We arrived at night on March 16 2016 to a warm breeze in Arusha. Our driver handed us bracelets made by Masai women for us girls, along with stamped postcards too. We were escorted right through check in and fell exhausted onto our comfy beds at the nicest hotel in town.
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!
Our safari from March 9 through March 17 was absolutely fantastic! The entire experience was seamlessly planned and unobtrusively managed by you and your Africa Dream Safaris team. The attention to detail showed in every aspect of the experience, including the many extras ADS showered upon us. Your staff demonstrated the highest level of professional competence as well as being friendly, welcoming and knowledgeable. They couldn’t do enough to make us feel comfortable, pampered and secure.
We wanted to add our input to the testimonials you have about African Dream Safaris. We had a great advantage to be traveling with our friends Tim and Donna, who traveled with ADS on two previous safaris.
This was our first African safari to Tanzania and we are already planning to return. It is impossible to put into words what this trip meant to us. What an incredible privilege we felt to share time with an amazing array of animals. The moment we stepped off the short flight from Arusha to the Central Serengeti, herds of wildebeest and zebra surrounded us as they joined the great migration.
I recently got back from Tanzania…for the third time. Three times I have stepped off that blue and white plane on the Kilimanjaro tarmac. Three times I have found my name on a hand held a place card next to an Africa Dreams Safari logo. And three times I’ve found a smiling face behind it to effortlessly shuffle me through the madness. People often ask me why I have gone to Tanzania three times, and more specifically, why I have gone back with ADS each time.
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
We want to thank Africa Dream Safari (ADS) for a most wonderful lifetime experience. From the moment we got off the plane in the Central Serengeti we were seeing all kinds of animals. Right when we thought we had seen it all, the next day brought a new and exciting experience and each day was a new adventure. It was so wonderful to see all the animals in their natural habitat on our game drives. They were so close you could almost touch them!
Russell, our guide and driver was extremely well educated and experienced. Our Land Cruiser was very comfortable and Russell drove cautiously at all times. Russell provided in depth details of everything we saw, from the big 5, to reptiles, to insects, birds and so much more. He took the time to answer all of our never ending questions. We learned so much in such a short period of time.
We were treated like royalty everywhere we stayed and we were well taken care of from the moment we got off the plane to the moment we boarded our plane home. The accommodations were so fantastic – really over the top – and the food was fantastic. Our safety was a priority from all staff we encountered.
Tanzanians are very kind and wonderful. ADS is extremely professional and provided us with the highest quality experience not only on the Safari but in all the preplanning that went into our trip. We both rate ADS a 10 out of 10 and recommend ADS to anyone wanting to experience a high quality personal safari.
Cynthia and Cary N.
Seattle, Washington
Safari Dates: March 26, 2015 to April 4, 2015
After our first Africa Dream Safari 2 ½ years ago in the dry season, we could not wait for another adventure in the green season. Again we were delighted with the tented camps, crater lodge, excellent food, the abundant wildlife, our knowledgeable driver- guide, Michael, and the delightful Tanzanian people we met along the way.
While staying in Arusha an extra day, we enjoyed a tour of this rapidly growing city. Visiting St. Jude’s School was inspirational!
On safari we were again treated to an exciting array of wildlife. Our safari included seventy lions, ten cheetahs, eleven black rhinos, numerous giraffes, troupes of baboons and Velvet Monkeys, hippos, elephants everywhere, and the great migration of zebra and wildebeest as far as the eye could see. Since pictures are worth a thousand words, below is a small sample.
We had been told by an acquaintance that if a person had only one trip to take, it would be to Tanzania. Now we are believers! And ADS is the best way to do it!!
Katherine and Howard E.
Lexington, South Carolina
Safari Dates: March 5, 2015 to March 13, 2015
Going on safari was on my wish list and I discussed partaking in this type of trip with a friend who wanted to see the animal migration in Africa. Through research she discovered African Dream Safaris and suggested we use them.
From my initial encounter with Dawn Anderson through the detailed planning, thought the safari and follow up I have been delighted that we selected African Dream Safaris for this adventure. The treatment of the planning through execution of this trip has been of the highest professional and warm quality of any experience of my life.
We planned the trip a year before. I never had planned a trip so far in advance. It was a joy to receive my packet with a t-shirt, safari hat, map and a book describing the trip and any details that we would need to address to make this trip safe, exciting and successful.
There are so many details to consider on this type of adventure from travel logistics, to health concerns, to accommodation choices, to what to bring and what to expect. Everything was covered with wonderful support by Dawn Anderson and Cathy King.
Staying 24 hours in Amsterdam while traveling each direction made the travel much easier.
We were met at the airport in Kilimanjaro immediately and guided through customs efficiently. Our greeter and driver were wonderful. The African Tulip was a great boutique hotel that welcomed us to Africa. We happily stayed 2 nights to help us through jetlag. Our flight to the Serengeti was smooth and I was delighted to meet our guide Russell Thomas Temu.
I loved Russell from the moment that I met him. He was smiling, confident and accommodating. I never imagined that the safari adventure could be as breathtaking and educational as it was. Russell’s wealth of knowledge enabled me to understand how nature all works to continue the cycles of land, insects, animals, etc. His joy of discovery was obvious. Even though he’s a seasoned guide, Russell brings a passion and delight in seeing and sharing the animals and nature at all times. I felt honored to spend the safari time learning from Russell and sharing the excitement each day of our discoveries. It was truly an honor to have this time with him.
My best day was when we toured from Lake Masek. We saw a pregnant cheetah and there were about 5 other vehicles around. Russell saw the cheetah making a move and suggested that we sit down and get quiet. Sure enough, she jumped on the hood of our vehicle and remained visiting with us for quite awhile. Russell’s knowledge and vision to see the animals was superb.
The accommodations at every place we stayed were terrific. I especially loved the tenting camps that placed us in the middle of the animals. Getting into bed with a hot water bottle was such a special touch. The food and service was fabulous at every place we stayed. I loved hearing the lions roar all night and then seeing them in the morning.
I’ve fallen in love with my African experience and love to return. I thank African Dream Safaris for all of the ways they made this journey so inspiring, safe, exciting and fun.
Thanks again,
Shanti G.
Delray Beach, Florida
Safari Dates: February 24, 2015 to March 8, 2015
After a trip to South Africa 2 years ago, I knew I had to return to Africa to experience the wonders of the Serengeti. My search for a safari company ended when, at the suggestion of a friend, I discovered ADS. One phone conversation with Dawn Anderson convinced me that at last I had found the company that would make my dream come true!
During the year that passed before my departure for Tanzania, Dawn proved an invaluable source of assistance and was a delight to work with. With her wealth of knowledge and insightful suggestions, we mapped out my trip from beginning to end. She has the patience of a saint, a delightful sense of humor, and went above and beyond the norm to answer my endless questions and make sure I was well prepared for my journey. I was ready to travel by myself, but much to my delight, my two friends, Seena and Shanti, decided to join me on this great adventure once they learned of the fabulous itinerary Dawn and I had put together.
To say that ADS exceeded our expectations every step of the way is putting it mildly! From the moment we landed in Arusha and were greeted by Matias and Timan, we knew we were in good hands. Then it was on to the Serengeti where we met our guide, Russell, who quickly became our teacher, protector and friend for the duration of our safari. His enthusiasm was infectious, his patience and kindness unsurpassed, and his knowledge of the land, its animals, birds, plants, and the Tanzanian people was amazing! We were repeatedly astounded by his ability to spot not only game, but such tiny insects as safari ants, identify birds by their sounds, and predict animals’ movements. And he seemed to anticipate our every need!
We stayed at the tented camps Seronera Sametu, Lake Masek, and Lion’s Paw. In each camp we found the staff to be wonderful, friendly and helpful in every way, accommodations were comfortable, and food was great! Our last stop was at beautiful Gibb’s Farm, where we found luxurious cottages to be our accommodations, sumptuous food, and again, a delightful staff who worked hard to make sure our stay was nothing short of divine!
A few of my favorite moments:
-The pregnant cheetah who hung out on the hood of our vehicle for a long while, periodically peering in the windshield at Russell. He became our “cheetah man” forever after and we dubbed ourselves the “cheetah girls”!
-Lying in our comfy beds at night, surrounded by mosquito netting & warmed by hot water bottles, listening to the noises of the animals outside our tents…lions, hyenas, zebra and wildebeest making their presence known.
-Wake up calls featuring freshly brewed coffee and hot milk brought to our tents.
-Watching the pride of lions for 2 hours who were within sight of our tents at Seronera Sametu.
-Seeing so many mama animals and their babies…they were everywhere!
-The sundowner campfire and sunset at Lion’s Paw camp.
-Visiting the Masai boma.
-My visit to the F.A.M.E. facilities in Karatu.
-The morning spent with the Hadza people (bushmen). A rare treat that seemed like it came right out of National Geographic!
My experiences went way beyond seeing the breathtakingly beautiful land, wonderful animals, plants, and birds of the Serengeti, Ngorongora crater and conservation area, and encountering the people who reside in glorious yet at times harsh settings. I truly could see the “circle of life” playing out right before my eyes as I took in all this incredible land has to offer. The wonders of Tanzania and its people will remain in my heart forever, my life changed in indescribable ways by this journey. I shall be forever grateful…and I shall return.
Asante sana to all the people at ADS…each of you have touched my life and made my dream come true!
Chere K.
Mount Pleasant, South Carolina
Safari Dates: February 24, 2015 to March 8, 2015
How to choose between the green and the dry season is not easily done. Each has its own unique rhythms and beauty, and both are equally rewarding. During the dry season we observed great concentrations of animals in the Northern Serengeti along and near the Mara River. Within five minutes of leaving the Kogatende Airstrip we saw elephants, giraffes, a mother and baby rhino, zebra, and wildebeest. It was incredible to witness so many animals sharing the environment.
Then, that same day we saw two major river crossings complete with false starts and long jumps into the river. Thousands of wildebeest were swimming against the currents, resting on the rocks, clambering up the river edges to safety, and a few succumbing to crocodile attacks. The sounds, smells, reverberating earth, and the clouds of dust contributing to the chaotic ballet that gyrated all around us were exhilarating. No National Geographic film, no IMAX film can ever compete with the first person experience of the great migration.
Seeing the many species of animals co-mingle with one another, displaying both the harmony and the harsh realities of their coexistence is a spiritual experience. The life cycle of the earth’s inhabitants swirl around you in the Serengeti. The symbiotic relationships are writ large here. Ox peckers enjoy a meal as they remove insects from giraffes, Cape buffalo etc. Dung beetles roll balls of excrement, creating homes for their eggs. Cheetahs repurpose termite mounds for observation towers as they search the plains for prey. Everything is intertwined, connected.
Dry season or green season, the animal behavior is all around to see. The grazing animals follow the rains, seeking water and nourishing grasses. Their predators pursue them. Then the scavengers arrive, awaiting the leftovers. Nothing is wasted. In the dry season, the animals head north to the Mara River where they cross back and forth in search of an oasis in which to replenish their parched selves. Dust rises from pounding hooves, coating animals (and vehicles and their occupants in their midst) a chalky brown. Wind blows the dust so that it permeates the air.
In the dry season the hot air and dust make the wet cloths at the camps a welcome refresher. Wiping away the grit of the day and savoring a delectable glass of juice prepares you for relaxing around the campfire and recounting the day’s adventures. Dinner, conversation and a bush music lullaby round out the day. Waking refreshed, you are ready for the new day to begin. Early morning game drives are spectacular as you watch the sun rise above the horizon, the world aglow in mystical light. The roads are dry and navigable. Only the desire to sleep in prevents you from enjoying magical early morning wildlife viewing.
During the green season, the rains may come (or not). What does this mean? Worst case, there may not be hot water for a shower (it doesn’t matter, you aren’t dusty!), the roads may melt into a river of mud that can’t be safely navigated early in the morning, and a late game drive may be cut short so you can return to camp without getting mired in the mud. What? Why would you go then? Because the green season translates to a more relaxing safari, not as much intense driving, but still seeing everything you came to see – just closer to the camps. The green season affords lots of opportunity to observe animal behavior without other vehicles around. It is an intimate experience. We felt like we had the entire Serengeti to ourselves, including several of the camps; a true private safari.
We also saw the grasses seemingly turn green overnight and saw the impact the rain had on the animals awaiting its arrival. To see tens of thousands of wildebeest pour onto the plains from the forests with their young was an incredible, unforgettable sight. The views of baby animals are unparalleled. To see wobbly-legged newborns, protective mothers, and playful babies a few weeks old is enchanting and memorable. Plus, the sound of the rain on the tents – unbeatable! Oh, and the landscapes – verdant plains stretching up to emerald mountains – stunning. The Emerald City of Oz on steroids.
Rain or shine the ADS driver-guides know the Serengeti and its occupants. They know the patterns, likes and dislikes of the animals, and where and how they sleep, hunt, graze, mate, and give birth. The important thing is to let your safari unfold. You will see the animals and birds you have come to see no matter the season.
What you can never predict is what special sightings you alone will witness. From the terrain, suddenly, without warning, right before you is…a birth of a baby animal, a cheetah, leopard, or lion chasing its prey, a mother nursing her young, a pride of lions resting from a night hunting, elephants arranging marriages, golden jackals and black-backed jackals sprinting, a family of wart hogs resting on their forelegs feasting on grass, hyenas soaking in a puddle, ungulates, giraffes, elephants, rhinos, and hippos displaying their behaviors, and Bat-eared foxes grooming one another; all sharing their secrets with you.
Each day is special. No day is the same. Many miracles and surprises await you. Green or dry season, both experiences are incredibly rewarding and are to be savored and enjoyed. If you are still unsure, green or dry season, just remember the only lamentable day in the Serengeti, is the day you leave….
Lynn and Phil
Oak Hill, VA
9-21 March, 2014
Well, after a long, very long trip back home, we are finally re-adjusted and have assimilated everything we had experienced and as we begin to share our experiences with everyone, the excitement continues to build as if we were still on our wonderful trip.
First of all, a very big thank you to Sharon for arranging a wonderful itinerary. We wanted to experience a diversified safari and that is exactly what she planned for us. We had planned a 10 day safari in addition to a 2 night stay in Arusha. We stayed at Sametu Camp for 3 nights, Lake Masek for 3 nights, Lion’s Paw for 2 nights and The Manor for 1 night. We actually were the only guests at Sametu, Lion’s Paw and The Manor which was quite nice because we got to ‘mingle’ with the wonderful people who made our stay at their camp so comfortable and enjoyable.
Upon arriving in Kilimanjaro, we were greeted and taken to Meru Resort where we were briefed with all the information we needed to begin our journey. We enjoyed a room service snack and got to bed as soon as possible so we could begin our next day exploring Arusha. We toured the Poli Village and did some shopping at the Cultural Heritage shop.
We had a lovely buffet dinner at Meru Resort and then up to our room to start the separating of our luggage to meet the 33# weight limit for the plane ride into the Serengeti (we put the non-essentials in our carry-on bags and left them with the ADS representatives to be retrieved for our return trip back home).
After breakfast we shared a ride to the airport with another couple that had just arrived the night before. After our luggage was cleared for the 33 pound weight limit (whew!) we, along with a few more passengers, took off for the Serengeti. Our plane ride to the Seronera Airstrip was a beautiful experience that gave us a taste of what to expect.
We landed and met our guide, Raphael who turned out to be absolutely fantastic. I know, I have read, that everyone thinks their guide was the best and that probably is very true but Raphael not only did his job of making sure we saw ‘everything’ we had hoped to see and taught us so much about all the animals and birds and trees, his company, his humor, his Tanzanian outlook on life was so very special. Fortunately, we have many pictures so that we will never forget him.
On our game drive from the airstrip to Sametu Camp we saw 34 species of animals and/or birds. We had a little rain that cleared up quickly and then a beautiful rainbow. Amazing! The next day we began our game drive at 6:00 am; we saw an additional 19 new animals and/or birds but had not seen a giraffe. Raphael assured us we would see some the next day but just as we were coming to Sametu Camp, there they were and actually, there was a giraffe ‘in’ our camp eating a tree next to the tent next to ours along with a couple elephants just roaming around.
And every day, thereafter, we continued to see something new. We saw cheetahs, rhinos, impalas, gazelles, dik diks, hippos, buffalo, baboons, lizards, crocodiles, jackals – we saw practically everything there was to see. We saw a leopard up in a tree eating his kill while another leopard and a hyena waited patiently for some sharing; not exactly any sharing going on, just an accidental drop of a leg and a piece of meat that was quickly taken away.
We saw a mother lion with her cubs playing with her and its siblings. Wildebeests were in masses everywhere. We watched a Dung Beetle roll the dung into a perfectly formed ball with her eggs inside for nourishment that she later buried for protection. We witnessed the mating of lions, elephants and monkeys. We watched a Crowned Crane (one of our favorite birds) court his beloved in a beautiful display of prancing and wing flapping. Even though there were so many pregnant zebras, we unfortunately did not see a birth; but we did see many baby zebra running and playing.
We watched a lion just about 15 feet from our vehicle eating a zebra with about 8 hyenas waiting patiently for the remains. We also waited patiently, 1 ½ hours, for the lion to relinquish the zebra to the hyenas so we could see how they can totally devour an animal, bones and all, in just a few minutes but the lion was proving that he was the ‘king of the jungle’ and just sat next to the zebra and rested in between his feasting.
We even tried to persuade him to leave but he was ever so smart, he just grabbed the neck of the zebra and pulled it another 4-5 feet away from us and actually did that one more time for an additional 4-5 feet away from us. We never did get to see the hyenas in action that day, but the next day we did witness a wildebeest being consumed by about 14 hyenas in minutes. Not a trace left.
We could go on and on about our safari adventure; the box breakfasts and lunches, the tasty dinners, especially the soups, the 40 liter showers, the bumpy roads, the changeable but beautiful weather in the distance, the Maasi Village visit, the scenery, the beautiful sunsets, the magnificent star filled night sky, the accommodations and not to forget all the wonderful, joyful Tanzanian people.
Africa Dream Safaris delivered everything we could have hoped for, from the very first emailed we received back from our initial inquiry to their last welcome home email and call. It truly was a ‘bucket list’ vacation with many life changing moments to carry throughout one’s life. We are so grateful that we were able to make Tanzania a part of our life memories. ASANTE SANA!
Rae Marie and Richard P.
Middleburg Heights, Ohio
Safari Dates: March 21, 2014 to March 30, 2014
After over one year of planning my wife and I had high expectations for our Tanzania safari. Africa Dream Safaris had bent over backwards preparing us for our vacation of a life time. From the minute we arrived at the Kilimanjaro airport until our departure 12 days later ADS treated us like royalty. We were met at the airport by Mathias and Timan who made the visa process quick and simple. We spent the next 2 days at the Mount Meru Resort recovering from jet lag and visiting a few local Arusha sights.
Our safari began with a flight into the Seronera Sametu district in the Serengeti. Our flight was met by our guide, Bildard, who quickly packed our bags away into his vehicle and started our 1st game drive. A safari is only as good as your driver/guide and Bildard was brilliant.
For the next 10 days Bildard introduced us to the most beautiful country we have ever seen. His ability to spot animals was astounding. We saw and photographed over 130 species of animals. We saw leopards and lions on the first day and caught up with the Great Migration on day 2. Looking down at the Great Migration while having a bush breakfast on day 2 is a memory I will cherish for the rest of my life.
Over the 10 day safari we stayed at Seronera Sametu Camp, Lake Masek Tented Camp, Ngorongoro Crater Lodge and Swala Tented Lodge. Seronera Sametu and Swala were our favourites but we were treated like VIP’s at all of them. Listening to Hippos, Cape Buffalos and Lions at night while lying in our tents is another memory we will keep forever.
Every day Bildard would greet us early in the morning with a smile, a clean vehicle and bush breakfasts and lunches. His sense of direction was unrivalled and as I said before his ability to find animals was astonishing. We approached this vacation believing a safari would be a once in a lifetime vacation but we are already thinking about going back and doing it all over again.
My only hint would be to get out early in the morning and enjoy the sunrise from your vehicle. The morning light is breathtaking.
Thank you ADS!!!
John and Dee Dee M.
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
Safari Dates: February 24, 2014 to March 7, 2014
After a well deserved retirement and a life time of enjoying the Canadian wilderness and wildlife we decided to go to Africa and experience the Serengeti. We knew we wanted to be in Africa when it was green and bursting with life. After reading and speaking with Dawn we booked for the end of February and beginning of March 2014. We shared our 11 day Safari with our good friend Judy.
Our trip was perfect from the moment we stepped on our KLM flight leaving the west coast of Canada to being greeted by ADS representative Faith at the Kilimanjaro Airport and whisked through Tanzanian Immigration. A few days later we met our fantastic guide Russel at Ndutu Airstrip where we were immediately taken on our first game drive and the “spotting” began.
We spent 4 nights at Ndutu Lodge in the South Serengeti, then 4 nights at Seronera Semetu Camp in the Central Serengeti and then finished off with 2 nights at Ngorongoro Serena Lodge and in the Crater. We also did a game drive in Lake Manyara National Park on our drive back to Arusha. The entire trip was amazing and a time we will never forget.
We saw every animal and more than we had hoped for. We saw sunrises and sunsets with the Southern Hemisphere night sky dazzling with new wonders. Most importantly, to all three of us, was having and taking the time to watch animal behaviour. We saw cheetahs patiently hunting, lion cubs playing with each other and squabbling over a trophy wildebeest tail.
We saw the MIGRATION and hundreds of thousands of animals filling the plains like fish school in the ocean. We saw elephants protecting their babies and baby elephants chasing birds with their limp baby trunks. We saw female lions roaring and growling at a male looking to mate. We saw dung beetles looking for love and laughed at Hippos in a pool claiming pond real estate. We saw a family of Egyptian Geese squawking at a Crocodile in an attempt to have it move, which surprisingly the Crocodile did.
We experienced a large herd of Elephants travel through and past us without a sound, it was a moving and spiritual moment. We heard the lions and hyenas outside our tent as we safely lay in bed at night. We saw and learned so much it was both a wonder and truly satisfying as by seeing and understanding what animals were doing we somehow became a part of a very special time, place and dance. The Serengeti charmed all of us and took a piece of our hearts.
Russel was truly a man of the Serengeti and was able to teach us so much about the animals, birds and insects who live there and their way of life. We learned and saw so much we will never forget. Thank you Tanzania, Russel and Africa Dream Safaris.
If anyone reading this is contemplating a trip to the Serengeti, our recommendation is do it. You will have no regrets and your memories will be cherished for the rest of your life. African Dreams made this happen !!!!
Lion Man, Sweetie and Leopard Woman
(Scott, Annette and Judy)
Victoria, BC
On Safari February 23 to March 5, 2014
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