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

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

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

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