The Great Migration

8 DAYS - THE GREAT MIGRATION - TANZANIA

The ” Great Migration “ photographic safari takes you to the world famous Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Conservation Area which makes it a once in a lifetime photographic experience and one of the best wildlife photography destinations in the African continent. In the Serengeti and depending on the time of the year, you will witness the wildebeest calving season or the crossings of the Mara River, one of the most spectacular wildlife events in Africa.

A highlight of this photographic safari are the predators that follow the wildebeest migration. There will be a lot of predator action so lion and cheetah sightings are guaranteed and even witnessing a kill will be fairly easy. We will also search for the elusive leopards in the woodlands. Our camp in the Serengeti is situated inside the NCA, near the border of Southern Serengeti, in what is perhaps the finest location in the whole of Ndutu and the amphitheater to the wildebeest migration between December and March. In August the Great Migration will be found in Northern Serengeti by the mighty Mara River.

1 night upon arrival at Rivertrees Inn where Mario will join you for dinner. 6 nights will be spent at Nasikia Camps The Serengeti spans some 30,000 square km ( 12,000 sq mi ) and hosts the largest mammal migration in the world. Serengeti is derived from the Maasai language, Maa “Serengit” meaning endless plains. February marks the start of this great migration, coinciding with the calving season and preceding the long rainy season. Approximately 500,000 calves are born within a 2 to 3 week period that join the 1.8 million wildebeest and 500,000 zebra that in turn attract a great number of predators. August is the time when the migration reaches the famous Mara River on the boundary with Maasai Mara. Numerous river crossings are guaranteed with all the drama that is included. Predators will be stalking on the banks waiting for the perfect opportunity and we will witness it all and capture the action on camera.

SAFARI FACTS

Led by Mario Moreno
Max number of participants : 6
Use of private vehicle
Off-road driving in most locations
Non photographers welcome

PHOTOGRAPHIC HIGHLIGHTS

Incredible predator action
Wildebeest Calving Season ( Feb )
Mara River Crossings ( Jul – Aug )
Quintessential East African scenery
Ngorongoro Big Tuskers

Photo Safaris

DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1

Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport from which you will be transferred to The Rivertrees Inn located in a stunning forest setting half way between Kilimanjaro Airport and Arusha. It is the oldest hotel in the area filled with charm. Mario, your safari leader, join you for dinner after which he will give you a pre-trip briefing.

Day 2 - 7

After breakfast at Rivertrees you will be transferred to Arusha Airport for the 1 hour flight to your destination in the Serengeti National Park. We will arrive to an idyllic african setting hidden in an acacia forest where our tented camp is located in the right location to coincide with the wildebeest calving season or river crossings which we will be capturing with our cameras during the next 7 days. Each day while in the Serengeti we will explore the great plains in the early morning and late afternoon when the light is right for amazing wildebeest migration photography and the predators that follow them. Predator action is guaranteed. We will also search for leopards in the woodlands. A total of 12 photographic sessions will be enjoyed while in the Serengeti. Every morning will start with a wake up call at around 05:30. A cup of coffee. will be available before leaving on our morning session. The exact duration will depend on the sightings but on average they will be 3-4 hours. A well deserved breakfast will be served at our return after which there will be time to relax or review images and work on processing techniques with Mario. Lunch will be served at around 13:30 each day. Before our evening session at around 15:30 there will be more relax time or casual photo workshops with Mario. Nothing is mandatory and you will dictate the pace of things. After sunset we will return to camp for drinks around the campfire before indulging in a wonderful dinner.

Day 8

After our last early morning drive in the Serengeti we will head back to camp for a well deserved breakfast. Then some time to pack bags before checkout and drive to the airstrip to board the light aircraft for a 1 hour flight to back to Arusha. On arrival you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight back home or to your lodge if staying an extra night before your international flight back.

WHAT IS INCLUDED

Kilimanjaro Airport transfers
1 night in Rivertrees Inn in Arusha. Half Board
Air transfers Arusha – Serengeti – Arusha
6 nights at Nasikia Camps
All meals and selected beverages in camps
All park and conservation fees
2 Game Drives daily ( early morning and evening )
Private use of 4×4 safari vehicles with guides
Bottled water during game drives
Photographic guidance and casual workshops
Medical Air evacuation service by Flying Doctor

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED

International flights to Kilimanjaro International Airport
Travel Insurance
Medical Insurance
Visa fees if applicable
Tips for lodge staff and guide
Laundry
Extra nights of accommodation before or after safari