Safari highlight:
- 11 days Tanzania photography tour.
- A must for enthusiastic beginner and seasoned photographers.
- Maximum of 9 participants with no more than 3 photographers per safari vehicle.
- Departure dates: 20 th February - 2 nd March 2011.
- Specially outfitted photographers 4WD safari vehicles.
- Unlimited game drives in search of great photography opportunities.
- Annual Wildebeests and Zebras calving period.
- Ngorongoro Conservation Area / Crater and Serengeti eco-system - 30,000 sq km's wilderness.
- 2 million herbivores and predators.

Looking for a photographic destination of a lifetime? Well this is it! This photographic safari will be conducted in the east African country of Tanzania, home to the Serengeti National Park, the Ngorongoro Crater and Mount Kilimanjaro. It will combine an exciting photography workshop in one of the world's most outstanding wildlife, landscape and cultural locations together with a luxury vacation in fascinating Tanzania.

Tanzania, south of Kenya on the African continent's Indian Ocean coastline, lays claim to the title Home of the Safari, since the word itself is taken from the Swahili word that means "journey."

While Tanzania's Kenyan neighbors may dispute that claim, there is no doubt that Tanzania offers one of the best environments in the world for an enriching wildlife experience. The country's game viewing opportunities are considered by many to be the best in Africa. Its game parks are populated with many of the world's most exotic creatures, including all of the "Big Five."

Its lakes are huge and bountiful with fish. Its cities are relaxed and friendly. Yet, to a greater degree than is true of many of its neighbors, this sprawling county,  the largest in East Africa, remains untouched by the vacationing hordes.

This tour will be very informal and fun. We will have discussion and assistance on specialized topics such as, for example, wildlife observation, field craft and east African animal behavior. This tour is about shooting. Lots of shooting. There will be no classroom sessions, no lectures, no slide shows, and most importantly, no unnecessary egos. We will all work closely together, sharing our knowledge and experience.

Because of the unique location of this workshop, and the luxury accommodations, this workshop adventure is open to spouses as well as photographers. Even non-photographers will find the locales visited and the wildlife viewing opportunities to be thrilling. The cost for non-photographers is the same as for active participants.

Day 1: Upon arrival in Arusha, you are met by our guides and transferred to the Kigongoni Lodge. Kigongoni Lodge is located on an historic 70-acre coffee farm near Arusha, amid natural forest. Sitting on a hilltop with lush gardens, the lodge offers breathtaking views of Mt Kilimanjaro and Mt Meru. Tucked between the trees are eighteen cottages, built in traditional African styles and materials. The rooms, cocktail lounge, and restaurant - all with fireplaces – are furnished in an intimate and comfortable manner, maximizing the site’s unique views and natural features.

Day 2: Arusha to Serengeti National Park. You will awake to a new world this morning. Leaving your room and walking through the lush garden is a gentle reminder that you are now in Africa. Exotic birdcalls fill the air and hints of freshly brewed Tanzanian coffee mean that breakfast awaits you. After breakfast you’ll be transferred to the airstrip for your 8am flight to the Serengeti. As soon as you land, you will meet your safari guides and begin wildlife viewing en route to camp, where you will have lunch followed by a safari briefing.

Head out again this afternoon to continue your exploration of this world renowned ecosystem. You may see gazelle, wildebeest, zebra, giraffe, lion, hippo, buffalo and much more.

Return to camp in time to refresh before your first dinner in the welcoming, open-sided dining room. After a delicious meal this evening you will have a chance to relax around a roaring campfire and fall asleep to the sound of nearby animals.

Day 3: Serengeti National Park. Today is your first morning in the bush. The sounds of buff-bellied warblers and African doves provide your gentle wake-up call. A hearty breakfast prepared by experienced chefs wakens your senses and prepares you for a full day of wildlife viewing.

After breakfast you’ll have a full day to journey far and wide in this immense park, allowing your guide’s unerring instincts to lead the way. An infinite number of dramas play themselves out on these endless plains: predators stalk prey, animals eat, scavenge and graze, mothers nurture their young, birds hover and soar overhead, young animals frolic as older animals keep a watchful eye on them… in short, it is a story of life and death, decay and renewal and ultimately, survival of the fittest.

Take a packed breakfast with you to enjoy while you continue to explore the park. The vast open expanses of space, the multitude of animals inhabiting the pristine landscape, all of this will leave you in awe and impress even the most seasoned wildlife enthusiast. Lunch at the camp before venturing out in the afternoon to return to the camp in time to refresh before your evening meal.

Day 4: Serengeti National Park. Today you have the option of joining a Serengeti balloon safari (additional fee and advance reservations required). The experience begins with an early rise (about 4am) and pre-dawn drive to the balloon launch site, where you will be given a balloon briefing prior to take-off. As the sun rises, you lift gently off the ground, enjoying a bird’s eye perspective as you skim over the tops of acacia trees, meander over the Seronera River and finally touch down. You’ll be greeted with a champagne toast and treated to a full English breakfast.

Under your dining tent, hot soup, fresh bread, entrees and dessert await your evening indulgence. Retire to your comfortable camp beds after a full and satisfying day.

Day 5: Serengeti National Park. Spanning nearly 6,000 square miles, the Serengeti has even more to offer you today. For a new perspective on the scenery, you will move to a new location in the park. Arrive at Ndutu Safari Lodge in time to settle in and enjoy lunch before returning to your trusty safari vehicles for more exploration this afternoon. In the river systems that flow through the park you can spot hippos, kingfishers, egrets, monitor lizards and some of the largest crocodiles in Africa.

Out on the plains, you will be looking for warthog, jackal, eland, kudu, reedbuck, baboon, topi, hyena, gerenuk and giraffe. You may also see tightly grouped herds of wildebeest, which often gather together during their prolific calving season. Keep an eye open for newly born calves frolicking on the open plains.

Return to your lodge this afternoon. Enjoy engaging conversation around the crackling night fire this evening. As you gaze up at the stars over southern hemisphere, you will feel privileged to have experienced this special place.

Day 6: Serengeti National Park. More wildlife viewing is on the agenda today. Meander through the wildlife-rich territories of the fertile Southern Serengeti plains.

Roll down the windows, or stand up to take advantage of the customized roof hatch, feeling the fresh air rush past as you navigate winding paths and secret trails in your pursuit of interesting wildlife sightings. With this perspective, you have unhindered 360º views, and the possibilities for what lies in store are endless!

Stop for a picnic lunch at your leisure and later today, after a wealth of opportunities for more wildlife photography, you’ll return to the comforts of your lodge. Dinner is sure to be a lively, engaging affair as guests swap stories about all that you saw. Continue your conversation around the campfire tonight and then head off to bed for a good rest.

Day 7: Serengeti National Park. Today you’ll have another full day to the Serengeti. Begin with a very early start, with a 5 or 5:30am wake up call. Grab some coffee and a light snack so you can hit the road right at 6am, when driving is permitted in the park. Capture some phenomenal images in the pristine morning light. Later this morning you’ll return to your lodge for an early lunch followed by a short afternoon repose.

You’ll head out again and will stay immersed in the bush until the last possible moment. After a busy day and delicious evening meal, head off to bed early to write in your safari journal and get a good night’s rest.

Day 8: Serengeti National Park / Ngorongoro Conservation Area via Olduvai Gorge. Rise early on your final morning in the Serengeti. Heading east, you’ll arrive at Olduvai Gorge, an archeological site of extraordinary importance in our understanding of the origins of “man.” Here in these desolate gullies, several generations of the Leakey family toiled for decades in search of prehistoric clues in the mystery of human evolution. The small museum details some of their most important finds, among them the skull of “Zinjanthropus Man” and the 3.6 million year old australopithecine footprints from nearby Laetoli.

Stop to enjoy a picnic lunch around noon, and then continue your gradual ascent into Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Your first glimpse of the Crater floor is nothing short of awe-inspiring. Make your way around the southern rim of the crater and arrive at your Nyumba, situated amongst picturesque flat-top acacia trees, in time to freshen up before visiting the nearby Maasai boma of Irkeepusi. Here you can catch a glimpse into the lives of these famed East African people. Learn about their history, culture and their pastoralist lives tending sheep, goats, and cattle.

Enjoy dinner at camp tonight in the cool night time air. Temps can dip down to 40-55º F; make sure to bring a fleece jacket and layer clothing while staying at the Crater. Sleep soundly tonight.

Day 11: Ngorongoro Crater to Arusha to Amsterdam. After breakfast you’ll depart by road for Arusha. Arrive in time for a farewell lunch at River house with your new safari friends. Day rooms are provided for you to rest and relax before check-in at the airport tonight.

The cost for 2011 tour all-inclusive is US $ 9,290 per person (but not inclusive of International airfare to Arusha, Tanzania). The same rate applies for each participant regardless of whether they are doing photography or not. This fee includes all in-country ground and air transportation as well as hotel accommodation (double occupancy) and all meals. The non refundable deposit for this trip is US $1,200. Optional hot air balloon is US $ 475 per person.

Accommodations are two person to a room. If you will be traveling alone and would like a private room there will be a single room supplementary charge of US $ 1,200.

Please note: We will attempt to adhere to this itinerary as much as possible. However, certain conditions (political, climatic, environmental, cultural, or wildlife migrations) may necessitate changes in the itinerary. We reserves the right to alter any itinerary at any time, if necessary. We will attempt to notify participants of changes as far in advance as possible. Costs incurred by such changes will be the responsibility of the participant.

What is included: All park fees, all accommodations based on double occupancy, all meals inclusive of restaurant staff tips, services of guides, land transportation in safari 4x4 vehicles each holding 3 persons, airport transfers to and from hotels, airfare from Serengeti to Arusha, bottled water at all times and emergency evacuation if necessary.

What is not included: Tips for camp staff and guides, fees for passport, visas, immunizations, and insurance, hot air balloon flight fee of US $ 475, alcoholic beverages while on safari, laundry, phone and other items of a personal nature and cost of hospitalization if necessary.  

Client Comments:  "The internal flights in Tanzania could hardly have been better - punctual and with the expected level of service. The planned range of habitats visited provided opportunities for good photography of birds, mammals and nature. The guides at Ngorongoro and Serengeti were excellent. Tanzania is a very beautiful country and it was good to have had the opportunity to visit it using the local flights as this saved me a lot of driving time". M.D, Kent, New Hampshire.

Entry requirements. Most of Europe nationalities passport holders and most other nationalities require a visa for Tanzania which is obtained in advance from the nearest embassy. You will also need to have various vaccinations and take malaria prophylactic. Please consult the nearest embassy about your requirements as soon as possible before traveling.

Tour reports and how to book your place. Our groups are small, so space is limited. If this exciting trip has your name on it; if you're excited by the thought of becoming a member of this trip, then now is the time to register. Remember, there will be limited space available for this tour.

When they're spoken for, that's it. If you have any questions before registering, send us an e-mail with any inquiries to: safaris@mbangosafaris.com. Alternatively, fill our online booking form. Once we have received your request / booking we will confirm your booking and send you all the further details necessary for you to prepare for your holiday. At peak times our confirmation may take up to a day or two to reach you; normally we aim to do it within a day.