I have been back from my trip to Africa for about a month now, but I left my heart in Tanzania. My dream has always been to go on safari, and ADS made my dream a reality. The entire trip far exceeded my expectations, and was definitely the trip of a lifetime. I haven’t stopped talking about it since I got back, and am already starting to plan my next visit.

I was fortunate to work with Sharon from ADS to set up the trip. She provided great advice on the time of year to go in order to see the great migration and also some suggestions regarding the itinerary. My safari was with two girlfriends, one of whom took some persuading to join us. Having read the brochure and information that Sharon sent to me, my friend commented that if it lived up to the description she had read it would be an amazing adventure. And she was right! It was everything ADS said it would be.

Special thanks and gratitude has to go to our guide Arnold. We very quickly became friends and he is the reason the trip was so enjoyable and unforgettable. He knew all the habits of the wildlife and was able to find incredible sights for us to enjoy. From the first day when we saw the wilder beast migration river crossing to the last day finding a final pride of lions. He quickly got to know us and we were soon joking and chatting like old friends. He understood that we wanted to see as many cats as possible especially leopards and lions.

Not only did we see 108 lions and 9 leopards, but he made it possible for us to have unique and special sightings. We had breakfast one morning while watching three lionesses and their cubs play and then lunch under a tree with a leopard.

We trusted him implicitly, so if he said we are going to wait for ten minutes in order to see elephants bathing, or a leopard jump down from a tree, we waited. And he was always right. Our safety was always his first concern and then making sure we took amazing pictures. His culinary skills were also appreciated for our breakfasts and lunches in the bush.

The tented camp accommodations also exceeded our expectations. The staff in all the camps were friendly and made sure that we needed nothing, from the wake up calls with fresh coffee, cookies and pastries to delicious dinners and hot showers. Our favorite camp was Seronera Sametu Camp. This was the true Africa experience, only four tents in the middle of the Serengeti. We went to sleep to the sounds of hyenas and lions hunting. Jonus, our host at the camp, made us feel so welcome and comfortable.

I could go on and on about how wonderful the whole experience in Africa was, but you must experience it for yourself. I highly recommend ADS when planning your safari, they are very professional, and will ensure that you have the trip of a lifetime.

Kerrie Page
Morristown, New Jersey
November 2011