Peggy Nelson, New Mexico

In 2005, a group of seven women from northern New Mexico took a trip to Tanzania, with the primary goal of climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro. We also planned a ten day camping trip into various parks within the country following the climb. Looking back on the entire experience, we all agree that the camping and tour of the parks and Tanzania's natural and human resources was the highlight of the trip. Dennis was the tour guide, and so much more. He was kind and considerate and we were all taken by hihisgh level of competence and expertise. He is a great observer of all of the life teeming around him. He was knowledgeable about all the wildlife of Tanzania - not just the iconic big cats, giraffes and elephants. We are all birdwatchers, and it was especially delightful to be taken to Lake Manyara to see the birds, both large and small. He was able to name most of the birds that were unknown to us before that time. And, if he couldn't immediately name them, he would find an answer to all our questions and assist with identification. In the midst of our travels from park to park, it came to our attention that we might be able to see and visit with the Hudzabe. Dennis was able to make a change in the schedule and accommodate our requests. It was clear that his interests went beyond wild life to all of the life around him.
It was clear to me, and to all of us, that Dennis is a special person. I don't know quite how to express how special he is. The qualities he brings to the job go beyond spotting ability and technical expertise. He has the ability to turn a vacation into the trip of a lifetime. I will recommend Dennis to anyone planning a trip to east Africa.

Peggy