Our Wonderful Dream Safari

Bucket List

Share

Posted on by Michael

We cannot believe that the Safari we planned and contemplated for over a year has already come and gone! ADS exceeded our every expectation… and them some! The glow returns every time we look at the many pictures we brought back from our daily game drives.

From our arrival in Arusha with ADS staff awaiting us, to our warm welcome at the Mount Meru Resort, to our flight into the bush, to our Mbuzi Mawe and Lake Masek tented Lodges and the Ngorongoro Serena lodge on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, and back to the Mount Meru Resort… it seemed that everyone was friendly, helpful, personable and simply an extension of Africa Dream Safaris.

Our ADS driver/guides, it seemed, were omnipresent in caring for us, briefing us, driving us, explaining to us and making sure we enjoyed our experience. Our group occupied four Land Cruisers, and every one of us thought our driver/guide was the best! What a testimonial to the high level of expertise and professionalism and great personality of your staff.

Our first day blew us away! We saw virtually the entire list of the big five, and more. After that, each day got better and better. Highlights included our hot air balloon ride and experience. This option was so much more than a balloon ride!! It was classy, safe, smooth, included a full hot English breakfast under an Acacia Tree in the middle of the bush, a champagne celebration, and a Captain who was highly qualified to fly it and explain everything to us. He went higher to spot animals and lower near treetop levels so we could view. Then he spun the balloon so others could see the same sights, and then went up again for more spotting. We loved it!

Our driver/guide, Pokea, spotted rare nocturnal animals, well hidden animals (we thought), little animals, snakes, dung beatles (at 40 mph… amazing), and everything we could hope for. We can’t speak highly enough of Pokea, he made our safari a complete success!

What a magical experience! One we will remember and recommend forever. Thanks ADS

Bruce & Delores B
Loudon TN
April 4-14, 2014
Regions Explored: Central Serengeti, East Serengeti, South Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara
Lodges: 2 x Mbuzi Mawe, 2 x Serengeti Serena, 2 x Ngorongoro Serena

2 Comments
, ,
Read Full Post

The Migration Was Both Humbling And Awe-Inspiring

Bucket List

Share

Posted on by Michael

Before I went on this safari trip, I really didn’t do any research. I wanted to cross this off my bucket list together with my son. I expected to see lots of animals and I expected to stay in luxury lodges. However, what I didn’t expect was the beauty and solitude seen and felt within Serengeti National Park. Furthermore, I was fortunate to witness the display of stars that splashed across the sky each night.

The opportunity to be able to witness the migration of the wildebeests’, to be among hundreds of thousands of animals without human contact for miles was an experience both humbling and awe-inspiring. Another initial concern we had was the quality of our guide, an aspect of the journey that can make or break the trip. Besides all the other other expectations that were exceeded, I was able to make a friend in Africa. Our guide, our driver, my friend, John.

Paul and Jonathan L.
Walnut, California
Safari Dates: April 1, 2014 to April 7, 2014

No Comments
, ,
Read Full Post

Magical Moments In The Serengeti

Bucket List

Share

Posted on by Michael

Our safari two weeks ago to Tanzania was beyond our expectations! We had so many magical moments! Our first animal siting was a group of zebras on the runway when we were trying to land causing us to make a second approach! We also saw an elephant and giraffe out the plane window just as we were landing. What a start!

We saw a pride of 10 or more lions, a set of cubs, wildebeest, cheetahs and a host of rare birds all on our first afternoon. Our amazing guides Russell and Thomson were so knowledgeable and could spot everything! By the end of the week, we had tracked numerous leopards, seen three lion kills, cheetah cubs, baboons, blue monkeys and so much more! We saw it ALL!

Our accommodations were great and in the perfect order. We loved how the tent camps made us feel so much apart of the environment. We ended at the Ngorongoro Crater Lodge and what a treat it was! The views from our room were breathtaking and the elegant amenities and warm bath waiting for us at the end of the day were a pleasant surprise.

The days we spent on safari were filled with many magical moments that our group will treasure for a lifetime! Probably the most magical moment was rounding a corner on our second afternoon heading back to the camp and seeing 50 to 60 giraffes silhouetted by the sunset. It was like something out of a movie.

Bob & Jamie C.
Meridian, Mississippi
Safari Dates: April 15, 2014 to April 23, 2014
Regions Explored: Central Serengeti, East Serengeti, South Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara
Lodges: 3 x Sametu, 3 x Lake Masek, 2 x Crater Lodge

No Comments
, ,
Read Full Post

Third Time The Charm!

Bucket List

Share

Posted on by Michael

Having just completed our third trip to Africa over the last 10+ years, we can say without a doubt, ADS does it the best! From the minute we stepped off the plane in Tanzania, we knew we had made the right choice! Faith was there waiting for us and whisked us through the visa process. We went to the head of the line and were out of the airport in no time and on our way to the hotel in Arusha.

We enjoyed an extra day in Arusha to catch up on our rest. We felt great on Monday morning, March 17th and were ready to get started on our safari. We flew to the Central Serengeti where we were met by Thompson. We would spend the next 11 days with him in search of the Big Five and every other animal known to the areas visited.

Thompson’s very first find was a Leopard up in a tree. What a way to start as we are HUGE cat lovers! Over the course of the next 11 days, we saw numerous Leopards, Cheetahs and Lions a plenty! I even spotted an unusual cat in the Ngorongoro Crater that Thompson got very excited about as well – a Caracal! We also were lucky enough to see a Serval in action in the Central Serengeti. On our second to last night in the Tarangire National Park, we had a visitor at dinner – a Genet. So many unusual finds.

The last of the Big Five was of course the Black Rhino and we saw 3 of them over a 2-day period in the Crater. Thompson had a knack for finding just about everything we wanted to see. Way to go Thompson – great job!

I also must say, that Sharon Lyon did an awesome job for us as well! She was very quick to respond to all our questions. Thank you Sharon.

If you are even considering a trip to Tanzania, don’t think twice. It is a trip of a lifetime and now is the time to do it. Changes are taking place rapidly in Africa and who knows what the future holds. Yes, there was dust and yes the roads are bumpy, but remember it is an adventure. There is talk about paving a highway right through the Serengeti. Shame on whoever got this idea into their head. If it happens, the entire area will suffer!

Go now and enjoy what Tanzania has to offer. You won’t be disappointed. Be sure you go with ADS as they are superior over all the other companies that we came upon while on safari.

Enjoy a few of my favorite photos.

Deborah and William D.
The Villages, Florida
Safari Dates: March 17, 2014 to March 27, 2014

No Comments
,
Read Full Post

St Jude’s Promotes Innovation at its 4th Annual Science Fair

GIVING BACK

Share

Posted on by Michael

Two Form 4 students, Eunice and Robert, took out first prize for their unique refrigerator project in the fourth annual St Jude’s Science Fair. The students made the refrigerator out of tiles, cement, charcoal and other materials and it is designed for Tanzanian people who don’t have electricity in rural communities to use. Crops and other food can be preserved and stored in it.

No Comments
, ,
Read Full Post

The Experience Has To Be A Highlight Of A Person’s Life

Bucket List

Share

Posted on by Michael

It is not difficult to describe our Safari by ADS – WHAT A BLAST. From the first day on the Serengeti until the last, there were never ending sights and sounds that will be unforgettable.

Where else could you see a Zebra giving birth to her baby and teaching it to walk. Where else could you see two Gazelles fighting for a mate and a male and female lion actually mating. Where else could you see prides of Lions and herds of Elephants, Wildebeests, Zebras, Giraffes, Antelopes, Gazelles, and Cape Buffalos and assorted smaller animals as far as the eye could see. Cheetahs and Leopards were spotted in smaller numbers stalking prey or sleeping in trees.

A wonderful hot air balloon ride provided a panoramic view of the land with additional views of migrating herds of animals and a spectacular view of a long line of Hippos marching in a column to a small lake to cool off. A wonderful champagne breakfast under a tree capped off the flight.

Our professional ADS driver/guide was awesome in also finding small objects (dung beetles), vultures and a lioness feeding on a kill, and, not to forget, wonderful picture opportunities of the many colorful birds that live in the national preserve.

All of the accommodations exceeded most expectations. The tented camps were so superior to what was expected. The food was great and the employees at each hotel and camp were very friendly and hospitable.
It is easy to see that the “WHAT A BLAST” description fits the Safari by ADS. The experience will always remain what has to be a highlight of a person’s life.

Dan S. and Lance L.
Loudon, TN
Safari Dates: April 4, 2014 to April 12, 2014

No Comments
, ,
Read Full Post

Twenty Feet From Two Male Lions

Bucket List

Share

Posted on by Michael

We had almost a year to plan and think about this Tanzanian adventure. This was way outside my comfort zone. Upon arrival we were personally met, guided through immigration, and escorted to our Land Cruisers. The rest of our 9 days in Tanzania repeated the same personal service.

Our accommodations were gorgeous! Who knew there was such luxury in the bush? Queen and King size beds, hot water, great showers, white linen tablecloths, and gorgeous views to boot!

Of course the real show stoppers were the animals in the Serengeti and they put on their best finery just for us–magnificent! Our driver, Eagle Eyed Elias, was knowledgeable, polite, and had our safety as his main concern. We never felt unsafe even when about 20′ from 2 male lions!

Africa Dreams – you made our trip such a pleasure, thank you!

Vikki & Bruce B.
Loudon, TN
Safari Dates: April 4, 2014 to April 12, 2014

No Comments
, ,
Read Full Post

A Friendly, Professional and Smiling Face At Every Step Of The Way.

Bucket List

Share

Posted on by Michael

Jambo Everyone! Our 12 day Safari started in mid February. Traveling with two of our good friends Dave and Linda, we flew into an airstrip in the Serengeti where we met our driver guide Simon. Game driving the rest of the day, we viewed animals and got to know Simon. Simon’s knowledge impressed all of us. We expected his animal expertise, but his knowledge of the birds was truly a plus.

Venturing out at both 6:00 AM and 7:00 AM for game drives, we saw animals every time. One of our best drives was when we saw a Cheetah stalk and kill a Thompson Giselle. After the kill, the Cheetah made a soft mewing sound and two Cheetahs cubs came running from their hiding spot in the tall grass up to “mom”. It was quite a site.

At one time we came within mere feet of Elephants as they were crossing the road. Another day a bull elephant made a bluff charge at us from about 10 feet. Simon knew it was a bluff, and expertly diverted the Elephant. The Elephants were always great to watch. Some of the herds were very large, while others were much smaller.

While in the Central Serengeti, Simon slowly drove into the middle of the migration and we sat and watched the Wildebeests and Zebras pass all around us. As it was the middle of the birthing season, there was a large number of babies. We saw a Wildebeest calf only minutes old with the placenta still hanging from the mother. The calf was already walking. Friends have told us about the migration and we have seen TV documentaries, but until you see it for yourself there are no words that can do it justice. Everyone should experience this fabulous site.

There were many prides of Lions to see and one day we saw two Lions stalk a Warthog. The Warthog won out this time and the Lions missed a meal that afternoon. Another time a Lioness was giving a hunting lesson to two older cubs. She watched the young Lions sneak up on a baby Wildebeest. The hunt was unsuccessful but the lions surely learned a valuable lesson.

The Giraffes seemed elegant the way they walked so tall and ate the tender leaves from the top of the trees. Tanzania truly chose the right animal for the symbol of the country. We saw so many animals but it’s impossible to mention every event, or even all the animal, there were just so many.

One viewing worth mentioning is when we came upon a pack of African Wild Dogs along the side of the road. There were 17 of them and they were all resting in the hot sun, certainly with full bellies. Simon told us they were rare to see and we took some great pictures. We also saw three Leopards all of which we’re napping in trees.

The camps we stayed at were great. The tented camps were our favorite. They gave us a real Safari feeling with an added bonus of wonderful food and a fantastic staff. The other camps were also very nice and we enjoyed them all, but our favorites were the tented camps. Special thanks to Jonas Of Seronera Sametu Camp and D C of Ngorongoro Lions Paw Camp.

Thanks ADS for a trip of a lifetime. We were treated with a friendly, professional and a smiling face at every step of the way. A special “Asante” to Simon for a Safari filled with a life time of memories.

Mike & Patti M.
Brooksville, Florida
Safari Dates: February 13, 2014 to February 23, 2014

1 Comment
, , ,
Read Full Post

Guide Report – A Wonderful Trip With Tom

AFRICAN WILDLIFE

Share

Posted on by Claude Shitindi

I just returned home from a 10 days safari with a single guest named Tom S. from California, USA (safari dates were March 7, 2014 to March 16, 2014). It was a trip of a lifetime for him as he had always dreamed of visiting Africa. The trip was so amazing and we saw all that Tom dreamed about except only one species (The Porcupine). Most of the expectations revolved around seeing the big cats and the famous big five. The locations in our itinerary made all the incredible sightings of all the big cats possible (Leopard, Lion, and Cheetah). We enjoyed 2 nights in the North Serengeti at Buffalo Springs Camp, 2 nights in the Central Serengeti at Sametu Camp, 3 nights in the South Serengeti and Ndutu Lodge and 2 nights in Ngorongoro Crater at Lion’s Paw Camp.

No Comments
,
Read Full Post

Guide Report – Fantastic Game Drives With James and Connie

AFRICAN WILDLIFE

Share

Posted on by Emmanuel

Greetings from Arusha, Tanzania. I have just finished my most recent safari with James and Connie who are from Florida, USA. While in the bush (March 13th to March 23rd) we had a wonderful time and nice accommodations too. We stayed 2 nights at at Sametu Camp in Seronera, 2 nights at Lake Masek Tented Camp, as well as 2 nights at Kusini Tented Camp, 1 night in Ngorongoro at Lion’s Paw Tented Camp, 1 night at The Manor, and lastly 2 nights in Tarangire National Park at Swala Tented Camp. I took some photos which I would like to share with you below:

– It was a beautiful morning down in the Ngorongoro Crater when we just arrived and found a whole pride of lions being chased by a huge herd of buffaloes. It was exciting to watch as the buffaloes keep pushing the lions down to road where we were waiting.

1 Comment
Read Full Post

The Green Season With Phil & Lynn

AFRICAN WILDLIFE

Share

Posted on by Francis Peter

I picked up my two clients named Phil and Lynn from Virginia, USA at the Central Serengeti Airstrip on March 11, 2014. They arrived on the morning flight, which lands at about 10am. This is a great way to begin a safari as we get a chance to immediately have some wonderful wildlife sightings before lunch. This was their 2nd safari to Tanzania and after having been several years ago in September 2011. We explored lots of remote areas on this trip and the clients were thrilled to finally experience the green season in the Serengeti.

1 Comment
Read Full Post

Dream Come True Vacation

Bucket List

Share

Posted on by Michael

After over one year of planning my wife and I had high expectations for our Tanzania safari. Africa Dream Safaris had bent over backwards preparing us for our vacation of a life time. From the minute we arrived at the Kilimanjaro airport until our departure 12 days later ADS treated us like royalty. We were met at the airport by Mathias and Timan who made the visa process quick and simple. We spent the next 2 days at the Mount Meru Resort recovering from jet lag and visiting a few local Arusha sights.

Our safari began with a flight into the Seronera Sametu district in the Serengeti. Our flight was met by our guide, Bildard, who quickly packed our bags away into his vehicle and started our 1st game drive. A safari is only as good as your driver/guide and Bildard was brilliant.

For the next 10 days Bildard introduced us to the most beautiful country we have ever seen. His ability to spot animals was astounding. We saw and photographed over 130 species of animals. We saw leopards and lions on the first day and caught up with the Great Migration on day 2. Looking down at the Great Migration while having a bush breakfast on day 2 is a memory I will cherish for the rest of my life.

Over the 10 day safari we stayed at Seronera Sametu Camp, Lake Masek Tented Camp, Ngorongoro Crater Lodge and Swala Tented Lodge. Seronera Sametu and Swala were our favourites but we were treated like VIP’s at all of them. Listening to Hippos, Cape Buffalos and Lions at night while lying in our tents is another memory we will keep forever.

Every day Bildard would greet us early in the morning with a smile, a clean vehicle and bush breakfasts and lunches. His sense of direction was unrivalled and as I said before his ability to find animals was astonishing. We approached this vacation believing a safari would be a once in a lifetime vacation but we are already thinking about going back and doing it all over again.

My only hint would be to get out early in the morning and enjoy the sunrise from your vehicle. The morning light is breathtaking.

Thank you ADS!!!

John and Dee Dee M.
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
Safari Dates: February 24, 2014 to March 7, 2014

4 Comments
, , ,
Read Full Post

I Would Really Recommend Travelling In March

Photo Safaris

Share

Posted on by Michael

My name is Tom from Huntington Beach, California and I was on the ‘trip of a lifetime ADS Safari’ from March 6-16th., 2014. This was a great time to go. I stayed at three tented camps and one lodge during my Safari and was very lucky to be the only guest at Buffalo Springs Luxury Camp and Lions Paw camp. Peter the manager of Buffalo Springs hosted a “sundowner” just for me and we viewed the beautiful African Sunset.

I was also fortunate to have one of your best guides “Claude” for the entire 11 days and our own vehicle. We spotted wild dogs at Buffalo Camp which are very rare. This is the time of year when the animals are having babies and we viewed many baby lions, zebras, elephants, and cheetahs. Claude was really good about finding animals and many times we would wait until other vehicles had left to get better pictures of the animals moving.

I took over 1,200 pictures and we had no problem getting great shots of the “big five”. I am having a picture book printed up of the top 188 pictures. My new canon 70D and 100-400 telephoto lens made a big difference in getting great pictures. The best animals to pose were the buffalos and the worst were the wart hogs as they were always moving.

A typical day would be to go out early in the morning with a box breakfast and back to camp for an afternoon nap and back out again before dinner. Also saw two recent kills with everyone waiting for the lions to finish so that they could move in for the feast. Once they have finished the lions are really lazy and go to sleep.

I would really recommend this time of year to go on Safari with ADS. Not dusty, not too hot, many babies to see and not crowded. Also their vehicles are designed to make picture taking very easy.

Tom S.
Huntington Beach, California
Safari Dates: March 6, 2014 to March 16, 2014

3 Comments
,
Read Full Post

We Saw The Migration Filling The Plains Like Fish School In The Ocean.

Bucket List

Share

Posted on by Michael

After a well deserved retirement and a life time of enjoying the Canadian wilderness and wildlife we decided to go to Africa and experience the Serengeti. We knew we wanted to be in Africa when it was green and bursting with life. After reading and speaking with Dawn we booked for the end of February and beginning of March 2014. We shared our 11 day Safari with our good friend Judy.

Our trip was perfect from the moment we stepped on our KLM flight leaving the west coast of Canada to being greeted by ADS representative Faith at the Kilimanjaro Airport and whisked through Tanzanian Immigration. A few days later we met our fantastic guide Russel at Ndutu Airstrip where we were immediately taken on our first game drive and the “spotting” began.

We spent 4 nights at Ndutu Lodge in the South Serengeti, then 4 nights at Seronera Semetu Camp in the Central Serengeti and then finished off with 2 nights at Ngorongoro Serena Lodge and in the Crater. We also did a game drive in Lake Manyara National Park on our drive back to Arusha. The entire trip was amazing and a time we will never forget.

We saw every animal and more than we had hoped for. We saw sunrises and sunsets with the Southern Hemisphere night sky dazzling with new wonders. Most importantly, to all three of us, was having and taking the time to watch animal behaviour. We saw cheetahs patiently hunting, lion cubs playing with each other and squabbling over a trophy wildebeest tail.

We saw the MIGRATION and hundreds of thousands of animals filling the plains like fish school in the ocean. We saw elephants protecting their babies and baby elephants chasing birds with their limp baby trunks. We saw female lions roaring and growling at a male looking to mate. We saw dung beetles looking for love and laughed at Hippos in a pool claiming pond real estate. We saw a family of Egyptian Geese squawking at a Crocodile in an attempt to have it move, which surprisingly the Crocodile did.

We experienced a large herd of Elephants travel through and past us without a sound, it was a moving and spiritual moment. We heard the lions and hyenas outside our tent as we safely lay in bed at night. We saw and learned so much it was both a wonder and truly satisfying as by seeing and understanding what animals were doing we somehow became a part of a very special time, place and dance. The Serengeti charmed all of us and took a piece of our hearts.

Russel was truly a man of the Serengeti and was able to teach us so much about the animals, birds and insects who live there and their way of life. We learned and saw so much we will never forget. Thank you Tanzania, Russel and Africa Dream Safaris.

If anyone reading this is contemplating a trip to the Serengeti, our recommendation is do it. You will have no regrets and your memories will be cherished for the rest of your life. African Dreams made this happen !!!!

Lion Man, Sweetie and Leopard Woman
(Scott, Annette and Judy)
Victoria, BC
On Safari February 23 to March 5, 2014

1 Comment
, , ,
Read Full Post