Oh my, where do I begin. Our vacation started on July 21, 2021, in Washington D.C. We arrived at Kilimanjaro Airport and a representative from Africa Dream Safaris was waiting for us, just as promised, at the airport. We were whisked through the airport to the Covid testing site, and in no time at all we were on our way to the Arusha Coffee Lodge. What a magnificent place! We rested up and the next day we were promptly picked up and taken to the small airport nearby for the flight to the Serengeti.

Our guide, Michael, was there and we started our first game drive! I was in awe of all the animals we saw on the first day! There were wildebeest, impalas, giraffes, zebras and elephants everywhere, I was amazed. Then, to top it off we saw male lions feasting on a fresh kill.

We were taken to Mara River Camp for a glorious three-night stay. Luxury to the max! The staff was kind, attentive, and most of all happy to have us there. After a long day on a game drive it was a welcome place to go back to. The food was excellent and on day two they threw a surprise celebration for us at dinner. We sat at a table around a campfire and were presented with gifts the were made by the Masai tribe. There was song and dancing for all!

Here’s a video of an encounter we had with a family of elephants:

We then moved on to Mbalageti Lodge which was also exquisite. The game drives from there were over the top also. Baboons, hippos, more elephants, zebras, wildebeest, gazelles, crocodiles, birds of all kinds. The lodge had an amazing view of sunsets and sunrises. The food was great!

Our next stop was Seronera Sametu Camp. This was also very beautiful and the staff were wonderful. I just cannot say enough about the cleanliness of the facility. Our game drives from here we’re so exciting! A lioness with cubs that walked right past our Land Rover! Our guide Michael sure knew how to the spot the game, that’s for sure.

There again, were elephants, wildebeest, zebras, birds, giraffes, and so many different plants and trees. Oh, of course, the food was outstanding. We had another surprise dinner in the Bush which was so fun. We stayed there for two nights.

The next lodge was at the top of the Ngorongoro Crater called Lion’s Paw Camp…absolutely a must! We were only there for one night but we did two game drives and saw so many beautiful birds there, including flamingos and ostriches. Of course, there were more elephants, wildebeest, zebras, and many, many lions!

From there we traveled Maramboi Lodge. Wow! You drive along this dirt road then suddenly you are at an amazing lodge right on a vast lake! Again, the lodging, food, people and accommodation were over the top. We toured the Tarangire National Park and saw three of the big five in one setting, lions, buffalo and elephants. We watched for over an hour. Just unreal. We were there for two wonderful nights and then back to the Arusha Coffee Lodge to prepare to go home.

Before leaving, I did read the Homeland Security alerts and we decided to go with our gut. I’m so happy we did. Tanzania was very safe, and on safari you and your party are with your driver all day. Africa Dream Safaris take pride in keeping you safe, always.

From the minute we stepped off the plane until we were safely through security and in the airport for the trip home, we were attended. The Covid precautions at all the lodges were stellar. Never once did we feel in jeopardy. This was more than a vacation. It changed our lives for the better. The humble, kind people, including our extraordinary guide, Michael, made the trip for us. We loved it so much we are returning in February 2022.

Thank you Africa Dream Safari for this incredible experience! See you in 2022!

Sarah K. and William P.
Cape Charles, Virginia
Safari Dates: July 21, 2021 to August 02, 2021