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
7 Comments
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I found Wild4 through an article in Popular Photography magazine about how to choose a photo safari. They were one of five recommended in the article. After checking them all out, I saw that Stu and Wild4 offered the kind of experience that I wanted: 1) Small groups of dedicated photographers 2) Variety in wildlife viewing 3) Tuition on photography and wildlife behavior 4) Good communication and organisation. I can say that Wild4 met and exceeded all expectations on all points (and then some).
1) We used one vehicle for three photographers. Stu is a trained photographer himself, so his goal was always to get us into the best position with the best light. Having only three on the tour meant plenty of room for equipment and the ability to shoot from either side of the vehicle when surrounded by a herd of elephants! It also gave us the flexibility to be patient and wait for the shot.
2) The three places we visited each provided a unique experience and wonderful variety in scenery and wildlife viewing.
3) Stu's tuition was excellent. It was there if we needed it but never pushed. Tips, reminders, anecdotes on wildlife behavior. All given with patience and good humor.
4) From the first email, the communication was timely & clear. Justyna was a joy to work with and handled the back-office part of the tour seamlessly. It can't be as easy as she makes it seem.
Wild4 didn't provide the wildlife or the spectacular sunsets that we experienced, but they put us in position to enjoy and capture a little piece of it in our cameras and in our memories. Our Safari was amazing and I would not have changed a thing...well, maybe I would have eaten a little less.
If you're looking for a Photo Safari, there is nothing to consider. Just go ahead and contact Wild4 Photographic Safaris. You will not be sorry.
Doug Croft, USA
Hi Justyna and Stu, having just returned from a Wild4 Photographic Safari in Kruger Park for 10 days, I would just have to say it was perfect for me and my brother-in-law. Kosie our guide was great. We were unable to stump him on any animal, bird or plant. His ability to spot wildlife and birds and his instincts and knowledge seem hard to surpass. The sightings were far beyond any expectations. John and Ann were a bonus, preparing meals and driving in a separate vehicle and communicating with Kosie via CB when they spotted something interesting. They were like family. Kosie would position us for great photographs and make any requested adjustments, and had great instincts about animal behavior and what they would do next. Can’t say enough good thing about Wild4. Well organized. Thanks for a great experience!
Michael Showalter, 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