We just returned from another safari with Africa Dream Safaris and we are so glad that we didn’t put it off until another year. We found that there was no need to worry about the effect that Covid might have had on venturing on a safari to Africa. ADS only uses lodges and camps where the staff observes Covid protocols of mask wearing, hand sanitizing, and in some places, temperature readings.

At all but one of the camps that we stayed in, the dining room is in a screened room so the air flows freely. The tables were widely separated. All of these practices were reassuring, but in reality, we were either the only guests staying there or one or two other groups of guests. The camp staff was so grateful to have guests at their property. At each camp, the camp manager, chefs and others came to chat with us.

It seemed to us that the tide is turning and tourists are beginning to return to the beautiful Serengeti and the friendly people of Tanzania. For a country that survives in large part on tourism, we were so happy to have been a part of the re-opening of many of these camps that had been closed for way too long.

We want to send out a special thank you to the ADS family that made our safari so special. We planned this safari on very short notice, but Michael and the rest of the ADS staff, here and in Tanzania, worked hard to make sure we got our necessary visas, Covid testing arranged (in the U.S. and Tanzania), and all other necessary arrangements made on time. Michael also kindly arranged for us to have bush dinners outside around a campfire at a number of our camps and a celebration of our 25th anniversary. Thank you, Michael. That was very enjoyable!

Upon arrival in Tanzania, it was like meeting old friends as Mathias and our guide, Ellison, met us at the airport in Kilimanjaro. Mathias has met us at the airport for each one of our safaris and gives us a full briefing on what to expect on our safari. Ellison and Mathias are in contact with each other throughout the safari to arrange everything for a smooth safari and easy departure back to the U.S.

This was our third safari with Ellison as our guide. It was great seeing Ellison again after a few years absence and once again, we were delighted with his friendliness, sense of humor, patience, knowledge, etc. Thank you Ellison for everything you did to make our safari so wonderful. We hope to see you again someday!

The wildlife viewing was spectacular. We were fortunate to have seen a large portion of the migration on three separate occasions. We were the only jeep in the area to be surrounded by thousands and thousands of wildebeest and zebra.

We were lucky to see some of the more elusive animals such as caracal (on two separate occasions), a serval cat, a side-striped jackal, and four different kinds of snakes. For those who might be snake-phobic, don’t worry, snake sightings are not actually very common, but we did see two python, two puff adders, a black mamba, and a very quick glance at a smaller non-venomous snake.

In summary, our opinion is that a fear of Covid should not be a reason for keeping you from traveling to Tanzania. The people waiting there for you will more than make up for any fears you might have. Enjoy!

James and Sandra M.
Torrance, California
Safari Dates: June 11, 2021 to June 23, 2021