Amboseli, Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti & Ndutu - March 2019

The 2019 WILD4 Photo Safari to Amboseli in Kenya and the Serengeti, Ndutu and the Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania was TOTALLY different from the wet trip we experienced in 2018.  This time around, we did not experience any rain at all!!

Our main highlight in Amboseli this year was seeing the massive Bull Elephant known as “Tim”.  We were very fortunate to get some great photos of this magnificent and peaceful giant.  We also witnessed a lioness catching a wildebeest late one afternoon.  There were clear views of Mount Kilimanjaro and some good bird photos thanks to the water lying around from last year’s heavy rains.

Back in Tanzania, we headed for Ngorongoro Crater for an overnight stop.  Serena Lodge allowed us early access to the Crater and quality time with Eland, Spotted Hyaena, Zebra and good male Lions.  We left the crater in the late morning and headed to the Serengeti. 

Almost immediately, we found a lion pride on the Simba Kopjes.  These famous features of this enormous National Park scream, “Serengeti!”   We spent a morning with a lion pride and three small cubs, explored the Maasai, Research and Gol Kopjes and photographed a striking male lion with a huge blonde mane.  Our final morning drive brought flamingos in the early morning mist.

The next stop was Ndutu, probably the best part of the Safari, as we spent time with two lionesses of the Marsh Pride which between them, had 8 small cubs.  One lion cub is always special, but 8 playing in the open areas of the Marsh, was a once in a lifetime opportunity and our cameras did not stop!
Other highlights included a leopard in a tree and numerous cheetahs, including three chases and two kills.  Wildebeest and Zebra with their babies were great to see and always arouse Cat interest.

We revisited the Crater on our return, spending an afternoon and a full day in this very special place.  We watched large male lions chasing off a youngster and a frenzied clan of hyaenas feeding at a buffalo kill.  Jackals and vultures were also there in big numbers, but the lions returned to claim their prize.   A very cooperative Bat Eared Fox was also photographed.

To our hard-working guides, Mamai & Tim on the Amboseli Section and Arnold & Jeremia in Tanzania, we really appreciated your long hours and patience.  Without you, we wouldn’t have the photos we got.  Your work ethic is exceptional.  It is always a pleasure to work with all of you.  A huge thank you must also go to the staff at all the Camps and Lodges we stayed at.

Many thanks to our clients.  It was fantastic to share this photo safari with Ed, Rita, Linda, Jeff, Ted and Armand.  It certainly provided some very special sightings and photo opportunities.
Enjoy some images from this WILD4 Amboseli, Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti & Ndutu Photo Safari.

Kind regards,

Stu