A few weeks have passed since our family has returned from Tanzania but Tanzania has not left us. At its core this is what makes an African safari so special. It has been written and said many times, in ways more eloquently than I ever could, that Africa plants a feeling inside you that never stops growing. For my wife and I, this started 13 years ago after our first trip with Africa Dream Safaris (ADS). (You can find a link to the review from that trip here: A Magical Symphony for the Senses – A Tanzania Travelogue. We have been waiting for the right moment to return with our children.

While choices in safari operators were extensive at the time of the first trip, they pale in comparison to the choices that exist now. The research I conducted in 2012 along with the incredible experience we had from beginning to end on that trip led me back to – but not without first exploring other options. If I am honest, I initially thought that tour operators must have evolved and that there was no way one from 2012 could still be best in class. I was wrong.

I conducted extensive searches and interviews with many operators, including several that have fancier websites and highlight bigger “wow” factors. I never encountered a team with more expertise, patience and caring than at ADS. Choosing them again was the right decision.

The ADS team understands what makes for a great safari and they employ people who reflect a commitment to making your trip special. I am not exactly sure how they work their magic, but it starts with dedication to their team.

This can be seen in the tenure of many of the people that work for them and who consider the operation a family – it certainly feels like it. Several of the ADS team from our first trip are still with ADS. I love this about the company.

Unlike our first trip which was a bucket-list anniversary present for Lisa, this was a family adventure. We wanted to cap-off an amazing two-year international assignment. Our children 14 and 11 would agree we achieved that goal.

The trip started by landing in Kilamanjaro. While we had VIP service last time, the new VIP facility and lounge that ADS and only a handful of other operators have access to was a really nice upgrade. Fresh snacks and drinks along with comfortable facilities are the backdrop for an immigration officer clearing your entry. The process worked flawlessly and we were soon in the care of our ADS local team for transport to Arusha.

After a long journey, especially when traveling with children, you simply want things to be easy and ready – and so they were when we arrived at Lake Duluti Lodge where we spent an enjoyable evening before heading into the bush. The next morning, the usual ADS care was taken in ensuring that we escorted through security screening and found our way to the right plane. Being in a small plane set the wow-factor tone for the children and it didn’t end until we left.

We arrived at Kogatende Airstrip and met our guide Fazal. Your guide is the most important aspect of your safari. Our previous guide was so amazing I didn’t think anyone could live up to those expectations. Wrong again. Fazal combined being a wildlife expert and off-road driving professional in a way that instantly put everyone at ease.

What made Fazal truly special though was how he knew exactly how to balance interactions and styles between parents and children. His patience and caring and ability to share his incredible knowledge of nature, animals and photography with the kids actually had us wishing we could hire him to co-parent. I would say we were lucky to have him but it wasn’t luck as ADS invests in the best guides and knows how to pair them to your group.

The next eight days included a menagerie of animals, sights and sounds that cannot be captured adequately in any media. The lodges were all great and the staff at each location went out of their way to make our experience unique and special. To be in the middle of the wilderness and have incredible meals, drinks and accommodations provided each night is true blessing.

The people that work and live in Tanzania could not be more authentic, caring, and helpful. They love showcasing their country and its natural wonders.

The awe that Lisa and I experienced each time we saw something new on the first trip returned this time as well. Sure, the animals are mostly the same but the grandeur, diversity of life and scale of everything simply defies belief no matter how many times you see it.

One of the best reminders of this was watching the kids experience this for the first time. It is truly a magical experience to see how kids experience a safari. Nothing captured these emotions more than when we got to spend hours watching lions play with their cubs after the lionesses returned from a hunt. It was the highlight of a trip that was full of highlights.

In sum, another incredible trip. We want to express our gratitude to Sharon and Michael and the entire ADS team for once again exceeding our expectations. I cannot wait to book another trip. Asante Sana!

Mike and Lisa B.
Far Hills, New Jersey
Safari Dates: June 15, 2024 to June 24, 2025