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The Wildlife
Photo Safari Map
This Ndutu and Gol Kopjes green season photo tour is designed for photographers of all levels who value patient observation, minimal vehicle traffic, and the time to let meaningful wildlife moments unfold naturally.
Scheduled for early April, this safari operates just after the peak calving period, when the Great Migration remains concentrated in Tanzania’s southern Serengeti and Ndutu region. By this time, most regular tourists have departed, creating a more relaxed atmosphere, fewer competing vehicles, and greater flexibility for photography.
The calving season is officially over, but large herds of wildebeest and zebra remain in the area, and predator activity continues at a high level. Lions, cheetahs, hyenas, and leopards remain highly active, creating excellent opportunities for behavioural photography.
Our itinerary combines the dramatic granite outcrops of the Gol Kopjes with the short-grass plains, lakes, and woodlands of Ndutu. This diversity allows photographers to work with varied backgrounds, light conditions, and habitat types.
With only four photographers travelling in two private photographic vehicles, guests enjoy generous shooting space, unobstructed views, and extended time at productive, uncrowded sightings. Off-road driving in Ndutu further enhances positioning and creative control.
There is one space for a non-photographer partner to join. They will share a row with their photographer partner and, when Stu is in the other vehicle, may also sit in the front seat beside the professional driver-guide.
Led personally by Stu Porter, owner of Wild4, this safari focuses on building a strong green-season migration portfolio in a relaxed, uncrowded environment that encourages patience, creativity, and immersion in the Ndutu and Gol Kopjes landscape.
Carefully timed green-season safari with significantly fewer tourists
Access to two unique habitats: Gol Kopjes and Ndutu
Excellent predator activity
Maximum of four photographers in two private safari vehicles
Off-road driving in Ndutu for precise photographic positioning
Personally led by Wild4 owner and photo host Stu Porter
Photography-focused daily schedule designed around light and behaviour
Wildlife photographers of all experience levels
Photographers seeking uncrowded, relaxed sightings
Guests wanting extended time with big cats
Travellers who prioritise quality over quantity
Photographers who value personalised guidance
By the end of this safari, you will have:
A strong Great Migration and predator photography portfolio
Improved confidence in changing light conditions
Better positioning and field awareness in real situations
Greater creative confidence and consistency
Each day begins before sunrise, when temperatures are cool and predators are most active. We depart camp early to position ourselves for first light and early movement across the plains.
Morning sessions focus on predator behaviour, migration activity, and soft directional light. Stu provides guidance on exposure, composition, and subject isolation as needed.
A packed breakfast is enjoyed in the field, allowing us to remain with productive sightings. Late morning is spent gradually returning to camp as light becomes harsher.
Midday provides time for rest, image downloads, equipment charging, and optional image discussions with personalised feedback.
In the afternoon, we return to the field as temperatures cool and wildlife becomes active again. Golden-hour sessions focus on backlighting, dust, silhouettes, and dramatic skies before returning to camp in the evening.
Stu Porter is the owner of Wild4 Photo Safaris and has over two decades of experience leading professional wildlife photography safaris across Africa.
With extensive experience in Tanzania’s Serengeti ecosystem, including Ndutu and the Gol Kopjes region, he brings deep knowledge of migration photography and environmental storytelling.
Stu’s approach is practical, supportive, and tailored to each guest’s experience level. He believes that strong images are created through patience, positioning, and understanding animal behaviour.
Throughout this safari, Stu provides continuous guidance on camera settings, composition, subject isolation, and field technique, helping guests build confidence and consistency in real-world conditions.
By personally leading this green-season migration safari, Stu ensures a calm, productive, and rewarding photographic experience.
SAFARI ACCOMMODATION
Woodlands Camp has been carefully chosen for its excellent location close to the Gol Kopjes, providing easy access to resident lion prides and open plains well known for cheetah sightings.
The camp offers comfortable en-suite tents with private verandas, along with a relaxed lounge and dining area. Meals are freshly prepared and served daily in a welcoming, informal setting.
Its practical layout, reliable service, and photographer-friendly atmosphere make Woodlands Camp an ideal base for focused wildlife photography.
Ndutu Safari Lodge is one of the most established and respected lodges in the Ndutu region. Set among acacia woodland near seasonal lakes and open plains, it provides central access to key wildlife areas.
Spacious stone-and-thatch cottages feature en-suite bathrooms, comfortable furnishings, and private verandas overlooking the surrounding bush. Public areas include a lounge, dining room, and outdoor viewing spaces.
The lodge is known for reliable service, generous meals, and a welcoming atmosphere, making it particularly well suited to photographic safaris.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is April a good time for migration photography in Ndutu?
Yes. In April, large migration herds remain in the southern Serengeti and Ndutu region. Vehicle numbers are lower, creating excellent photographic conditions.
2. Will we still see predators after the calving season?
Absolutely. Lions, cheetahs, hyenas, and leopards remain highly active, and successful hunts and interactions are common.
3. How much photographic support is provided?
Stu provides continuous field guidance, including camera settings, composition advice, positioning strategies, and image reviews.
4. What level of fitness is required?
This safari involves daily game drives with no strenuous walking. Guests should be comfortable spending extended time in vehicles.
5. What camera equipment is recommended?
A DSLR or mirrorless camera with telephoto lenses (70–600mm range), a wide-angle lens, spare batteries, and memory cards is recommended. Feel free to arrange a Zoom call with Stu to discuss this in more detail.
This Ndutu and Gol Kopjes uncrowded green season migration photo safari is a small-group Tanzania wildlife photography tour led by Stu Porter. Designed for photographers seeking calm, uncrowded field conditions and expert guidance, it offers creative freedom and consistently high-quality photographic opportunities.
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport and meet your safari representative. Transfer by road to your lodge in Arusha for overnight accommodation and trip briefing.
(Dinner, drinks & breakfast included)
Depart Arusha by road and travel through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, enjoying scenic views along the way. Stop for lunch at Serena Lodge overlooking the Ngorongoro Crater before continuing towards the Serengeti.
Arrive at Woodlands Camp in the afternoon, check in, and head out for an introductory game drive in the Gol Kopjes area.
(All meals & drinks included)
Spend two full days exploring the Gol Kopjes and surrounding plains. Focusing on lions, Cheetah and the migration herds, with open-landscape compositions.
(All meals, drinks & laundry included)
Travel south into the Ndutu region and settle into your base for an immersive and extended photographic exploration. Daily drives focus on predators, herds, and varied habitats, with flexible off-road positioning.
(All meals included)
(Drinks and laundry are charged separately and payable directly at the lodge by you)
Enjoy a final morning game drive in the Ndutu region before transferring to the airstrip for your scheduled flight to Arusha and onward connection to Kilimanjaro International Airport.
Overnight accommodation in Arusha can be arranged if required, depending on international flight schedules.
(Breakfast & lunch included)
We recommend beginning by reading our Booking Terms & Conditions, located under the Prices section on each safari page. This outlines how our safaris are structured, including our booking and cancellation policies.
Please contact us to confirm availability on your preferred safari by clicking the “Enquire Now” button.
You’re also welcome to request an obligation-free Zoom call to discuss your safari directly with me, Stu Porter, and ensure it’s the right fit for you.
Once availability is confirmed and you’d like to proceed, we’ll email you a personalised, secure link to access our Client Area. Here, you’ll create your account and be directed to complete your online booking form.
Please complete one booking form per participant. Once received, we’ll provisionally reserve your place, pending deposit payment.
A deposit is required to confirm your booking. The deposit amount varies depending on the safari and will be clearly advised before you commit.
Payments can be made securely by credit card (subject to a 5% handling fee) or by international bank transfer. Your place is confirmed once both your completed booking form and deposit have been received.
After your deposit is received, your outstanding balance will be displayed in your Client Area. The final payment is due 90 days before departure, with reminders sent in advance.
For bookings made within 90 days of the safari start date, full payment will be required at the time of booking.
If you have any questions at any stage, please don’t hesitate to get in touch — we’re always happy to help and look forward to welcoming you on one of our African photo safaris.
Stu Porter
