Getting ready to depart on your safari trip? Remember there is a 33-pound weight limit on most flights within Africa. Furthermore, due to the risk of delayed luggage on all international air carriers, we recommend a 22-inch rolling suitcase, which will fit in a typical overhead bin. For more packing information and recommendations refer to our luggage guide entitled ‘What To Bring On Your African Safari‘. Thanks for choosing ADS – offering exclusive african safari tours to Tanzania.

We would like to join a group of other people for the cost savings. Can you set this up for us?

Africa Dream Safaris offers only “private” safaris.  It is a niche in the industry we have chosen to fulfill, because we believe in the result!

*Most* safari companies out there do the pre-packaged “group tours” which is a completely different type of product and is organized in a completely different way. To facilitate a “group tour”, typically a pre-planned itinerary is set up on specific calendar dates and a block of rooms are booked at specific lodges on those dates, and then various people can “sign up” to join others for that tour until the designated number of spaces are filled.

While out on safari with a “group tour”, strangers are shuffled together and must go along with the group’s decisions despite whatever individual interests they may have. Unfortunately this almost always leads to compromise and disappointment on what is already a highly emotionally charged trip for most people. In contrast, when designing a private safari, we customize the trip based on your schedule and preferences, with our expert guidance of course to make sure you don’t miss anything, and while you are out on safari you have the freedom to explore your specific interests at your pace without adhering to the whims of others. Here at Africa Dream Safaris, we don’t think anyone should have to compromise on a big trip like this one, and that’s the reason we do only private safaris! For more advantages to a private safari, check out the following link: http://africadreamsafaris.com/home_private.html

Consequently, because we focus exclusively on the “private safari” experience, our infrastructure does not lend itself well to matching couples or singles up with each other. Of course if we happen to know about another couple or family who is looking to travel with others at the same time of year as another couple or family who is looking to join others, we are happy to put them in contact with each other. But this hardly ever happens, since the majority of people who contact our company are already looking for a private safari, and the small number of folks who may be open to traveling with others will most likely have different preferences and scheduling requirements.

Here at ADS we continually strive to provide the very finest african safari. This starts with making sure that each and every guest is fully prepared before departing from their home.  It may sound rather obvious but we find that those guests who are well prepared for their safaris tend to be able to sit back, relax and enjoy the whole travel experience to a higher degree. An ounce of preparation is truly worth a pound of cure, especially when embarking on a once in lifetime adventure to a remote corner of the world!

On this note, we are pleased to announce that we have just finished publication of our new ADS Handbook, a comprehensive information guide to ensure that you are 100% prepared for your safari. This new handbook (updated with the latest safari tips, packing recommendations, FAQs, etc.) is now available.

If you would like to receive a FREE copy of our new ADS Handbook, simply email your personal safari consultant with your current mailing address and we can drop one in the mail for you today. At 157 pages long, make sure to get your handbook soon as it’s certainly not a quick read!

Thanks for choosing Africa Dream Safaris.  It is our honor and privilege to facilitate YOUR safari dreams coming true!

Safari Njema (Safe Journey)!

Do you have any Luggage recommendations of what or where to buy?

When choosing luggage for your safari, let the terms “lightweight” and “easy to carry” become your mantra.  Many people will bring a lightweight rolling duffle bag, since it has reasonable capacity and is easy to handle, but the bag itself doesn’t weigh much.  Remember – each person is allowed only 33lbs of checked luggage on the small plane flight to the Serengeti!  But any lightweight bag will do.  Soft-sided luggage is typically preferred because it is easier to pack in the plane and vehicle, as well as typically weighing less than hard-sided luggage.  ‘Wheels’ certainly aren’t required, but having wheels may make it easier to transport your bag through the airports, etc. en route to Tanzania.

Some luggage manufacturers to consider: Skyway; Tutto; Travelpro; Samsonite; Atlantic, Briggs & Riley; Eagle Creek; Swiss Army; Jourdan; JanSport; American Tourister; High Sierra; Traveler’s Choice; Tumi; Atlantic; Andiamo.

Some Internet sources for luggage:

www.ebags.com;  www.magellans.com;  www.travelsmith.com;  www.irvsluggage.com; www.luggageonline.com;  www.worldtraveler.com;   www.luggage-and-leather.com.

A simple approach is to go to Google.com (or your favorite search engine) and type in the search window what you are looking for, i.e. “lightweight luggage” for selection from many sources.

To help aid you at the airport to identify your checked luggage, remember that colorful tags, baggage straps or even ribbons tied to the handles of your luggage are a great way to quickly identify your bag(s)!

You might also consider bringing along an extra bag, tote or foldable duffle (like this one) to carry souvenirs home with you.  You can leave this extra bag, or any extra luggage for that matter (such as winter clothing you might have worn while in transit to Tanzania, etc.), with our staff in Arusha for safekeeping till you return from your safari.

We’re looking forward to a great new year full of safari adventures and exciting new stories to share with you! Stay connected with the ADS community via Facebook, Twitter & Pinterest for Reports from the Bush, Guest Testimonials, and Tanzania Highlights.

Wishing you a happy and healthy 2013 filled with adventure!

From our family to yours,

– The Africa Dream Safari Staff