Tanzania Captured Our Hearts
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.
“Excellent staff. Casey was extremely responsive in planning the trip. I had certain things I did and didn’t want to do, he tailored our experience accordingly (and with keeping our budget in mind). The trip was perfectly proportioned, mostly because of him. Our guide on the ground, Wilfred, spent 12 days with us. We couldn’t have asked for someone better. We became comfortable companions, easily sitting together in silence over long drives or telling stories during dinner. He didn’t wait for us to ask something, he anticipated our needs. When he saw we didn’t finish our lunch boxes, he asked us what we liked and didn’t like. He made sure to relay the information to the hotels and we finished out lunches going forward. He saw I had an itch to get into the Wildebeest migration. Even though it was far away and our chances of finding it could be small, he made sure it happened. The staff set everything apart, especially when we compared it to our tour companies we saw in the area.”