Secrets of Ndutu Photo Safari - June 2024
June 25th - July 14th, 2024
The Wildlife
Photo Safari Map
On this 20-day photo safari, you will spend the majority of your time in the amazing Ndutu area of Tanzania and the final three nights of the tour at Amboseli in Kenya. You will also have two morning drives in the Ngorongoro Crater.
We have deliberately timed this trip to coincide with the low season with very few other visitors.
This trip is aimed at photographers who have traveled to Africa before and who are willing to wait patiently for behaviour to happen. Staying at Ndutu for an extended period allows you to become more connected to a specific area and the resident animals that live there.
We can confidently say that Ndutu is the best place in Africa to enjoy this kind of specialized photo safari.
If you have never been to Africa before, you might want to join us on one of our less specialized trips that take in more destinations and offer a greater variety of species and landscapes.
The safari begins in Nairobi with a 1-night stopover.
You depart early the following morning and drive through the Namanga Border into Tanzania. You will meet your guides and vehicles that will drive you to the Ngorongoro Crater for an overnight stop.
You will spend a morning in the Crater before continuing your journey to Ndutu. You arrive in time to check in and enjoy a delicious lunch.
This is the best place in Africa to photograph wild cheetahs who like to roam on the short grass plains. Ndutu has several resident lion prides, and elusive leopards lurk in the woodland areas adjacent to the marsh. Caracal and serval cats are also often seen. In addition, the rare Striped Hyena, endangered Pangolin, African Porcupine, Cape Honey Badger and Bat-eared Fox are all residents here.
Ndutu only reveals its many secrets to those who are patient and persistent.
After twelve enjoyable and productive days, you will drive back to the Ngorongoro Crater for an over night stop.
You will head down into the Crater for your second visit of this ancient caldera and will depart in the late morning to begin the drive back to Arusha where you will spend the night.
The following morning you will drive to the Namanga Border and cross back into Kenya. You will meet your Kenyan guides and vehicles and drive to Amboseli, arriving in time for lunch and an afternoon game drive in one of Kenya's most iconic National Parks.
You will spend three nights in Amboseli before driving back to Nairobi, where you will have the use of a dayroom
Later that evening, the complimentary hotel shuttle will drop you at your departure terminal for your international flight home.
** Please note that Stu Porter will be departing the trip at the end of the Ndutu section **
NGORONGORO CRATER - TANZANIA
The Ngorongoro Crater is believed to have formed about 2.5 million years ago from a large active volcano whose cone collapsed inward after a major eruption. It is 264 square kilometres (102 square miles) in size. The rim rises 610 metres (2000 feet) above the caldera's floor to a total elevation of 2,286 metres (7,500 feet) above sea level.
The crater was incorporated into the Ngorongoro Conservation area in 1959 and included within a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979.
The crater's floor is dominated by open grassland and is home to an astounding number and array of animals. It has the densest population of lions in the world. The shallow soda Lake Magadi is home to thousands of pink flamingos.
It is one of the most spectacular destinations in Africa, with ever-changing weather patterns and fantastic cloud formations that pour over the rim like massive waves.
NDUTU - TANZANIA
Ndutu lies within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA). It shares an unfenced border with the Southern Serengeti and is blessed with nutrient-rich grasses. These short grasses and open topography attracts the mega migration herds to this area in February and March. Ndutu is the perfect place for them to give birth to the next generation.
By June, most of the migratory herds have moved on, but there are still remnants and many resident animals. June is one of the best times to visit as a photographer as there are very few other vehicles, and you often have sightings all to yourself.
The area includes vast short grass plains, marshes surrounded by woodland and two soda lakes, Lake Ndutu and Lake Masek.
Off-road driving is allowed in Ndutu, which is a massive benefit to photographers. It makes it easier to position the vehicle, which in turn allows more flexibility for photographers wanting specific backgrounds, light and distance from the subject.
Ndutu is, without a doubt, one of the best places in Africa to photograph lions and cheetahs and is a rewarding place for any serious wildlife photographer.
AMBOSELI NATIONAL PARK - KENYA
Gazetted as a national park in 1974, the core of Amboseli is 392 square kilometres (151 square miles) in size. However, it is part of a larger 8,000 square kilometre (3,100 square mile) ecosystem that spreads across the Kenya-Tanzania border.
The park protects two of five primary swamps, which are a haven for mammals and birds. It also includes a dried-up Pleistocene lake known as Lake Amboseli. It is the second most popular wildlife park in Kenya after the Masai Mara.
The park is famous for being the best place in the world to get close to wild, free-ranging elephants. It also boasts views of Africa's tallest mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro, at 5,895 m (19,341 ft). This is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular backdrops of any park in Africa.
The iconic image of a herd of Elephants with the snow-capped mountain in the background is high on our list.
DETAILS
This small group photo safari allows for a tremendous amount of flexibility in the field. You will take packed breakfasts to maximize your photographic time during the cooler morning hours when the wildlife is more active.
This "Secrets of Ndutu" photo safari will have a maximum of 4 participants in 2 private vehicles (2 participants per vehicle). You will have plenty of space for equipment and guaranteed access to both sides of the safari vehicle.
Stu Porter will lead this photo tour, up until the end of the Ndutu section.
Photographic tuition and guidance will be offered, making it ideal for beginners. The informal and flexible nature of the tuition also makes it perfect for intermediate and advanced photographers who can choose to engage in as much or as little as they feel comfortable with.
We only use professional and experienced guides who know how to use their local contacts and knowledge of the area to locate the wildlife.
The guides are fully aware of the needs of photographers and will do their utmost to position the safari vehicle for the best photographic results.
You will have an excellent chance to see and photograph the following animals on this incredible photo safari to the Ngorongoro Crater, Ndutu and Amboseli:
Lion, Leopard, Cheetah, Serval, Caracal, Elephant, Spotted & Striped Hyena, Jackal, Giraffe, Zebra, Wildebeest, Thompson's Gazelle, Grant's Gazelle, Coke's Hartebeest Impala, and an excellent variety of birdlife.
DAY 1
Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), overnight in Nairobi - Kenya
Your safari begins with a meet & greet at the airport. A road transfer will take you to a local hotel.
You will stay for 1 night in Nairobi at FOUR POINTS BY SHERATON AIRPORT HOTEL
(Bed & Breakfast only)
DAY 2
Early breakfast. Depart at 07:00. Road transfer through Namanga Border into Tanzania. Meet our Tanzania vehicles & guides and head for the Ngorongoro Crater
Meet for early breakfast at 06:30. Meet our driver at 07:00 and begin the road transfer to Namanga border post. Here we will meet our Tanzanian guides & vehicles who will take us all the way to the Ngorongoro Crater arriving in the late afternoon. Enjoy the magnificent views over the Crater.
You will stay for 1 night on the rim of the Crater at NGORONGORO SERENA SAFARI LODGE in en-suite rooms.
(All meals included)
DAY 3
Morning drive in the Crater, then depart fro Ndutu
We will head down into the Crater for an early morning drive when the action is at its best. We return to the lodge for lunch before proceeding on to Ndutu.
You will stay for 12 nights at NDUTU SAFARI LODGE in en-suite rooms.
(All meals included)
DAY 4
Morning & Afternoon photo game drives in the Ndutu area
We recommend you depart just before sunrise with a packed breakfast. Return for lunch at around 12:00 then depart for your afternoon drive around 16:00
(All meals included)
DAY 5
Morning & Afternoon photo game drives in the Ndutu area
We recommend you depart just before sunrise with a packed breakfast. Return for lunch at around 12:00 then depart for your afternoon drive around 16:00
(All meals included)
DAY 6
Morning & Afternoon photo game drives in the Ndutu area
We recommend you depart just before sunrise with a packed breakfast. Return for lunch at around 12:00 then depart for your afternoon drive around 16:00
(All meals included)
DAY 7
Morning & Afternoon photo game drives in the Ndutu area
We recommend you depart just before sunrise with a packed breakfast. Return for lunch at around 12:00 then depart for your afternoon drive around 16:00
(All meals included)
DAY 8
Morning & Afternoon photo game drives in the Ndutu area
We recommend you depart just before sunrise with a packed breakfast. Return for lunch at around 12:00 then depart for your afternoon drive around 16:00
(All meals included)
DAY 9
Morning & Afternoon photo game drives in the Ndutu area
We recommend you depart just before sunrise with a packed breakfast. Return for lunch at around 12:00 then depart for your afternoon drive around 16:00
(All meals included)
DAY 10
Morning & Afternoon photo game drives in the Ndutu area
We recommend you depart just before sunrise with a packed breakfast. Return for lunch at around 12:00 then depart for your afternoon drive around 16:00
(All meals included)
DAY 11
Morning & Afternoon photo game drives in the Ndutu area
We recommend you depart just before sunrise with a packed breakfast. Return for lunch at around 12:00 then depart for your afternoon drive around 16:00
(All meals included)
DAY 12
Morning & Afternoon photo game drives in the Ndutu area
We recommend you depart just before sunrise with a packed breakfast. Return for lunch at around 12:00 then depart for your afternoon drive around 16:00
(All meals included)
DAY 13
Morning & Afternoon photo game drives in the Ndutu area
We recommend you depart just before sunrise with a packed breakfast. Return for lunch at around 12:00 then depart for your afternoon drive around 16:00
(All meals included)
DAY 14
Morning & Afternoon photo game drives in the Ndutu area
We recommend you depart just before sunrise with a packed breakfast. Return for lunch at around 12:00 then depart for your afternoon drive around 16:00
(All meals included)
DAY 15
Final morning in Ndutu. Drive back to Ngorongoro Serena lodge. Afternoon to rest
Enjoy your final morning of photography in Ndutu. Drive to the Ngorongoro Crater and enjoy lunch at the Ngorongoro Serena lodge.
You will stay for 1 night at the NGORONGORO SERENA LODGE in an en-suite room.
(All meals included)
DAY 16
Early morning drive in the Crater. Drive back to Arusha for an overnight stop
Depart early for a final morning game drive i =n the crater when animal activity is at its best. Return to the lodge to collect luggage and then drive to Arusha, stopping for lunch along the way.
You will stay for 1 night in Arusha at KAHAWA HOUSE in an en-suite room.
(All meals included)
DAY 17
After breakfast, depart for the Namanga Border. Then continue to Amboseli in Kenya
Today you will enjoy a good breakfast at the lodge before driving to the Namanga Border Post. You will cross back into Kenya and meet up with our Kenyan guides and vehicles.
You will drive to Amboseli arriving in time for a late lunch and an afternoon game drive in the park.
You will stay for 3 nights at AMBOSELI SERENA LODGE.
(All meals included)
DAY 18
Morning & Afternoon photo game drives in Amboseli National Park
We recommend you depart just before sunrise with a packed breakfast. Return for lunch at around 12:00 then depart for your afternoon drive around 16:00
(All meals included)
DAY 19
Morning & Afternoon photo game drives in Amboseli National Park
We recommend you depart just before sunrise with a packed breakfast. Return for lunch at around 12:00 then depart for your afternoon drive around 16:00
(All meals included)
DAY 20
Final morning game drive in Amboseli. Drive back to Nairobi arriving in the mid-afternoon. Depart in the evening
Final short morning photo game drive in Amboseli before heading back to Nairobi by road. Arrive in the mid-afternoon and enjoy a day room at the FOUR POINTS SHERATON to freshen up.
The complimentary shuttle bus will take you a short 5 min journey to the airport to catch your international flight home.
(Room only, no meals or drinks included)
Five night optional extension to the NGORONGORO CRATER in Tanzania and AMBOSELI NATIONAL PARK in Kenya
OVERVIEW
We are thrilled to present an exciting opportunity to extend your stay and visit two iconic African destinations: the Ngorongoro Crater and Amboseli National Park. This extension will take place after your scheduled safari, allowing you to further immerse yourself in the beauty of Africa.
Following your final morning photo game drive in Ndutu, you will drive to the Ngorongoro Crater, where you will spend two nights at the Ngorongoro Crater Serena Lodge. Upon arrival, you will have the afternoon to relax and soak in the breathtaking view of the Crater, located just below the lodge.
After a refreshing rest, you will venture into the Crater for a full day of photography. Equipped with breakfast and lunch boxes, you will capture the stunning scenery and witness the unique color palette of the Crater during the dry season. The Crater is renowned for its abundant predators, including lions and spotted hyenas. Additionally, you may encounter majestic bull elephants roaming the crater floor, as well as the endangered black rhino.
At the end of the day, you will return to the lodge, where you will enjoy your second night overlooking the famous Crater. The following morning, armed with breakfast, you will embark on your final game drive in the Ngorongoro Crater. Mornings in the Crater are particularly productive, offering an ideal opportunity to make the most of your wildlife encounters before embarking on a leisurely journey back to Arusha. You will arrive in the late afternoon, marking your final night in Tanzania.
After a restful night's sleep, your adventure continues as you head towards the Namanga Border post to reenter Kenya. At the border, you bid farewell to your Tanzanian guide and meet our knowledgeable Kenyan guide, who will accompany you to the Amboseli Serena Lodge for a late lunch. The first afternoon in Amboseli National Park awaits, where you will embark on a game drive in one of Kenya's most famous wildlife reserves.
Over the course of two full days, you will have the opportunity to explore Amboseli National Park and marvel at its abundant wildlife. Keep an eye out for the impressive herds of elephants and an array of other captivating animals. The picturesque backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro serves as a constant reminder that you are in one of the most remarkable and renowned locations in all of Africa.
After a final morning game drive, you will journey back to Nairobi. A day room will be available for you to freshen up before heading to the airport for your international flight home.
PRICE:
$ Please enquire
NGORONGORO CRATER - TANZANIA
The formation of the Ngorongoro Crater dates back approximately 2.5 million years ago when a massive volcanic cone experienced a significant eruption, leading to its collapse and the creation of the crater. Covering an impressive area of 264 square kilometers (102 square miles), the rim of the crater rises 610 meters (2,000 feet) above the floor, reaching a total elevation of 2,286 meters (7,500 feet) above sea level.
Recognized for its geological and ecological significance, the Ngorongoro Crater was designated as part of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area in 1959. Its remarkable features earned it a well-deserved spot on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1979.
The crater's floor, characterized by expansive grasslands, hosts an astonishing diversity and abundance of wildlife. Notably, it boasts the highest concentration of lions anywhere in the world. Additionally, the shallow soda Lake Magadi serves as a habitat for thousands of pink flamingos, adding to the vibrant and captivating ecosystem.
Beyond its thriving biodiversity, the Ngorongoro Crater captivates visitors with its ever-changing weather patterns and awe-inspiring cloud formations. These atmospheric phenomena cascade over the rim like colossal waves, creating a visually stunning spectacle that enhances the already breathtaking scenery. As one of Africa's most remarkable destinations, the Ngorongoro Crater offers a captivating and dynamic experience for all who venture within its bounds.
AMBOSELI - KENYA
Established as a national park in 1974, Amboseli encompasses a core area of 392 square kilometers (151 square miles). However, it is part of a much larger ecosystem spanning approximately 8,000 square kilometers (3,100 square miles) that stretches across the Kenya-Tanzania border.
This national park safeguards two out of the five primary swamps in the region, creating a sanctuary for an abundance of mammals and birds. It also encompasses the remnants of a dried-up Pleistocene lake, aptly named Lake Amboseli. Renowned as the second most popular wildlife park in Kenya, Amboseli captivates visitors with its natural wonders.
One of the park's prominent attractions is its reputation as the ultimate destination for an up-close encounter with wild and free-ranging elephants. Witnessing these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat is an unforgettable experience. Furthermore, Amboseli offers unparalleled views of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's tallest mountain, soaring to a majestic height of 5,895 meters (19,341 feet). The sight of elephants roaming against the backdrop of the snow-capped mountain is an iconic image that ranks high on the list of unforgettable wildlife encounters.
Amboseli's unique blend of diverse wildlife, picturesque landscapes, and the awe-inspiring presence of Mount Kilimanjaro creates an unparalleled backdrop that makes it one of Africa's most captivating parks.
Itinerary
Day 1
Day 1
Final morning drive in Ndutu area. Arrive at Ngorongoro Crater for a late lunch. Afternoon at leisure
After breakfast, you will say farewell to the rest of the group who will continue to Arusha. You will stop arrive at the Ngorongoro Crater for a late lunch and settle into your new accommodation. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon and the magnificent views of the Crater from the lodge.
You will stay for 2 nights on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater at SERENA LODGE.
(All meals included)
Day 2
Day 2
Full day of photography in the Ngorongoro Crater
Depart early from the lodge to be at the entrance gate to the Crater as it opens. You will have a packed breakfast and lunch inside the Crater with rest stops at the designated picnic sites. Return to Serena lodge at the end of the day.
Day 3
Day 3
Final morning drive in the Crater then drive to Arusha for overnight stop
After a final early morning game drive in the crater, you will head towards Arusha, arriving in the late afternoon.
You will stay for 1 night at the famous ARUSHA COFFEE LODGE.
(All meals included)
Day 4
Day 4
After breakfast, depart for the Namanga Border. Then continue to Amboseli
Today you will enjoy a good breakfast at the lodge before driving to the Namanga Border Post. You will cross back into Kenya and meet up with our Kenyan guide and vehicle.
You will drive to Amboseli arriving in time for a late lunch and an afternoon game drive in the park.
You will stay for 3 nights at AMBOSELI SERENA LODGE.
(All meals included)
Day 5
Day 5
Morning & Afternoon photo game drives in Amboseli National Park
Enjoy relaxed and flexible photography.
Day 6
Day 6
Morning & Afternoon photo game drives in Amboseli National Park
Enjoy relaxed and flexible photography.
Day 7
Day 7
Final morning game drive in Amboseli. Drive back to Nairobi arriving in the mid-afternoon. Depart in the evening
Final short morning photo game drive in Amboseli before heading back to Nairobi by road. Arrive in the mid-afternoon and enjoy a day room to freshen up.
The complimentary shuttle bus will take you the short 5 min journey to the airport to catch your international flight home.
(Room only, no meals or drinks included)
Included
Road Transfers
2 nights Ngorongoro Crater (Tanzania)
1 night Arusha
3 nights Amboseli National Park (Kenya)
Not Included
Visa fees
Laundry not indicated
Meals & drinks not indicated
Tips for lodge staff & your local guide
STEP 1 - PLEASE READ OUR BOOKING TERMS & CONDITIONS
We first recommend that you read and become familiar with our booking terms & conditions, which can be found on this page, under the PRICES box.
STEP 2 - GET IN TOUCH
Get in touch with us to confirm that there are still spaces available on the photo safari that you are interested in. Click on the “ENQUIRE NOW” button above.
STEP 3 - AWAIT A REPLY FROM US & THEN CREATE YOUR CLIENT ACCOUNT
Once we confirm with you that there is space available, and you would like to join the safari, we will send you a direct link via email. Follow this unique link to sign up to our CLIENT AREA. After you have registered with your name, email address and a password of your choice, you will then be asked to complete our online booking form.
STEP 4 - COMPLETE A BOOKING FORM
As soon as we receive your completed booking form/s (1 per participant) then you will be required to send us the deposit to secure your place on the safari.
STEP 5 - SEND YOUR DEPOSIT
Deposits can be paid via credit card, PayPal or international bank transfer. We will notify you as soon as your deposit arrives. Places on the safari will only be confirmed once we have received both a completed booking form and deposit payment.
STEP 6 - FINAL BALANCE PAYMENT
As soon as your booking form and deposit are with us, we will update your CLIENT AREA to display the outstanding balance amount. This amount will be due 90 days before the start date of the safari.
- Tour Leader
-
Stu Porter
