Guest Post: Reni Stutz – Southern Serengeti Culture & Wildlife Tour
Tanzania is a country rich in culture, tradition, and stunning wildlife, making it a prime destination for photographers and nature lovers alike. From the vibrant colors of the Maasai people to the majestic giraffes, there is no shortage of subjects to capture on a Tanzania photo safari.
A safari tailor-made to visit and photograph some of Tanzania’s iconic cultures and wildlife events that are found in the southern Serengeti. Based in an area called Kakessio, we will split up our days between photographing the fascinating Maasai, Datoga and Hadzabe tribes with one of Africa’s most spectacular wildlife events; the Wildebeest breeding season, dubbed, the Calving Migration. A bonanza of young Wildebeest, Zebra and Gazelle are seen on the southern Serengeti’s plains which offer abundant opportunities for the local predators to feast!
Tanzania is home to over 120 different tribes, each with its own unique culture, traditions, and way of life. This diversity is one of the many reasons why Tanzania is such an exciting and fascinating destination. Photographers have the opportunity to capture the traditional dances, clothing, and rituals of the various tribes, providing a rich cultural tapestry that is sure to captivate their audiences.
One of the most interesting tribes to visit on a Tanzania photo safari is the Hadzabe. This ancient tribe still lives in the bush, relying on hunting and gathering for survival. Hadza are the last remaining true hunter-gatherers of Africa. The Hadza are nomadic and survive by hunting their food with hand-made bows and arrows and foraging for edible plants. They are known for their unique hunting, honey foraging, and musical traditions, and for the beautiful red and white beadwork that adorns their clothing. Photographers will have the chance to capture these unique traditions, as well as the stunning landscapes of the bush where the Hadzabe call home.
The Maasai are one of the most well-known tribes in Tanzania and are known for their vibrant red clothing, intricate beadwork, and stunning traditional dances. The Maasai are a semi-nomadic people, living in the bush and moving with their cattle in search of fresh grazing land. They live in large villages in typical Maasai structures made of homemade bricks and wood. Their livelihood and most important commodity is their cattle. Photographers will have the opportunity to capture the beauty of their traditional dress, daily life, and the stunning landscapes that they call home.
The Datooga are formally nomadic but now more pastoralists, they dress to blend in with their environment, the colour of the reddish brown soil, and have few and subtle adornments. They are proud people and resistant to cultural change. Photographers visiting Tanzania will have the opportunity to capture the beauty and pride of the Datooga people, capturing the unique colours and textures of their traditional dress and the landscapes that they call home. These images will provide a unique and intimate glimpse into the life of one of Tanzania’s most fascinating tribes.
Tanzania is famous for its stunning wildlife, and a photo safari here is an opportunity to capture some of Africa’s most iconic creatures.
The southern Serengeti plays host to the Wildebeest calving between January and March, and it’s hard to imagine a more exciting photo tour and travel experience! Dramatic storms sweep in new life and tens of thousands of Wildebeest and their babies cover the plains while ever watchful predators and scavengers lie in wait for a quick meal.
Additionally, the country is home to a diverse range of other creatures, incredible birdlife, bat-eared foxes, and even chameleons, providing a wealth of subjects for photographers to capture.
Tanzania photo safari is a journey that will take you to the heart of African culture and wildlife. From the vibrant tribes and traditions of the Hadzabe, Datoga and Maasai, to the stunning landscapes and creatures of the bush, there is no shortage of subjects to capture on this incredible adventure. So pack your cameras and get ready to embark on a journey of a lifetime!
From the ORYX team we would like to would like to express our sincere gratitude, to Reni Stutz for joining us on the Southern Serengeti Culture & Wildlife Photo Tour. Your passion for photography, experiencing new cultures, and love for nature were evident in the beautiful images you captured during the trip. Your support is truly appreciated, and your portfolio is a testament to your talent and creativity.
It was an honor to have had the opportunity to guide you on this journey and we hope that the memories and experiences will stay with you for many years to come.
We look forward to guiding you again in the near future and creating more stunning photographs together.