Photography by Randy Hana

PHOTO AND WILDLIFE VIEWING SAFARI TO TANZANIA
Feb 5-18, 2010

COMPLETED

Our photographic safaris will be conducted in the east African country of Tanzania, home to the Serengeti National Park, the Ngorongoro Crater and Mount Kilimanjaro. We will combine exciting photography and wildlife viewing in one of the world's most outstanding wildlife, landscape and cultural locations together with a luxury vacation in fascinating Tanzania. Let that dream of visiting mysterious Africa come true.

Thomson Safari's will provide the logistics, scheduling, air ticketing, and dedicated guide service for these safaris. 2009 represents my fifth safari with Thomson Safaris, an outstanding group of professionals dedicated to meet the needs of their customers. I work closely with Thomson Safari's to ensure that your needs are met for this adventure of a lifetime.

TANZANIA

Located south of Kenya on the African continent's Indian Ocean coastline, Tanzania claims the title Home of the Safari, since the word safari is taken from the Swahili word that means "journey." While Tanzania's Kenyan neighbors may dispute that claim, there is no doubt that Tanzania offers one of the most bountiful environments in the world for an enriching wildlife experience.

Game viewing opportunities in Tanzania are considered by many to be the best in Africa. Its numerous game parks are populated with many of the world's most exotic creatures, including all of the "Big Five." Unlike many of its neighbors, Tanzania remains relatively untouched by most vacationers.

Absent in Tanzania are the classic traffic jams during game viewing that are frequently experienced in Kenya and surrounding countries. Tanzania has restricted the number of vehicles in each of the game parks, ensuring that wildlife viewing remains an enjoyable experience that rewards each tourist with memories to last long into the future.

It's All About Photography and Wildlife Viewing
and Lots of it!!

The safari is very informal, flexible and fun for all skill levels, photographers and non-photographers alike. For the photographers, you will receive in-the-field assistance on photographic technique, composition, and exposure and field techniques. Advanced techniques, such as capturing panning shots and low light with flash assistance, will be discussed and demonstrated. Not a serious photographer? Not to worry; bring your point-and-shoot camera and enjoy wildlife viewing under the direction of some of the best guides in Tanzania. Their job is to put you in the best spot to observe the remarkable wildlife that Tanzania has to offer.

While at Gibbs Farm, several Photoshop tips and treasures will be demonstrated as long as projection equipment remains available and time allows. You will also learn about animal behavior, as well as African culture, from highly skilled professional safari guides. This safari is about photography, wildlife viewing, and experiencing Africa close up! I have little doubt that everyone will learn a great deal from the experiences of one another.

When instruction is needed or desired, Randy or Kathy will be available to answer questions along the way and work with you individually so that you get the most out of your photographic safari without the high pressure of a schedule driven safari. We are there to enjoy the African experience together! Because of the unique location of this adventure and the luxury accommodations, this adventure is open to spouses and non-photographers as well as photographers.

Non-photographers will find the locales visited and the wildlife viewing opportunities to be thrilling. Priceless memories for years to come will be had by all. Due to the unique operations of Thomson Safari's, it is not uncommon for us to break into several groups once we enter the various parks. In short, we will be able to go where the action is, up to the limits of the National Parks. This will allow the group to have individual experiences as well as allowing groups to be formed with similar interests. Remember, this safari is not just about photography, it's about the journey of a lifetime. I have no doubt that you will find the people of Tanzania to be some of the most considerate people in the world. You will also find the land and the wildlife to be nothing less than spectacular, so come on aboard!

The Schedule

Following is the current working itinerary for the 2010 trip, along with some details on what we will be able to see and photograph. Should you desire additional information on the 2010 safari adventure, you may also contact me directly using the contact form.

Day 1 (Thursday, Feb 5)

Depart home country (applicable for those traveling from the US).

Day 2 - In Europe

Connect with your flight to Kilimanjaro International Airport , arriving late in the evening. Your guide will meet you upon arrival and take you to your lodge, nestled in the foothills of Mount Meru. The Mountain Village Lodge is a working coffee plantation, six miles from Arusha, in a stunning setting overlooking Lake Duluti with magnificent views of Mt. Meru and Mt. Kilimanjaro. Room accommodations are double rondavels (round bungalows).

Day 3 - Arusha and Tarangire National Park

You will awake to a new world this morning. Leaving your room and walking through the lush garden is a gentle reminder that you are now in Africa. Exotic birdcalls fill the air, and hints of freshly brewed Tanzanian coffee mean that breakfast awaits you.

After a briefing with your guide and a 30 minute stop by Cultural Heritage, you’ll depart Arusha by Land Rover, crossing the Maasai Steppe on your way to Tarangire National Park. Stop at the park’s gate for a picnic lunch and then enter this ecosystem for an afternoon of wildlife viewing. Tarangire is Tanzania’s fourth largest and one of its most diverse.

Tarangire is home to innumerable species, but is renowned for its large elephant populations. The Tarangire River, which winds through the length of the park, is a valuable source of water, and you'll observe lion, gazelle, zebra, elephant and many other animals as the gather to drink at its banks. Arrive at your Nyumba late this afternoon with time for a hot shower and snacks before dinner.

Day 4 - Tarangire / Ngorongoro Highlands

Rise early to maximize your time today. After breakfast begin meandering your way towards the swamp for elephant viewing around 10am. Taking a northwesterly direction out of the park, the impressive Great Rift Valley Escarpment soon comes into view – a 2,000 foot high wall that rises up, improbably steep and incredibly tall, out of the flat plains.

Stop for a picnic lunch followed by a visit to a local Maasai village where you can meet local people and get a sense of what it’s like living in Maasailand today as you catch a glimpse into this unique culture, which is rich in artistry.

Afterwards you’ll take the switch-back road up into the Ngorongoro Highlands where you’ll arrive at Gibbs Farm in time for some rest and relaxation. Enjoy a nature walk on the scenic property, afternoon tea on the verandah, or visit with the artist in residence. The surrounding gardens and rolling hills are a naturalist’s paradise, with diverse species of trees, shrubs and flowers, which form the perfect habitat for hundreds of birds. Whatever option you choose, don’t forget to take a moment to enjoy the stress-free pace, the clean air and the scenic beauty of this remarkable oasis.

Day 5 Lake Manyara

With a staggering population of birds numbering over 230 species, you will want to take advantage of an early morning wake-up call to enjoy the dawn chorus. Tea and coffee will be served on your private verandah as you sit back and listen to the sound of hundreds of birds welcoming the new day. To complement the wonderful early morning sounds, you can also head out on a 7 AM guided walk to observe bird behavior, returning for a hearty breakfast.

Optional activities this morning include: Gibbs Spa Services (additional fee and advance reservation) or a garden walk. After lunch, you will depart for an afternoon of wildlife viewing in Lake Manyara National Park, only a short drive away. You’ll meander along the lake front and through the forest in search of lion, water birds, zebra and much more. Expansive views of the lake stretch to the horizon before you, while the steep escarpment wall rises sharply behind you.

Just before departing, you will have another chance to appreciate the surroundings with sundowner snacks and beverages; the perfect, relaxing way to end your exploration of the park. This evening, arrive back at Gibbs Farm, with time to freshen up before dinner and savor the cool air, thick with the fragrant scent of night-blooming blossoms.

Day 6 - Ngorongoro Highlands / Ngorongoro Crater

Say your farewells to Gibbs Farm after another farm-fresh breakfast. You will head out over brick-red clay roads early this morning in order to arrive at your next destination by lunch: Ngorongoro Crater. As you reach the top of the escarpment wall, your first glimpse of the crater floor is nothing short of awe-inspiring. This geological marvel is unique in the world. With lakes, forest, savannah and an astounding population of about 30,000 animals within 10 square miles, it is no wonder that the crater is often referred to as the Eighth Wonder of the World.

Arrive in time to settle in and enjoy lunch at your Nyumba, which is nestled in the lush forested landscape that is so typical of the fertile Ngorongoro region. After lunch, head down to the Crater floor for a full afternoon exploring this unique World Heritage Site . Later you will return to your Nyumba, high on the escarpment wall. Enjoy a delicious dinner and retire to the warm campfire afterwards. At this elevation, temperatures are cool year-round, so be sure to bring a sweater. Admire the canopy of stars overhead as you recount the day’s interesting sightings. Retire to your Nyumba for a great nights' sleep in the cool night air.

Day 7 - Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Take a full day to explore the crater floor. The area is world-renowned in its reputation and very small in its scale, so you will see other safari goers. Don’t let that distract you from the beauty of the place or from the fact that this remains one of the only places on earth where you may see all of the Big Five at once: Lion, Leopard, Bull Elephant, African Buffalo and Black Rhino. To maximize your time with the wildlife, you will enjoy a special boxed lunch at a scenic spot on the crater floor.

Your journey will take you throughout this tremendous landscape that is constantly changing as animals move to and fro in search of pasture, water or easy prey. Before sunset, it is time to depart this Garden of Eden for the comfort of your Nyumba, where you will have time to discuss the multitude of sightings today and log them in your safari journal. Return to your Nyumba again by 6pm for hot showers and a little relaxation before dinner this evening.

Day 8 - Ngorongoro Conservation Area / Serengeti National Park via Olduvai Gorge

After breakfast, you depart for the Serengeti. Along the way you will pass picturesque Maasai bomas and see the local Maasai in their bright red robes walking or tending their flocks as they do every day. En route, you will stop at Olduvai Gorge, where several generations of the Leakey family have toiled for decades, making important archeological discoveries in relation to the origins of "man." The museum may be small, but the collection is a fascinating mix of fossils, bones and historical information. From there, the sprawling landscape of the Serengeti begins to unfurl before you. It is impressive in its size, but also in the variety and number of species it protects. Home to literally hundreds of thousands of hoofed animals, it is a unique and pristine sanctuary that will give you a glimpse into "the world as it was in the beginning."

The plains seem endless from this vantage point. You will meander through the wildlife rich central Serengeti on the way to your Nyumba, where you will be able to settle in and have lunch before heading deeper into the plains for a full afternoon of wildlife viewing. From the comfort of your Nyumba, you will enjoy your first night in this extraordinary wilderness.

Day 9 - Serengeti National Park

We will have another full day to journey far and wide in this immense park, allowing your guide's unerring instincts to lead the way. An infinite number of dramas play themselves out on these endless plains: predators stalk prey, animals eat, scavenge and graze, mothers nurture their young, birds hover and soar overhead, young animals frolic as older animals keep a watchful eye on these vulnerable little ones… in short, it is a story of life and death, decay and renewal and ultimately, survival of the fittest.

Day 10 - Serengeti National Park

This morning you have the option of joining a Serengeti balloon safari (advance reservations required, pending availability-back up date is the morning of Feb 13 or Feb 15). The experience begins with a pre-dawn drive (approx 4:30am wake-up time) to the balloon launch site, where you are given a briefing on your impending adventure. As the sun rises, you lift gently off the ground, enjoying a bird’s eye perspective as you skim over the tops of acacia trees, meander over the Seronera River and finally land in a scenic location where champagne and a full English breakfast await.

For those folks who are not joining the balloon ride, you’ll rise in time for breakfast at your Nyumba and will begin with a game drive. Mid-morning you’ll pick up the group members who were on the balloon ride and will continue your morning wildlife viewing. Return to camp for lunch before heading back into the bush. Tonight you’ll enjoy a splendid meal together at your Nyumba followed by time to relax by the campfire and gaze up at the southern night’s sky.

Day 11 - Serengeti National Park

Spend the morning wildlife viewing near to camp, where you will return for lunch. This afternoon you will move to a new Nyumba location so gain a different perspective on the scenery. New areas are yet to be explored and new sights are waiting to be seen.

Enjoy wildlife viewing along the way; out on the plains, you will be looking for warthog, jackal, eland, kudu, reedbuck, baboon, topi, hyena, gerenuk, giraffe and more. Near water sources such as the Grumeti river, you’ll be on the lookout for some of the largest crocodiles in Africa, hippos, kingfishers, egrets, monitor lizards and more. You will arrive in time for refreshments before dinner.

Day 12 - Serengeti National Park

Today you have the option to enjoy more wildlife viewing, or to kick back and enjoy some R&R at camp. If you head out for wildlife viewing you’ll want to take a picnic lunch with you to maximize your time in the park. Roll down the windows in your trusted Land Rovers or stand up to take advantage of the customized roof hatch, feeling the fresh air rush past as you navigate winding paths and secret trails in your pursuit of interesting wildlife sightings. With this perspective, you have unhindered 360º views, and the possibilities for what lies in store are endless!

Those guests who take the day to relax at camp will enjoy the tranquility and the sounds of nature all around you. Birds chirp as the breeze keeps you cool under the shade of your verandah. Enjoy lunch at camp followed by a game of cards or bao, or curl up this afternoon with a good book in the peace of your exclusive surroundings.

This evening you will savor the brilliant equatorial sunset as you enjoy refreshments and snacks in the open-air lounge. Rest easy, as you are lulled to sleep by the sounds of the Serengeti plains.

Day 13 - Serengeti National Park / Arusha / Depart

This morning fly to Arusha (55 lb baggage limit) and visually retrace your route from above, noting the change in landscape from the flat plains to the verdant, rolling hills of the highlands. Arrive in time for some last-minute shopping at Cultural Heritage before heading to River House for a farewell lunch with your new safari companions. You’ll have time to take an optional tour of the adjacent Shanga Centre, which employs disabled community members and trains them to become artisans who craft their own hand-made beads and design unique jewelry.
Depart Arusha by 2pm for your lodge near the airport. Day rooms are provided for you to rest and relax, take a swim or simply repack, before you are transferred to the airport for your departing flight to Amsterdam. Enjoy a light dinner before leaving the lodge.

Day 14 - Make your connections in Amsterdam and continue homeward

Why go on this safari?

This classic African safari features all the stunning wildlife viewing opportunities that Tanzania has to offer, with one special bonus: you will be traveling in the company of two photographers who are very familiar with the local culture, landscape and wildlife and also who are experienced naturalist guides. Suitable for all levels of photographic experience, this safari will encourage you to ask questions, try different techniques, experiment with dramatic lighting, and learn from not only your leaders but from other members of your group.

For the non-photographers, you will experience Africa “up close and personal” and bring home memories to last a lifetime. You will have a front row seat as we watch Maasai tribesmen herd their cattle, view unique wild animal behavior (such as giraffes “necking” or hippos jockeying for position in the river), and you’ll spot many of the 800 species of colorful birds resident to Tanzania – binoculars are a must! And we can’t forget the great food and hospitality of Tanzanians who are likely the friendliest folks you’ll meet anywhere (and they speak English!). Randy and Kathy will ensure that you have a wonderful experience, and that you are engaged in the smells, sights and sounds of Africa. Be part of this wonderful adventure and mark Africa as 'completed' on your 'bucket list!'

We will travel in custom-designed extended-body Land Rovers (with a maximum of three passengers per vehicle to ensure ample space for your equipment plus extra elbow room). We will spend each night in comfortable safari lodges or luxury camps complete with power. This will allow us to relax and savor our beautiful surroundings. The instruction will be casual and flexible taking into account everyone's level of skill and bearing in mind that Africa and its wildlife are by definition wild and unpredictable.

What makes this safari different from other safaris?

Randy and Kathy are a husband/wife team with more than 20 years of experience leading international photography excursions. They know the language and the culture of Tanzania, and work closely with seasoned local guides to ensure each traveler has a truly superb experience. Randy and Kathy will provide coaching and suggestions on technical and composition aspects of photography, yet they also know that you will learn from others in the group, and encourage self-learning among the group. They are an adaptable team and will offer instruction to accommodate photographers of any skill level. They also will ensure that non-photographers learn interesting facts about the wildlife, culture and geography. As one previous traveler expressed, “Randy and Kathy are extremely effective safari leaders who work hard to ensure each person has a memorable trip.”

Last but not least – this safari uses customized Land Rovers to guarantee that everyone has a window seat! We assign a maximum of 3 passengers per Land Rover (1 person per row of seats), ensuring adequate room for your gear and travel comfort. We stay in luxury accommodations – safari lodges and camps with full amenities plus a camera tent while in the bush that allows you to safely store, recharge, clean and maintain your equipment. Randy and Kathy pace the trip with a flexible approach to suit everyone's needs. They also ensure an environment that is fun and conducive to learning from one another; no question is off limits, no inquiry too basic.

A detailed pre-departure packet with safari advice as well as personal and equipment recommendations will be provided in advance of our departure. In addition, I will provide a series of informational updates via a restricted section on my BLOG. This information will assist you in preparation for your adventure. From clothing to suggested reading, you will have lots of information at your disposal, all accurate and relevant.

What are the accommodations like for this safari?

We will be using two types of of accommodations for this trip: Fixed full service lodges and luxury 'Classic' camps. All of our accommodations are clean and provide private bathroom facilities. Our luxury 'Classic' camp locations feature a private tent which comes with beds and bed sheets, private restroom facilities and a pull chain hot shower. All camping is extremely safe and our guides and camp staff are there to please. Should you desire a cold wine or beer, both are available out in the bush! All of our digital camera electrical needs are handled, as we have a custom made tent for recharging our laptops, cameras and iPods!

What is included in the 2010 safari?

All Game Park fees

All accommodations, based on double occupancy

All meals inclusive of restaurant staff tips

Services of guides and drivers

Land transportation in safari Land Rovers. Each of the three rear seat passengers has a complete seat to themselves, allowing access to windows on both sides of the vehicle and empty seats for photographic equipment

Airport transfers to and from hotels

Internal airfare from Serengeti to Arusha

Bottled water at all times

$30 Tanzanian Airport departure tax, if KLM / NW ticket purchased through Thomson Safari's.

What is NOT included in the 2010 safari?

Airfare from your home country to Arusha and return

Additional tips for staff such as guides and camp staff

Fees for passport, visas, immunizations and insurance

Alcoholic beverages while on safari

Laundry, phone and other items of a personal nature

Cost of hospitalization and evacuation if necessary

What do I do next?

Our group will be small and many spots are spoken for already. If this exciting trip has your name on it; if you're excited by the thought of becoming a member of this trip, then now is the time to register. Remember, there is limited space available for the 2010 safari. When they're spoken for, that's it. If you have any questions before registering, send me an e-mail. You may register directly by calling Thomson Safaris at 800-235-0289 and request the Randy Hanna photo safari for 2010, or you may contact me directly using the contact form provided here and I will take it from there. Please note: We will attempt to adhere to this itinerary as much as possible. However, certain conditions (political, climatic, environmental, cultural, or wildlife migrations) may necessitate changes in the itinerary. We reserve 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.