Posts From May 2013

Our Tanzanian Adventure

In the summer of 2012, we started planning our long-dreamed of African adventure with our travel companions, Frances and HN. Frances located ADS on the internet, and despite concerns about their reviews being too good to be true, we booked our photo safari through Sharon at ADS’s US office. We opted for a mix of tented luxury camps and lodges for our 12 day safari. Sharon was extremely helpful in planning the trip and making the arrangements. We flew KLM to Arusha (Kilimanjaro) airport and arrived tired but excited on May 2. We were met at the airport and whisked through Tanzanian immigration without delay. The ADS meet and greet team picked us up and transported us to our hotel in Arusha for a pre-safari briefing and a night’s sleep in the luxurious Mt. Meru Hotel.

The following morning, we flew to the Grumeti airstrip in the northwest Serengeti where we met our driver/guide, Maiko George. We started on our first game drive with Maiko and saw croc’s and hippo’s in the Grumeti River, impala, topi, a lioness, colobus monkeys, and warthogs before we’d driven a mile or two. Continuing on, we saw Cape buffalo, zebras, giraffes, baboons,ostriches and all manner of beautiful birds before arriving at the Kirawira Tented lodge for our first night in the field. Our accommodations were luxurious and the food and service were 5-star.

We thought we might have peaked on our first day’s game drive, but we were so mistaken. Each of the following eleven days seemed to best the previous days with up close and personal sightings of lions, leopards, giraffes, wildebeest, zebras, elephants, cheetahs, buffalo, black rhinos, Grants and Thompsons gazelles, eland, jackals, hippos, hyenas, and the most incredible variety of birds.

Traveling at the end of the rainy season and before the start of the high season was perfect. We encountered just a few other safari vehicles at each locale, and never seemed to be crowded or in competition with them. At Kirawira, Mbuzi Mawe, and Lake Masek camps and at The Plantation, we were the only guests and were treated to royal service.

Maiko, our so-named Alpha Guide, was an expert at spotting, positioning us, and identifying all animals, birds, trees, and flowers. He consistently put us on animals before other safari guides who seemed happy to follow his lead. He was helpful to the extreme as he organized every step of our lodging arrangements and daily game drives. He had box breakfasts with coffee and tea, and boxed lunches with cold drinks as needed for our game drives. He made sure that our dietary restrictions were satisfied.

Our safari vehicle was spotless inside and out each morning. We’re certain he got to bed late and had to rise early to take care of details, but he kept his energy level and sense of humor throughout. Our final view of Maiko was him waving us goodbye through the window at the airport as we proceeded through immigration and security for our flight home.

So we, at the risk of writing another too-good-to be-true review, join the list of others in sounding the praises of ADS. This safari was the trip of a lifetime and exceeded our expectations in every respect from start to finish.

Carol and Bob B.
Lake Jackson, Texas
Safari Dates: May 2, 2013 to May 13, 2013

And…

H. N. and Frances B.
Clute, Texas
Safari Dates: May 2, 2013 to May 13, 2013

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By Francis Peter – Farewell To The Green Season

Jambo from Tanzania. My name is Francis Peter, driver-guide with ADS, and I have yet another bush report to share with you. I just returned home from my most recent safari. This time I traveled with 2 honeymooners from New York, USA named Brian and Stacey. We had an incredible experience while on safari and saw all the main wildlife viewing highlights. It was quite an impressive itinerary with 3 nights luxury camping on the Serengeti Plains at Naabi Hill, 2 nights at Lake Masek Lodge, 2 nights at the ultra luxurious Ngorongoro Crater Lodge and 1 night at the Manor Lodge. It was a very nice safari itinerary for the end of the green season and especially good since we had some late rains this year, which kept many of the migratory animals out on the southern and eastern Serengeti plains.

One of the highlights of the safari was witnessing two male cheethas hunt and chase down a wildebeest in the Gol Kopjes area of the East Serengeti. These two cheetahs are brothers and they have formed a coalition. Many people think of cheetahs as solitary animals but related males do join together while it is the females of the species that lead solitary lives.

Nothing is wasted here on the Serengeti Plains.

Male lion at Gol Kopjes, East Serengeti.

Retired elephant bulls down in the Ngorongoro Crater.

Giraffes at Lake Ndutu.

Lions copulating in the Crater.

Elephants crossing the Crater floor with babies. This is an unusual sighting as young elephants are seldom seen for long in the Crater.

Elephants playing in the water at Lake Masek, South Serengeti.

Uncountable number of migrating wildebeest near Kusini and moving to Moru Kopjes.

A lion cub only a few weeks old greets his pride.

A lioness in the morning light stalking zebras in the Ndutu forest, South Serengeti.

This lioness has followed the migration and has succeeded in making a kill on the Matiti plains of the South Serengeti.

I hope you have enjoyed my photos.

Francis Peter
ADS Driver-Guide

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By Thomson Malekia- My dream safari to Africa

Greetings from a warm and sunny Arusha, Tanzania. My name is Thomson and here is my report from current safari that was concluded on May 14, 2013. My 3 guests (a family from Georgia, USA named Charles, Cathy and Rachel) and I enjoyed 6 nights out on safari in the wilderness areas of the Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Conservation Area. We had 2 nights at Serengeti Serena Lodge, 2 nights at Mbalageti Lodge and 2 nights at Ngorongoro Serena Lodge. I hope you enjoy my photos I managed to take during the course of the adventure.

Here are two elands, which are the largest antelopes in Africa. This picture was taken in the Ngorongoro Crater. Note the beautiful yellow wildflowers that are very common this time of year. Elands are usually very shy but in the crater they are habituated to the presence of vehicles.

Here is one of my guests named Rachel. Note the elephants in the background.

Giraffes crossing the road in the Central Serengeti.

Blue monkey in Lake Manyara National Park.

A large tusker bull elephant in the Ngorongoro Crater.

Nile crocodile in the Grumeti River, West Serengeti.

Elephants crossing the road, Central Sernegeti.

The famous wildebeest migration.

Warm Regards,

Thomson
ADS Driver-Guide

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By Michael George – My Safari Highlights

Please enjoy a few of my safari highlights from my most recent safari posted below. One experience, in particular, we had with a mother and cub leopard was amazing.

Mother and cub in Seronera Valley, Central Serengeti.

Isn’t this leopard cub adorable?

Lioness at a waterhole with a beautiful reflection.

Wildebeest enjoying an afternoon drink

Black rhino in the Ngorongoro Crater

My guests enjoying a picnic lunch

Thank you!

Michael George

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By David Chando – Hello From The Serengeti

Once again this is guide David Chando with ADS reporting from the beautiful Serengeti National Park.   This time I escorted one couple from Florida, USA named John and Bonnie. The trip was short but perfect with just 6-nights on safari. Here are some highlights:

Wildebeests crossing the main road near Seronera Airstrip, Central Serengeti

Zebra and wildebeests – note the Moru Kopjes in the distant background
Wildebeests Migration at Lake Magadi, Central Serengeti
Wildebeests and Zebras at Moru Kopjes
Maasai Giraffes in Seronera Valley, Central Serengeti
Seronera Hippo Pool in the morning sun.

 Morning balloon safari in Seronera, Central Serengeti

Thank You,

David Chando

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Safari Recommendations Reviewed

The most common question we receive for anyone beginning their research on an african safari to East Africa revolves around international flight options. Where do I start my safari? What’s the best airline and most direct route? This frequent query is fortunately very easy to answer (subsequent questions get harder) being that all our african safari tours begin from Kilimanjaro International Airport in Tanzania, which is right next to the town of Arusha, the gateway city to all the famous national parks including the Serengeti. Additionally, KLM Airlines has a virtual monopoly on the best route in that they are the only air carrier (for better or worse) that has a non-stop flight from Europe (Amsterdam to be exact) to Kilimanjaro. Most of our safari guests originating from the U.S. end up with two flight segments including the first from most major cities in the U.S. to Amsterdam and the second from Amsterdam to Kilimanjaro. This routing on KLM is by the far the most efficient way to begin your african safari trip. Other travel routes are available via Nairobi, Dar es Salaam and Johannesburg via British Airways, Emirates and South African Airways but these involve at least one additional layover and several more hours of travel time.

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Better Than We Dreamed

There are no words to describe this experience; it’s just that, an experience not a trip…..

Try to image sitting in the middle of over 5000 migrating wildebeest, watching a mother cheetah teach her 4 cubs how to hunt, observing the behavior of a pride of lions, the adventure of trying to find lion cubs that are only a few weeks old and being a foot away from a year old cheetah cub playing on your vehicle, “talking” to a Rhino to get him to move closer. If you can imagine this, try experiencing it!

On our first day, we spotted a leopard, much to our surprise we got to watch a chase, not a normal kill chase, but a baboon chasing the leopard away. Seeing the baboon run and jump through the tall grass was a site you just can’t explain. One minute the leopard was trying to hide in a small tree then next the baboon was in that same tree with the leopard nowhere in sight. As we moved on, we came across some black face monkeys that just couldn’t resist stealing a cookie from inside our vehicle. Only took a few seconds, he was in and out, smiling at us holding the cookie.

Watching 250+ hippos in the hippo pool get settled for their day long soak, seeing them yawn, fight and maneuver into a perfect spot for the day, with the added bonus of a few babies keeping close to their mothers. At the end of day 4 we came across a large pride of lions (10), we patiently watched the cubs doing their best to share or steal the meal away from dad, until mom came in and “told” him to share. This is not an experience you will see in a zoo; you really get the true experience of animal behavior and interactions with each other. As the each day happened, we were more amazing with each new encounter. Following a cheetah family, mom with 4 cubs, as they were out hunting and finding the same family the next day to have one of the cubs jump up on our vehicle and having a little fun with the car antenna, along with a quick look in the sun roof before our guide shooed him away.

On our last game drive, we still needed to complete our Big 5, with the Rhino. Early morning we saw 3, but they were pretty far away, as we searched throughout the day, we finally was giving it one last look, we another one was spotted. Once again it was far away, just not as far as the morning ones. With a little patience, and a little “talking” to him, he started to move closer and closer and closer to us, 50-75 feet close. It completed the final game drive in a very special way.

As our experience came to an end, we were asked what our favorite part was, we didn’t have an answer, each day and encounter was very unique and holds a special place in our hearts.

We cannot say enough about our guide Pokea, there was never a question that he wasn’t able to answer, as hard as we tried to stump him. He truly made the trip that much more enjoyable, between all the laughing and knowledge sharing, we were truly with a one of a kind person, who we are happy to call our friend! We miss you!!!

This was truly an experience of a lifetime, even when it happens again, it could never ever be the same, can’t wait for my next experience with ADS. Thanks to Sharon for our wonderful itinerary and the rest of the ADS team that made this a trip we cannot stop talking about.

Mark, Priscilla and Brandy “buibui” W.
Round Lake, Illinois
Safari Dates: April 25, 2013 to May 1, 2013

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By Arnold Mushi – The Migration Arrives In Seronera Valley

Jambo. My name is Arnold and I am one of the head guides with ADS. I have just finished a safari to the Serengeti beginning of May 17th and ending on May 22nd and I have some very exciting news to share with everyone.

The wildebeest and zebra migration has finally arrived into the Seronera River Valley of the Central Serengeti. Because of the late rains we had in the Serengeti, the migration was late to move north this year by about 1 month. It was very unusual to still see the large herds of wildebeest and zebra in the South Serengeti during May as they usually depart by the end of April.

During the course of my safari we witnessed the first large herds of both wildebeest and zebra streaming north in long columns into the Central Serengeti. It was an amazing sight. At one point we watched for about an hour as a continuous line of wildebeest came running past our vehicle.  As far as the gazelle migration, they are still located on the southern and eastern serengeti plains grazing on the recently cropped grass in the wake of of the wildebeest and zebra herds (this is called grazing succession).

I expect the wildebeest herds to quickly exhaust the Central Serengeti grasslands and begin to shift west and north probably reaching the West Serengeti areas in June and the North Serengeti areas in July. It should be a very good year for the northward migration. Here are some pictures from my safari. I hope you enjoy them!

Lioness is full after eating a Wildebeest close to Maasai Kopjes, Central Serengeti.
Migration at Seronera Valley with Makoma Hill in Background
A lion cub shaking his head at Sametu Kopjes, East Serengeti.
Cubs resting on the rocks at Sametu Kopjes.
Cheetah and her cub with a wildebeest kill on the way to Barafu Kopjes, East Serengeti.
Black Mamba, which is one of the most venomous snakes in the world at Boma Kopjes in the Central Serengeti.
A pride of lions on an early morning hunt near Bilila Four Seasons in the Central Serengeti.
These young males elephants were demonstrating their strength in Seronera valley.
Thank You!
Arnold Mushi
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By Godson Mbonye – Adventures in the Wilderness

This is driver-guide Godson Mbonye with Africa Dream Safaris. Having just finished my most recent safari with a very cheerful family of 2 parents and 2 children from California, I can say that the wildlife viewing is exceptional in the central and southern regions of the Serengeti. We enjoyed a comprehensive itinerary with 2 nights in the West Serengeti at Serengeti Soroi Lodge , 4 nights in the Central Serengeti at Mbuzi Mawe Lodge, 1 night at Lake Masek Camp, 2 nights at the Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge and 1 final night at the beautiful Ngorongoro Manor Lodge. Please enjoy a few of my pictures below.

Cheetah at Gol Kopjes on the Eastern Serengeti Plains. We have had very good cheetah viewing at Gol Kopjes over the last couple of months.

Lioness with wildebeest kill on the Southern Serengeti Plains

A group of male and female ostriches in the Ngorongoro Crater. The males have the darker feathers.

Matriarch elephant with a calf trying to bring down a branch of an acacia tree for breakfast

Klipspringers (a rock dwelling antelope) near Mbuzi Mawe Lodge

Springtime in the beautiful Ngorongoro Crater

Mount Kilimanjaro

Ruppell’s and white backed vultures

Thank You,

Godson

 

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Our Magical Travel Experience

As dawn lit up the Serengeti stage, we witnessed nature acting out its drama, its comedy, its romance and suspense, each day as it has over thousands of years; the theater of life. And, my husband and I had front row seats thanks to Africa Dream Safaris.

Our guide Ally took us on an adventure unlike any vacation we have ever experienced. We are active, seasoned travelers who are accustomed to hands-on, interactive travel where we control and contribute physically to the action. But we soon discovered that our typical notions of travel needed to be set aside.

Other safari vehicles came and went, travelers chattered loudly, took quick snapshots and sped away, while we lingered, observed, studied and spent quiet time enjoying the wonders that are the Serengeti.
Our guide told us “good things come to those who are patient” and so we waited and watched while a lion courted his mate on what Ally explained was a “seven-day lion honeymoon.” We were silent partners to the ritual of reproduction of the most bold of Serengeti animals. As others sped along a game trail, not bothering to stop for giraffe that were but two of the scores of giraffes in the Western Serengeti, our guide stopped to point out that this was a male giraffe pursuing a young female in heat. For nearly an hour we chose to observe as these two attempted to mate, demonstrating that mating is neither a quick nor easy task for these towering creatures.

Ally answered questions we did not even know to ask, telling us about every animal’s longevity, gestation period, parenting skills, eating habits and even animal folklore of the Maasai people. Ally’s eyes were keen, his knowledge immense, this driving skill spectacular and his sense of humor a constant pleasure.

We packed a bulging 16.5 pound camera bag, complete with Canon T4i camera and three lenses including a Canon 100/400mm stabilizing zoom lens along with assorted video cameras. A close friend cautioned me to not become so consumed with equipment and photography that I would fail to just stop and enjoy the safari sights. Nothing was farther from the truth. Take the best and most camera equipment to can. We used our lenses and view finders like binoculars. They allowed us to focus in on the scenes before us. Through our lenses we studied and documented the precious moments that were unique to us and our experiences.

We took over 6,500 photos and over eleven hours of video. Many thousands have come before us and many more will come after us, but none will see what we saw in the same way we experienced it and that was the beauty of our ADS safari. If it takes us months and perhaps years to process, edit and compile our photos and videos, so be it. This endeavor will allow us to relive our adventure, retrace our steps and recreate the moments that are now part of our lives. We have included but a few of the many photos that make us smile, that cause our hearts to soar and bring us back to our adventures in the Serengeti, now sealed in time.

Now, for the nuts and bolts: We just returned from our mid-May, 12-day safari with 3 night Zanzibar extension. I swear we saw every animal in the Serengeti, including lion, leopard, cheetah, hyena, elephant, giraffe, hippo, wildebeest, buffalo, rhino, gazelle, impala, zebra, baboon, crocodile, and the list goes on. Plus, we saw many of the lesser known animals such as the bat-eared fox, serval cat, dik-dik, golden jackal, leopard tortoise, etc. And I can’t forget the birds. I am not a birdwatcher, but I have become consumed with bird viewing. There were so many colorful and exotic birds (including four types of eagles) and our guide was an expert in bird life, helping us document the birds of Eastern Africa. (I do believe that the crowned crane is the most gorgeous bird I have ever seen.)

Being greeted at the Kilimanjaro Airport and walked through customs at 3:30 am was a blessing. Our layover day in Arusha was much needed as we had nine time zones of jet lag to absorb. Our first day in the Central Serengeti was unbelievable, with us finding most of the animals of the Serengeti this first day out. For those of you fortunate enough to take a 10-12 day safari, we suggest that you consider taking a half or full day off from game driving about half way through your trip. Game driving, even for the fittest travelers, is fun but exhausting. Our 7th day, spent relaxing at the wonderful Mbalageti Tented Lodge, was what we needed to recharge. We used the day to meet with our guide, review photos, clean up journal notes and iron down spellings, pronunciations, etc. for locations, birds and lesser known animals we encountered and took time for a swim, a fabulous hot lunch and animal viewing from the elevated lodge deck.

I am a mosquito-phobic who gets bit when nobody else is bothered. We sprayed our clothing as recommended and I applied insect repellent daily, and can report that neither of us got even one bite in our 12-day safari, and only 4-5 bites in Zanzibar.

Lodges and Tent Camps: We stayed at seven lodging locations during our 16 nights in Tanzania. I would be remiss if I did not give “kudos” to the magnificent four. Mbalageti Tented Lodge in Western Serengeti was superb. We experienced a great tented room, huge bath, rock-edged swim pool, breathtaking views, and incredible food (not buffet) with very attentive staff. Lake Masek Tented Lodge was the most authentically African of the places we stayed. Maasai warriors in their village attire with spears to safeguard us at night, wonderful views over Lake Masek, lions roaring and hippos grunting during the night, African architecture and family style meals (with our guide included) were a few of the highlights. Produce was grown on-site and food was ultra-fresh and tasty. Staff was wonderful.

Plantation Lodge was simply incredible with lush landscaping, a suite with fireplace and tons of sitting/lounging areas, first-class bar with wine tasting cellar, old world charm, wonderful menu dining and a great representation of colonial Africa at its best. We would have liked to stay longer than one night. And in Zanzibar- Fumba Beach Lodge. Our Baobab Suite was what dreams are made of, private beachfront location with open air bathroom as large as some peoples’ apartments with bathtub built into a giant baobab tree. The Fumba had a true Zanzibar feel, exemplary service, beach boat bar, delicious food off the menu served under tropic skies, lots of secluded ocean decks, great spa, all in the kind of place that is so hard to leave. Staff and manager Tracy were charming and dedicated to our comfort. If you get to Zanzibar, don’t miss the private tour of Stone Town set up by ADS meet and greet staffer Godfrey. Quite amazing.

Was this a trip-of-a-lifetime? Yes! Was it worth the time and money spent? Absolutely! Would we do it again? You betcha!

“Asante” (thank you) to our guide Ally, our ADS representative Dawn and all the many staff members at Africa Dream Safaris for their warm, caring, professional attention, resulting in our magical travel experience.

Ann and Don P.
Trip Dates: May 13, 2013 to May 28, 2013
Tucson, Arizona

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A Stress-Free, Life-Changing Vacation

We have just returned from our 11-day African adventure with African Dream Safaris.

Angelbert,, our guide extraordinaire, demonstrated his extensive knowledge of animals and birds, animal behaviors, photography and lighting conditions, as well as Tanzanian politics and social issues. He kept us safe, recognizing the Egyptian spitting cobra at a safe distance, and pulling away just as a bull elephant charged our vehicle.

He taught us lessons in patience when observing the animals; lessons that allowed us to see 3 kills and to appreciate the absolute wonder of 400,000 migrating wildebeests. Watching the interactions of the animals in the wild, we got an appreciation of how we are not that much different. Young ones play, mothers worry over their children, and survival isn’t always easy.

We were able to visit a Maasai school and the FAME hospital; examples of the dedication some amazing people have to improve the lives of Tanzanians. We stayed at both tent camps and larger hotels. All were very nice. The Tanzanian people made us feel at home.

Dawn, our stateside contact, answered all of our questions, and was genuinely interested in providing the best experience possible. Thank you ADS for such a stress-free, life-changing vacation.

Luellen, Mark, Noelle and Jack M.
Kansas City, Missouri
Safari Dates: May 19, 2013 to May 29, 2013

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We Were Treated Like Royalty

Our dream of a lifetime finally came true with the planning by ADS and the most awesome guide, Claude, sharing his experience and knowledge. Claude is more than adept and knowledgeable about all things Tanzanian. With an uncanny intuition, patience for repeated questions and professionalism, Claude lead us to some unforgettable experiences.

The first day was so much more than we expected and as like most others report, each day was better than the last. Several days we were amidst the wildebeest and zebra migration north with lines of animals as far as the eye could see. We sat and watched many troops of baboons, witnessed journeys of giraffes, coveys of ostriches and rafts of hippos. (Terms we learned from Claude)

The second day we witnessed up close and personal, a female lion with a wildebeest kill. While we watched, she got up and killed another! We saw the same day a cheetah resting next to a Thompson gazelle kill. We left that area for a bit only to return later to see a second kill with the cheetah. We had lunch under a tree that had 3 female lions and 3 cubs taking refuge from the hot sun. There were numerous elephant and different antelopes herds every day.

Also, while crossing a water covered bridge, crocodiles were cooling and fishing in the water fall. Another day, after a controlled burn, we saw a pride of lions (17) lounging around the burned areas. The next morning we passed by and they had a wildebeest kill with jackals trying to move in on them. We even saw a puff adder on the road, one of the most poisonous snakes in the world. There is just not enough space to write about all the favorite moments. Claude brought to life what a true safari is meant to be. We are ever grateful to him. I cannot say enough about the ADS experience. We were treated like royalty.

Susan H. and Ron P.
Petaluma, California
Safari Dates: May 19, 2013 to May 29, 2013

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After The First Day, We Realized Our ‘Fears’ Were Non-issues.

We’ve been home for a month now and we are still basking in the afterglow of our wonderful Tanzanian safari. My Mom & I had a such a great trip! From the time that we touched down in Arusha to the time that we departed 10 days later, we were treated like family by all of the ADS staff and especially by our guide, ‘kaka’ Godson.

All of the pre-safari information that you provided made our trip so easy where we could really just sit back and let it all happen to us. All of the lodges & tent cabins were fantastic – I knew that they would be nice but I wasn’t expecting such lavish accommodations and the level of service to be so top-notch. We really felt at home at the Mbuzi Mawe Tent lodges – the people there were particularly kind, warm & fun to talk to.

A safari has been on both of our Bucket Lists for quite some time & we really didn’t know what at expect when we booked it. Neither of us, despite being relatively seasoned travelers, had been to Africa before – would it be too hot? Would we really see that many animals? Would we have to use a ‘bush bathroom’ (not being camper-types, this was a real concern for us!)?

After the first day, we realized that these ‘fears’ were non-issues. Although the equatorial sun is quite warm in the afternoons out on the Serengeti in May, the cool breeze & ability to pop your head out of the top of our rover made for comfortable touring days. Since it was just me & Mom, we could move seats at will to find the best game viewing opportunities.

We saw so many animals of all kinds – many we knew: elephants, hippos, lions, impalas, baboons, wildebeest, zebras & giraffes and some we were introduced to: dik diks, klipspringers, and my new favorite animal, the hyrax (aka pimbi) – soooo cute! Not to mention, the many species of birds that our guide was able to identify by barely looking at them – the ones that he didn’t know by heart, he was able to look up in his bird book that he had handy in the rover.

Probably the animal highlight for me, was getting to be within a few feet of a cheetah with her recent gazelle kill. She was so tired and so didn’t care that we were watching her eat! I was also impressed by the CB communications that go on between the guides – they all share their animal find information, alerting their comrades so that others’ trips can be enriched too. Very classy.

A few words about our guide, Godson – he was kind, knowledgeable, professional and tenacious. He kept us rolling along each day, taking care of the details, letting us just take it all in. He has the remarkable ability to drive the rover, always scanning for far-off wildlife on the horizon, in trees, on/in kopjes for us so that we wouldn’t miss anything. He would stay as long or as little in one place for us to take pictures. It was really great to have a personal guide and not be a part of a group of strangers – having the flexibility to do things as we wanted really made this trip exceptional.

Thank you again for all of your help in designing & coordinating our safari. Your attention to detail & keeping us informed along the way was very much appreciated. We would have been lost trying to do all of this on our own. We will definitely recommend you & Africa Dream Safaris to anyone in our circle of friends & family who desire to take safari in the future.

I have attached several of my favorite photos from our trip here.

Angela & Diane Rydelius
Moraga, California
Safari Dates: May 21, 2013 to May 29, 2013

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By Claude Shitindi – A Great Seven Days.

I have just gotten back from our seven day safari with my clients Bill and Nancy from New York. I picked up the guests at Seronera Airstrip in the Serengeti on April 23, 2013 and after 5 nights in the Serengeti and 1 final night at the Ngorongoro Crater we concluded the trip on April 29th. We had superb wildlife viewing for entire duration of our safari. For me the highlight of our trip happened during our last morning in the Serengeti when we watched a mother cheetah and her 4 one-year old cubs hunt and kill a wildebeest right in front of our eyes. It was amazing to watch!

As for the great migration, there are currently large herds of wildebeest and zebra on the Southern Serengeti Plains in the Triangle Area between Naabi Hill and Ndutu. There are smaller herds further south and west through Hidden Valley and Matiti Plains. We also saw a few scattered herds just beginning to arrive at Simba and Moru Kopjes. It looks like the northward migration is now starting. I believe that soon there should be more wildebeest beginning to migrate north through the Central Serengeti and West Serengeti.

Bat eared fox posing – Ndutu woodlands in the Southern Serengeti.

Curious little cub.

Scanning for prey at sunset.

Giraffe at sunset – Ndutu woodlands.

Male lion enjoying a meal – Seronera Valley.

A mother velvet monkey with her lovely baby – Seronera Valley.

Thank You!

Claude

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Sharon Lyon, The Lion Lady says “In over 60 safaris, this IS the BEST ever!!!”

What makes this one safari so special?? Cheetahs on the car!!!!!

An answer to 16 years of prayer.  Amen!!!

Not just one cheetah one time, but a total of 4 x’s cheetahs jumped on the car and the 4th time there were 2 cheetahs on the back tires and the one on the front jumped to the top and walked around the open top –

Definitely a highlight of all my safaris!!

I have pictures and video. WOOHOOO!!!! now my “list” is complete…….

Cheetahs on the car:

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