Quote of the Week: Al and Alice Reich

This was our 3rd trip to Africa, but even so, it was unique. From the flight over Lengai at the start of our safari to the final overnight in the farmland of Karatu, it was fabulous. But even before that, we were met as we got off the flight from Amsterdam, had our visas taken care of, baggage collected, and on our way to the hotel while 95% of the other passengers were still waiting in line for immigrations. That was special. However, we came for the wildlife and were definitely not disappointed. The big five, thousands of wildebeest and zebra, about a zillion birds, and many other interesting creatures. It’s hard to describe being in the center of a noisy mass of animals stretching to the horizon in all directions. The best part, however, was that this was our own private safari. Only the two of us in that land cruiser with our guide. And what a guide he was. He led us to places where we could watch wildlife without seeing any other tourists.

Al and Alice Reich
April 2009

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April 12, 2009

There is an old adage in the Serengeti that “rain means game” and this couldn’t be more on point at this very moment. Over the last five days both the Southern and Eastern plains of the Serengeti have exploded with life as the thundershowers mentioned in our last post have continued and intensified. The vast herds of wildebeest, zebra and gazelle have finally marched out of their drought refuge in the Central Serengeti woodlands and onto the short grass plains. They are home at last!

Ernest Sitta, one of our most veteran guides with almost 2 decades of experience in the Serengeti, commented that he has never seen such a dramatic mini-migration of sorts as the hundreds of thousands of wildebeest that were previously scattered at the edge of the woodlands instantly descended in droves onto the plains when the overdue rains finally materialized. Our guests staying at our private luxury camp at Naabi Hill (located at the heart of the Serengeti plains) received quite a show yesterday as the plain surrounding the campsite was full of thousands of wildebeest and zebra. Unfortunately, everyone had trouble sleeping at night as the sounds of over 100,000 animals surrounding the tents was a bit overwhelming!

The migration is dispersed throughout the entire Southern and Eastern african safari plains now but the epicenter seems to be at Naabi Hill and the beautiful Gol Kopjes, which are just a few miles to the east of Naabi Hill. Just one week ago, the infamous Gol Kopjes were strangely dry and desolate for this time of year. We were very worried about our adopted lion pride that inhabits the territory around Gol Kopjes as two of the adult females were looking emaciated. What a turn of events this last week has been as this lion pride now has a significant chunk of the wildebeest and zebra migration right in its back yard. Yesterday, the lion pride was spotted clinging to the top of the kopjes looking out over a sea of wildebeest. We will post a few pictures in our next update.

Our migration map happens to be right on target at the moment. Click on the month of April at the left side of the map to see a pretty accurate illustration of the current distribution of the migration. Naabi Hill (mentioned above) is located right where the central, south and east Serengeti areas all meet.

For those lucky ones on a Tanzania safari right now or for those arriving in the next week or so, you have really hit the safari jackpot! Game viewing is truly phenomenal right now with the wildebeest migration on the plains and all the predators (lion, cheetah and spotted hyena) in attendance.

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Quote of the Week: Al and Alice Reich

This was our 3rd trip to Africa, but even so, it was unique. From the flight over Lengai at the start of our safari to the final overnight in the farmland of Karatu, it was fabulous. But even before that, we were met as we got off the flight from Amsterdam, had our visas taken care of, baggage collected, and on our way to the hotel while 95% of the other passengers were still waiting in line for immigrations. That was special. However, we came for the wildlife and were definitely not disappointed. The big five, thousands of wildebeest and zebra, about a zillion birds, and many other interesting creatures. It’s hard to describe being in the center of a noisy mass of animals stretching to the horizon in all directions.

The best part, however, was that this was our own private safari. Only the two of us in that land cruiser with our guide. And what a guide he was. He led us to places where we could watch wildlife without seeing any other tourists. The lodges and camps were superb. It was especially nice to be in the private luxury camp, where we could determine our own schedule for meals, bedtime and wakeup, etc. Mbuzi Mawe Tented Lodge was every bit as well equipped and appointed as any of the hotels. The service and food at Ndutu was top notch and the view from our room at Ngorongoro Serena couldn’t have been better. Bougainvillea Lodge was the perfect place to wind down after an exciting 2 weeks. And, of course, dining in the ‘African Bush’ was a distinct pleasure.

Al and Alice Reich
April 2009

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Quote of the Week: Bob and Vivian Bousquet

This was the most interesting and enjoyable trip we have taken. The folks at Africa Dream Safaris made sure every aspect of our safari was taken care of. From picking us up at the airport to dropping us off at the end, nothing was overlooked. We can’t say enough good things about everyone we came in contact with. Especially important was our driver guide. His ability to find and see animals borders on uncanny. [Our driver guide] looked after every need in a warm and enthusiastic manner. The accommodations and food were world class. We typically saw animals within minutes of leaving each day. The only problem we had was trying to fit in everything we wanted to do. We would recommend Africa Dream Safaris to anyone contemplating a trip to Tanzania. Especially, first time visitors who might be apprehensive about making a trip such as this.

Bob and Vivian Bousquet
April 2009

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April 8, 2009

The drought is over! On April 1st and 2nd there were quite a few scattered showers throughout the entire Seronera Valley in the Central Serengeti and even out to Sametu Kopjes at the beginning of the Eastern Plains.

Immense herds of wildebeest, numbering in the hundreds of thousands and spanning literally the entire horizon in thick black masses, flooded into Seronera Valley. What and incredible sight this was and one of our clients broke down in tears completely overwhelmed by the sheer power of the migration. To have this many wildebeest (and we’re talking hundreds of thousands) at the heart of the Central Serengeti is extremely unusual at the beginning of April.

As we say here at ADS that anytime is a great time for an african safari tour but right now seems especially good with the herds of wildebeest in Seronera interacting with the large resident lion prides. Thank You Joyce and Jeff Nott for sending in this incredible picture as evidence of this incredible phenomenon taking place right now in the Seronera Valley of the Central Serengeti.

Double Click the Image to Expand to Full Screen
Double Click the Image to Expand to Full Screen

Then, when it seemed things couldn’t possible get any better, they most certainly did. On April 6th the heavens really opened up and the first widespread rains of the entire green season finally hit the Serengeti (it even hailed in Seronera)! For the first time this green season, the rains finally spread out onto the short grass plains of the Eastern Serengeti at Barafu Kopjes, Lemuta Hill and Nasera Rock. This is the preferred grazing habitat of the wildebeest out on these short-grass, nutrient rich volcanic plains.

Within 24-hours, grasses that had lain dormant for months quickly sprouted and the wildebeest are now streaming out of the Central Serengeti and flooding onto these Eastern Plains which are now carpeted in fresh, green grass. What an incredible sight! Our game drives today out to the remote plains near Barafu Kopjes saw the first columns of wildebeest arriving to graze these nutritious pastures. Time will only tell but surely the rest of the migration will follow as long as the rain continues. This is green season game viewing at its finest!

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March 2009 Bush Report

The unusual drought (I think we can all no longer deny the inevitable use of this term) continues to persist in the Serengeti and most of the Tanzania Safari. Rain showers have been limited and widely scattered over the last 2 months. In fact, it seems the last decent amount of precipitation we received was way back in December. The brief rain showers received in mid March turned out not to be a signal of greener ‘things’ to come but rather just a few fleeting thundershowers.

As during all periods of low rainfall, the wildebeest respond instinctively by dispersing far and wide throughout the Serengeti Ecosystem. There just isn’t enough rainfall (as there usually is in March) and hence not enough green grass and potable water for the great herds to come together and unite on their traditional green season range on the southern and eastern Serengeti plains.

The good news is that the current dispersion of the wildebeest migration is located in very accessible areas throughout the Central and South Serengeti meaning that our guests have been inundated with wildebeest sightings over the course of their entire safaris and not just limited to the Southern/Eastern plains that we usually see during typical green season safaris.

The even better news is that the dispersion of the wildebeest especially in the Central Serengeti and Seronera Valley have meant great predatory action. Confused and scattered wildebeest in the Big Cat capital of Africa (Seronera) always equals action, pure and simple! And, reports have been flooding in from returning guests of both lion and cheetah hunts thought Seronera Valley.

The epicenter of the action at the moment in the Central Serengeti appears to be the Maasai Kopjes. In fact, just this yesterday morning, one of our groups witnessed an exciting cheetah kill with a mother and her four sub-adult cubs. About two weeks ago and also at the Maasai Kopjes, other guest witnessed several female lions taking down a wildebeest just feet from their vehicle. One group just returned with a great count of 62 lions, 30 cheetahs, 4 leopards and a ‘ton’ of wildebeest. Of course, we always stress quality sightings over quantity but needless to say these numbers are impressive.

In any event, the current ‘whereabouts’ of the migration are as follows:

Simiyu Ranger Post, which is located roughly 1/2 way between Moru Kopjes and Kusini Camp in the southwestern Serengeti. This seldom travelled track linking Moru and Simiyu is an ADS driver-guide favorite. As long as it’s relatively dry (the black cotton soil here can be treacherous in the rains), this track makes a great off the beaten path drive and is packed full of wildebeest at the moment.

Matiti – huge herds are being reported just southwest of Matiti and towards Makao. Access is about a 1-hour drive southwest of Ndutu deep within the southwestern Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Though unverified, it’s more then likely that these herds stretch into the inaccessible Masawa Game Reserve.

Simba Kopjes – Just yesterday we received reports of another big herd of wildebeest on the southwest side of Simba Kopjes near the hippo pool.

Moru Kopjes – A medium size herd has been located along the western flank of these beautiful kopjes.

Maasai Kopjes – Scattered herds have been reported throughout the Maasai Kopjes complex and especially at the marsh just south of the kopjes.

The one obvious area missing from all of our reports is the entire Eastern Serengeti, which in some green seasons plays host to the majority of the migration. This year has been extremely unusual in that the eastern plains have received very little or no rainfall. Many of the areas in the east that were so great last green season are completely barren this year. Everything east of Naabi Hill including such famous spots as Gol Kopjes, Barafu Kopjes, Lemuta Hill and Nasera Rock is very dry at the moment.

Serengeti map links below to help put the above locations in perspective:
http://www.africadreamsafaris.com/dest_serengeti.html

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March 25, 2009

Welcome to the first post of our ‘Galloping Gnu News’ where we intend to communicate real time and factual reports on the whereabouts of great wildebeest migration. But first, let us introduce the star of this Serengeti drama, the white-bearded gnu or wildebeest.

Africans named it gnu (say “nu”) for the honking sounds gnus make as they migrate. Dutch settlers in South Africa named them wildebeest. They look peculiar, with skinny legs, big shoulders, a heavy shaggy head and hooked horns. It has been jokingly said gnus were “designed by a committee and assembled from spare parts”. But this ungainly looking creature has not only survived over the last 2 million yeas (as evidenced by fossil records at Olduvai Gorge), it has become the dominate herbivore in the Serengeti. Its survival on the african safari for such a long time must mean that the gnu is well designed for its job.

Take a close look at a gnu’s head: its face is long, its eyes are near the top of its head, so the gnu can see over long grass and all around to spot predators while grazing. Its long eyelashes keep the dust out of its eyes, its nostrils can be closed to keep out the dust. Its wide square mouth enables it to crop short grass incredibly efficiently. And most importantly, its migratory habits help the gnu to make the best use of an ever changing environment be it droughts or times of abundance. In its millions the gnu certainly makes the Serengeti the greatest wildlife viewing area in the world.

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Quote of the Week: Brenda Rau

Where to start? When I began planning over a year prior I did a lot of research on the web and Africa Dream Safaris really rose to the top, I guess because it felt so much more personal – you followed up with me after my inquiry and receiving the DVD. You patiently answered all of my questions. It was so easy to be able to do the planning with you as you were always so prompt in returning my emails. As time went on, and we got into the actual planning I always felt like you were working to make my trip the best it could be for me, not ADS. You listened and adjusted, your suggestions were always spot on.

As for the actual trip, there really are no words to describe this experience. I know that’s what everyone says, but it is so true. It is an experience that I really wish that everyone on the planet could have before they pass. […] Everyone representing ADS (from the meet and greet, to the drivers) were so genuinely warm and friendly and welcoming. I truly felt as if they are so happy that I was there visiting their country. The incredible network of folks that you have to make this all happen is impressive. I felt completely safe the entire time, and as a single woman traveling alone that was a concern of many of my friends at home. Hakuna Matata!

The safari itself was so beyond my expectations, every day was another amazing adventure. The animals put on the most unbelievable show just doing their daily survival thing. My guide was incredible – the way that he could spot things that were so well hidden, the way that he always knew when to stop or slow down and let me take pictures or just watch, patient, respectful, good humor, willing to make things easy for me and incredibly knowledgeable about the plants, animals, insects, birds, etc. He also was willing to help me learn some Swahili words. The people there that I encountered all spoke really good, understandable English but it was so nice to be able to say a few words to them in their own language in their country. And, they always appreciated it – you could see their faces light up with beautiful smiles when you try!

The extensions that you arranged on either end were perfect. The accommodations were great, the transfers all worked like clockwork, there was never a worry – hakuna matata! Take Care, Asante Sana, Rafiki!

Brenda Rau
March 2009

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Quote of the Week: Susan Weaver and Roger Sanders

Roger and I were so happy with our trip to Africa. It was truly an amazing experience. From the minute we were met, so graciously, at the airport by Jane, to our meeting with Steven and Joy for our trip to the River Lodge, and then our many adventures with [our guide], I can’t say enough about how professional and kind everyone was. It was obvious from the start that everyone associated with ADS always had OUR best interest at heart.

On our first day in the Serengeti, we got to see a pride of lions make a double wildebeest kill. It was soooooo exciting. [Our guide] spotted the lions lying low at the edge of the watering hole waiting for the wildebeests to approach. We watched for about 5 or so minutes as they came closer and closer. When the lions pounced, I almost jumped out of my seat. We got to see the victims put up quite a struggle but of course in the end were overcome. Following the kill, five cheetahs then approached from behind us, passing within feet of our truck. They were looking longingly at the dead wildebeests and making a kind of moaning sound. They were finally run off by one of the lions. It was so interesting and a real highlight for us.

Susan Weaver and Roger Sanders
March 2009

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Quote of the Week: Christina Scharff

A dream come true! I will be the first to admit that I never expected to have such a fantastic trip. On our first day we saw more species of animals than we ever imagined would be possible for the entire trip. We were especially thrilled with seeing the leopard in the tree within a few hours of arriving in the Serengeti. The time we spent watching our first lion pride was exceptional, the little ones are so playful. Though it is hard to choose, I will have to admit the big cats (lions, leopards, cheetahs) were my favorite. Our sighting of fourteen of the black rhino in the Crater was a real treat. I still can’t believe the number of the animals we would see at one time; the herds of elephants, the rafts of hippos, the journeys of giraffes, the troops of baboons and monkeys, the dazzles of zebras, and of course the many wildebeest, I am still in awe. One afternoon we were in the midst of over 300 elephants. Our driver/guide was the best and could spot the animals so easily. He continually challenged us to find the animals ourselves and then helped us spot the many we couldn’t see as he counted them off for us. The facilities were all great but I especially enjoyed our first two nights at the Private Luxury Camp and our single night at the Plantation Lodge. Asante sana Africa Dream Safaris for making my dream come true.

Christina Scharff
March 2009

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Quote of the Week: Anne and Eric Baugh

My wife Anne and I have been home reflecting on the most wonderful experience we have ever had. We spent 12 amazing days with George and Michele Ryan, visiting Arusha, the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. Understand, we normally spend our time like most people, working very hard at our jobs and hardly ever looking up to smell the roses. After I reintroduced myself to my wife on the plane I remember how excited we both were about the wonders we were soon to see. I have wanted to take this trip to Africa since I was 12. I am now sorry I waited 40 more years. After talking to [our ADS rep] for 10 minutes there was no turning back, we were going to Tanzania.

We, like everyone else who chooses ADS, were met as soon as we landed in Tanzania by an ADS person and we were coddled from that point until we got back on the plane to go home. After ADS took care of the visa and customs
process we retrieved our luggage. We walked to the front of the terminal and saw all the other tour companies waiting for their guest to clear the customs issues on their own. ADS was the only tour company that met their clients on the runway. We knew at that point we were in good hands.

[Our guide] was sent to us by the hand of God. [Our guide] was so many things to us on this trip. He taught us anthropology, archeology, architecture, geology, the big cats, wild life, birds, botany, tribal customs, scatology, politics, religion. He is a linguist, choir director; life coach, expert driver and he had too many other attributes to list them all here. I was a sniper in a former life and have good spotting ability but [Our guide] spotted a leopard at 250 yards through a five inch hole in the canopy of a tree while driving. It took me minutes to find the leopard with [our guide] pointing to it. I have the pictures to prove it. We saw more animals than some people I know who lived in Tanzania for three years. We saw every animal but the Rhino and wild dog on the first day in the Serengeti. [Our guide] taught us so much about life and the beautiful people of Tanzania that his memory will be with us for life. I will never forget [our guide] teaching us Swahili and the song “Jambo.” We have truly met a great man. [Our guide] required us to smell the roses.

The tents we stayed in were outstanding. The lodges were so beautiful. Our camp staff was always so happy to satisfy us. The food was so good and way too plentiful. Our chef even gave us the recipes to the meals we loved so much. I have traveled the world and have never had such great service as ADS provided. Saying “Goodbye” to the staff and at the airport was not easy but we knew we had made some new friends. Anne and I agree, we have been changed forever.

Anne and Eric Baugh
March 2009

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Quote of the Week: Martin and Joan Kane

We wanted to thank you for planning and organizing one of the most memorable experiences of our lives. From the moment we stepped off the plane, we seemed to be treated with more care and with more enthusiasm than other visitors.

As you predicted, our guide was an absolute delight. He had an uncanny ability to spot animals seemingly invisible to us and to other guides (we were watching a leopard within hours of meeting him). Equally important, his cheerful personality was combined with seemingly unlimited knowledge of wildlife. We consider him a new and valued friend.

Every tent camp or lodge was excellent. Campfires, sundowners, gourmet dinners and wines, being escorted back to our tent in the dark by spear-carrying Maasai warriors, the sounds of cape buffalo and lions calling and scratching around our tent are just a few of our unforgettable experiences. Every day, we were game-driving at 6 am and we got to see just about everything possible.

Martin and Joan Kane
February 2009

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Quote of the Week: Susan and Richard Hull

Wow – that was the most adventurous event of my life, bar none! The animals were fantastic – I think my favorite is the giraffe. And close encounters with the lions, both male and female (and cubs)…the buffalo munching on grass close to our tent at Kusini …thousands of wildebeest just parting in front of us on the road every day… many herds of impala with their babies and the lone ‘papa’ of the herd…elephants, majestic and quietly observing as they go about their business of eating trees…zebras, with their brown-striped babies…elands always keeping their distance from us…the cheetah so beautiful in the golden grass…the rhino like a small train on a slow run through all the other animals in the crater…and all the colorful birds.

It definitely delivered much more than I expected! We really enjoyed our guide’s company and knowledge of all the plants and animals. He was literally a walking encyclopedia though with a wonderful sense of humor. This was truly a trip of a lifetime.

Susan and Richard Hull
February 2009

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Quote of the Week: Rene Townsend

Our family + plus two adoptees just returned from Tanzania & Zanzibar. We knew it would be great – but this was beyond great! We literally saw everything – including 4 different leopards in one day, and a cheetah mom with 3 babies and two “captures and lunches” within an hour. Every arrangement – from airport transports to lodges – was perfect. Our guide absolutely was the best; informative, personable, humorous, caring….well, I could go on and on. We remain in awe of his ability to drive any terrain AND spot animals that we had a hard time seeing with binoculars! He took us as close to every animal or bird as was safe and respectful of them. I’ve already told many people that if they are going to Tanzania, they have to use African Dream Safaris! Thanks for a great trip and years of wonderful memories.

Rene Townsend
February 2009

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Quote of the Week: Paul Letourneau

Sari and Spencer Olson, Carol and I had an amazing experience on our safari with ADS. It was extraordinary to be in the midst of thousands of animals on the Serengeti Plains and to be able to get so close to the most beautiful cats, antelopes, and other animals. The trip was everything that you advertised and more […] I think that our outstanding guide was the most important part of the success of our trip. He excelled at about six jobs; driver, game spotter, mechanic (fixing two flat tires), host, concierge, and teacher. I don’t know how he was consistently able to drive along rough, unpaved roads and still look off to the horizon and recognize that a brown dot atop a pile of brown rocks was a lion.

Paul Letourneau
February 2009

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