Capture the Wild
Hone Your Craft
Good photos practically take themselves in Tanzania. But, of course, there is art and skill to great photography. A world-renowned nature photographer will lead this trip, helping you hone your craft and capture the best shots.
Photo-Centric Trip Upgrades
- Photo tips and training by a professional photographer
- Maximum of 3 guests per Land Rover
- Each photographer gets their own row with access to both sides of the vehicle
- Increased weight allowance for extra camera gear
- Camera tech tents with generator and lighting at each Thomson Nyumba Camp
Sample Itinerary
Get Inspired
Green Season
The vast herds of migratory wildebeest make their return to the short-grass plains of the southern Serengeti. Roughly 500,000 of these wildebeest are pregnant females, ready to drop their calves between late January and early March. You will have the exclusive opportunity to stay in a private camp located right in the heart of the southern plains, and with some luck, you will have a front row seat to this amazing spectacle. This safari also visits the central Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and the award-winning Gibb’s Farm.
Dry Season
This dry season safari focuses on the world famous Ngorongoro Crater, as well as both the central and northern Serengeti. The crater and central Serengeti hold immense numbers of resident wildlife, and the northern Serengeti’s Kogakuria/Lamai Wedge will be brimming with migratory activity, as nearly two million grazers arrive in search of green pasture. It is at this time of year when travelers have the best chances of photographing the famed Mara River crossings.
Pro Photography
Trip Leaders
Wesley Bernard
A Northern Arizona native, photographer and educator, Wesley embraces the process of the documentary story, offering the viewer a visual narrative of cultures and their stories from all over the world. He has been behind the camera and in front of a classroom for 30+ years.
Wesley is currently an Assistant Professor of Photography at SUNY Oneonta. He teaches traditional Film/darkroom, Digital media, Portraiture, Documentary and History of Photography classes.
Randy Hanna
An accomplished and published photographer, Randy uses his engineering background, coupled with an artistic eye and years of teaching, to help both experienced and novice photographers improve their skills. He has traveled extensively to photograph wildlife, culture and landscapes in remote locations throughout Africa and around the globe.
Randy uses Nikon and Hasselblad equipment to capture his images, but he’s also well-versed with Canon cameras.
Don Toothaker
Don has been a professional photographer for the past 20 years. As the Director of Photo Adventures at Hunt’s Photo and Video, he leads photography walks and workshops around the globe. He is deeply committed to sharing the world’s beauty through photography, and uses the mantra “photograph what you feel” to encourage his guests to incorporate storytelling into their images.
Don uses current Nikon Z Mirrorless camera systems and is a juried member of Nikon Professional Services.
Add-On
Fly over the Serengeti
Prepare for Takeoff
Enjoy a bird’s eye view, a hearty breakfast and a glass of champagne during a morning hot air balloon tour. Your entire trip will be unforgettable, but this will bring it to new heights.
Call for current pricing. Advanced reservations required.
Trip Extensions
Enhance Your Safari
Zanzibar
From $2,000 per person
Zanzibar invites you to turquoise waters, white sands, and vibrant culture. Explore Stone Town’s lively markets, unwind on serene beaches, and uncover the island’s rich history.
Zanzibar
Indulge in Relaxation
Snorkel or dive in the clear blue Indian Ocean, or sunbathe for days on the pristine white-sand beaches of your resort. Spend a colorful day amidst the island’s bustling markets in the eclectic capital city of Stone Town, and visit historical sites from the centuries-old slave and spice trades.
Recommended Stay: 5 days, including 3 nights on the beach and 1 night in iconic Stone Town
From: $2,000 per person
Rwanda
From: $6,500 per person
Travel to Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park to trek through rugged terrain in search of endangered mountain gorillas. In Kigali, visit the city’s highlights, including the moving Kigali Genocide Memorial.
Rwanda
Spot Endangered Gorillas
Fly to Kigali, Rwanda and drive north to Volcanoes National Park. Journey on foot over wild, ungroomed mountain terrain in search of endangered mountain gorillas, of which only 1000 survive worldwide. After your arrival, tour Kigali, including the world-renowned Kigali Genocide Memorial.
Recommended Stay: 5 days
From: $6,500 per person
Cape Town
Call for current pricing.
With Table Mountain as its backdrop, Cape Town offers stunning vineyards, fine dining, penguin sightings at Boulders Beach, and a visit to historic Robben Island. This vibrant city is sure to inspire.
Cape Town
Vineyards, Views and Fine Dining
Table Mountain National Park provides the dramatic backdrop to this vibrant, colorful city. Explore South Africa’s best vineyards, enjoy fine dining in town, observe penguins at the famous Boulders Beach, and visit Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela’s—and South Africa’s—struggles echo poignantly. A visit to Cape Town is sure to inspire and delight.
Call for current pricing.
Ruaha National Park
From: $4,500 per person
Journey to the remote Ruaha National Park, a hidden gem in East Africa. Track elusive wildlife by day and enjoy torch-lit dinners by the river at night.
Ruaha National Park
Track African Wildlife
Fly to the remote wilderness of Ruaha National Park, one of the least explored parks in East Africa, where tracking is as much an art form as a practical pursuit. Explore uncharted territory by day, spotting leopard, cheetah and wild dog, and savor torch-lit dinners on the banks of the river by night.
Recommended Stay: 4–5 days
From: $4,500 per person
Nyerere National Park
From: $4,500 per person
Explore the Rufiji River’s wildlife by boat, and on foot. Spot elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and rare species like Greater Kudu on the plains.
Nyerere National Park
Traverse Vast Wilderness
Take a scenic flight to one of Africa’s largest national parks (formerly Selous Game Reserve), where you’ll view the Rufiji River’s wildlife. Travel by 4-wheel drive, boat and foot and spot elephants, hippos, and crocodiles in the riverine environment, while rare species like Greater Kudu can be spotted on the plains.
Recommended Stay: 4 days
From: $4,500 per person
Mahale Mtn. National Park
From: $6,000 per person
Fly to Lake Tanganyika’s shores and take a boat to your secluded camp. Hike the Mahale Mountains to observe chimpanzees in their natural habitat.
Mahale Mtn. National Park
Encounter Playful Chimps
Fly to the shores of Lake Tanganyika, along the westernmost border of Tanzania, and take a short boat ride to your exclusive camp, a luxurious hideaway tucked along the shore. Hike the misty slopes of the Mahale Mountains in search of free-roaming chimpanzees, grooming, feeding and playing.
Recommended Stay: 4 to 5 days
From: $6,000 per person
