We have just returned from our fourth safari with Africa Dream Safaris and this safari was just as wonderful as the first one. Africa and ADS never fail to impress. We choose Africa Dream Safaris because we know that everything will be taken care of. There is nothing left to chance. No worries that we will not be met at the airport or miss our flights or share a jeep with people with dissimilar interests or have limited game viewing time.
I returned three weeks ago from the most amazing trip to Tanzania with African Dream Safaris. I have lived overseas for over 25 years and have traveled extensively on many wonderful trips but have to say this is the best trip I have ever been on.
Jambo, my name is Luisa and I just completed my first ever safari to Africa. I could not have done it without the help of Africa Dream Safaris. I was interested in going on a safari but being a single traveler I was nervous about going alone and with just any company.
The main things I was looking for in a safari company was the trip being 100% escorted, all inclusive, my own private safari vehicle and people who could accommodate my specific wants and needs. Africa Dream Safaris surpassed my expectations, even from the very beginning when I requested a quote. Dawn was extremely available and helpful at answering all of my questions.
My biggest concern during the planning stage was that I would be alone in Tanzania, a country I had never been visited before. However, Dawn reassured me she had also been on safari on her own many times and that she never felt threatened. While planning my safari the staff were open and honest about questions and opinions they had on where to stay and what animals I might see in each area.
Upon landing in Tanzania I was wowed by Africa Dream Safaris, not only was my escort there but it took only 15minutes to get my visa and I was on my way through customs. Each person I encountered from ADS had a smiling face and was eager to tell me about their country, traditions and culture. They were also very curious about mine. Like I said before, I was alone on my safari and, although I did have a male guide, I never at any point felt uncomfortable.
Claude was my guide and was very welcoming and knowledgeable. The best part about Claude was, while other guides were sleeping or on their cell phones, Clause had his binoculars out looking at the animals as intently as I was. He was constantly giving me information as to the sex, size, age, feeding habits etc. of each animal. He was just as excited and intrigued by the animals as I was and I found that to be very refreshing. I am sure he has seen these animals thousands of times, but it seemed as if it was his first time seeing each one.
All of the accommodations were amazing and I have no complaints with any of the tented camps or lodges. I stayed at Mount Meru Resort, Mbuzi Mawe Tented Lodge, Lake Masek Tented Lodge and Ngorongoro Serena Lodge. Service at each place was beyond amazing from the wait staff to the room service. Each day I came back to a clean room and a delicious meal.
I had read in the ADS handbook that there were some complaints about the boxed lunches, I am not sure why. Although the food can be redundant, it is very delicious. At almost every place I stayed you got to pick what was going to be in your lunch box the next day.
The animal viewing itself was INCREDIBLE. I knew that I would see animals but I was not expecting to see the wide range of animals I saw, from the big 5, to the birds etc. there are thousands of animals and each animal is a gorgeous piece of nature. It’s breath taking to see the wildlife in their natural habitat. I have included some photos for you to see for yourself.
I wanted to write this testimonial because I know there are lots of companies to choose from and it’s difficult to settle on which would be best for you. My only advice is that if you are looking for a company who offers everything and considers your wants and needs, then ADS is the company for you.
I cannot say enough praises about them. To all the staff at ADS who made this trip possible – thank you for the trip of a lifetime!
Luisa C.
Tacoma, Washington
Safari Dates: April 13, 2016 to April 23, 2016
I have just returned from my 4th trip to Tanzania through ADS, and every time I am fortunate enough to visit this beautiful country, I am treated to a whole new and exciting experience! This trip was no exception!
Myself, a professional wildlife photographer, and my husband, guide book writer for the Bradt guide to Tanzania went on safari in Northern Tanzania with Africa Dream Safaris for the third time in March 2016. In total we have visited Tanzania more than a dozen times, but our safaris with A.D.S. never disappoint. This time was no exception.
As before, the vehicle was really comfortable and reliable. There is an onboard fridge with a good supply of water and soft drinks as well as some sweets to keep you going between meals. Binoculars are provided as well. Our driver guide, Michael was good company and was ever patient with our demanding photographer’s ways of keeping on trying to get the best angle and lots of waiting with good sightings.
This time we did a two-week safari in the Serengeti. It is a real privilege to spend a good chunk of time in one of Africa’s best National Parks and we enjoy getting in the rhythm of spending time in the bush. This time, we covered the whole of the Serengeti starting in the Ndutu area in the South. We then made our way north through Central Serengeti, the Western Corridor and the far North Serengeti.
We travelled in March and wildlife is fantastic at this time around the Southern parts, but moving away from that area had it own advantages as we often had the whole lodge and game drive area to ourselves.
As usual, every day in the Serengeti offers something special: a special sighting, a special experience or something unusual…some of these sightings offer a good photo opportunity, some don’t. Here are a few images of our special encounters on this trip:
As we drove into the Serengeti, we came across a jackal feeding on a newly born wildebeest. In March most of the female wildebeests have calves and these are easy pickings for predators.
After dropping their babies in the South of the park in February the wildebeest were now migrating north.
The Serengeti must be THE place for watching lions. Lion kills, lions with cubs suckling or playing, lions in trees and of course the sleeping lions which you can just ignore after two days in the Serengeti as by then they really aren’t even worth stopping for anymore.
We had many great cheetah sightings. Cheetahs hunting and on kills. This time, we didn’t get very lucky with the leopard sightings, but then a few days before our departure we found two big leopard cubs left behind by the mum while she was presumably out hunting. They were a bit shy at first, but as we spend more time with them they became bolder and curious. What a treat photographing this brother and sister pair.
The rocky outcrops in the North (called koppies) are great for photographing klipspringers. We focused a few game drives on them and I’m pleased with the pictures.
A balloon safari is always a highlight. As two balloons went up we had the opportunity of photographing the other balloon itself at sunrise.
The birds are always a treat and I can say that Michael, our guide had a good birding knowledge. We managed to get some good shots of some of the more colourful species like the Bateleur and Fisher’s lovebird.
Lastly, a beautiful giraffe image with the Ngorongoro Crater Highlands in the background and one of the Serengeti’s big tusker elephants.
We’ll be back again and we can highly recommend Africa Dream Safaris to any visitors to Tanzania, whether you are first time visitors to Africa or bush fundies like ourselves.
Thanks again for a great safari – it really was fantastic.
Sincerely,
Philip Briggs and Ariadne Van Zandbergen
Safari Dates: March 11, 2016 to March 25, 2016
Philip Briggs is the author of Bradt Guides to Tanzania, Northern Tanzania Safaris, and East African Wildlife, as well as a dozen other books about Africa. Please visit bradtguides.com for more information. Ariadne Van Zandbergen is a travel and wildlife photographer specializing in Africa with work published in hundreds of books and magazines and has her own photo library. Please visit africaimagelibrary.com for more information.
Philip’s published works include Bradt Guides to Tanzania, Northern Tanzania Safaris, and East African Wildlife, as well as many several other books about Africa. Many loyal fans follow Philip’s travel advice and recommendations very closely when planning their own dream safari vacations. And rightfully so…Philip has traveled extensively in Tanzania for many years and offers an unparalleled perspective from which to judge any African Safari company. So, needless to say we were thrilled when he came back with a glowing review for Africa Dream Safaris!
From landing at Kilimanjaro in the early morning hours, until we left 13 days later, Africa Dream Safaris gave us a fantastic experience of Tanzania and the Serengeti. We saw more game than we had any right to expect, and enjoyed staying at some of the most amazing hotels and lodges.
We had a limited window of dates to make this trip work for the whole family, and were concerned about the ‘wet season’ – but Dawn reassured us that it would still be a full safari experience, and she was right!
I think we saw a little rain twice – but we saw so much fantastic wildlife, including the beginning of the great migration, while travelling from the western corridor, through central Serengeti, and concluding in Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara. We also enjoyed exclusive use of some of the fantastic accommodations – we were the only guests! So we were very happy to be among the few not put off by the ‘wet season’!
All the ADS staff were very friendly and helpful in Arusha, and our driver-guide Russell was fantastic, pointing out for us not only the large game that everyone comes to see, but also with almost encyclopaedic knowledge of the many beautiful bird species, as well as the plants and trees.
The Mbalageti Lodge, the Ewanjan Tented Camp, and the Crater Lodge were all fantastic in their own unusual, eclectic or secluded ways, and the Four Seasons Bilila, while a more conventional hotel experience, was also phenomenal.
We all loved the trip, and already have in our minds the possibility of a return in a different season to experience the wonders of the Serengeti again.
David, Sheryle, Robert, Charlotte and Lawrence S.
Safari Dates: April 30, 2015 to May 13, 2015
Toronto, Canada
A safari trip to Africa has always been on our “must take trip” list. When some friends went on an Africa Dream Safaris trip a few years ago, they highly recommended ADS. After retirement, we realized that it was time to make that trip a reality and we spent much time on the phone and emailing with Sharon with our endless questions. She answered all of them and put together a safari to meet our desires.
The date of our Tanzanian safari finally arrived and from the moment we landed in Arusha on April 8th until we departed on April 20th, we were in expert hands. When we met our guide Peter Huka, we knew we had hit the jackpot! Not only was he an incredible driver, he was an amazing spotter and knew absolutely all of the animals, birds, and even the insects. He was quite a teacher!
We had been a little hesitant about going on safari in April which is during the rainy season but we are very happy now that we made that choice. Not only did the rain not interfere with our game drives, it led to some quite exciting driving by Peter. We never got stuck though Peter did stop and help out some safari drivers from other companies that did. He stated “not very experienced” and we were so glad that our guide was experienced!
Another added benefit to doing a safari in April other than the beauty of the green grass on the Serengeti plains, was the lack of great numbers of tourists. This is not high season here so prices are lower too. Peter said that he guessed there were only 60-80 vehicles at that moment in the entire Serengeti National Park but that in high season it likely would be more than 300 vehicles…yikes! The place where it made a huge difference was at Ngorogoro Crater, which is a confined area. One morning we were in the crater for two hours before we saw another safari vehicle.
We were also quite pleased with our safari accommodations. Our favorite places were Seronera Sametu Tented Camp in the Central Serengeti and Lion’s Paw Tented Camp just inside the gates of the Ngorogoro Crater. The locations and service were excellent and unforgettable. We will always remember the excellent dinners, then requesting hot water to take showers after dinner, and then crawling into our luxurious bed warmed by hot water bottles to rest to the sounds of animals outside our tent…
There are countless wonderful memories from our safari and we tried to capture many of them by taking nearly 7000 photos. I was also able to keep a running journal on my notes app on my iPhone as we experienced our game drives so I wouldn’t forget a moment. I have posted eight journal entries from our ADS safari to babecks.blogspot.com and have included a few of my favorite photos there. Please check it out.
We’ve always said this was going to be a “once in a lifetime” trip but now after our wonderful experience with ADS, we are starting to think that it might be fun to back to see the Mara River crossing someday. Always dreaming!
Thank you Sharon, Peter, and all of the Africa Dream Safaris team!!!
Gary and Bonnie B.
Santa Cruz, California
Safari Dates: April 8, 2015 to April 20, 2015
PS. Here is a link to a map file for our trip: http://www.africadreamsafaris.com/misc/BeckSafariMap.html . If all goes well, it should open google maps in your browser with our route in a different color for each day. There’s a list in the upper right of each date. For some reason, 4/18 is out of order. You can click on each date to turn it off or back on. And zooming works as well.
Gary, Peter and Bonnie
The Great Migration – Ndutu Plains – South Serengeti
Young Lions – Ngorongoro Crater
Leopard With Cub – Seronera Valley – Central Serengeti
Mother Cheetah Hunting A Thomson’s Gazelle – Sametu Plains – East Serengeti
The Mother Cheetah Brought Her Cubs To The Kill
Black Rhinos – Ngorongoro Crater
An Elephant Next To Our Tent at Sametu Camp – East Serengeti
Great Wildebeest Migration At Gol Kopjes – East Serengeti
Great Wildebeest Migration – South Serengeti
Hippos – Retima Pool – Central Serengeti
Grant’s Gazelles and Elands – Ndutu Plains – South Serengeti
Buffalo – Ngorongoro Crater
Blacnk Rhino – Ngorongoro Crater
Lake Magadi – Ngorongoro Crater
Angata Kiti Valley – East Serengeti
Bonnie at Nasera Rock – East Serengeti
A special surprise at Ngorongoro Lion’s Paw Camp
Genet Cat at Ndutu Lodge
Mating Lions near Ndutu – South Serengeti
Black Backed Jackal – Ndutu Plains – South Serengeti
Golden Jackal – Ngorongoro Crater
Side Stripped Jackal (note the white tail tip) – Ndutu Plains – South Serengeti
Bat Eared Fox – Ndutu Plains – South Serengeti
Spotted Hyena – Ndutu Plains – South Serengeti
Elephants – Seronera Valley – Central Serengeti
Hippos – Retima Pool – Central Serengeti
Giraffe – Lemuta Kopjes – East Serengeti
Dik-Dik Antelope – Seronera Valley – Central Serengeti
Great Migration at Sametu Kopjes – East Serengeti
Maasai Village Excursion
Our First Hotel in Arusha – Mount Meru Hotel
Ngorongoro Crater
Serengeti Sunset
Leopard – Seronera Valley – Central Serengeti
Young Lions – Ngorongoro Crater
Cheetah – Ndutu Plains – South Serengeti
Lioness with Wildebeest Kill – Ngorongoro Crater
Baboons – Ngorongoro Crater
Vervet Monkeys – Seronera Valley – Central Serengeti
Secretary Birds
Long Crested Eagle
Tawny Eagle
Martial Eagle
Verreaux’s Eagle Owl
Barn Owl
Yellow Masked Weaver
Lilac Breasted Roller
Fischer’s Love Bird
Guinea Fowl and Banded Mongoose
Cattle Egrets
Butterfly
Camera Setup
I have dreamed of going to Africa ever since I was a little girl and watched my first Tarzan movie with Johnny Weissmuller. My dream started to become a reality when I inherited some money and booked my first safari with Sharon from ADS. Sharon was always there to answer all my questions and plan the perfect safari.
Our safari started on March 22, 2015 when we were met by Mathias at the Kilimanjaro airports. He put me at ease, and all my fears and anxiety disappeared.
Our first night was spent at the Mt Meru Hotel. What a hotel, this must be how the rich people live! We got up early for a hot breakfast on the veranda and then off with Mathias and Timan to the Arusha airport.
Once we landed at the Seronera airstrip in the central part of the Serengeti, we were met by Ally, our guide for the safari. He had a smile from ear to ear and was never far away from us. He answered all our questions, provided us with a wealth of information regarding the animals and the African culture. I especially enjoyed his sense of humor. His eyes were incredible and he was able to pick animals that were no bigger than a speck in the grass.
Before arriving at Seronera Sametu Camp, we saw a herd of elephants chase away a pair of lions, saw Thompson’s Gazelle, Grant’s Gazelle, Impala, Worthog, Zebra, hippos, Giraffe, Lions, Elephants, Baboon, Hyena, Hartebeest, Topi, Buffalo, Jackal, Cheetah and many types of birds. And that was just the first day!
The first time I saw Sametu Camp, I wondered what had I gotten myself into. I had only seen pictures of the camp, but I could never have imaged how wonderful staying in one would be. We were greeted by JJ with warm towels to wipe off the days dust and a glass of juice. The tent was amazing. While we were at supper, the staff would close up the tent, turn down the bed, pull down the mosquito netting, fill the shower with water and place hot water bottles in the bed. During the nights we heard lions outside the tent. I can’t begin to describe the feelings: fear, excitement, terror, trepidation. In the morning we found out the lions were on a rock formation not far from the tent.
These are some of the high lights from our 3 day stay at SAMETU CAMP:
1. Night drive. You need a special permit to do this.
2. Hot air balloon, we just hovered over the heads of buffaloes, trees and hippos.
3. Zebras, by the thousands waiting to get to a watering hole.
4. A lion stalk and kill a warthog.
5. Pride of 20 lions eating a zebra.
6. Countless numbers of animals including the elusive Serval cat
7. And of course JJ.
Then off to NDUTU LODGE in the South Serengeti for 2 nights. Highlights include:
1. Cheetahs and leopards
2. A cheetah stalking and killing a young hartebeest
3. Our first Bushy TV (camp fire)
4. Eating dinner and having Genets climbing around on the rafters
5. Exploring Lake Masek
Then off to LIONS PAW CAMP, but first a visit to a Maasia Village!
At Lions Paw Camp, where we were met by Edward, highlights include:
1. By day we explored the Ngorongoro crater and saw 8 rhinos and 2, yes 2 Caracal cats.
2. At night, I heard the buffalo eating grass outside the tent next to my head.
3. Lots of great scenic pictures
The game drives were long and dusty, but filled with excitement. We would get lost in following a leopard walk across the Serengeti or watching a cheetah stalk and kill a young hartebeest. Each day was filled with something new and exciting. I’m so glad we chose to use ADS for our safari needs and thankful they paired us up with our guide Ally.
I want to thank all the ADS staff for making my childhood dream come true.
One last note: I never did see Tarzan, but I have memories that will last a lifetime.
Marilyn and David C.
Hugo, Minnesotaa
Safari Dates: March 22, 2015 to April 1, 2015
Our Safari was an awesome life-changing adventure, taking us to the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara, Arusha, and many other locales in Tanzania. We spent 11 days pausing to take in life, taking photos, cherishing the environment around us, enjoying the wonderful people of Tanzania, reflecting more on the goodness of life, and the beauty of the animals that occupy this planet. This experience has touched our hearts in ways we never imagined..
Our Driver/Guide, Ellison, was magnificent! We have never seen anyone more knowledgeable! If we saw an animal, bird, etc., he immediately knew what it was and could give us a history of it. Ellison is a walking encyclopedia of all things Tanzania! We feel blessed that he was our driver and guide as we journeyed 1200-1500 miles across the Serengeti and Ngorongora with our trusted friend.
Ellison didn’t drive by animals on the side of the road. He went deep into the bush and off road to find them for us to see and photograph. There is no question in our mind — a private safari for two with a highly intelligent, informed, and skilled driver/guide is the only way to do this. We have seen things no ordinary tour would ever see.
For example, we drove THROUGH the Wildebeest and Zebra migrations – hundreds of thousands of animals. We drove deep into the bush to a dried up riverbed to find Lions feasting on a Wildebeest. And the extra good news — we hardly ever saw a tourist out in the real Africa. We feel honored that we were able to experience the great animals of Africa the right way with Africa Dream Safari! The people were great, the scenic beauty was breathtaking, and the variety of animals was astonishing!!
While the Crater Lodge and the Four Seasons were luxurious, our tents were way into the bush (10-20 miles) where the animals actually live. We traveled through riverbeds, up steep hills, over rock embankments, on dusty and bumpy paths, and deep into the forests and plains, to experience the real Serengeti and Ngoronoro – the real “bush.” We wouldn’t want it any other way.
The people of Tanzania are kind, gracious, and were helpful at every turn. We must tell you though — the people are, for the most part, very poor by American standards. Tourism is highly important to the country and its people. Many Tanzanians depend on the tourism industry for their livelihood. They have done amazing things to protect the animals of Africa, particularly those animals that are endangered. We are indebted to them for their courageous work on behalf of animals and are hopeful that someday you will be able to make this incredible trip, not only for yourself, but for the people and animals of Tanzania.
Needless to say, we highly recommend African Dream Safari. Everything Dawn and her team planned for us was exceptional to the core! They truly are the best.
Drs. Charles and Liz S.
Saint Louis, Missouri
Safari Dates: April 29, 2014 to May 7, 2014
Regions Explored: Central Serengeti, East Serengeti, South Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara
Lodges: 2 x Four Seasons, 2 x Sametu, 2 x Lake Masek, 2 x Crater Lodge
Since starting to plan our safari in September of 2012, I have read nearly every guest testimonial in the weekly ADS Newsletter. I had a very good idea of what to expect…exemplary personal service from the moment of arrival to departure, superior accommodations, excellent food and a guide with the eyes of an eagle. Without question, ADS employs only superior driver/guides and no matter what guide you are assigned, you can be assured that you are in the very best of hands.
However our guide deserves a special “shout-out.” Arnold was a walking-talking encyclopedia of knowledge! There wasn’t a question we asked that he couldn’t answer in great detail. Not only was he able to educate us about every animal, bird and plant found in the Serengeti and Ngorogoro Crater, he also shared his knowledge on the traditions and customs of the Maasai tribe and the history of Tanzania, starting with colonialism.
Arnold has a genuine and profound respect for the wildlife we encountered, he was always as excited as we were over a sighting. His enthusiasm over spotting far-off game (that to our eyes appeared to be a black speck on the horizon) was contagious. And his driving skills are extraordinary! The roads were often bumpy and muddy but Arnold managed to be the first vehicle to arrive at a sighting of a recent kill, a pride of lions, a leopard in tree or a hunt in progress. He always positioned our vehicle for the very best photo opportunities. We were so close to the game that our simple SLR digital camera with a zoom lens was more than adequate for capturing remarkable photographs.
As for the accommodations, every place we stayed was fabulous. We especially enjoyed the tents at Seronera Sametu Camp and Lake Masek Tented Lodge. Sleeping under the stars in a private luxury tent, listening to birdsong and the nocturnal communication of hippos and lions was an experience that will never be forgotten.
Thank you Dawn, for all of your assistance in planning our safari. It was the trip of a lifetime and we are so happy we chose ADS. A private safari is the ONLY way to experience the magic of the Serengeti. Your company needs to rename itself AADS (Amazing Africa Dream Safaris)!
Sue and Serge B. – Livonia, Michigan
Pat and Harvey T. – Fairview, Tennesee
Safari Dates: April 26, 2014 to May 4, 2014
Final comment: in the spirit of full disclosure, my sister Pat and brother-in-law Harvey were not initially interested in going on safari for a number of reasons (bugs, heat, fear of political unrest). I promised them that it would be a life-altering experience and here is the email that Pat sent me upon their return:
“Sue – both Harvey and I are waxing on about what a wonderful experience we had on Safari. This is without a doubt the best trip we have ever been on. I don’t think you can describe it to others, even with pictures, but I’m glad we have them as a reminder. I am so happy you convinced us to go. Just amazing…in a live-changing kind of way …”
‘Nuf said!!!
As first-time safari goers, we approached our safari planning and trip with some trepidation, which was understandable at the outset but proven in the end to be completely unnecessary. The preparation provided by ADS was extraordinary. The handbook was complete and detailed, providing all the necessary information and answers to virtually any question one might have. And any remaining questions were promptly addressed in emails or by telephone.
In addition, the map and recommended reading list provided by ADS were very useful. We purchased some of the recommended books and read them, with map near at hand, in advance of the trip. The books by Myles and Kay Turner were particularly informative about the history of the park. As a result of this excellent preparation, we were very well oriented to the geography and we were able to participate intelligently in discussions with our guide about game drive planning.
The emergency contact information provided by ADS also came in helpful. They are in fact available 24/7 to assist with unexpected problems. In our case, we traveled to and from the Serengeti from Entebbe, Uganda by private air charter arranged by ADS. It is not the usual route. When we were not able to make contact at Entebbe with our charter company, we called the 24/7 number at the Arusha ADS office. We connected promptly, and they were very responsive. Within minutes following the call, a charter representative came for us and escorted us through security and customs.
By the way, the charter flight itself was a very good experience. We flew from Entebbe to Tanzania across Lake Victoria, and processed through Tanzanian customs at Tarime “International” Airport. The airport has a grass runway, and two huts — one that serves as the office of the charter company and a smaller one that serves as the custom office. I have included a picture of the two huts; the smaller one in the background is the customs office. It took only a few minutes to process with customs and then the plane took off again on our way to the park.
The scenery at low elevations was fantastic, and with our prior map orientation, we were able to identify the principal terrain features, like the Great Rift Escarpment and the Mara and Grumeti Rivers. As we approached Seronera, we could see giraffe, zebras and wildebeest. Our guide was waiting for us at the Seronera airstrip, and after transferring our luggage, making introductions and a brief stop in the available airstrip facilities, we began our first game drive.
Our guide (Ellison) was excellent. He was wonderful, informed and educational, and the safari would not have been the same without him. The accommodations were also excellent, and the camp and lodge staffs very friendly and attentive. The game drives and animal viewing were amazing. It is difficult to describe the sheer breadth of the panoramas, the large numbers of diverse animals, and how close you get to the big game (over and over again).
If we ever go again, it will only be with ADS (and hopefully with the same guide). We had thought that our safari would be a once in a lifetime experience, but after being there a couple days we decided that we would make another trip. And we would highly recommend ADS to everyone.
Bill A. and Mary S.
Paradise, MO
Safari dates: April 8 – 15, 2014
Regions Explored: Central Serengeti, East Serengeti, South Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara
Lodges: 3 x Private Camping, 2 x Lake Masek, 2 x Ngorongoro Serena
We recently returned from our “trip of a lifetime!” We heard that phrase before we went…but, seeing is believing! Although we had read about Safaris (compliments to ADS for an educational website including testimonials) from other visitors to Africa and heard stories from friends, our expectations were far surpassed by the trip itself.
Africa Dream Safaris was so helpful as they greeted us (“jambo!”), assisted us as we settled in to our lodging and as we continued on our safari where we felt safe at all times and, of course, the staff being with us as we departed for home. Our good-byes were to very special new ADS friends that we made in Tanzania.
Our guide was so enthusiastic as he spotted animals and shared his vast knowledge of the land and its inhabitants. We laughed as he described our often bumpy ride as a complimentary Serengeti “massage.” In truth, the well-maintained truck supplied comfortable seat cushions, excellent binoculars, superior roof access for standing for views, drinks, snacks, camera battery charger, etc…all that we might need for each day’s journey.
We had a copy of Wildlife of East Africa (Withers and Hosking) handy as Arnold would confirm a sighting and tell us more about what we were seeing. Arnold’s explanations of the animals and their habits, Arnold’s sense of humor and his friendliness made our days in the “truck” delightful…as he would say, “hakuna matata.” We saw the “big 5” and too many other animals and birds to mention..and up close, so up close!
Our photo opportunities were unimaginable. We watched the activities of the animals and often were moved quietly to a better viewing position chosen by Arnold…all the time snapping photos or shooting video. Arnold’s timing was perfect for seeing all that we could see and for photography. Leaving early in the mornings provided many exciting views of active animals. Each day, we would happily stay on safari as long as we could as we viewed the wildlife and the magnificent open blue sky with fluffy white clouds nearing sunset.
At dinner, after each day in the truck and then sharing our experiences with our group, we were continually amazed at not only the numbers of animals we saw, but also the variety of them and the many kinds of birds. As my son said when I described our experiences, “Mom, I’ve never heard you so AMAZED.” We were continually thrilled by what we were viewing, yes…AMAZED.
When Arnold spotted a dung beetle pushing its ball with an egg inside, we were astounded that he would notice that “small wonder” near the side of the road. When we watched a giraffe awkwardly spread his long legs out to get a drink of water from a puddle… when we saw the wildebeests and zebras and “believed” in a massive migration…when we learned of acacia trees, the magic tree, kopjes, sausage trees, the endless plain, rolling hills of lush green, the crater, hearing monkeys on our tented roof…our incredible experiences went on and on.
And, we haven’t even mentioned the fabulous meals…and Veronica, the chef, and her friendliness, sense of humor and charm…and our beautifully-appointed accommodations…and our outdoor private shower looking up at the stars…and our visit with the Massai…and our fun-loving friends who shared our truck…and…more and more. Obviously, we could go on and on about the spectacular sights and sounds of a friendly, peaceful country…Tanzania. But, as we learned and you will, too, – seeing is believing.
And, Sharon, thanks again for working with the Jensen’s in providing a “once in a lifetime” experience. I can’t think of a single thing that I would change!
BJ B. and Betty B.
Grayslake, IL
Jensen Group: April 4-12, 2014
Additional recommendations: We All Went on Safari by Laurie Krebs and Julia Cairns (children’s book, great for grandchildren). Safari Guide to East African Animals by Jonathan and Angela Scott (used by Arnold and purchased in Arusha by us)
Our group spent eight wonderful days on safari in the South and Central Serengeti starting April 15. The weather was perfect…maybe a total of 15 minutes of daytime rain, plus a couple of showers at night while we slept.
We were fortunate to see three lion-wildebeast encounters (the lions won) and even lions mating. We saw cheetahs, leopards, rhinos, hippos…the whole list of hoped for game.
We loved our guides Russel and Thomson. We enjoyed their senses of humor and appreciated their enthusiasm and ability to see and identify animals and birds. With the naked eye, our guides routinely spotted wildlife that we could barely see with binoculars. I still don’t understand how they do that.
We were very satisfied with the tented camps. They are much nicer and more comfortable that we expected… or even hoped…and the food amazed us all, especially at the Seronera Sametu camp. The evening meal at the Seronera Sametu camp always started with soup, and the three soups we had were some of the best I have ever tasted. By all means, if you have the opportunity to stay at this camp, do so.
Our final two nights at the Ngorongoro Crater Lodge capped off the trip. We had been told that it was luxurious, but I did not expect the rooms and the food to be THAT wonderful. What a nice way to end the trip.
I am not much of a photographer but I have attached a couple of pictures. Others in the group will send much better photos I am sure.
Bob and Pat D.
Madison, Mississippi
Safari Dates: April 15, 2014 to April 23, 2014
A dream come true, this African Safari! Asante Sana to all of you remarkable people of ADS and Tanzania, East Africa-What a trip! From the moment we landed in Arusha until our departure the days just flew by with each day bringing new and exciting wonders.
Our guide, Arnold, was the most knowledgeable and friendliest person to have lead our safari. His instinct positioned us expertly as close as possible to witness the many wonders of the Serengeti. Every day a new adventure, from the magnificent to the spectacular sunrises and sunsets, to the slowly disappearing early morning mist in the Ngorongoro Crater. It was a spectacular journey.
The animals of East Africa, no matter their size were mesmerizing to watch…the protectiveness and gentle encouraging nudges of the elephants towards their young, the skittish darting motion of the zebra and wildebeest herds, the young antelope and gazelle kicking up their heels in joyous play, the slow graceful movements of the giraffes as they nibble on the treetops, the majesty of the big cats, the lions basking in the sun on the warm rocks or lapping up a drink of cool water in the early morning hours, the young cheetah playing carefully with its mother while trying not to get wet in the nearby stream and even the industrious nature of the humble Dung Beetl…rolling…rolling…rolling its dung encased egg to the perfect location for maturation…these moments have created memories that will forever be etched in our mind and we will never forget this once in a lifetime safari lead by our heroes, the guides from ADS.
Thank you all.
Christine G and Christine M
Libertyville, IL
Jensen Group April 4-12, 2014
It’s a few hours short of a week since we returned home from our Safari. Surely the jet lag will end soon.
We enjoyed our trip even more than we anticipated. We saw every Wildebeest and Zebra in Tanzania within the first few hours (count the legs and divide by four). Also Lions, Hyenas, Giraffes, Elephants, Jackals, Cape Buffalo; Warthogs, Hippos, Baboons, Impala, Gazelles (Tommys and Grants), Dik Dik, Hartebeest; vultures, and more.
We didn’t think our guide Peter would be able to top the first day but he did on each and every day that followed. We saw lions galore (one in a tree); three separate Leopards in trees; Cheetahs; Giraffes “necking”; Rhinos; Elan; Klipspringer; birds of every description; a Serval Cat; Blue Monkeys; and would you believe it more Zebras and Wildebeest. (I recognized some from the first day so I didn’t count those.)
We enjoyed the lodges you selected. The staff at each was very friendly and helpful. We will not hesitate to recommend Africa Dream Safaris to our friends.
I’m sending you a few of the 5,000 plus photos I took.
Elwin and Greta T.
Tallahassee, Florida
April 7, 2014 to April 13, 2014
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