Serengeti, Tanzania Expedition

March 1 - 9, 2027 | Tanzania | $12,650

The moment has come! After many requests and months of careful planning, my first-ever Serengeti Expedition is finally live! In March 2027, I’ll be leading a small group of 6 like-minded adventurers to one of the most iconic Safari destinations in the world: Serengeti National Park in Tanzania.

But not ‘just’ Serengeti. We will travel in the best season, work with the best guides, stay in the absolute best locations, and make use of unique photographic vehicles.

Scroll down to explore the full itinerary. All the images you see, were captured during my recent visit in February 2025 to the very same regions we will visit on this expedition.

Important information

Dates: March 1 - 9, 2027
Tour starts/ends in: Arusha, Tanzania
Price: $12,650 per person (based on twin sharing / double sharing accommodation)
Deposit payment: $4000 per person (paid upon booking in order to hold your seat), 120 days prior to departure the remaining balance of $8650 will have to be paid
No single supplement available
Group size: min 4, max 8
Experience level: Anyone is welcome, from beginners to professionals, no photography experience is needed
Above price is incl VAT
Make sure to read the Terms & Conditions before booking by clicking here

Welcome to the world’s most iconic safari destination: Serengeti National Park. Our first stop will be Southern Serengeti where the drama of the Great Migration unfolds. We will be visiting in the peak of the calving season, during the best month of the year. Life and death play out in raw, unfiltered scenes as thousands of wildebeest are born and predators gather. In our second stop, in the quieter Eastern reaches of Serengeti, far from the crowds, the experience becomes even more powerful: fewer vehicles, more wildlife, and the kind of silence that makes your heart race. Step with me into a wildlife documentary brought to life where lion encounters are not just frequent, they’re iconic. This region’s open plains are scattered with ancient granite kopjes, rocky outcrops that serve as natural lookouts and shaded resting spots for lion prides. It’s here that you’ll witness one of Africa’s most powerful images: lions surveying the savannah from their stone thrones. Without a doubt the nr 1 destination in the world for photographing big cats.

For this expedition, I’m partnering with Asilia Africa, a company renowned for operating 20 boutique lodges across Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Uganda. On this journey, we’ll stay at two of their most iconic camps: Ubuntu Migration Camp in Southern Serengeti and their premiere camp Namiri Plains in Eastern Serengeti.

For eight nights and nine days, we’ll dive deep into Serengeti, experiencing some of Africa’s most spectacular flora and fauna. This is truly a chance to connect with the wild like never before.

To get you in the right mood, here’s a wonderful video testimonial created by Yash, one of my previous guests on an expedition to Kenya, watch the full video to get an impression of what’s it like to join one of my expeditions.

Day-to-day itinerary

Day 1

All travellers will arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (with direct flights available from major airports in the world). Since everyone will be coming from different locations, the first day is dedicated to arriving and acclimatizing. We’ll spend our first night at Rivertrees Lodge in Arusha, just a 40-minute organized drive from the airport. This will be a relaxed opportunity for the group to come together, unwind with a swim, and enjoy a welcome drink. The next morning our adventure starts!

Day 2 – 6

Early the next morning, we’ll head to Arusha Airport to catch our flight to Serengeti South Airstrip, an approximately 1.5-hour journey above the Tanzanian plains. We will be flying over the incredible Ngorongoro crater. On arrival, a short transfer will take us to our first camp, Ubuntu Migration Camp, where we’ll stay for 4 nights with full days out in the field.

Located in Serengeti South, this camp offers incredible access during the peak of the calving season, late February into March, when the weather is ideal and clouds begin to add dramatic light. Ubuntu moves with the massive wildebeest herds year round and will be based in the Kusini area during our visit, giving us exceptional photographic opportunities before the season ends. The other half of the year the camp locates to Northern Serengeti, making this a true bushcamp experience, mobile and under canvas, the best possible way to experience Africa.

As the long rains approach and clouds begin to gather, this time of year offers some of the best weather and unparalleled access to the Great Wildebeest Migration. Just before Ubuntu Migration Camp closes in mid-March to await the rainy season, the landscape transforms into one of the most stunning photography backdrops in the world. This is the best time of the year to visit this place.

Thousands of wildebeest gather in anticipation of the migration, and there’s still a good chance to catch the tail end of the calving season. After nearly a decade of traveling across Africa, I can honestly say few places leave as powerful an impression of wilderness as Serengeti South during this magical window.

Early March often brings the first rains, creating stunning afternoon cloud formations that add dramatic, moody skies, perfect for capturing breathtaking wildlife scenes. But the magic doesn’t stop there: during the first part of the trip, you can expect to encounter abundant lions, zebras, buffaloes, hyenas, cheetahs, and an incredible variety of birdlife.

Day 6 – 10

On day 6, after a morning game drive, we’ll transfer to Seronera Airstrip for a short flight into the heart of the Eastern Serengeti. From there, we’ll head to Namiri Plains Camp, an exclusive retreat nestled in a conservancy once closed for big-cat research. This camp is situated right in the middle of all action, giving us unmatched access to predator-rich kopjes at dawn and dusk, far from the crowds.

Welcome to Big Cats Heaven. The next 3 nights and 4 days are all about big cats, lions, leopards and cheetahs. This wildlife-rich conservancy is teeming with predators, making every moment thrilling. In March, as storm clouds build and temperatures cool, lions often bask on warm kopjes, creating perfect photo opportunities. We’ll tailor each day to follow the cats and weather, chasing the best light and action. When not out on safari, daily editing sessions, both 1-on-1 and in group tutorials, will teach you all you want to know about wildlife photography.

This camp is located in the absolute best location in Eastern Serengeti, giving us exclusive access to parts where no one else can come. The location allows us to stay till darkness and head out in the morning long before sunrise. No other vehicles will be around in the start and end of the day. A unique experience.

On the morning of the 9th day, we will check out to make our way back to Seronera Airstrip and it will be time to catch our flight back to Arusha. Form here we will transfer by road across to Kilimanjaro Airport and catch our flights back home.

Serengeti National Park

The Serengeti ecosystem spans northern Tanzania and southwestern Kenya, bordering Lake Victoria and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Covering around 30,000 square kilometers, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is renowned for its vast savannahs and incredible wildlife. It hosts the world’s largest terrestrial migration, with over 1.5 million wildebeest and thousands of zebras and gazelles moving annually. Home to the Big Five and rare predators like cheetahs and wild dogs, in Serengeti you will experience a truly remarkable little corner of Africa.

The Southern Serengeti

In March, the Southern Serengeti bursts into life with the peak of the great wildebeest calving season. The landscape features rolling grasslands dotted with iconic acacia trees and seasonal pans that fill with water. Warm and humid weather prevails, with daytime temperatures averaging around 28°C (82°F) and occasional scattered showers as the long rains begin. Predators, lions, cheetahs, and hyenas—are abundant, drawn by the thousands of newborn wildebeest and zebras. This creates an intense and dramatic wildlife spectacle set against a vibrant, lush green backdrop.

Days are warm, reaching up to 28°C, but remain comfortable with low humidity. While mid-March signals the start of the rainy season, the early part of the month still carries the dry warmth of February’s peak season, creating dusty conditions that make for stunning photographic opportunities. Mornings and evenings can be cool, so be sure to bring some warm layers.

The Eastern Serengeti

The Eastern Serengeti, offers a more remote and rugged safari experience in March. The landscape is a striking blend of granite kopjes, open grasslands, and scattered woodlands. While the rains begin here as well, the conditions tend to be drier than in the south. Temperatures usually range from 25–27°C (77–81°F). This region is a true sanctuary for big cats thanks to its vast open spaces and lighter tourist traffic.

The camp’s remote location allows wildlife to roam freely through the grounds day and night, so it’s common to have lions, leopards, and hyenas foraging just outside your tent. Temperatures here are slightly cooler, making mornings quite chilly—especially before the short rains, which typically arrive in mid-March. Visiting just before these rains means we can enjoy dramatic afternoon cloud formations, perfect for capturing stunning photographs.

Our spacious, under-canvas safari tents will provide the perfect base as we track the colossal herds and witness the calving season’s spectacular chaos. Each tent features king-size or twin beds, an en suite bathroom with a hot-water bucket shower and flushing toilet, plus generous living space. Single travellers share with a roommate, but the tents’ generous dimensions ensure plenty of room—even on a twin-share basis.

Included in the expedition price

1 x night at Rivertrees Lodge based on B&B
4 x nights at Ubuntu Migration Camp
3 x nights at Namiri Plains Camp
All accommodation based on twin / double sharing
Access to special photography vehicles in both camps
All domestic airport transfers
All domestic flight tickets + 10kg additional pre-bought luggage per person
Full board in both lodges incl all meals, wines & spirits
All park fees & Conservancy fees
Daily laundry items
Daily sundowners
All game drives
Photographic lectures & image review sessions
1-on-1 tuition in the field

Not included in the expedition price

International flight tickets
Travel & cancellation insurance
Tips & gratuities for staff & guides
Visa
Champagne, private cellar wines & private cellar spirits
Dinner on the first night in Rivertrees Lodge (paid individually in the restaurant)
Optional Hot air balloon
Expenses of personal nature such as souvenirs

Testimonials of previous participants

As you probably know, I have been hosting expeditions to Africa for some years now. After each expedition I am asking participants to write a short testimonial, below you find a few examples of my last expeditions to Africa.

Heather (USA) - This was not my first safari, but it was going to be the first time to Africa for my father, who is 82 years young. He had waited many decades for the stars to line up, for this opportunity to arise, and had high hopes of seeing all that could be seen, but realized it was a big ask. But not for Pie - this trip surpassed any and all expectations. Honestly, absolutely nothing could be improved. It became a running joke — everyday Pie would ask my father what he wanted to see the next day, and low and behold, the request would be fulfilled. Pie’s resources, connections and his ability to bring together a small group of strangers into a harmonious family are undeniable. I have been on many group travel trips in my lifetime, but never have the dynamics of all, worked so well together. This was a trip of a lifetime, and I can’t wait to go back.

Sasha (USA) - I just got back from a life changing expedition with Pie in Kenya, and literally had the time of my life. The thoughtful care and effort Pie puts into planning these trips was evident every day, and it was clear he has spent years building meaningful relationships with everyone involved in Africa. The Kenyan people were kind and genuine beyond words and truly added to the overall experience. I felt safe and taken care of the entire trip. I made tons of new friends with fellow photographers, witnessed endless sightings of incredible wildlife and landscapes, ate some of the best food of my life, and walked away feeling inspired, full of emotion, and ready to take my business to the next chapter. Throughout the trip, Pie shared his knowledge and expertise whenever he could - during workshops, meals, even during jeep drives! The connections made during our time together became apparent during our goodbye’s, especially when the tears started flowing… haha. Overall, it was unbelievable how much education, life experiences, and joy were packed into 10 long days. It’s an investment for sure, but also the trip of a lifetime, and one that everyone should experience!

Michelle (USA) - Where to begin, Pie’s expedition was a trip of a lifetime! One that will have me buzzing for a long, long time. Amboseli and the Masai Mara are two very unique and magical places that stole my heart from the beginning but what was extra special was the amount of knowledge I took home from hours upon hours of being in the bush and learning from Pie. To add to that, the lodges were absolutely incredible as was the heaps of delicious food we had at every meal. I had tears in my eyes on the final day knowing I was leaving such a special country and even more special group of people that came together from all over the world to learn about photography and be immersed in the African bush for 10 days.

Tobias (United Kingdom) - This is the third time I have been on a trip with Pie and every trip seems to get better and better. It’s more than just a photography trip, you almost seem part of a family. The relationships Pie builds with the people in his groups is what really makes these trips so special. The wildlife is mind blowing and Pie works with the best guides that do everything they can to get you in to the best positions for photography. This specific trip opened my eyes more than ever to the challenges that wildlife and humans face in Africa during climate change and droughts, and witnessing this first hand has had a huge impact on me personally. I can’t thank Pie enough for making a trip like this possible and I also can’t thank everyone who was there enough for making it so unforgettable.

Noortje (South Africa) - This Kenya expedition was about so much more than just taking photos. It gave us an insight into Pie’s adventurous spirit and way of living, his view on the planet, our place on it and how we coexist with the natural world. Understanding that is what ultimately results in taking great images and we certainly achieved that! It was a beautiful and wild adventure, and Pie’s enthusiasm, commitment and honesty made the trip unforgettable! Thank you for your knowledge, the laughs, the chases, the fantastic food (!) and all the in-between moments!

Yash (India) - I mean it when I say that this trip to Africa has had a huge effect on who I am, and I mean it in the most positive way possible. I came thinking only about photography, but left with an African experience so raw and so moving. My eyes opened to incredible stories of the people and wildlife, which I attempted to capture with my camera under the guidance and teachings from Pie. And last but not least, and which was totally unexpected, but I left with a new found group of incredible people that I consider as one of my closest friends.

Nathalie (Netherlands) - This was definitely a once in a lifetime trip! It was an incredible experience to hitch a ride on Pie’s passion and energy. It was a wonderful group, with a great variety in personalities and background, which made the expedition even more special. Every little detail was right! I dare to say it was a dream which unfortunately I have to wake up from now, but I’ll carry it with me the rest of my life.

Capucine (France) - A trip of lifetime, this is what was promised and the dream became a reality! I had an amazing time in the bush with the best group of people. Amboseli and Masai Mara blew my mind with the abundance of wildlife. Going from shooting unbelievable scenes to having the most delicious food in the camp has been a real happiness bubble for 10 days! Very inspiring workshops as well with Pie who definitely made this trip very special. Also, lots of surprises along the trip, which I won’t share here, which made it unforgettable!

How does an average day look like?

05.00 – 05.30 wake up + coffee/tea
05.30 – 09.00 photography in the field with focus on soft morning light
09.00 – 09.30 camp breakfast or packed breakfast
09.00 – 11.00 continue photography in the field focusing on B&W photography
11.00 – 13.00 lunch in camp + lectures by Pie
13.00 – 15.00 have a swim, rest, edit, back-up
15.00 – 18.00 photography in the field with focus on soft afternoon light
18.00 – 19.30 optional night drive
20.00 – 21.30 campfire drinks & dinner
21.30 off to bed to rest for another day of adventures in the bush

We are very flexible when it comes to planning our days. Usually, we leave each day with a packed breakfast, which allows us to stay out in the field all morning. If the conditions and sightings are good, we can even decide having lunch in the field to maximize our time with wildlife. We also carry our own sundowner drinks each afternoon, which gives us full flexibility.

As you can see in the planning, at lunch time I will host several lectures. Topics can be workflow, post-production, animal behaviour, composition, light, elephant conservation, how to find your voice as an artist, social media, equipment, and so on. In between activities there’s also room for 1-on-1 tuition about any of the above topics or whatever comes to mind.

Which kind of vehicles will we use?

In both lodges we will use Toyota Land Cruisers. However, in Namiri Plains camp we will work with unique photographic vehicles. The vehicles are designed so that the sides fold down, allowing for low angle photography. Each vehicle has max 3 guests allowing for optimal space to move around.

On board you will find bean bags, blankets, a fridge with ice-cold drinks and 220 volt electricity sockets for charging. Asilia’s photographic vehicles are unique in the industry, the best way to experience wildlife.

I will be sitting in the front, next to the driver and alternate between both vehicles. A rotating scheme will make sure everyone gets to spend an equal amount of time in my direct presence. Working with the right people is everything. Therefore, I have built strong relationships over the years with the guides we will be working with. As a result, we will work with some of the best people in the industry. In both camps we will work with leading photographic guides.

Do I need any photography experience?

Nope, not at all. Everybody is welcome. Beginners and professionals. Young and old. In fact, a diverse group always makes up for a lot of fun, because the main idea of these expeditions is all about interaction and learning from each other. I’m more than happy to explain you the basics of how to use your camera, but we can also have a deeper conversation about how to grow your personal brand as a visual artist, or how to find your voice. Or about music. art or sports :) So please don’t hesitate if you have never used a camera before, I’m there to help. But also don’t hesitate if you want to fine-tune your professional skills, I’m sure I can help with that too.

What type of gear do I need?

As soon as you have confirmed your booking, we will share an extensive list of recommended gear items that you would need for this expedition. However, don’t stress, any camera will work, it all depends on how you use it. We offer a custom advise for every level, from amateurs and beginners to full professional photographers.

How is this photography expedition different from any regular safari?

In the past 10 years I have spent more than 200 weeks in Africa, and I know the Safari business and its people inside out. This has generated an in-depth understanding of seasonality, geography, animal behavior, photographic opportunities, community living and cultural aspects, and of course wildlife conservation. This combined with 10+ years of experience in photographic story-telling, makes this trip a unique opportunity to learn. The entire itinerary is crafted around the theme of story-telling, which means I deliberately chose certain areas, camps and guides to work with. We will maximize time in the field and won’t be restricted by gate opening hours. We can off-road in both conservancies so have full flexibility. In between game drives – I will be hosting lectures and there’s room for 1-on-1 tuition as well. It’s a trip that’s centered around teaching you how to tell meaningful stories about the wild and you will go home with an incredible series of images!

Partnering with Asilia, we make sure that a portion of your trip directly supports vital conservation and community efforts in East Africa. By investing in ecologically and economically vulnerable areas, we help turn them into sustainable conservation economies that benefit both local communities and the environment. We believe people and nature thrive together, so we work hand-in-hand with local partners, NGOs, and authorities to ensure long-term impact. Each guest helps fund these efforts—supporting wildlife protection, habitat preservation, and community development.

Can I cancel my seat when I change my mind?

For more information about Terms & Conditions click here.

Is there an option to book a private room?

No. On this expedition there’s no single supplement. All rooms are based on twin sharing unless you book as a couple, we will of course offer you double sharing. As soon as the group is complete, we will make a roomplan taking into account personal preferences.

Will you advise what documents to organize in order to travel?

Of course. We will send you a full briefing before the trip on which steps you need to take in order to travel according to local and international Covid laws. Please be aware that Kenya requires a double vaccination against Covid-19 in order to enter the country. This might change overtime and we will keep you posted accordingly.

Optional: Hot air balloon safaris en Helicopter safaris

During both legs of the trip, it is possible to embark on a once-of-a-lifetime hot air balloon safari. You can decide on flying over Amboseli National Park and look at big herds of elephants from above, or explore the Masai Mara from the air. Both landscapes are very different, the former being very dry and flat, the latter being lush and hilly. This activity comes at an extra cost and is excluded in the rate of this trip. However, I do have very good contacts with hot air balloon operators in both areas.

The same thing counts for Helicopter safaris. I do have an extensive network of Helicopter pilots in both area’s we visit. This would also come at an extra cost.

The host

Pie Aerts is a Dutch documentary and wildlife photographer with a sincere interest in human/wildlife conflict stories. Through his lens, he examines the intricate relationship between animals, humans and nature and, as we become increasingly distant from each other and ourselves, he uses photography to search for the cause of this disconnect. He believes art can be an incredibly powerful tool in restoring that lost connection and therefore founded Prints for Wildlife in march 2020. Since it’s inception 2.1 million dollars have been raised of which 100% has been donated to African Parks Network. Since the outbreak of COVID-19 Pie spend more than 60 weeks in Kenya, visualising his personal relationship with the Kenyan landscape. Pie serves as a Canon EMEA ambassador, Gitzo Ambassador and as Hahnemühle Ambassador.