February 9 through February 21, 2013
This is the best time of year to visit the Serengeti in Tanzania. Each year around February the great herds of the migration drop their calves and approximately 750,000 wildebeest synchronize their birthing with all calves being born within a three-week period. This natural phenomenon draws the attention of predators and it is quite simply a wildlife photographer’s paradise. This safari will focus on photographing the wildebeest migration during their birthing season and the amazing possibility of photographing the big 5 in the Ngorongoro Crater, the 8th wonder of the world. Everyone should have the magical experience of an African safari at least once in their lives. Witnessing one of the last major migrations on earth passing through the Serengeti is a true dream. Mix this with the luxury accommodations, a mobile tent camp of authentic Africa of days gone by, and you have more than hundreds of great images, but an experience of a lifetime.
SAFARI HIGHLIGHTS
- We have private vehicles throughout the safari, each client has their own row with a window on each side for the best viewing and photographic opportunities; only 3 people per vehicle.
- This safari is limited to only 8 participants offering more flexibility while in the field.
- Passionate, knowledgeable and experienced safari guides that will help us get the images we are after.
- Experiencing the phenomenal birthing season of the wildebeest migration
- Visiting Ngorongoro Creator, the 8th natural wonder of the world, and having an opportunity to photograph the big five; Lion, Leopard, Bull Elephant, African Buffalo and Black Rhino
- Visiting Lake Manyara famous for its tree climbing lion
- During this time the predator action in the Ndutu area of the Serengeti is unrivaled any where in the world.
- Luxury accommodations with a mix of a mobile tent camp for one of the best locations in Nudtu and an experience of an authentic Africa of days gone by.
THE ITINERARY
Day 1. February 9, 2013
Depart on your adventure of a lifetime
Day 2. February 10, 2013
Arrive in Tanzania where will be met by our representative who will transfer you to Kibo Palace Hotel in Arusha. Settle in to your African dream.
Day 3. February 11, 2013
This morning you will awaken in a very magical place. We will meet for breakfast and have a safari briefing with your host and guide, Piper Mackay. We then hop into our 4X4 safari vehicles and start our African adventure. To get into the rhythm of Africa we will visit a Maasai village on our way to the lodge. We will have time for a scrumptious lunch and to settle in before going on our first game drive in Lake Manyra National Park known for its tree climbing lions.
The park itself is nestled at the base of the 2000-foot, Great Rift Valley. Trees of the forest are home to troupes of monkeys, baboons, and elephants, which can often be seen amongst the famous Baobob trees. Also, in the acacia woodland, lions can be found lounging under or in the umbrella trees, while enormous hippos roll themselves in pools along the lakeshore.
Our accommodations are at the Lake Manyra Serena Lodge standing high on the edge of a towering terracotta escarpment with panoramic views over the glittering alkaline water of Lake Manyra. The lodge offers a unique blend of tranquility, wildlife discovery and ornithological richness. Grouped around a central ‘Vanishing horizon’ pool, this highly unusual lodge features a simple timbered reception area, built in traditional African style, which is accessed via a bridge over a small stream.
Day 4. February 12, 2013
We take a morning game drive before departing for the Ngorongoro Crater, the 8th Natural Wonder of the world” that some refer to as “Africa’s Eden”. We will stop at the craters edge and enjoy the expansive breath taking views that span over 16 miles before pulling into the stone archway of our beautiful lodge, that sits along the rim of the crater. Every room has a stone balcony over looking the crater. We will have a quick lunch before driving down to catch the beautiful evening light.
The Ngorongoro Crater is a perfectly intact volcanic caldera with walls 600 meters high offering amazing backdrops and layers of color. On its floor is an entire intact ecosystem containing the big five; Lion, Leopard, Bull Elephant, African Buffalo and Black Rhino.
Day 5. February 13, 2013
We will wake up predawn so we have time for a morning snack and a hot cup of coffee or tea before driving down into the crater as the sun begins to rise over the ridge. After an amazing morning in the crater we will head for the great plains of the Serengeti for more phenomenal photography . We will stop in route for lunch at the Ol Duvai Gorge, known as the cradle of Mankind. We then climb back into our safari vehicles in search of the great migration and the associated predator action on the way to our luxury permanent tented camp that is embraced by an amphitheater of monolithic rock sculptures. The Luxury Mbuzi Mawe Camp nestles in a secluded acacia glade with views over the plains of the Serengeti and is located on one of the main annual migration corridors for over one million wildebeest, half a million zebras and gazelles, and their accompanying cast of predators.
Day 6 & 7. February 14 &15, 2013
The Serengeti, nearly 6,000 square miles, is more breathtaking than you have dreamed about. We have two full days in this beautiful area. We will have a very early start, grab some coffee and a light snack so that we are driving out of the gate at 6am to be out on the plains when day breaks. We may take a picnic lunch with us so we can maximize our game time. We will search for lions on the spectacular kopjes that make the landscape of the Serengeti so unique and journey through the Acacia woodland near the rivers edge in search of leopard. There is an abundance of wildlife such as lion, leopard, cheetah, serval cat, elephants, zebra, hyena, gazelle, and many other exotic species.
After a full day of experiencing this amazing and exotic wildlife that roams the great plains of Africa, we will meet for dinner and share our stories. The lively conversations can continue around the campfire with a nightcap.
From this location you have the option of joining a Serengeti balloon safari (additional fee and advance reservations required to ensure a spot)
Day 8. February 16, 2013
We will have one last early game drive in this area and then after a delicious breakfast, we will continue our game drive across the vast Serengeti and arrive at a new location, with completely new backdrops and landscape. We will be staying at a simple mobile camp at one of the best locations in the Ndutu area. This camp is especially erected to coincide with the wildebeest calving season! Though simple, the tents are styled with comfortable beds and you will enjoy traditional prepared and hoisted hot water bucket showers and flush toilets ensuite. In the evening you will sit around a campfire under the starry African sky and be in awe as you think back on your day. You will be safely escorted to your tent each night. Spending a few nights under canvas hearing lion’s roars, zebras bark and hyena’s call is much like the simple authentic African safari’s decades ago.
Day 9 -11, February 17-19, 2013
We rise early today in one of the greatest wildlife locations in all of Africa. Put down the camera and take a few minutes to enjoy the breath taking views in every direction, watch the sunrise, dream about the possibilities, and get ready for another exciting day on safari!. This unique location is whiteness to the wildebeest Migration and is known as the birthing place. Every year the wildebeest gather in this area to coordinate the birth of their calves during a three week period, generally from the end of January through the first week of March This safari is planned to coordinate with this natural natural phenomenon, but the exact timing depends on the rains. This event draws the attention of all the predators making it a wildlife photographer’s paradise and the most action packed wildlife area in the world. We have three full days in this location and we are guarenteed to fill up our flash cards and top off our external drives.
Day 12. February 20, 2013
We rise early for one last early game drive and bid farewell to the Great Plains before boarding our chartered flight back to Arusha. On arrival you will be transferred to the Kia Lodge for day room use to relax and freshen up for your long flight home. You will then be transferred to the airport for your departure home.
Day 13. February 21, 2013
Arrive home
Is this trip for you?
I welcome photographers of ALL levels who are serious about wildlife and nature photography. This safari is focused on producing quality images and is timed during the calving season of the migration. Capturing high quality images requires patience, which means we may have to stay with a subject some times for an hour or more. If your objective is to have the highest quantity of images rushing to every subject as though you are on a race to be the first one to fill up your memory cards and check off a list, then this is not the right safari for you. During this safari we will see a vast variety of exotic wildlife, however some special subjects may require spending some time watching their behavior and waiting for those special moments. This is when patience pays off and rewards you with extraordinary photographs. We will spend most of our time and effort in the field unless it is quiet and the light is just too harsh and we return our camp/lodge for the mid day break. This also means there will be many mornings and some lunches that will be box meals in the field rather than at the lodge.
This is not a formal workshop so I will not be giving any formal lectures, formal slide presentations, or formal instruction but I will be available to help you throughout the safari. I am very passionate about Africa and photography and love to share my knowledge and experiences. I am available to you for any questions while in the field on such topics as composition, camera settings, pan blurs, or any photography related questions including marketing, branding, and creating a niche. When we have an afternoon break I will be happy to review your images or portfolios or give an informal slide show on my lap top. If we have time I also like to share some of my artistic post processing that I do using NIK software. This is largely why I like to keep my group sizes small, so that I can assist you when you need help and spend quality time with you in an amazing location.
Non-photographer or videographer spouses/travel companions will also love this safari because of the locations and the calving season. Optional activities at the lodges/camps such as safari walks are also available.
Read what last years participants had to say
Price of this Safari
The price of this safari is $7995.00 per person. The price is based on double occupancy; single Room supplement is $1,200 if available. Due to the limited number of spaces available, if a solo guest is willing to share and we can match with another guest of the same gender, we will do so. If a solo guest is unwilling to share, then a single supplement will be charged (up to, but not exceeding the full sharing cost). If we are unable to match a solo guest with another guest of the same gender, then the single supplement will be charged.
PRICE INCLUDES:
- Flight from the Serengeti to Arusha
- First class accommodations
- Guaranteed row and window seat in private 4X4 Land cruisers
- All National Parks and Game Reserves entrance fees
- All meals and bottled water on game drives
- Membership to the Flying Doctors Service while on Safari
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
- Visas
- Travel Insurance
- Personal purchases (including personal shopping, alcoholic beverages (except when stated on the itinerary, laundry , telephone calls, etc.
- Gratuities
- Optional activities at lodges/camps/hotels (balloon rides, walking safaris, etc)
- Pre- and post –safari private tours
- Meals or accommodation before or after the safari (except as noted in the detailed itinerary)
Please understand;
Interested in Joining us?
Since I like to keep the group size of my tours small, generally only 7-8 participants, they can fill up quickly. To join this safari a $2,200 non-refundable deposit and a completed reservation form are required to secure your spot. When this limited tour is full, I will take request for the wait list by email.
Registration Form (PDF ~430 KB)