Dawn’s FAQ of the Week: Travelling with a CPAP Machine

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Posted on by Dawn

I use a CPAP Machine to help me sleep.  Will this be a problem on safari?

CPAP machines seems to be pretty common these days. But, since the machines need a power source, it is important to be aware that some lodges only have generator power, and only run their generator during certain hours of the day. Even lodges that operate 24/7 electricity, in ‘the bush’ there can sometimes be unplanned power interruptions. Taking this into consideration, I would strongly recommend you consider bringing along a CPAP battery. If you don’t already have one, you can purchase one at the link below. That way you can recharge the battery each day during hours when the generators are operating, and then have full use of your CPAP machine at night. This has been a fantastic solution for past clients, and continues to be useful for other travel occasions well after the safari is over. Here is a link where you can read about and purchase a CPAP battery:

http://www.cpap.com/productpage-advanced.php?PNum=2299#keyproductinformation

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The Perfect Way To Celebrate Our 45th Anniversary

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Posted on by Michael

We decided a safari was the perfect way to celebrate our 45th anniversary. We have wanted to go to Africa for years but for a variety of reasons never got around to it. We quickly found out that deciding to go was the easy part – choosing a company to travel with was an almost overwhelming problem. We are avid photographers – amateur, but serious. We are also experienced travelers – but Africa was an entirely different concept for us. We wanted a tour company that would handle a lot of things for us but give us flexibility, allow us go where we wanted to safely, but more than anything, go at our own pace. After a lot of research, we chose Africa Dream Safaris. After spending 11 days in Africa and watching other tour operators, we clearly made the right choice.

The first step was determining where and when to go. After several discussions with Sharon Lyon, we learned that where we went depended on when – and vice versa. She did an incredible job of helping us match up what we wanted to experience and when we could go with where to schedule our trip. So we booked it and then waited for the big adventure to start.

When we arrived in Tanzania, we were met by an ADS representative and for the rest of our time in Africa we were never without someone to help us. After a brief stay in Arusha, we flew into a camp by the Mara River and our adventure began. We met our driver/guide for the next 10 days, Omary. He turned out to be an amazing match for us and was a significant reason for our trip’s phenomenal success. Not only did he have incredible knowledge of the Serengeti, the wildlife and the plants but he had a great feel for lighting, backdrops, scenery, etc. He even had a good sense of humor – by the second day we had established our “missions” for the trip – including giving him one of a “mature male lion on a rock”. This became our quest – but by day 8 he had delivered! He told us on day one we were family – by the end of the trip we knew he really meant it.

We elected to stay in “bush camps”, preferring that to being in a lodge. In every camp, we were met on arrival by the staff with warm facecloths and drinks. In each camp we had comfortable accommodations – whether part of a permanent camp or a tent on the ground. The service we received rivaled many 5 star European destinations we have experienced. And every person we met seemed genuinely interested in our comfort, safety and ensuring we enjoyed the trip and the accommodations.

And last, but not least, was the Serengeti. We were totally unprepared for the experience. By the second day, we decided that if we had to end the trip, our expectations would have been exceeded. The enormous variety and quantity of wildlife was astounding. We saw dozens of lions, numerous cheetahs, hundreds of elephants and giraffes – the list goes on. We saw the wildebeest crossing the Mara River (one of Omary’s missions). We had lunch on a Kopje overlooking a migration of zebra a mile wide stretching from one horizon to the other. We had a whole pride of lions walk within feet of our truck. We watched a leopard descend from a tree and disappear in the grass only to reappear right by our truck. The flexibility we had allowed us to do this; other tour operators had left when the leopard didn’t move. The list goes on and on.

This was a truly memorable experience. We wanted to make it memorable since we would only be able to do this once and already we are figuring out how to do it “one moretime” .

Gary and Nancy Prade
Castle Rock, Colorado
Safari Dates: November 6, 2012 to November 16, 2012

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Amazing Migration Videos

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Posted on by admin

WOW! Check out these 3 extraordinary videos taken a few weeks ago along the Mara River in the North Serengeti by guests on safari with Africa Dream Safaris. Make sure to expand the videos to full size by clicking the expand icon arrows at the bottom of each video. These really need to be expanded to full screen to truly appreciate!

The 2nd video is especially endearing and features a zebra family assisting a young foal cross the river and then up the muddy embankment to safety. The 3rd video is equally as stunning at about 20 seconds into it when the wildebeest begin launching themselves into the Mara River. If you have been following our blog postings and newsletters over the last couple months, you already know what amazing river crossings we have had this year. The crossings started late this year (our first major crossing was seen by our guests on July 26th) but the late start was quickly made up for with consistent crossings all throughout August, September and October.

Again, make sure to click the expand icon arrows at the bottom of each video.

Watch how the adult zebras protect and assist the young foal in crossing the river and climbing up the muddy embankment in this video below.

Watch starting at about 20 seconds into the video as wildebeest being launching themselves into the river in this video below. Amazing!

 

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Extraordinary October – Safari Pictures of the Month

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Posted on by Michael

As October draws to a close, I thought it would be interesting to compile a couple of the more remarkable pictures we received this month from returning safari guests. I have included some of the more unique shots received or the ones that just plain made me smile. All pictures below were taken while on safari with African Dream Safaris during October 2012.

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We Were Treated Like VIP’s

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Posted on by Michael

What can we say that has not been said by other ADS guests? From the moment we arrived until our sad goodbyes at the airport, we were treated like VIP’s.

One can see many animals on safari but it’s the guide that makes the trip. Our guide, Elson, was wonderful. His ability to spot the animals, lying under the tree or hiding in grass, was incredible. One member of our family was interested in birds and Elson knew the names of all of them. During the 9 days she was able to spot almost 100 different species. He had a great sense of humor as well, especially when we pointed out our favorite animal, the Serengeti Stickebeest! We saw them everywhere.

We saw several crossings at the Mara River. The wildebeests came down to the water and back up the bank, again and again, before they finally crossed. One person described their bellowing as “yes”, “no”, “yes”, “no”! It seemed as if the entire migration was outside our tent the night we spent at Lemala Mara River Camp. What a great way to start our safari.

Lions and cubs, elephants and babies, cheetahs, leopards, you name it we saw them, the big 5 and our own “small 5”. We were also lucky enough to spot a pack of 10 African Hunting Dogs, 2 Serval cats and a Bush Baby.

We also visited the FAME hospital and saw what wonderful work Dr. Frank and Susan are doing there. We were so impressed we are considering going back to volunteer there.

When we planned our safari we thought it would be a once in a lifetime event, but it was so fabulous that we can’t wait to go back again. Tanzania is truly a magical place.

Charles and Debbie Pitman
Safari Dates: October 1st to October 11th, 2012
Silverthorne, Colorado

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We Are Forever Changed

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Posted on by Michael

Hello Lynn,

We are pretty-much back to normal here in Santa Fe, but I have to say that we are forever changed by our Tanzania experience. We were exceedingly pleased with all aspects of the trip, and your planning proved to be a major factor for the successful logistics and overall magnificence of the trip. By getting us out into the bush [in these really special camps], we were able to experience the wildlife as few others can.

We were particularly grateful to have Pokea as our guide. He is amazingly knowledgeable, and he took us to locations were the action was really happening. His patience [with our unending questions] was very welcome. Pokea is an amazing asset to your company. And of course, the itinerary was second to none.

With the custom aspects of our travel, we were able to focus on our particular interests, and Pokea was more than willing to provide us with outstanding service for our requests. The Ras Nungwi Zanzibar R&R at the end was very special too.

I have attached a few photos that I hope you might like. Please don’t hesitate to count on us if you need an endorsement or recommendation. We have only the highest praise for you and your ADS company! Thank you again.

Ken Apt and Mary Morris
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Safari Dates: September 30, 2012 to October 13, 2012

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Our First Day On Safari Was So Intense

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Posted on by Michael

Now that we’ve been back home for a week and back to corporate life, I want to express my thanks to you and Russell for a trip that was beyond our expectations. It is funny to write those words. I had read the letters on your web site and thought not everyone could have such a remarkable experience. I was wrong.

Our first day on safari was so intense with the highlight of watching “the crossing”. I didn’t think the first day could be topped. Again, I was wrong. Each day there was always something new and exciting. We felt so special seeing the wildebeest crossing twice! Then we saw the big five all in one day. The memory of seeing a hyena trotting off from a kill with a leg in his mouth leaving the other two hyenas to fend off the vultures while they got their share is still vivid. Remembering the three young lions stalking our vehicle with curiosity and the baby giraffe with the umbilical cord still attached are memories not soon to be forgotten.

We felt so fortunate to have Russell as our guide. I was amazed at his ability to spot the animals and birds and had the patience for us if we were slow to see them. He also positioned us to get the great camera and video shots. We truly got some great shots worthy of National Geographic (or so we think). Russell seemed so excited to show us his country, the animals, birds, trees, plants and talk about the culture and people. He even knew the constellations! What an asset to ADS to have such a enthusiastic, knowledgeable guide on their staff.

Of course the itinerary was superb with each location a different experience and I have to thank you for your help in putting this together. I waited until the end to see if I could pick a favorite location since they were all wonderful. I have to admit I loved Swala. The male lion at 3:30AM proclaiming his territory 30 feet from our tent was certainly one of the highlights I’ll never forget. Oh yes, and having to shoo the impala from our path to get to our tent is not an everyday event.

I can only hope to return to Africa one day. Until then. Asante sanna.

Christine McKenzie
Plano, Texas
Trip Dates: September 12th to September 22nd, 2012

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We counted 17 lions in one pride!

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Posted on by Michael

Landed at the airstrip and 2 hours later we’ve got the Wildebeest migration in full swing. The next day, our first full day, we get Lion and Leopard. The next photo is a view from our patio. I know it’s a tent, but I’ve stayed in a lot of hotel rooms that were miserable by comparison. I’ve also drank in a lot of bars that could not match the quality and selection of the drinks at Buffalo Springs. A very pleasant camp run by wonderful people, and a lovely area, we wished we could stay another day.

Nice lion action the next day. Note the nursing cub. No problem finding Cape Buffalo. These two were part of a large herd. Somewhere under that “flock” of vultures is a carcass of some kind. A little later we found another carcass that the lions were not done with yet. We counted 17 lions, I think. Dana’s favorite was the Giraffes.

A big buck Impala with his harem. Hunter decides to “get down” with the Masai. According to Ally, our guide, he does not see African Wild Dogs even once a year. You don’t see Elephants next to the average swimming poor. Treetops, another magical place. Cheetahs! Another uncommon sighting.

Hope you like the photos as much as I loved my safari!

Joe Whittington
Hampton Falls, New Hampshire
Safari Dates: October 3, 2012 to October 11, 2012

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A private safari with ADS makes for a more intimate, enjoyable experience.

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Posted on by Michael

My wife and I have just returned from our safari and are still basking in the glory and spectacle that is Tanzania. Our trip from October 9, 2012 through October 17, 2012 coordinated and planned by ADS was the most memorable and rewarding trip thus far in our lives.

From a game viewing standpoint, our trip greatly exceeded our expectations. Within minutes of landing at Kogatende Airport our guide, Pokea, had placed us in a location where we could view multiple crossings of the Mara River by massive populations of both wildebeest and zebra. Thankfully, the pressure was off and then the viewing of the Great Migration could be scratched off my wife’s bucket list. By the end of the first day, my wife and I were incredulous as to the amount and variation of species we had the privilege of viewing. Even more incredulous was the fact that the next day’s game viewing was more spectacular than the previous day. This scenario played out through the duration of our safari. My only hope is the visual images we experienced would be captured by our photographic efforts.

Again, I cannot express the magnitude beauty, and grace of these animals in their natural procession and habitat. Just the ability to view numerous prides of lions with suckling cubs, cheetahs with cubs, leopards feeding on a kill in an acacia tree, herds of elephants with young as well as giraffes, hippos, buffalo, black rhino, assorted and varied types of antelope all made for an experience that was beyond belief.

It was a veritable Noah’s Ark. In addition to the more publicized animals, we had the good fortune to see some of the harder to see species such as the martial eagle lunching on a monitor lizard, Egyptian vulture, side striped jackal, and serval cat.

The logistics and arrangements made by ADS were impeccable accomplished without the slightest error or delay. Everything from customs and visa clearance at JRO airport, ADS meet and greet staff, interval flights, and drop off at JRO airport at the conclusion of our journey was seamless and timely. The ADS staff and staff at the lodges we stayed were nothing short of perfection. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable of all flora and fauna and displayed a great respect for nature and Tanzanian environment. All lodge staff could not do enough to make our stay the best we could experience.

In conclusion, anyone contemplating an African safari should look no further than ADS. Their contact staff and people on the ground in Tanzania were nothing short of remarkable and provide you the means for a trip of a lifetime. There is more than one aspect of ADS that I have yet to reveal, saving the best for last so to speak: all ADS safaris are private (unless you are traveling with friends). This means you have a well equipped and comfortable vehicle plus knowledgeable and conscientious guide to yourselves. That is to say, you are not sharing the vehicle with anyone! This makes for a much more intimate, enjoyable experience.

Again, thanks for everything Sharon & ADS, especially the end of the trip cake that was presented to us on our final night at Lion’s Paw.

Sincerely,

Randy and Rhonda Soth
Hallandale, Florida
Safari Dates: October 9, 2012 through October 17, 2012

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From Guide Francis Peter – Mother Cheetah with her three Cubs

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Posted on by Francis Peter

I am just back from the bush having completed a wonderful safari from October 8th to October 17th.  One of the highlights of the safari was seeing a mother cheetah with 3 cubs on October 9th. This was along North East of the Serengeti on the way to Kleins Gate at Buffalo Luxury Camp. The cheetahs were looking for shade beneath one of ADS vehicles soon after they consumed a Thomson Gazelle.

I also captured a couple good pictures of a large termite mound (approximately 18 feet tall) on October 16th in Tarangire National Park. It is not easy for them to get that high because of the natural forces like wind, rain, and some animals digging them for sheltering or to prey on termites…eg. Aardvark.

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From Guide Raphael Mollel – Serval Cat Spotted

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Posted on by Raphael Mollel

Jambo! My name is Raphael and I am a guide with Africa Dream Safaris. This is my first posting. I just finished a safari and one of the highlights was seeing the rare serval cat in the Ngorongoro Crater on October 9th.  It was seen crossing the Sopa Ascent Road on our way back to Lion’s Paw Camp, which is situated in an incredible location along the rim of the Crater.

I also took this picture of an elephant in the North Serengeti on October 3rd. You can see some of the wildebeest migration in the background.

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From Guide Ally Dhulkfil – Mara River Crossing Photos

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Posted on by Ally Dhulkfil

I am back in Arusha now after finishing my latest safari. I think my guests can agree that the wildlife viewing was outstanding. Two of the most interesting sightings to me were seeing the wildebeest crossing the Mara River (we saw two separate crossings) on October 4th and also spotting the very endangered wild dog. There is a pack of about 16 dogs that have been ranging inside Tarangire National Park and it is a really special experience to be one of the lucky persons to see this rare predator.

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Dawn’s FAQ of the Week: What is Proper Guest Etiquette While Out on Safari?

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Posted on by Dawn

I couldn’t answer this any better than what Garth Thompson already has. Garth is the author of the great guide reference book “A Guide’s Guide to Guiding” and he has some great advice for all well-intentioned guests:

“Tourist Etiquette

o Try not to be loud when in a wildlife area. Don’t whistle and bang on the vehicle to attract an animal’s attention.

o Don’t always take the prime seat in the safari vehicle.

o Be considerate of others with you.

o It is pointless comparing things in Africa with your home country.

o Be considerate of African culture and etiquette. Don’t treat the locals as if you are from the civilized world and they are inferior.

o Ask permission to take a photograph of someone or to hold their child or enter their hut.  Imagine if they barged into your home, picked up your kids and photographed all and sundry how upset you would be.

o Try not to be argumentative with the guide and others in the safari vehicle or camp.

o Don’t leap around when other people are trying to take photos, thus rocking the vehicle and potentially messing up the photo.

o Don’t get drunk and unruly when in wild areas, the bush doesn’t lend itself to this kind of behavior. It’s a long way to travel to behave like you can at home.

o Don’t encourage the guide to break park rules; it could cost him or her their job.

o Be sensitive to what you say about other nationalities, gender, gays, politics etc.

o Try not to enter into ‘We saw more than you’ competitions with other guests. It cheapens the experience.

o There is a lot of bureaucracy in Africa, be patient and keep your cool.

o Most of all don’t disturb the natural order of things. Don’t keep pressuring animals for a better photograph. Remember they are wild and that is why you have come so far and spent so much to see them.

o Lastly remember that ‘please’, ‘thank you’ and a genuine smile go a long way in Africa.”

Garth Thompson, author of the book “A Guide’s Guide to Guiding”

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ADS Trip to Tanzania

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Posted on by Michael

After a few weeks of daydreaming of Africa and reviewing photos, we are finally settled back into our daily routines. We had the most wonderful and life-enriching safari organized by Africa Dream Safaris (ADS). It was, with no doubt, the best trip we have ever had in our lives. With less than a year of advance planning with Sharon Lyon of ADS, our trip came together without a single hitch or even the slightest problem. ADS delivered on every aspect of trip they said they would. Sharon provided excellent advice and discussed various last minute issues prior to our departure. She was always helpful and courteous.

Our safari began with flawless flights and entry into Tanzania. We had an extra day for shopping and night lodging. With a short flight to the Mara River – Kogatende Airstrip, we met our guide, Anglebert. He had us in the mix of wildebeest, zebras, giraffes, and hippos within fifteen minutes on the road. We cannot say enough positive and good things about Anglebert. We hit it off soon after our arrival and the fun began. He has a keen eye for spotting wildlife and for photography. He was always getting us into great positions for photographs. Besides deftly handling the Landcruiser over some pretty rough terrain, he was insightful about Tanzania’s animals, plants, parks, government, and the like. We came away with a great learning experience, especially with lessons in patience. We had the opportunity to view three spectacular and exciting wildebeest and zebra river crossings on the Mara River thanks to Anglebert.

We stayed at a mix of tent camps, tented lodges and permanent structured lodges during our sixteen days in Tanzania. We would say our best experience was at the ADS private camp, which we wished we had added a couple more nights. All of our camp and lodge accommodations were wonderful and the food and service was delightful. Most notable was the professional manner in which each camp or lodge treated us. Each place we stayed the staff knew our names as we got out of our vehicle. That kind of treatment made us feel truly welcomed! One special event for us was a night at the Crater Lodge when a visiting astronomer put on a show for the folks staying there. He pointed out so many stars, planets and constellations we thought we were back in college.

We tried just about everything ADS had to suggest or offer on this trip from the hot-air balloon safari to a Masai village tour. We had a walking safari with the Masai and a night safari – not at the same time, mind you! We had a private guided tour of the Leakeys’ dig site at Olduvai Gorge, thanks to Anglebert. We visited the F.A.M.E. facility and stopped at a local primary school to give away supplies to the students and teachers. All in all, this trip was rewarding and fulfilling.

Saying we saw many wild animals would be an understatement. Each day, which started at predawn, we were off and within minutes we would be looking at some animal. We took over five thousand photos and still had time to take in each moment of viewing with awe. One day we came upon a female cheetah and her two cubs with no one else around. We watched them watch us. They played all around the Landcruiser for about fifteen minutes before they scurried off. A short time later we came upon a pride of sixteen lions that had just finished eating a kill. Again, we were the only people around to see this event. Everyday, Anglebert was able to get us into a viewing situation that seemed to match or exceed the previous day’s experience. The best event was on our last day as we were leaving Swala Camp. Anglebert spotted a rare African wild dog that led us to a pack of fourteen dogs resting under trees nearby. We watched the dogs for about an hour. There was so much to see, and hear, and smell all the time that the entire experience was worth the cost of the trip. It was just plain magical!

Finally, enough cannot be said about the professional ADS staff with whom we had contact. A special thanks to Emmanuel for getting us about in Arusha. Thanks to Anglebert and Juliette for getting us into the Arusha National Park for a half-day tour before we left Tanzania. For those who are looking or thinking about an African safari experience of a lifetime, we would recommend talking to Sharon Lyon with Africa Dream Safaris.

Steven and Suzanne Olmstead
Cheyenne, Wyoming
Safari Dates: 25 Sept. thru 10 Oct., 2012

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