Reviews
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Email Carrie S. | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Born to Dream exceeded our expectations in every way!
This, like for many people, was a once in a lifetime trip for us. We planned our trip with Born To Dream about 11 months ago and just finished our trip. Kristin, the owner, reached out to us several times during the past year to give us information about the upcoming trip, mailed us detailed information about what to expect, what to pack etc…. It was nice to have that connection during the planning stages of our adventure.
BUT the highlight of our safari with Born To Dream, was our guide, Daniel. Daniel was with us for 8 days, from the minute he picked us up at the airport until our hugs goodbye at the end of our trip. Daniel is an experienced guide, born and raised in Tanzania. He has trained extensively and knows everything about the wildlife and also knows all of the national parks like the back of his hand. The best part about Daniel was he would get as excited as we did for every spotting; like he too was seeing it for the first time! (Oh and for English speaking tourists, Daniel’s English is PERFECT!)
There were several surprises during our journey-initiated both by Kristin and Daniel that I don’t want to post here, so that you too can be delighted with their quality of service, but trust me, you will not be disappointed!
Coincidentally, my husband and I are from Massachusetts, and while Kristin and her husband Ryan live in Tanzania now, they are oroginallly from Massachusetts as well. We enjoyed having that U.S. connection so far from home.
Born to Dream was an absolute Dream!
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Email Danielle | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Someday is now, Born to Dream Tours will make your dreams happen!!
Born To Dream Tours exceeded every expectation and blessed me with countless memories and experiences that changed me forever. Daniel, Kristin, and Ryan all share a genuine passion for animals and the beautiful Serengeti. Their dedication to my safety, comfort, and happiness was felt and appreciated every single day, before, during, and after the trip.
Kristin gave spot on recommendations for everything to remember, from which clothes to bring, how much space to leave for art & souvenirs, and even how much cash to bring for tips and shopping. I loved the cadence of my trip, and all the excursions were incredible. I was blown away with the accommodations and 'camps'. Each property was unique, but each shined with outstanding customer service, impeccable grounds, and delicious food. You'll have the freshest fruit in Tanzania whether in the Serengeti or Zanzibar, there is nothing like it!
During our stay in the Serengeti, Daniel prepped all our lunches and packed the truck with ice cold beverages and cleaned the truck spotless. Both he and the truck were always ready for another full day of adventuring, before I even had coffee! I never had to worry about a thing. BTD always had it all covered. The transfers to and from the hotels and airport were arranged, always early, and seamless. Never allowed me to lift a finger with my bags.
One day we saw lions sniffing the air as they decided to run off and find shelter from an impending rains…baboons running up into a tree to get off the ground, a torrential rainstorm that didn't faze our talented driver Daniel, followed by zebras running amok in the wet grass as the clouds cleared to expose a stunning sky of pink and orange. A day I thought couldn’t get any better was topped with encountering my first cheetah, drenched from the rain, but majestically sitting, perched up on a termite mound awaiting his two young fellow cheetah with high pitched chirps. They trotted into the sunset disappearing through the tall grass as we returned to camp at The Singing Grass, and we were met with the most gorgeous accommodations and warmest welcome as we raved about our unforgettable day over wine and dinner with guides Kristin, Ryan, and Daniel!
Say YES to the BTD photography/videography package, you won't regret it! It was one million times worth it and I'm SO happy I opted for it. It allowed me the chance to experience what my eyes were seeing, what my ears were hearing, and every other sense was heightened because I could fully immerse myself in the moment. It took a little while to retrain my unconscious habit of taking a photo or video on my cell phone, but they had it all covered and I'm so grateful they did! What a blessing. I'm convinced this made the trip as special as it was because I could really experience every ounce of it. The shots are breathtaking, and it was like experiencing it all over again only closer and with so much more detail and beauty!
I felt safe everywhere. From the moment I stepped foot off the plane it was apparent Tanzanians help each other, strangers and tourists are welcomed with open arms and treated like family. They stood in the road to warn traffic as we backed out of a parking space, and trucks in the Serengeti will check on others any time they see a truck stopped.
I was given the option to visit Shalom Orphanage and I can't wait to go back. A few hours were spent playing outside with the kids, sharing hugs and smiles that brightened my soul and made my heart explode. I miss them. These children have already endured too much in their short lives.
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND: The Singing Grass Bush Camp, The Miracle Experience Balloon Safari, Shalom Orphanage visit, Coffee Plantation Tour, Massai Boma Tour, Coffee Plantation tour, Sidai Designs, Zanzibar boat ride, snorkeling, horseback ride, and Cheetah’s Rock & VIP Otter Experience.
Don't wait until retirement. Don't dream of going to Africa someday. Let Kristin & Ryan make your dreams happen!!! You'll wish you did it sooner and you'll start planning a return trip as soon as you get on the return flight home!
Wonderful, well-planned and organized family-friendly adventure.
Our family of 5 (3 teenage daughters, 13, 16 and 19) just finished an amazing 9 days with Daniel and our lovely cook, Costa. By the end of the trip he felt like family. As our first venture into Africa, we didn’t know where to begin but a neighbour had a friend who had moved to Africa and was working with a young man creating Born to Dream tours. As a relatively new company, we weren’t sure what to expect but were so impressed with the level of organization, professionalism and integrity displayed by Daniel. A number of emails were sent before we left letting us know about everything we should expect and would need upon arrival. Every question we had while packing was answered promptly and we felt safe and well looked after every moment of the trip. Daniel custom built our 9 days to suit our interests, which in our case included learning about local culture and meeting some local NGOs as well as going on safari. We went to Tarangire, Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro Crater which were all wonderful game drive days. Daniel was eager to show us his beautiful country and introduce us to its wonderful inhabitants. We thoroughly enjoyed our time with Daniel and Born to Dream Tours and would highly recommend this company if you are looking to explore Tanzania.