After more than a year of planning and anticipation, our dream of an African safari became a reality when we were joined by our two adult sons and their wives in Tanzania for what can only be described as the trip of our lifetime!

No amount of research or planning could have prepared us for the thrill of seeing for ourselves the endless line of wildebeest and zebra moving south through the plains of the Serengeti, the successful hunt of the cheetah amongst the grazing gazelle, or the lions resting lazily in the shade of our land cruiser! Add to that the leopard napping with its kill in the branches of a sausage tree, all of the elephants and giraffes, sighting two of the elusive black rhinos in the same day and so much more!

It takes a knowledgeable staff to put together and execute a trip of this quality, and Africa Dream Safaris did not disappoint! From our first email to our last phone conversation, Michael Wishner was a pleasure to work with, answering our never-ending questions and putting together a first-rate itinerary. From the time we stepped off the plane at Kilimanjaro Airport to the afternoon when we returned for our flights out of Tanzania, we could not have asked for a more attentive staff.

Upon arrival, Mathias whisked us through the airport and, together with Joseph, delivered us to the Mount Meru Resort. Having added an additional day in Arusha to the start of our trip, they returned the next morning and accompanied us on a sightseeing tour of the area and were also responsible for delivering us to the airport for our flight to the Serengeti.

We cannot say enough good things about our guide, Bernard, who greeted us at the airstrip and accompanied us on our adventure. His knowledge of the animals, birds, and surrounding area, as well as his ability to spot the wildlife and have us “where we needed to be, when we needed to be there” was nothing short of mind-boggling!

Bernard knew just how to park our vehicle to maximize our views for endless photo opportunities. Even as novice photographers, we came home with amazing pictures! Bernard’s love for his work was apparent each and every day; and his kindness and sense of humor were appreciated by us all. By the end of our time together, it felt as though we were leaving behind a family member.

We were pleased with the four accommodations that we utilized while on safari (Mbuzi Mawe Tented Lodge, Ndutu Lodge, Ngorongoro Serena Lodge, Maramboi Tented Lodge) and the staff at each that went out of their way to make us feel welcomed and cared for. Falling asleep to the sounds of lions roaring and waking to zebra and gazelle grazing right outside our tents was an added bonus.

From spotting our first herd of wildebeest as we landed in the Serengeti to our walk with the Maasai warrior to view the multitude of pink flamingos on Lake Manyara, ADS was paramount in helping us create memories that will last a lifetime. Our safari was hands-down the best vacation decision we’ve ever made and one we will never regret.

If you are considering a safari, we encourage you to follow through…and choose ADS to make your dream a reality. You won’t be disappointed!

Dan and Diane R.
Elkhart, Indiana
Safari Dates: January 24, 2017 to February 1, 2017