Experience pristine reefs & the greatest migration
Pristine Reefs & the Greatest Migration
Join us as we head out to Pemba Island, one of the region's least-explored and unspoiled dive destinations, surrounded by dazzling swathes of ocean and some of the best underwater photography opportunities you'll ever encounter. Then, inland to the undulating Serengeti grasslands, to participate in the magic and wonder of the world's most spectacular wildlife migration.
Enjoy amazing proximity to predators, unparalleled photographic prospects, and non-stop unscripted safari action.
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You'll find the most spectacular dive sites on the island's west coast. This area includes Misali Island, select locations off the Kigomasha Peninsula, and the Fundu Gap and Njao Gap. These all form part of the Pemba Channel Conservation Area.
From Pemba Island, we fly to Arusha, where the evening is spent readying equipment and preparing for our safari to the Greatest Migration. Just a short flight away, this event transpires across the southern plains of the Serengeti. Here, you'll encounter millions of wildebeest in their summer grazing habitat, along with multiple thousands of births, predatorial incursions, and interaction between multiple species.
There are sights here - and photographic opportunities - that have to be seen to be believed. And it's here that you get to see it all, firsthand.
What's included
- 3 meals daily daily, plus early morning tea
- Accommodation on a sharing basis
- Airport transfers
- All domestic fights
- All park and conservation fees
- Any additional meals other than stated
- Assistance with photographic and post processing on a casual basis
- Overweight on domestic flight for uw camera gear
- Two game drives a day, or options for game walks
- Dive Insurance
- Extra activities not mentioned
- International Flights (if not part of Tour)
- Items of personal nature
- Staff/Guide gratuities
- Travel insurance
- Travel visas
The Best Time To Visit Serengeti
The Best Time to Visit Serengeti would be to coincide with the spectacular and awe-inspiring Great Migration. This is the greatest show on earth as more than 1.5 million majestic wildebeest, zebra and gazelle migrate across the Serengeti. Saltwater Safaris offers a unique great migration photographic tour in January. This is in order to provide a spectacular underwater photography experience, combined with a great migration safari.
Pemba Island
You’ll find Pemba Island about 80 km to the northeast of Zanzibar Island, or Unguja, which is a 30-minute flight from Stone Town airport. And,Pemba Island is far less developed than Zanzibar with pot-holed roads leading through villages with the bustle of local women in bright kangas. Ox-drawn carts are stacked high with fruit, and the air is filled with the smell of exotic spices.
The masses have yet to fully discover Pemba Island, unlike its well know neighbour, Zanzibar, . As a photograph and adventurer , this massively adds to the appeal. With fewer people visiting, it is less crowded and there’s also less pressure on the precious natural resources. You have the freedom to explore and capture some remarkable shots without having to constantly compete with other visitors.
This is also particularly appealing when it comes to scuba diving! Often we are the only people out on the reefs, immersed in a pristine underwater world. And you’ll find there’s only your fellow divers and interesting denizens of the deep to keep you company.
A Pristine Underwater Wonderland
We base ourselves in the northern region, close to many of the popular dive sites of the area. Because Misali Island and the northern area of Pemba Island are known for having among the healthiest reefs in the world. The reason for this is nutrients are concentrated in the narrow channel that separates Pemba from the African mainland. And this in turn feeds the bordering reefs.
You can expect to see an enchanting coral cliff that drops more than 300 meters and the incredible marine life that makes their home in this incredible underwater wonderland. Clear blue water intermingles with turquoise seas that are home to Manta Rays and Whale sharks between October and April. And, professional Photographer and tour leader, Anthony Grote will be on hand to share professional tips and tricks to elevate your photography.
Serengeti National Park
After our week exploring and photographing the pristine reefs of Pemba, we fly into the Ndutu region in northern Tanzania. This is home to the greatest migration on earth. Home to the wildebeest during the summer months when the grasses green after the short rains in November and December.
The scenic Southern Seregeti consists of vast grassy plains studded with granite kopjes that stretch for miles. From the bottom of the Central Serengeti to the famed Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Maswa Game Reserve. This is one of the best areas from which to view the animals of the Great Migration.
The best time to visit Serengeti is between December and May. Visitors will see the huge herds of wildebeest, zebra and gazelle arriving to calve. These animals produce around 8000 calves each day, over a 3 week period. And so, the rich grasslands from Ndutu to Kusini,also attract predators like leopards, hyenas, cheetahs, jackals and lions who stalk the young. Fortunately, the majority survives.
A Photographer’s Paradise
The lakes of Ndutu and Masek attract thousands of colorful flamingos. And, Acacia woodlands are home to an array of monkeys, small mammals and hundreds of birds. The grasslands are coloured by bursts of prolific wildflowers and teem with insect life. Truly a photographer’s paradise.
We’ll ensure you get front row seats to the spectacular show unfolding on the grasslands.
The rainy season in northern Tanzania occurs between April and May with light showers beginning around the middle of March. And the grass plains erupt with short-lived flowering plants around June.
The herds of wildebeest cross the Grumeti River in June and July. It’s a perilous crossing as the giant Nile crocodile lies in wait to drag its victims under water.
2023
January 2023
- Day 1
- Day 2-7
- Day 8
- Day 9-13
- Day 14
Dar es Salaam to Pemba Island
Diving around Pemba Island
We have 6 days of 2 tank dives planned, which allows us to seek out the most picturesque dive spots featuring the clearest water and best photographic opportunities. And, if you're a fanatical diver, we've also made allowance for an afternoon dive. Here, we can return to a favoured spot from the morning's dive, or head out in search of yet more pristine sections of reef.
We also intersperse our tank dives with a visit to a secluded beach for snacks and drinks. There are mangroves, too - which opens up even more possibilities for photographic magic!
Pemba Island to Arusha
On the eighth day, we spend the morning exploring Pemba Island itself, or alternatively, identifying a choice area to snorkel and photograph. Most often, we make a decision closer to the time based on weather and the wishes of the group.
The single daily flight from Pemba Island to Arusha leaves at 15h10, and it's here that we'll gear up for our safari as we prepare to encounter the Greatest Migration on Earth.
Ndutu, Serengeti
Following the rains, the Greatest Migration has survived the storms and treacherous perils of the Mara Crossings, and is now well South. Here, the lush new grass and greenery provides abundant grazing and the perfect environment for the circle of life to begin anew. And it's here, in this place of irrepressible life, that we'll position ourselves to witness the greatest spectacle of the natural world.
In this renewed paradise, more than 8,000 wildebeest foals are born every single day. You'll see families being formed, alliances forged, social interactions played out. And of course, you'll also see the arrival of predators as the instincts of the wild are played out before you.
You photographic a panorama like this anywhere else in the world - and you get a front row seat to the action.
Serengeti to Arusha
Even the world's most spectacular experiences must end - and it's here that we say our farewells. Our flight departs at 11h30, and we arrive back in Arusha at around 12h30.
More about this tour
Wildlife Photography Tours
Whether you're a professional or hobbyist, this trip offers you the opportunity to not only hone your photographic skills but to visit some of the most visually amazing locations to be found anywhere. You don't have to have state-of-the-art equipment or software knowledge to come along, either. Our routes and destinations, accessed via dive boats and game drive vehicles, offer you the chance to practice (or perfect) your art in real time.
This trip doesn't feature 'classes' or formal training - but I'll be on hand to answer questions, discuss the best ways to optimise your experience, and offer constructive perspectives on your images if you'd like to. I can also provide assistance with Lightroom and other editing software during these sessions.
I also understand that some guests prefer to dispense with the camera and simply live the experience - so even if you're not a photographer, this trip is for you. Whether you capture the perfect shot or experience an eye-to-eye encounter with a predator at a hide, this trip is nothing short of a life-changing experience.
