Up Close and Firsthand!

Africa. Dream. Safaris. Each word had its own special meaning for this trip of a lifetime. Millions of words have spilled across page after page trying to capture the true essence of the magical and mystical land called Africa. It may be a cliche but there is no better way to express that this experience was truly a dream come true and an epic journey across the vast plains of the Serengeti and down into the breathtaking beauty of the Ngorongoro Crater with so many memories made along the way. This safari provided the ultimate opportunity to explore, investigate and learn about the animals, the geography and the people in the best possible way – up close and firsthand.

ADS more than exceeded any and all of the expectations that my family and friends had on this incredible journey. From the first night at the Mara River Camp where we were awakened in the wee hours of the morning by lions roaring in the distance to the Swala Tented Lodge where the elephants enjoyed late night snacks on branches 10 feet from our tent, the opportunities to intimately experience the animals surpassed anything we could imagine.

With impeccable attention to detail and our wishes, Dawn set up the optimum trip itinerary for our group and Roman, our guide extraordinaire, did everything humanly possible to ensure we would get to see where the wild things were – from the tree tops to the river beds. We followed exquisitely colored and unusual birds, wildebeests (thousands and thousands of them!), Maasai giraffes, elephants, hippos, zebras, gazelles, impalas, elands, Cape buffalos, baboons, wart hogs, crocodiles and the cats – on my, the cats: lion, leopard, cheetah and serval cats – and many more animals of different species.

Along the way, Dawn ensured we had the opportunity to visit two Maasai villages, the Olduvai Gorge and the Foundation for African Medicine & Education. Having the opportunity to experience the many varied facets of Africa is a hallmark of what ADS has to offer. Africa Dream Safaris allowed us to experience our dream and we will be forever grateful. To Dawn and Roman and all the ADS staff who made this amazing trip so very special – Asante!

A highlight of the trip – THE CROSSING! (North Serengeti – Mara River)

Surveying the territory from a lofty vantage point

Here’s looking at you, kid.

And they’re off . . .

These ladies are truly standing by their man.

Truly the king!

So unbelievably majestic!

What’s new pussycat???

Hippo heaven

On the left side of the photo, another very famous kind of crossing

Yes, size does matter!

Family is everything.

In the Ngorongoro Crater – zebras, zebras everywhere . . .

With our fearless leader and fantastic guide and friend, Roman – Thank you for the unforgettable memories of a lifetime!!!

Louise F.
Vienna, Virginia
Safari Dates: July 27, 2019 to August 7, 2019

  1. Louise F. you are the family Roman picked up after our safari with him. I think he had a week off in between. What a job he did. Working so hard and a very knowledgeable guide! Sounds like your trip was as fabulous as ours. We are ready to go back! Love ADS!

  2. These pictures are fantastic. I ‘specially love the giraffes, my most favorite animals. We were so fortunate to see many on our trip. I would love to do I again.