From our experience, there is nowhere quite like Namiri Plains. The immensity of the savannah, the dramatic big skies, the sense of wilderness, the abundance of wildlife and the seclusion from other vehicles and tourists, are unmatched in Africa.

It has one of Africa’s largest concentrations of big cats, especially lions and cheetahs, thanks to its history as a closed, conservation area, where for two decades the area served as a cheetah research center, closed to tourists, allowing its wildlife, especially cheetahs and lions to thrive. The area is located in a private concession with very few other vehicles and guests. From our base at the luxurious Asilia camp, it offers an exclusive and secluded safari experience in the remote eastern Serengeti, minimizing crowds and allowing for intimate game viewing.

The area benefits from fertile plains that attract large herds during the great Wildebeest migration. Our trip is timed to coincide with the passage of these herds. The area is also rich in various plains game. All of this maximizes our chances of witnessing predation-prey interactions.

The landscape is the quintessential Serengeti, with vast grassland savannah dotted with acacia trees and kopjes (rock outcroppings). The latter are a magnet for the big cats, and we will have excellent opportunities to photograph the cats on these rocks.

The camp contains a swimming pool, library and spa with an exceptional fine dining experience and the highest service levels.

We will be bringing our own drivers/guides and vehicles from Kenya who will work in tandem with local Tanzanian guides. All have intimate knowledge of the area. Our vehicles are top-of-the-line Toyota Land Cruisers that have been specially modified to provide an optimal photographic platform. Each guest will have a full row of seats to themselves.

Itinerary

Day 1 (April 11, 2027) – Guests should arrange to fly into Kilimanjaro international airport. The airport has many direct international connections from Europe and the Middle East. Tourist visas can be obtained either online, prior to the trip, or upon arrival.

Transfer to Arusha (a 40-minute drive- we will arrange a transfer for you with our ground team) and overnight in an upscale hotel.

Day 2 (April 12, 2027) – After breakfast, we will transfer as a group to Arusha domestic airport for the scheduled flight at 10am to Seronera airstrip in the Serengeti national reserve. Our vehicles will meet us at the airstrip for the transfer to Asilia, Namiri Plains camp. After lunch and time for unpacking, we will embark on our first game drive, coming back to camp after the sun has set, to maximize our photographic opportunities.

Day 3-9 (April 13-19) – Morning and afternoon game drives. Typically, we will leave camp at 5:45am each morning, carrying a packed breakfast with us. We will usually return to camp by 11am, have time to relax in camp including lunch, before departing for our afternoon game drive at 3:30pm. Dinner will usually be at 7:30pm. We have flexibility with our schedule, and should a sighting prove exceptional, we might choose to stay out later than our normal.

Day 10 (April 20) – Morning game drive, followed by a camp breakfast before transferring to the Seronera airstrip for our 11am flight back to Kilimanjaro International airport, landing at 12:30pm. Most international flights depart in the late afternoon or early evening. If any guest has a long wait, they will have the option of taking a day room at a nearby hotel (not included in the trip).

Included

Accommodations on shared basis, unless a single supplement is requested and available. Single supplement charge is $1400.

All meals including the first night in Arusha

Domestic flights

Ground Transportation to and from the airport

Guaranteed row and window seat in a private 4X4 land cruiser

Park fees

Bottled drinking water in safari vehicles

Two multi-award winning photography leaders

Not Included

International flights

Visa

Travel and Medical insurance

Personal purchases

Accommodations before or after the tour

Deposit Information: A non-refundable deposit of $2,000 due now to hold your spot. Final payments are due January 15, 2026 via check or wire transfer only, if you choose to send a wire the fees on both ends are the responsibility of the participant. Credit cards will not be accepted for any payment other than deposit. Full payments are always welcomed via check or wire transfer . All checks made payable to: Denise Ippolito LLC.

*Please note if you are traveling alone, I will do my very best to secure you a roommate. However, if I am unable to secure you a roommate then you will be charged for a single supplement.

*Please be sure to check your calendar carefully and to check out my Workshop Policy Page.

*Note: Purchasing travel insurance is strongly recommended.

*To be clear, this is not a birding trip though we will stop for some of the more popular birds.

*A detailed information sheet will be sent upon sign up.