Our 10 day trip in Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater over the Christmas break really was the trip of a lifetime and we can’t say enough about our guides, the accommodations, and the incredible wildlife and landscapes we witnessed.
Let’s face it. An African safari is a big trip for most people. It’s an endeavor which requires a significant investment of time, energy and money. This really is a “once in a lifetime” type of experience for many folks who may never get the opportunity to go back to Africa again, so naturally everyone wants to get it right the first time. “What time of year is the BEST time of year to go on safari?” seems like a critical question, especially because so many places in Africa (and other parts of the world) can be so seasonal. You just don’t want to miss out on anything important simply because you lacked the necessary information to plan it right.
We landed at the Kilimanjaro Airport and were met by African Dream Safari representatives and, from that moment on, they took care of every single detail. After spending two nights in Arusha we flew to the Grameti Airstrip in the Western Serengeti and met Bennett, our driver-guide, who immediately became our friend. He quickly honed in to what we really wanted to see and do over the next eight days. It became obvious that he had an uncanny ability to know where our favorite wildlife were and he took us there. Although we saw thousands of migrating wildebeest and zebras, most of the pictures which follow are of single, or just a few, of a given species. We were amazed at how close Bennett could get our vehicle to the animals and/or get the animals to come to us.
Our trip was unbelievable. Every time someone asks me about it my answer is “My expectations were high, but the trip exceeded my expectations”. We want to thank Africa Dream Safaris for the wonderful unexpected perks along the way. The Sundowner Cocktail Party was fabulous. Not only was the food and drink good, but we were visited by several lions nearby. The two cakes were great, especially the one at the tented camp. The gifts were very nice also and have been great to show our friends.
What could be more luxurious than experiencing a place completely unaware of civilization, where natural beauty and wildlife still reigns supreme? Imagine endless savannas teeming with millions of wildebeest, towering boulders sprawling with tawny lions, and collapsed volcanoes brimming in mist. It is hard to believe a place like this still exists, but it does. It is called Tanzania. These five incredible african escapes are sure to make your stay in Africa a luxurious and magical one.
In honor of #NationalCuddleUpDay we’ve gathered our best wildlife photos that capture the sentiment. These shots have all been taken by our past guests and staff. It doesn’t get much cuter than this.
One of Africa’s best birding destinations is Tanzania. It boasts one of the largest species lists of any African country: a total of 1049, of which 26 are endemic and 30 are accidental. Between November and April, when migratory birds are present, safari guests can find the best viewing experience with many birds nesting and in breeding plumage. While all of the safari parks offer great birding opportunities, Arusha National Park is often overlooked but has an amazing diversity of habitats and over 400 species in a small area. Lake Manyara also offers a great variety of waterbirds.
The Grumeti Woodlands play host to the most amazing wildlife spectacle in Africa. Every year, thousands of wildebeest take the cold plunge to cross the glittering waters of the Grumeti River, the centerpiece of the Grumeti Woodlands. The river itself is renowned for its population of gigantic Nile crocodiles. Some of these pre-historic monsters measure up to 17-feet long and are 70-years old!
Setting your New Year’s travel resolutions? Add an african safari to the top of your list. There’s nothing more wondrous than a trip to Tanzania. With awe-inspiring landscapes, unsurpassed wildlife viewing and the most luxurious of accommodations, Africa is sure to offer you the trip of a lifetime.
As 2017 comes to an end, we can’t help but look back on this adventurous year with such gratitude to our guests who have chosen us as their host to experience the wonders of Tanzania. With countless safari moments to revisit, it’s fun to look back and select some of our favorites to share with you.
You can’t compare Africa to a camping vacation or a wilderness stay in a US national park. Being in the Serengeti National Park was pure and raw.
Departing from Arusha to the Kogatende airstrip set the tone for our entire Safari with Africa Dream Safaris. Other folks were waiting dressed in white jeans and walking shoes, jaunty straw hats and bright colored shirts and jackets- more prepared for a resort than an experience of a lifetime. Well prepared over the previous nine months by Sharon Lyon of ADS, we had come to Tanzania ready to be educated, to push beyond our comfort zones, and to inhale the REAL Africa.
After many years of excursions and Safaris around the world, I have finally assembled my favorite photographs on my new website. One of the primary purposes of my site is to promote the conservation of endangered species in Africa, particularly Tanzania, a country near and dear to my heart.
A safari had been on our bucket list, it was something we talked about for years and then finally took the plunge! My search was easy, I google searched the top five safari companies in the United States and Africa Dream Safaris was on that list. What set them apart was their web site, blog pages, personalized tours, and the recommendation of National Geographic.
Like many, I began planning for our safari by researching the internet to find out: when was the best time of the year to visit, where should we visit, what were the merits of the various travel companies that offer a safari in their catalog and who could we trust with planning this unique adventure for us.
As avid outdoorspeople and nature lovers, my husband and I decided last year that an African safari would be a great adventure. In particular, we wanted to see the wildebeest migration, and that led us to Tanzania. After several hours of research, it became apparent that African Dream Safaris offered just the type of experience we were interested in.
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