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

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