Author: Michael

Quote of the Week: Howard and Marsha Seltzer

February 5, 2010June 6, 2017 by Michael

We just returned from our Safari and had to take a few minutes to let you know how thoroughly pleased and delighted we were with the trip. Beginning with our initial contact with ADS and the home office, through our final minutes at the airport awaiting our return flight home, everything was as advertised, perfectly arranged, and well beyond all of our expectations – and our expectations were high. From our initial encounter with the “visa meet & greet staff” which whisked us past the long lines and out the door to our waiting van, to the flight into the Serengeti where we met our guide / driver, to the game drives and tented camps, every turn was a new and wonderful experience.

Our guide was absolutely amazing in his ability to spot & identify the animals and we saw 4 of the “big five” on the first day. We were “family” within a day of meeting him and he was willing and able to do anything we asked, including long game drives everyday with boxed breakfasts & lunches for picnics in the bush. It was perfect. Another ADS feature we noticed was the selection of vehicles. The roll-top Land Cruisers were far superior to the other type of open top vehicles we saw. Ideal for game viewing, both all around us and above in trees. I must admit that we were skeptical about some of the advanced reading we had done, especially regarding the incomprehensible numbers involved in “The Great Migration”, but we are skeptics no more.

We visited “The Great Migration” several times, including one day when we parked in the midst of the moving herds and enjoyed our boxed picnic lunch – from the comfort and safety of our Land Cruiser – and for 45 minutes watched in awe as the Migration passed before us. We saw it, but is impossible to grasp. The line of animals on the move stretched from horizon to horizon. Another highlight that we must mention was our hot air balloon ride over the Serengeti –extraordinary. Again, thank you for an adventure that was unlike any we had in the past and one that we would hope to repeat in the future.

Howard and Marsha Seltzer
February 2010

Quote of the Week: Fred and Lynnette Dubendorf

February 3, 2010June 6, 2017 by Michael

We have just returned from out two-week trip to Tanzania with Africa Dream Safaris. To say that the trip was life-changing is actually an understatement. Where can we start to try to convey the whole experience to those who have never been?

First, the animals and the landscape- Of course, we all go that we can see the animals. What is amazing is the number of animals you will see and the fact that they are completely relaxed with a safari vehicle within feet of them. Within a couple of hours of arriving in the central area of the Serengeti, we saw a leopard, giraffe, impala, gazelle, elephants, hippos, topi, lions, and many other animals. And, sure, you can mark each animal off your list of “MUST SEES,” but when you feel yourself starting to absorb the atmosphere and peacefulness in which all of these animals co-exist, it is truly astounding. As you gaze at the vastness of grunting or eating, or the flapping of the elephants” ears against their bodies-an awe overcomes your soul and you feel your heart fill with a sense that somehow, after seeing this, the world finally makes perfect sense in a way you never knew before.

In a word, whatever one may expect to see when it comes to the wildlife-we can’t imagine that anyone could ever use the word “disappointed.”

Second, the Tanzanian people. The people are beautiful, warm, friendly and kind. Each encounter with staff members at the lodges was a true delight. They welcomed us with open arms and saw to our every need.

Our guide was unbelievable! We finally decided to call him “eagle eyes” because of the astonishing way that he could spot wildlife. He was able to spot lions even though they were sleeping in tall grass; he spotted a cheetah and pointed it out to us and it still took us several minutes to see it with our binoculars. One morning he spotted a leopard even though the sun had not even broken the horizon and it was quite dark. His knowledge of the animals was equally impressive as he told us to keep our camera on a lion that was preparing to arise from a nap and would probably yawn three times so that we could get a photo with his mouth wide open. Most days we started our game drives at 6 am and didn’t end until late in the afternoon, and the whole time he would answer all of our questions, be constantly on the lookout for animals and birds and was conscientious that this was an experience of a lifetime for us. If we wanted to start a day later or end the day sooner, he was equally obliging.

Lastly, our [planning representative] with Africa Dream Safaris-we believe if it weren’t for her the whole experience would not have been as successful as it was. [She] and Africa Dream Safaris were very attentive in asking all the right questions to plan a trip appropriate for us. They asked what we were expecting from the experience, what type of accommodations would make us comfortable, and if we had any special needs that would have to be looked after. They also were completely honest with us about what to expect at each of the lodges, the types of meals and boxed breakfasts and lunches we would receive and, most importantly, they were very thorough in advising on what we should pack. Throughout our trip we felt confident and prepared and were completely comfortable.

To those who are considering booking a trip with Africa Dream Safaris…You will be glad that you put your trust in them to take care of what will most definitely be an experience of a lifetime. We confidently, and without any hesitation, give Africa Dreams and their staff the highest recommendation that is possible.

Fred and Lynnette Dubendorf
February 2010

A pride of lions napping with (and on top of!) each other.

A family of elephants quenching their thirst at a water hole (although that baby elephant looks like he might be playing more than drinking!)

Quote of the Week: Howard and Marsha Seltzer

February 3, 2010June 6, 2017 by Michael

We just returned from our Safari and had to take a few minutes to let you know how thoroughly pleased and delighted we were with the trip. Beginning with our initial contact with ADS and the home office, through our final minutes at the airport awaiting our return flight home, everything was as advertised, perfectly arranged, and well beyond all of our expectations – and our expectations were high. From our initial encounter with the “visa meet & greet staff” which whisked us past the long lines and out the door to our waiting van, to the flight into the Serengeti where we met our guide / driver, to the game drives and tented camps, every turn was a new and wonderful experience.

Our guide was absolutely amazing in his ability to spot & identify the animals and we saw 4 of the “big five” on the first day. We were “family” within a day of meeting him and he was willing and able to do anything we asked, including long game drives everyday with boxed breakfasts & lunches for picnics in the bush. It was perfect. Another ADS feature we noticed was the selection of vehicles. The roll-top Land Cruisers were far superior to the other type of open top vehicles we saw. Ideal for game viewing, both all around us and above in trees. I must admit that we were skeptical about some of the advanced reading we had done, especially regarding the incomprehensible numbers involved in “The Great Migration”, but we are skeptics no more.

We visited “The Great Migration” several times, including one day when we parked in the midst of the moving herds and enjoyed our boxed picnic lunch – from the comfort and safety of our Land Cruiser – and for 45 minutes watched in awe as the Migration passed before us. We saw it, but is impossible to grasp. The line of animals on the move stretched from horizon to horizon. Another highlight that we must mention was our hot air balloon ride over the Serengeti –extraordinary. Again, thank you for an adventure that was unlike any we had in the past and one that we would hope to repeat in the future.

Howard and Marsha Seltzer
February 2010

The Wildebeest have returned to the plains!

AFRICAN WILDLIFE

January 4, 2010June 23, 2017 by Michael

What a green season this is already shaping up to be! All of us here at Africa Dream Safaris are just ecstatic over the return of the migration to the plains. Watching the first large columns of wildebeest and zebra thunder back onto the Serengeti plains is arguably THE defining moment of the entire migration! Sure, wildebeest plunging into the crocodile-infested waters of the Mara River in the dry season is pretty impressive, the synchronized mass-birthing of wildebeest during the mid green season is a sight to behold, and even the frenzied rut of wildebeest during their northward migration is pretty remarkable! But, being witness to the first large herd of wildebeest as they pour out of the northern woodlands and back onto the southern plains at the beginning of the green season is such an incredible and awe-inspiring experience that it might just be the most brilliant highlight of the entire cycle. This is a definitive moment for the wildebeest in their annual migration; for a wildebeest to finally reach the verdant Serengeti plains at the beginning of the green season is akin to a marathon racer when he or she finally crosses that finish line.

In our last posting at the end of November, the rains had finally begun in earnest and had triggered the great herds of wildebeest, zebra, gazelle and eland to begin their southward migration. However, these rain showers diminished quickly at the beginning of December stalling the largest herds of wildebeest in the Central Serengeti, though a few smaller groupings had already made it to the plains. Then, towards the middle of December, the rains began to fall again. The ample moisture from this renewed rainfall transformed the southern and eastern Serengeti plains into an herbivore’s paradise of new grass and fresh water. The great migratory herds were not far behind! By the last week of December the remaining wildebeest herds that had temporarily taken refuge in the Central Serengeti in early December had finally flooded onto the plains and crossed that finish line.

What a splendid holiday period this has been for our guests out on african safari! The end of December is always one of the busiest times of year here at Africa Dream Safaris with almost all our guides and vehicles out in the bush so it was perfect timing to provide so many of our guests with the opportunity to welcome the great herds of wildebeest back home to their ancestral calving grounds on the short grass plains of the Serengeti.

As of today, the migration is dispersed throughout both the southern and eastern Serengeti. Uncountable numbers of migratory wildebeest, zebra, gazelle and eland, along with all the attendant predators (lion, cheetah and spotted hyena), can be seen ranging from Kusini and Ndutu on the Southern Plains to Lemuta Hill and Nasera Rock on the Eastern Plains. If the rains continue, we expect the wildebeest to head further south past Ndutu and Kusini towards the Matiti Plains and further east of Lemuta Hill to the extreme short grass, volcanic plains called the Salei Plains. The female wildebeest herds in particular seem called to these remote plains to drop their newborn calves as long as the rains continue to generate fresh green grass and potable water. These remote plains, lying deep within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, are closest to the extinct volcanoes that border this region. Because of the thick volcanic ash that settled over this area millions of years ago, the soil here produces the most nutrient rich grasses of the entire ecosystem.

Wildebeest Migration - January 2010 — Wildebeest Migration - South Serengeti - January 2010

Quote of the Week: Julie Wolfswinkel

December 28, 2009June 6, 2017 by Michael

Sorry it has taken me so long to get back with you. I’ve been absorbing the whole experience of the safari since I’ve arrived back in the states. It was almost surreal for me. I’ve spent hours looking at the photos I captured and then to realize I have some amazing pictures of the African wildlife. This was a dream come true for me. Sawa Sawa! I’ve tried planning this trip with others and for one reason or another they never came to be.

When I finally decided to book my safari, I was planning to travel alone. As I always say, don’t wait on someone else to make your dream come true. So I looked on the Internet and found Africa Dream Safaris! I searched their website and found they offered what I was looking for; a private vehicle with a driver/guide. I did not want to be on a bus with a group of people that had different interests than mine.

My guide in the Serengeti and the Ngorogoro Crater was incredible. He really made special efforts to find the animals I wanted to see and never rushed me to leave. In fact one afternoon, we drove around some Kopjes with a pride of lion over an hour. No other vehicles were around so we pulled forward, then backed up, drove back around ….all to capture the perfect pictures. Amazing moments for 6 days!

The campsites were great. There is no doubt you are camping in the bush, but with all of the amenities, cocktails, incredible meals, short but welcomed hot showers, flushing toilet and a hot water bottle in your turned down bed, made camping a luxury.

Sitting around a campfire after a long days safari drive, with cocktails in hand, you have an opportunity to meet the other guests, from other parts of the world, that have chosen to stay at the same [lodge] as I had for a night or two. Talking up the day’s activities and sightings. Dinner was served family style. By the end of the day you were ready for a great meal before retiring for the evening, for the next morning was yet another adventure.

Seeing the leopards, elephants, giraffes, cheetahs and other wildlife, the incredible meals and the company of other guests made for a rainbow of a day.

Africa Dream Safaris made my life long #1 bucketlist come true! I would like to recommend any single female use ADS for their safari dreams! Thank you for making my dream come true! I’ll have my very own ‘Coffee Table Book’ filled with incredible pictures I captured on my safari! Safari Njema!!!

Julie Wolfswinkel
December 2009

Quote of the Week: Cindy and Greg Marvel

December 27, 2009June 6, 2017 by Michael

We had a fantastic time in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro. It was all I could have ever dreamed of and more. We had great game viewing, and we can’t say enough about how much fun we had. Our guide was absolutely the best guide we have ever had on any of our safaris, or tours. He fit Cindy and I perfectly with his personality, knowledge of the animals, area, etc. We really had a good time with him and he worked so hard to give us the best experience we could have had. I hope you let him know, as we did what a great job we feel he did for us. We saw Wildebeest in both the Central and South Serengeti, with the movement towards the South. In fact we were in the Central area and have video about 15 minutes long of a steady stream of Wildebeest and Zebra at a small crossing. We stayed there about an hour or more and they never stopped moving by us. It was AMAZING to say the least. […] Thanks so much for all your help.

Cindy and Greg Marvel
December 2009

Quote of the Week: Greg and Cindy Marvel

December 27, 2009June 6, 2017 by Michael

We had a fantastic time in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro. It was all I could have ever dreamed of and more. We had great game viewing, and we can’t say enough about how much fun we had. Our guide was absolutely the best guide we have ever had on any of our safaris, or tours. He fit Cindy and I perfectly with his personality, knowledge of the animals, area, etc. We really had a good time with him and he worked so hard to give us the best experience we could have had. I hope you let him know, as we did what a great job we feel he did for us. We saw Wildebeest in both the Central and South Serengeti, with the movement towards the South. In fact we were in the Central area and have video about 15 minutes long of a steady stream of Wildebeest and Zebra at a small crossing. We stayed there about an hour or more and they never stopped moving by us. It was AMAZING to say the least. Kusini is still dry and the grass there was short, but the animals were moving through. It started to rain randomly in spots but nothing heavy while we were there. It was starting to green up though despite the short grass. Thanks so much for all your help. I will attach one of my best photos. Thanks again.

Greg and Cindy Marvel
December 2009

Quote of the Week: Julie Wolfswinkel

December 18, 2009June 6, 2017 by Michael

Sorry it has taken me so long to get back with you. I’ve been absorbing the whole experience of the safari since I’ve arrived back in the states. It was almost surreal for me. I’ve spent hours looking at the photos I captured and then to realize I have some amazing pictures of the African wildlife. This was a dream come true for me. Sawa Sawa! I’ve tried planning this trip with others and for one reason or another they never came to be.

When I finally decided to book my safari, I was planning to travel alone. As I always say, don’t wait on someone else to make your dream come true. So I looked on the Internet and found Africa Dream Safaris! I searched their website and found they offered what I was looking for; a private vehicle with a driver/guide. I did not want to be on a bus with a group of people that had different interests than mine.

My guide in the Serengeti and the Ngorogoro Crater was incredible. He really made special efforts to find the animals I wanted to see and never rushed me to leave. In fact one afternoon, we drove around some Kopjes with a pride of lion over an hour. No other vehicles were around so we pulled forward, then backed up, drove back around ….all to capture the perfect pictures. Amazing moments for 6 days!

The campsites were great. There is no doubt you are camping in the bush, but with all of the amenities, cocktails, incredible meals, short but welcomed hot showers, flushing toilet and a hot water bottle in your turned down bed, made camping a luxury.

Sitting around a campfire after a long days safari drive, with cocktails in hand, you have an opportunity to meet the other guests, from other parts of the world, that have chosen to stay at the same [lodge] as I had for a night or two. Talking up the day’s activities and sightings. Dinner was served family style. By the end of the day you were ready for a great meal before retiring for the evening, for the next morning was yet another adventure.

Seeing the leopards, elephants, giraffes, cheetahs and other wildlife, the incredible meals and the company of other guests made for a rainbow of a day.

Africa Dream Safaris made my life long #1 bucketlist come true! I would like to recommend any single female use ADS for their safari dreams! Thank you for making my dream come true! I’ll have my very own ‘Coffee Table Book’ filled with incredible pictures I captured on my safari! Safari Njema!!!

Julie Wolfswinkel
December 2009

Quote of the Week: Sandy and Victor Feld

December 14, 2009June 6, 2017 by Michael

I can’t believe that we’re home and our Safari is over. I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for guiding us with your invaluable suggestions and expertise in planning our amazing trip. Vic and I seriously followed your packing suggestions, which were so helpful in making the journey easy and uncomplicated. As you know, going on Safari has been my life long dream and I’m so thrilled that we made the right choice to go with ADS. Everything went along without a hitch. Thank you so much for the birthday cake at the Crater. It was such a surprise and I shared it with all the guests in the lodge. Everywhere we stayed was fabulous, but there are no words to amply describe the Crater Lodge. I had to keep pinching myself to make sure I was alive, because I felt like I had died and gone to heaven!

Needless to say our guide truly made each day exciting and fun and was the reason why our Safari was a success. He was always so up and happy and we couldn’t wait to see him to start our next adventure. Vic and I talk about him constantly and really miss him.

It’s hard to believe that our trip with so many components was an absolute dream. No stress, amazing people, the wondrous animals, the incredible Serengeti and our dear guide. It was truly my dream come true.

Thanks again for everything. I am so grateful to you and to all of the staff who made it possible.

Sandy and Victor Feld
December 2009

Quote of the Week: Tony Martinez & Family

Family Vacations

December 12, 2009June 6, 2017 by Michael

What a wonderful adventure! All ten family members said that their expectations had been exceeded, and I believe we set a high bar for our safari.

Our guides were friendly and full of knowledge. Each question was answered in such detail that we learned a great deal. Of course the wildlife was amazing. Our guides knew where to go to avoid crowds. By the end of our journey we had seen all the animals on our checklist, as well as many other interesting creatures that were not on our list. As we share our photos with friends at home many have commented that some look like postcards.

Our Africa Dream Safaris vehicles were clean and stocked with water and snacks each morning. Our accommodations were comfortable and accurately described. The Bilila Lodge was especially luxurious. As an added bonus the President of Tanzania was at the lodge at the same time we were.

Africa Dream Safaris enabled us to experience the beauty of the land, wildlife, and people of Tanzania. Thank you for making our dreams come true.

Tony Martinez & Family
December 2009

The President of Tanzania, who happened to be on safari at the same time. You just never know who you might see out here!

Quote of the Week: Sandy and Victor Feld

December 8, 2009June 6, 2017 by Michael

I can’t believe that we’re home and our Safari is over. I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for guiding us with your invaluable suggestions and expertise in planning our amazing trip. Vic and I seriously followed your packing suggestions, which were so helpful in making the journey easy and uncomplicated. As you know, going on Safari has been my life long dream and I’m so thrilled that we made the right choice to go with ADS. Everything went along without a hitch. Thank you so much for the birthday cake at the Crater. It was such a surprise and I shared it with all the guests in the lodge. Everywhere we stayed was fabulous, but there are no words to amply describe the Crater Lodge. I had to keep pinching myself to make sure I was alive, because I felt like I had died and gone to heaven!

Needless to say our guide truly made each day exciting and fun and was the reason why our Safari was a success. He was always so up and happy and we couldn’t wait to see him to start our next adventure. Vic and I talk about him constantly and really miss him.

It’s hard to believe that our trip with so many components was an absolute dream. No stress, amazing people, the wondrous animals, the incredible Serengeti and our dear guide. It was truly my dream come true.

Thanks again for everything. I am so grateful to you and to all of the staff who made it possible. Vic is going to write you and submit some pictures!! We wish you a happy, healthy new year.

Sandy and Victor Feld
December 2009

Cheetahs often look for high vantage points from which to scan their surroundings, and this cheetah felt comfortable enough in the presence of these clients to borrow their land rover for a quick scan of the plains. So yes, it is what it looks like…the cheetah is indeed standing right above them in this picture!

The rains have finally arrived in the Serengeti!

AFRICAN WILDLIFE

November 23, 2009June 23, 2017 by Michael

Over the last 10 days, thundershowers have been falling throughout the Serengeti ecosystem including the far southern plains around Ndutu. Over the last week we have seen long columns of wildebeest marching south through the Central Serengeti woodlands and flooding onto the plains. This is the southward migration in full glory!

The wildebeest have just edged onto the beginning of the plains with the onset of the rains. Massive herds can be found all throughout the Central Serengeti with the main concentrations at Moru Kopjes and Maasai Kopjes. These herds stretch as far south as Simba Kopjes but they have not made it (just yet) to the far southern and eastern plains around Ndutu and Gol Kopjes, respectively. If the rains continue, we have doubt that the wildebeest will continue their southward migration and move further south down the ecosystem to Ndutu and Gol by December.

In any event, large herds of both wildebeest and zebra along with their attendant predators can easily be seen at the moment in the central areas of the park. Game viewing is incredible at the moment with these large concentrations of herbivores filling the predator rich Seronera Valley of the Central Serengeti. Needless to say the large lion prides of the Seronera area are extremely content. Much of the prides have come together in this time of plenty and almost the entire Sametu pride (over 30 members) was seen all together including its 4 resident males names by the Serengeti Lion project the Greek Gods. What a sight

Please see below for 2 pictures just submitted from our very own Dawn Anderson and Sharon Lyon who just returned from safari. The first picture is of a herd of wildebeest with the beautiful Maasai Kopjes projecting out in the background. Look how green it is! The second picture is of a group of cubs from the large Sametu lion pride taken nearby the Sametu Kopjes (the center of this lion prides territory).

Maasai Kopjes – Central Serengeti

AFRICAN WILDLIFE

November 23, 2009June 23, 2017 by Michael

November 16th - Maasai Kopjes - Central Serengeti

Sametu Lion Pride – East Serengeti

AFRICAN WILDLIFE

November 23, 2009June 23, 2017 by Michael

: November 15th – Sametu Lion Pride – East Serengeti

Quote of the Week: Robert and Colette Sawyer

November 19, 2009June 6, 2017 by Michael

What an experience. Your selection of a guide I believe made the safari trip. His knowledge and professionalism completed the whole safari experience. As you know we started the safari in the Northern Serengeti with an Air Excel flight only to be greeted by our guide and a herd of elephants. From that moment my camera was on nonstop picture taking. Our stay at Migration Tented Lodge met all of our expectations. In fact all the accommodations were all that we had expected. During the trip we were constantly impressed with [our guide’s] ability to spot the animals and describe the specific animal behavior. Because of that, we where able to leave the trip with some one-of-a-kind photos […] Thanks for all your help with the planning for this trip!

Robert and Colette Sawyer
November 2009