After saying goodbye to the brothers who joined me in Tanzania for a private safari, Donna and I met up with our second group. Everyone in the group was wonderful. Many of them have travelled with me several times before. Our first dinner together was a hoot; we had such a good time.
Our first day in Ndutu was good. We saw a young female lion up a tree and watched as she passed on several good meals, including a young zebra and a young impala— both in close proximity to her perch. We also tried to photograph backlit hippos spouting water as they reached the surface. It’s so hard to try to predict where they will come up!
Our main guide saw in the far distance, a huge herd (approximately 10,000) of wildebeest that were headed toward a small body of water. We weren’t sure if they were going to drink or what, but to our surprise they packed in at the water’s edge and began to cross it. Unfortunately, we were behind them —so we captured mostly butt shots, but we experienced a once in a lifetime event as they changed paths over and over again. A hippo in the water moved the herd, a hyena at the water’s edge moved them yet again in a different direction. It was chaos and we enjoyed every minute of it!!
We finished with the Ndutu area with 2 photo sessions with the flamingos at Lake Ndutu. We saw loads and loads of assorted birds as well. So off to a good start.
Next, we went to Namibia Plains in the Serengeti. There we photographed the Gol Kopjes Pride on kopjes (large rocks). We also had a very special sighting of a caracal. It was brief and almost impossible to get a shot of, but we managed a couple. It was my first caracal sighting and photo. We also spotted 3 serval cats. The grass was too high for a good shot, but it was still nice to see them.
My favorite photo shoot was when we got a call that a female cheetah with 5 cubs had been spotted. We drove until we found her. It was so exciting to see 5 incredibly young (approximately 2 months old) cheetah cubs feasting on a fresh kill that momma had provided for them. One cub in particular was fondly referred to as Hannibal Lecter because of its bloody little face. The tiny cubs still had their full mantles and kitten faces. Adorable!
The grasses were next to impossible-one of the cubs is completely hidden.
I’ll tell you, Namiri Plains delivers! We had leopards up trees, on rocks, in the grass. Lions galore as well as a very healthy amount of cheetah. We had tiny cubs, 8-month-old cubs, 2-year-old sub adults as well as a coalition of 3 brothers and several lone females. Lots of elephants, giraffes, large herds of zebra, wildebeest, and Cape buffalo. We spotted some Bat-eared foxes that were all bunched up trying to stay warm in the chill of the early morning.
There were so many sightings on this trip that I can’t even try to list them. I know I say that I had an excellent group of photographers a lot —but it’s true. So many of my trips are filled with fun loving, interesting, talented photographers. But this trip in particular was an absolute blast! We all got along so well and laughed so much during the trip that I can feel a reunion trip in the near future!
A special shout out to Donna Bourdon who stepped in for Paul McKenzie as a co-leader. Paul had some last-minute eye issues. We wish Paul all the best for a speedy return. But again, thanks Donna!!
Paul and I have a 2027 trip planned for Namiri Plains and Donna and I have a Mara/Samburu/Amboseli trip planned for 2028. If anyone is interested treated just shoot me an email.
PS- not one drop of rain…
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