I have dreamed of going to Africa ever since I was a little girl and watched my first Tarzan movie with Johnny Weissmuller. My dream started to become a reality when I inherited some money and booked my first safari with Sharon from ADS. Sharon was always there to answer all my questions and plan the perfect safari.

Our safari started on March 22, 2015 when we were met by Mathias at the Kilimanjaro airports. He put me at ease, and all my fears and anxiety disappeared.

Our first night was spent at the Mt Meru Hotel. What a hotel, this must be how the rich people live! We got up early for a hot breakfast on the veranda and then off with Mathias and Timan to the Arusha airport.

Once we landed at the Seronera airstrip in the central part of the Serengeti, we were met by Ally, our guide for the safari. He had a smile from ear to ear and was never far away from us. He answered all our questions, provided us with a wealth of information regarding the animals and the African culture. I especially enjoyed his sense of humor. His eyes were incredible and he was able to pick animals that were no bigger than a speck in the grass.

Before arriving at Seronera Sametu Camp, we saw a herd of elephants chase away a pair of lions, saw Thompson’s Gazelle, Grant’s Gazelle, Impala, Worthog, Zebra, hippos, Giraffe, Lions, Elephants, Baboon, Hyena, Hartebeest, Topi, Buffalo, Jackal, Cheetah and many types of birds. And that was just the first day!

The first time I saw Sametu Camp, I wondered what had I gotten myself into. I had only seen pictures of the camp, but I could never have imaged how wonderful staying in one would be. We were greeted by JJ with warm towels to wipe off the days dust and a glass of juice. The tent was amazing. While we were at supper, the staff would close up the tent, turn down the bed, pull down the mosquito netting, fill the shower with water and place hot water bottles in the bed. During the nights we heard lions outside the tent. I can’t begin to describe the feelings: fear, excitement, terror, trepidation. In the morning we found out the lions were on a rock formation not far from the tent.

These are some of the high lights from our 3 day stay at SAMETU CAMP:

1. Night drive. You need a special permit to do this.

2. Hot air balloon, we just hovered over the heads of buffaloes, trees and hippos.

3. Zebras, by the thousands waiting to get to a watering hole.

4. A lion stalk and kill a warthog.

5. Pride of 20 lions eating a zebra.

6. Countless numbers of animals including the elusive Serval cat

7. And of course JJ.

Then off to NDUTU LODGE in the South Serengeti for 2 nights. Highlights include:

1. Cheetahs and leopards

2. A cheetah stalking and killing a young hartebeest

3. Our first Bushy TV (camp fire)

4. Eating dinner and having Genets climbing around on the rafters

5. Exploring Lake Masek

Then off to LIONS PAW CAMP, but first a visit to a Maasia Village!

At Lions Paw Camp, where we were met by Edward, highlights include:

1. By day we explored the Ngorongoro crater and saw 8 rhinos and 2, yes 2 Caracal cats.

2. At night, I heard the buffalo eating grass outside the tent next to my head.

3. Lots of great scenic pictures

The game drives were long and dusty, but filled with excitement. We would get lost in following a leopard walk across the Serengeti or watching a cheetah stalk and kill a young hartebeest. Each day was filled with something new and exciting. I’m so glad we chose to use ADS for our safari needs and thankful they paired us up with our guide Ally.

I want to thank all the ADS staff for making my childhood dream come true.

One last note: I never did see Tarzan, but I have memories that will last a lifetime.

Marilyn and David C.
Hugo, Minnesotaa
Safari Dates: March 22, 2015 to April 1, 2015