Our hearts sank as we saw the horde at Immigration deplaning at Kilimanjaro. But then we see our name beckoning on a placard. Skirting round the corner past the teeming horde, we are greeted and whisked past the crowd to wait near the Customs Officer’s booth. Assisting with Immigration and clearing us well ahead of the madness is most welcome ADS; asante sana. Many of that horde were also coming for safari.

On to Lake Duluti Lodge for our overnight and later, our dayroom. A wonderful setting amidst a coffee plantation. We loved the change. Our second adventure with Africa Dream Safaris has begun.

Morning brings breakfast and a thrilling drive to the Arusha airport. There really is more to Africa than just the wildlife. Don’t miss the sights, sounds and smells of the towns. And oh, how the flights are such a great part of the adventure. There is nothing quite like descending towards a dirt airstrip in the middle of the bush.

We are off to Kogatende airstrip near the Mara River to connect with our guide Russell. We are so happy to be seeing him again. He introduced us to the Serengeti, Ngornogoro and so much more last April. And look, he has a new safari cruiser! Cool, I can charge my phone and batteries much easier now. Bigger windows, more space; let the game drives begin ! Time for the African massages!

Working with Michael we had planned to see different areas this time. Fly north to the Mara, then game drive to the East Central Serengeti and finally fly down to Tarangire southwest of the Crater.

Whatever the Serengeti shares still remains our mantra. We were hoping to see the unusual and to focus more on the animal’s behaviors; however, nothing could have prepared us for all that we were about to experience.

This time of year, the full migration in the north is truly amazing in its’ scope and spectacle. We experienced 2 wildebeest crossings with crocodile attacks, an elephant crossing, a ‘million’ wildebeest filling the valleys, new lion behaviors and so much more.

Our first camp had prepared the full honeymoon experience for our 4 nights; and we had just hoped for the seclusion of the honeymoon tent! A truly luxury experience, butler and all; ending with sundowners on a kopjes overlooking the Rift Valley and a private dinner back at the lodge. We could never bring ourselves to waste the water with a hot tub at the tent though. Bush breakfasts and lunch buffets were so delicious…I’ll take that pig in a blanket!

After a days’ game drive south, we found ourselves back on the open plains with wildlife all around. 4 nights at Seronera Sametu Camp truly will deliver the Hemmingway experience! The East and Central Serengeti in dry time was very much different than last April. Dusty roads, prescribed burns and much less game seemed to concentrate the big cats, especially the lions. Many opportunities for observing different behaviors from the remaining wildlife. We also had the pleasure of Ali guiding us for our last day here as Russell made his way south.

Then on to the Land of the Giants…Tarangire National Park. We flew from Seronera to Koru to stay 3 nights at Swala Tented Lodge, another luxury camp. My chance to focus even more on the birds; and perhaps catch a glimpse of some of the more elusive wildlife and animal behaviors not always observed.

We so appreciate, Michael, Russell, Ali and all of the ADS family who have made our trips so special. Hakunamatata na sisipendahapa Africa Dream Safaris! Baadaye!

Now, if we could just have the Transporter from Star Trek…beam me back Scotty!

Cindi and Rick B.
Corpus Christi, Texas
Safari Dates: September 21, 2018 to October 3, 2018