It was our third Safari adventure with Africa Dreams Safaris, and it was all the excitement and adventure that we had hoped for. Once again ADS worked many hours with me to ensure our trip requirements were completely understood, as nature photography was one of the key elements of our trip to the Serengeti. Our May Safari this year was just as memorable as it was 4 years ago, and even more so when it came to crossing paths with the Wildebeest migration. I really wanted to add great leopard photos to my portfolio too, and I was not disappointed with the outcome. From the first steps off the plane in Kilimanjaro International, to our sad departure day, ADS did not skip a beat.

The lodges were once again top notch, but my wife and I both agreed, the ADS Private Tent was the hi-light. Our tent was located in the middle of the Serengeti, where we were surrounded by Wildebeest, Zebra and Giraffe. We had a Hyena friend who camped with us and “sung” to us all night long. A truly marvelous serenade. The migration came right to us and we were truly overwhelmed by the sheer number of Wildebeest, well into the hundreds of thousands. They were so densely packed you could have walked across them for miles, with your feet never touching the ground. Predation abounded, from numerous Cheetah hunts and kills, to Crocodile attacks on the ever unsuspecting Wildebeest.

Our Guide ensured we were on the game road everyday pre-sunrise, to catch the best of the morning sun light. And we stayed out to the last possible moments to witness the Serengeti’s picture perfect sunsets.

ADS is only bested by Mother Nature, and it’s truly a Serengeti combination which cannot be equalled. We are already planning our next Safari adventure with ADS. Thank you again so very much!

To view more pictures from Peter and Jody’s safari, please visit http://www.safariinpixels.com/.

Peter & Jody A.
May 2011

We expected to see animals, but were amazed to see hundreds of thousands of wildebeest at the same time in one place, along with tens of thousands of zebras and uncountable gazelles on the Serengeti. We expected to see lions and leopards and cheetahs, but did not expect to watch a three-day drama unfold as a lioness was separated from her pride while hunting, reunited with them, and stalked wildebeest in a hunt that surrounded our jeep for over an hour one evening; we did not realize how close the animals come to the jeep – in one case a leopard literally brushed the door such that we could have reached down and touched her (ill-advised our guide suggested). We did not realize that crocodiles can be wider than alligators are long; that hippos kill more animals than crocs or any other animal on the Serengeti; and that individual variations would be so abundant, from a one-eared elephant to zebras and giraffes with readily discernible markings. And we expected to see baboons … but in our tent?! (He left when David swore at him!) We expected good food, but were really delighted with every meal (the food boxes were uninspired, but more than adequate in quantity of food). The meals at the “Private Luxury Camp” were exceptional, and that chef deserves a special commendation. Our host there, Ndeke, was also very charming, and conversant about so many different things.

Lastly we really have to give a special commendation and thanks to our guide! His knowledge of animal behavior is superb, and he was very patient, waiting in one case for 45 minutes while a herd of 27 elephants slowly emerged from the forest. He would frequently predict the next move that an animal would make, and position the jeep such that we would see elephants slowly leave the forest cover and cross the road, or lions climb to the top of a ‘kopje’ as the sun rose. He knew where best to watch the wildebeest in full run, cheetah hunt, and leopards sleep, such that no other jeeps were anywhere around us. He has a keen photographer’s eye, and frequently set up shots for David such that the lighting, and position of the jeep, were ideal. Thanks also to yourself and all the others ‘behind the scenes’ making all of this happen smoothly. Best wishes!

Ruth and David Miller
June 2010

A leopard walking in the road… right next to the Miller’s vehicle!

A herd of Thompson’s gazelles keeping a wary eye on some nearby lions.

A hippo and crocodiles peacefully sharing the same territory.

Our Safari with ADS was so much more than we anticipated. Our expectations were high given the testimonials we read in your posts and the wonderful ADS website which we visited quite often before we left for our trip. From the moment we landed in Kilimanjaro and were met by the ADS staff until the evening we boarded for our flight home, we were well taken care of and looked forward to every one of our 12 days with our guide. His ability to spot game was of constant amazement to us, and as a result, we not only were fortunate to see “The Big Five”, but we saw virtually all of the animals of the Serengeti that are not nocturnal. The overall experience, including the lodging and food, was outstanding, and we are very happy we chose to visit during the first two weeks of May, at the tail end of the rainy season. Because we were there at the beginning of the Wildebeest migration and the grasses were still present, we were able to see all of the animals in their physical prime. The lions, cheetahs and leopards all had full tummies and the plains were at times covered with game. You know a trip is a success when every morning you looked forward to another adventure and never once thought it would be nice to rest and relax for a day. We loved our safari!

Mike and Cheri Ferguson
May 2010

First there is the matter of our guide. He was very knowledgeable about the mammals, birds, reptiles, and plants. Further, he was able to give us historical insights about the area and people. As a photographer I especially appreciated his skill in placing the truck in the best possible position. He always encouraged a ‘wait and see’ approach as opposed to rushing about to the next animal. He understands the role of patience in wildlife photography. We thoroughly enjoyed traveling with him. The accommodations were great; we particularly liked the River Lodge. The dinners were much better than expected and we appreciated your advice relative to the boxed meals.

From start to finish the trip went exactly as we had hoped. We saw everything we had hoped to see and a couple of events that are simply unforgettable. If this turns out to be a once in a lifetime trip for us, I can honestly say that it was well worth it. I would recommend ADS to anyone planning an African adventure. I’ve been diving in a lot of places; seen some extraordinary things. This trip would rate right up there with my best diving adventures. Thanks to all involved – you run a great operation.

David Nasser
May 2010

What a trip we had!!……and a wonderful guide……not much rain….perfect conditions,- no crowds….as a matter of fact there was one night when we were the only people at Kirawira…..and just one other couple at Plantation Lodge……Beautiful accommodations, our favorite nights were spent at the Private Luxury campsite with smiling Jonas and the crew!!….Number of wildlife in the Crater was disappointing, but the fields were bright yellow and beautiful in the sun (although I understand the flowers are not a good thing for the wildlife), and we did get to see Mama Rhino and her baby cross the road in front of us…..the last of the “Big 5″….Have a film of mating leopards in a tree which [our guide] said was most unusual……….Will get some photos together one of these days and a testimonial as well…… Asante Sana for providing us with a wonderful and varied itinerary.

Jo Rakauskas
May 2010

We would like to thank you for all your help in making our trip to Tanzania a trip of a lifetime. From the moment we got off the plane and met Jane at the airport Africa Dream Safaris has shown us the utmost in professionalism. Every aspect of our trip was overseen and taken care of at all times. [Our guide] was knowledgeable, friendly, accommodating and a true gentleman. When the Migration was delayed getting to the western Serengeti [our guide] was kind enough to drive us to the central Serengeti which was a very long day for him. I am sure other tour companies would not have gone that literal “extra mile”. We had very high expectations for our trip and you blew them all out of the water. Every night we went to bed thinking “OK it can’t get any better than this” then the next day it would. [Our guide] was so quick to stop every time I wanted to take a picture. Please feel free to use any of my pictures on your website. His ability to spot animals was amazing. We all had moments of laughter that brought us to tears. Trying to teach him to say ‘y’all’ as we do here in the south was just one of them. Asante sana!

Julie Eakes and Ray McCorkle
May 2009

Since an African safari had been our dream vacation for years, we were concerned that it couldn’t possibly live up to our expectations. To our delight it didn’t – it far exceeded them. From the moment we arrived, everyone on the ADS team did their part to make our trip an incredible, enjoyable adventure. [Our guide] was truly remarkable – he could spot animals that we could barely see even with binoculars, then he would position us perfectly to observe and photograph them. His extensive and detailed knowledge of the animals and the countryside was amazing. He was great at explaining their behaviors and bringing us into their world. His patience, expertise and gentle humor made him the perfect guide! It was clear that he listened to our special animal interests and never failed to find what we were hoping for, then put is in a great spot to watch. At the end of every day we teased him that there was no way he could top what we had seen, but somehow the next day always brought something wonderful – a large herd of giraffes striking beautiful poses against a storm darkened sky, the unbelievable scale, movement and noise of the migration, lion cubs playing within feet of our LandCruiser, hyenas stalking a wildebeest toward an ambush (fortunately for the wildebeest it was a failed attempt), zebra sentries guarding against a lurking cheetah, a charging elephant (at another elephant, not us, thank goodness) […]

I could go on much longer than you would probably like to read, but in short, thanks again to all that you and the ADS team did to make this the vacation of a lifetime (although we definitely want a return engagement!) You all made us feel so special and brought true meaning to the phrase ‘custom vacation’.

Susan and Andy Roth
May 2009

We had been planning and anticipating our trip to Tanzania for an entire year. We had read guidebooks and web pages (there is none better than that of ADS). Certainly the trip was beyond all expectations and more than we could have imagined. So many people have asked me, since I returned, about my trip to Africa. It seems the epitome of understatment when I respond, ‘Simply Amazing.’ Words are inadequate to explain it.

I admit that even I was somewhat intimidated about traveling to Africa, but from the time that we arrived -and before, until we returned home we were made to feel supremely comfortable. I cannot imagine a better guide. Our guide was exceptionally knowledgeable – not just about the animals and plants, but geography, history, weather, etc. He was friendly, had a great sense of humor, was an expert driver and spotter, always professional, and he did everything imaginable to make our trip special. He worked hard for our benefit but always seemed to be having a good time too. (Please give him our regards.) Our lodging and dining at Arumeru, Kirawira, Private camp in Seronera, and Ngorongoro Sopa were really all spectacular. Ndeke and the crew at the private camp were all warm special people, John’s food was some of the best of the trip. Thank you for suggesting that we spend our “extra” night at the private camp. We were well taken care of. How wonderful and peaceful to end the day by a fire with good food and a glass of wine, listen to the hyenas as you go to sleep, and arise in the morning with a giraffe visible in the distance.

What can I say about the animals? It really is impossible to fully explain to those who have not experienced it. The magnitude of the great migration, lion cubs playfully frolicking on a koppe, and nature at its most raw as a lion pride or hyenas feed on a fresh kill. Even the scenery was more than we could have imagined. The endless vistas of the plains, incredible sunsets, stormclouds in the distance, and rainbows nearly every afternoon.

I know that this was supposed to be a trip of a lifetime, but I sincerely hope it was the first of many. Thank you to you and all of the ADS crew.

Marvin and Theresa Hall
May 2009

After 30 years of dreaming and nearly a year preparing, we had our dreams realized thanks to Africa Dream Safaris. Our accommodations were quite varied and each was wonderful in its own way. Our private luxury camp had to be moved at the last minute because of damage to trees from some elephants and we would have never known it. Everything was perfect when we arrived and we were very spoiled by the staff.

We went on this safari to see the animals we love and came back loving the people of Tanzania just as much. We found them to be happy, warm and welcoming. A few staff members at Kirawira Tented Lodge heard that it was LuAnn’s birthday; about 10 staff members surprised us both by delivering a cake to her in the dining room, complete with singing. This is one birthday that she will remember fondly.

It was very reassuring knowing that the ADS staff was there to take good care of us. [The meet and greet staff] did a great job briefing and debriefing us. […Our driver guide] was experienced, intuitive, patient and knowledgeable. We were surprised at the variety and amounts of animals that we were able to see, from the hundreds of wildebeest to the shy leopards and rare black rhinos. We went places that other tours never saw and at times would go for hours/days without seeing another safari vehicle. We felt very lucky to have chosen ADS.

We had a marvelous balloon ride over the central Serengeti, enjoyed informative tours of a fishing village on Lake Victoria, and a medical clinic near Karatu, Tanzania and marveled at the artifacts displayed at the Olduvai museum. Thanks to ADS, this will forever be our favorite vacation.

Gary and LuAnn Brown
May 2009

Since an African safari had been our dream vacation for years, we were concerned that it couldn’t possibly live up to our expectations. To our delight it didn’t – it far exceeded them. From the moment we arrived, everyone on the ADS team did their part to make our trip an incredible, enjoyable adventure. [Our guide] was truly remarkable – he could spot animals that we could barely see even with binoculars, then he would position us perfectly to observe and photograph them. His extensive and detailed knowledge of the animals and the countryside was amazing. He was great at explaining their behaviors and bringing us into their world. His patience, expertise and gentle humor made him the perfect guide! It was clear that he listened to our special animal interests and never failed to find what we were hoping for, then put is in a great spot to watch. At the end of every day we teased him that there was no way he could top what we had seen, but somehow the next day always brought something wonderful – a large herd of giraffes striking beautiful poses against a storm darkened sky, the unbelievable scale, movement and noise of the migration, lion cubs playing within feet of our LandCruiser, hyenas stalking a wildebeest toward an ambush (fortunately for the wildebeest it was a failed attempt), zebra sentries guarding against a lurking cheetah, a charging elephant (at another elephant, not us, thank goodness) …

It was also so nice to come “home” to such great accommodations after our day out with the animals. While the lodges were beautiful and comfortable, our very favorite was the private camp. The guys did such a terrific job taking care of us we felt guilty calling it camping! Hot showers that smelled faintly of smoke, a nice glass of wine by the campfire, and charming conversation with the incredibly thoughtful and kind Ndeke. We all agreed that John’s food, cooked over a wood fire with your basic “Boy Scout” type cookware, was unbelievably delicious. It was far and away the best food we had on our entire trip, including that at some pretty upscale restaurants in Amsterdam which we used a stopover on our way to Tanzania. He is such a talented cook!

We honestly can’t think of how the trip could have been any better, and have become huge supporters of the Tanzanian people, who could not have been nicer or more welcoming. Our visit to the Masai village was both interesting and fun. We enjoyed having the chance to really see and hear how they live, and appreciated their candor and willingness to answer our many questions.

I could go on much longer than you would probably like to read, but in short, thanks again to all that you and the ADS team did to make this the vacation of a lifetime (although we definitely want a return engagement!) You all made us feel so special and brought true meaning to the phrase ‘custom vacation’.

Susan and Andy Roth
May 2009

We had been planning and anticipating our trip to Tanzania for an entire year. We had read guidebooks and web pages (there is none better than that of ADS). Certainly the trip was beyond all expectations and more than we could have imagined. So many people have asked me, since I returned, about my trip to Africa. It seems the epitome of understatement when I respond, ‘Simply Amazing.’ Words are inadequate to explain it. […] It really is impossible to fully explain to those who have not experienced it. The magnitude of the great migration, lion cubs playfully frolicking on a kopje, and nature at its most raw as a lion pride or hyenas feed on a fresh kill. Even the scenery was more than we could have imagined. The endless vistas of the plains, incredible sunsets, storm clouds in the distance, and rainbows nearly every afternoon. I know that this was supposed to be a trip of a lifetime, but I sincerely hope it was the first of many. Thank you to you and all of the ADS crew.

Marvin and Theresa Hall
May 2009

Tanzania was everything we hoped it would be – and more. With one of us extremely eager to go and the other more reluctant, the fact that we both enjoyed ourselves so much is a testament to the breadth and knowledge of our experience. From the meticulous attention to detail in the printed information we received before the trip to the prompt personal service each time we had questions, every concern of ours was addressed. This led us to be well-prepared for our safari. But once again, nothing prepared us for the reality of it. On the second morning, as we watched dawn break over the Serengeti, we arrived at a vast plain still green from recent rains. Herds of elephant, zebra, giraffes, impala and even buffalo, munched together peacefully on their morning meal. It was as if we had arrived back in time to the Garden of Eden, a singular privilege we will never forget.

Rhoda and Ken Leffler
May 2009