WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP
AFRICA 2020
(Great Migration - Serengeti Ecosystem)
January 20th - January 27th 2020
(8 days)
Join us in this fascinating photo safari around one of the best wildlife sanctuaries of East Africa.
During our itinerary, designed especially for both, amateur and professional photographers, we'll explore on of the world's most diverse wildlife regions.
The endless Serengeti plains will be the classroom where we'll spend 8 days photographing lions, giraffes, elephants, hippos, cheetahs, buffalos, antelopes, and countless bird species. We will also witness one of the most spectacular natural shows: the great migration.
You can't miss this unique adventure, designed by photographers for photographers.
Itinerary
Day 1 : Meet at For Points by Sheraton, New Arusha Hotel in downtown Arusha city. Facilities: 24 hours desk service, Free Hi Speed Internet, Air conditioning, swiming pool, gardens, restaurant, breakfast, Lounge and Bar.
Day 2 : Drive to Serengeti Plains to our luxury camp located in the heart of the great migration at Serengeti plains, place where millions of animals congregate for the breeding season.
Day 3 : Full Day Photo Safari (with a lunch break) around the open plains searching for Lions, Hyenas, Leopards, Cheetahs, Maasai Giraffes and another wildlife.
Day 4 : Full Day Photo Safari around the plains searching for wildlife. Morning alternative : Balloon flight over Serengeti (not included)
Day 5 :Full Day Photo Safari (With lunch break) around african plains.
Day 6 : Photo Safari drive from Serengeti southern plains to Ngorongoro Crater, one of the most acclaimed natural wonders of the world (UNESCO) and home of the biggest lions in Africa, bull elephants, hyenas, zebras, flamingos, buffalos and the best place to photograph the endangered Black Rhino in eastern Africa.
Alternative : Visit to Maasai Village, the people from Serengeti Plains
Day 7 : Full day exploring the Ngorongoro Crater Floor searching for the best photo opportunities. (Picnic lunch)
Day 8 : Drive back to Arusha to take the flight back.
Safari includes:
- Accommodations at Luxury Camps at Serengeti Ecosystem and Hotel in Arusha
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner during the safari days
- All safaris during the trip.
- Wildlife photographic coordination, organised by an expert nature photographer.
- Transfers between national parks.
- Admission Fees to all Protected Areas.
- Aereal ambulance service located in Arusha.
Safari DOES NOT include:
- Plane tickets to Tanzania
- Tips
- Beverages
- Souvenirs and personal expenses
- Travel Insurance
- Balloon Safaris and Massai village experience
Price per pax: U$D 4.710 (double occupancy)
Limited vacancies: 6 passengers
F.A.Q.
Why is the difference between a photo safari and a conventional one?
A photo safari is designed to offer the best photographic oportunities. Is not just find the wildlife like a conventional safari.
Our safaris are cordinated by a professional photograher with experience in the area, who helps to find the best angles, best spots, hours and light conditions to make memorable shots during the trip
The group is limited to 6 photographers, that allows a more personalised experience and give to the photographers a better space to work
The quality and quantity of the pictures you can make in a photographic safari, compared to a conventional one, is enormous.
Why Serengeti Ecosystem?
Serengeti ecosystem is La Meca of the wildlife photographers of the world.
Less crowded parks, better hospitality, and superior safari services. Tanzania has been selected the best safari destination in the World, even over Kenya and Southafrica.
Why January?
January is a important month in Serengeti, when wildebeest and zebras calving season and milliones of ungulates arrives to the plains to have birth. No other place in the world will offer a better wildlife photography experience than Serengeti.
During January rains in this season could be intense but short, usually not longer than 20 minutes, and doesn't interfere the safari in any way. We count with expert off road drivers and suitable vehicles such as Land Rover Defender and Toyota Land Cruiser.
What vaccines do I need?
Yellow Fever: Even though it's a very rare disease in Tanzania, the country's health department demands a vaccine certificates Travelers from Europe, USA and Canada are not required for certificates when arriving on a non-stop flight, but will become mandatory if your flight has stops in any African, Asia or Latinamerican country.
Malaria: This is the most serious disease and preventive treatment is recommended. Treatment is based on pills. The two most common antimalarials are Lariam and Tropicur (Mefloquine).. Ask your doctor for the best choice for you.
Hepatitis: Hepatitis A and B vaccines are not mandatory but recommended.
Tetanus: Also tetanus shot is recommended.
Can I bring children?
Unfortunately children under 18 are not allowed in the trip. For those willing to visit Serengeti in a family environment, there are lots of children friendly safari organizers.
What kind of wildlife will I be able to photograph?
African plains is a paradise for the wildlife photographer. Big mammals are always present. Lions, leopards, hyenas, cheethas, jackals, buffalos, black rhinos, gazelles, elephants, giraffes, wildebeest, zebras. The great migration will give us the chance to see and photograph millions of ungulates and their predators.
Also the bird life is great in January : ostriches, storks, cranes, starlings, hornbills, bee eaters, eagles, vultures are some of the birds that you will find during the safaris
.
Do I have to be a professional photographer to go?
Even though the trip is designed for photographers, you do not have to be a professional one to come. In fact, most of the tips and techniques you will learn during the trip are good both, amateur and professional photographers.
I hardly recomend, in order to take advantage of this trip, to have the basic knowledge of photography and some basic concepts as shutter speed, aperture, focusing, ISO sensitivity and white balance.
What kind of accomodation will be staying at?
Luxury Camps. The luxury camps are mobil facilities but very well equiped. (Hot shower, private restroom, dinner tent, excellent food, living room for relax between safaris, charging station for electronics and internet services. The luxury camps aloud the visitors to stay close to the great migration all time. Just a few minutes from the camp and you will find the first photo oportunities. (Sometimes even in the camp). In that way we avoid long transfer drives giving the chance to enjoy and take advantage of the sunrise and sunset golden light during the safari.
What kind of equipment do I need?
To take full advantage of the safari, these photographic equipment is recommended:
- At least 1 DSLR body (if you have 2 is better)
- 10mm to 70 mm zoom or prime lens (for portraits and landscapes)
- At least 300 mm zoom or prime lens (for wildlife)
- Bean bag. Very important to keep the camera stable during safaris.
- Proper bag for keeping your equipment safe from dust and rain.
- Basic cleaning kit (air-blower, cleaning solution and tissues for lenses)
- A laptop or any storage system able to keep backup of your work.
- Enough memory cards and spare batteries
What else do you advice to take to the safari?
Besides photographic equipment, it is adviced to bring mosquito repellent (there are not many ), a hat and sunscreen, specially for those with sensitive skin. Sun could be really strong in Africa, and may produce severe skin and lip burns.
Sunglasses will keep your eyes safe from dust and intenese light.
Warm clothes. Cloudy days and early morning hours could be cold in January. Ngorongoro rims, normally is very cold during morning and night, sometimes the temperature drops to 5 Celsius.
For further information and questions about the safari