We recently went on our third safari with ADS and once again it exceeded all expectations. We were met at the airport and whisked right through the Visa process and on the road to the beautiful Lake Duluti Lodge. This time we went with some friends that had never been to Africa before.
We decided to spend our first full day in Arusha to see the sites and to have an easy first day. We had a wonderful tour of the city and once again went to Shanga. We were so pleased to introduce our friends to this wonderful operation and to see how well it was doing and even expanding.
The next morning we headed out for our flight to the Serengeti where we were met by Arnold. What a great guide!! He knew everything about all the animals-where they would be and what they would be doing. Even on our third trip we learned so many new things and saw so many new sites.
The very first day it began-cheetah, giraffe, hippo, elephants and lions. We had told our friends that the animals would be close-they were amazed, they never imagined THAT CLOSE! We had lions resting in the shade of our vehicle.
Our first 3 nights in the Serengeti we spent at Seronera Sametu Camp-it was like coming home again! We had been there on our last safari and J.J. (can you say best host ever?) was there to greet us and to make our stay the most comfortable and wonderful ever. J.J. and his team treat you as if you were family that they are very happy to see. They are there doing things for you that you don’t even know you want or need. Be sure to put this camp on your list!
We saw lots of pregnant animals this time of year and also lots of babies, we even saw a wildebeest still wet from the birth. We were able to take videos of lions mating, and two lioness fighting over the care of the cubs. So many new and amazing things each visit.
When we tell people back home that haven’t been they often say-“you’re going to the same place again?” If only they understood that each day, each moment is different in the bush. Or, as Arnold would say “You never know what’s around the corner.”
We visited a Maasai Village and were greeted by the men, women and children. We visited their schoolhouse and the children we so pleased to see us and to see their pictures on our ipads.
Of course, we feel a visit is never complete without a visit to FAME on the way back to Arusha. We stopped in and Dr. Frank gave us a tour and told us about all the progress they are making and about all the good the contributions from the U.S. and others are doing to help the hospital.
Now all we can do is wait for our 4th safari.
Lenny and Nancy M.
The Villages, Florida
Safari Dates January 9, 2019 to January 19, 2019
We can not wait to visit Africa. Booked with ADS ages ago and June 2019 is finally around the corner.
Flight baggage weight restrictions are still weighing on my mind. Do I pack undies or my DSLR and GoPro. Later on that delima.
Camera! (I’d skip the GoPro too). Get quick dry undies and wash them out when you take your evening shower. They dry overnight.
Since this was our third trip, we weren’t concerned about what to bring. Just bring clothes that wash out quickly and easily. Most places also do laundry for you at a very reasonable price. I buy inexpensive underwear and socks and throw them out as we go. My husband uses the quick dry travel undies suggested above.
We both bring a duffle which goes in the overhead and a backpack.
You will have the time of your life.
We are going on our first safari with ADS in June and can’t wait to go! Like other first time goers what to pack, what to bring is very much on my mind. Your pictures are amazing and thank you for posting.
J.J.and his crew ARE THE BEST!!No matter what time of year,book his camp!!