Every dream comes at a price. The Serengeti will now haunt our dreams until we return. Thanks to the entire staff of Africa Dream Safaris, both here and in Tanzania, for making our dreams into reality. Our eagle-eyed guide, not only knew every animal’s behavior, but he could spot our quarry from unbelievable distances.
Richard and Yvonne Buckley
May 2010
Two hyena and a zebra they just caught for lunch.
A lion roaring… or maybe that’s just a yawn?
I just want to thank you and African Dream Safaris for the most amazing adventure! There are no words to describe what I feel in my heart so I’m not even going to try. I’m sure you understand how I am feeling. Truly an experience of a lifetime, and my only complaint is that it went by too quickly. Tom and I have traveled to many places, but this is by far the best travel experience I have ever had. I love Africa, and it will always be with me. I know that someday I will return. A special thank you to our guide for putting his heart and soul into our safari experience, spending 11 to 12 hours a day with us or more. He had us on the road at 6:00 or 7:00 each morning!! Every day of our safari was unique and special. Not only was our guide extremely hard working, but we were amazed at all of the animals he was able to spot! Never a boring or disappointing moment. You are very lucky to have him as an employee of ADS.
Please know that you and African Dream Safaris can count on our referral. I have not been able to stop thinking or talking about my safari experience….I am already working on my brother and his wife!
Cindy and Tom Ressler
June 2010
A young baboon quenching his thirst in the river.
Cindy enjoying a nice view of some cheetahs!
A small sampling of the Great Migration.
We have been back just under two weeks now and we are still marveling at what an awesome trip we experienced. Carol and Rick Flam could have never have prepared us for the trip we had; truly it was our Africa Dream Safari. It is hard to come up with enough superlatives to accurately reflect the trip we experienced. I know we have had a debriefing conversation, but let this letter record our feeling about your company and the job that was done by ADS.
From the time we first made contact with ADS until the time we came home, everyone we came in contact with was more than helpful and focused on making this a trip of a lifetime. As you know, it is not an easy trip, but the entire company went all out to make it so memorable. Your help over the past 15 months was so important in making this trip come off so smoothly. You answered all our questions and addressed all our concerns. We could not ask for more.
As for our arrival in Arusha, your staff was there as promised, met us and ushered us through their immigration without a hitch. When she took us to the Arusha airstrip the next morning, again she ushered us through check in and was able to facilitate them waiving the weight problem we were anticipating with all of Lisa’s camera equipment. Everything was “Hakuna Matata”.
But here is where it really gets good. We met [our guide]! Again, a recommendation by Carol and Rick that could not have been anticipated. You have a real jewel in this man. Not only is he polite, conscientious, and experienced, but he understands people and animal behavior. I would be the first to tell you that traveling with my daughter, sister, niece, and my wife presented some interesting dynamics. We all have different personalities, agendas, and needs. [Our guide] was able to quickly understand what he was dealing with and cater to each of us in a way that made our experience sensational. Each of us felt that personal connection with [him], and that he was personally guiding for each of us individually. And yet, he made it great for all of us. [He] knew behavior. He had the insight to position ourselves to witness what was going to either be a kill, or better yet, a rescue. After almost 2 hours of observation, we did see the rescue of a baby wildebeest by the herd from an almost certain kill situation. Most other cars that were there just drove off rather than wait, observe, and witness a rarity.
[Our guide] also shared with us villages in his country that we felt were not just tourist stops. We were lucky to meet and gain a real appreciation for the beautiful people of Tanzania. Daniel, the Iraqw gentleman we met was terrific in exposing us to his culture. We also visited two orphanages in the Arusha area. This was a moving and learning experience for our whole family.
We loved the accommodations arranged by ADS. Mbalageti Lodge was fantastic. Ngorongoro Crater Lodge was also fantastic. And we really enjoyed the Private Luxury Camping. All of your personnel at the campsite were terrific and couldn’t do enough for us in providing for our needs. And the food was the best at the campsite; better than both lodges in my opinion. Compliments to that entire staff at the campsite.
Our farewell trip to the airport was a very emotional experience for all of us. We felt as if we were leaving behind a wonderful country, and more importantly, a wonderful new friend that we had made with [our guide]. I don’t know how the experience could have been any better. For this, much of the credit must go to [our guide] for the complete experience he provided our family.
As you must know, we have spoken to many fiends about our experience and ADS. We will continue to promote ADS when ever anyone mentions going to Africa. I am working with my cousin to encourage her along with 4 of her widow friends to make the journey while they still can. Your entire team has succeeded beyond any of our expectations, and for that we are all very appreciative. […] Again, all of our thanks and appreciation to African Dream Safaris.
Rochelle, Lisa and Mitch Blumenfeld
May 2010
Some of the first rays of morning light to illuminate the Serengeti wilderness that day.
A Maasai child peaking out from the protective pouch his mother uses to carry him on her back.
A cheetah pausing for a moment before continuing on his way to find food; cheetahs are built for speed rather than fighting, and they are constantly on alert for danger.
I had a fabulous trip & I am obsessed with everything Africa. I think about my trip everyday & want to return. My pics are amazing. Especially my cat pics & I want to send you a testimonial but I have been so busy that I cannot do it until next week or afterwards. We saw lion, leopard & cheetah all in one day. When I returned to camp that night, I cried! It meant everything to me! We cannot say enough good things about [our guide]. I loved him & he worked so hard to please us. He is a great man. All your staff & accommodations were fantastic. I will be in touch soon & thank you.
Cindy Berg
May 2010
We expected to see animals, but were amazed to see hundreds of thousands of wildebeest at the same time in one place, along with tens of thousands of zebras and uncountable gazelles on the Serengeti. We expected to see lions and leopards and cheetahs, but did not expect to watch a three-day drama unfold as a lioness was separated from her pride while hunting, reunited with them, and stalked wildebeest in a hunt that surrounded our jeep for over an hour one evening; we did not realize how close the animals come to the jeep – in one case a leopard literally brushed the door such that we could have reached down and touched her (ill-advised our guide suggested). We did not realize that crocodiles can be wider than alligators are long; that hippos kill more animals than crocs or any other animal on the Serengeti; and that individual variations would be so abundant, from a one-eared elephant to zebras and giraffes with readily discernible markings. And we expected to see baboons … but in our tent?! (He left when David swore at him!) We expected good food, but were really delighted with every meal (the food boxes were uninspired, but more than adequate in quantity of food). The meals at the “Private Luxury Camp” were exceptional, and that chef deserves a special commendation. Our host there, Ndeke, was also very charming, and conversant about so many different things.
Lastly we really have to give a special commendation and thanks to our guide! His knowledge of animal behavior is superb, and he was very patient, waiting in one case for 45 minutes while a herd of 27 elephants slowly emerged from the forest. He would frequently predict the next move that an animal would make, and position the jeep such that we would see elephants slowly leave the forest cover and cross the road, or lions climb to the top of a ‘kopje’ as the sun rose. He knew where best to watch the wildebeest in full run, cheetah hunt, and leopards sleep, such that no other jeeps were anywhere around us. He has a keen photographer’s eye, and frequently set up shots for David such that the lighting, and position of the jeep, were ideal. Thanks also to yourself and all the others ‘behind the scenes’ making all of this happen smoothly. Best wishes!
Ruth and David Miller
June 2010
A leopard walking in the road… right next to the Miller’s vehicle!
A herd of Thompson’s gazelles keeping a wary eye on some nearby lions.
A hippo and crocodiles peacefully sharing the same territory.
Our Safari with ADS was so much more than we anticipated. Our expectations were high given the testimonials we read in your posts and the wonderful ADS website which we visited quite often before we left for our trip. From the moment we landed in Kilimanjaro and were met by the ADS staff until the evening we boarded for our flight home, we were well taken care of and looked forward to every one of our 12 days with our guide. His ability to spot game was of constant amazement to us, and as a result, we not only were fortunate to see “The Big Five”, but we saw virtually all of the animals of the Serengeti that are not nocturnal. The overall experience, including the lodging and food, was outstanding, and we are very happy we chose to visit during the first two weeks of May, at the tail end of the rainy season. Because we were there at the beginning of the Wildebeest migration and the grasses were still present, we were able to see all of the animals in their physical prime. The lions, cheetahs and leopards all had full tummies and the plains were at times covered with game. You know a trip is a success when every morning you looked forward to another adventure and never once thought it would be nice to rest and relax for a day. We loved our safari!
Mike and Cheri Ferguson
May 2010
Where to begin? First of all, let me say that you run an absolutely first-rate organization. Our trip was nearly cancelled because of the volcano and I was so thankful that you were able to reschedule the entire safari on such short notice. Once we finally arrived in Tanzania, our ADS representative was there right on the tarmac to greet us, arrange for our visas, and handle customs. We completely bypassed the long customs lines! Once we left the terminal, we saw all the “other” safari tour operators trying to find their clients. We hopped right into our vehicle and headed to Arusha. That evening, we were treated to singing and a cake to commemorate by Dad’s retirement, which was really a very nice and special thing to for you to arrange. Thank you.
The following day was off to the Serengeti via plane. The flight provided quite a few dramatic views of the African landscape. On arriving to Grumeti, we were greeted by our driver/guide. We absolutely loved his company. Not only was he knowledgeable about the flora and fauna, but he had a wonderful ability to sense when something was about to happen. He is also clearly blessed w/ the eyes of an eagle because he was able to spot things while driving that I could barely discern w/ a 400mm lens. In one instance, he spotted 4 lions perched in a thickly overgrown tree from at least 300 yards away. He was also always flexible and accommodating…willing to start each day whenever we wanted and positioning the vehicle just so in order to get the perfect shot. We always felt very safe and secure w/ him around.
As for the wildlife, it was non-stop. From giant crocodiles in the Grumeti, the wildebeest migration, cheetahs on the savannah, leopards in Seronera, and the black rhinos of the Ngorongoro we saw it all. The sheer spectacle of wildlife that the Serengeti can showcase is truly awe-inspiring. One of my favorite moments was coming across a lion pride that had just made a zebra kill. After eating for a few minutes, 3 of the lionesses suddenly left and walked off into the distance. After about 30 minutes, they returned w/ 8 tiny cubs in tow to join in the meal. A half hour later, one of the lionesses left the pride again. We followed her this time as she ventured deep into the long grass and eventually emerged w/ an even younger cub! It was a long way away from the kill so she carried him in her mouth for half the journey! It was a touching sight.
The ADS private camp is an absolute must! The most wonderful staff we met during the entire trip… they were so nice and accommodating that I felt guilty asking them to do anything. Rama truly made us feel like royalty while there. Henry, who was our chef, is simply unbelievable. In the middle of the bush, he crafted by far not only what were the best meals of the entire trip, but some of the best dishes I have ever had… in the middle of Seronera! If he opened a restaurant, I can promise that I would be a regular there. And the location of the camp was key. Right in the bush, we were in the midst of the wildlife. I loved sleeping to the sounds of lions and hyenas.
So once again, let me say thank you to the entire ADS staff for an absolutely first-class safari. I had extremely high expectations for this trip and at almost every turn you exceeded them. It was the best vacation I have ever taken and an absolute trip of a lifetime. My parents and sister had no less a fabulous time and we were able to capture countless great photos.”
Rahool Karnik and Family
May 2010
A male lion in his prime.
A pair of zebras relaxing against a backdrop of lush green foliage.
A male and female impala racing across the plains.
First there is the matter of our guide. He was very knowledgeable about the mammals, birds, reptiles, and plants. Further, he was able to give us historical insights about the area and people. As a photographer I especially appreciated his skill in placing the truck in the best possible position. He always encouraged a ‘wait and see’ approach as opposed to rushing about to the next animal. He understands the role of patience in wildlife photography. We thoroughly enjoyed traveling with him. The accommodations were great; we particularly liked the River Lodge. The dinners were much better than expected and we appreciated your advice relative to the boxed meals.
From start to finish the trip went exactly as we had hoped. We saw everything we had hoped to see and a couple of events that are simply unforgettable. If this turns out to be a once in a lifetime trip for us, I can honestly say that it was well worth it. I would recommend ADS to anyone planning an African adventure. I’ve been diving in a lot of places; seen some extraordinary things. This trip would rate right up there with my best diving adventures. Thanks to all involved – you run a great operation.
David Nasser
May 2010
What a trip we had!!……and a wonderful guide……not much rain….perfect conditions,- no crowds….as a matter of fact there was one night when we were the only people at Kirawira…..and just one other couple at Plantation Lodge……Beautiful accommodations, our favorite nights were spent at the Private Luxury campsite with smiling Jonas and the crew!!….Number of wildlife in the Crater was disappointing, but the fields were bright yellow and beautiful in the sun (although I understand the flowers are not a good thing for the wildlife), and we did get to see Mama Rhino and her baby cross the road in front of us…..the last of the “Big 5″….Have a film of mating leopards in a tree which [our guide] said was most unusual……….Will get some photos together one of these days and a testimonial as well…… Asante Sana for providing us with a wonderful and varied itinerary.
Jo Rakauskas
May 2010
April is always a show stopper in terms of wildlife encounters in the African Safari Serengeti and the last two weeks of April were certainly no exception. African Dream Safaris clients and safari consultants were treated to spectacular encounters with the Great Migration: the herd sizes were so vast that they defied description. The mega herd easily comprising a million wildebeest were concentrated primarily in the Matiti and Macau plains in the south eastern Serengeti. This herd stretched west to Ndutu and Lake Masek thrilling clients who were staying in the lodges and tented camps in these areas. Yet just when you thought you couldn’t possibly count any more wildebeest and zebra, ADS clients exploring the Barafu kopjes and those adventuring even further east past Nasera Rock through to the beautiful and evocative Angata Kiti Plains were taken aback at the vast numbers of animals in this area. It was a delight to see so many healthy and robust looking wildebeest calves ranging in age from 3-13 weeks of age. Plains game such as eland, Thompson’s and Grant’s gazelle were also plentiful.
Big cat lovers were not disappointed with the frequent sightings of both nomadic and pride lions particularly around Gol and Sametu kopjes. Cheetah were a relatively frequent sight in the plains and a number of African Dream Safaris clients witnessed successful hunts starting with the stalk, chase and concluding with the kill and subsequent feasting. While this aspect does not appeal to everyone, it was rewarding to see the endangered cheetah, limited to around just 500 in the entire Serengeti, thriving. Leopard were spotted in the Seronera Valley as were members of the Maasai Kopjes and Makoma Hill Lion Prides.
Large breeding herds of elephant were in the Lobo and Seronera Valleys. Moru kopjes had a number of sizeable families while one particularly large breeding herd of about 300 family members kept photographers in the Macau plains busy for hours.
Giraffe and impala were plentiful in all of the acacia woodlands and bird lovers were treated to the sight of many colorful migrants enjoying their last few weeks before beginning on their long journey home across the relentless sands of the Sahara and back to Europe. In our last blog entry we mentioned clients often asking just how close you get to the lions, cheetahs and the like. Here’s our answer:
Male Lion – East Serengeti – April 2010
Lake Ndutu – South Serengeti – April 2010
It has been a memorable April here at Africa Dream Safaris. In addition to hosting several large groups on the Serengeti Safari, we have had three of our U.S. safari consultants out on safari with a film crew. Our new film, which was shot entirely in the Serengeti from April 6th to April 11th, will feature the Serengeti’s green season in eye popping high definition. Below are a few stills taken during the filming. People always ask just how close you get to the lions, cheetahs and the like. I guess the answer is pretty darn close! Stay tuned for a proper bush report and a migration update due to be posted at the end of April.
Africa Dream Safaris Film Shoot – 1 – April 2010
Africa Dream Safaris Film Shoot – 2 – April 2010
Africa Dream Safaris Film Shoot – 3 – April 2010
Africa Dream Safaris Film Shoot – 4 – April 2010
Africa Dream Safaris Film Shoot – 5 – April 2010
We would like to thank Africa Dream Safaris for planning an unforgettable trip for us to the Serengeti. The scenery was amazing and I don’t believe there were many animals we missed seeing. I took over 1300 photos and my husband, Mike, took over 4 hours of video. Every day was a new adventure and experience viewing the incredible game and scenery. It is difficult to describe the majesty and beauty of the Serengeti and must be seen by all those who love nature. Our accommodations were more than we expected and very comfortable. The Maasai people were warm and friendly and we enjoyed our time with them thoroughly. Our guide was the BEST. He had the most incredible “eagle eye” for searching out animals, as well as wonderful knowledge of all of the animals, the people, and the country in general. He was a wealth of knowledge, yet very personable and friendly. A true asset to ADS! We have recommended ADS to many of our friends who would like to experience the Serengeti. This was truly a “bucket list” trip for us. Thank you so much for all your assistance in making it so!
Mike and Mindy Walsh
April 2010
Imagine an emerald canvas of grassland that stretches for miles, washed in the brilliance of equatorial sunlight and brimming with an abundance of new life. THIS is the green season in the Northern Tanzania Safari – a time of plenty for the animals and a time of splendor for all those who are able to witness it firsthand.
Each year, the green season is marked by extremes. Extreme colors saturate the landscape; verdant savannas are peppered with trillions of brightly-hued wildflowers that beam underneath a burning sapphire sky. Afternoon rainstorms steep in leaden horizons, eventually collapsing to the ground in a short but dramatic burst of life-giving moisture.Rainbows gleam above purple cloudscapes after the sky is washed clean, and the animals bask in the cool green splendor of this life-giving season.
Extreme life dominates the Serengeti plains during this time, as the wildebeest herds take pause in their never-ending migration to give birth on the southern Serengeti plains.Thousands of tiny wildebeest calves have now joined forces with the herd; wide-eyed and gangly, these babies are building their strength on the nutrient rich Serengeti plains before the herds all are forced to move on sometime in May. These young calves have much to learn during the months ahead as the migration resumes its northward course, laden with perils at every turn. Other animals also start their families during this time of plenty, as evidenced by the numerous cubs, pups, fawns, and foals that frolic over green carpets, bringing hope for continued survival of their species to this harsh African wilderness.
Extreme action and thrilling adventures are also inherent to this fast-paced season. The end of the green season including March offers arguably some of the finest wildlife viewing to be found anywhere in Africa. Amidst this world of tremendous color and teeming new life, our clients have certainly had some extreme safari experiences! Guest highlights include several fast paced cheetah chases near Ndutu, a spotted hyena clan battle with the Naabi Hill lion pride, large elephant herds at Moru Kopjes and continuing sightings of the critically endangered wild dog (this time in the beautiful valley of Angata Kiti in the remote reaches of East Serengeti and Ngorongoro Conservation Area).
On the migration front, several medium sized herds of wildebeest remain on the Southern Serengeti Plains southeast of Kusini and also between Lake Ndutu and Naabi Hill, an area referred to as The Triangle. However, the largest concentrations of all four migratory species (wildebeest, zebra, gazelle and eland) that encompass the famed migration are currently located on Eastern Serengeti Plains. The area between Gol Kopjes and Barafu Gorge is thick black with massive wildebeest herds at the moment. Most pictures simply fail to communicate the immensity of these herds. One can stand (assuming no lions) on the top of the largest kopje in the Barafu complex and look upon tens of thousands wildebeest and zebra grazing peacefully from horizon to horizon. Outstanding!
Special thanks to Ralph and Jane Anthony who sent in this spectacular wildebeest migration shot, which was taken on March 20, 2010 near the Gol Kopjes on the Eastern Serengeti Plains. It’s a challenge to capture the enormity of the wildebeest migration on the vast Serengeti Plains in a single frame and all of use here at African Dream Safaris think you did it justice with this beautiful photo!
We researched and interviewed many Safari companies before we decided upon Africa Dream Safaris. The reason we chose you was because of your flexibility to accommodate our needs and desires; to really customize our Safari. No other outfitter was as accommodating and flexible as Africa Dream Safaris. They were able to organize a tour of the Maasai and Iraqw village. The Hot Air Balloon Ride they arranged over the Serengeti was spectacular! They were able to organize a morning to stop by a school where we were able to give school supplies to the children. This was one of our highlights of our journey. It is great to receive such a wonderful safari but it was great to give back as well. To see the wonderful smiles of the children as they sang for us was truly gratifying! Africa Dream Safaris truly exceeded our expectations! Tanzania is truly a spectacular and miraculous country! I was glad to have chosen such an excellent, flexible, friendly, and experienced outfitter such as Africa Dream Safaris! I would definitely use them again and I highly recommend them; you will not be disappointed! Finally I will leave you with a song my son and I learned while in Tanzania (in Swahili).
Jambo – Hi
Jambo bwana – Hi sir
Habari gani? – How are you?
Mzuri sana – Very fine
Wageni mwakaribishwa – Visitors are welcome
Tanzania yetu – Our (country) Tanzania
Hakuna matata – (where there are) no worries
Verses below (followed by Hakuna Matata)
Tanzania nchi nzuri – Tanaznia is a nice country
Nchi ya maajabu – A beautiful country
Nchi yenye amani – A peaceful country
Tanzania yetu – Our country (Tanzania)
Tanzania wote – All Tanzanians
Paul and Phillip Mastoridis (father and son)
March 2010
Thank you for the most professional, well organized dream trip! Everything went like clockwork from the easy, efficient entry into Tanzania, meeting our terrific Arusha guides, to our very last goodbye in the amazing Serengeti Park. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable and we developed a great friendship. The accommodations were all special and everyday, from 6am to bedtime, was filled with highlights. We never believed that we could be so close to all the animals and experience the sights that left us gasping with wonderment. It was indeed a trip of a lifetime.
Jim and Susan Campbell
March 2010
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