PHOTO TRIP REPORT | Tanzania and Elephants of Amboseli | March 2019
Posted by Wild4 Photo Safaris on 2nd Jan 2020
View the VIDEO TRIP REPORT for this photo safari
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 being very lucky to see the massive Bull Elephant known as "Tim". We were very fortunate to see and photograph him on a few occasions and managed to get some great photos of this magnificent and peaceful giant. We also witnessed a Lioness catching a Wildebeest late one afternoon. We had some great clear views of Mount Kilimanjaro and got some good bird photos as there was still a lot of water lying around from last years heavy rains.
After our border crossing into Tanzania, we headed for the Ngorongoro Crater for an overnight stop. Staying at the Serena Lodge allowed us early access into the Crater for a great morning photo shoot. We photographed some Eland Bulls, Spotted Hyaena, Zebra and some good male Lions. We left the crater in the late morning and headed to the Serengeti.
Just into the Serengeti from Naabi Hill, we found a Lion pride up on the Simba Kopjes, these rocky outcrops scream "Serengeti" and it is one of the main features of this enormous National Park. We spent a morning with a Lion pride that had three small cubs, explored the Maasai, Research and Gol Kopjes, and photographed a beautiful Male Lion with a fantastic Blonde mane. On our final morning drive, we photographed flamingos in the early morning mist.
Next stop was Ndutu, and this was probably the best part of the safari as we were spoiled by being able to spend time with the two Lionesses of the Marsh Pride who between them had 8 small cubs. Seeing just one Lion cub is always special, but 8 and on numerous occasions, playing in the open areas of the Marsh, this was a once in a lifetime opportunity to get some great photos, and our cameras did not stop clicking!
Other highlights were finding a Leopard in a tree, a number of Cheetahs, including three chases and two kills. The big herds of Wildebeest and Zebra with their babies were great to see and this always gets the Cats up and active.
We returned to the Crater on our way back towards Kenya and spent an afternoon and a full day in this very special place. Highlights were seeing some large male Lions chasing off a youngster and then watching the feeding frenzy of a clan of Hyaenas on a recently killed Cape Buffalo. The Lions returned to chase them off and the other scavengers, namely Jackals and Vultures were also there in big numbers. A very cooperative Bat Eared Fox was also seen and photographed.
I would like to thank our very hard working Guides, Mamai & Tim on the Amboseli Section & Arnold & Jeremia on the Tanzania section, we really appreciate all the long hours you all put in and how patient you are with us photographers. Without you, we would not get the photos we get and 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 hard-working staff at all the Camps and lodges we stayed at.
Many thanks to our clients, Ed, Rita, Linda, Jeff, Ted and Armand, it was fantastic to share this photo safari with you all, it certainly provided some very special sightings and photo opportunities
Enjoy some images from this WILD4 Tanzania & Elephants of Amboseli Photo Safari.
Kind regards
Stu
View the VIDEO TRIP REPORT for this photo safari
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can't begin to tell you how much Keith and I enjoyed being with you in Botswana. Your trip was as productive for me, the birdwatcher spouse, as it was for Keith, who is thrilled with his images. I saw more birds in Botswana than I ever imagined I'd see (152 species!), and I got such good looks at them, from the big Goliath Heron, Wattled Crane, and Saddle-billed Storks to the little Pearl-spotted Owlet, White-fronted Bee-eaters, and Malachite Kingfisher. Our Letaka guides, Shadreck and Nkosi, were knowledgeable and helpful - and just plain nice guys, and Shuur took us on four amazing boat rides on the Chobe River. Every aspect of the trip went smoothly. It's obvious how much behind-the-scenes work you and Justyna put into the planning. I would recommend you to anyone, and for the safari of a lifetime, I'd recommend the Best of Botswana with Stu Porter.
Sharon Kennedy, USA
I recently did a trip with Wild4 which far outweighed any expectations that I had! Wow what a trip. There was a great variety of animals, Stu has extensive knowledge of the animals and their habitat and was always mindful of us getting the best shots possible. My friend and I had our own bench seats in all the vehicles, which was great as we both had 2 DSLRs with numerous lenses, each vehicle is equipped with beanbags to steady your camera / lens, pockets and enough room to take a camera bag. We had fantastic opportunities to watch the cats for a good period of time and learn a little bit about their life, rather than taking a photo and moving on. I loved that we could sit and watch the lions at Mala Mala play in the Sand River, it was a fantastic opportunity.
Stu provided us with some great tuition, I certainly learnt a lot of new photo techniques which I look forward to using back home. I hired a Canon 500mm lens from Stu which was great, I think I used that about 85% of the time and used a 70-200mm for the rest. We had many opportunities for night photography, silhouettes, time lapse, low light etc
At the end of our trip we did the reptile extension at Khamai Reptile Centre. We went behind the scenes at the centre and had one of Africa's leading reptile specialist spend the day talking about the reptiles, spiders, scorpions we were about to take pictures of. Donald and his team certainly made for a very safe photo shoot, they were extremely patient positioning some of the reptiles for better light or different background. I learnt a lot from Donald, living in Australia we do have some venomous snakes, the day certainly gave me a renewed appreciation for the reptiles.
I would highly recommend the Wild4 team for your next photographic safari you will not be disappointed.
Linda Cappello, AUSTRALIA
Outstanding Stu!
Leon Marais - July 08th, 2019 at 7:03am
Wow, the lion cubs are just fantastic!!!!
Becky - July 10th, 2019 at 9:54pm
Stu, always love to see your awesome images. Best of luck to you and your family in your new, home in Australia. Was surprised to learn that you were leaving SA…always imagined that would be your forever home. How are Mom & Dad? Cheers, Doris & Lee
Doris Shepherd Wiese - July 10th, 2019 at 11:03pm
Fantastic as usual
Ulhas Mayekar - July 11th, 2019 at 1:43am
Always love your images and hope all goes well with the big move :-)
Jane Horton - July 13th, 2019 at 9:36pm
Looks like another fantastic trip Stu and lots of action! The lion cubs are amazing too.
All the best for your move to Tasmania and hope you all settle well
Hoping to join you again sometime for yet another fantastic trip
Best wishes
Lesley and Steve
Lesley Middleton - July 15th, 2019 at 1:02pm
Wow - another fantastic trip report! Hope the move to Tasmania works out well.
Robert L. Sanson - August 08th, 2019 at 9:50am