Posts From January 2014

The Best of 2013 – Part 1 – The Carnivores

It’s been another incredibly rewarding year here at Africa Dream Safaris. The stories, pictures and videos submitted from returning guests over the last 12 months have been spectacular and even inspirational. I thought it would be great fun to revisit some of the more exceptional postings from our blog during 2013 and highlight some of the most remarkable photographs. Note: Please click on each link to access the entire original posting. Starting things off is Part 1, the Carnivores:

Best Leopard Photo by Chris, Mark, Mason & Kylie (Naperville, Illinois) / Safari Dates: July 14, 2013 to July 29, 2013

Runner-Up for Best Leopard Photo by Sandy and Chris S. / San Diego, California / Safari Dates: September 10, 2013 to September 22, 2013

Best Cheetah Photo by Judy and Bobby S. / Los Angeles, CA and Highland Beach, FL / Safari dates: January 17 to January 27, 2013

Runner-Up For Best Cheetah Photo by Richard and Toni O. / Rifle, Colorado / Safari dates: February 19-March 3, 2013

Best Lion by Chris and Sandy S. / San Diego, California / Safari Dates: September 10, 2013 to September 22, 2013

Runner-Up For Best Lion Photo by Alejandra M. and Family / Mexico / Safari dates: March 26, 2013 to April 3, 2013

Best Serval Cat by Richard and Toni O. / Rifle, Colorado / Safari dates: February 19-March 3, 2013

Best Caracal by Jeff Holzgrefe / Decatur, Georgia / Safari Dates: June 16, 2013 to June 23, 2013

Best Jackal Photo by Victoria R. / Los Angeles, California / Safari Dates: December 24, 2012 to January 5, 2013

Best Scavenger Photo by Jim and Nancy B. / Fox Point, Wisconsin / Safari Dates: January 15, 2013 to January 25, 2013.

Best Hunting Sequence of Photos by Donald O. and Jennifer B. / Cocoa, Florida / Safari Dates: October 29, 2013 to November 10, 2013

Runner-Up For Best Hunting Sequence of Photos by Susan and Joe / Orange County, California / Safari Dates: June 13, 2013 to June 21, 2013

Honorable Mention – Hunting Sequence by Stacey and Brian B. / New York, New York / Safari Dates: April 30, 2013 to May 12, 2013

Runner-Up For Best Jackal Photo by Luellen, Mark, Noelle and Jack M. / Kansas City, Missouri / Safari Dates: May 19, 2013 to May 29, 2013

Best Reflection Photo by Teddi and Roger, Randi and Rian E. / Kent, Washington / Safari Dates: January 1, 2013 to January 9, 2013

Honorable Mention -Cheetah With Cubs by Moira and David F. / Chicago, Illinois / Safari Dates: September 25 to October 4th, 2013

Best Smile by Bill and Sandy F. / The Villages, Florida / Safari Dates: January 20, 2013 to January 29, 2013

Best Frown by Ruthanne and Kirk W./ West Bloomfield, Michigan / Safari Dates: March 18, 2013 to March 28, 2013

Honorable Mention – Lioness and Cubs by Terrie and John M. / Cincinnati, Ohio / Safari Dates: July 20, 2013 to August 2, 2013

Honorable Mention – Leopard by Jim and Sandra M. / Torrance, California / Safari Dates: April 1 – 10, 201

Closest Carnivore Encounter by Shari and Otto K. / Seattle, Washington / Safari Dates: March 23, 2013 to April 2, 2013

Best Hyena Photo by Donald O. and Jennifer B. / Cocoa, Florida / Safari Dates: October 29, 2013 to November 10, 2013

Runner-Up For Best Hyena Photo – by Amber H. (Washington, D.C.) and Kirsten G. (San Francisco, CA) / Safari dates: March 5-12, 2013

Biggest Battle – Lions Versus Hyenas by Shari and Otto K. / Seattle, Washington / Safari Dates: March 23, 2013 to April 2, 2013

Honorable Mention – Cheetah by Chris and Sandy S. / San Diego, California / Safari Dates: September 10, 2013 to September 22, 2013

Honorable Mention – Cheetah Chasing Jackal by Ruthanne and Kirk W./ West Bloomfield, Michigan / Safari Dates: March 18, 2013 to March 28, 2013

Honorable Mention – Lions Posing by Jeff and Sue B. / West Bloomfield, MI / Safari Dates: March 18, 2013 to March 28, 2013

Honorable Mention – Lion Kill with Vultures by Jim and Sandra M. / Torrance, California / Safari Dates: April 1 – 10, 201

Honorable Mention – Leopard Kill by Bill B. and Lisa W. / Walnut Creek, California / Safari Dates: July 22, 2013 to July 29, 2013

Honorable Mention – Lions Pride Fighting Over Kill by Chris and Sandy S. / San Diego, California / Safari Dates: September 10, 2013 to September 22, 2013

Honorable Mention – Lions Mating by Linda J. / Macedon, Maryland / Safari Dates: August 1, 2013 to August 10, 2013

Honorable Mention – Lion Cubs Sleeping By Heather and Robert T. / Pflugerville, Texas / Safari Dates: November 24, 2013 to November 30, 2013

Honorable Mention – Three Cheetahs Sleeping By Heather and Robert T. / Pflugerville, Texas / Safari Dates: November 24, 2013 to November 30, 2013

Honorable Mention – Cheetah with Cubs by Bill and Deborah C. / Dixon, Illinois / Safari Dates: October 3, 2013 to October 13, 2013

Honorable Mention – Male Lion by Bill and Deborah C. / Dixon, Illinois / Safari Dates: October 3, 2013 to October 13, 2013

Honorable Mention – Leopard by Bill and Deborah C. / Dixon, Illinois / Safari Dates: October 3, 2013 to October 13, 2013

Honorable Mention – Lioness by Ed, Sandy, Shannon and Kelly T. / Santa Barbara, California / Safari dates July 14-July 26, 2013

Honorable Mention – Leopard Mating by Moira and David F. / Chicago, Illinois / Safari Dates: September 25 to October 4th, 2013

Honorable Mention – Wounded Hyena by Ed, Sandy, Shannon and Kelly T. / Santa Barbara, California / Safari dates July 14-July 26, 2013

Honorable Mention – Twin Cheetahs / Ann and Don P. / Tucson, Arizona /Trip Dates: May 13, 2013 to May 28, 2013

Honorable Mention – Young Cheetah Learning To Hunt by Richard and Toni O. / Rifle, Colorado / Safari dates: February 19-March 3, 2013

Honorable Mention – Leopard in Tree by Richard and Toni O. / Rifle, Colorado / Safari dates: February 19-March 3, 2013

Honorable Mention – Top 10 Serengeti Highlights by Michael W.

Honorable Mention – The Bizarre, Quirky, Rare and Deadly

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The Best of 2013 – Part 2 – The Herbivores

Here is Part 2 in our Best of 2013 series, focusing on Tanzania’s amazing herbivores. From antelopes to elephants to the great wildebeest migration, the variety and abundance of herbivores in Tanzania is unequaled. Note: Please click on each link to access the entire original posting.

Best Impala Photo by David and Renee C. / San Jose, California / Safari Dates: October 8, 2013 to October 18, 2013

Best Great Migration Photos By Heather and Robert T. / Pflugerville, Texas / Safari Dates: November 24, 2013 to November 30, 2013

Best Giraffe Photo by Bob L. / Somerset, New Jersey / Safari Dates: January 8, 2013 to January 16, 2013

Runner-Up For Best Giraffe Photo by David and Lynette B. / Georgetown, Texas / Safari Dates: April 7, 2013 to April 15, 2013

Best Elephant Photo by Tina & Shawn L. / St. Paul, Minnesota / Safari Dates: March 11, 2013 to March 19, 2013

Runner-Up for Best Elephant Photo by David and Renee C. / San Jose, California / Safari Dates: October 8, 2013 to October 18, 2013

Best Zebra Photo by Jeff and Sue B. / West Bloomfield, MI / Safari Dates: March 18, 2013 to March 28, 2013

Runner-Up For Best Zebra Photo by Bob and Maggie B. / Poway, California / Safari Dates: January 22, 2013 to February 3, 2013

Best Hippo photo by by Jeff and Sue B. / West Bloomfield, MI / Safari Dates: March 18, 2013 to March 28, 2013

Runner-Up For Best Hippo Photo / Ann and Don P. / Tucson, Arizona /Trip Dates: May 13, 2013 to May 28, 2013

Best Rhino / Alejandra M. and Family / Mexico / Safari dates: March 26, 2013 to April 3, 2013

Runner-Up For Best Rhino Photo (Mother and Calf) by David and Renee C. / San Jose, California / Safari Dates: October 8, 2013 to October 18, 2013

Best Mongoose Photo by Chris and Sandy S. / San Diego, California / Safari Dates: September 10, 2013 to September 22, 2013

Best Newborn Photo by Susan and Andy R. / Los Gatos, California / Safari Dates: January 28, 2013 to February 4, 2013

Runner-up For Best Newborn Photo by Bob Litke / Somerset, New Jersey / Safari Dates: January 8, 2013 to January 16, 2013

Best Dik-Dik by by Chris, Mark, Mason & Kylie (Naperville, Illinois) / Safari Dates: July 14, 2013 to July 29, 2013

Best Mara River Crossing Photo by Moira and David F. / Chicago, Illinois / Safari Dates: September 25 to October 4th, 2013

Runner-Up for Best Mara River Crossing by Jim and Kit H. / Brooklyn, New York / Safari Dates: October 2, 2013 to October 13, 2013

Runner-Up for Best Mara River Crossing Photo by Meileen C. / Singapore / September 8, 2013 to September 12, 2013

Best Waterbuck Photo by David and Renee C. / San Jose, California / Safari Dates: October 8, 2013 to October 18, 2013

Best Hyrax Photo by Teddi and Roger, Randi and Rian E. / Kent, Washington / Safari Dates: January 1, 2013 to January 9, 2013

Honorable Mention – Top 10 Serengeti Highlights

Honorable Mention – The Bizarre, Quirky, Rare and Deadly

Honorable Mention – Sharing A Drink by Jeff and Sue B. / West Bloomfield, MI / Safari Dates: March 18, 2013 to March 28, 2013

Best Eland Photo by Jim and Sandra M. / Torrance, California / Safari Dates: April 1 – 10, 201

Honorable Mention – Wildebeest Rut / Ann and Don P. / Tucson, Arizona /Trip Dates: May 13, 2013 to May 28, 2013

Honorable Mention – Hippo Photo by Jeff Holzgrefe / Decatur, Georgia / Safari Dates: June 16, 2013 to June 23, 2013

Honorable Mention – Big Tusker Elephant by Marla G. and Lauren R. / West Bloomfield, Michigan / July 5, 2013 to July 12, 2013

Honorable Mention – Giraffe Photo by Ruth Ann and Bob R. / Hobson, MT and Scottsdale, AZ / Safari Dates: July 17, 2013 to July 28, 2013

Honorable Mention – Elephant Close Up by Jeff Holzgrefe / Decatur, Georgia / Safari Dates: June 16, 2013 to June 23, 2013

Honorable Mention – Tree Hyrax by Chris and Sandy S. / San Diego, California / Safari Dates: September 10, 2013 to September 22, 2013

Honorable Mention – Young Zebra by Hallie and Walter P. / Port Charlotte, Florida / Safari Dates: September 15 to September 25, 2013

Honorable Mention – Elephant Browsing by Chris and Sandy S. / San Diego, California / Safari Dates: September 10, 2013 to September 22, 2013

Honorable Mention – Elephants Sparring by Karen, Alan, Alexander (age 13) and Isobel (age 9) S. / East Lyme, Connecticut / Safaris Dates: June 23, 2013 to July 1, 2013

Honorable Mention – Warthog With Babies By Heather and Robert T. / Pflugerville, Texas / Safari Dates: November 24, 2013 to November 30, 2013

Honorable Mention – Young Elephant by Bill and Deborah C. / Dixon, Illinois / Safari Dates: October 3, 2013 to October 13, 2013

Best Grant’s Gazelle by Bill and Deborah C. / Dixon, Illinois / Safari Dates: October 3, 2013 to October 13, 2013

Honorable Mention – Mother with Young Giraffe – by Amber H. (Washington, D.C.) and Kirsten G. (San Francisco, CA) / Safari dates: March 5-12, 2013

Honorable Mention – Elephant with Calf by Teddi and Roger, Randi and Rian E. / Kent, Washington / Safari Dates: January 1, 2013 to January 9, 2013

Spotlight on the Great Migration (Mara River, North Serengeti) by Dawn Anderson

Honorable Mention – Mother and Calf Elephant by Louise M. / Huntington, New York / Safari Dates: June 2 – June 10, 2013

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The Best of 2013 – Part 3 – People and Places

This past year certainly seemed to be the year of a million smiles as evidenced by our many beaming guests enjoying the spectacular wildlife viewing in Tanzania. We hope you enjoy this collection of photos featuring many of our safari guests that have traveled with us over the course of 2013. Here is Part 3 in our Best of 2013 series entitled ‘People and Places’. Note: Please click on each link to access the entire original posting.

At First We Were Scared, But… by Marla G. and Lauren R. / West Bloomfield, Michigan / July 5, 2013 to July 12, 2013

We Found Our Pot Of Gold In Tanzania! by Ruthanne and Kirk W./ West Bloomfield, Michigan / Safari Dates: March 18, 2013 to March 28, 2013

Our Top 7 African Safari Highlights by Will & Beth S./ Salida, Colorado / Safari Dates: January 20, 2013 to February 4, 2013

I Recommend ADS To Help Make That Dream A Reality by Ed, Sandy, Shannon and Kelly T. / Santa Barbara, California / Safari dates July 14-July 26, 2013

Seronera Picnic Site in Central Serengeti by Donald O. and Jennifer B. / Cocoa, Florida / Safari Dates: October 29, 2013 to November 10, 2013

Our 9th Safari To Africa by Bill and Deborah C. / Dixon, Illinois / Safari Dates: October 3, 2013 to October 13, 2013

Our African Adventure by Ruth Ann and Bob R. / Hobson, MT and Scottsdale, AZ / Safari Dates: July 17, 2013 to July 28, 2013

My Honeymoon Safari To Tanzania by Stacey and Brian B. / New York, New York / Safari Dates: April 30, 2013 to May 12, 2013

Helpful Tips From Recent Safari Guest by Todd and Alexander / Santa Fe, New Mexico / Safari Dates: November 24, 2013 to December 1, 2013

Close Encounters of the Animal Kind by Michael W.

A True African Dream Trip by Teri and Duane W. / Paradise Valley, Arizona / Safari Dates: March 23, 2013 to April 3, 2013

It Was A Trip Of A Lifetime by Bob and Maggie B. / Poway, California / Safari Dates: January 22, 2013 to February 3, 2013

A Father-Daughter Photography Adventure by Caroline and Joe L. / Blue Bell, Pennsylvania / Safari Dates: August 1, 2013 to August 12, 2013

Our Top 7 African Safari Highlights by Will and Beth S./ Salida, Colorado / Safari Dates: January 20, 2013 to February 4, 2013

We Witnessed Close-Up The Many Wonders Of The Serengeti by Bill B. and Lisa W. / Walnut Creek, California / Safari Dates: July 22, 2013 to July 29, 2013

Our Magical Travel Experience by Ann and Don P. / Tucson, Arizona /Trip Dates: May 13, 2013 to May 28, 2013

A Stress-Free, Life-Changing Vacation By Luellen, Mark, Noelle and Jack M. / Kansas City, Missouri / Safari Dates: May 19, 2013 to May 29, 2013

Within Minutes We Were Watching The Wildebeest Cross The Mara River by Susan and Don F. / El Dorado, California / Safari Dates: September 6, 2013 to September 16, 2013

Sit Back, And Let Your Dream Come True! by Hallie and Walter P. / Port Charlotte, Florida / Safari Dates: September 15 to September 25, 2013

ADS Gave Us The Experience Of A Lifetime by Linda J. / Macedon, Maryland / Safari Dates: August 1, 2013 to August 10, 2013

Our 3rd Safari With ADS by Jim and Sandra M. / Torrance, California / Safari Dates: April 1 – 10, 201

Our guide was a living encyclopedia who must have 20/10 vision by Gail B. and Sue P. / Charlotte, North Carolina / Safari Dates: February 5, 2013 to February 12, 2013

Our Tanzanian Adventure by H. N. and Frances B. / Clute, Texas / Safari Dates: May 2, 2013 to May 13, 2013

A True African Dream Trip by Teri and Duane W. / Paradise Valley, Arizona / Safari Dates: March 23, 2013 to April 3, 2013

Lunch with Lions by Teddi and Roger, Randi and Rian E. / Kent, Washington / Safari Dates: January 1, 2013 to January 9, 2013

We recommend ADS to anyone looking to take this trip of a lifetime by Rachel J. and Ann J. / Chicago, IL and Dayton, Oh / Safari Dates: February 20, 2013 to March 2, 2013

Top 10 Serengeti Highlights by Dawn A.

A Trip of a Lifetime…Twice by Alejandra M. and Family / Mexico / Safari dates: March 26, 2013 to April 3, 2013

Better Than We Dreamed by Mark, Priscilla and Brandy “buibui” W. / Round Lake, Illinois / Safari Dates: April 25, 2013 to May 1, 2013

Wall Street Journal Article on ADS’s Partnership with St. Judes

Best Maasai Photo by Stacey and Brian B. / New York, New York / Safari Dates: April 30, 2013 to May 12, 2013

Best Western Serengeti (Northward Migration) by Luellen, Mark, Noelle and Jack M. / Kansas City, Missouri / Safari Dates: May 19, 2013 to May 29, 2013

Best Sunrise – West Serengeti by Patrick and Nancy S. / Pewaukee, Wisconsin / Safari Dates: June 25, 2013 to July 1, 2013

We Were In Awe Of The Beauty Of Pure Africa! by Bill and Cindy B. / Wilmington, North Carolina / Safari Dates: July 8, 2013 to July 19, 2013

Grumeti Swing Bridge by Laura J. / Derwood, Maryland / June 20-June 28,2013

Gazelle Herd at Sunrise – Central Serengeti / Ana and Erick C. / McLean, Virginia / Safari Dates: June 27, 2013 to July 4, 2013

Lions at Sametu Marsh – Central Serengeti by Bill B. and Lisa W. / Walnut Creek, California / Safari Dates: July 22, 2013 to July 29, 2013

Baobab Tree in Tarangire National Park by Susan and Don F. / El Dorado, California / Safari Dates: September 6, 2013 to September 16, 2013

Serengeti Sunrise Chris and Sandy S. / San Diego, California / Safari Dates: September 10, 2013 to September 22, 2013

Maasai Jumping Dance by Susan and Don F. / El Dorado, California / Safari Dates: September 6, 2013 to September 16, 2013

Lion Kill in Lobo Valley, North Serengeti by Jim and Kit H. / Brooklyn, New York / Safari Dates: October 2, 2013 to October 13, 2013

Maasai Women By Heather and Robert T. / Pflugerville, Texas / Safari Dates: November 24, 2013 to November 30, 2013

Welcome To Tanzania by Ed, Sandy, Shannon and Kelly T. / Santa Barbara, California / Safari dates July 14-July 26, 2013

Spotlight on the Great Migration (Mara River, North Serengeti) by Dawn Anderson

Ngorongoro Crater by Ruthanne and Kirk W./ West Bloomfield, Michigan / Safari Dates: March 18, 2013 to March 28, 2013

Lake Ndutu (South Serengeti) by Judy and Bobby S. / Los Angeles, CA and Highland Beach, FL / Safari dates: January 17 to January 27, 2013

Naabi Hill (South Serengeti) with Great Migration in Foreground by David and Lynette B. / Georgetown, Texas / Safari Dates: April 7, 2013 to April 15, 2013

Out On A Limb by Victoria R. / Los Angeles, California / Safari Dates: December 24, 2012 to January 5, 2013

Park Rules by Linda J. / Macedon, Maryland / Safari Dates: August 1, 2013 to August 10, 2013

A Father-Daughter Photography Adventure by Caroline and Joe L. / Blue Bell, Pennsylvania / Safari Dates: August 1, 2013 to August 12, 2013

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The Best of 2013 – Part 4 – Reptiles, Birds and Primates

The larger mammals tend to steal the show while on safari but our guests have had some incredible bird sightings this past year as proven by these amazing pictures. The big crocs that patrol the Mara and Grumeti Rivers in the Serengeti National Park always make for some striking photography. Here is Part 4 of our Best of 2013 series…enjoy!

Best Crocodile Photo by Kathleen S. / Waukesha, Wisconsin / Safari Dates: June 13, 2013 to June 23, 2013

Runner-Up for Best Crocodile Photo by Luellen, Mark, Noelle and Jack M. / Kansas City, Missouri / Safari Dates: May 19, 2013 to May 29, 2013

Crocodile Attacks Wildebeest From The Spotlight on the Great Migration (Mara River, North Serengeti) by Dawn Anderson

Best Snake Photo by Laura J. / Derwood, Maryland / June 20-June 28,2013

Best Baboon Photo by Bob L. / Somerset, New Jersey / Safari Dates: January 8, 2013 to January 16, 2013

Runner-Up For Best Baboon Photo by Teddi and Roger, Randi and Rian E. / Kent, Washington / Safari Dates: January 1, 2013 to January 9, 2013

Best Collection Of Bird Photos by Chris and Sandy S. / San Diego, California / Safari Dates: September 10, 2013 to September 22, 2013

Best Vervet Monkey Photo by Luellen, Mark, Noelle and Jack M. / Kansas City, Missouri / Safari Dates: May 19, 2013 to May 29, 2013


Best Bee-eater Bird by Teddi and Roger, Randi and Rian E. / Kent, Washington / Safari Dates: January 1, 2013 to January 9, 2013

Best Bush Baby by Ana and Erick C. / McLean, Virginia / Safari Dates: June 27, 2013 to July 4, 2013

African Crowned Eagle – The Bizarre, Quirky, Rare and Deadly

Best Love Bird PHoto by Ruthanne and Kirk W./ West Bloomfield, Michigan / Safari Dates: March 18, 2013 to March 28, 2013

Runner-Up – Love Bird Photo by Tina & Shawn L. / St. Paul, Minnesota / Safari Dates: March 11, 2013 to March 19, 2013

Best Kingfisher photo by by Jeff and Sue B. / West Bloomfield, MI / Safari Dates: March 18, 2013 to March 28, 2013

Best Tawny Eagle Photo by Jim and Sandra M. / Torrance, California / Safari Dates: April 1 – 10, 201

Honorable Mention – Baboon with Gazelle Kill by Meileen C. / Singapore / September 8, 2013 to September 12, 2013

Best Lilac-Breaster Roller by Hallie and Walter P. / Port Charlotte, Florida / Safari Dates: September 15 to September 25, 2013

Honorable Mention – Best Overall Bird Photo by Louise M. / Huntington, New York / Safari Dates: June 2 – June 10, 2013

Best Ostrich by Patrick and Nancy S. / Pewaukee, Wisconsin / Safari Dates: June 25, 2013 to July 1, 2013

Honorable Mention – Raptor Photo by Ruth Ann and Bob R. / Hobson, MT and Scottsdale, AZ / Safari Dates: July 17, 2013 to July 28, 2013

Honorable Mention – Raptors Mating by Terrie and John M. / Cincinnati, Ohio / Safari Dates: July 20, 2013 to August 2, 2013

Night Roller by Linda J. / Macedon, Maryland / Safari Dates: August 1, 2013 to August 10, 2013

Egyptian Vulture by David and Renee C. / San Jose, California / Safari Dates: October 8, 2013 to October 18, 2013

Honorable Mention – Baboon Baby By Heather and Robert T. / Pflugerville, Texas / Safari Dates: November 24, 2013 to November 30, 2013

Hornbill by Bill and Deborah C. / Dixon, Illinois / Safari Dates: October 3, 2013 to October 13, 2013

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Safari Wildlife Viewing Advice – The Big Cats

One of most common questions we receive from guests planning african safari tours is how to design the most optimal trip to maximize encounters with Africa’s most sough after carnivores including lions, leopards and cheetahs. These three elusive predators are usually at the top everyone’s must see african safari list and our guides relentlessly pursue them ensuring satisfied clients. Thankfully, the Serengeti National Park offers some of best opportunities to see the big cats but also a reasonably high change to see them in action. Our advice is two fold. First, we recommend to base yourself in the Central Serengeti for two nights minimum as this area is known as the predator capital of Africa for good reason. Tourists, field biologists and film makes travel here in droves ever year to watch, study and film these majestic animals. Second, the best time on any african safari to watch predators in right after sunrise between 6.00 am and 8.00 am. Studies from South Africa to Kenya and Tanzania have demonstrated time and time again that predators have activity peaks in these early morning hours.

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Driver-Guide Report – Welcome 2014.

Greetings from Arusha, Tanzania. Follows is our driver guide report at the conclusion of our safari with the Organ and Chiarandini Families (December 30th, 2013 to January 7th, 2014). This was a family of six including two young children. It was a fantastic experience for the guests with 8 nights on safari split between the Central Serengeti, East Serengeti, South Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. We enjoyed 2 nights at Seronera Sametu Camp, 2 nights at Lemala Ndutu Camp, 2 nights at Mbuzi Mawe Lodge and 1 night at Ngorongoro Lion’s Paw Camp. Therefore, it is my pleasure to share with you some pictures I took during this safari.

– This was around Kibumbu Kopje near Sametu Kopje, where we saw one of the Sametu pride. It seemed her belly was full as it can be well seen on this particular picture.

– Thanks for the migration because many of the lions in the South and East Serengeti are well fed at the moment.

– This was near Sametu Kopjes where we saw lions that were going around the Kopjes and trees.

– We saw a cheetah kill near lobo kopjes, it was two brothers killed a baby gnu and a number of vultures were there for almost three hours. After this we kept driving around the lobo kopje and thereafter we saw two wonderful lion cubs of about three months old.

– This was early in the morning where we saw a mother leopard and her cub walking around the ndutu woodlands near lake ndutu. The cub was playing with her mother while walking. The cub was about six or seven months old.

– This was in between the Kibumbu Kopje and Sametu Kopjes. We saw these two vultures which I make sure I get the nice view of them from there as the plain was green and real encouraging. I am sure they were waiting for lions and hyenas to do something for them.

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Driver-Guide Report – Family Christmas Safari

Greetings from Arusha, Tanzania. Follows is our driver guide report at the conclusion of our safari with the Hektor Family (December 24th to December 29th, 2013). This was an extended family group of 20 persons with three generations together. It was a wonderful experience to have such a diverse group from young children (ages 4, 6 and 9) to teenagers and all the way up to the parents and grandparents. The group had four vehicles and guides on this fantastic safari of six days. We had a lot of fun on their Christmas holiday.

We started from Ndutu on the southern end of the Serengeti National Park on December 24th, 2013 and drove northward through the Seronera valley (Central Serengeti) and overnighted at Serengeti Serena lodge. We had amazing sightings on this first day in the bush especially of a mother cheetah with her two cubs and a yearling wildebeest kill. Not only that but also a pride of 14 lions and countless groups of the migratory wildebeest herds.

We had another night at Kirawira Serena Lodge in the western corridor of the Serengeti National Park. On this side the main attraction was the gigantic Nile crocodiles in the Grumeti River and groups of Hippos with dominant males advertising their territories.

On the third day, the group flew on private charter planes from the Grumeti Airstrip to Ndutu Airstrip and from there they drove to Nasera Rock, an untouchable private area for a Maasai Cultural Tour and walking safari before spending the night at the Crater Serena Lodge. On the fourth day we had a full day game drive down into one of the eighth natural wonders of the world, the Ngorongoro Crater, to see the rare Black Rhino and to top the list of our Big Five.

On our last day we visited Lake Manyara National Park, a small but unique park as we drove in for a short period of time. We covered 4 different types of habitats including the underground natural water forest, acacia woodland, open grass plain, and the rift valley escarpment while viewing in Lake Manyara National Park, which was covered with pink flamingoes. On our list of animals we added a new species, which was the Blue Monkey.

Below are some of the pictures we managed to take during the safari.

– On our way to the Central Serengeti via the beautiful Maasai kopjes we came across this mother cheetah on her evening hunt. She seemed very hungry and was very busy scanning the area for prey to hunt.

– At the Grumeti River in the Western Serengeti, this was our highlight of the day as the clients were excited to see this massive reptile, the Nile crocodile. This big reptile was basking on the bank of the Grumeti River with her mouth open as a way of lowering its body temperature.

– This beautiful leopard cub was one of two cubs we were able to get close to around the Seronera valley of the Central Serengeti. She jumped down from the tree where all three of them were sleeping and walked close to us and posed for this nice picture.

– At Musabi plains heading to Kirawira in the West Serengeti, we saw these two male lion brothers and two females. It seemed like they were on their honeymoon but they were very skittish and they didn’t like our presence around them. We discovered these lions in this area are not used to vehicles and people around them.

-In the Ndutu area of the South Serengeti we came across a big pride of 12 lions, with this massive male, together with a few cubs. This was during the mid-day when everybody was hiding under the shade.

-A male agama lizard displaying his colorful body to attract the females around. This was at the beautiful Gol Kopjes in the East Serengeti. The clients loved how the lizard was doing a push up and looking in different ways for any females around.

– At Ngoitoktok Picnic Site in the Ngorongoro Crater, the group is having a breakfast picnic after an early morning game drive in the crater.

– At the view point in Ngorongoro crater, we stopped for an orientation and briefing of the crater formation. It was a successful trip for everyone.

– A mother cheetah with a wildebeest kill – Central Serengeti.

– Hippos in Retima Hippo Pool, Central Serengeti.

– Africa’s largest lizard, the Nile Monitor.

– A mother warthog wallowing.

– African elephant in Lerai Forest – Ngorongoro Crater.

– Olive baboon troop in Lake Manyara National Park.

Thanks again and Karibuni Sana.

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Happy 2014 & Our Mobile Device Launch!

ADS is excited to wish you all a healthy and peaceful New Year! We’re so thankful for the incredible community we’ve built over the years and look forward to an adventurous 2014.

To kick off the year, we’ve just launched our mobile site which you can view on any smart phone or tablet device. Find guest testimonials, bush reports, Tanzania highlights and access to our social media networks all in the palm of your hand.

Look out for many more exciting updates coming soon!

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