Our group of 20 had four wonderful guides: Noel, Fulgence, Wilfred, and Nasibu. Each was a gem–excellent drivers, unbelievable spotters of wildlife. In addition, Noel was kindness personified, with a smile to light up the world. Fulgence served as a group spark-plug, getting as excited about seeing an animal as we did (and he sweetly accommodated my wish to get to church services on Good Friday). Wilfred was a planner, able to predict where the animals were going and actually arriving there before they did; he was always patient. Nasibu was as deeply versed in the the wildlife and topography as the other three and was the best dancer. Several of us actually cried at Kilimanjaro Airport when said good bye to four wonderful men.
“What an amazing family experience. From the moment Willy picked us up at the airport to the moment he dropped us off we felt right at home. It’s hard to put into words the experience because it was truly life changing. You’d expect that we would say seeing lions (and boy did Willy the lion whisperer know how to find lions!) was the highlight. Don’t get me wrong that was wild! But our connection with Willy and doing things like visiting an orphanage and going to his house for a typical African dinner were outstanding. To have a little glimmer of how people in another country and culture live is to forage a lasting connection. We cried when we had to part with Willy because he had become family to us”