Overview
We have been running trips across the African continent for many years now and we believe one of the best ways to get the very best out of a safari from a photographic perspective is to concentrate on a particular location or species, getting to know a productive area and work it. That’s what this trip to Tanzania is designed to do. We will be based in a semi-permanent camp for our exclusive use in the northern part of the Serengeti called the Lobo region which is famous for the beautiful rock formations called kopjes. The Lobo Valley is famous for its lion prides that use these rocky outcrops to get a good advantage of their surroundings and these spectacular rocks act as the perfect setting for these majestic big cats. It is also one of the few places in East Africa where there is a realistic chance of seeing all three species of big cats (lion, leopard, and cheetah) on a single game drive. The resident lion pride, called the ‘Lobo Pride’, is the 2nd largest pride in the Serengeti and this extended family of lions is commonly seen catnapping on the smooth granite kopjes during the heat of the day, sprawled out in proper lion style. These lions thrive on the abundance of resident prey animals that reside in this area throughout the year including buffalo and gazelle. The timing of the trip should also see the return of the migration as it makes it’s way south once again and so big herds of wildebeest and zebra offer both opportunities for us photographically as well as the cats. We may choose to have a full day out to try and see some crossings further north if things allow in terms of activity too.
Throughout the trip every photographer will have a full row of seats in the specially designed safari trucks with photographers in mind as this allows for ample kit space and flexibility for photography either out of the low side windows or the open roof. Our guides know the area well and we will be maximising our time to spend with the local lion prides and the leopards and cheetahs of the area. We could of course encounter many species along the way and will work with them if the conditions are right. The area is a little off the main drag here and so it won’t feel like you are constantly sharing a sighting with countless other vehicles. Tanzania is a wonderful country to visit, and this remote region which is rarely visited promises to deliver some unique opportunities.
Itinerary Open +Close -
Day 1: We will depart the UK on flights to be advised but based on current schedules are likely to be an early afternoon departure time and will involve a connection on route.
Day 2: We look to arrive at Kilimanjaro airport this morning and on arrival we will have approximately a one-hour transfer to Arusha where we will spend the afternoon relaxing and catching up from our overnight travels and spend our first night at a small hotel and acclimatise accordingly.
Day 3: After an early breakfast we will transfer to the domestic airport to catch our bush flight out to the Lobo Valley. On arrival we will be met by our guides/drivers to transfer us to our camp which will be our base for the next 8 nights. After lunch we will then head out on our first game drive to visit the wonderful Lobo Valley. We have no time constraints so will stay out until the light fades and then head back to camp for an evening meal.
Days 4 – 10: It will be an early start each morning and we will head out with a packed breakfast at dawn each day to make the most of the sunrise and early morning light. Each day will follow a similar pattern, and we will be working on our latest information regarding the big cats of this fantastic area. Our days here will follow the typical safari profile of early morning game drives and after a break in the middle of the day back at camp where we can look at our images and look at processing techniques, then an afternoon game drive which will last until sunset or the light fades.
As the days go, we will be in a regular routine and as we go along, we will analyse what we have achieved and make decisions on how we progress as the week goes on. Big cats are our main target, and we will certainly look to achieve a varied portfolio. We will work with the light and the conditions as we go along but this location can produce some fabulous opportunities.
Day 11: After a final short morning drive, we will catch a return bush flight back to Arusha from where we will transfer to Kilimanjaro airport for our overnight flights which will leave late this afternoon.
Day 12: Our flight arrives back at London Heathrow this morning.
What our customers say
“The Zoom meeting was a good idea and a chance to meet the group before we travelled.“
“The trip was very good and well organised.“
“We were able to take every opportunity that was offered to us to get photographs from every angle, by moving the vehicles around. You only had to ask the driver to stop if you saw something that you wanted to photograph.“
“The facilities in the tent were perfect and having a hot water bottle in bed at night was that added little extra.“
“We had lots of fun with the guides and if you wished to know something you only had to ask for assistance.“
“Yes the food was good, but the portions were too much.“
“It was a wonderful trip and nothing needed to be improved.“
Showcase gallery
Guest gallery
