Carlosu

Check out Natural Habitat Adventures. We did a 10-day photo safari in Botswana with them. The guides knew the territory and photography. I also learned a lot from the real photographers in the tour, long lenses and all. We spent a long time at each spot, allowing plenty of time for taking pictures. Each seat was equipped with bean bags and other photo paraphernalia. Not cheap, but good.

kenabr Loc: S.E.Wisconsin

I've done a number of workshops with John Gerlach. I know he does Africa every year. I recommend him for his professionalism and knowledge. Go to gerlachnaturephoto.com and check it out.

xt2 Loc: British Columbia, Canada

Have done three safaris and would rate Sabi Sabi (https://www.sabisabi.com) as the best so far.

Cheers!

MadMikeOne Loc: So. NJ Shore - a bit west of Atlantic City

Thank you to all who have replied so far. You have all given me a fabulous start to my research for this trip. I’m already familiar with some of the tour companies and guide names. Many others weren’t on my radar.

Normally I reply individually to the responses in my topics. Please forgive me for sending “a response to the group” this time. I had an extremely long and exhausting day dealing with a serious medical emergency a friend had while we were out shooting this AM. My friend is progressing, but I need to crash!

Thank you all again.

Robg

I was in Kenya and Tanzania 5 years ago and stayed in resorts operated by &Beyond (pronounced as "And-Beyond"). They arranged for all our driver/guides and all were excellent. Very knowledgeable about flora and fauna, and some were also photographers. Note that this was not an explicit photography trip. Note also, that we had arranged for personal driver/guides and did not share with others who might have had different goals.

EPDatabert

Check out Micato Tours https://www.micato.com/

Hammertime

Took the most amazing tour with "Kerr & Downey". Africa as you well know is simply amazing... If the animals cooperate. The Kerr and Downey trip I took was in Tanzania and Kenya and was absolutely magical! They are on the pricey side however worth every penny of it. From showers in the bush to a full spread meal every night and wonderful campers to share the experience with.

Amaize

I have been on several safaris in the last several years. My daughter lives in Tanzania for 2 years, then Kenya for 6 months. As we speak she is on her way to Kenya to run a research project. I do not recommend Kenya. There are many reasons, though the main one would be that there is much less control over guides, which in the end means more stress on the animals, especially cats. Serengeti is one of the ultimate places to tour and if you have time, you would be able to totally immerse yourself in an extraordinary land. Good that you have a year to plan. In the Ser, the slow season is Spring — March-May, the “rainy season.” Generally we had little or no rain on Spring trips, and far less vehicle traffic. There were days at the Seronera Wildlife Lodge (check it out) right in the heart of the Ser, we were the only guests. Since you have time, a trip to Ngorongoro Crater is quite impressive — you only need 2 days touring in the Crater. July-Oct is busy season, with many looking for migration action on the Mara River. We had an incredible experience last Jan, in Masai Mara — 45 minutes of continuous W-beests crossing.

I am happy to give you more details in planning, and can put you in touch with a great guide who would be more than pleased to give info on all aspects of safari’s there. A big recommendation is no more than 3 in a safari vehicle, and always open top Land Cruiser.

Feel free to email, if you would like to talk. amaizn_blu@yahoo.com

Ken

MadMikeOne Loc: So. NJ Shore - a bit west of Atlantic City

Thank you for your input. I’m considering only Photography tours, though.

MadMikeOne Loc: So. NJ Shore - a bit west of Atlantic City

Thank you, I will check them out.

MadMikeOne Loc: So. NJ Shore - a bit west of Atlantic City

Thanks you. I’ve never heard of them, so I’ll definitely take a look at them.

MadMikeOne Loc: So. NJ Shore - a bit west of Atlantic City

Thank you for your response. Lots of excellent info. One of the things that is playing into whether or not a company makes my short list is a VERY limited number of people per vehicle. Another is early starts in the AM as well as being out again late afternoon, early evening. Since I’ve been to many of the countries in the southern part of Africa during those 2 safaris totaling about 36 days, I know for sure which areas are on my “have to go back to” list. So that narrows things further.

Thanks again!

Amaize

Well, go solo ! I typically go just with my daughter. And anticipate a safari in May, since she is back in Kenya — well, will be Thursday. Last trip I brought to Fuji XT3s — she was gonna do videos while I shot stills — brand new cameras, but one malfunctioned. Fuji gave me a new one, but not till I was back in the Michigan. If your interested, I could possible link up on a safari. Also talked to another guy here who might consider the same. If interested, we could chat.

Ken

wildencountersafaris Loc: poland

Hi, I organize private safari trips https://wildencountersafaris.com/about/private-safari/
This is my mail info@wildencountersafaris.com if you have questions.

MadMikeOne Loc: So. NJ Shore - a bit west of Atlantic City

Thanks for the response, but right now all bets are off due to Covid-19.