We have recently returned from our second safari with Africa Dream Safaris (ADS) and all I can say is it was truly a trip of a lifetime! Admittedly, I was reluctant to return to the Serengeti after our trip with ADS in 2018. I was concerned that it might be a let down the second time around as our first trip was an amazing, life altering experience. My wife Donna has a certain persistent way about her and lucky for us we returned! My skepticism couldn’t have been more wrong as Sharon pulled out all the stops to deliver a truly amazing experience.

Your elevated experience with ADS begins with you being escorted to the private, air conditioned VIP arrivals lounge at Kilimanjaro airport. Then it was off to the Arusha Coffee Lodge with our escort Mathias for a couple of nights to shake off the jet lag. Sharon surprised us with an amazing private dinner, fireside in the garden on our second night here. I would highly recommend while you are there, visiting Shanga which is located on the same property.

The morning of day three, we flew into the Seronera airstrip to meet our guide, Elson to begin our adventure. All the ADS guides are top notch but I believe that Elson has an unmatched knowledge of the animals, birds and reptiles. He brings with him a true love of the Serengeti, it’s people, and his country!

He’s a joy to spend time with and speak with and we couldn’t think of a better person to share this adventure with! We spent four nights at the Four Seasons Lodge, up early every morning for a full day of amazing game drives. Elson is a master at not only seeking out the wildlife, but positioning the vehicle so that the light is right for picture taking! Our 800+ amazing photographs are a testament to this.

We were then off to Woodlands Camp for an unbelievable experience. The staff here is truly welcoming and attentive. As it happened, the first night there was Donna’s 60th birthday. I had messaged Sharon to see if we could recognize this in some meaningful way and she surely didn’t disappoint! We started the evening with a traditional African “Sundowner” which took place a short drive from the camp.

Watching the sun set over the Serengeti with the love of your life, drinks in hand, is a feeling that defies description! Upon our return to camp, we were greeted by the staff and escorted into their little “boma” where there was a fire roaring and a special birthday dinner table all laid out.

How one serves a world class five course meal in the middle of nowhere is beyond me, but these guys pulled it off flawlessly! As dinner was drawing to a close, the entire staff arrived singing with a birthday cake in hand! Donna was brought to tears and admittedly, I was too. Donna turned to Elson and exclaimed, “best birthday ever!”

The next morning we where up early to head for Lake Masek for two nights. More amazing game drives, interesting people and great service from the staff at Lake Masek Tented Lodge. Elson’s witty banter with some of the staff was entertaining and highlights his bond with the people everywhere you go.

Our second evening was highlighted by some late evening banter with Elson and Russell, who we insisted join us at our table for a night cap. There’s a true friendship between these two guides. Although we’d only spent a few days with Elson, he was becoming a true friend!

Next we were off to the Ngorongoro Crater and “The Crater Lodge”. Wow, just wow! Amazing views and architecture all wrapped up in world class service! This is a must stay experience. You’ll feel like you’ve been transported back in time to Colonial times.

The sleeping accommodations defy description as does the service. We highly recommend you partake in the offered bubble bath in your room along with the champagne in your fridge! After spending the morning in the crater we headed for the Ngorongoro Manor Lodge, another highlight for sure!

The Ngorongoro Manor Lodge is nestled in a huge coffee plantation and is full of that colonial charm. We walked the grounds, checked out the horses at their stables and had another unforgettable evening! When we arrived for dinner we where escorted to a private library room on the other side of their great room where a special table and five course gourmet meal was served. Way to go Sharon! Dinner concluded with the staff singing and serving us a special cake.

In conclusion, this truly was a trip of a lifetime! Going on safari with Africa Dream Safaris is truly an elevated experience. In fact, if you haven’t done it with ADS, you haven’t really done it at all! Our sincerest thank you to Sharon, Elson, Mathias and the entire ADS team for delivering another world class adventure

PS – Donna tells me that she’s already thinking about number three!

Donna and Rick F.
Carstairs, Canada
Safari Dates: March 4, 2024 to March 14, 2024