andybiggs

Game drives in Botswana and South Africa tend to cover much less ground, and going back to camp for breakfast or lunch is pretty easy. On winter safaris it is no uncommon for me to be up early, do a game drive, come back for a 9:30 breakfast, then go back out for a while to tee something up for the afternoon. It just all depends on what is going on.

cary999

KP - My basic Tanzania itinerary is this-
Feb 15th Arrive JRO airport, over night Arusha African Tulip.
16th Drive to Lake Manyara, Lake Manyara Serena Lodge
17th Lake Manyara Serena
18th To Ndutu Safari Lodge
19th Ndutu Safari Lodge
20th Ndutu Safari Lodge
21st Ndutu Safari Lodge
22nd Ndutu Safari Lodge
23rd To Serengeti, Serengeti Serena
24th Serengeti Serena
25th To Ngorongoro Crater, Ngorongoro Sopa
26th Ngorongoro Sopa
27th One more early drive Ngorongoro, lunch at Gibbs Farm, back to Arusha
This ends the group safari, four persons will retrun home. Another
fellow and I will stay a bit longer.
27th Back to Ndutu, Ndutu Safari Lodge
28th Ndutu
Mar 1st To Manyara National Park, night at Manyara Serena Lodge
Mar 2nd Morning game drive Manyara, lunch at Serena Lodge, drive back to Arusha, hotel day room, flight out later pm.

There are six of us, four which are photographers. Three of them have done this itinerary before in 2007 and 2009. We will have three vehicles, so only twp pax per vehicle. Out of camp at/before sunrise, back for lunch, out early afternoon. Cost for the 16 days actually ON SAFARI is $6,400. (Air is another $1,800 USA LAX to JRO). The operator is Roy Safaris, Arusha.

regards - tom

divewop

Wow, Tom, that's a GREAT deal!! Next time you run across something like that, let me know...if you wouldn't mind!!

Have a wonderful time!! I'm sure you will! It's quite an experience!! The Ndutu plains (and southern Serengeti) is one of my most favorite places in Africa!! Unfortunately I'm not going to be able to make it back there this time to see the calving and now I've got this big ol' empty spot in my heart!

KezerPhotography

Sounds like a great trip, Tom. Can't wait to here the details and see the photos.

cary999

It is a great deal but not that unique. Roy Safaris is not giving away anything, you can arrange the same vehicle and camp cost. But one of the most attractive aspects of it for me is the three other exceptional photographers in the group. They have been Tanzania before, they know how to photo safari/wildlife, are willing to put a lot of effort /work into getting pictures. And the three vehicles will scout and coordinate sightings. The kind of group and safari I've been looking for since my 2nd safari in 2006

Now we need more rain in the area to make good grazing for the wildebeest. So far it has been light rain and hopefully it will get heavier soon. Of course I'll do trip report, it will all be new(gnu) to me

regards - tom
ps - to those of you concerned about whether I will be shooting RAW images, yes I will be this time .

atravelynn

Looks outstanding--are those other 3 exceptional photographers your friends or is this a photography group departure for 4 people in 2 vehicles?

When you return to some of your previous stops, it will be interesting to learn how you found them the second time around. For example, if rains had changed the environment or if other factors intervened.

I'm with Divewop, let us ALL know.

cary999

Me plus five others, not yet met them, three vehicles, husband/wife couples in two vehicles, a fellow from Sweden and myself in the third. The group organizer is Roger Clark, he has a very interesting web site - http://www.clarkvision.com/ . Some African (and other) photos there and lots of articles, many technically oriented on photography. Here's a general one on lighting and composition - http://www.clarkvision.com/articles/...ect/index.html . His profession is a scientist with the U.S. Geological Survey. (Being instrumental in discovering "water" on the moon!!!)

Yes it will be interesting for them to compare this year with previous. 2009 was a very dry time there. Here is Roger's 2009 trip report with links to photos. http://www.clarkvision.com/articles/...port.2009.html

regards - tom

twaffle

Tom you are very fortunate to be travelling with Roger, he is so knowledgeable and helpful and has answered many of my silly questions in a kindly manner. Have a fantastic trip, how could you not.

cary999

Welcome back twaffle. Looking forward to hearing lots about your recent safari to Kenya. And of course lots of photos!!!! (Did see your reply on Serena in another thread).

The photo site twaffle hints at (I think) is - http://www.birdphotographers.net/forums/index.php . Regardless of name, it is about all wildlife, landscape photography. It has very interesting critique forums as well as a wealth of other information.

regards - tom

dozer324

Hi Chris, I just came across this topic as I am starting to research and plan a safari trip/beach honeymoon to Tanzania. Ever since I got into photography my dream has been to do a Andy Biggs safari.

From my understanding it seems like you did the Thomson Safari Highlights of Africa, but you also had a private safari vehicle? Curious if that is something you asked for or it just worked out that way? I really like their photographic safari package as well but it may be too long of a safari as we also want to add on 5 days at Zanzibar to finish off the trip.

My fiance is open to the safari being more towards photography as the end of the trip is ending at the beach. Some have suggested not doing a photo safari as this is a honeymoon trip, but on Andy Biggs website it says even non-photographers will have love the experience as well.

My main concerns are overcrowded vehicles and being rushed trying to get quality photos.

Any info or suggestions from anyone would be greatly appreciated!