(410 Reviews)
99% Recommended

Pam MacIntyre

Maple Grove, MN

Australia & New Zealand Specialist

New Zealand

In all my years as a Travel Professional, I’ve asked countless people, “What’s on your must-see list?” And without fail, New Zealand is always at the top! Honestly, who wouldn’t want to experience this majestic ...
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New Zealand

In all my years as a Travel Professional, I’ve asked countless people, “What’s on your must-see list?” And without fail, New Zealand is always at the top! Honestly, who wouldn’t want to experience this majestic part of the world?

I was fortunate enough to visit both the North and South Islands, and what I love about New Zealand is that it offers the perfect blend of laid-back charm and action-packed adventure, all while being nothing short of epic.

The country is home to endless national parks, a rich Maori culture, and unforgettable experiences like sailing through the sounds while dolphins playfully follow your yacht. And let’s not forget the awe-inspiring moment of witnessing a sperm whale off the coast of Kaikoura—talk about jaw-dropping beauty!

Oh, and did I mention wine? If you’re a fan of great wine (and who isn’t?), New Zealand is a must-visit for its world-class Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot, and more. How do I know? Because I couldn’t resist visiting a winery or two during my travels!

Honestly, I could go on and on about the magic of New Zealand, but if you’re reading this, you already know you want to explore this incredible part of the world. Let’s work together to create your perfect New Zealand adventure!

Australia

Let me start by saying, I’ve wanted to visit Australia since I was a child. Why, you ask? Well, to pet a kangaroo, of course! And yes, I did! Not only did I pet a kangaroo, but I actually fed FOUR at the same time. Childhood dream come true, right? And I can’t wait to go back for round two.

While I was in Sydney, I had the chance to experience the spectacular Vivid Sydney Festival, celebrating its 10th year. It was honestly WOW! Never in my wildest dreams did I think Australia would be so perfect to visit during their winter season. But coming from Minnesota, their “winter” felt more like our fall—absolutely ideal! Seeing the Sydney Opera House light up during the festival was something I’ll never forget.

And then there’s the Blue Mountains region—so lovely to explore on foot. From there, we ventured to Hunter Valley (known to the locals as "The Hunter"), where wine flowed freely, and every glass was more delicious than the last.

Australia’s size is truly hard to grasp until you’ve experienced it firsthand. To put it in perspective: Sydney would be in Florida, Cairns (home of the Great Barrier Reef) would be in Maine, Uluru (Ayers Rock) would be in Kansas, Melbourne would be in New Orleans, and Perth would be in Los Angeles.

Whether you're dreaming of visiting the world’s largest Great Barrier Reef, immersing yourself in Aboriginal culture, swimming with whale sharks, or gazing upon the majestic Uluru, Australia has endless possibilities waiting for you.

Let’s make your dream trip to Australia a reality—one that you’ll remember for the rest of your life!     

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Pam MacIntyre

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Africa Safari Specialist for Eastern & Southern

Zebras in The Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

My dream of experiencing Africa's wildlife in their natural habitat finally came true with my visit to Kenya and Tanzania! Kenya's Masai Mara National Reserve and Tanzania's Serengeti National Park are indeed iconic destinations teeming with incredible biodiversity. In Kenya, you'll have the chance to witness the breathtaking savannah landscapes and encounter majestic lions, elephants, zebras, and giraffes. Meanwhile, in Tanzania, the vast plains of the Serengeti offer unforgettable sightings of the Great Migration during certain months, where millions of wildebeest and zebra traverse the land in search of greener pastures. 

The anticipation building up to my safari adventure was nothing short of electrifying. For weeks and months, I was consumed with excitement, knowing that soon I would witness firsthand the majestic creatures I had dreamed of seeing since childhood. Like many others, I was captivated by the enchanting world portrayed in Disney's "The Lion King" and made a promise to myself at the age of 14 that I would experience the real-life version one day. And at 43, that long-awaited day had finally arrived. As I set foot on the African soil, surrounded by the vast wilderness, I couldn't help but feel a sense of fulfillment and wonder, knowing that I was about to embark on a journey that would fulfill a promise made to my younger self.

Starting with two nights in Nairobi this helped me acclimate after the long flight to Kenya. From there, I was ready to immerse myself in the wonders of the Masai Mara National Reserve for two nights at the Ashnil Mara Camp which was awe-inspiring, surrounded by the breathtaking landscapes and abundant wildlife. Then, crossing over to Tanzania for another two nights in the legendary Serengeti National Park, staying at the Serengeti Acacia Bliss, was an unforgettable experience, encountering the diverse array of animals that call the Serengeti home. Ending my journey with a night in Arusha at the Acacia Farm Lodge Karatu was a perfect way to reflect on the incredible experiences and memories I'd made before heading back home. It was an adventure filled with beauty, excitement, and unforgettable moments.

The distinction between the Masai Mara and the Serengeti is fascinating, each offering its own unique safari experience. In the Masai Mara, the open vast plains dotted with trees provide an ideal setting for wildlife spotting, making it easier to catch glimpses of animals in their natural habitat. Despite its smaller size compared to the Serengeti, the Masai Mara's landscape offers a sense of intimacy with the wildlife. On the other hand, the Serengeti's expansive terrain boasts an abundance of flora and fauna, creating a diverse ecosystem. Renowned for its higher concentration of wildlife, the Serengeti greeted you with a spectacular welcome committee of giraffes, zebras, and elephants upon my arrival, setting the stage for an unforgettable safari adventure filled with thrilling encounters and breathtaking scenery.

To paraphrase a quote by Brian Jackman (British journalist and author, best known for his interest in wildlife and wild places – especially Africa) sums up well the feeling after experiencing a Safari.

"Africa changes you forever, like nowhere on earth. Once you have been there, you will never be the same. But how do you begin to describe its magic to someone who has never felt it?"

I will recount my full experiences of the Masai Mara and Serengeti in individual blogs, which will allow me to delve deeply into the richness of each destination and share my insights with you on each country. Kenya and Tanzania have indeed proven to be the perfect spots that turned my dreams into reality, offering unforgettable safari experiences and breathtaking natural beauty. I have gratitude and appreciation for the opportunity I was given to explore these iconic national parks, and would love to help you plan your own African dream trip. With my firsthand experience and passion for adventure, I hope this'll inspire you to embark on your own safari adventures, we'll tailor it to your unique preferences and interests. Together, we can help craft a personalized African dream trip that exceeds your expectations and will create memories to last you a lifetime.

Africa's mesmerizing landscapes, rich biodiversity, and vibrant cultures have a way of leaving an indelible mark on those who visit. The profound beauty and diversity, coupled with the warmth and hospitality of its people, create lasting memories and connections that stay with you long after you've returned home. Africa's allure continues to captivate hearts and minds, reminding us of the transformative power of travel and the enduring impact of experiencing new cultures and environments. 

There is a saying -- "You may leave Africa, but Africa never leaves YOU!" 

Now, are you ready for an adventure of a lifetime as you immerse yourself in the wonders of Africa's untamed wilderness?

My Travel Albums

Kenya - Maasai Mara Reserve Safari Accommodations

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Tanzania - The Serengeti Safari Accommodations

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