I think it is really hard to see all of the things a guide does for you on safari until you stop and think and just reflect on that day’s events. I will say that Wilfred is a master of all things seen and unseen. It is obvious he is skilled at getting us from one place to another (he never did tell me how he knows which roads to take through the Serengeti -there are no road signs!), he can conjure a lion or two around any bend in the road or a python in a tree hiding under a nest, he can answer a thousand questions about animals, birds, people, culture, food, language and anything else you can think of (he also has a well-read animal book he isn’t afraid to share) and he advises on planned start times and activities like a pro. But it’s those little things, the more subtle things that really make a trip become a true experience. The way he helped my daughter into the jeep each morning, shutting the door to make sure she was secure; the firm but gentle reminder not to stray from the jeep to ensure we didn’t get eaten by lions; managing all of the lunches and breakfasts with just the right things we liked to eat; the bush lunch he orchestrated just to surprise us (it brought tears of joy to my eyes); the way he introduced us to people we might not have had a chance to meet; the phone calls to the properties ahead of our arrival so we would be greeted by one, two, or many smiling faces; his discreet way he would advise us on cultural behaviors – helping us to be comfortable and respectful of those around us; and the way he engaged with each of us individually and as a family – my children absolutely loved Wilfred. The guide makes the experience and when we think of Tanzania we will always think of Wilfred.
“Very pleased. A2T clearly respects Africa (Tanzania) #1, and knows how to help first time travelers to Africa prepare to travel, respect local customs and enjoy a lifetime experience. I respect that your drivers are all A2T employees not contract guides. We asked them about working for A2T and they were enthusiastic about achieving a very good job with a good company. They were responsive to our group, personable in every way, and let us know through occasional humor that they enjoyed us and their work.
They really became the heart of the safari experience with their incredible skills and knowledge and ability to know where they were in what seemed to me like the middle of nowhere. I am one of those travelers that likes to know where I am on the planet, and I was totally in awe of driving around Nngorongor and the Serengeti without a sense of direction. I loved it.”