We hope you enjoy the 1st installment below in our new 4-part video series. Part 1 is entitled ‘The Safari Experience’. Don’t forget to click the expand arrow icon in the bottom right corner of the video player to enlarge the video to full screen. Stay tuned next week for part 2 entitled ‘African Wildlife’.
I participated in a 10-day safari with ya’ll last May and since I write a travel blog I have posted the first part of an eight part series on the blog. I just wanted to give you the heads up because I absolutely loved this experience and had a fantastic time with African Dream Safaris and would recommend it to anyone. So if you need to refer anyone to my site feel free! Here is the link to the first post about Africa posted today! http://www.globetrottingtexans.com/2015/04/africa-the-most-beautiful-place-on-earth-africa-trip-part-2/
Thank you,
Courtney K.
San Antonio, Texas
We are excited to announce the completion of a new series of safari videos filmed in the Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater. The 4-part series will include the following titles: ‘Outstanding Safari Guides‘, ‘The Safari Experience‘, ‘Wildlife Abundant Game Drives‘ and ‘When To Go On Safari‘.
Jambo from Arusha, Tanzania! This is ADS driver-guide Arnold here with my latest report from the bush. I just finished quite an adventurous safari yesterday. I had 6 guests from Tennessee, USA on an 11-day program through the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Ecoystems. Here’s a photo of a Leopard close to Maasai Kopjes climbing down from the top of an acacia tree.
I have dreamed of going to Africa ever since I was a little girl and watched my first Tarzan movie with Johnny Weissmuller. My dream started to become a reality when I inherited some money and booked my first safari with Sharon from ADS. Sharon was always there to answer all my questions and plan the perfect safari.
Our safari started on March 22, 2015 when we were met by Mathias at the Kilimanjaro airports. He put me at ease, and all my fears and anxiety disappeared.
Our first night was spent at the Mt Meru Hotel. What a hotel, this must be how the rich people live! We got up early for a hot breakfast on the veranda and then off with Mathias and Timan to the Arusha airport.
Once we landed at the Seronera airstrip in the central part of the Serengeti, we were met by Ally, our guide for the safari. He had a smile from ear to ear and was never far away from us. He answered all our questions, provided us with a wealth of information regarding the animals and the African culture. I especially enjoyed his sense of humor. His eyes were incredible and he was able to pick animals that were no bigger than a speck in the grass.
Before arriving at Seronera Sametu Camp, we saw a herd of elephants chase away a pair of lions, saw Thompson’s Gazelle, Grant’s Gazelle, Impala, Worthog, Zebra, hippos, Giraffe, Lions, Elephants, Baboon, Hyena, Hartebeest, Topi, Buffalo, Jackal, Cheetah and many types of birds. And that was just the first day!
The first time I saw Sametu Camp, I wondered what had I gotten myself into. I had only seen pictures of the camp, but I could never have imaged how wonderful staying in one would be. We were greeted by JJ with warm towels to wipe off the days dust and a glass of juice. The tent was amazing. While we were at supper, the staff would close up the tent, turn down the bed, pull down the mosquito netting, fill the shower with water and place hot water bottles in the bed. During the nights we heard lions outside the tent. I can’t begin to describe the feelings: fear, excitement, terror, trepidation. In the morning we found out the lions were on a rock formation not far from the tent.
These are some of the high lights from our 3 day stay at SAMETU CAMP:
1. Night drive. You need a special permit to do this.
2. Hot air balloon, we just hovered over the heads of buffaloes, trees and hippos.
3. Zebras, by the thousands waiting to get to a watering hole.
4. A lion stalk and kill a warthog.
5. Pride of 20 lions eating a zebra.
6. Countless numbers of animals including the elusive Serval cat
7. And of course JJ.
Then off to NDUTU LODGE in the South Serengeti for 2 nights. Highlights include:
1. Cheetahs and leopards
2. A cheetah stalking and killing a young hartebeest
3. Our first Bushy TV (camp fire)
4. Eating dinner and having Genets climbing around on the rafters
5. Exploring Lake Masek
Then off to LIONS PAW CAMP, but first a visit to a Maasia Village!
At Lions Paw Camp, where we were met by Edward, highlights include:
1. By day we explored the Ngorongoro crater and saw 8 rhinos and 2, yes 2 Caracal cats.
2. At night, I heard the buffalo eating grass outside the tent next to my head.
3. Lots of great scenic pictures
The game drives were long and dusty, but filled with excitement. We would get lost in following a leopard walk across the Serengeti or watching a cheetah stalk and kill a young hartebeest. Each day was filled with something new and exciting. I’m so glad we chose to use ADS for our safari needs and thankful they paired us up with our guide Ally.
I want to thank all the ADS staff for making my childhood dream come true.
One last note: I never did see Tarzan, but I have memories that will last a lifetime.
Marilyn and David C.
Hugo, Minnesotaa
Safari Dates: March 22, 2015 to April 1, 2015
Today marks the 20th Anniversary of Africa Dream Safaris. Leading the way in private, custom-tailored safari tours to East Africa, we feel honored to have fostered such a vibrant community over the years. Let us take this opportunity, during this week of thanks, to show our deepest gratitude to the wonderful guests who have traveled with us (some more than once), our incredible staff of bush guides and safari specialists, and the conservation and humanitarian partners we so proudly sponsor.
We want to thank Africa Dream Safari (ADS) for a most wonderful lifetime experience. From the moment we got off the plane in the Central Serengeti we were seeing all kinds of animals. Right when we thought we had seen it all, the next day brought a new and exciting experience and each day was a new adventure. It was so wonderful to see all the animals in their natural habitat on our game drives. They were so close you could almost touch them!
Russell, our guide and driver was extremely well educated and experienced. Our Land Cruiser was very comfortable and Russell drove cautiously at all times. Russell provided in depth details of everything we saw, from the big 5, to reptiles, to insects, birds and so much more. He took the time to answer all of our never ending questions. We learned so much in such a short period of time.
We were treated like royalty everywhere we stayed and we were well taken care of from the moment we got off the plane to the moment we boarded our plane home. The accommodations were so fantastic – really over the top – and the food was fantastic. Our safety was a priority from all staff we encountered.
Tanzanians are very kind and wonderful. ADS is extremely professional and provided us with the highest quality experience not only on the Safari but in all the preplanning that went into our trip. We both rate ADS a 10 out of 10 and recommend ADS to anyone wanting to experience a high quality personal safari.
Cynthia and Cary N.
Seattle, Washington
Safari Dates: March 26, 2015 to April 4, 2015
We began our safari on March 20, 2015 at the Central Serengeti Airstrip where I picked up my guests named Al and Susan after they took off from the Arusha Airport. They had just landed into Tanzania the night before after flying all the way from the U.S. (Florida). I was very excited to begin the safari in the Central Serengeti since wildlife viewing had been excellent in this area during my last couple of safaris this year. Luckily, the Central Serengeti did not disappoint us and we were blessed with plenty of wildlife sightings right away including the famous predators of the Serengeti.
Greetings again from Tanzania! My name is Russell Temu, a guide with Africa Dream Safaris. I just finished my latest safari (March 26, 2015 to April 4, 2015) with two guests from Seattle, USA named Cynthia and Cary. We started in the central region of the Serengeti National Park on March 26, 2015 with 3 nights at Seronera Sametu Camp. We then headed to the Southern Serengeti Plains for 3 nights at Lake Masek Camp. We concluded our adventure together with 3 nights in the Ngorongoro Crater area split between Crater Lodge and the Ngorongoro Manor located between the coffee farm and the Ngorongoro forest. We had an abundance of spectacular wildlife sightings even though it was unusually dry for this time of year. Thankfully we are receiving a few rain showers as I write this. Please enjoy my pictures I managed to take on the safari.
Jambo! This is ADS driver-guide Arnold Yahaya Mushi reporting from a very warm and sunny Arusha, Tanzania with my most current report from the bush! My latest safari was with a lovely family of five from Montanna, USA named Richard, Paul, Mary, William and Kathrine. Our adventure began on March 9, 2015 at the Seronera Airstrip in the Central Serengeti when I picked up the guests after they arrived on the morning bush flight.
After a short briefing, we headed off for our 1st game drive and within 20 minutes we saw a male and female lion along with several herbivores. Over the course of the next 8 nights, we saw an abundance of wildlife including dozens of lions, several cheetah and leopard, the wildebeest and zebra migration, huge herds of elephants (even one large group of elephants chasing off an equally large pride of lions), several species of antelopes, spotted hyenas, hippos, rhinos and much more.
It was a very enjoyable trip and my guests promise to be back again! The safari started on March 9 and ended on March 17, 2015 with 3 nights at Seronera Sametu Camp in the Central Serengeti, 3 nights at Ndutu Lodge in the South Serengeti and 2 nights at the Crater at Ngorongoro Lion’s Paw Camp. It was an exciting itinerary. Here are the photos to show how lucky we were during this trip:
Family of elephants enjoying a drink of water in the beautiful Seronera Valley of the Central Serengeti.
Here are the elephants chasing off a large pride of lions that were resting under an accacia tree in the Central Serengeti. This was thrilling to watch even for me and it was very exciting for my guests.
Within 20 minutes of landing at the airstrip we saw a male and female lion.
My guests on the Ndutu plains of the South Serengeti.
Zebras drinking from the Seronera River, Central Serengeti.
Lion pride in Seronera Valley close to the river.
Female leopard at the Maasai Kopjes, Central Serengeti.
Flamingo’s at Lake Masek in the South Serengeti.
A mother cheetah with three cubs on the Sametu plains – Central Serengeti.
Monitor Lizard
Rock Python in the South Serengeti
A beautiful sunset in the Ndutu Woodlands, South Serengeti.
Female cheetah with two cubs at the marsh area of Ndutu, South Serengeti
The famous Sametu Lion pride near Sametu Camp where we stayed for 3 nights.
Male Waterbuck in Seronera Valley.
Hippo close to the Retima Pool, Central Serengeti
It’s difficult to see in this photo, but here is a male leopard resting on top of a kopje. He had captured a young wildebeest calf.
Warthogs with spotted hyenas on the floor of the Ngorongoro Crater.
Regards,
Arnold Yahaya.
ADS Driver-Guide
Good morning from Arusha-Tanzania. This is ADS guide Raphael Mollel with my latest bush report. On this trip I enjoyed the company of two guests from North Carolina, USA named Jeff and Chris. We enjoyed 8 nights together staying at various camps and lodges in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro including Seronera Sametu Camp, Four Seasons Lodge, Lake Masek Camp and Ngorongoro Lions Paw Camp.
We started in Central Serengeti on the 7th of March and it was amazing because big herds of the migration were scattered throughout this area. We saw millions of wildebeest and zebras together. Both the Central and South Serengeti were great this time of year for all three species of big cats. We had numerous sightings of lions, cheetahs and leopards over the course of our adventure together. Another highlight of the trip were several large herds of elephants we encountered as well as 10 species of antelope including Grant’s Gazelle, Eland, Thomson’s Gazelle, Topi, Waterbuck, Dik-Dik, Hartebeest, Klipspringer, Reedbuck and Impala.
The Ndutu area of the South Serengeti was especially good on this safari for lions and cheetahs and even a rare rock python. In the Crater we saw lions hunting zebras, black rhinos and large tusker elephants. However, the highlight was spotting the extremely rare Caracal cat. Overall, the safari was fantastic. Below are some of the picture I would like to share with you:
A beautiful sunrise with a Giraffe on horizon in the Southwest Serengeti.
Wildebeest drinking water at Seronera Valley-Central Serengeti.
Some other ADS vehicles were out on overlapping safaris and we enjoyed some exciting game drives together.
This is a young male lion near Simba Kopjes.
Black rhino with wildebeest in the Ngorongoro Crater.
The rare Caracal cat – amazing! If I didn’t manage to take this picture, nobody would have believed me!
Mr. Jeff with Camels in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Wildebeest migrations at Moru Kopjes in the Southwestern part of the Serengeti.
A mother lion with her cubs at the Sametu Marsh.
A big male lion walking toward our vehicle. You can see the beautiful Sametu Kopjes in the background.
Marabou Stork with Catfish.
Two playful lions cubs.
Regards,
Raphael Mollel
ADS Driver-Guide
After our first Africa Dream Safari 2 ½ years ago in the dry season, we could not wait for another adventure in the green season. Again we were delighted with the tented camps, crater lodge, excellent food, the abundant wildlife, our knowledgeable driver- guide, Michael, and the delightful Tanzanian people we met along the way.
While staying in Arusha an extra day, we enjoyed a tour of this rapidly growing city. Visiting St. Jude’s School was inspirational!
On safari we were again treated to an exciting array of wildlife. Our safari included seventy lions, ten cheetahs, eleven black rhinos, numerous giraffes, troupes of baboons and Velvet Monkeys, hippos, elephants everywhere, and the great migration of zebra and wildebeest as far as the eye could see. Since pictures are worth a thousand words, below is a small sample.
We had been told by an acquaintance that if a person had only one trip to take, it would be to Tanzania. Now we are believers! And ADS is the best way to do it!!
Katherine and Howard E.
Lexington, South Carolina
Safari Dates: March 5, 2015 to March 13, 2015
Going on safari was on my wish list and I discussed partaking in this type of trip with a friend who wanted to see the animal migration in Africa. Through research she discovered African Dream Safaris and suggested we use them.
From my initial encounter with Dawn Anderson through the detailed planning, thought the safari and follow up I have been delighted that we selected African Dream Safaris for this adventure. The treatment of the planning through execution of this trip has been of the highest professional and warm quality of any experience of my life.
We planned the trip a year before. I never had planned a trip so far in advance. It was a joy to receive my packet with a t-shirt, safari hat, map and a book describing the trip and any details that we would need to address to make this trip safe, exciting and successful.
There are so many details to consider on this type of adventure from travel logistics, to health concerns, to accommodation choices, to what to bring and what to expect. Everything was covered with wonderful support by Dawn Anderson and Cathy King.
Staying 24 hours in Amsterdam while traveling each direction made the travel much easier.
We were met at the airport in Kilimanjaro immediately and guided through customs efficiently. Our greeter and driver were wonderful. The African Tulip was a great boutique hotel that welcomed us to Africa. We happily stayed 2 nights to help us through jetlag. Our flight to the Serengeti was smooth and I was delighted to meet our guide Russell Thomas Temu.
I loved Russell from the moment that I met him. He was smiling, confident and accommodating. I never imagined that the safari adventure could be as breathtaking and educational as it was. Russell’s wealth of knowledge enabled me to understand how nature all works to continue the cycles of land, insects, animals, etc. His joy of discovery was obvious. Even though he’s a seasoned guide, Russell brings a passion and delight in seeing and sharing the animals and nature at all times. I felt honored to spend the safari time learning from Russell and sharing the excitement each day of our discoveries. It was truly an honor to have this time with him.
My best day was when we toured from Lake Masek. We saw a pregnant cheetah and there were about 5 other vehicles around. Russell saw the cheetah making a move and suggested that we sit down and get quiet. Sure enough, she jumped on the hood of our vehicle and remained visiting with us for quite awhile. Russell’s knowledge and vision to see the animals was superb.
The accommodations at every place we stayed were terrific. I especially loved the tenting camps that placed us in the middle of the animals. Getting into bed with a hot water bottle was such a special touch. The food and service was fabulous at every place we stayed. I loved hearing the lions roar all night and then seeing them in the morning.
I’ve fallen in love with my African experience and love to return. I thank African Dream Safaris for all of the ways they made this journey so inspiring, safe, exciting and fun.
Thanks again,
Shanti G.
Delray Beach, Florida
Safari Dates: February 24, 2015 to March 8, 2015
After a trip to South Africa 2 years ago, I knew I had to return to Africa to experience the wonders of the Serengeti. My search for a safari company ended when, at the suggestion of a friend, I discovered ADS. One phone conversation with Dawn Anderson convinced me that at last I had found the company that would make my dream come true!
During the year that passed before my departure for Tanzania, Dawn proved an invaluable source of assistance and was a delight to work with. With her wealth of knowledge and insightful suggestions, we mapped out my trip from beginning to end. She has the patience of a saint, a delightful sense of humor, and went above and beyond the norm to answer my endless questions and make sure I was well prepared for my journey. I was ready to travel by myself, but much to my delight, my two friends, Seena and Shanti, decided to join me on this great adventure once they learned of the fabulous itinerary Dawn and I had put together.
To say that ADS exceeded our expectations every step of the way is putting it mildly! From the moment we landed in Arusha and were greeted by Matias and Timan, we knew we were in good hands. Then it was on to the Serengeti where we met our guide, Russell, who quickly became our teacher, protector and friend for the duration of our safari. His enthusiasm was infectious, his patience and kindness unsurpassed, and his knowledge of the land, its animals, birds, plants, and the Tanzanian people was amazing! We were repeatedly astounded by his ability to spot not only game, but such tiny insects as safari ants, identify birds by their sounds, and predict animals’ movements. And he seemed to anticipate our every need!
We stayed at the tented camps Seronera Sametu, Lake Masek, and Lion’s Paw. In each camp we found the staff to be wonderful, friendly and helpful in every way, accommodations were comfortable, and food was great! Our last stop was at beautiful Gibb’s Farm, where we found luxurious cottages to be our accommodations, sumptuous food, and again, a delightful staff who worked hard to make sure our stay was nothing short of divine!
A few of my favorite moments:
-The pregnant cheetah who hung out on the hood of our vehicle for a long while, periodically peering in the windshield at Russell. He became our “cheetah man” forever after and we dubbed ourselves the “cheetah girls”!
-Lying in our comfy beds at night, surrounded by mosquito netting & warmed by hot water bottles, listening to the noises of the animals outside our tents…lions, hyenas, zebra and wildebeest making their presence known.
-Wake up calls featuring freshly brewed coffee and hot milk brought to our tents.
-Watching the pride of lions for 2 hours who were within sight of our tents at Seronera Sametu.
-Seeing so many mama animals and their babies…they were everywhere!
-The sundowner campfire and sunset at Lion’s Paw camp.
-Visiting the Masai boma.
-My visit to the F.A.M.E. facilities in Karatu.
-The morning spent with the Hadza people (bushmen). A rare treat that seemed like it came right out of National Geographic!
My experiences went way beyond seeing the breathtakingly beautiful land, wonderful animals, plants, and birds of the Serengeti, Ngorongora crater and conservation area, and encountering the people who reside in glorious yet at times harsh settings. I truly could see the “circle of life” playing out right before my eyes as I took in all this incredible land has to offer. The wonders of Tanzania and its people will remain in my heart forever, my life changed in indescribable ways by this journey. I shall be forever grateful…and I shall return.
Asante sana to all the people at ADS…each of you have touched my life and made my dream come true!
Chere K.
Mount Pleasant, South Carolina
Safari Dates: February 24, 2015 to March 8, 2015
Asante sana ADS!! – this was our Best trip yet!! And that is not an easy feat considering this was our fifth ADS safari. We have travelled with our daughter as a family three times, and this was the second time we have brought a group. Last time, a group of photographers, and this time a group of friends after a Habitat For Humanity Build in Ethiopia.
From our middle of the night airport meet & greet/visa assistance, to the midnight shuttle back to the airport ten days later, the ADS staff looked after everything. Africa Dream Safari’s did their absolute best to ensure we had an amazing and hassle free experience, with emphasis on Amazing!
First a Thank-you to Michael for your help in putting together an itinerary that was designed to provide us access to the migration, the Big Five, and a huge variety of other birds and animals – it did not disappoint.
We were a group of ten, eight who were first-timers to Tanzania, and we had two private safari vehicles. Our ADS driver guides, Anglebert & David were THE BEST! They worked with us to plan the each day, suggesting areas they felt would be best, given the rain, and migration situation. They always listened to our feedback, and as we have come to expect from ADS staff, were always willing and enthusiastic about early morning game drives. Anglebert and David were really outstanding, and treated us to long days, off the beaten path drives, and loads of game viewing. There were days we hardly saw another vehicle, and could enjoy the view and spend as much time as we liked with the animals without interruption.
Everyone in the group commented at some point about the game spotting skill demonstrated by the drivers. How do they manage to see things from so far away? How can they tell a leopard tail from a tree branch from 500 yards away? How can they actually know the names of all those birds? Always pleasant, endlessly answering our questions about the animals, birds and the plants, and willing to share their books on each, Anglebert and David are true professionals. They kept us safe, their knowledge of animal behavior not only found us the game, but would often put us in its path – so the animals walked right up to us. Anglebert, an accomplished photographer himself, would position our vehicle just right for the light and the best angle, so even the smallest point and shoot cameras got terrific shots.
It is absolutely true that a good driver-guide can absolutely change your safari experience. We have traveled with eight different ADS drivers, and have always been impressed at the terrific job they do. The company standards for hiring are obvious in the experience and education of the staff – The bonus you get as an ADS customer is in the passion, the work ethic, and the desire the guides bring with them. They are trained, educated, specialists who are committed to making your safari experience excellent in every way.
The highlight of this trip for us, was Anglebert managing to get us in front of a pack of more than 20 wild dogs. In five trips, this was the first time we have seen them, and they did not disappoint. (You might be surprised how many photographs can be taken in an hour) It was a thrill to even see the dogs, endangered and elusive, and then to have them hang around and cooperate for so long…Wow!
On previous trips we have tried almost everything as far as lodging goes, and have decided we like the tented camp experience best. We were treated to excellent food, great staff, and daily hot showers at four different camps this trip. The hot water bottles tucked into the beds at night and coffee delivered with wake up calls were big hits, much like the popcorn and campfire’s under the stars. But more importantly, we were in terrific locations for the best game viewing every day.
The camp staff were terrific, and made us a hot breakfast at 5:30 AM, and got our box lunches ready so we could head out each day before dawn. In the evenings, they were pleasant & willing to provide hot water for showers before dinner, regardless how late we turned up back at camp – which was mostly after dark.
Every time we travel with ADS, we are impressed with the exceptional service we encounter in the camps along the way. This trip a standout was Gilbert from Ndutu Woodlands Camp – who captivated our group by sharing personal stories around the campfire, of his life and childhood growing up as a Maasai.
This was our 5th trip to Tanzania, and no matter how many times you go, you cannot escape the excitement, or how addictive it can be. It is difficult to explain the overall experience to anyone who hasn’t done it, other than just to say – “YES!! JUST DO IT!!” Once you do, you will face the same challenges our group did after this trip…
Trying to explain to someone that you saw more than 50 lions before lunch that day, or that 17 of them were eating a zebra right beside your vehicle.
Or how totally cool it is to watch a young cheetah playfully race in circles around his mom, then climb a tree stump and pose perfectly for photo’s in the warm golden light of sunrise.
Trying to explain the smile that comes to your face as you watch a couple of little lion cubs chew on their mom’s tail & then tumble around playing tag while the sun rises behind them. (This is why you get up and get out before the sun comes up!)
Or how do you describe what it’s like to see a herd of more than 200 elephants on the move, or how fast your heart is beating as you try to sit quietly while they surround your vehicle, because your driver has managed to park you right where they end up crossing the road.
And how do you explain sitting around a campfire at night and looking up at the sky so full of stars, and so bright they don’t even look real.
All I can really say is – If you are even thinking about going to Tanzania, you cannot do better than to go with Africa Dream Safari’s, and go now – It will change your life! As it has our family’s’. Thank you Michael and all the ADS staff from the bottom of our hearts.
Cheryl and Greg Stewart
Regina, Canada
February 12, 2015 to February 20, 2015
Ngorongoro Crater Viewpoint
Serengeti Cheetah
Zebra with weaver birds
Lion cubs under our vehicle
Elephant Viewing – Tarangire National Park
Elephant Viewing – Ngorongoro Crater
Leopard
African Wild Dog
Lions with zebra kill
Lioness with cubs
Our group in the Serengeti
Maasai Boma Dance
Lioness
Cheetah
Spotted Hyena
Wild Dog
Golden Jackal
Black Backed Jackal
Bat eared Fox
Banded Mongoose
Dwarf Mongoose
Elephant
Cape buffalo
Black rhino
Masai giraffe
Eland antelope
Thomson’s gazelle
Steinbok antelope
Dik-dik antelope
Martial Eagle
Secretary Bird
Kori Bustard
African Crowned Crane
Lappet Faced Vulture
Lilac Breasted Roller
European Roller
Superb Starling
Red Billed Hornbill
Green Bee-Eater
Red-and-yellow barbet
Long-tailed Widowbird
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