4 days In Search of Big Tuskers, Amboseli National Park Conservation Photo Safari (February 26–March 1, 2025)

From

$2,700.00

Pay a 30% deposit per item

Payment Requirements:

  • 30% deposit
  • Two 35% payments
Amboseli is the home to some of the last Big Tusker and Super Tusker elephants in Africa. What makes them so special? Big Tuskers are elephants whose tusks weigh over 100 lbs each. Super Tuskers reach the ground. They are incredibly impressive elephants, and being in the presence of one stirs your soul in a way you didn’t know was possible.  Back it up with Kilimanjaro rising above the savanna, and you’ve got a photo for your showcase wall at home.

Unfortunately, trophy hunters love taking these these precious animals. How can we make a difference?

Photo safaris bring value to each animal. By bringing photography groups to Amboseli, Blackwood Safaris shows the government that they can profit far more off of multiple sightings of a live animal than from a one-time trophy fee. This is known as Conservation Photography. We all want to take awesome photos, but don’t you want your passion to make a difference? This is the safari on which you can do that.

 

Itinerary:

DAY 1: ON OUR WAY!
Some of you will be continuing your Serengeti Great Migration Photo Safari with this fabulous Conservation Photo Safari add-on, and some will be flying in the day before. We will leave after breakfast at Planet Lodge in Arusha and transfer to Kibo Safari Camp in Amboseli. We’ll begin looking for Big Tuskers and Super Tuskers immediately upon entering the park. Local guides keep track of these special elephants and know where they are. If we come across amazing sightings, we’ll stop, but our focus is on the fantastic and endangered Tuskers on this trip.
DAYS 2 & 3: AMBOSELI NATIONAL RESERVE
We’ll be out all day, both days, so that we have the best chances to find and photograph as many Tuskers as possible in Amboseli. The scenery is incredible, so don’t forget a wide-angle lens, just in case Mt. Kilimanjaro peeks out of the clouds! Karen will be by your side to ensure you are getting the best composition and settings to take your best shots.
DAY 4: AMBOSELI THEN BACK TO ARUSHA
We’ll stay in Amboseli, photographing wildlife, landscape, and hopefully our final peeks at Big & Super Tuskers until the last possible moment before heading back to Arusha. We’ll arrive at Planet Lodge in time for dinner, where we’ll have time to reminisce about our experience together. We never say goodbye…we’ll say “See you next time!”
Our Big Tusker Amboseli photo safari pairs perfectly with our 9-day 9-day Tanzania Birthing Season on the Serengeti Photo Safari (February 17–25, 2025). Extend your trip with a double booking and get a discount!

Additional Information

Mammal Highlights
  • Big Tuskers (tusks weigh over 100 lbs each)
  • Super Tuskers (tusks reach the ground)
  • Elephant Breeding Herds
  • Leopard
  • Cheetah
  • Cape Buffalo
  • Caracal
  • Serval
  • Zebra
  • Antelope species
  • Maasai Giraffe
  • Blue Wildebeest
Birding Highlights
  • Golden-winged Sunbird
  • Pearl-spotted Owlet
  • Blue-capped Cordon-bleu
  • Spotted Thick-knee
  • Woodland Kingfisher
  • Fischer’s Lovebird
  • Yellow-collared Lovebird
  • Rosy-breasted Longclaw
  • Southern Ground Hornbill
  • Tanzania Red-billed Hornbill
  • Bare-faced Go-away-bird
  • Schalow’sTuraco
  • Cape Teal
  • Saddle-billed Stork
  • Grey Crowned Crane
  • Kori Bustard
  • Secretary Bird
  • Hunter’s Cisticola
  • Rufous-tailed Weaver
  • Grey-breasted Spurfowl
  • Hildebrandt’s Francolin
  • Banded Parisoma
  • Usambiro Barbet
  • Superb Starling
  • Hildebrandt’s Starling
Habitats and Special Moments
  • Savannah
  • Acacia Trees
  • Mountains including Mt. Kilimanjaro
  • Big and Super Tuskers against spectacular settings
  • Big breeding herds of elephants
  • Other African wildlife
Photography Skills Level
Everyone from absolute beginners to seasoned snappers are welcome. Whether the newest mirrorless camera or a cell phone, Karen will coach your settings, suggest different compositions, and will guide you to take your best shot on this Conservation Photo Safari.
Cost
Double Occupancy: $2,700 USD per person

Single Occupancy: $3,000 USD

Deposit: 30%

2nd Payment: 35% – 180 days prior to Safari

Final Payment: 35% – 90 days prior to Safari

Fitness, Health, & Safety
You may need a Yellow Fever vaccine to enter Tanzania. Tanzania is a malaria area; please consult with your physician prior to travel. You should be up to date on tetanus prior to travel.

For more information, see your country’s health/travel website, or the CDC website: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/tanzania

Fitness requirements are average. You’ll need to be able to get in and out of the vehicle (assistance is available), carry your own camera gear, and manage steps in the Lodge. We may walk on uneven ground.

Wildlife can be unpredictable. Karen and our local guides will take every precaution to never put us in a position to pressure wildlife or cause it to feel defensive. While we all want to take great photos, ethical wildlife practices are paramount and take priority.

 

Max Clients
This safari is open to 8 guests. We’ll ensure everyone has a window seat with space for your gear. We may use two vehicles to accomplish this.
Electric Adapter
Tanzania uses Type D & G plugs. You may be able to use an adapter instead of a converter. To be sure, check the label on the appliance. Some appliances never need a converter. If the label states ‘INPUT: 100-240V, 50/60 Hz’ the appliance can be used in all countries in the world. Devices like this include most laptops and phones, most recently produced battery chargers, and many small, electrical gadgets, especially those designed for world travel.

Here is an example of an international converter for Tanzania: https://www.amazon.com/customerpicks/Explore-power-adapters-for-tanzania/0c13e9e376a2afa04fa7

Gratuity Planning (in USD)
Gratuities may be given in USD – please check the exchange rate and plan enough cash. ATMs are safe to use in Arusha. There are few ATMs once we leave Arusha on safari, so please plan to have enough cash while on safari.

  • Driver: $5-10/day
  • Local Tusker Guide: $5-10 each/game drive depending on quality of drive
  • Staff at Lodges (staff tip box): $5/day (you may tip individuals directly if they go above & beyond for you)

 

 Included:

  • Full-time access to our 4×4 open-roofed safari Toyota Land Cruiser throughout your trip
  • Karen will provide photography coaching
  • 4 nights full board: meals and accommodations (1 night Arusha @ Planet Lodge, 3 nights @ Kibo Safari Camp)
  • Sufficient water during the entire trip and a cooler box in the vehicle to keep cold drinks
  • All Park entry fees and taxes included

Excluded:

  • Airfare or Travel to/from Arusha
  • Visas
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal purchases
  • Alcohol
  • Gratuities
  • Extra hotel nights
  • Anything not mentioned as “included”