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It's About
Photography — Lots of it!
This workshop will be very informal and fun. Randy Hanna will be
shooting alongside you at all times. We will have discussion and
assistance on specialized topics such as, for example, long lens
technique, projection flash usage, action shooting, wildlife
observation, field craft and east African animal behavior. Advanced
techniques will be constantly discussed, demonstrated and put into
practice.
This workshop is about shooting. Lots of shooting. There will be no
classroom sessions, no lectures, no slide shows, and most importantly,
no unnecessary egos. We will all work closely together, sharing our
knowledge and experience.
Because of the unique location of this workshop, and the luxury
accommodations, this workshop adventure is open to spouses as well as
photographers. Even non-photographers will find the locales visited and
the wildlife viewing opportunities to be thrilling. The cost for
non-photographers is the same as for active participants. The Schedule:
*Accommodations in parenthesis*
February 13 - Depart home country.
February 14 - Arrive
Arusha, Tanzania. (Arusha Coffee Lodge)
Connect in Amsterdam with your flight to Kilimanjaro Airport,
arriving late this evening. You will be met by Thomson Safaris staff and
transferred to your lodge in Arusha.
February 15 - Arusha to Ngorongoro Conservation
Area (Thomson Ngorongoro Nyumba - NMS)
You will awake to a new world this morning. Exotic birdcalls fill the
air as you walk up to the main dining room for breakfast and a safari
briefing with your guide. Then you’ll leave Arusha by Land Rover,
crossing the Maasai Steppe on your way to Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Soon, the impressive Great Rift Valley Escarpment will come into view –
a 2,000 foot high wall that rises up out of the flat plains. Head up the
winding, switch-back road, through bucolic rural farm land as you
approach Gibbs Farm, where you will stop for lunch. Then continue up to
Ngorongoro Crater itself. Arrive at your Thomson Nyumba camp and settle
in before visiting the nearby Maasai boma of Irkeepusi. Here you’ll meet
friends of Thomson Safaris who will give you a window into their
day-to-day lives. Maasai are pastoralists who tend sheep and goats, and
their most prized possessions: cattle.
Return to your Nyumba in
time for a delicious dinner this evening. Prepare for a full day of
wildlife viewing before heading to bed tonight. Please note, at this
elevation the nighttime temperatures are cool year-round (40-55 degrees
F or 4-10 degrees C). Make sure to bring warm layers with you on safari.
February 16 - Ngorongoro Crater (Thomson
Ngorongoro Nyumba - NMS)
Rise for a hearty camp breakfast before you spend a full day exploring
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 on the crater floor you will enjoy a picnic
lunch at a scenic picnic spot.
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, which is nestled in the lush forested landscape that is so
typical of the fertile Ngorongoro region. Relax with some palate teasers
before your evening meal. Sleep well tonight, before a busy day
tomorrow.
February 17 - Ngorongoro Crater (Thomson
Ngorongoro Nyumba - NMS)
Wake up early this morning so you can have a few bites to eat and a hot
cup of coffee before departing camp at 6am for the crater floor.
Maximize the light of the early morning and return to camp for a hearty
lunch and a brief afternoon repose. Then you’ll head to the crater floor
once again to capture the best afternoon light on film. 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.
February 18 - Ngorongoro
Conservation Area to Serengeti National Park via Olduvai Gorge (Lake
Masek Tented Camp)
Rise early today. As the cool, fresh air fills your lungs you’ll feel
invigorated and rejuvenated, ready for another great day on safari.
Departing after breakfast for the Serengeti, you will make your way
around the southern edge of the crater rim, spotting the occasional
buffalo along the way. At Olduvai Gorge, make a brief stop at the museum
to view some of the incredible finds of Drs. Louis and Mary Leakey.
By late morning, you will arrive at famed Serengeti National Park.
The plains seem endless as you meander through the wildlife-rich central
and southern Serengeti plains. Arrive at Lake Masek Tented Camp in time to
refresh before dinner. Enjoy engaging conversation around the crackling
night fire this evening.
February 19 - Serengeti National Park (Lake
Masek Tented Camp)
More wildlife viewing is on the agenda today as you explore the fertile
Serengeti. Out on the plains, you will be looking for warthog, jackal,
eland, kudu, reedbuck, baboon, topi, hyena, gerenuk and giraffe. You may
also see tightly grouped herds of wildebeest, which often gather
together during their prolific calving season. Keep an eye open for
newly born calves frolicking on the open plains.
Stop for a
picnic lunch at your leisure and later today, after a wealth of
opportunities for more wildlife photography, you’ll return to the
comforts of your lodge. Dinner is sure to be a lively, engaging affair
as guests swap stories about all that you saw. Continue your
conversation around the campfire tonight and then head off to bed for a
good rest.
February 20 - Serengeti National
Park (Lake Masek Tented Camp)
Rise early for a quick breakfast and hit the road by
6 am. Photograph in the pristine, first light of day before returning to
camp for an early lunch. Then you’ll head back into the bush for more
wildlife viewing and photography this afternoon. Roll down the windows
or stand up to take advantage of the customized roof hatch. Feel 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! After returning to camp later today, you have time to
enjoy a drink before sitting down for dinner with your fellow travelers.
February 21 - Serengeti
National Park (Thomson Serengeti Nyumba - Southern)
Spanning nearly 6,000 square miles, the Serengeti has
even more to offer you today. For a different perspective on the
scenery, you will move to a Nyumba. Arrive at camp in time for lunch and
return to the bush to capture the late afternoon light on film.
This area is home to more lion than any place on the planet. You may
also spot illusive predators like leopard and cheetah; keep your eyes
peeled and your cameras at the ready should you spot these lithe cats on
the prowl, lazing in the shadows or atop a lookout point. In the
Seronera river system that flows through the heart of the park you can
spot some of the largest crocodiles in Africa, hippos, kingfishers,
egrets, monitor lizards and more.
Return to your Nyumba. Having
experienced wonderful wildlife viewing throughout the day, dinner is
sure to be a lively, engaging affair as guests swap stories about all
that you saw. Continue your conversation around the crackling night fire
this evening. As you gaze up at the stars over southern hemisphere, you
will feel privileged to have personally experienced this special place.
February 22 - Serengeti National Park (Thomson
Serengeti Nyumba - Southern)
Today you have the option of joining a Serengeti balloon safari
(additional fee and advance reservations required-if needed, the back up
ballooning day would be tomorrow morning). The experience begins with an
early rise (approx 4am) and pre-dawn drive to the balloon launch site,
where you will be given a balloon briefing prior to take-off. 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 touch down. You’ll be greeted with a champagne toast
and treated to a full English breakfast.
For those who do not
join the balloon ride this morning, you’ll awaken instead to the calls
of the African dove or superb starling. Enjoy hot tea or coffee as you
sit comfortably on your verandah watching the day break; you may even
spot giraffe or zebra grazing in the distance. After breakfast, another
fascinating day of wildlife viewing begins.
Later this morning
you’ll all regroup to continue your wildlife viewing for the rest of the
day, stopping to enjoy a picnic lunch at your leisure. Upon your
return to camp this afternoon you can relax in the tranquility of your
Nyumba as you reflect on today’s activities; your exploration of the
heart of the park has been both informative and adventurous and you’ll
relish each moment in your unique surrounds. Few travelers ever have the
privilege of seeing, “the world as it was in the beginning.” Under your
dining tent, hot soup, fresh bread, entrees and a scrumptious dessert
await your evening indulgence. Retire to your comfortable camp beds
after a full and satisfying day.
February 23 - Serengeti National Park (Thomson
Serengeti Nyumba - Southern)
More wildlife viewing is on the agenda today, your last full day in the
Serengeti. Take a picnic lunch as you head out on the trail in your
trusted Land Rovers.
This evening you return to camp where you
can go over your experiences and compare notes with your fellow
safari-goers. Rest easy, and enjoy being lulled to sleep by the sounds
of your last night on the Serengeti plains.
February 24 - Serengeti National
Park to Arusha to Amsterdam (Arusha Coffee Lodge - Day Room)
Later this morning take a Regional flight to Arusha (50 lb baggage
limit). As you visually retrace your route from above, note the change
in landscape from the flat plains of the Serengeti to the verdant,
rolling hills of the Ngorongoro Highlands. Touch down at Arusha Airport
in time for a bit of shopping and a farewell lunch at Riverhouse with
your new safari friends. Day rooms are provided for you to rest and
relax before checking in for your departing KLM flight to Amsterdam.
Take dinner with you to the airport, which you can enjoy at your
leisure.
February 25 - Amsterdam to home
Connect in Amsterdam and arrive in the U.S. Please check your flight
itinerary for details.
"Testosterone" ©2009 Randy Hanna, all rights reserved
The Cost:
The cost of this all-inclusive trip is U.S. $10,950
per person (but not inclusive of airfare to Arusha, Tanzania).
The same rate applies for each participant regardless of whether they
are doing photography and participating in the workshop, or not. This
fee includes all in-country ground and air transportation as well as
hotel accommodation (double occupancy) and all meals. The non refundable
deposit for this trip is $1200.
Accommodations are two person to a room. If you will be traveling
alone and would like a private room there will be a supplementary charge
of $1200.
For an additional fee you can choose to have the both the safari
*and* your flight from New York or Boston booked for you. We encourage
this service if you are departing from North America, as we will all be
able to arrive in Tanzania on the same flight at the same time. It is
our experience that this service eliminates many scheduling headaches,
and the cost is at or slightly below the average market rate for such a
flight.
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 reserves 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. Costs incurred by such changes will be the
responsibility of the participant.
What's Included?
•Accommodations Based on Double Occupancy •Meals as Noted in
Itinerary, Inclusive of Restaurant Staff Tips •Complimentary Bottled
Drinking Water Throughout Your Safari •All Park Fees •Complete
Preparation Materials Including Helpful Tips, Packing List, Trip
Expectations, Tipping Guidelines, Etc. •Access to a Personal Safari
Consultant by Phone or Email, Five Days a Week •Full-Color, 120-Page
Safari Journal •Services of Thomson Safaris Drivers and Guides
•Safari Briefings Throughout Your Trip •Services of Thomson Nyumba
Staff Including Chef and Wait Staff •Special Tanzanian Dinner at
Ngorongoro Crater •Tech Tent at Thomson Nyumbas for charging
electronics until 9pm each night •Keep Fit Kit at Each Nyumba Camp
•Land Transportation in a Customized, 4-Wheel Drive Land Rover Defender
•Unlimited Mileage in Thomson Vehicles •Guaranteed Window Seating in
Thomson Vehicles •Maximum of 3 Travelers per Land Rover •Scenic
Internal Flight(s) as Noted in Itinerary •Special 50lb baggage weight
limit for internal flight •Guided Walks with a Naturalist, When
Available •Village, School and Cultural Visits as Noted in Itinerary
•Airport Transfers as Noted in Itinerary •Baggage Handling
•Farewell Lunch •Services of a Professional Photographer
What is Not Included?
*International Round-Trip Flight to Tanzania *Airline-Imposed Fuel
Surcharges *Airline-Imposed Seat Assignment and Checked Baggage Fees
*Fees for Passport, Visa, or Immunizations *Meals and Expenses en
Route to Tanzania *Cost of Hospitalization or Evacuation *Beer,
Wine, Spirits, and Soft Drinks *Laundry, Phone, Internet and Items of
a Personal Nature *Tips for Guides, Drivers, and Camp Staff
What Do I Do Next?
Our groups are small, so space is limited. 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 will be
limited space available for this workshop. When they're spoken for,
that's it. If you have any questions before registering, send us an
e-mail with any inquiries using the contact
FORM on this
site.
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