This trip was simply spectacular. From the Serengeti itself to the animals to the camps and lodges to the service, everything was amazing. My wife and I started thinking about this trip 10 years ago, started actively saving for it 5 years ago, decided on timing a year ago, booked in Fall of 2022 for May 2023 and we keep asking ourselves the same question – “Why did we wait so long?”.
As the Ambassador of Photography for Africa Dream Safaris I get asked a lot of questions which range from “how close will the animals be?” and “what lenses should I take?” to “what camera should I buy” and everything in between. The questions come from beginners, amateurs and pros who are venturing to Africa for the first time. Africa is a long way from home and there are no camera stores where you can just run in and buy something you forgot or forgot to think about.
This by far was the best vacation ever! The reason why it was so wonderful was Africa Dream Safaris. It was clear that we were in good hands from the moment of our arrival in Kilimanjaro. Our guide, Fadzil is a fountain of knowledge on the wildlife, the park, Tanzania. He is the guide all others guides go to find the big cats. He knows where and when to go to see the animals. Best of all, he loves his job, the park, and his clients.
It all seems like a fabulous, surreal whirlwind, but I will try to describe it.
Day 1: Upon arriving at Mt. Kilimanjaro Airport and being privately whisked away from the crowds and confusion, I was a bit bewildered and overwhelmed as the 20 something hours of travel were quite taxing to put it mildly. After the awesome ladies at the private check in completed that process, Ester met us and said, “Don’t worry, I am going to take good care of you” and she did!
New for 2023…journey to Tanzania with us in our latest video showcasing the Hemingway Tented Camps. At Africa Dream Safaris, we call our tented safari experience, ‘The Hemingway Experience’. These camps are situated in the secluded wilderness and surrounded by wildlife. When guests choose this lodging option, they’re opting for an epic, raw and wild view of Africa in its truest form, without giving up the comforts of home. If you’re looking for a little bit more of that immersive experience on your safari, the Hemingway tented camps are for you. Please see below for our latest video and make sure to click on the expand to full screen icon.
We are a family of five adventurous world travelers seeking to experience the beauty of nature, explore the achievements of mankind and experience different cultures. Our family adventures include climbing Machu Pichhu, scuba diving the Great Barrier Reef, sailing the Galapagos, hiking Petra and sailing the Greek islands just to name a few. However, our recent African Dream Safaris Serengeti experience brought our travel experience to a whole new level and every day of our safari exceeded expectations.
At Africa Dream Safaris, we call our luxury safari experience, ‘The Stanley Experience’. Luxury epitomized, the lodges in our Stanley portfolio embody the absolute best from ultra-exclusive hotels to jaw-dropping tented lodges. Whether you’re celebrating a special anniversary, retirement or milestone birthday, these ultra luxurious lodges will fulfill your wildest dreams! Journey with us to Tanzania in our latest video below showcasing the Stanley Experience. Please make sure to click on the expand to full screen icon.
After our 3rd ADS safari, we would like to say “three safaris, three dreams come true”, but it just wouldn’t be accurate. In our wildest imaginations, we never dreamed of going on 3 safaris! Thankfully, ADS helped elevate our dreams to a higher standard through treasured, awe filled memories — each unique and new.
Ours was a small extended-family group, me (66), my daughter (32), and two of my sisters (60, 58). ADS was thorough, flexible, and accommodating in working through the myriad details of planning the trip. Upon arriving in-country, ADS staff were very helpful and courteous while also ensuring that key transitions were trouble-free, e.g., arrival and processing at Kilimanjaro, drive to Arusha, departure on small plane from Arusha to the Serengeti, and eventual departure from Kilimanjaro at the end.
When researching initial safari companies, I discovered early that there was a profound difference among ADS and other companies. I received many auto-generated responses during my requests for information, when what I really needed was to speak to someone about the questions I had about booking a safari as a solo traveler. And when I did get a person on the phone, I heard lots of “you can see that on online” or “check the website for information.”
As we have learned through 6 safaris with Africa Dream Safaris, the operative word to ensure a very successful and exciting adventure, is Patience. Some people would call what we observed as lucky, but I like to refer to luck as: when planning meets opportunity. This, combined with our patience to observe a single animal for hours at a time led to some very unique and rewarding experiences.
I wanted to express how appreciate I am, and others I am sure, for all of the time and consideration given to our group, especially since it was extended to us because of Covid. That in itself speaks volumes about the quality and commitment of Africa Dream Safaris.
Our safari in April of 2023 was a long time coming. We started the process of booking with Africa Dream Safaris in 2019. We had almost booked it when Covid hit and a divorce of a husband who was also going to accompany us occurred. Dawn Anderson, our ADS booking agent, was extremely accommodating and we picked back up our plans in late 2022. After a lot of back and forth we finally got our dream safari booked for April 2023.
On arrival in Kilimanjaro airport, we were met by escorts and facilitated through customs. I think I may have sent some worrisome signals about what ADS was getting into with us when one of my first acts was tripping over a step and doing a total face plant in the reception area. All around hurried to my rescue and fortunately the only damage was to my dignity!
Our African safari was the best mistake of a lifetime. We were planning on going in February of 2024, but our information arrived with a 2023 itinerary. One look and we were hooked. Dawn our safari planner got a call the next day and our plans were becoming a reality. Dawn helped us with every detail, answered all questions and helped with all the paperwork.
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