I thought it would be interesting to share a collection of safari photos mainly from the Serengeti National Park showing just how close one can get to the big game (lion, cheetah, leopard, elephant and giraffe) in Tanzania. Sometimes a large zoom or telephoto lens is not at all necessary and a small pocket size camera is actually more advantageous.
From the moment we stepped off the plane in Kilimanjaro and walked across the tarmac to the airport, we knew we had made the right choice in Africa Dream Safaris.
Day 1
Our plane landed in Kilimanjaro Airport last night with all 9 of us aboard. Our guides were on the tarmac to meet us, walk us through customs in minutes, and escort us to the Mount Meru Resort in Arusha. It was late but the restaurant at the resort remained open just for us to have dinner and then to our rooms for some welcomed rest.
Day 2 (Arusha):
On day 2 we toured Arusha, the 3rd largest city in Tanzania. Our first stop was an elementary school where we visited a 2nd grade classroom. The children were so joyful. Many were bilingual, speaking both Swahili and English. Next we enjoyed the local and unique art at the Heritage Museum and art stores. Our final visit was to a most amazing conclave of artists. All were disabled, blind, or deaf – all gifted self-supporting artists. It was heartwarming to watch them weave, paint, sew, create and mold jewelry, do beadwork and more…
Day 3 (The Western Serengeti):
Early morning we boarded a small private plane in Arusha and had the most spectacular overview of the area as we flew across the Serengeti, landing in the far northwestern portion, to begin our safari. As our small plane landed on the grassy plains, zebra and wildebeest scattered in front of us. Amazing introduction to our adventure. How in the world did Sharon and ADS manage to arrange such an amazing start to our safari?
On this very first safari day we saw – up close and personal – lions, giraffes, zebras ,wildebeest, hippos, baboons, birds which looked like works of art, African Buffalo, hyena, Jackals, warthogs, Thomson’s Gazelle, Grant’s Gazelle, Kirk’s Dik-dik, Topi, Impala, monkey, and even turtles.
Midday, while crossing a river, we witnessed a crocodile take down a zebra who was drinking from the river. The croc methodically pulled him in, drowned him, and proceeded to dissect the insides and carry them to his nest. Whew!
Late this afternoon we arrived at Mbalageti Tented Camp, having already traversed the Musabi Plains and the Grumeti River region. We all settled into our cabins that have breathtaking views overlooking the plains from our hillside verandas. Not exactly “roughing it” at this point. We ate and swam and I think we will all sleep soundly after our 1st day as visitors in the animals’ home turf.
Day 4 (The Western Serengeti):
Up before dawn, we watched the uncompromising African sunrise as we headed out of camp. The best part of another exceptional day of animal encounters was highlighted by the plethora of up close elephant encounters – some as near as ten feet from our 4-wheelers. We watched baby elephants nursing, humongous bull elephants stare us down just a bit shy of petting distance, and whole families of elephants walk by us. Breathtaking moments! After this trip it would be so difficult to see an elephant in a zoo ever again…
We roamed the Ruwana Plains and the Lower Grumeti Woodlands today then returned to camp for a hardy late lunch. Next came the famous 6+ mile Walking Tour of the Serengeti, accompanied by armed Rangers and Swahili Warriors. Near sunset, the hikers joined the less adventurous of our clan at our “Dinner in the Bush” destination with lush table settings, candlelight, bonfire, elegant menu – along with entertainment by baboons in the surrounding trees.
After dinner the kids surprised us with an Anniversary Cake, singing, dancing, and such fun! Quite a memorable 50th anniversary celebration in the African moonlight.
Day 5 (The Central Serengeti):
Today we crossed the Seronera Valley, Makoma Hill, and the Retina Pool en route to our next destination – The Four Seasons Bilila Lodge – not too shabby! On the way there, we spotted our first leopards – such magnificent animals!
Day 6 (The Central Serengeti):
We’ve learned that sunrise is the best time to see the animals. Today we saw the elusive cheetahs, along with all the other majestic animals which are nearly becoming commonplace to us.
Today the kids surprised me with a luxurious massage at the lodge’s Spa. Talk about feeling like “Queen for a Day”… Then tonight after our outdoor dinner by the endless pool, everyone sang Happy Birthday to me as they served me the most decadent 70th Birthday cake – without the fire hazard of that many candles! What a day. What a night! Does it get any better than this?
Day 7 (Ngorongoro Crater):
We pressed on today through the Olduvai Gorge, enjoying sightings along the way. We had the opportunity to visit a Maasai Village . It is hard to even get your arms around the daily life of the Maasai people – it is so very different from ours. The women make the huts from mud, dung, and grasses.
The entire hut is smaller than an average sized dining room back home. There is no heat except a small fire (with no chimney to vent the smoke), no plumbing of any kind, no lighting. Their sole source of food is meat, blood, and goats’ milk. Young boys Ava’s age are out herding the cows and goats from dawn to dusk. They return before dark to bring all the animals inside the Villaage enclosure for safety.
It was a hoot watching our sons join the Maasai Warriors in their “Jumping Contests”. It seems that being the highest jumper in the village is a real “turn on” for the Maasai girls. The Maasai are polygamous. It looked to me as if the women get all the hard jobs. They build the huts, birth and raise the children, cook the meat, etc. Meanwhile, the men take turns guarding the village at night, practicing their jumping skills, and protecting the village in general. Hmmm…
By days’ end we have entered the Lerei Forest, experienced the Moru Kopjes, and Olduvai Gorge. The topography here is unlike any we have experienced to date. It is lush rainforest with cool temperatures.
I wasn’t sure if our gang would like the tents at Lion’s Paw, but to my surprise, they all fell in love with this campsite. We had the whole camp to ourselves and our host, Eddie, made our visit extraordinary. After an elegant dinner, we had smores over the campfire as Eddie told us stories of Africa.
Day 8 (Ngorongoro Crater):
We awoke to a surreal jungle mist as we departed camp, bellies full, winding down the rim to the bottom of the crater. We searched all day for the elusive rhinos, to no avail. We were rewarded for our efforts, though, with ample viewings of lion cubs with their moms, and bachelor lions galore within several feet of our two jeeps, along with all the other resident animals.
One of our guides, Pokea, is so extraordinary at spotting a plethora of camoflauged animals that we have nicknamed him “Eagle-Eye”. Our other guide, Bennett, is Mr. Personality and has a heart as big as all outdoors! Incredible team!
After a marvelous dinner, we again got busy making our signature cheetah smores with wine chasers. As we say good night and climb into our tented beds, we can hear the night sounds of the animals outside our tents.
Day 9 (Lake Manyara):
Where did the time go? Can we already be nearing the end of our journey? One last area of protected National Park to explore as we make our way back to Arusha gives us lots of laughs watching the baboons’ antics especially.
Then, miles of farmland with corn stalks, sunflowers (they make oil out of these), coffee plantations, with occasional pauses along the way as cows and goats cross the roads, accompanied by young boys guiding and coaxing them along.
We arrived in Arusha late afternoon, to be given four rooms again at the Mt. Meru Resort to shower and rest before dinner and the journey to Kilimanjaro. We said good-bye to Mt. Kilimanjaro at sunset. It looked absolutely surreal. What a dramatic farewell to Africa!
Asante Sana, Tanzania…La La Salama.
Cynda E. and Family
The Villages, Florida
Safari Dates: June 1, 2016 to June 7, 2016
P.S. This celebration trip was truly “over the top” for all of us, thanks to the attention to detail throughout our journey by ADS. We have been blessed to be able to travel quite a bit since we retired, and I can honestly say that no other trip compares to this one.
Greetings from Arusha, Tanzania. I have just finished my most recent safari with two guests Katherine and Karen who are from Chicago Illinois, USA. While in the bush we had a wonderful time together with some spectacular wildlife viewing especially with great migration crossing the Mara River and for the predators including lion, cheetah, leopard and hyena.
Jambo! This ADS guide Russell Temu from Arusha, Tanzania with a short report and a few pictures to share with you. I’ve recently returned from a lengthy safari this past September totaling 16 days in duration. My guests and I enjoyed 3 nights in the Ngorongoro Crater and 12 nights in the Serengeti National Park split between 4 different camps in the Central and Northern Serengeti. Overall, the wildlife viewing and photographic opportunities were amazing. Please enjoy the selection of pictures below taken while on this incredible adventure. One of the dominant male Lions of the Sametu pride around Sametu plains in the Central Serengeti.
Africa Dream Safaris was nothing short of AMAZING! This was the best trip I have ever been on. After traveling all across Europe, Asia, Australia, and Mexico, Africa stole my heart. Africa Dream surpassed my expectations with everything they provided. The amenities, staff, transportation, and food!
The minute we landed in Kilimanjaro we were greeted by their amazing staff. They were with us every step of the way. The staff was very professional, friendly, and educated. I thoroughly enjoyed talking with the staff and learning about their way of life.
Once I got to the Serengeti, I was overwhelmed with how many animals were around the area. Our small plane had to actually fly close to the landing strip to move some of the animals off the area so we could land safely. Once landing, I was once again greeted by Africa Dreams amazing staff and my tour guide Michael.
Michael was very welcoming and did everything to make sure I was comfortable and enjoying myself. The next week was spent with Micheal and viewing the animals in their natural habitat. Michael knew exactly where to go and I saw everything!!! Lions, crocodiles, Black Rhino, Giraffes, Cheetahs, and Hippos to name a few. I learned so much from Michael as he has been a tour guide in the Serengeti for over 18 years!
This is definitely a once in a life time experience. I loved every minute of this trip. The hotels and campsites were great as well. The amenities made me feel right at home and everyone was so welcoming. If you are looking for an amazing Africa Tour, Africa Dream Safaris are the ones to book with. I promise you will not be disappointed. I can’t wait to go back!
Debbie and Colin G.
San Diego, California
Safari Dates: October 10, 2016 to October 20, 2016
Wow, from our very first Wildebeest Crossing on the Mara River in the Serengeti to our last day in Tarangire National Park that included a rare pack of 12 African Wild Dogs, our trip could not have gone better or exceeded our expectations more than it even did!
Every one of the 10 days included sighting of one or more of the big three cats (Lion, Leopard, Cheetah). In fact, three days in a row we were able to experience up close and personal sightings of ALL three of them and even one day a Serval cat as well!
We scored our “Big Five” on day three with a fascinating visit with a black rhino and her baby within 15-20 feet. To listen to the baby talk was a real treat. We watched a Tommy give birth, a Lion “event” (you will just have to ask your guide!), giraffes fighting, a Lion kill, 2 Leopards together, and a herd of Hippo rescue a Wildebeest from a giant Croc!
All told we sighted over 40 mammal species (and countless beautifully colored birds) – what a great safari! We chose to stay out all day, everyday, but returning to camp at night was like coming home. Gracious welcomes, cold libations, hot showers and wonderful accommodations were the norm.
Our three tented camps (Mara River, Seronera Sametu, and Lions Paw) were all well appointed and set on wonderful locations. An added bonus was the animal noises that served as lullabies every night.
Our two lodges (Migration and Maramboi) were true luxury, with one overlooking a hippo pool with resident giraffe “jeri”, while the other provided a beautiful view of Lake Manyara (only interrupted by the passing of multiple zebra, ostrich, and other animals!).
All of these wonderful days could not have been possible without Ema (Immanuel), a wonderfully talented, knowledgeable, conversant and truly delightful person/guide/driver to spend our days with.
Karabu – African Dream Safaris!
Scott and Peg P.
Livonia, New York
Safari Dates: September 30, 2016 to October 10, 2016
This is our second trip to Tanzania with African Dream Safaris in the last 3 years. There is no other company I would go on a safari with than ADS. Having the proper guide is the most important aspect that makes the difference between having a good safari experience and having a great safari experience.
Once again, we had a great safari experience due to our ADS guide. The ADS guides are superior to any other guides in their local knowledge and desire to make their clients have a “once in a lifetime” experience. Our ADS guide continuously put us in the proper position to maximize our animal viewing opportunities. Isn’t that why we go on a safari?
Brad C.
San Juan Capistrano, California
Safari Dates: September 21, 2016 to October 2, 2016
Thank you to all the staff at ADS and especially our guide Roman, for such a wonderful trip to Africa. It was a stellar and obstacle free adventure in Tanzania. Within the first hours of arriving in the Northern Serengeti, all our expectations had been exceeded.
The amount of wildlife within easy viewing was staggering, and to see great herds of Wildebeests mixed with Gazelles, Zebras, Warthogs, Baboons and sated Lions – it is unimaginable. We viewed the Great Migration crossing several times and each time we saw more details and activity.
Our guide Roman spotted the wildlife quickly, and he did so much more – he taught us how to look, the preferred terrain, predatory behaviors, grouping and bonding relationships, whether the animal was healthy or just ate, and their all-telling poop! We all participated in the great hunt and each day was electric and richer in what we saw and understood.
Roman answered our barrage of questions on flora, fauna, geology and history; no question seemed out of his universe. We trusted Roman’s patience and were rewarded by seeing cheetah, lion and jackal kills throughout the week. He also positioned the jeep for best photography light and composition.
Both guides Roman and Francis treated our group to a coffee break each morning with gorgeous, smooth freshly pressed Kilimanjaro coffee. We were so spoiled by the private jeeps, cushioned seats, shaded canopy, big binoculars, drinks, ample box lunches, the luxury tents and dinners.
We were constantly aware of how well designed the ADS safari was; as we passed the other safari tour operators we saw tired, sun-exposed, dusty people crammed into jeeps, few binoculars, sullen faces, sitting down with little spark, and their guides were not conversant.
The African Dream Safari experience was home-style comfort, lively, inquisitive and non-stop wildlife viewing. Thank you again and again!!
Bonita and Drake L.
Plantation, Florida
September 7, 2016 to September 14, 2016
The Range Wide Conservation Program for Cheetah and African Wild Dogs have their base in TAWIRI, in Njiro, Arusha. They really need your help to use a phone app to track cheetah and African wild dog distribution by sending in sightings. This will feed directly into targeting conservation efforts, and enable them to author the IUCN Red List assessment of conservation status for cheetah. We hope this will also add some extra interest in your field observations.
After being included in a friends 50th birthday Bucket List Safari in Tanzania, we reviewed the ADS website and the Handbook they mailed to us. Of course, that set our expectations very high and we are happy to report that every expectation was exceeded. Every minute was memorable, amazing, and an exciting adventure. It is hard to imagine how the experience could have been any better.
We had the most wonderful driver-guide, Russell, who appeared to know the animals and requested that they show up for our game drive! They appeared on cue so we could enjoy and photograph them. Surely, what seemed like telepathy was actually experience and hard work combined. While driving us safely for almost a thousand miles he surveyed the landscape constantly and found sights that were invisible to us.
The crossing of the Mara River by hundreds of Wildebeest with a few Zebra friends was astounding, and Russel knew just when it was going to happen. We had over 60 lion sightings, some with their cubs. There was a “honeymooning” lion couple that serenaded us very near our tent one night – we didn’t get much sleep but it sounded as if they had a great time! We loved seeing all the zebras, the wonderful giraffes, the wallowing hippos, and the magnificent and seemingly gentle elephants. A leopard seen with its fresh kill one day, was seen the next in the same tree devouring it with bone crushing sound effects. You are that close to the animals!
The tent camps were great – comfortable, had every amenity imaginable, and were fun. The staff at each treated us like royalty, always friendly and helpful. Meals at the camp and the box breakfasts and lunches were all excellent.
In addition to the animals, a highlight was going to a Maasai Village, enjoying their singing and dancing, seeing their homes, watching young students in a small school learn English, and visiting with the chief’s son who gave us a tour.
We have special memories of all the people we met during our Africa Dream Safari, as well as our fun-loving traveling companions.
We are so grateful to the staff members at ADS who helped put this memorable trip together: Dawn handled every detail and made our trip “perfect”; Joseph and Mathias in Arusha, and Michael Wishner in California all contributed to making this a “once in a lifetime” experience for us
If you want the very best safari experience, Africa Dream Safaris will not disappoint you!
Bob and Jayne V.
Meford, Oregon
Safari Dates: September 8, 2016 to September 18, 2016
A special thanks to returning guests Barry and Sandy C. from Titusville, Florida who submitted this extraordinary video recap of their safari. Barry and Sandy traveled with ADS on a 10 night Hemingway safari itinerary from September 5, 2016 to September 15, 2016. They explored the Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire with their guide Claude. Some of the highlights include:
4:00 minutes – Wildebeest crossing the Mara River
7:30 minutes – A rare sighting of a mother and calf rhino in the North Serengeti
20:45 minutes – Two baby leopard cubs in the Central Serengeti
21:15 minutes – The mother leopard tackling a gazelle in the Central Serengeti
33:25 minutes – Lions hunting wildebeest in the Ngorongoro Crater
This was an amazing trip. I am lucky enough to be able to travel all over the world several times a year. This safari will go to the top of the list as one of my best trips ever. Our ADS guide, Roman, was terrific. He watched out for us and was a world of info regarding the animals and their behavior. He seemed to have a sixth sense as to when to sit and wait, “something is going to happen here”, which made the experience so much better. The hotels and lodges were all wonderful, the people warm and friendly, the food tasty and abundant. The vehicles perfect for picture taking and comfort.
As for the game drives, to be among these amazing animals, in their world, is both a privilege and humbling. When you see them in their natural habitat, you are amazed at how perfectly they fit into their environment. You understand why they look like they do and the logic behind their behavior. To see the herds of elephants, hippos, prides of lions, zebras, giraffes, wilder beast, all the herd animals, all the different types of cats, monkeys and birds, in their environment was thrilling. We never knew what would happen next, and every moment was an adventure.
ADS does a wonderful job of providing a quality safari. It will be a fond memory for the rest of my days.
Asana sana,
Millie C.
Plantation, Florida
It’s certainly a challenge packing for a once in lifetime trip within the 33 pound luggage restrictions imposed by most air carriers in Africa. The topic of packing is already covered very concisely under our FAQ section and you won’t want to miss it: africadreamsafaris.com/faq/what-to-bring
For my 50th birthday I decided to check off the one item on my bucket list, an African Safari. After much research I decided on Africa Dream Safaris. The best decision I could have made. From my initial contact with Dawn to the final farewell with Mateas we were always safe and very well taken care of. Dawn’s professionalism is second to none. Even when we decided to add two more people at the last minute it was not a problem, at least on our end.
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