The trip is something Deb and I will remember for the rest of our lives. The experience of being in the middle of the Serengeti with no one else around but the animals is hard to describe.

My main request coming into the trip was to try to stay away from other vehicles (my concern was a zoo type feeling). Our guide did an excellent job of keeping us isolated from the rest. Most of our days in the Serengeti were spent completely alone with no other vehicles around. We were able to watch animals in peace without feeling like we were infringing on their land. He was also completely flexible, allowing us to stay with animals for as long as we liked as we came across them. We spent an hour with a lioness as she hunted two warthogs. Unfortunately at the very end she decided it wasn’t worth the effort and gave up. We spent about 90 minutes following a cheetah as it stalked a Thomson Gazelle and finally went in for a successful kill. The experience of staying with the animals for as long as we did while they hunted was incredible. We truly felt like we were a part of the hunt.

The lodges were very nice, with over the top service (Deb and I are actually not accustomed to the level of service provided and at times felt uncomfortable). The food was pretty good. The best accommodations we experienced BY FAR was the private classic camping. The ADS camp crew was very polite and friendly. They were very accommodating and adjusted when we mentioned we would prefer “less” service. The food, in our opinion, was much better than the other lodges. The picnic breakfast and lunches from the ADS crew were significantly better than the lodges. The camping experience was unbelievable.

Overall, we were extremely pleased with the ADS crew and level of service. We would definitely recommend ADS to any friends. We would also definitely recommend the private camping. I am not sure what we would say about the other lodges though, but in reality this was a small aspect of the trip and I am sure others enjoy the parts that made Deb and I uncomfortable.

I could type alot more but I think this email is already long enough. We had a blast and will never forgot it.

Vivek and Deb Kansal
October 2010

As you said it would be, the trip was wonderful. Both [our guides] were great and Uli and I were amazed with the scope of their knowledge (and their eyesight). We both like to sit patiently and watch to see what develops and were very happy with both of our guides, in that they didn’t seem to mind at all. I can only imagine the frustration we would have felt if we were in a vehicle with a larger tour group.

A perfect example of how having a private tour paid off, was a leopard kill that we came across in Tarangire. There were numerous other vehicles parked along the side of the road with the kill was in one tree close to the road and the leopard in another about 500 feet behind it. It was clear the leopard wasn’t comfortable, but the leopard stayed put in the tree that was far away because vehicles came and went (with some of their passengers particularly noisy). However, after about 1 ½ hours we were the only vehicle left, and we sat there in silence for a while and eventually the leopard came down (funny — we saw it come down, lost sight of it and then all of a sudden it appeared at the base of the tree that had the kill in it). It climbed the tree and started feeding — and Uli got quite a few shots (however, the day was overcast and the light was bad).

Also I wanted to let you know that we probably sighted close to 100 lions, including a female & 4 cubs about 15-20 feet from us that we sat and watched for 2 hours with nobody else in sight. We also sighted a couple of more leopards, including a female and her cub that was testing out its climbing abilities on a fallen tree, several cheetahs, and a even a Serval out hunting in the middle of a very hot day (we were driving at high speed from the Serengeti to Ngorongoro and Uli just happened to spot it). [Our guide] tried to stop as quickly as possible, but he backed up, located it again and Uli got a couple of shots.

So thank you too, for representing such a great company. We’ll definitely send out a finished testimonial and some sample photos (out of the 2500 Uli took) when we get them all downloaded and are able go through them.

Eric Vermilya
October 2009

My Africa Dream Safari was truly the most memorable experience I’ve ever had in my life and I still dream about it a lot. It has become my ‘happy place’ when I need to escape from the everyday stresses of life. Everyone on the Africa Dream Safaris team was exceptional. Joy and Daudi, who met me when I landed in Tanzania, were friendly and helpful. My safari guide was the best. He was so knowledgeable about every animal, bird, reptile and tree that I not only saw a lot of wildlife, but I also learned a great deal from him. All of the accommodations were wonderful, from the lodge to the luxury tented camps to the private tent camp. The staff there were wonderful and thought of everything and I always felt safe. Besides all of the animals I got to see, I really loved the sense of humor of the people there. Thank you so much for taking such good care of me and helping me to create so many memories that will last a lifetime. I can’t wait to do it again!

Susan Gallagher
October 2009

 

 

 

Wow! There are no words to describe the adventure that is an African Safari! We had never been on one and I think, no, I know, it would not have been the fantastic wonder it was, if it was not for ADS and their incredible crew. From [our ADS rep’s] help in planning, to all the staff in Tanzania, and the over the top lodging, all aspects of the trip were everything we desired and more!

The Serengeti landscape is so beautiful and surprisingly varied, the drives throughout the land just mesmerized us. I can honestly say even if there were no wildlife sightings, I would still have enjoyed every minute of it. But of course, there is an abundance of all species of animals and that is just SO thrilling! We saw it all thanks to our wonderful guide!

You never forget the first time you see lions, elephants, giraffes, leopards, the list goes on and on! Other firsts included: a moon-rise over the crater and dawn breaking in Lobo, while eating breakfast, watching the wildebeest in their migration on the terraced hills across the river. Enchanting is the only word for the scene, the lighting was magical! I will never forget it! We were struck by the absence of any hint of man in the Lobo Valley: no signs, no litter, no telephone lines. Just a Garden of Eden in every direction, as far as the eye can see. We can now name more African birds than we can North American! I strongly recommend reading up on the wildlife before a visit, it’s exciting to spot the animals and birds that you’ve read about.

All I can say, is from the first game drive, we have been planning how we can make it back to this marvelous country, and soon!

Leslie and Scott White
October 2009

I just wanted to compliment [ADS] for running and organizing such a professional trip for us. It truly was awesome and we shall never forget it.

Our particular trip was made so special not only by the excellent organization and accommodations but by having the good fortune of travelling with [our guide]. He is very special: a fund of information about the wildlife and their behaviors, an ability to see animals that most other guides seem to miss, and plants and birds. He is modest in the extreme, always willing to impart enough information without being overwhelming and happy to repeat it if we forgot. He is also patient and flexible about meeting the groups needs and desires. His wealth of experience [as a park ranger] before joining African Dream Safaris surely showed in the ways he guided us. He shows no signs of boredom despite probably having done many trips but he demonstrated such enthusiasm and joy with our delights in things.

From the perspective of a few days in Dar at my meeting I was able to see even more how you managed to overcome some possible travel difficulties for us that to others might have seemed insurmountable. We did realize that doing business in Africa to the high standards that you have may not be easy! I don’t know whether we will have a chance to do it again with you, or something similar, but certainly feel Robin should experience it when she is able. I am likely going to be doing some work with the cancer hospital in Dar so maybe another opportunity will arise. Thanks again.

Gillian Thomas
October 2009

We had an absolutely incredible time. What a whirlwind. The safari was excellent – our guide was top notch. He really gave us personalized service and we saw everything we wanted to see – He made sure of it. I would recommend him to anyone. I think the way we planned the itinerary was just right, and the Migration Lodge was probably our favorite. Also the ADS staff was great – highly attentive, and our transitions were seamless including the all the internal flights. […] We had a great time. I took 2000 pictures and now need to create a “best of ” series to share with family and friends, and of course you guys too. I will be sure to post a testimonial along with some pictures. Thanks again for all of your help.

Adam Stein and Althea Cooper
October 2009

I just wanted to compliment [ADS] for running and organizing such a professional trip for us. It truly was awesome and we shall never forget it. Our particular trip was made so special not only by the excellent organization and accommodations but by having the good fortune of travelling with [our guide]. He is very special: a fund of information about the wildlife and their behaviors, an ability to see animals that most other guides seem to miss, and plants and birds. He is modest in the extreme, always willing to impart enough information without being overwhelming and happy to repeat it if we forgot. He is also patient and flexible about meeting the groups needs and desires. His wealth of experience [as a park ranger] before joining African Dream Safaris surely showed in the ways he guided us. He shows no signs of boredom despite probably having done many trips but he demonstrated such enthusiasm and joy with our delights in things.

Gillian Thomas
October 2009

I have dreamed of Africa since I was teenager and this experience was a lifetime highlight. I will never forget the feeling of standing up with my head through the roof of the Land Rover, hanging onto the roll bars until my arms were sore, looking at a landscape beautiful beyond description, with a front row seat to wildlife living out their daily existence thinking…this is it… I am really finally here. Thank you ADS for helping to make my dream a reality. Now the dream is of one day returning to this spectacular place.

Abby King
October 2008

We had high expectations for our private safari but we were overwhelmed by how much the trip exceeded our highest expectations. Every aspect of the trip was handled with great professionalism, from our arrival to our accommodations and most wonderfully by our driver guide. The wealth of knowledge and energy by our driver was truly amazing. We didn’t expect to spend our safari with a true “professor” and naturalist… we learned so much about the wildlife and culture of Tanzania. We are photography buffs and we had no idea that we would be treated to the amazing photographic opportunities we had. Many of our photos are National Geograghic quality. We could not have been more pleased with our trip. Anyone contemplating a safari would be wise to take advantage of the high level of expert advice and the quality personnel that is Africa Dream Safaris. It was truly our dream come true. Thanks to all your staff for their professional and caring service.

Bill and Terri Long
October 2008

We wanted to let you know that we had a fantastic time on the safari! It was so much more than we ever expected. To see so many animals in one area was truly amazing. Our guide was wonderful. He knows how to find animals. We were constantly surprised to be driving down a dirt road, he would be talking to us about the animals, flora, or some information about Tanzania, when he would stop the Range Rover and say “look to the right about 100 feet, there is a pride of lions under those bushes”. We could not see them with our eyes until we looked very hard.

Your staff in Tanzania was great. We were well looked after. They really care. The accommodations were great. We really enjoyed the Private Luxury Camping. What an experience being the only ones at a site! We are so happy that we used your services, especially after watching the larger tour groups who probably saw less because they had to travel together. Thank you!

Marsha and Tom Fisher
October 2008