The timing and location of the tour has been designed to coincide with the renowned annual wildebeest migration. In the last decade, only a small fraction of the herd has been crossing into Kenya’s Masai Mara, so to truly appreciate the size of the herds, one needs to view them in Tanzania when they have just begun their migration following their annual stay in the calving grounds near to the Lake Ndutu area.

Most of our trip will be spent in the central Serengeti in the open Savannah grasslands, punctuated by rock outcroppings or kopies. These beautiful rocks are a magnet for the big cats, especially lions and leopards and this will be a key photographic target for our group. Both Lake Ndutu and the central Serengeti are home to large numbers of big cats including a number of huge, black-maned lions. The two areas are also home to tree-climbing lions, a rarity in Africa. The presence of the wildebeest and zebra herds means that we have a good chance of witnessing and photographing predation by the cats.

While there are no rivers in the areas we are visiting, Lake Ndutu has a large lake and the Serengeti has numerous waterholes, which draw the herds in huge numbers. We expect to be able to photograph rarer species such as Serval cats while bird life is prolific. We are guaranteed chances with elephants, giraffes and numerous other herbivore species.

Ndutu area - Our photo targets are flamingos, lots of birds, and lions in trees. There are hippos and other game there  but we concentrate on the flamingos and lions in trees because in the Serengeti portion there are neither one of those. 

Nabi gate is part of the Serengeti. And depending on where the herds are (they move with the rains) the large herds can be nearby. Lots of wildlife in this area. 

Semetu camp is in central Serengeti (beautiful camp- great rooms, there is a large male leopard near camp, so you’ll probably photograph him) and this is where most of the action is. Actually, between Nabi gate and Semetu camp is where most of the Kopjies (rocks) with lions on them and the large herds of elephants, wildebeest, zebra, gazelle, etc… are. 

Total cost - $14,599 USD pp, this cost includes the domestic flights. At Semetu camp all laundry and drinks are included . Drinks and laundry at other camps are not included. Just an FYI- at most camps in Africa,  bottled water is not included. However, we will have bottled water in each vehicle so clients will always have access to bottled water. 

Visas should be applied for online in advance but they are available at the airport. Yellow fever shots are not needed if flying from US.

Included

Accommodations on shared basis, unless a single supplement is requested and available. Single supplement charge is $1450.

All meals including the first night in Arusha

Domestic flights

Ground Transportation to and from the airport with group

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

Park fees

Bottled drinking water in safari vehicles

Not included:

Visa application fee-approximately $100.00

Travel insurance

International flights

All beverages that are not included at the camp

Any laundry that is not included at the camp

Any personal items. 

tips $400 pp- this tip includes all tips at each camp/driver and guide tips as well. You will need to collect everyone’s tip and give it to Simon on the second day— he will then tip out each camp appropriately, he is very fair and makes sure that all porters and back of house get tipped. 

10 nights (including first night in Arusha) and 11 days.

Itinerary:

Day 1 - Arrive Kilimanjaro International airport and transfer by vehicle to Arusha (around 30-40 mins). Overnight there. Transfers are included only on the day of the 5th, if you come in a day or two early, you will need to book your own transfers with the hotel.

Day 2 - Morning vehicle transfer to Arusha airport for domestic scheduled flight to Lake Ndutu. Transfer to Lodge. Afternoon game drive.

Day 3 - Morning and afternoon game drives in the Lake Ndutu area.

Day 4 - Morning and afternoon game drives in the Lake Ndutu area.

Day 5 - Morning game drive in the Lake Ndutu area. Transfer by vehicle to the Central Serengeti, Nabi gate. Afternoon game drive among the famous rock kopies. Overnight Nabi gate area.

Day 6 - Morning and afternoon game drives in the central Serengeti area among the kopies. Overnight Nabi gate.

Day 7 - Morning game drive in the central Serengeti area among the kopies. Transfer to Nameri Plains area. Afternoon game drive Nameri Plains.

Day 8 - Morning and afternoon game drives in the Namiri Plains area.

Day 9 - Morning and afternoon game drives in the Namiri Plains area.

Day 10 - Morning and afternoon game drives in the Namiri Plains area.

Day 11 - Morning game drive in the Namiri Plains area. Transfer to Seronera airport for late morning flight back to Kilamanjaro (JRO)…Tour ends.

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

Deposit Information: A non-refundable deposit of $2,000 due now to hold your spot. Final payments are due May 15, 2026 via check or wire transfer only, 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 that I will do my very best to secure you a room mate; if I am unable to secure you a room mate 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.

*A single supplement is available for $1450.00 additional-limited availability.

Travel Insurance- I urge everyone to purchase travel insurance for a major trip like this.