An ADS guest films the view from her terrace at the Ngorongoro Crater where she’s about to begin her morning game drive.
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ADS Guest Films Manyara National Park
An ADS guest films a pair of Tanzanian vervet monkeys as they feast on the grasses of the Serengeti. Close by, a baby giraffe looks directly into the camera as two adult giraffes circle their young for protection. Watch the video here:
Safari News – August 10, 2012
Here is the latest update from our guests and guides currently on safari within the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, East Africa. As reported previously on July 27, 2012, we received our very first reports of the famous wildebeest migration crossing the Mara River in the Northern Serengeti. This legendary event is the culmination of the migration’s northward journey which began this year about one full month late in early May. We also are receiving reports from guides and feedback from returning african safari guests indicating large herds are still present in the Western Serengeti including the Grumeti Game Reserve. We expect these animals to continue to shift northwards over the course of the dry season. The summer season is certainly one of the busiest tourist seasons in Tanzania with hundreds of african safari tours departing each day from Arusha. Thankfully the Serengeti is such a massive area that it is still possible in many places to enjoy the day out on a game drive without seeing a single other tourist (perhaps just one or two other ADS vehicles). It certainly helps knowing the secret spots!
Witnessing the Great Migration
Thank you, thank you, thank you for not only living up to all the testimonials, but for going above and beyond our expectations. You turned our dream “trip of a lifetime” into a reality. We have been home for a month and have yet to come down from the natural high we’ve been on since our ADS safari. At the risk of sounding like all who have gone before, here is our recap of our ADS experience.
We began planning our trip over a year ago. After much research of Africa safari tour companies, National Geographic’s recommendation led us to Africa Dream Safaris. We checked out the website and contacted ADS. Dawn Anderson was the warm and friendly voice at the other end of the telephone who was also extremely knowledgeable in answering our many questions. Everything that ADS had to offer was just what we were looking for. We knew we wanted a private safari for just the two of us as we would be celebrating our 15th Wedding Anniversary on August 3rd. We also knew that witnessing the Great Migration was a hope and a dream for us. We gave Dawn our dates for a 12-day safari and she put together the most perfect itinerary that would put us in the right place at the right time for both the migration and our anniversary.
We were now living and breathing Africa. The wealth of information provided to us from ADS was invaluable as we read through the ADS Handbook from cover to cover and checked the “What To Bring on Safari” list once, twice and over again. No question was left unanswered, including Dawn’s list for “What To Put In Your Day Pack”. The planning and anticipation became part of the fun as Dawn’s unending help and guidance began to ease my “trip”adation.
Finally, July 26, 2012 arrived and it was time to pack all of our khaki clothes into our khaki carry-on bags. We flew Delta to Amsterdam and stayed overnight at an airport hotel just to get a good night’s sleep. The next morning we boarded the KLM flight to the JRO Airport in Arusha. Upon our arrival Saturday, July 28th, there stood our ADS representatives, a welcome sight from all the chaos. They whisked us through visa and immigration, we collected our additional two checked bags, filled with donations of school and medical supplies, and were out the door while everyone else stood on long lines.
We were met by another ADS representative upon arrival at the Mt. Meru Resort. So far, ADS was proving to be a perfectly orchestrated symphony of caring people. We were given a welcome package, a fully loaded cell phone for emergencies and a briefing for the next day’s schedule, which was to include a tour of the St. Jude’s School and the Cultural Heritage Center in Arusha. Our driver/guide, Ali or Ollie (not sure of spelling), picked us up on Sunday morning. We toured the school with a lovely young lady named Tiffany and were very impressed with the work they are doing. Although no students were present, we received a, much appreciated, e-mail photo of students with the school supplies we donated and a “thank you”.
The Mt. Meru Resort was ideal for the “R & R” we needed after traveling through so many time zones. On Monday morning Ali/Ollie delivered us to the Arusha Airstrip for our flight to the Northern Serengeti. He was really terrific and waited with us until we were on board and taking off. As we neared the Kogatende Airstrip to land, this was to be the moment of truth.
Would the Wildebeest Migration be there? It was, as if “on cue”…there they were below us, looking like a trail of thousands of ants running in the same direction towards the Mara River. Could our timing have been better?
It was perfect! Francis, our driver/guide and soon to be a good friend, met us upon landing. He loaded our bags into the vehicle and we headed toward the Mara River. There, in answer to our hopes and dreams, were the Wildebeests, by the thousands, covering the landscape and following their leaders down the rocky embankment into the swirling waters. Some of them jumped, first with hesitation, holding up the line, while others jumped in with wild abandonment. We were grateful that there were no crocodiles.
They made it to the other side as we watched with a lump in our throats and tears in our eyes. What an incredible sight and sound. It was magnificent and from that point on, the magnificence never stopped.
Francis was not only a wonderful driver navigating the bumpy roads and off-roads for hours on end, but he was amazing knowing just how to get us to the right place at the right time and positioning the vehicle for the best photo shot. He was happy to share his knowledge of Tanzania, it’s wildlife and it’s terrain with good nature and always a smile. He never tired of our many questions, nor of the game drives that took us far and wide. He delighted in our photos and my constant requests to wait as I took “Just one more”. He kept us well-fed and well-hydrated with plentiful picnic breakfasts, lunches and a cooler full of bottled water. He always managed to find us a decent restroom so we never had to “check the tires”.
We saw the “Big Five”, the “Serengeti Seven”, the “Migration Collection” and some of the “Rare, Bizarre and Quirky”. We lunched as a pride of lions snoozed under a tree. We had a picnic breakfast early one morning at the kopjes and encountered two lionesses and their four cubs. We observed and photographed them for over an hour. We came within 50 feet of a leopard in a tree and were mesmerized as it came down from the tree and walked in front of us.
A Cheetah demonstrated her stealth and speed in capturing a Thompson Gazelle to feed her two cubs. We delighted at the sight of a one week old baby Elephant with her elders. We could barely tear ourselves away from the rollicking of the baboons and vervet monkeys. Seeing Giraffes was always a “high” and the Zebras were a favorite. We never tired of or took for granted any sighting. It was non-stop adventure and awe.
Our itinerary took us from the remote Northern Serengeti to the Central Serengeti to the Ngorongoro Crater to Lake Manyara and Tarangire. Most of the time we were out all day with early morning wake up calls of “Jambo” and a tray of coffee and cookies delivered to our tent by the Maasai who escorted us to dinner the night before. We enjoyed a glimpse into the life of a Maasai with a tour of one of their villages in the Loliondo Region of the Northern Serengeti.
They sang and danced for us and we bought some of their beautiful craftwork for gifts and souvenirs. With Dawn’s expert help, we experienced a wonderful variety of accommodations and enjoyed the company of other travelers during sundowners and dinners in the evening. The two Lemala Tented Camps, one at the Mara River and the other at the Ngorongoro Crater were ideally located and made a great “Out of Africa” adventure.
Buffalo Springs Tented Lodge was a wonderful choice located in the Northern Serengeti high on the hills of Loliondo with stunning views of the valley below. The warm and friendly staff welcomed us with a song and a dance. Upon arrival, at each accommodation, we were greeted with fresh scented, ice cold towels and glasses of ice cold mango juice, which was delightful after a dusty, yet exhilarating, day.
The Bilila Lodge was pure luxury right in the middle of the Central Serengeti. Our beautiful, luxurious suite looked out on a natural watering hole where Zebra, Eland and Baboon, just to name a few, gathered to drink.
This was the perfect setting for celebrating our anniversary. Francis joined us for dinner that night and, with ADS, commemorated our anniversary with a cake and a song delivered by the entire restaurant staff. Gifts from ADS, crafted by the Maasai, were a complete surprise and very much appreciated. Thank you, ADS! Plantation Lodge, a coffee plantation, was
casual elegance with green lush grounds located between the Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire. We had a beautiful suite and the service was impeccable.
From this location we were able to tour the FAME Clinic and their new hospital. We met and dined with Dr. Frank Artress and his lovely wife, Susan. Their hard work and commitment to the people of Tanzania is wonderful and inspiring. We gave them the medical donations we had brought and hope to be able to do more in the future.
Our last two night’s accommodation was at Swala Tented Lodge, which we highly recommend as the best place to end a safari. It was located in a remote corner of Tarengire National Park. Luxury-in-a-tent and every detail perfectly thought out defines Swala Tented Lodge. The staff were absolutely wonderful and extremely attentive in making us feel most welcome. We even had lions roaring right outside our tent at night to enhance this perfect ambiance in the bush.
So many times during our safari it was confirmed to us that choosing ADS was the right decision, especially when we passed another vehicle with eight people packed inside. When the day came to return to Arusha for our flight home, we discovered that KLM had changed our seating and separated us by 44 rows.
Juliet, at ADS Tanzania Headquarters, came to our rescue and KLM returned us to our original seats together. Thank you, Juliet! When it was time to board our flight we looked back and waved good-bye to Francis, waiting to make sure we were ok. He had become our friend and now, sadly, we had to leave. Thank you, Francis! My husband and I have vowed to come back to this magical place with it’s warm, friendly people, magnificent plains lush with animal life and nature at it’s best. It gets into your soul and becomes a part of you. Thank you, Dawn Anderson! Thank you, ADS and the entire staff for the wonderful, incredible safari experience that will forever be our “trip of a lifetime”.
Sincerely,
Ronnie and Martin Roitman
Monarch Beach, California
August 2012
Tales from the Bush, FAME Medical Tanzania
It was Friday afternoon. 48 patients had already been attended at the FAME Outpatient Clinic in Karatu, Tanzania (just outside the world famous Ngorongoro Crater). Four were still being monitored, on IV drips. Our Medical Receptionist, Jacob, received a call from a neighbor. His little boy had fallen into a sharp piece of wood and was bleeding from the head. Jacob arranged for little Baltazari to be transported up to FAME .
He arrived with his mother, bleeding, scared and in pain. Jacob carried him into the Clinic, where Dr. Mwaluko examined the injury, a puncture wound to the scalp just above his right ear. The source of the bleeding was unclear but indicative of a laceration of the temporal artery. After sedating him, he was taken to the procedure room where teams suspicions were confirmed. Dr. Mwaluko successfully ligated the artery and stopped the bleeding much to the relief of everyone.
In rural Tanzania, it is not uncommon at all for neighbors to become ambulance drivers, for doctors and nurses to find themselves providing emergency medical care to family, friends, colleagues and, in this case, the child of a colleague. In locations like ours, there are no other options. It is truly the human spirit at work.
Africa Dream Safaris will match dollar for dollar any $50 donation thus turning your contribution into $100, which has real significant purchasing power in Tanzania. Please click here to contribute to FAME and to learn more about the organization. Make sure to enter ‘Africa Dream Safaris’ in the designation field to ensure that your $50 donation is matched correctly.
African Dream Safaris – A kaleidoscope of vision and experience
Our little West Aussie family of four. Us almost 50. Son in his last year at University. Daughter sitting her final school exams in November. Transitions. A holiday with a difference. A pause before the sprint to the end. A Safari.
An African Dream Safari but…but the ADS office is on the other side of the world. Two long haul flights, 24 hours of non stop travel, Nairobi international airport, quick hop to JRO, midnight African road rules and exhausted to bed.
Tanzania. Cheerful and welcoming. Colours, hard work, busy city, A voice calls ‘Look, white person’, pure happiness on a young face at receiving a football, orphanage struggles and we have still only got as far as Arusha.
Cessna Caravan, snow capped Kilimanjaro way above the clouds, Norongoro collapsed caldera, vast grassland plains, winding Mara reflecting in the sunlight and the Safari begins. First impressions. Impala, Hippo and Giraffe wandering across the airstrip holding up air traffic. Vultures ever present in the trees. Lilac breasted roller.
Ellson, our guide was magnificent. Calm, warm, friendly, an encyclopaedia of knowledge. Everything from the smallest Lovebird to the biggest Elephant was worthy of his considerable knowledge. The patterns on the Giraffe, zigzag of the Zebra stripes and relative plainness of the DickDick. The Black Mamba (the One cigarette snake i.e. enjoy it because it will be your last). The walking safari highlight, the Massai guides making a fire rubbing sticks in a few minutes. Antelope, elephant and giraffe at a safe distance, not forgetting the huge python trail.
The migration. The hillside moves. Barking zebra. Honking Wilderbeast. Hundreds of thousands.
A rhino. Still a few left. A bull elephant, ears flapping we’re in the way, Ellson says I think we’ll move NOW. Cranky and grouchy buffalo, Ellson says I don’t think we will go any closer. The Pride herding the zebra over towards the concealed Lioness, the Kill. Ellson manoeuvring for the best view.
Luxury tenting true to its word. Smoke infused hot water showers, campfires, glowing sunsets, beer and wine to restore the soul, fine dining and meeting new friends from the corners of the Globe. Stars before sunrise, early morning chill.
Roar of the flame. Hot air balloon floating between trees and skimming along at giraffe head height. Roar of the flame. Fire and smoke burning the tall and rank grasses. Sunset magic fading rich red onto the hazy horizon.
Cheetah on the hunt, Lion-King on his kopje, One then two then I don’t believe it eight lioness concealed in the grass, (Ellson says NO, do not get out of the vehicle), Leopards yellow eyes looking down from just up there. Hyena and Vultures arguing over the scraps. Red flash of the Weaver, Blue metallic Starling, Emerald green Lovebird, Golden yellow bee catcher, Pink flamingo, Crested Crane, Bustard and so the dazzle goes on.
Back in Oz. What a trip! Sublime. But more than that, land of spectacle, land of contrasts, land of sunsets, land of the energy, land of surprise, land of wilderness, land of the Safari. Revitalised with thanks to ADS.
Jim, Helen, Alistair and Abbey Leighton
Albany, Western Australia, July 2012
The First River Crossing for 2012
We are delighted to announce that the first major wildebeest crossing of the Mara River occurred on July 26th about 20 minutes upriver from the bridge at the Kogatende Ranger Post. Several lucky ADS guests with impeccable timing landed at the Kogatende Airstrip on the morning of July 26th and were treated to a massive crossing of tens of thousands of wildebeest. Our guides reported that the wildebeest crossing took a whopping 1 hour and 20 minutes with several successful hunts by the resident crocodiles. Talk about winning the safari lottery!
This was a very unusual year in that the record amounts of rainfall in the green season delayed the wildebeest from departing the southern plains by one full month. This is quite extraordinary taking into consideration that the migration arrived two months early, which calculate out to the wildebeest spending almost seven months on the plains this year (from mid October to mid May).
Africa should be on Everyone’s Bucket List
From the moment we started our research on what safari company we would choose to create a ‘trip of a lifetime’ for our family, I was immediately attracted by the way in which African Dream Safaris (ADS) made us, as the prospective client, an important part of the trip design and outcome. We were impressed by the detailed information supplied and the weekly updates that immersed us in the adventure of other people’s previous trips and photos. This was a major decision-maker when becoming a client, particularly when we selected a company half way across the world.
We live in Australia and you would think that the time difference would concern us when working together at such a distance. However, there was not one email that wasn’t answered in a thorough and timely manner, with clear information, details that surpassed our expectations. This never wavered throughout the long planning stages of our special surprise to our sons and their girlfriends.
It has to be said that working with Lynn Newby-Fraser made the planning of this amazing trip very easy. I believe she was as passionate about making our trip the ultimate surprise for our adult children and their girlfriends at Christmas 2011 as we were. If we had any concerns or difficulties, even if the problem didn’t relate to our safari or ADS in any way (and notably not the responsibility of ADS), Lynn would nonetheless make every effort to find a solution. Nothing was ever too much effort. Lynn never failed us on any detail, solution or on-going support throughout.
I can certainly give her and her team (in the background, as all teams work) the highest accolades for so many things, least to say their care for their clients and making sure that the trip is as good as they promise. Trust me ADS is not just good, they are professionals in what they do . . . they are ‘brilliant’, they have staff that actually want to be part of your process right to the end and this is what we all want, let’s face it!
The trip itself took place at the beginning of July 2012 and I have plenty to say about the outcome of our surprise “African 8 day trip into the Serengeti”, least to say that it was perfect in every way. Francis, our driver and companion, was a delight. His knowledge of this amazing country was outstanding. His ability to identify and name wildlife was well studied and never boring. Francis was fun and funny and remained that way regardless of the long days he spend behind the wheel. Francis dedicated all his day to making sure we got the most out of ours.
We would start early and finish our days in the early evening, never bored, never tired (until our heads hit the pillow), and always happy, all of us filled with more “wow’s” of the day. Not one day went past without the word “wow” being uttered many times over. How good Gerard and I felt when we knew our gift was an overwhelming success.
I remember wondering if my ‘fantasy’ of how this trip would turn out would meet up with the reality of the actual experience . . . it did and more! Thank you Lynn for following up every step of the way. Africa is something that should be on everyone’s ‘bucket list’. It’s an amazing place and I know that ADS made our experience something we will never forget.
Barb & Gerard Savage (and on behalf of Tim, Jess, Dan & Hannah)
Melbourne, Australia
July 2012
Mal d’ Afrique
Mal d’Afrique, or that restless urge one experiences after spending time in Africa to make a return visit, had crept into our souls after our first safari to Kenya and Tanzania in 2007. We found our conversations involving, “…when we return to Africa…” and “…next time….” So it was that we mentioned our desire to return to Africa to our friends, Rick and Jeannine, and a plan was cemented for a return in 2012. We investigated dozens of safari companies, but Africa Dream Safaris came very highly rated. We just cannot adequately express the significance of the choice to opt for a private safari but were clearly reminded of that choice each time we passed the packed caravans of safari vehicles from other companies.
Our adventure began exactly five years to the day after our first safari but could not have been more different. From the moment we landed in Arusha and were whisked through the visa process and customs before most people had even retrieved their bags to the final moments when our driver dragged us kicking and screaming back to the airport, every detail had been thought out by ADS.
Our planning began one year in advance when Lynn, our safari planner, contacted us. Lynn’s enthusiasm for everything Africa and her experience with providing her clients with details before they even realized they needed them, made our planning so easy. She provided us with valuable information to help us better prepare for this wonderful adventure. Her monthly and later weekly updates were eagerly awaited.
Perhaps the absolute highlight of our trip was not the sights, sounds, and smells of Africa that flooded our senses every waking moment—and even some unwaking ones when lions roared throughout the night. Rather, it was our amazing safari guide /driver, Russell. He never ceased to amaze us with his knowledge of wildlife. Not only did he know the habits of the “big five” and where to locate each of them (yes, he did find us a rhinoceros!), but he also pointed out marching army aunts, tiny bejeweled birds, and pug marks on the dirt tracks, each of which became a lesson to us. He was tireless in response to all of our needs.
After a day of jet-lag recovery in Arusha and a sight-seeing tour which included a visit to the ADS sponsored Shanga crafts workshop, we flew from Arusha to Katenga airstrip in the northern Serengeti. During our flight we observed thousands of migrating wildebeests, which looked like lines of tiny ants from the air, and had to be cleared from the runway before we could land. Russell was awaiting our landing and quickly piled us in our vehicle to rush to the Mara River area where the herd would make their crossing.
Our timing was amazing as we arrived to see wildebeests as far as the eye could discern bottled up on the river bank awaiting that urge (or maybe it was a push) that would propel the migration across this challenging crossing. Within minutes of our arrival, as if they had been awaiting us, the first animal crossed followed by the rest of the herd. For the next hour we watched in amazement as the flood of animals made the perilous jump into the dangerous rocks, hungry crocodiles, and swift current to cross. We had a private front row seat to this amazing event of nature. Little were we to know that this would set the precedence for the next twelve days as Russell always managed to have us in the right place at the right time.
We enjoyed the variety of accommodations from lodges, to tented lodges, to the private luxury camp. The tented lodges offered an opportunity to experience a unique mixture of lodge type accommodations and outdoor camping while the lodge at Ngorongoro offered entertainment and high-end accommodations. Yet it was the private luxury camping that ADS provided that was far and above our favorite.
Plopped down in a scenic location surrounded by wildlife and catered by a professional team and equipped with all the comforts of home, it really did put an entirely new perspective on the term “camping out.” Never did we feel closer to nature than listening to the snuffling cape buffalo, the whooping of the hyenas, and the rumbling growls of lions not too far in the distance. Our butler, Kdeva, a Masaai, awoke us with a gentle “Jambo” and a cup of hot Tanzanian coffee and made sure we had plenty of hot water to wash up. We were glad that we had included this in our agenda.
So many photos; so many memories. Words cannot do justice to the sights, sounds, and smells of Africa. The playful cheetah cub practicing his attack skills on a cardboard box, a pride of seventeen lions and lionesses ravaging a cape buffalo carcass, the wild dogs of Tarangire bullying a zebra, and a huge flock of gaudy emerald green yellow-collared love birds flittering across the grass are all images that dominate our thoughts.
Did we cure our Mal d’Afrique? No, we have been back less than a week and we already find our conversations involving, “…when we return to Africa…” and “…next time….” Yes, we are already dreaming of our third safari with Africa Dream Safaris, of course!
Bob and Diane Brodel
Hampton, Virginia
July 2012
Summer in the Serengeti
Dear Lynn, We want to express our thanks and appreciation for your effort, care and personalised service for our recent african safari trip to Tanzania . As you know this has been a long time in the planning stages but once we were in touch with you everything right down to the last detail and question has been taken care of. African Dream Safari provided excellent customer service and obviously listens to their clients regarding any concerns.
The moment we entered into the Arusha airport, Kayfus met us and expedited our customs and luggage transfer. Then we were introduced to Emmanuel and the first leg of our incredible journey began by delivering us to Mt Meru Resort-definitely a five star resort. He ensured all our immediate needs as well as presenting us with a personal gift for the ladies-a lovely bracelet that I love and will wear eagerly and explain where it came from. He also was there for the return part of our trip ensuring that everything was taken care of.
We were lodged in first class accommodations. All five lodges provided wonderful clean, comfortable accommodations and safety was a top priority at all of them. The meals, including the boxed lunches, were delicious, healthy and plentiful. The lodge staff also went out of their way to provide excellent service and always with a smile and sense of humour. There were times when there was new staff being trained and they worked so hard to understand and speak English but also willing to teach us a few words. They seem very proud of their efforts and rightly so.
I need to address our guide personally. Thomson was absolutely brilliant. He has many skills that made our trip a trip of a lifetime. His knowledge, love and respect of the animals and their behaviour were remarkable and are what made our safari so successful. His ability to drive with our safety in mind but also sight the obvious, the hidden, the rare and the very small animals was extraordinary. He was concerned for our comfort, safety and our personal goals regarding the animals and their behaviour.
He had the patience needed to deal with six of us who had different expectations and outlooks. He had an excellent sense of humour and it made for a good time driving and looking for the animals. Thomson is also well respected by his peers and it was evident many times when our paths crossed with other companies and drivers. Our questions and conversations indicate that he is dedicated to the animals’ well being and protection in the bigger scheme of things within the country of Tanzania . All in all an impressive person and we will think of him often. Thank you Thomson!
We have included a few favourite pictures-it was hard to choose. We wish we had a picture to describe all the feelings and emotions felt on this trip of a lifetime. Thank you for all you have done to make it so wonderful!
Marg & Glyn Cook
July 2012
Father and Daughter Journey to Tanzania
My name is Caroline. I would like to share my experience of doing safari in Tanzania with my dad. He set the trip up through African Dream Safaris. We arrived by plane on a dirt airstrip near the Mara River. After meeting our guide, Pokea, we were off on safari. Safari means you are riding in a vehicle looking for animals that you have only seen in a zoo. The first animals I saw were the hippos and then the antelopes followed by my first zebra encounter. Lions, elephants, giraffes and wildebeasts more numerous than you could imagine followed. I think the coolest animal we saw was the leopard in the tree and the cheetahs hunting in the grass. My personal favorite animal is the giraffe. They tower over everything and walk like they are stepping on marshmallows. We saw a lot of hippos but they were hard to photograph as they were always in the water. Giraffes are easy to take pictures of and maybe that is another reason that I like them.
Our camps varied as we traveled through the Serengeti. My favorite camp was Serengeti Soroi. We had a thatched roof, a pool on the ledge and views that stretched out before us. Everyone at all the camps made us feel special. The meals varied with different amounts of salad, fish and meat, and deserts but all were good. I liked the pumpking soup with almond the best.
Now that I am back home, it is like a dream that we went to Africa and did safari. It was the best trip I have ever had. My safari made me realize how much the world has to offer and how you need to try new adventures. I don’t know if I will ever equal this trip but I am glad that I had the opportunity to do it and I’m glad I went with my dad.
Sincerely,
Caroline
Oneida, Wisconsin
July 2012
Quote from Mrs. Gustafason of FAME
“For us, African Dream Safaris is a shining star in the tourism industry. With what Africa Dream Safari has donated this year alone, FAME Medical can purchase enough medicine to treat 2700 children diagnosed with pneumonia. This is an african safari company that sees the big picture – the importance of providing clients with an awe inspiring wildlife experience, while at the same time making a very tangible difference in the day-to-day lives of the Tanzanian people.” – Susan Gustafson, founder of Fountation for African Medicine and Education
ADS Joins Twitter!
Stay posted on Africa Dream Safari updates via your Twitter feed! As we add guest testimonials, safari pics and videos, Tanzania updates, and migration reports from the bush, we’ll be sure to let you know with ongoing tweets! You can follow us here: twitter.com/ADS_Safaris
ADS Joins Pinterest!
With an ever-growing archive of breathtaking photography that we gather from our staff in Tanzania and guests as they return from their safari adventures, we thought it’d be a great idea to join Pinterest – the fastest growing photo-sharing social network. Each day, we’ll be pinning images of awe-inspiring African landscapes, wildlife close-ups, and Tanzanian culture as a way to share ADS adventures with a larger community. Please join us and get inspired to share with us your own travel inspiration! You can follow us at: pinterest.com/adssafari
Thank you ADS for fulfilling a lifelong dream
When people ask us what our favorite part of the safari was, we answer our guide Claude! That is because of his expert knowledge and abilities that truly enhanced our safari and made each and every day as exciting as the first.
But let’s back up and see how we got to this point. We began our search for a safari provider by going on the internet. After a lot of reading we narrowed our search down to three providers, and then two. When we engaged Sharon Lyon on the phone several times with our many questions and she understood our interests, it became clear to us that ADS was going to be our choice. We really liked the straightforward business plan of ADS, with the costs being clear as to what was included and what wasn’t. We were able to make our final decision once we realized that the other option under consideration simply could not match the value we were after.
Just prior to the safari we decided to learn more about birding. Wow, what a treat birding turned out to be and so enriched our safari! Our guide Claude was an extremely capable birder and with his help we identified 186 species. What made it even more fun was the neat adventures that the birding led us to. For example, one day we were going our usual way, on the alert and watching for anything and everything, when we spotted a White-browed Coucal sitting in a tree. We headed for a better look and decided to enjoy the shade of the tree for our picnic lunch. While there, out of the corner of an eye, were a cheetah and her five small cubs passing into the grass.
You know how the literature says you should be the first into the Ngorongoro Crater in the morning? Well, ADS positioned us perfectly, and we actually were the first in. To our delight, our guide took us right to a spot where we enjoyed the next forty minutes of watching two rhinos all by ourselves.
After several days we realized how superior our safari was to others we observed. We had the best vehicle, the most conscientious driver, we were first on lions several times, first on the rhinos, observed four snakes, saw many animal interactions as we were paced just right not to ever be in a hurry.
Every day was new and exciting. With our guide’s knowledge we were able to learn about animal behaviors, how to identify giraffe gender, where to be at what time of day to see the most things, and even could discuss plant life and geology. Thank you ADS for fulfilling a lifelong dream.
Heimke Family
July 7-17, 2012
Anchorage, Alaska
