Serengeti Kopjes Extension 2025

Extension of Photo Tour

Discover the breathtaking Central Serengeti Kopjes, where unique terrain offers unparalleled wildlife photography opportunities. Dramatic granite outcroppings rise out of the ocean of grass, creating a unique backdrop against the vast grasslands. Wildebeests, gazelles, giraffe and more roam these plains and cats are on the prowl. The rocky formations are a haven for big cats, where you can capture thrilling moments of ambush and leisure.

Trip Details

For those who can’t get enough of Tanzania, we are excited to offer and extension into the Central Serengeti Kopjes. This habitat and terrain provide unique opportunities to see and photograph wildlife in a completely different setting.

Spectacular granite outcroppings weathered smooth over eons punctuate the plains, creating a special ecosystem that wildlife ranging from lions, leopards and cheetahs, and more call home.

What makes this area so attractive to wildlife is the rainwater that puddles in the rocky formations, providing a constant source of refreshment for the wide variety of animals. The Kopjes are loved by big cats, such as lions, leopards and cheetahs, but they are especially enjoyed by lions which lie in wait, ready to ambush unsuspecting prey, or lounge in the shade of the cliffs.

In addition to the cats, we may see elephants, giraffes, wildebeests, and quite possibly the Black Rhino as this is the last remaining place in Serengeti National Park where this species still lives.

Safari vehicles are customized for photography: Just as with our main trip, we’ve maximized the vehicle space, created options for you to get different perspectives and even designed cushioned baskets that help protect your gear while giving you quick easy access. Our setup is a photographer’s dream.

Vehicle seating is limited to just three photographers per vehicle: The vehicles and the seating make a difference to your experience, and it can be the difference between getting a photo or not, seeing the action or not. On our safari, you will work from our customized vehicles and have your own row! This gives you ample space for your gear, the ability to shoot from both sides of the vehicle, and the freedom to shoot from different perspectives.

Our expert guides: We have worked with our team of guides for years and they have learned what we want and need for vehicle position, light and anticipating the action so that we’re always in the right position to capture stunning shots. Over the years, they have become like family.

Luxury lodges: Our lodge in the Serengeti sits upon a hill that provides an incredible vista of the grasslands and wildlife below. You will stay in gorgeously appointed permanent tents with amazing views and incredible luxury and comfort. It is located in the heart of the wilderness, giving us great access to the activity around as we head out each morning. Your stay here simply adds to the incredible experience.

One incredibly rich and diverse location.  The Serengeti is a photographer’s dream due to its breathtaking landscapes and abundant wildlife. Vast plains, dramatic kopjes, and winding rivers create stunning backdrops for capturing iconic African scenery. The region teems with diverse animal species and we will focus on those encounters each day we head out.

Fitness Level: Easy. You will be photographing from the safari vehicles during our game drives.

*Non-Photographer spots are available for this extension at a discount. This is a great trip for a photographer to share with a spouse/friend or for a single person who enjoys nature and having a great adventure. The non-photographer sits up front next to the driver/guide on game drives. When riding up front, the non-photographer will be able to see everything and be able to take pictures out of the window and roof. We actually have a number of non-photographers who love nature join our trips because we are not only fun to travel with but also spend time with wildlife, watching and enjoying the behaviors and activity rather than zooming around checking off species.

Tour Information

Starts

Feb 12 2025

Ends

Feb 15 2025

Leaders

Steve and Nicole

Price

$4800

Deposit

$1000

Participants

7 participants

Availability

Full

Booking Info

Deposit of $1,000 due with registration

Payment #2 of $2,800 due August 15, 2024

Final Payment of $1,000 due November 1, 2024

* Pricing based on double occupancy

* Single supplement (if available) add $800

* Non-photographer spot (riding up front with the driver/guide) discount of $250

Tour Highlights
  • Experience our tried-and-true itinerary – Having photographed in the Serengeti dozens of times, we have centered in on our favorite area. The plains and features of the kopjes offer a rich and unique environment for photography.
  • A full row to yourself in the safari vehicle – Just like with our main trip, every photographer will have their own row in the safari vehicle. This gives you the freedom to work from different perspectives and plenty of space for you and your gear.
  • Customized, private safari vehicles designed for photographers! We know what it’s like to shoot from a vehicle and worked with our partners to customize the vehicles to our photographic needs. Whether you want to shoot up high or down low, you will have the flexibility to do that.
  • Small group experience – Being out on safari is a special thing. We keep our group small so we can really enjoy and savor these memory making moments.
  • Experienced guides who understand our photographic needs – Having worked with our guides for years, they understand how to position our vehicles for light and for wildlife behaviors. In wildlife photography, we often play a game of chess to be in the right position and our guides are ready to get us there.
  • Two Photography Instructors – This trip is designed for photographers of all skill levels. Steve and Nicole are on hand throughout to assist you with your photography.

Arrival and Departure Information

Arrival day: This extension will follow directly from our main Tanzania trip. In fact, while non-extension clients head back towards Arusha/Kilimanjaro, we will go deeper into the Serengeti. You will not need to handle any logistics for this transition.

Departure day: We transfer back to Arusha this afternoon.  Please make sure your flight home from Arusha departs after 4:00pm on February 15. Most international flights depart around 11:00pm.

Detailed ITINERARY

Day 1

February 12, 2025

Off to the Serengeti and the Kopjes!

Today we continue our game drive directly into the Central Serengeti and enjoy photographing a range of wildlife as we head into the land of Kopjes.

Days 2 and 3

February 12, 2025 - February 13, 2025

Game Drives through the Kopjes and the short grass plains of the Serengeti

Each morning, we will head out for an early game drive, looking for wildlife in this unique habitat. We will typically take lunch into the field with us to maximize our time in this great place, heading home in the evening to relax and regale each other with stories from the bush!

Day 4

February 14, 2025

Return to Ngorongoro

Today we will enjoy our final morning game drive and photographing wildlife through the Central plains. We will then head back to Ngorongoro where we will stay at an exquisite lodge. Spend the afternoon at your leisure photographing the interesting birds that are all around the property and enjoying your final day in Africa!

Day 5

February 15, 2025

Return to Arusha for Flights Home

After breakfast, we will transfer to Arusha where we will visit the famous cultural museum and souvenir shop and enjoying a wonderful lunch at a community center before heading on to Kilimanjaro Airport for your flight home.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

  • All luxury lodging while in Tanzania
  • Delicious gourmet meals while at our exceptional boutique lodge
  • All ground transportation
  • All game safaris in custom vehicles designed for photographers
  • All expert guides
  • Plenty of bottled water with meals and on game drives
  • All permits and park entrance fees
  • Photographic and creative instruction
  • Comprehensive Pre-trip Booklet that includes all the photo gear and other packing information for the trip as well as all other pertinent details to help you make the most of this adventure

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED

  • Air travel to and from Arusha, Tanzania
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Alcoholic beverages