A Tanzanian safari, and specifically the great migration, had been on our bucket list for more than 30 years. When we finally started planning, we knew we wanted to do it right. For us, that meant a private safari. We did our research, and decided to go with Africa Dream Safaris, and Dawn helped put together an itinerary that covered our extensive wish list! After 18 months of looking at photos, the ADS website, Facebook page, and ADS handbook, it was finally time for our safari.

With all of this anticipation, excitement, and planning, we were a little nervous that we had built it up too much, and were setting ourselves up for disappointment. But, from the moment we landed in Kilimanjaro, Africa Dream Safaris not only met our expectations, but far exceeded them in every way.

We were escorted past the long line of people waiting to enter the country to a VIP lounge, where we were offered refreshments and a comfy couch while our passports and luggage were quickly processed, and we were on our way.

This VIP treatment continued throughout the entire trip. Staff at every camp and lodge welcomed us like family, and took great care of us during our stay. And the wildlife did not disappoint either! From the plane flying into the Serengeti, we could already see the herds of wildebeest. We got off the plane, and immediately started our first game drive.

Our guide Russell was fantastic! He spotted animals for us, and we could stop and watch them for as long as we wanted. He knew everything about everything – wildlife, birds, plants, trees -everything! He knew we really wanted to see a Mara River Crossing, so we found and followed a huge herd that first afternoon.

The wildebeest were making their way toward the crossing point, and Russell’s suggestion was to find them the next morning – they may be ready to make the crossing. And the next morning, that’s exactly what happened! We witnessed a crossing that went on for over an hour! It was an amazing sight!

We started our days before sunrise every morning, and saw so many incredible animal interactions. We saw hyenas heading back home after overnight hunts, mamas and babies just waking up for the day, cheetahs eating a fresh kill, , crocodiles fighting over a zebra carcass, a male ostrich dancing for his mate, a leopard with a kill up a tree and so much more.

We had encounters with elephants, who would walk so close to the jeep, that we could see their little hairs and dirt on their wrinkled skin as they walked by. Being able to observe these animals in the wild was just incredible.

We loved the boxed lunches, and just stopping in the middle of the bush to eat. We’d sit next to the jeep eating while wildebeest, zebra, or gazelles walked by. Dinner time back at camp was always fantastic, and we were treated to several “bush dinners” by the fire watching the sun go down.

This trip was truly a dream come true, and we are so very glad we chose Africa Dream Safaris to make it happen!

Tammy and Joe B.
Jacksonville, Florida
Safari Dates: September 09. 2024 to September 20, 2024