Dawn Anderson – A Short Biography

“Not one American in fifty thousand has any idea of the potential strength of Africa.” Eugene White

A visit to Africa can change your life. It has certainly changed mine!

I grew up on a farm in the rural Midwest. Over the years of my childhood, I was constantly immersed in the great outdoors. I had many animal companions during this time, everything from dogs to horses, and developed an early love for animals and an appreciation for nature that has become an inseparable part of my core.

After high school, I went on to study in Manhattan, KS and graduated at the top of my class with an Engineering degree from Kansas State University. Immediately after graduation I went on to attend and graduate from Trane’s prestigious Graduate Training Program in LaCrosse WI. Over the next several years I became very focused on building a successful career and climbing the Corporate ladder. I traveled extensively and met many interesting people. On the surface I was successfully navigating through the fast-paced corporate environment, but at a deeper level was having some difficulty connecting with my work.  *Something* seemed to be missing. Well, I’m happy to say I found *it* when I went to Africa!

When I first stepped foot in the Serengeti, something clicked. I was inspired beyond measure by the vastness of this authentic wilderness, and completely captivated by the profound beauty, inherent peace and sheer magnificence that I found in this place. I promptly walked away from the tedious Corporate world of my previous life to pursue my passion for Africa.

The rest is history! I have now been back to Tanzania on several intensive research safaris and developed close working relationships with various conservation professionals, including the world-renowned Serengeti Lion Project. Writing and photography are my other two passions, and I have found sheer delight in applying them both to my travels to Africa. I am also a published author, spanning a wide range of audiences with a variety of work from children’s books to essays about the Serengeti, Lake Manyara and Tarangire ecosystems. I have also been privileged to teach continuing education classes about East Africa at JCCC College. My favorite animal is the cheetah, and it is a real passion of mine to help ensure this graceful cat continues to live and thrive in its natural habitat in the wild. When I’m not traveling, behind my camera or at my desk, you are likely to find me outside riding my horses or running with my two collies.

I have been fortunate enough in my lifetime to visit many beautiful places in this world, but nothing rivals my experiences in Africa. Over my years of travel within Africa, my passion for this place continues to grow and develop. It started out with my falling in love with the beauty of Tanzania’s wildlife and people, and with the desire to be immersed in Africa myself. But this passion, although still very present and constantly burning, has also matured into an overriding desire to share my Africa with other people. Africa is not just a place on the map, it is an experience.  And it’s not just any experience… it’s a profound, earth-shaking, mind-blowing, life-changing type of experience.  You’ll see!

“I know this all sounds a bit much, but if I have ever seen magic, it has been in Africa.” John Hemingway

Dawn Anderson

Email:  dawn@africadreamsafaris.com

Direct Toll Free:  866-457-9977

  1. Hi,

    My husband and I were on a trip with Steve and Jody recently and they recommended Dawn to us for a trip to see the wildebeest migration. We are also interested in seeing the gorillas in Rwanda/Uganda and seeing Madagascar. I’m not sure if you do all those areas but if you could let us know if you can help with any of it, that would be great. One big question we have is when is the best time for the migration and where…is it better to moving with or staying in one place?

    Thanks!
    Mrs. Naz Sichemerman