Nearly everyone dreams to see Africa's magnificent wildlife up close (well, not too close). I shared that dream but had no interest in rugged wilderness camping or trekking through dangerous country. After all, when I travel, I enjoy fine hotels and cruise ships with all their comforts and superb cuisine. It took Paul several years to convince me to go on my first safari. Reluctantly, I agreed.

To my surprise, I loved every moment. Since then, I've been back several times and cannot wait to go in September (and again in July 2008 with my family).

Though enormously enriching, I've learned that our safaris are not rigorous at all. (However we have seen low-budget safari companies pack several travelers into a van for long 4-8 hour drives, over often-terrible roads, to reach the next camp. When we transfer to a new camp, we board modern aircraft for short flights - we often spot game from these scenic flights. Another characteristic of low-budget safaris is game viewing by enclosed vans with "pop-tops" for photographers. We've seen occasions when a dozen or more of these vans will crowd in to surround a lion or other animal. That is not the way we operate our safaris.)

Each day exceptional guides (their knowledge and kindness continue to amaze me) take us by sturdy Land Rover into the bush to enjoy up-close views of curious giraffes, zebras, sleek leopards, stately elephant families, troops of baboons, cheetahs, prides of lions and snorting hippos. I haven't even mentioned the thousands of antelope, wart hogs, jackals, the extraordinary birdlife and so much more. When our safaris conclude, almost every guest tells us that this was their trip of a lifetime.

When we return from our morning game viewing, we sit together for a leisurely brunch as well as the opportunity to compare game sightings with the others in our small camps. As we chat under warm African skies, these are truly feel-good moments. After a mid-day rest, game walk with our rangers or a dip in the pool, we head out once again late in the afternoon as the predators begin to hunt. A traditional highlight of our evening game drives is a sunset stop for 'sundowners', often in a tranquil place where we can observe elephants grazing or listen to the sounds of hippos huffing and snorting.

We stay in luxurious 'tented' camps and private lodges that accommodate 16-18 guests. Before my first safari, the concept of 'tented camps' bothered me. Yet we enjoy them most of all. Each of our accommodations came well equipped with comfortable beds, hardwood floors, hot and cold running water (including indoor and outdoor showers), toilet facilities, a private balcony overlooking the savannah, even a hot water bottle between the soft cotton sheets. This is the kind of camping that I really enjoy. When our safaris conclude, almost every guest tells us that this was their trip of a lifetime.

Bataleur's Kichwa Tembo	Wildlife in Grumeti

We are leaving on our next safari in about a month. It was so popular we added a second departure! Plus, we are taking bookings for our Grand Family Reunion 2008. Call us today at 503.641.7447 - space is going fast!

Click here to download a Grand Family Reunion 2008 safari brochure.

PS- Paul has posted his Africa 2006 travel journal on our website, along with a few of his photos. Click here to read a copy.