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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

Can Be Reached At

1-763-231-8893

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Africa Safari Specialist for Eastern & Southern

Zebras in The Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

My African Dream Come True: Safari Adventures in Kenya and Tanzania

My lifelong dream of experiencing Africa’s incredible wildlife up close and in their natural habitat finally came true with my unforgettable journey to Kenya and Tanzania! The Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya and Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park are truly iconic destinations bursting with amazing biodiversity.

In Kenya, I marveled at the sweeping savannah landscapes while watching majestic lions, elephants, zebras, and giraffes roam freely. Then, crossing into Tanzania, I was awestruck by the vast Serengeti plains—home to the legendary Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest and zebras trek across the land in search of greener pastures during certain months.

The excitement I felt leading up to this trip was electrifying. For months, I had dreamed of this moment, ever since I was a teenager captivated by the magic of Disney’s The Lion King. At 14, I made a promise to myself that one day I would experience the real-life version of that wild, enchanting world—and at 43, I finally did. Setting foot on African soil, surrounded by endless wilderness, I was overwhelmed with a sense of fulfillment and awe. This was my dream coming true.

My adventure began with two nights in Nairobi, giving me time to rest and adjust after the long flight. From there, I headed to the Masai Mara for two nights at the stunning Ashnil Mara Camp. The landscapes took my breath away, and every moment spent amidst the abundant wildlife felt like a gift. Next, I crossed the border into Tanzania for two nights at the Serengeti Acacia Bliss. Here, I encountered an incredible array of animals and was welcomed by giraffes, zebras, and elephants that set the tone for the rest of my stay. To end this magical journey, I spent a reflective night at the Acacia Farm Lodge Karatu in Arusha, savoring the memories made before heading home.

What struck me most was how different—and equally amazing—the Masai Mara and Serengeti experiences are. The Masai Mara’s smaller size and tree-dotted plains create an intimate setting where wildlife encounters feel personal and up-close. Meanwhile, the Serengeti’s vastness offers an incredible variety of flora and fauna, and a higher density of animals that left me awe-struck every day.

To quote Brian Jackman, the British journalist and author who knows Africa well: "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’ll be sharing detailed blogs about my time in the Masai Mara and Serengeti soon—diving into each park’s unique beauty and sharing tips and insights to help you plan your own journey. Kenya and Tanzania truly delivered on every promise, offering wild safari adventures and stunning natural beauty that turned my dreams into reality.

I feel so grateful for the chance to explore these legendary landscapes and am passionate about helping you design your own African dream trip. With my firsthand experience and love for adventure, we’ll create a tailor-made safari itinerary that fits your interests perfectly and leaves you with memories to last a lifetime.

Africa’s breathtaking landscapes, rich wildlife, and vibrant cultures leave an imprint on your soul. The warmth and generosity of its people, combined with the raw beauty of the wilderness, create an experience unlike any other. As the saying goes, “You may leave Africa, but Africa never leaves you.”

So, are you ready to answer the call of the wild and embark on the adventure of a lifetime, immersing yourself in Africa’s untamed wonders?

If you’re craving more insider stories, travel tips, and unforgettable moments from my African adventures, be sure to check out my other blogs. I dive deeper into the magic of the Masai Mara, Serengeti, and beyond—sharing everything from must-see wildlife encounters to cultural experiences and practical advice to help you prepare. Whether you’re dreaming of your first safari or looking to explore more of this incredible continent, there’s plenty of inspiration waiting for you. Let’s keep the adventure going!

My Travel Albums

Africa Safari - Client Photos

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Kenya - Maasai Mara Reserve Safari Accommodations

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Tanzania - The Serengeti Safari Accommodations

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Professional Game Photos of Africa

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