Why go on a Photo Safari?

Many of us grow up with visions of experiencing our very on 'wildlife special' in person.  Whether it's National Geographic, Animal Planet, Discovery, Travel Channel, or all of the above, we have been introduced to wilds of Africa on television and the movies. The amazing thing is that you can still safely experience intimate wildlife encounters beyond your imagination. Our trips are designed and oriented for intimate wildlife photography, and as a result provide an amazing opportunity for serious observers as well. Truly the trip of a lifetime.

Why go on photo safari to Tanzania?

The wildlife in Tanzania is truly remarkable and not at all seasonal. Although a poor nation, Tanzania is safe, stable and has done a better job of protecting it's wildlife habitats than any other African nation.  More than 25% of the total country has been set aside for wildlife reserve or National Park. On top of that, the Tanzanian people are extremely friendly and welcoming in addition to being highly intelligent. Tanzanians often refer to their country as the Switzerland of Africa since they have never had internal tribal nor colonial warfare. 

When is the best time of year to go?  

See the entire page I have dedicated to this subject  Here! (Different times of year)

Why go on photo safari to the Serengeti ecosystem?

The Serengeti is one of the healthiest ecosystems on the planet.  The large mammal population is 1+ million larger than it was in 1960, and is a prime example that when managed and protected, wildlife and thrive when left alone. Home to the largest annual mammal migration on the planet, the 2 million plus wildebeests and zebras wind their way on a 12 month oval trek for water and grass through northern Tanzania.  9 of the 12 months of every year, the entire migration is in Tanzania, and even in the 3 months that the migration reaches Kenya, at least a third of the Mega Herd remains in the northern Serengeti. If you only to to Africa once in your life, this is the place that you should not miss.

 Why go on a photo safari / workshop with William Cowger?

• With the experience of 19 safaris, we know where to go and when to go there.  The Serengeti ecosystem is twice the size of Connecticut and the roads are bad.  If you are in the wrong location, you can spend most of your day driving to the wildlife rather than capturing it in good light. We will be sure to get you in the best locations for the best photography.

• Regardless of level of photographic expertise, each traveler is offered input, suggestions, and informal instructions from a pro.

• Informal workshops, lectures and briefings are conducted daily to prepare travelers for each situation planned for that day.

• Special vehicles with each traveler getting an entire row and a seat for yourself and your gear, a roof that pops up to protect from the equatorial sun and provide shade for viewing the camera displays, battery charging sockets, refrigerators, etc.

• Luxury accommodations close to the action that provide great food and full amenities and safety for charging, cleaning and storing your photo gear.

• Flexibility to meet everyone's photographic needs and schedule.  From all day every day (sunrise to sunset), to taking breaks as desired.

• Our awesome naturalist guides/ drivers have been well trained to maximize your photographic experience, and offer a wealth of knowledge on animal behaviors, wildlife management, and the ecology, geology and history of Tanzania. 

• Our animal behavior expertise knows when to wait for something exciting to happen and where to be when it happens to get the shot but yet not disturb the natural behaviors.

What if I want to go at another time?

My partners in Africa can provide you with an amazing private photo safari with all the same features except me being along.  The same extremely experienced naturalist guides, vehicles, lodging, and itinerary based upon the movement of the migration will provide you with the ultimate trip of a lifetime at the time you want to go for the time you want to be there.  Let us help you arrange the best combination of photography opportunity and comfort.

What are the accommodations like?

Depending on the location of the wildlife we stay in luxury lodges, permanent tented camps and 'Classic' mobile camps. All locations offer great food, clean rooms with private en-suite bathroom facilities, electricity, running water and hot showers.  The permanent tented camps are permanent structures with canvas walls.  The 'Classic Luxury' mobile camps are set up in the middle of the migration. Each tent has real beds (king / queen sized) with all the expected linens, toilets, electricity, running water and toilets. All camps are extremely safe and the camp staff are there to please.  Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks are available for purchase throughout the trip (the beer is cold).

What is the food like?

The food is very much like what you get at home, although likely more fresh.  It is normally brought in daily by air or truck. Accommodations for special diets are managed easily if we know about them ahead of time. Breakfast is always a big English breakfast with wonderful fresh fruit daily. Lunch on safari is a boxed (sandwiches, chicken, fruit, juice, boiled egg, etc) in the morning before we leave (unless we are returning to camp for lunch). Dinners in the mobile camp are prepared just for us, and as a result is often rated better than the lodges. The soups are truly magnificent, the main course is meat based (unless a vegetarian dish is ordered).  Often there is a choice between a traditional African preparation or European dish. The food is always highly rated and I can assure you that you will not go hungry. Bush meat (wildlife) is illegal to serve in Tanzania so it is never on the menu... just your standard beef, chicken, pork and lamb.

Who is William Cowger?

I spent 30 years in the computer industry which got me to 56 countries, including a 5 year stay in South Africa.  It was during that 5 years when I got hooked both on Africa and photography. In 1999 I decided I really wanted to be a photographer when I grow up (not sure when that will be) and take people to Africa.  It was 5 years later when I took my first group and I have loved every minute of all 19 trips since then. In between trips, I'm a commercial photographer, President of the Troy Rotary Club, on the board of the Troy Chamber of Commerce and on the board of the Troy Leadership Coalition. My greatest thrill in life is introducing the wonders of Africa to people for the first time.  I love South Africa, but when I take first timers, we go to Tanzania.

Other Questions?

Try my entire page of Safari tips!