Thank you for an experience I will always remember and treasure. I am struggling to find the words to express my profound gratitude to our guide, Emmanuel, who I am convinced provided the best safari experience anyone could ever have. All the ADS staff, as well as the staff at the different lodges, showed us tremendous kindness and took great care of us. They made everything easy – from picking us up at the airport, quickly moving us through customs and covid tests, getting us from one lodge to the next, catering to our food preferences, and answering our endless amount of questions.

Emmanuel was the preeminent ambassador for Tanzania and for the animals. I probably asked 100 questions a day because my mind was exploding with curiosity in response to everything I was seeing. Emmanuel graciously answered every question with expert knowledge and enthusiasm. I had such a magnificent time learning from him! I can, for example, confidently describe the mating habits of the lions as well as the dung beetles, identify the different face shapes of male and female elephants, and explain how an animal’s diet is linked to its appearance, behavior, and temperament.

I was in awe of Emmanuel’s knowledge of every animal and its habitat and lifestyle. (He should be a college professor!) Every day from sunrise to sunset we saw animal after animal as Emmanuel’s keen eyes and expertise guided us to the best spots. The first day, driving from Arusha Coffee Lodge to the Seronera Sametu Camp we saw impala, hippos, dik dik, a leopard, a crocodile, elephants, ostrich, serval cat, baboons, zebras, lions and their cubs, topi, elephants, cheetahs, and giraffes!

We joked that all we had to do was ask Emmanuel for what we most wanted to see – a leopard in a tree, lion cubs, a baby elephant, a chase – and he’d find that experience for us!

For 14 days, our small group included just the 5 of us – my father, friends Janey and Suzi, me, and our guide, Emmanuel. We ate breakfast, lunch, and dinner together, and spent every day enjoying the animals and each other. So much laughter, new learnings, and awe for the vast and inspiring landscape of the Serengeti. I am now home and very much missing my Serengeti family because I became quite attached!

Sending hugs and gratitude to our guide, and feeling excitement for all the guests who will come after us. Enjoy!

Milena E.
Oakland, California
Safari Dates: March 4, 2022 to March 16, 2022