Set Out on Safari with Instructor Don Toothaker
10 Days | 9 Nights | Starting at $9,390 per adult
Tanzania is home to some of the greatest wildlife viewing in the world. Home to Africa’s greatest population of lions, densest population of large mammals, the legendary Great Migration, and much more, it has become a world renowned destination for wildlife photographers and travelers generally.
With incredible swaths of land dedicated to national parks, travelers can enjoy the wilderness to its fullest – close to wildlife and away from tourist traffic. Hunt’s Photo Adventures is partnering with Thomson Safaris – a 38-year-old Tanzania safari company – to see it all. Scheduled to coincide with the passing of the Great Migration, this trip is expected to provide unparalleled photography opportunities.
Trip Highlights
- Visit a 10,000-acre private nature refuge where wildlife populations have tripled in recent years.
- Enjoy three full days of world-class wildlife viewing in the Serengeti during the annual wildebeest migration.
- Descend onto the floor of Ngorongoro Crater, home to the world's densest concentration of large mammals.
- Experience intimate meetings with members of the Maasai and Iraqw.
- Travel with expert wildlife guides, each with over 10 years of experience.
- Traverse in custom Land Rover Defender vehicles (maximum 3 passengers per vehicle).
- Get wildlife photography lessons and tips courtesy of Don Toothaker.
- Enjoy a "soft landing" at Gibb's Farm, voted Africa's Best Safari Lodge on Travel + Leisure's World’s Best List in 2017 and 2018.
Don Toothaker
Photographer & Instructor
I have been photographing a variety of subjects for the past 20 years and teaching photography for over 10. As the Director of Photo Adventures at Hunts Photo and Video, I lead groups of aspiring photographers on photo walks and photography workshops locally, nationally and internationally.
I use Fuji and Nikon camera systems and I am a juried member of Nikon Professional Services.
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Arusha, Tanzania
Arrive in Arusha, where Thomson Safaris staff will meet you and transfer you to your lodge.
Overnight
Rivertrees Country Inn
Reminiscent of its legacy as a former German colonial farm and coffee estate, Rivertrees Country Inn blends simple elegance and modern convenience. Wake up in your farmhouse-style room to the sound of the rushing Usa River, and enjoy a hearty breakfast in an open-air, thatched-roof dining area.
Days 2-3
Eastern Serengeti Nature Refuge
Take a short, scenic flight to a private nature refuge in the eastern Serengeti. Hike by day to experience the land as it was thousands of years ago, listen to a Maasai storyteller share the legends of her people, and spot nocturnal wildlife by moonlight on a night drive.
Overnight
Eastern Serengeti Nyumba
Wake up to the sweeping views of the eastern Serengeti ecosystem’s remote savanna. After a day of adventure, you’ll appreciate the comforts of the camp—and a hot shower in your en suite bathroom. Enjoy a hearty dinner prepared fresh from local ingredients, and discuss the day’s excitement with your fellow travelers and attentive staff.
Days 4-6
Serengeti National Park
Head for the iconic Serengeti, where acacia trees and granite kopjes dot the seas of waving grass. The Serengeti offers everyday opportunities to spot Tanzania’s most impressive wildlife—including big cats—and witness dramatic moments in the Great Migration of wildebeest and zebras.
Overnight
Southern Serengeti Nyumba
These seasonal camps are strategically located across the Serengeti to place us at the center of migrating wildlife. Relax with spacious tents, comfortable beds, and en suite bathrooms, as sounds of the surrounding wildlife fill your ears. And no need to worry—with eco-friendly features like solar lighting, your stay won't harm the landscape.
Days 7-8
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Just 10 miles wide, Ngorongoro Crater was formed from a collapsed volcano. It’s now a self-sustaining ecosystem with the densest predator population in all of Africa. Your lodge on the crater’s rim offers early morning access to the wildlife-filled floor.
Overnight
Ngorongoro Nyumba
Set on the eastern edge of the Ngorongoro Crater’s rim, this Nyumba offers the best possible access to the Crater—all within a remote, private setting. With temperatures as low as 40 degrees at this camp, you’ll want to remember to bundle up. But don’t worry: our chefs will treat you to a traditional Tanzanian meal to warm you up.
Day 9
Gibb's Farm
Enjoy a full day of relaxation or another gripping adventure – it's your pick! Explore the Ngorongoro Conservation Area on foot during a hike to see waterfalls and "caves" dug by elephants. Learn about the Iraqw during a visit to the home of a friendly local historian. Or immerse yourself in the healing and relaxing services of the African Living Spa.
Overnight
Gibb's Farm
Fresh food, fresh air, and fresh perspectives abound at Gibb’s Farm (Travel + Leisure World’s Best List #1 African Safari Lodge 2017 and 2018). Relax in your eco-friendly cottage, set amidst the farm’s lush gardens. Enjoy an outdoor shower, in-room spa treatment, farm-to-table dining and learning about local culture from the attentive staff.
Day 10
Depart Tanzania
Head to Arusha, where you’ll enjoy a farewell lunch at Arusha Coffee Lodge. Relax in a day room before your flight home.
Day room at Arusha Hotel.
Photos From Our Guests
