Like everyone, we wanted the very best safari experience. We visited the websites of numerous safari outfitters and read reviews posted by their clients. Most of these websites were poorly designed and lacked vital information. Many of their clients’ reviews complained about sharing a vehicle with strangers, poor food, and mediocre accommodations. Fortunately, we then visited the ADS website. It was, by far, the most informative and easily navigated safari website. The ADS website promised our own private vehicle and great accommodations.  Africa Dream Safaris delivered on those promises and more.

The driver/guide is critical to a successful safari. Our driver/guide knew exactly where to find the wildlife we requested at each area visited. He would often reposition the vehicle to give us the best views and camera angles. His vehicle, by the way, was clean, comfortable, and offered excellent viewing with its canvas convertible top. He enriched our trip with his knowledge of the wildlife and their surroundings. He was engaging and attentive to our every need.

The game drives during our 11 day safari were excellent. We saw almost everything: lions, giraffes, elephants, hippos, cheetahs, leopards, and much more. And we saw them all again and again each day and at each area visited (Northern Serengeti, Central Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire). We were fortunate enough to witness a herd of wildebeests crossing the Mara River and were surprised to encounter numerous varieties of unusual birds, such as Barefaced “Go Away” birds and Hornbills, and colorful birds such as Lilac Breasted Rollers, Superb Starlings, and Fisher’s Lovebirds. Mary Ann’s favorite was the giraffe. For me, the great cats were the stars of the show.

Our safari was more than just game drives, however. The visit to a Maasai village was quite the cultural experience. The young Maasai warriors had a great time taking pictures of each other with my camera. We also enjoyed the learning opportunities presented at the Oldupai Gorge, the cradle of mankind, and the Great Rift Valley, a fracture in the African tectonic plate.

Our safari with ADS was truly an incredible experience. We can’t wait to go back. We strongly recommend ADS for everyone’s African adventure.

Denny and Mary Ann Dowling
Cincinnati, Ohio
October 2011