TANZANIA and ELEPHANTS of AMBOSELI photo safari - March 2018
Posted by Wild4 Photo Safaris on 10th Apr 2018
The 2018 WILD4 photo safari to Amboseli in Kenya and the Serengeti, Ndutu and the Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania produced some very different photo opportunities thanks to the unusual amount of rain that fell during the safari.
Amboseli National Park in Kenya was our first stop and mother nature decided to open up the heavens on us !. An incredible amount of rain fell during our stay and the usually dry dust bowl that Amboseli is renowned for, turned into one massive lake. On numerous occasions, the road we were driving on ended abruptly at the edge of a massive expanse of water, forcing us to turn back the way we had come.
As we have witnessed before, whenever there is an unusual occurrence in nature, it always provides the photographer with some special shooting conditions which if taken advantage of, can produce some very different looking photographs. Amboseli certainly provided that for us on this trip. We also had a wonderful view of mount Kilimanjaro with an unusual amount of snow, reflected in the massive pools of rain water.
After our border crossing into Tanzania, we headed for the Ngorongoro Crater for an overnight stop. This proved to be a good change to our usual logistics, as it allowed us to have a great morning photo shoot down in the crater when the animals are usually more active. We got to spend some time with a magnificent male Lion with the biggest mane I have ever seen !. We left the crater in the late morning and headed to the Seronera area of the Serengeti.
Following on from last years trip, we found a big pride of Lions, numbering around 20 members out near the Research Kopjes. The group included 3 big males and from this point on the male Lion sightings on this trip just got better and better. We finally ended up seeing 21 different male Lions.
Some other highlights were finding 3 different Leopards, Lions on an Elephant carcass, Elephants, Zebra and Wildebeest in big numbers, a Cheetah and some fantastic Giraffe at the stunningly beautiful Moru Kopjes.
Next stop was Ndutu, always a favourite for everyone as off road driving is permitted and this allows one to get closer to the wildlife. The rain also decided to follow us to Ndutu as it did in 2017. We got to see a number of different Cheetah, including a mother with two large cubs who hunted in the pouring rain, taking advantage of the wet conditions to sneak up on prey that was trying to take shelter. There was a mating pair of Lions out in the plains and on one occasion the male charged at another male who was lying nearby. We made a trip out to "Hidden Valley" and spent some time with a beautiful young female Cheetah. Ndutu provided us with multiple sightings of the new 4 member strong Lion coalition, one of which has the most magnificent multi coloured mane. Our final afternoon in Ndutu provided a massive rain storm that caused the rivers to swell and flood towards Lake Ndutu. We stayed with the males after the rain had stopped and got some wonderful photos of two of them as they walked alongside the new "Ndutu River"
Other highlights were finding two Lionesses with tiny cubs, who were very well hidden in thickets, a lonely bull Elephant with one massive long tusk, and many Wildebeest with their new borns.
Our final destination was the Ngorongoro Crater. Highlights here were a fantastic sighting of a Black Rhino crossing Lake Magadi, and a multitude of wonderful photographic opportunities of different species in the rain. A clan of around 50 Spotted Hyaenas brought down and devoured an adult Wildebeest. At the end of the day we reached our lodge and experienced one of the most beautiful sunsets over the Crater that I have ever seen.
A huge thanks goes out to our very hard working Guides, Julius & Arnold, we really appreciate all the long hours you put in and how patient you are with us photographers. Your interpretation of behaviour and where to park for great photos are exceptional, it is always a pleasure to work with you both.
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, Linda, Bernice and Cliff, it was fantastic to share such a different photo safari with you all, looking forward to the next one already !!
Enjoy some images from the photo tour.
Kind regards
Stu
3 Comments
Leave a Comment
Any aspiring photographer who has not yet been on a wildlife safari should join a WILD4 with Stu and Justyna Porter. You will be guided by a graduate professional photographer who is also a highly-qualified South African field guide.
Stu's knowledge of photography and his understanding of African wildlife are exceptional. He is also blessed with an amazing spotter's eyesight. I often thought to myself, how on earth did he see that!
As each day begins all these talents are passed on with sincerity and quiet enthusiasm to each photographer's needs. Nothing is ever too much trouble and his positioning of the vehicle for the best light and animal profile is always his first consideration. On our tour there were times for laughter and many times when action and adrenalin ran high.
Any successful safari is only as good as its backup team. This family company is most ably supported by Stu's wife Justyna who is the drive behind the scenes and efficiently arranges the accommodation and all the logistics. Stu's mother, Ann Porter provides excellent food for the day in the park and around the campfire at night. Both are qualified field guides and their spotting abilities add greatly to each day's safari.
This particular trip was most rewarding in both personal and photographic terms and one of the best we have ever enjoyed. Sincere thanks to you all.
Slim & Barbara Callaghan, UK
We just came back from our photo safari with Wild4 African Photographic Safaris. From our first email exchange with Justyna, to being dropped off at Hoedspruit airport, everything was handled professionally and was so well organized. Our guide for our tailor made safari was Jaco who picked us up at Nelspruit Airport. What we did not expect was we were also greeted by Stu and Justyna, together with their 2 beautiful daughters, Molly & Jenny. Stu and Justyna came just to make a point to meet us and ensured that we were in good hands.
Over the next 10 days, we were enriched so much by Jaco's knowledge and experience towards wildlife. I will always remember, but could never understand, how 4 lions made a kill, a cape buffalo, but were chased away by 4 hyenas. But that was exactly what we were told by our guide even before the story was unfolding in front of our eyes. This can only interpret as excellent knowledge of animal behaviour.
The sightings were superb and the accommodations were great.
We have no hesitation in recommending Wild4. They are genuine, personable and will try their absolute best to make sure that your trip is going to be a memorable one.
Thanks again, Wild4, for an amazing trip.
Frank & Annette, CANADA
Always a treat to read and view your trip reports. I really like the black & white treatment. The “high key” treatment on the giraffes was great. You provide so many wonderful ideas for creating interesting images. Thanks Stu.
Bruce Hollingsworth - April 11th, 2018 at 6:49pm
Hi Stu, great photos and great memories from a truly remarkable trip. Now what’s on for 2019?
Thank you.
Bernice - April 11th, 2018 at 10:43pm
Hi Stu, great shots.
It was a good trip and wonderful travel companions Bernice and Linda. Apologies I couldn’t do the reunion trip in October.
I have just returned from my 6 weeks adventure in Mexico for Whale Migration and USA for Astrophotography and Storm Chasing.
Now I need to process my images from this trip in March 2018.
Hope to back to the Wildlife Photography soon in 2019 with Wild4.
Cheers
Cliff
Clifford Yap - May 18th, 2018 at 3:26pm