Everything about our trip exceeded our expectations! Our guide, Fadhal, was a fantastic host, driver, photography expert, historian, and friend. By leaving early and returning late each day, he ensured we had the best wildlife viewing opportunities and perfect lighting for photography. We especially appreciated his ability to find unique sightings while skillfully avoiding the “Land Cruiser caravans.”

We stayed at four wonderful facilities: River Camp, Sametu Camp, Lion’s Paw, and Elephant Springs. One of the primary reasons we chose ADS was their ability to accommodate Julia’s strict gluten-free dietary needs due to Celiac disease. Every location was incredibly understanding and accommodating throughout our long stay.

Our first stop at River Camp was a wildlife “overload.” We witnessed wildebeests crossing the Mara River, lion cubs playing in the road at sunset, and an up-close view of a baboon troop in the morning light. We even saw a crocodile “death roll” a gazelle carcass and watched elephants tearing limbs from trees. The sheer number of zebras, gazelles, buffalo, and hippos was staggering.

Sametu Camp was our personal favorite, and the staff there were fantastic. On the way there, we saw giraffes grazing and hippos packed into the river, but it was the big cats that truly stole our hearts.

The highlight of our trip: Having a mother cheetah spend over half an hour standing on our roof while one of her cubs camped out on our spare tire! Witnessing them run, play, and scan the grasslands from termite mounds was an experience we will never forget.

We also saw several leopards, including a rare, thrilling moment of a cub nursing in a tree. The lion sightings were just as dramatic, from four males waiting out a warthog at its burrow to a lioness herding ten cubs to the safety of the kopjes.

The birdlife was equally stunning. We captured beautiful photos of a Lilac-breasted Roller in flight and saw the impressive wingspan of a Secretary Bird. We also enjoyed a magical bush dinner and a breathtaking sunrise from the Sametu patio.

At the Ngorongoro Crater, we stayed at Lion’s Paw, which offered spectacular sunset views over the crater during dinner. In the crater itself, we managed to spot rare black rhinos, flamingos, and Grey Crowned Cranes. We’ll never forget the sight of a bird sticking its head right up a water buffalo’s nostril!

Our final stop at Elephant Springs in the Tarangire put us right in the heart of elephant country. We watched a herd rush into a mud hole to splash and roll—the babies were completely coated in mud from trunk to tail!

Afterward, they performed a “dusting” ritual that looked like a localized dust storm. On our last night, a night safari revealed a leopard with a fresh kill only ten feet from the road, along with jackals, eagles, and a rare serval.

We had a fantastic time and have already told all our friends about our experience. We are extremely glad we chose ADS for our safari.

Jay and Julia W.
Lenoir, North Carolina
Safari Dates: September 12, 2025, to September 23, 2025