For anyone wondering whether or not the last part of the rainy season is a good time to visit the Serengeti, we can testify that for 2017 it was a great time to go. During our 10 day safari, we saw just a few rain sprinkles and only a couple short-lived downpours. The rain was a non issue for us. It kept down the dust, and everything was green and beautiful.

Our driver/guide, Michael, was awesome! Every morning he greeted us with a washed and cleaned out vehicle. All day long he expertly navigated over or around potholes or large rocks. He spotted and pointed out game we didn’t even notice. We saw dozens or thousands of Cape Buffalo, gazelles, cheetahs, lions, hippos, wart hogs, elephants, impalas, zebras, wildebeast, hartebeast, vultures, leopards, and by the end of the safari, 8 rhino!

Sometimes Michael would stop the vehicle and say, “Let’s just wait here for a while.” And shortly something amazing would happen: the lions jumped down from the tree and wandered right past us, a cheetah mother took her four large cubs on a stalking and hunting class while we watched, two groups of elephants met on an open plain and greeted each other like old friends, a large giraffe family walked out of a woodland and crossed right in front of us, and a huge herd of wildebeast and zebras bunched up at a river, fearful of crossings, and then charged across the river like water pouring out of a glass. All this we would have missed if Michael hasn’t suggested we stop and wait and watch.

Our accommodations at Mbuzi Mawe and Lake Masek (both tented lodges) were surprisingly luxurious, and really delightful in every way. Ngorongoro Crater Serena Lodge sits on the edge of the crater, and the vistas from our veranda were amazing; all the way to the floor of the crater. Escarpment Lodge is the loveliest place we have stayed, anywhere in the world, at its price point. We started and ended our trip at The African Tulip Hotel in Arusha, a beautiful hotel on a quiet street.

We cannot say enough about how pleased we are with Africa Dream Safaris, and with all the direction and advice from Michael Wishner as we planned our safari. Every question was promptly answered. Every detail was gone over before leaving. Nothing was left unattended to. We have already, and will continue to recommend Africa Dream Safaris to our friends and colleagues.

Asante Sana to both Michaels!

Loren and Linda K.
Plymouth, Minnesota
Safari Dates: April 29, 2017 to May 9, 2017