For longtime residents Ken Berger and Lisa Horvath, life in Ibis has been filled with many wonderful memories—but their recent adventure halfway around the world may top them all. In late August 2025, the pair embarked on a Tauck Tour Safari through Tanzania and Kenya, an experience Ken describes as “exotic, life-altering, and truly one of a kind.”

Over the course of twelve days, they immersed themselves in the beauty of Africa’s landscapes and wildlife. Each day brought two exhilarating game drives, offering breathtaking encounters with animals in their natural habitat. From towering giraffes to elusive leopards, the Serengeti and Maasai Mara revealed their wonders at every turn. A highlight was their sunrise hot air balloon ride over the Serengeti, watching the plains awaken beneath a golden sky—a moment they’ll treasure forever.

Cultural immersion was equally memorable. Visiting a Maasai village, Ken and Lisa were deeply moved by the traditions, resilience, and lifestyle of the Maasai people. They learned how fire is still created by rubbing two sticks together, that daughters cannot marry until they present a dowry of at least twelve cows, and that polygamy is the norm while monogamy is the exception. It was an eye-opening glimpse into a way of life so different from their own. Yet it was the surprises along the way that made the journey even more remarkable—like discovering 31 hippos basking and honking like foghorns right outside their tent on the Mara River!

One of the most touching experiences came at the Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage in Nairobi, where Ken and Lisa “adopted” a six-month-old baby elephant named Kipekee, orphaned after its mother was killed. Seeing the sanctuary’s efforts to nurse the young elephant back to health was a profound reminder of the fragile balance of nature.

When asked their favorite part of the trip, Ken smiles— “Honestly, every single moment.” From the balloon ride to the countless animals they encountered, it was a once-in-a-lifetime journey they’ll never forget.

Would they return? “Absolutely,” Ken says without hesitation. His one tip for future travelers: bring seat cushions for the safari jeeps—comfort is key when you’re bouncing across the savannah!

For Ken and Lisa, Africa wasn’t just a trip; it was a transformation, a reminder of the vast beauty and wonder that exists in the world.