning diversity of wildlife, landscapes, and ecosystems — from savannahs and mountains to lakes and coastal regions. is a continent in the world's Northern and Western Hemispheres. It's home to a diverse range of plant and animal life.
Tanzania
Tanzania is a country in East Africa known for its vast wilderness areas, including the Serengeti plains and the iconic Mount Kilimanjaro. It’s rich in wildlife, culture, and breathtaking landscapes.
Uganda
Uganda is a landlocked country in East Africa, famed for its lush landscapes, mountain gorillas, and the source of the Nile River. It offers a mix of savannahs, rainforests, and volcanic highlands.
Rwanda
Rwanda is a small, landlocked country in Central-East Africa, known as the 'Land of a Thousand Hills.' It's home to misty mountains, gorilla trekking, and vibrant cultural heritage.
Zanzibar
Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous archipelago off the coast of Tanzania, known for its white-sand beaches, spice farms, and the rich history of Stone Town. It blends Swahili culture with Indian Ocean charm.
our Featured Safaris
Find trips that move you
Lake Nakuru NP | Ngorongoro Crater | Serengeti NP | Arusha | Maasai Mara NS | Amboseli NP
$3400.00
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Lake Nakuru NP | Ngorongoro Crater | Serengeti NP | Arusha | Maasai Mara NS | Amboseli NP
$3400.00
Tarangire | Lake Manyara | Ngorongoro Crater.
$2910.00
Masaai mara NS | Serengeti NP (North) | Serengeti National Park (Central) | Serengeti NP
$2300.00
Lake Manyara | Serengeti National ParkNational Park | Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania
$2200.00
Lake Manyara, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater.
$1640.00
Lake Manyara | Serengeti National Park | Ngorongoro Crater
$1495.00
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Lake Nakuru NP | Ngorongoro Crater | Serengeti NP | Arusha | Maasai Mara NS | Amboseli NP
$3400.00
Lake Manyara | Serengeti National Park | Ngorongoro Crater
$1495.00
Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth NP | Bwindi NP
$700.00
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Lake Nakuru NP | Ngorongoro Crater | Serengeti NP | Arusha | Maasai Mara NS | Amboseli NP
$3400.00
Lake Manyara | Serengeti National ParkNational Park | Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania
$2200.00
Lake Manyara | Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania
$550.00
Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth NP | Bwindi NP
$700.00
Discover Your Next Adventure
Inspiration for future Safaris
Message from Our Director
Inspired by One of Africa’s Greatest Secrets
At African Crested Rat Safaris, our name is more than a curiosity — it’s a promise. We are named after one of Africa’s most fascinating and little-known creatures: the African crested rat (Lophiomys imhausi), a shy, slow-moving nocturnal rodent found in the highland forests of East Africa.
But don’t let its quiet nature fool you — the African crested rat is one of the only mammals on Earth known to poison itself intentionally for defense. It chews on the bark of the highly toxic Acokanthera tree (the same used for arrow poison by hunters), and applies the toxin to specialized hairs on its flanks. When threatened, it turns sideways, flaunts its fuzzy black-and-white crest, and dares predators to take a bite — a deadly mistake for the unwise.
This remarkable animal was virtually unknown to science for decades. It’s elusive, brilliantly adapted, and a symbol of survival through intelligence — not brute strength. Like the crested rat, we believe the best safaris go beyond the obvious. There’s beauty in the rare, power in the overlooked, and magic in the hidden corners of the wild.
Why We Chose the Name
We named our company after this extraordinary mammal because it reflects our values:
- Uniqueness: No one forgets seeing a lion — but few ever get the chance to see an African crested rat. We celebrate all wildlife, big and small, rare and remarkable.
- Depth: Our safaris are not rushed sightseeing tours. We craft immersive experiences, led by guides who love sharing Africa’s deeper stories — from predators to plants, birds to bats.
- Respect for Nature’s Genius: The crested rat reminds us that evolution is creative, that defense can be as powerful as attack, and that survival often depends on knowledge — the same values that guide our eco-conscious approach to travel.
Come Safari With Us
Whether you’re hoping to see the Big Five, track endangered rhinos, photograph rare birds, or just stand in awe under the stars — we’ll guide you through East Africa with the wonder and respect this land deserves.
Travel with us, and meet Africa on its own terms — wild, wise, and full of surprises.
Welcome to African Crested Rat Safaris: Where every safari tells a story.
Best Safaris from US!
Lake Nakuru NP | Ngorongoro Crater | Serengeti NP | Arusha | Maasai Mara NS | Amboseli NP
$3400.00
Lake Nakuru NP | Ngorongoro Crater | Serengeti NP | Arusha | Maasai Mara NS | Amboseli NP
$3400.00
Masaai mara NS | Serengeti NP (North) | Serengeti National Park (Central) | Serengeti NP
$2300.00
Lake Manyara | Serengeti National ParkNational Park | Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania
$2200.00
Lake Nakuru NP | Ngorongoro Crater | Serengeti NP | Arusha | Maasai Mara NS | Amboseli NP
$3400.00
Lake Manyara | Serengeti National Park | Ngorongoro Crater
$1495.00
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park (Rushaga & Nkuringo sectors).
$1561.00
Lake Manyara | Serengeti National ParkNational Park | Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania
$2200.00
Have a question?
Frequently asked questions
Can I have a customized safari?
We plan / tailor most safaris to suit your needs! The itineraries outlined on our website are examples and any of these packages can be booked or simply modified to suit your interest / budget & time availability. Our packages are completely flexible and can start on ANY day as long as there is room
How do I get to East Africa?
East Africa can be reached by regular international flights to its major cites ie Nairobi, Dare salaam and Kampala. There are many airlines operating direct flights to Nairobi from Europe, United States and Asia. You can also get easy connections where there are no direct flights. You might choose to approach your local travel agent
East Africa can be reached by regular international flights to its major cites ie Nairobi, Dare salaam and Kampala. There are many airlines operating direct flights to Nairobi from Europe, United States and Asia. You can also get easy connections where there are no direct flights. You might choose to approach your local travel agent for assistance regarding the flight connections. Please Contact us for more options! We however arrange flights within Africa.
Why should I go on safari in East Africa?
Africa remains the last outpost of raw adventure, a refuge from the modern world. From the splendor of the Masai Mara / Serengeti teeming with herds of a million wildebeest, to the pristine beauty of the Lake Nakuru / Ngorongoro Crater, to the scenic viewing of game parks and forgetting the gorilla tracking at Queen
Africa remains the last outpost of raw adventure, a refuge from the modern world. From the splendor of the Masai Mara / Serengeti teeming with herds of a million wildebeest, to the pristine beauty of the Lake Nakuru / Ngorongoro Crater, to the scenic viewing of game parks and forgetting the gorilla tracking at Queen Elizabeth National Park. This ancient land and its people offer a travel experience truly unlike any other. Eastern Africa in particular, in our opinion, provides travelers with the highest quality African wildlife, mountain climbing and beach relaxation experience of a lifetime.
How much luggage can I carry?
Please ensure that your baggage is packed in soft bags and should weigh no more than 15 to a maximum of 20 kgs per person. It’s possible to store luggage during the safari either at your hotel if you are returning thereafter your trip or in our offices. Most lodges have laundry facilities at an
Please ensure that your baggage is packed in soft bags and should weigh no more than 15 to a maximum of 20 kgs per person. It’s possible to store luggage during the safari either at your hotel if you are returning thereafter your trip or in our offices. Most lodges have laundry facilities at an extra charge.
On air safaris the maximum luggage allowance per person is strictly 15 kgs including hand luggage in soft bags.
Do you have more questions?
Travel tips & advice
News & views from African Crested Rat Safaris
In recent years, the concept of sustainable safari travel in Kenya has gained considerable momentum. As travelers become more conscious of their environmental footprint, the desire to experience the majestic landscapes and diverse wildlife of Kenya in a way that supports conservation efforts and local communities becomes paramount. This guide will take you through the […]
