Tailor-Made Journeys Through East Africa's Most Iconic Landscapes
Fellow Traveler,
Imagine endless savannas teeming with millions of wildebeest, towering boulders sprawling with tawny lions, and collapsed volcanoes brimming in mist. Imagine a place completely unaware of civilization where wildlife still reigns supreme. It is hard to believe a place like this still exists, but it does. It is called Tanzania. The first time I experienced this wilderness, it captured my soul. I felt compelled to share this experience with others. This calling, this passion, this dream was the start of Africa Dream Safaris.
As other safari tour companies organized bustling caravans of minivans, packed with tourists, I saw them missing the true African wilderness experience. An alternative became apparent to me: The Private Safari. Group safaris and packaged tours meant unpleasant congestion, generic itineraries, and bickering clients with competing agendas. The value of a Private Safari became as obvious to me as a million thundering wildebeest. Wildlife-focused itineraries, personalized service, and off-the-beaten-path adventures quickly became hallmarks of Africa Dream Safaris.
Driven by passion, Africa Dream Safaris has grown. We now engage over 100 individuals, most local Tanzanians, including over twenty of the finest driver-guides in all of East Africa. From our personal safari planners in the U.S. to our gracious meet and greet staff in Tanzania, the entire ADS team aims to exceed our guests' expectations. From the moment you sign up with us, you will become one of our family. We've all fallen in love with Tanzania, and we know you will too. We can't wait to take you there!
Michael Wishner
Co-Founder / Africa Dream Safaris
We Create Unique Experiences For You. Why We’re Different:
Private Vehicles
No mixed groups, no competing for views with strangers, and no conflicting interests. With Africa Dream Safaris, you will enjoy the exclusive use of a private vehicle providing for maximum flexibility, comfort and wildlife viewing. ( Vehicle Specifications )
Tanzania Specialists
We have chosen to specialize in Tanzania, which makes us experts in the local wildlife and regions, and allows us to create a special and unique experience for our clients (as opposed to other “generalist” companies offering standard tours to many different African countries).
Adventure Game Drives
Many companies shuffle their clients only through the most heavily trafficked areas on the normal “safari circuit” – but we will take you deep into the isolated wilderness where these packaged tour companies don’t go!
Sunrise Safaris
We offer early morning (before sunrise) game drives to witness the predators in action and also the herbivores in more active states. We’ll pack a picnic breakfast to enjoy in the pristine ambience of the bush while the package tours are having their ‘buffet’ meals back at the lodge.
Signature "Fly In - Drive Out Itineraries"
The best way to begin your safari is to skip long vehicle transfers and instead take a short flight into the middle of the action – right away! On your very first day on safari, we will fly you into the majestic Serengeti to witness this famous park’s teeming wildlife firsthand.
Unlimited Game Drives
Each safari offers unlimited game drives with no mileage restrictions and exclusive access to the most secluded and wildlife abundant areas in Tanzania. Most other companies operate shorter, limited game drives and never end up making it far from the lodge – or the other tourists.
Flexible Travel
By choosing Africa Dream Safaris, you have the luxury of setting your own agenda (with our help) and you won’t be shuffled through the rigid itineraries and fixed timetables that other companies often require you to adhere to. ( Flexible Travel & Payment Details )
VIP Visa Service
We offer VIP Tanzania Visa services, making your arrival to East Africa easy and efficient. With Africa Dream Safaris you’ll skip the long lines. Watch our VIP Experience Video ›
Variety of Activities
Choose from a large selection of unique optional activities including authentic cultural tours, scenic flights, field talks, balloon safaris, bush picnics and walking safaris. ( Trip Enhancements ) Watch our Cultural Tours and Excursions Video ›
Personalized Experience
You are in complete control of when, where and how long you game drive, what animals you look for, how long you stay at each sighting and when you return – it’s all up to you.( Personalized Itinerary Details )
Professional Driver Guides
On safari you will receive complete and focused attention by your professional driver-guide, with the expert knowledge and skill required to make sure you have the trip of a lifetime. ( Driver Guide Details )
Safety
Your safety is of ultimate importance, as well as your comfort and peace of mind. We have offices both in the U.S. and Tanzania to support all segments of your trip, and all safaris are 100% escorted and chauffeured from arrival to departure.
Credibility
We are fully accredited in both the U.S. and Tanzania with memberships in the Tanzania Association of Tour Operators, Tanzania Tourist Board and are proud to hold an extremely high ‘A+’ company rating with the Better Business Bureau’s Reliability Program. We hold a Class ‘A’ tourism license to conduct safaris in Tanzania.
Welcome Package
Upon your booking, a detailed welcome package will be mailed to your residence which will contain your confirmed itinerary, national park and wildlife information, Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater ecosystem map, ADS safari shirts, ADS safari hats, luggage tags as well as the comprehensive ADS handbook, a 100-page information guide (includes packing and reading lists, weather and safety information, health and travel recommendations, useful safari tips, wildlife checklists, etc) to ensure that you are 100% prepared for your safari.
Binoculars
A pair of high quality binoculars are provided for each person while on safari. Other companies may provide binoculars, but you will have to share. At Africa Dream Safaris we know you’ll want your own pair when the action occurs!
The Ultimate Safari Destination
Tanzania boasts unparalleled concentrations of wildlife – there is no country that can compete with the sheer number and density of wild animals. Tanzania is home to the great migration and more national parks than any other African county – including two of the most renowned wildlife parks in the entire world. It is also a politically stable and safe country with gracious people and little crime.
Unsurpassed Service
We are committed to provide you with an unsurpassed level of service. Our passion, commitment, and expertise are what set us apart.
Private Safari Advantage
Interested in Lions, Leopards, Cheetahs, or the Wildebeest Migration? Perhaps you want to photograph Elephants at sunrise, see Giraffes, Zebras, or the rare black Rhino. People have varied interests, which can create challenges on group safaris.
Posh lodges or moderate hotels? Opulent tented camps or luxury camping? You may choose accommodations based on your interests and budget, and our staff will guide you toward the best fit. One of the most common questions from first-time clients is, “What time of year is best for safari?” The answer depends on your interests, time, and budget—and we’ll help you find it. With our expert knowledge of regions and wildlife habits, we’ll guide you to the optimum locations to maximize your game viewing. No matter the style of accommodations or season of travel, every trip is adventurous, educational, and safe
Meet Our Safari Experts
Sharon Lyon
Experience
40+ Years
Trips:
60 Safari Trips
Favorite Animal:
Lion
Dawn Anderson
Experience
20+ Years
Trips:
20 Safari Trips
Favorite Animal:
Cheetah
Ann Eilert
Experience
5+ Years
Trips:
13 Safari Trips
Favorite Animal:
Leopard
Sharon Lyon
Sharon's career includes over 40 years in the hospitality industry. Sharon's first time to Africa was in 1996, to fulfill a "once in a lifetime" dream. Sharon's dream turned into a life-long passion for Tanzania's wildlife, the captivating beauty, peace and inspiration she found on the Serengeti Plains. Sharon has returned to Africa several times each year since 1996, now well over 60 times spending up to 60 days on one trip just in the Serengeti. Her trips include extensive research safaris, humanitarian missions and leading special interest groups. She has traveled several times with the United Nations to Refugee Camps and Internally Displaced Camps as a peace advocate for the less fortunate. She has also been very active with safaris and mission trips to Kenya, Uganda, Swaziland, Malawi, Cape Verde Islands, Gore Island, South Africa, The Gambia, Senegal, Botswana, Victoria Falls and Zambia. Sharon has been a valued member of the ADS team since 2006.
Dawn Anderson
Dawn Anderson has been a valued member of the ADS team since 2007. Dawn graduated at the top of her class with an Engineering degree from Kansas State University and was busy climbing ranks in the Corporate world, until she stepped foot in Tanzania for the first time. Inspired beyond measure by the vast wilderness of the Serengeti, Dawn promptly left all that behind to pursue her real passion for Tanzania. Dawn has since been back to Tanzania on over twenty (20) safaris including several intensive research safaris, and has worked closely with the world-renowned Serengeti Lion Project. Dawn is a published author, and has written several technical essays about the Serengeti, Lake Manyara and Tarangire ecosystems. Dawn has also taught classes about East Africa at JCCC College. Dawn's favorite animal is the cheetah, so if you really want to hear her voice sparkle and maybe even see some of her favorite safari photos, just mention an interest for this graceful big cat.
Ann Eilert
Even from an early age, Ann always had an immense desire to get out and travel BIG, so a few years after graduating from KSU with a Degree in Education/Science, she decided to take a "leap of faith" and do just that! Applying for and accepting an overseas teaching position proved to be a truly transformational experience, affording her the incredible opportunity to travel abroad for years and to see the world. But it wasn't until the mid-90's, when Ann went on an African safari with a friend, that she knew she had stumbled upon her life's "truest" passion! Since that very first safari experience of over 30 years ago (when Africa literally stole her heart) she found herself returning to Africa often, traveling with others who shared the same passion. It was in 2007 when Ann was first introduced to the "private safari" concept while planning a safari with ADS, and was instantly won over by the unparalleled wildlife safari experience that it offered. Today she would say that her favorite animal is hands down the elusive leopard - but truth be told, she is also known to get "quite excited" about any and ALL "Serengeti babies!" What's the "best" part of her job, you might ask? She says, without a doubt, it's having the honor and privilege of helping others experience that same awe and wonder she felt on her very first safari!
Why Our Safaris are Different.
Our guests explain why they choose Africa Dream Safaris as their guide to Tanzania and how we made their wildest dreams come to life. (Part 1 of 4-Part Series)
