February 11-20, 2024
Join Us For The Ultimate Intimate Wildlife Photography Experience
11 Days / 10 Nights (February 11 – 20)
8 Person Max
Single $8,455 Per person
Double $7,728 Per person
| 11 Feb 2024 | Rivertrees Country Inn | Arusha National Park | 1 night | B&B |
| 12 Feb 2024 | Mbali Mbali Tarangire River Camp | Tarangire National Park | 2 nights | FB |
| 14 Feb 2024 | Tloma Lodge | Karatu | 2 nights | FB |
| 16 Feb 2024 | Mara Kati Kati | Northern Serengeti | 4 nights | FB |
| 20 Feb 2024 | Rivertrees Country Inn | Arusha National Park | 1 night | B&B |
Includes:
- Full board accommodation & meals
- All safari game drives
- All private transfers
- 4×4 Vehicle
- All park fees and conservation fees
- Drinking water, soft drinks, wine & beer
- Expert photography consulting and instruction in each location
- Optional nightly image review
- Optional lectures by Steven (flora and fauna) and Derek (photography)
Excludes:
- Anything of personal nature
- Any spa services, massages, treatments
- Premium liquors & champagne
- International flights
- Trip cancellation & health insurance
- Any options not described in the itinerary
- Additional activities
- Visa & passport fees
- Gratuities
- Drinks at at the hotel
Rivertrees Lodge, Arusha
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro airport, your hosts, Steven Ngowi and Derek Nielsen, will greet you for a transfer to Rivertrees. This is the perfect way to wind down after a long flight to Tanzania. We will have a chance to get to know each other over cocktails and dinner before the real fun begins the following day.
Once an old coffee estate, Rivertrees is now a charming country inn nestled in abundant foliage with the Usa River flowing by. Set in the foothills of Mt Meru, conveniently close to Kilimanjaro International Airport and a short drive to Arusha, its location proffers a wealth of natural wonders to explore. Comprising the original Farm House, an elegant River House, luxurious River Cottages, and several beautifully appointed Garden Rooms, it also serves delicious garden-fresh cuisine in its stunningly set restaurant. The swimming pool and spa are tailored for relaxation, and friendly personalized service ensures a memorable stay, whether for a one-night stopover or much longer.
Tarangire National Park (Home Of Elephants)
Tarangire National Park, situated within Tanzania’s spectacular Manyara Region, is an awe-inspiring national park comprising granite ridges, river valleys, mixed vegetative landscapes, and free-roaming wildlife. During the annual dry season, the Tarangire River is a magnet for thirsty wildlife. Large herds of elephants and migratory wildebeest, zebra, buffalo, impala, gazelle, hartebeest, and eland gather, and not surprisingly, the predators follow. With lions being among the most commonly spotted animals, it is rare that a visitor does not spot this majestic animal prowling or grazing. Tarangire is also the one place in Tanzania where regular dry-country antelope such as oryx and gerenuk are seen. This expansive area is also known for its spectacular baobab trees, its breathtaking views of the Maasai Steppe, and the wondrous mountains to the south.
Mbali Mbali Tarangire River Camp
…is set within 25,000 hectares of concession area; included on the land is a branch of the Tarangire River itself, which the camp overlooks. The property is in a great location for game viewing since it is only 3.5km from the main entrance to Tarangire National Park.
Traditional grass thatching adorns the roof of the main lodge structure, which is set off the ground on an elevated deck. The breezy lounge boasts ample seating in a relaxing open-air environment. The dining area, where culturally inspiring meals are served, consists of simple safari-style seating, and the elevated position allows for excellent views over the riverbank below. Both the dining and lounge areas are married into a proper bonfire area and game viewing deck that also overlook the same stunning views. The lodge’s small, informal gift shop offers the families of the nearby Maasai villages a chance to sell some of their handmade wares.
Karatu
Travelers heading for the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater will pass through the town of Karatu in the green hills of Tanzania’s northern highlands. Presided over by the towering Ol Deani Volcano, this small, colorful town serves as a popular overnight stop for visitors exploring the area’s many game parks. The town offers a variety of activities, including browsing the bustling marketplace, sampling beer at a local brewery, visiting a traditional homestead, or taking a guided walk through the Ngorongoro Forest in search of waterfalls and caves. Whether you are looking for cultural tours, hiking, and biking opportunities, a chance to enjoy an authentic rural Tanzania experience, or simply a break between safari game drives, this underrated town has plenty to offer. Karatu is also home to one of the best African art galleries in all Tanzania. This stop will be the best place to pick up souvenirs to bring home to the family.
Tloma Lodge
is a small, exclusive lodge situated on top of a valley overlooking a coffee plantation, the Eastern wall of the Ngorongoro crater and a beautiful waterfall. It consists of 36 spacious suites in cottages built in the style of an old colonial farm offering guests a relaxing, quiet atmosphere surrounded by beautiful gardens.
Visiting the Hadzabe Tribe
Different from many of the roadside National Park entrance tourist-exposed tribes, the Hadzabe take a commitment to go and visit. Every bit of it is worth it. Along the drive in, we will pick up our translator, Alex Puwale. Alex speaks Hadzane, a complex language for me, as it uses click and popping sounds with the tongue. Alex grew up with the Hadzabe as neighbors. He originates from the Iraqw Tribe. Without Alex, the experience would not be possible. No other cultural experience has impacted me the way my time with the Hadzabe has. This is a must for anyone wanting to connect with other fascinating people. If we are lucky, we will be able to accompany them on a hunt. Regardless, spending time with the Hadzabe is one of our guest’s favorite experiences of the entire trip.
Northern Serengeti National Park
Located between the Central Serengeti and Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve to the north, the Northern Serengeti is a remote African wildlife wonderland. The vast, rolling savannah of the Northern Serengeti is known as the hub of the great migration. The landscape is characterized by vast stretches of savannah interspersed with acacia trees and riverine woodlands. Wildlife can be seen along the banks of the Mara River, and visitors can view the annual spectacle of the half a million migrating wildebeest. Commonly spotted wildlife includes many plains game such as buffalo, zebra, gazelles, impala, giraffe, and lion and leopard. Visitors can look forward to bird watching, game safaris, and guided bush walks. Because we will be visiting during the calving season, we will have the unique opportunity to witness the birth of thousands of new wildebeest into the world.
MARA KATI KATI tented camps
Mara Kati Kati is a mobile camp strategically situated in north Serengeti, ideal for exploring the Mara Ecosystem. The camp offers comfortable accommodations together with the unique opportunity to enjoy a real safari experience on a camp. In its comfortable tents, guests will feel completely immersed in the surroundings and able to enjoy and take in the area’s rich animal life and vegetation. The tents are situated at ground level with a private porch overlooking the Savannah. Ample and comfortable, there is a choice of a double bed or two twin beds. The rooms have a bathroom with a bucket shower. The family tent consists of two interconnected tents, a shared bathroom, and a private porch. The camp has two dining tents where meals are served.
Return To Arusha for departure
Rivertrees
Mara Kati Kati is a mobile camp strategically situated in north Serengeti, ideal for exploring the Mara Ecosystem. The camp offers comfortable accommodations together with the unique opportunity to enjoy a real safari experience on a camp. In its comfortable tents, guests will feel completely immersed in the surroundings and able to enjoy and take in the area’s rich animal life and vegetation. The tents are situated at ground level with a private porch overlooking the Savannah. Ample and comfortable, there is a choice of a double bed or two twin beds. The rooms have a bathroom with a bucket shower. The family tent consists of two interconnected tents, a shared bathroom, and a private porch. The camp has two dining tents where meals are served.
Photography Instruction
With over 20 years of experience using several different camera systems, I will be offering daily instructions on appropriate settings for capturing the best possible images with your gear. If interested, each photographer will be given time to photograph with my Canon R3 and 600mm lens. We will be covering topics like composition, technical settings, and more. Prior to departure, I will send each guest a recommended photography supply list to bring on the safari. Most importantly you will have the time of your life.
Hello! I'm Derek.
DEREK NIELSEN PHOTOGRAPHY RAISES AWARENESS ABOUT THE GLOBAL NEED FOR CONSERVATION THROUGH PHOTOGRAPHY AND DONATES UP TO 15% OF ALL SALES BACK TO ENVIRONMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS AROUND THE WORLD.