On the second day of our safari in March of 2019 I asked my wife, “How do you like our vacation?” “It is not a vacation, it is a lifetime experience!” she replied. The next 13 days totally verified how true that statement was. All of our senses filled us with wonder, joy and extraordinary new memories throughout the trip.
We were just minutes out of the Seronera airport in the Serengeti when we spotted the migration. Thousands of wildebeests and zebras. Next, just a few minutes later, our first elephant sighting. Russell, our amazing driver/guide, spotted the elephant far off in the distance coming toward us. We waited as the sea of wildebeest parted to let it pass. It walked to the road, right behind us, and continued on.
My friends and I just got back from an incredible trip to Tanzania, to include Arusha, the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Conservation Area and the Ngorongoro Crater itself, and once again – I have ADS to thank for it! This was not my first trip to this part of the world, but just as in past trips – seven in all – it was no less incredible! The true “magic” of Africa is that no matter how many times you return, the experience is just as fresh and new as if you had never been. Every day in the bush is unique – and you just never know what you will see around the next corner. As the famous quote goes, “Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.” And in Africa, I have found this to be so very true.
I have waited to take this trip for a long time. It did not come without considerable research. I decided on Africa Dreams Safari for several reasons. They had the most comprehensive, honest and straightforward webpage and information, they responded to my inquiry immediately, and not the least of all, Sharon Lyon, Mama Simba! I never felt like I was being given a sales pitch. The love of the country and it’s people, culture and wildlife was so evident when speaking to Sharon, that I knew immediately I had found a partner for this journey. Her communication and patience with my many questions was so greatly appreciated. Her knowledge of everything Tanzania was staggering.
Before my wife and I visited the Serengeti, I had 2 fears. First, I had visited the Serengeti 50 years ago and was fearful it had changed for the worse. I was pleasantly surprised that the wildlife was still very diverse and plentiful. Second, I was fearful my wife would not enjoy herself. She’s a city girl not used to camping. After our first night “glamping” she announced she loved it. She was enthralled every day with the immense vistas and close proximity to animals. She dubbed the extraordinary daily events as “WOW moments”.
Choosing the right lens to take on safari can be even more more important than your actual camera body. This is one area where you want to focus your attention in order to capture the best photos. The best news is that these days you don’t need to break the bank to acquire a top notch lens! Here’s some tips from Jeff Smith, our Photo Ambassador here at ADS, on what lenses to bring and how to affordably rent them.
Before we booked with ADS I read and researched so many different companies for our safari and I can tell you that I am so happy we chose ADS! From the moment we got to Kilimanjaro we were greeted by your staff and escorted through customs and off to our overnight accommodations. We were greeted every step of the way with polite and excited personnel. We never had to wonder where we should be or how we would get there.
AFRICA DREAM SAFARIS has not been selected by the National Geographic as the world’s best Safari Outfitters, and the best safari value without reason. From the first contact with Dawn at ADS to our final departure from Kilimanjaro airport, every detail of the safari was beautifully crafted and synchronized to give the highest degree of satisfaction and pleasure.
For all my life, I have dreamed of a safari in the Serengeti. At our usual birthday cake eating at work, it was my turn to answer the 3 questions we all get asked: Favorite family tradition, who would you like to have dinner with, and what is your number 1 bucket list item. When I said my bucket list item was a safari in the Serengeti, it finally clicked “why do I just keep saying it, it’s time to do it!”
People keep asking about our African Safari and it’s still hard to put into words. We have told people that if we could use one word to describe the trip, it would be “SURREAL”! All the planning for the perfect safari was easy with African Dream Safaris. Sharon Lyon walked us through the process step by step. She allowed me to plan the trip to fit our wants, needs and budget making it a success from the start.
We’re very excited to tell you all about a new section of our website called – Our Photographic Ambassador. In this super comprehensive guide to safari photography, our expert wildlife cinematographer/photographer Jeff Smith shares 20+ tips to ensure you capture the most awe-inspiring and unforgettable moments from your trip. From suggestions on cameras and lenses to details about shooting from a safari vehicle and packing your gear, he thoroughly answers all of the photo questions we’ve been gathering from our guests for years. Jeff should know a thing or two about how to show up prepared to shoot wildlife, he’s been on safari with us 5 times!
It was much, much more than a safari, it was life changing is so many ways. Oh how true this was all 10 days of our Safari. When our friends Nancy and Lenny asked us if we wanted to go on a Safari with them, we had no idea what to expect. This would be their third safari with ADS. They tried to tell us what to expect and we watched every video on the ADS website and read all the blogs! It still was beyond our wildest dreams.
This was a long anticipated trip at the top of our bucket list. We had looked for several years at various safari tour companies, mostly group tours until we discovered Africa Dream Safaris and their private tours. We are two couples who have traveled all over the world for over twenty years.
We recently went on our third safari with ADS and once again it exceeded all expectations. We were met at the airport and whisked right through the Visa process and on the road to the beautiful Lake Duluti Lodge. This time we went with some friends that had never been to Africa before.
Our recent trip to Africa including a safari to Tanzania and gorilla trekking in Uganda was truly a trip of a lifetime. The wildlife viewing, accommodations, staff, guides, service and overall experience completely exceeded our expectations.
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