DATES:
Safari # 1:  2024 Mid Aug through Early Sept: TO BE DETERMINED 14 Nights / 15 Days  Safari # 2:  2024 Early Sept through Mid Sept: TO BE DETERMINED 14 Nights /15 Days

Point of Origination: Kilimanjaro International Airport in Tanzania Cost: $TBD Per Person based on Double Occupancy for 15 days/14 nights.  Single Supplement: $TBD - this is a phenomenal value.

Maximum of 6 participants in two tour vehicles so everyone gets a full seat and full row from which to photograph 360 degrees. With only two tour vehicles, when the action is great, everyone gets a good shooting angle. Russ brings a second professional photographer so everyone in each vehicle is provided constant guidance and reminders how to obtain the best possible images.

This ultimate 15 day safari to Tanzania occurs during the peak time in September when the wildebeests migrate back into Tanzania and have to cross the Mara River. It’s a spectacle unlike anything you’ve ever seen or could possibly imagine. It has to be witnessed to be believed. Five days will be dedicated to observe and photograph the thousands of wildebeests as they ford the river. This provides eight opportunities to see a crossing. In addition to the above, game drives to other amazing locations will occur every day except on our day of arrival.

The Ngorongoro Crater is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s a large volcanic caldera that has become a unique ecosystem unto itself. It teems with wildlife, including The Big Five. The location provides a great opportunity to spot the highly endangered Black Rhinoceros. Park rangers guard these majestic mammals 24 hours a day. The crater floor is 2,000 feet deep and covers 100 square miles. The floor is predominately open grassland but also has two prominent woodland areas. Both ecosystems are abundant with wildlife. Numbers are estimated between 25,000 - 30,000 animals and include lions, black rhino, wildebeests, cape buffalo, zebra, hyena, elephant, gazelles, monkeys, and more.

The Serengeti, which translates to The Endless Plains, is home to the most immense mammal migration in the world. Hundreds of thousands of wildebeests and zebra follow the rains and green grasses as they head north toward the Mara River. The areas we will visit will abound with these species along with lions, cheetah, leopard, elephants, hyena, jackals, cape buffalo, exotic birds, and much more. Our shutter fingers will work non stop. We’ll also take advantage of magnificent scenic opportunities to diversify your portfolio. From the solitary acacia tree at sunrise or sunset to the gorgeous and iconic rock outcroppings known as kopjes, you’ll be busy making photos. We’ll work to find situations where the wildlife can be found in these gorgeous settings to create the ultimate photographic experience. See the itinerary for details.

While we’re at each location we’ll take advantage of every great photo opportunity we encounter. If you’ve been with me on any of my photo tours, you know, IT’S ALL ABOUT THE LIGHT. If there’s an opportunity with any species in great light, we won’t pass it up for the sake of what may be around the corner. While we’re in the Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti, we’ll put an emphasis on capturing the big five but we’ll also be on the constant look out for small animals, birds, and landscapes at first and last light. You’ll be given first hand instruction. It’s my belief that the more help you receive, the better your images will be and it’s my desire to get you the best possible images. We’ll discuss important concepts such as light, composition, head angles of the animals, the importance of the background, etc.

Although this safari is primarily for the wildlife photographer, if you want to get the experience of what a wildlife photographer does, get first hand experience of how patience pays off to get great photos, and to realize how persistence allows you to witness some amazing animal behavior, this trip is also for you. Bring the camera you currently own. You may just get so smitten by what you witness, you’ll become a dedicated photographer. Invite your spouse or child (18 years of age and older) to accompany you. All participants do pay the same fee. Please realize that photography is the priority and our days will revolve around capturing great images.