Author: Michael

Just returned from two weeks in Northern Tanzania

Its been an extremely dry year in Northern Serengeti in Tanzania Safari and the Mara River is at its lowest in recent history. The mega herds were located north of the Mara River while I was there but small groups of wildebeest were crossing (ie. walking) back and forth across the not-so-mighty Mara.

The river was so low in fact even the giraffes were attempting to cross the Mara this year.

The dry weather didnt seem to hinder ostrich romance, the males booming calls could be heard from miles away and we were an audience to one showy wing waving, head shaking dance performance which impressed a female.

We experienced a great leopard sighting around Lobo, a large male had recently killed a young zebra and was quietly feeding in the trees. In the Western Corridor rains had recently fallen enough to attract sizable wildebeest herds along the Grumeti to Kirawira. Around the Kirawira ranger post, we came upon three lions peacefully resting under a tree after a large wildebeest meal only to be rudely awakened and chased away by a group of trumpeting elephants.

Central Serengeti did not disappoint for large cats. The dry conditions around Seronera Valley only enhanced sightings of the large cats hunting during the day at predictable watering holes. Lions, cheetahs and leopards were seen daily.

Ngorongoro Crater floor was extremely hot, dusty and windy the day that we were there. Despite the temperature, we were able to spot a black rhino snoozing in the tall grass. A couple of other exciting sightings were a cheetah giving chase to a hare and a pair of falcons hunting birds at the hippo pool.

Tarangire also did not disappoint for large cats. Lions, cheetah and leopards were all seen in one day. Kudus were also spotted around Swala Camp. My personal highlight at Tarangire was witnessing a juvenile martial eagle hunt a baby impala. A herd of impalas were spread out grazing in the open when all of a sudden a martial eagle swooped down and grabbed a baby impala, lifted it 10 feet up into the air, lost its grip and dropped it. The impalas immediately grouped together, snorting and stomping and looking up into the sky for further danger, then as a group moved towards the brush for cover. The baby impala survived. It all unfolded so quickly and unexpectedly, we werent able to take any photographs. It was heart pounding to watch.

Each day we were on safari, dark clouds were slowly gathering in the east showing promise of rains to come, perhaps by now the much needed life-giving short rains have started heralding the southward migration.

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Quote of the Week: Eric Vermilya

As you said it would be, the trip was wonderful. Both [our guides] were great and Uli and I were amazed with the scope of their knowledge (and their eyesight). We both like to sit patiently and watch to see what develops and were very happy with both of our guides, in that they didn’t seem to mind at all. I can only imagine the frustration we would have felt if we were in a vehicle with a larger tour group.

A perfect example of how having a private tour paid off, was a leopard kill that we came across in Tarangire. There were numerous other vehicles parked along the side of the road with the kill was in one tree close to the road and the leopard in another about 500 feet behind it. It was clear the leopard wasn’t comfortable, but the leopard stayed put in the tree that was far away because vehicles came and went (with some of their passengers particularly noisy). However, after about 1 ½ hours we were the only vehicle left, and we sat there in silence for a while and eventually the leopard came down (funny — we saw it come down, lost sight of it and then all of a sudden it appeared at the base of the tree that had the kill in it). It climbed the tree and started feeding — and Uli got quite a few shots (however, the day was overcast and the light was bad).

Also I wanted to let you know that we probably sighted close to 100 lions, including a female & 4 cubs about 15-20 feet from us that we sat and watched for 2 hours with nobody else in sight. We also sighted a couple of more leopards, including a female and her cub that was testing out its climbing abilities on a fallen tree, several cheetahs, and a even a Serval out hunting in the middle of a very hot day (we were driving at high speed from the Serengeti to Ngorongoro and Uli just happened to spot it). [Our guide] tried to stop as quickly as possible, but he backed up, located it again and Uli got a couple of shots.

So thank you too, for representing such a great company. We’ll definitely send out a finished testimonial and some sample photos (out of the 2500 Uli took) when we get them all downloaded and are able go through them.

Eric Vermilya
October 2009

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Quote of the Week: Susan Gallagher

My Africa Dream Safari was truly the most memorable experience I’ve ever had in my life and I still dream about it a lot. It has become my ‘happy place’ when I need to escape from the everyday stresses of life. Everyone on the Africa Dream Safaris team was exceptional. Joy and Daudi, who met me when I landed in Tanzania, were friendly and helpful. My safari guide was the best. He was so knowledgeable about every animal, bird, reptile and tree that I not only saw a lot of wildlife, but I also learned a great deal from him. All of the accommodations were wonderful, from the lodge to the luxury tented camps to the private tent camp. The staff there were wonderful and thought of everything and I always felt safe. Besides all of the animals I got to see, I really loved the sense of humor of the people there. Thank you so much for taking such good care of me and helping me to create so many memories that will last a lifetime. I can’t wait to do it again!

Susan Gallagher
October 2009

 

 

 

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Quote of the Week: Leslie and Scott White

Wow! There are no words to describe the adventure that is an African Safari! We had never been on one and I think, no, I know, it would not have been the fantastic wonder it was, if it was not for ADS and their incredible crew. From [our ADS rep’s] help in planning, to all the staff in Tanzania, and the over the top lodging, all aspects of the trip were everything we desired and more!

The Serengeti landscape is so beautiful and surprisingly varied, the drives throughout the land just mesmerized us. I can honestly say even if there were no wildlife sightings, I would still have enjoyed every minute of it. But of course, there is an abundance of all species of animals and that is just SO thrilling! We saw it all thanks to our wonderful guide!

You never forget the first time you see lions, elephants, giraffes, leopards, the list goes on and on! Other firsts included: a moon-rise over the crater and dawn breaking in Lobo, while eating breakfast, watching the wildebeest in their migration on the terraced hills across the river. Enchanting is the only word for the scene, the lighting was magical! I will never forget it! We were struck by the absence of any hint of man in the Lobo Valley: no signs, no litter, no telephone lines. Just a Garden of Eden in every direction, as far as the eye can see. We can now name more African birds than we can North American! I strongly recommend reading up on the wildlife before a visit, it’s exciting to spot the animals and birds that you’ve read about.

All I can say, is from the first game drive, we have been planning how we can make it back to this marvelous country, and soon!

Leslie and Scott White
October 2009

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Quote of the Week: Gillian Thomas

I just wanted to compliment [ADS] for running and organizing such a professional trip for us. It truly was awesome and we shall never forget it.

Our particular trip was made so special not only by the excellent organization and accommodations but by having the good fortune of travelling with [our guide]. He is very special: a fund of information about the wildlife and their behaviors, an ability to see animals that most other guides seem to miss, and plants and birds. He is modest in the extreme, always willing to impart enough information without being overwhelming and happy to repeat it if we forgot. He is also patient and flexible about meeting the groups needs and desires. His wealth of experience [as a park ranger] before joining African Dream Safaris surely showed in the ways he guided us. He shows no signs of boredom despite probably having done many trips but he demonstrated such enthusiasm and joy with our delights in things.

From the perspective of a few days in Dar at my meeting I was able to see even more how you managed to overcome some possible travel difficulties for us that to others might have seemed insurmountable. We did realize that doing business in Africa to the high standards that you have may not be easy! I don’t know whether we will have a chance to do it again with you, or something similar, but certainly feel Robin should experience it when she is able. I am likely going to be doing some work with the cancer hospital in Dar so maybe another opportunity will arise. Thanks again.

Gillian Thomas
October 2009

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Quote of the Week: Adam Stein and Althea Cooper

We had an absolutely incredible time. What a whirlwind. The safari was excellent – our guide was top notch. He really gave us personalized service and we saw everything we wanted to see – He made sure of it. I would recommend him to anyone. I think the way we planned the itinerary was just right, and the Migration Lodge was probably our favorite. Also the ADS staff was great – highly attentive, and our transitions were seamless including the all the internal flights. […] We had a great time. I took 2000 pictures and now need to create a “best of ” series to share with family and friends, and of course you guys too. I will be sure to post a testimonial along with some pictures. Thanks again for all of your help.

Adam Stein and Althea Cooper
October 2009

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Quote of the Week: Gillian Thomas

I just wanted to compliment [ADS] for running and organizing such a professional trip for us. It truly was awesome and we shall never forget it. Our particular trip was made so special not only by the excellent organization and accommodations but by having the good fortune of travelling with [our guide]. He is very special: a fund of information about the wildlife and their behaviors, an ability to see animals that most other guides seem to miss, and plants and birds. He is modest in the extreme, always willing to impart enough information without being overwhelming and happy to repeat it if we forgot. He is also patient and flexible about meeting the groups needs and desires. His wealth of experience [as a park ranger] before joining African Dream Safaris surely showed in the ways he guided us. He shows no signs of boredom despite probably having done many trips but he demonstrated such enthusiasm and joy with our delights in things.

Gillian Thomas
October 2009

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October 5, 2009

Recent sporadic thunder showers have been falling throughout the Northern, Western and Central areas of the Serengeti (the Southern and Eastern Serengeti remain very dry). Though the sporadic showers have remained small (about 1 inch over the past month), they have been just enough to pull the great herds of migratory wildebeest and zebra south to areas we usually don’t see the migration occupying until well into October.

As of today, we estimate that at least 80% of the migration is currently ranging south of the Mara River given that the Lamai Triangle in the Serengeti and Masai Mara in Kenya (both watershed areas north of the Mara River) retain only scattered herds at the moment. Our guides are reporting seeing large herds throughout the North Serengeti with the largest concentrations of accessible wildebeest for tourists being located in the Wogakuria Plains. We also have reports from our scouts of massive concentrations of wildebeest ranging in the Ikorongo Game Reserve, which is adjacent to the Northern Serengeti along its western flank. There also a few scattered herds in the Western Serengeti (see lodge map of Serengeti) near Kirawira Tented Lodge though the lodge closest to herds at the moment remains Lemala Serengeti Camp, which is just south of the Mara River near the concentrations of wildebeest at Wogakuria.

The other three migratory species (zebra, gazelle and eland) that make up the migration are on completely different trajectories so to speak. Zebras traditionally move both south and north first. With the southward migration beginning, the zebra herds are (as predicted) much further south of the wildebeest with significant concentrations at Lobo Valley in the North Serengeti, Ruwana Plains in the West Serengeti and we are even seeing are first zebra herds in the Seronera Valley of the Central Serengeti. As for the large herds of gazelles that never do migrate very far off the plains in the dry season, we are seeing large concentrations in the Central Serengeti (especially at Simba Kopjes). By no coincidence our guests and guides have been reporting the majority of their cheetah sightings in these central areas, as well.

We anticipate that the southward migration will be well under way as long as the scattered showers continue to attract the great herds south. It should be a great October and November in the Seronera Valley of the Central Serengeti as the migration (both the wildebeest and zebra herds) tend to stall here during these months before making their final southward leap to the plains in December. As with all migration predictions, they are completely dependent upon rainfall patterns. If the scattered rains stop, the migration could very well march back up north and recross the Mara River this month! And, that is certainly what keeps all of us at ADS on our toes out here in the unpredictable environment of the Serengeti.

Big cat viewing remains superb with especially good leopard sightings being reported in the North Serengeti and cheetah sightings in the Central Serengeti. Lions, as described in detail in our last posting, continue to dominate the Serengeti. We had a couple rare sightings last month of black rhinos in the Moru Kopjes area. Moru is a good place to be at the moment even if you are not lucky enough to see the rhinos as we have had tremendous elephant and giraffe sightings (very large family groups) at Moru Kopjes along with some other interesting species including serval cats, bat eared foxes, plenty of waterbuck and even an elusive caracal. But, it’s tough to beat seeing the Moru lion pride lounging on one the of the those beautiful kopjes that adorn the Moru area. They do seem to pose intentionally for our photography groups!

A special thanks to Mark Deutch who recently sent in this great shot of a stream of wildebeest threading through one of the isolated plains that make up the Wogakuria area. The Wogakuria plains are truly remote and it’s quite special to see a herd of wildebeest traversing this isolated and beautiful area of the african safari.

Wogakuria - North Serengeti - September 2009
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August 28, 2009

Lions, lions and more lions! That just about sums up the month of August here in the Serengeti. It would seem that on just about every game drive in the Lobo Valley of the North Serengeti or in the Seronera Valley of the Central Serengeti, our guests are being overwhelmed with incredible lion action. One returning group reported seeing 142 different lions over the course of their 10 day safari (8 actual nights in the bush). Way to go Monica LaRose family. That has to be some sort of Africa Dream Safaris record!

Where do we start summarizing the lion action for August? How about Dawn Moss and her family who saw a double lion kill by the Seronera River. Dawn and her family watched a pride of 5 lioness successfully hunt 2 different Thomson’s Gazelles. The lions ambushed the gazelles as they came to drink from the Seronera River and showed exactly why lions are so successful in the Serengeti by demonstrating their cooperative hunting skills.

Then, there were Brad and Stacy Robertson who patiently waited (at the urging of their guide) near Lobo Springs in the North Serengeti for over 3 hours until a pride of 8 lioness and 2 male lions successfully overcame a loan bull buffalo. We heard it was quite an epic battle! And, how about Sharon and Matt Ebright who had an interesting experience watching a male baboon attempt to scavenge from a lion kill. Unfortunately, for the baboon there were lions hiding in the tall grass who sprang upon the baboon and quickly overpowered it.

Lastly and on a more sobering note, we had guests witness a seldom seen occurrence of lion infanticide in the North Serengeti where incoming males taking over a new pride kill all the young cubs. In doing this, the new males get rid of all the offspring that do not carry their genes and the act triggers the females to quickly enter estrous. As a result, the new pride males have a better chance of quickly raising their offspring to maturity before the next team of male rivals knocks them from power. In the competitive world of the Serengeti, male lions usually hold their tenure as pride leaders for only 2 – 4 years before being ousted. The larger the male coalition the longer the tenure. There is inherent strength in numbers and hence in the Serengeti where lion densities are so high, it is not unusual to see lion prides with coalitions of up to six males. And, what an awe inspiring sight it is to see a large coalition of males in the prime of their life roaring in unison to claim their territory (surely this is one of the most impressive experiences one can have in the Serengeti).

On the wildebeest migration front, the herds are currently splintered into 3 main groups with one group ranging from the Western Corridor into the Grumeti Game Reserve, another (the largest) is ranging from Wogakuria in the North Serengeti into the Lamai Triangle and a 3rd group is scattered throughout the Mara watershed area of the Masai Mara in Kenya. The Mara River crossings (though not as dramatic as last year due to the low water levels) have been taking place periodically throughout the entire month of August. We have seen increased crossings over the last 1 – 2 weeks as quite a few large herds of wildebeest keep crossing and recrossing both northbound and southbound (perhaps chasing the scattered thundershowers we have been receiving throughout the northern extension of the Serengeti). In any event, migration sightings of all 4 migratory herbivores in the Serengeti (wildebeest, zebra, eland and Thomson’s gazelle) remain good with the best sightings taking place at the northern tip of the Serengeti near Wogakuria and the Lamai Triangle.

In the Serengeti it’s easy to focus on the large animals especially on one’s first african safari. The big cats and large herbivores (elephant, giraffe, hippo, etc.) and the famed migration tend to steal the show here in the Serengeti (and rightfully so as there is no where else in Africa where one can see this diversity of wildlife so predictably and in such a pristine setting). But, sometimes it’s the ‘little things’ that are the most rewarding. Everyone has heard of the Big 5 (elephant, leopard, buffalo, lion and rhino) but the little 5 (elephant shrew, leopard tortoise, buffalo weaver, ant lion and rhinoceros beetle) and the many other little creatures that make the Serengeti Ecosystem such an amazing place can be equally as rewarding. Perhaps the most elusive of the little 5 so to speak is the mystical pangolin. This is perhaps the rarest animal inhabiting the Serengeti (only spoken about in hush tones). As you can imagine, what a delight it was that our very own client here at Africa Dream Safaris was able to spot one. We had to see the picture with our very own eyes to believe it! In keeping with the little creatures of the Serengeti, we would like to give a special thanks to Dale and Eileen Podoll who sent in this fabulous photo of a lilac breasted roller. Here’s to the little 5! Make sure to double click on the photo to expand to full screen.

Lilac Breasted Roller - Serengeti National Park
Lilac Breasted Roller - Serengeti National Park
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Quote of the Week: Laurie and Scott McGinnis

Thanks to [ADS] for making Laurie’s and my safari our trip of a lifetime! We reviewed numerous other safari operators and were extremely impressed with the professionalism, thoroughness, and thoughtfulness of ADS. I would like to highlight the extra care ADS delivered and why we chose this company. First, we wrote many tour operators but had exchanged five emails with ADS before the others replied back to our first inquiries. Second, the thoroughness of information provided by ADS made us feel comfortable before we departed and prepared for when we arrived. There was nothing we did not expect and nothing we were not prepared for while in Tanzania. Third, the actual trip went smoothly and per plan-from arriving at the airport, to a timely departure each morning. Laurie and I wanted to be the first out of each lodge in the morning. Our guide, was early, prepared, and ready to leave at the crack of dawn. […] While on safari, my wife and I would continually say there seemed to be a surprise around every corner. When we thought we had seen every lion in the Serengeti, there would be one eating a large kill. When we thought there was nothing left to see on the plains, there would be an incredible sunset. When we thought the safari was over for the day a buffalo would walk onto our doorstep. ADS reflects the Serengeti in this and continually surprised us just when we didn’t think anything else could be better. Thank you ADS for your attention to detail, positive work in the region, and expert service. Laurie and I are extremely happy with our East African experience. Please feel free to contact us at any time.

Laurie and Scott McGinnis
August 2009

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Quote of the Week: Adrian and Michelle Magee

It’s hard for us to believe that we have actually been back from our fantastic African Safari now for 6 weeks. We had a truly outstanding safari. It was everything you had promised and then some. Our guide and indeed everybody we met were exceptional. Your interpretation of our wishes in setting up our itinerary were spot on. The Crater Lodge is a one-of -kind/not to be missed if at all possible. We loved Gibbs Farm. The Private camping, The Migration Tented Lodge, all outstanding. The days in the Land Cruiser with [our guide] tracking the wildlife was just what we had hoped for and more. [Our guide’s] knowledge of the terrain, the wildlife and almost any other subject was impressive indeed. It was a very special trip and the complete great escape we had hoped for. Thank you!

Adrian and Michelle Magee
August 2009

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Quote of the Week: Laurie and Scott McGinnis

Thanks to [ADS] for making Laurie’s and my safari our trip of a lifetime! We reviewed numerous other safari operators and were extremely impressed with the professionalism, thoroughness, and thoughtfulness of ADS.

I would like to highlight the extra care ADS delivered and why we chose this company. First, we wrote many tour operators but had exchanged five emails with ADS before the others replied back to our first inquiries. Second, the thoroughness of information provided by ADS made us feel comfortable before we departed and prepared for when we arrived. There was nothing we did not expect and nothing we were not prepared for while in Tanzania. Third, the actual trip went smoothly and per plan-from arriving at the airport, to a timely departure each morning. Laurie and I wanted to be the first out of each lodge in the morning. Our guide, Francis, was early, prepared, and ready to leave at the crack of dawn.

The following examples are why we have recommended ADS to our friends and families. When we arrived at Kilimanjaro Airport at 8pm, we had traveled for 25 hours, were tired, and somewhat apprehensive walking out in to a small, foreign airport. The ADS representative had us with Visas in hand and through customs ahead of the other 400 passengers on the plane. In fact, we were eating dinner at the lodge before we saw any other guests arrive from the same flight. The morning we went in to Ngorongoro Crater, our guide got us in first and even had prepared coffee for us since he knew we were not able to get some at the lodge so early in the morning. Even after our safari was over we have been in touch with ADS, discussing our trip and confirming we were completely satisfied.

While on safari, my wife and I would continually say there seemed to be a surprise around every corner. When we thought we had seen every lion in the Serengeti, there would be one eating a large kill. When we thought there was nothing left to see on the plains, there would be an incredible sunset. When we thought the safari was over for the day a buffalo would walk onto our doorstep. ADS reflects the Serengeti in this and continually surprised us just when we didn’t think anything else could be better. Thank you ADS for your attention to detail, positive work in the region, and expert service. Laurie and I are extremely happy with our East African experience. Please feel free to contact us at any time.

Laurie and Scott McGinnis
August 2009

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Quote of the Week: Laurie and Scott McGinnis

Thanks to ADS for making Laurie’s and my safari our trip of a lifetime! We reviewed numerous other safari operators and were extremely impressed with the professionalism, thoroughness, and thoughtfulness of ADS. […] While on safari, my wife and I would continually say there seemed to be a surprise around every corner. When we thought we had seen every lion in the Serengeti, there would be one eating a large kill. When we thought there was nothing left to see on the plains, there would be an incredible sunset. When we thought the safari was over for the day a buffalo would walk onto our doorstep. ADS reflects the Serengeti in this and continually surprised us just when we didn’t think anything else could be better. Thank you ADS for your attention to detail, positive work in the region, and expert service. Laurie and I are extremely happy with our East African experience. Please feel free to contact us at any time.

Laurie and Scott McGinnis
August 2009

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Quote of the Week: Sal & Thomas LaForgia

An African safari had been a dream of mine for many years and the ADS adventure far exceeded my wildest expectations… a private custom safari is the only way to go… it definitely proves the paradigm less is more…

Thank you! The picturesque/vastness of the surroundings and its countless inhabitants was unimaginable … the experience to go off road and view from the open top vehicle on the move will never be forgotten. The countless lions and lionesses, cheetahs, leopards, elephants, wildebeests, zebras, giraffes… I could go on and on. There was no shortage of animals from the moment we touched down in our small aircraft in the Serengeti… ’til the moment we departed. I thought you might like a couple of the pictures/attachments (we took 1254… can you believe) … I.e. Mother good morning kiss to young son… and the youngsters wetting down playfully in the mud… there were too many so I kept it simple hadn’t seen anything like these so here they are…

I’ve been on your ADS Safari distribution mailings and pictures for almost a year… after reading the many great messages, I must say I attribute the complete success of our safari to [our guide]… You matched us perfectly with him… He made my grandson, Thomas a 15 yr old, feel completely relaxed as if he were a long lost friend from the moment we met him at the air strip. [Our guide] never failed to meet any of my grandson’s expectations… they became close buds and often would go off just talking of the animals and the country… He made it a point to ensure his curiosities’ were always satisfied. He was enjoyable to have about us and contributed to much laughter. His knowledge of the animals, their habits and social behavior, the terrain, and skills as a guide never ceased to amaze me. He was uncanny at spotting game we had not even seen with our binoculars… then he would go off road and position us perfectly to observe and photograph them. His extensive and detailed knowledge of the animals and the countryside was amazing. He was great at explaining their behaviors and bringing us into their world. His patience, expertise and gentle humor made him the perfect guide! It was clear that he listened to our special animal interests and never failed to find what we were hoping for… Please say “Hello” to him for us and wish him the happiest of Holidays and a healthy and “Happy New Year”. Thank you…

I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the ADS staff and your planning of our entire adventure… from the schedule to the selection of our lodging… it was just superb as were the staffs and service at each facility. The food and wine likewise surprised me and far exceeded my expectations… we were always treated like royalty. Thank you.

So many people have asked me, since I’ve returned, about my trip to Africa. I encourage them not to wait too long to take a safari and especially an ADS safari. Thank you again for facilitating my grandson’s and my ADS…

Sal & Thomas LaForgia
July 2009

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Quote of the Week: Thomas and Sal LaForgia

An African safari had been a dream of mine for many years and the ADS adventure far exceeded my wildest expectations… a private custom safari is the only way to go… it definitely proves the paradigm less is more. Thank you! The picturesque/vastness of the surroundings and its countless inhabitants was unimaginable … the experience to view from the open top vehicle on the move will never be forgotten. The countless lions and lionesses, cheetahs, leopards, elephants, wildebeests, zebras, giraffes… I could go on and on. […] I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the ADS staff and your planning of our entire adventure… from the schedule to the selection of our lodging… it was just superb as were the staffs and service at each facility. The food and wine likewise surprised me and far exceeded my expectations… we were always treated like royalty. Thank you.

Thomas and Sal LaForgia
July 2009

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