Cultures & Wildlife of Tanzania
Sept. 11-21, 2023
Workshop Summary
GROUP LIMIT - 5
This comprehensive photography workshop expedition, led by photojournalist Phil Carpenter in partnership with The Image of Africa, will take you through some of the most diverse parts of Tanzania, off the beaten path, to see ancient cultures rarely seen by outsiders, and observe a rich array of wildlife.
On this bucket list trip you will spend time with, and learn about unique groups, such as the hunter-gatherer Hadzabe tribe, the Datoga people, and the Sukuma community. They are graciously allowing you to witness and experience some of their hunting, dancing, and singing traditions, as well as religious practices they may be engaged in at the time. In this unique full immersive experience, you will camp at least one full day and night camping with them.
For part of the trip, you will see diverse African wildlife in two world-famous locations, in luxury camp settings. First, the Northern Serengeti, well known for its cheetahs as well as other big cats. It’s also where you can witness parts of the Great Migration as millions of animals move in search of water, and sometimes encountering a gauntlet of crocodiles at the Mara River crossing. where you’ll find the best game viewing at any time of year.
There's also Central Serengeti, the site for exhilarating hot air balloon safaris, which we offer in addition to the game driving. This activity can be booked at extra cost.
Capturing moments in time. A glimpse of authentic tribal traditions. The beauty and diversity of Tanzanian wildlife. What more could you ask for in a unique African photographic adventure? Join us. Explore and discover a new world through a different lens.
Sukuma People
Sukuma People are unique and very distinctive in their dance and song culture.
Sukuma people wear bright clothes and lots of jewelry. They are cattle grazers and do a bit of agriculture. Even though their traditions are starting to disappear due to the introduction of christianity, it still remains one of the most incredible cultures in Tanzania.
Sukuma people also practice dances with large snakes such as pythons. They practice witchcraft and believe in the moon and the sun.
They have their own particular clothing style and stand out from other ethnic groups.
Northern Serengeti
In the Northern Region, the landscape is very scenic and consists of hills, riverine forests and plains. There is the famous Mara River, which provides the setting for the fantastic river crossing event by the giant herds of wildebeest, providing an ultimate great migration experience.The Northern part of the Serengeti is famous for its cheetahs, the gracious big cats of Africa.During the Great Migration and the Mara River crossing you can witness the most fascinating wildlife spectacle: over two million wildebeests along with thousands of zebras, Thomson’s gazelles, impalas and kudus make their attempt to cross the Mara River in search for grazing and water. During this time the Nile Crocodiles and Hippos try to hunt the multitude of animals making it a challenge for the migrants to reach the opposite shore.
Hadzabe Tribe
There are approximately 1000 individuals who self-identify as Hadzabe. Of this total, approximately 300 are nomadic and live a hunting and gathering lifestyle, collecting over 95% of the food that they consume.
The Hadza believe the sun, moon, stars and their ancestors. They have a creation story that describes how the Hadza came to populate the earth. It involves descending to earth, either from a baobab tree or down the neck of a giraffe.
The Hadzabe have an egalitarian social structure, there is no political structure, formal or informal, at the tribal level. Society is typically organized in camps.
The Hadza have very little accumulated wealth and most do not participate in a market economy. When there is a “new moon”, the Hadza perform their ritual epeme dance, which only occurs under the cover of darkness. The epeme dance involves men taking turns dressing up and dancing as the embodiment of their ancestors for the women and children of the camp.
Nyikan Camp
Nyikani Camp Tarangire is located in Tarangire National Park. The dry season (June to October) is the most exciting time for wildlife viewing when the animals gather at water points around the park. You may see large herds of elephants, some giraffes, buffalos, zebras, and of course the big cats! This camp is located in a less crowded area of the park with excellent access to the river, swamp, and other regions. Nyikani Camp Tarangire offers an extraordinarily comfortable and intimate atmosphere in the middle of Tanzania's wilderness! 12 normal guest tents and 1 family tent with 2 ensuite bathrooms; private, shaded verandah overlooking the bush; flush toilet, double washbasins with running water, safari-style bucket shower, and other essential amenities including lounge chairs (indoor and outdoor) and morning coffee and tea butler service.
Nyikani luxury migration camp located in the Serengeti ecosystem, moves twice a year to ensure its guests are very well placed to witness the Great Migration of wildebeest and zebra.
Nestled in a fever tree forest and backed by a rocky hill, Kisima Ngeda is a cozy luxury camp that overlooks the salt-water seasonal Lake Eyasi.
Photo: Kisima Ngeda
Masai en route to a bull slaughter. Photo: The Image of Africa
Cost: from US$7,530 per person. Please contact tour organizer, The Image of Africa for detailed itinerary and prices breakdown.