Thomson Safaris is proud to partner with Hunt’s Photo & Video on this timeless Tanzanian adventure. This immersive safari speaks to the animal lover’s soul: an exciting photographic adventure that takes you straight into the heart of Tanzania’s best wildlife viewing areas; Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti.
Venture into the plains every morning for full days of spectacular wildlife viewing, and unwind in luxurious, eco-friendly camps located in the middle of the wild. Each night, settle in to comfortable, downy bedding and drift asleep to the nighttime sounds of safari.
On this all luxury-camping trip, you’ll have front row access to the best wildlife viewing Tanzania has to offer.
This safari was scheduled to coincide with the annual wildebeest migration, which, at this time of year, is normally found along the Mara River in Tanzania’s northern Serengeti.
Don Toothaker
Photographer & Instructor
Don has 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, he leads groups of aspiring photographers on photo walks and photography workshops locally, nationally and internationally.
He uses Fuji and Nikon camera systems and he is a juried member of Nikon Professional Services.
photo highlights
Trip Details
$8,990 Per person, based on double occupancy
$400 Tanzania-Imposed Tax, per person
$1,000 Single supplement (if applicable)
$599 Optional Hot Air Balloon Excursion, per person.
Must be reserved in advance
Visiting Tanzania will feel like stepping into your wildest dream. You’ll stalk with lions, roam with elephants, strut with flamingos, feel dwarfed by a 2,000-foot-deep crater, and sleep under the stars. You’ll discover unbridled beauty at World Heritage Sites, practice tracking skills in remote wild lands, and experience peacefulness and connection to the Earth like never before.
Having set aside one-third of its land for the purpose of conservation, it is no wonder Tanzania boasts the highest concentrations of wildlife in the world. Protected since 1921, the Serengeti is almost as large as the US state of Connecticut, and features landscapes ranging from grassland plains and savanna to riverine forests and woodlands as well as the largest migration of mammals on earth, including 1.5 million wildebeest.
You’ll feel safe and comfortable every step of your journey. Tanzania is one of the most peaceful and stable countries on the African continent, predominantly free from the political upheaval that has plagued so many other African countries; it’s often referred to as “Africa’s Switzerland.” With a rich cultural tapestry comprising more than 120 distinct ethnic groups, Tanzania learned long ago that there is greater strength in tolerance and unity than in divisiveness.
Warmth, generosity, and wonder are truly the heart and soul of this remarkable corner of the world.
Photographers of any level are welcome to join this safari and will appreciate the following customizations designed with photography in mind:
- Photo tips and training by Don Toothaker
- Maximum of 3 guests per Land Rover
- Unlimited weight allowance for extra camera gear
- Camera tech tents with generator and lighting at each Thomson Nyumba Camp
- Boxed breakfasts provided for early AM start times
In addition to the Don’s photography expertise, you will joined by Thomson Safaris’s guides. All your guides have a minimum of 10 years’ experience in the field. More than just leaders, spotters, and wildlife experts, they are true ambassadors for Tanzania. In addition to superior wildlife spotting skills, your team of guides offers local insight that can’t be found in guidebooks. They can’t wait to share their country’s treasures with you!
In the spacious, walk-in tents – exclusively designed for Thomson Safaris – you will find all the comforts you need out in the bush: artfully crafted furnishings, cozy bedding with fine linens and solar-powered, eco-friendly lighting.
En suite bathrooms include water basins, showers, and self-contained, pump-flush toilets. Due to ecological and conservation issues, none of the camps have fixed plumbing, and they utilize the abundant sunshine to provide solar-powered LED lighting.
Always comfortable, but never obtrusive or excessive, these camps are the perfect way to experience Tanzania in elegance and style.
YOUR ITINERARY
SEPTEMBER 26
Arrival into Arusha
Arrive this evening into Arusha where you will be warmly welcomed.
Overnight
Rivertrees Country Inn
Set beside the rushing waters of the Usa River on the outskirts of Arusha, Rivertrees Country Inn has colonial charm and simple but elegant style with modern-day amenities and fantastic cuisine.
The inn has a pool, internet services, and a small gift shop. The inn will make for a fine storybook beginning or ending to your adventure.
SEPTEMBER 27 – 28
Tarangire National Park
Tarangire astonishes many with its massive herds of elephants and large number of ancient baobab trees. During your two day exploration of the park, you’ll explore woodlands, swampy floodplains and the winding Tarangire River, its banks and waterholes attract large concentrations of elephants and zebra as well as lion, leopard, giraffe, gerenuk, reedbuck, over 550 species of birds and some rarer mammals, such as the fringe-eared oryx and the African wild dog.
Overnight
Tarangire Nyumba
Thomson's Tarangire Nyumba is set in a scenic, private location amongst stately baobab trees. The camp is close to the Tarangire River with easy access to seasonal and resident wildlife.
Solar lighting, proper beds with fine linens and private, en suite bathrooms with safari shower and self- contained, pump-flush toilet make your spacious tented accommodations a welcoming retreat after a day on safari. (Elevation: 3,500')
SEPTEMBER 29 – 30
Ngorongoro Crater
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. Sometimes there are more than 30,000 animals in and around the crater, including the Big Five: lion, leopard, elephant, African buffalo, black rhino. You’ll quickly discover why Ngorongoro is considered to be among the world’s great wonders.
Overnight
Ngorongoro Nyumba
This Nyumba is located at the rim of Ngorongoro Crater where it is poised for optimal access to the crater floor where you will experience exceptional wildlife viewing.
The air here has a heavenly fresh scent, though the high elevation makes for potentially chilly nights; it will be important to bring warm clothes, per your packing list. (Elevation: 6,700')
OCTOBER 1 – 2
Serengeti National Park
Serengeti National Park covers 6,000 square miles of pristine land and offers not only expansive vistas but the largest migration of mammals on earth, including 1.5 million wildebeest. Delve deep into the heart of the central Serengeti, which is famous for its large number of lion, leopard, cheetah and a vast array of herbivores. Take an optional hot-air balloon ride over the Serengeti at sunrise (advance reservations are required).
Overnight
Central Serengeti Nyumba
Thomson's signature Serengeti Nyumba is the perfect balance of luxury, comfort and wilderness. Relax on your private verandah or thatch-roofed lounge tent set on the iconic plains of the Serengeti. In your extra time, stretch or meditate on the yoga platform at this camp.
Our favorite cozy spot is the campfire, from where you can marvel at the billions of stars visible in the quiet, clear, pollution-free night sky. (Elevation: 5,000')
OCTOBER 3 – 4
Serengeti National Park
Venture to the Northern Serengeti during the peak of the annual wildebeest migration. Search the banks of the famed Mara River for hippopotamus, crocodile and a myriad of birds. The migration’s most dramatic moments often occur when large numbers of wildebeest and zebra make river crossings, during which they must elude predators in a desperate fight for survival. There is no telling exactly when these highly dramatic movements will occur, but all safari-goers are sure to see plenty of wildebeest and zebra while in Tanzania. With a little luck, you could even witness a river crossing!
Overnight
Northern Serengeti Nyumba
Thomson's exclusive Serengeti Nyumba in Kogakuria offers a rare glimpse at the unexplored northern Serengeti. You will have easy access to the banks of the Mara River by day while enjoying the privilege of sharing the landscape with the wildlife back at camp in the evenings.
Large herds of resident wildlife including hartebeest, topi and Grant's gazelle are found here in addition to impressive numbers of lion, wildebeest and zebra. (Elevation: 6,000')
OCTOBER 5
Depart Tanzania
Enjoy your last views of the Serengeti before flying to Arusha, where you will catch your departing flight.
Dayroom at Rivertrees Country Inn
The finer points
Included On Safari
- Accommodations Based on Double Occupancy
- Meals as Noted in Itinerary, Inclusive of Restaurant Staff Tips
- All Park Fees
- Complete Preparation Materials Including Helpful Tips, Packing List, Trip Expectations, Tipping Guidelines, Etc.
- Access to a Personal Safari Trip Manager by Phone or Email, Five Days a Week
- Full Color Safari Journal
- Safari Briefings Throughout Your Trip
- Services of Professional Safari Guides and Drivers
- Services of Nyumba Camp Staff Including Chef and Waitstaff
- Land Transportation in a Customized, 4-Wheel Drive Safari Vehicle
- Unlimited Mileage in Safari Vehicles
- Guaranteed Window Seating in Safari Vehicles
- Scenic Internal Flight(s) as Noted in Itinerary
- Guided Walks with a Naturalist, when Available
- Village, School, and Cultural Visits as Noted in Itinerary
- Complimentary Bottled Drinking Water in Your Vehicle Throughout Your Safari
- Keep Fit Kit at Each Nyumba Camp
- Special Tanzanian Dinner at Ngorongoro Crater
- Airport Transfers for Delta/KLM Flights on Scheduled Arrival and Departure Days
- Baggage Handling
- Farewell Lunch
Not Included On Safari
- International Flight and Related Fees (Fuel, Baggage, Seat Assignments, etc.)
- Fees for Passport, Visa, or Immunizations
- Meals and Expenses en Route to Tanzania
- Cost of Hospitalization or Evacuation
- Beer, Wine, Spirits, and Soda
- Laundry, Phone, Internet, and Items of a Personal Nature
- Tips for Guides, Drivers, and Camp Staff
International airfare is not included. Thomson Safaris can make Business Class flight arrangements for you on Delta/KLM Airlines. For travelers interested in coach seats, Thomson will put you in touch with their flight provider or you can book you own airfare directly with Delta/KLM. You are welcome to contact Thomson Safaris with any questions on flights.
It is highly recommended that you consider purchasing trip insurance which offers comprehensive coverage of expenses in conjunction with cancellation, illness or accident as well as damage or loss of luggage. Information will be promptly sent to you following registration and payment of deposit.
Cancellation and Refunds
Notification of cancellation must be received in writing to Thomson Safaris (either by mail or e-mail). At the time we receive your cancellation, the following per person cancellation penalties apply:
Up to 91 days before departure: $1,000 Deposit
90-61 days before departure: 50% of the package price
60-46 days before departure: 65% of the package price
45 days or less before departure: 100% of the package price
Terms and Conditions
A detailed liability statement, concerning, among other things, limitations of Wineland-Thomson Adventures, Inc.’s liability for loss of property, injury, illness or death, will be provided to passengers upon enrollment, along with an information form to sign and return to Thomson Safaris shortly after enrolling on the trip. Each of these forms is also available to prospective travelers upon request.
Thomson Safaris (TS) will attempt to adhere to this itinerary as much as possible. Any unforeseeable changes in fees, such as fuel surcharges, increased park fees or other fees that are out of TS control, will be the responsibility of the guest. Some conditions (political, climatic, environmental, cultural, or wildlife migrations) may also necessitate changes in the itinerary. TS reserves the right to alter any itinerary at any time, if necessary. We will attempt to notify participants of changes as far in advance as possible. Costs incurred by such changes will be the responsibility of the participant.
