PHOTO TRIP REPORT | Tanzania and Elephants of Amboseli | March 2019
Posted by Wild4 Photo Safaris on 2nd Jan 2020
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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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We recently travelled to South Africa for a safari led by Wild 4 African Photographic Safaris. To put things simply, we were completely blown away. I had been on safari before, and had expectations that I thought were reasonable, but Wild 4 completely exceeded those expectations in so many ways.
First of all, Justyna handled all of our travel and trip details with exceptional professionalism and always responded to even our most basic questions quickly and in a very detailed manner. Once we had arrived in South Africa, we were met by our guide Stu Porter, who I cannot say enough good things about. He is so organised and cordial. Stu was spotting things that we couldn’t believe that he was spotting, which almost always led to an amazing wildlife experience that we never saw coming. His knowledge and understanding of the wildlife and ecosystem was outstanding, and he went to great lengths to insure that we had the best chance of capturing a great photo, without compromising the rules of the park or the integrity of the animals and ecology within it. His understanding and respect for the wildlife and surroundings made the trip so much more than just a “drive around and look at whatever we see” kind of experience.
I know that you can never predict what kind of experience you will have when you go out into the wild, and often it’s up to nature to decide what events you will be a part of, but in all honesty, I can’t imagine a better guide than Stu Porter. We will be doing our future trips to Africa with Wild 4, and cannot recommend them highly enough. Thank you so much for what a lot of people call “the trip of a lifetime”, although we feel that this is only the beginning of many trips of a lifetime. Thank you, Wild 4!!
James Smith, USA
It has always been a dream of mine to travel to Africa and take a photo safari. Although I am not a professional photographer, it has been a hobby of mine and I had been wanting to make the trip for many years. Last year, I went on a safari through a different agency, and was disappointed. It was too generic and commercialized. It left me unsatisfied and wanting more.
After a year, I still had an urge to go back to Africa and get the experience that I felt I had missed out on. After doing some research I came upon Wild 4 African Photographic Safaris. I was excited that this time I would really get the experience I was hoping for, and it did not fail.
Upon arrival at the park, I met Stu. He was extremely helpful, even months before the trip. Justyna helped me prepare and made sure I was well equipped for the safari. Before arriving, I could already tell that this would be an adventure of a lifetime. During the safari, Stu’s knowledge continued to surprise me. Not only does he know about photography, but his familiarity of the animals and their environment is unbelievable. He could spot a rhino from miles away that we would only see once he drove 5 minutes towards it. He understands the environment and how to get great shots. He never let us miss an opportunity. Stu was patient and didn’t rush us. His tips were useful and will help with all of my future photography endeavours. The Wild 4 Safari at went above and beyond all of my expectations. It really was a dream come true.
Ulhas Mayekar, USA
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