Karibu Serengeti! An Experience Of A Lifetime!

We started planning our safari in May of 2013 and as the date of our departure grew closer, the anticipation grew exponentially. We could hardly wait for our adventure to begin and we were not disappointed!

From our arrival in Arusha where we were very warmly welcomed by ADS staff, to our beautiful accommodations at the Mount Meru Hotel, to the wonderful dinner that night and our subsequent flight to the Western Serengeti were exceptional! We thought things could not get any better, but we were wrong! All of our accommodations from beginning to end, (from the Mount Meru hotel to Kirawira, Sametu, and Lions Paw tent camps, to The Manor), exceeded our expectations! They were all fabulous!

Our driver/guide, Anglebert, was outstanding. He was so knowledgeable; he was like a walking encyclopedia. I was taking notes and he was always willing to spell the names of everything, even giving me the Kiswahili spelling of animals and phrases. We were also very interested in learning about the Maasai people and culture, and he was always willing to provide me as much information as I could possibly take in. His respect and consideration for the animals and the Serengeti was evident on every game drive. It was truly evident to us that he loves the animals and loves sharing that with his guests.

His ability to spot the animals, when we could see nothing, was astounding. He always knew exactly how to get us the best vantage point for watching the animals and for taking our photographs. I just can’t say enough good things about him! Asante Sana, Anglebert, for taking such good care of us and making our dream safari come true! It just wouldn’t have been possible without you rafiki (friend)!

From the moment we left the airport on our way to the Kirawira Camp we encountered incredible herds of Wildebeests, giraffes, gazelle, jackal, hyena, warthogs and Zebra, just to name a few. Our mornings were early (leaving camp at 6:00 sharp) but worth it!

When other safari companies were just leaving their camps and lodges, we had already experienced incredible sights like lionesses with 6-week old cubs enjoying early morning romps; a mother cheetah and her cub as the mother took down a gazelle; a leopardess in a tree with three gazelles, which were hijacked by two lions and eventually eight additional lions; a mating pair of lions; two huge male lions ambling down the road; a lioness with five little cubs following close behind her on the road; hippos, elegant giraffes, herds of magnificent elephants, and many, many more incredible animals. Seeing the beautiful Kopjes and learning about the lion prides that inhabit them!

Our balloon ride with expert pilot, Moses, and bush breakfast were fabulous! And finally, at the end of our time in the Ngorongoro Crater, we got to see the black rhino!! Our safari was complete! Our last night at “The Manor” was the culminations of a dream come true and none of it would have been possible without the care and attention to detail that we experienced with ADS!! Our only regret….it was over way too soon!! We are already planning to go back to Tanzania with ADS!!

Asante Sana, Sharon!!!

Charles and Nancy W.
Edmond, Oklahoma
Safari Dates: May 11, 2014 to May 21, 2014

  1. Great pictures Charles, the lions cubs anmd the sametu pride were great sights. do you remember the leopard and lions scenerio? I also like that 20 seconds show and working up early at the serengeti. It was a great trip.

  2. These are wonderful photos. You were blessed to have Anglebert as your guide as you have great bird and lion photos.

    1. Steve & Suzanne,
      Im happy that you still remember the experience we had at the serengeti. It will be nice to see you again. Stay blessed