Meet Our Safari Experts
Sharon's career includes over 40 years in the hospitality industry. Sharon's first time to Africa was in 1996, to fulfill a "once in a lifetime" dream. Sharon's dream turned into a life-long passion for Tanzania's wildlife, the captivating beauty, peace and inspiration she found on the Serengeti Plains. Sharon has returned to Africa several times each year since 1996, now well over 60 times spending up to 60 days on one trip just in the Serengeti. Her trips include extensive research safaris, humanitarian missions and leading special interest groups. She has traveled several times with the United Nations to Refugee Camps and Internally Displaced Camps as a peace advocate for the less fortunate. She has also been very active with safaris and mission trips to Kenya, Uganda, Swaziland, Malawi, Cape Verde Islands, Gore Island, South Africa, The Gambia, Senegal, Botswana, Victoria Falls and Zambia. Sharon has been a valued member of the ADS team since 2006.
Dawn Anderson has been a valued member of the ADS team since 2007. Dawn graduated at the top of her class with an Engineering degree from Kansas State University and was busy climbing ranks in the Corporate world, until she stepped foot in Tanzania for the first time. Inspired beyond measure by the vast wilderness of the Serengeti, Dawn promptly left all that behind to pursue her real passion for Tanzania. Dawn has since been back to Tanzania on over twenty (20) safaris including several intensive research safaris, and has worked closely with the world-renowned Serengeti Lion Project. Dawn is a published author, and has written several technical essays about the Serengeti, Lake Manyara and Tarangire ecosystems. Dawn has also taught classes about East Africa at JCCC College. Dawn's favorite animal is the cheetah, so if you really want to hear her voice sparkle and maybe even see some of her favorite safari photos, just mention an interest for this graceful big cat.
Growing up in a small Midwestern town, Ann had always had an immense desire to get out and travel BIG. So only 3 years after graduating from KSU with a BS in Education, she decided to make "the leap" and do just that! Ann applied for and accepted a position with DoDDS/DoDEA to teach American military dependent children overseas. It was a big and exciting change, and along with it came the incredible opportunity to travel extensively, allowing her the chance to experience the rich diversity and various cultures that can be found throughout the world. But it wasn't until Ann traveled on a safari to Africa that she felt she had finally stumbled upon her "real and true" passion! She is quick to tell anyone who will listen how that trip to Africa literally changed the direction of her life. It is said that Africa has a way of "calling" you back, and that can definitely be said to be true for Ann! Over the past several years she has found herself returning to Africa, time and time again, often bringing along with her large groups of friends. What is her favorite animal you may ask? Hands down, she will say the elusive leopard - but truth be told, she is also known to get quite excited about any and ALL "Serengeti babies!"
