Who is PhotoKing Safaris/Safari Kings Tanzania & what makes you different?

Our company is aimed at people who have a love of the wilderness and nature. Some of our clients who have a keen interest in photography may been on a previous safari but were overall dissatisfied with the experience because they shared the vehicle with others and felt they were hurried to move along without fulfilling their creative objectives. Maybe this was because they were in a camp supplied vehicle with other guests who weren’t as interested in photography as they were…

Over the last 10 years, we have built trusted relationships with various camps and lodges in East Africa. As we supply the private vehicle and expert guide, our wildlife and photographic based safaris are more specialised because we are not tied into any particular camp. This means our driver guides can basically go anywhere we want to photograph (within reason!). This, along with our suggestions for camps & lodges are based on true experiences of actually staying there as a guest in the past, therefore we know what to expect.

How long are the Phototrips & Gamedrives?

We recommend a minimum of 10 days on safari – Traditional operators normally scheduled a morning and afternoon game drive… With Safari Kings, we can leave at first light in our quest to shoot incredible wildlife images and return after last light if that’s what you want. For the entire duration of your trip, our pledge is simple… Be in the moment, give you great experiences and get the wildlife shots you want! Regardless of photographic ability and gear, from the latest iPhone to the top of the line Canon, our focus is all about you and what you want to get out of your safari.

With Safari Kings you can spend 5 minutes in a location or 5 hours. You will never be hurried along. We’ll sit there all day in the same spot waiting for that epic shot if that’s what you would like to do.

How many people in the group?

Our guided trips are personalised with just 2 people confirming a booking that with see that trip go ahead (max 5 people per vehicle). As an additional option, Wildlife photographer, Mark Fitzsimmons can be there with you in the same vehicle offering as little or as much assistance as you want. For the Arctic, a minimum of 5 people (the others don’t need to need to be known to you) is required to confirm a group booking.

What experience do you have?

Mark Fitzsimmons has been a professional photographer his entire adult life. His work shown here, speaks for itself! He has travelled extensively and photographed on all seven continents on earth including both polar regions. He is also a commercial helicopter pilot, an adventurer and successful business person in his own right.

Safari Kings co-owner Elia Mollel is widely regarded as one of the top safari guides in East Africa. With his outstanding knowledge in wildlife behaviour, tribe cultures and history of the region, Elia takes great pride in providing clients with unforgettable and life-changing experiences, his enthusiasm and passion is infectious.

Despite coming from strikingly different backgrounds, Mark and Elia form an ideal business partnership. United by a shared love of the great outdoors, ethical business practice and passion for African wildlife, Elia, with his deep knowledge of flora and fauna brings a grounded, nature-focused perspective to the business. Mark combines his expertise in business, branding and customer experience to ensure their company resonates with all clients. Both are relentlessly committed to delivering a world-class product, constantly pushing the business to exceed expectations and make a meaningful impact on wildlife conservation/awareness and client satisfaction.

The company strengths are not just with Mark & Elia though, it’s the people that help put your trip together and are directly involved. In Africa, other drivers (outside our guided trips) are personally known to Mark & Elia and also have a keen interest in photography and adventure. You can read more about the company here…

Where are you based?

PhotoKing Safaris Pty Ltd is an Australian registered company. We are also incorporated in Tanzania as Safari Kings Tanzania Ltd. Our clients are mostly from the US, Australia & Europe. We hold and maintain all relevant permits are are fully insured for all of our safari operations.

Why Tanzania?

Mark has photographed extensively throughout southern & eastern Africa including Namibia, South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda & Kenya. For the ultimate wilderness & nature experience with the best wildlife & diverse photography opportunities combined with outstanding accomodation standards, Mark believes Tanzania is the ultimate destination for wildlife enthusiasts.

With its unparalleled natural beauty, the Serengeti, renowned for the Great Migration, offers a dramatic spectacle that draws travellers from around the world, while the Ngorongoro Crater stands out as a unique ecosystem with a breathtaking concentration of wildlife nestled within a dormant volcano. Tanzania’s range of experiences, from luxurious lodges to more budget-friendly options, ensures that every client, regardless of budget can immerse themselves in this incredible country.

What are the accomodation standards like?

We operate Gold, Silver, Bronze tiered accomodation standards. This means that we can book you a Gold standard property… for instance, Elewana Tortilis Camp in Amboseli, Kenya and then silver style properties such as Entara Olmara Camp in the Eastern Serengeti or the Elewana Pioneer Camp in the Central Serengeti. As the guiding & vehicle fees are completely seperate, we can tailor a trip to meet your budget. We do not recommend camps that we wouldn’t be happy staying at ourselves so therefore you’re guaranteed an outstanding experience regardless of where you choose to stay.

How do I book?

First thing is to start a conversation with us so we can understand your objectives. Once we know a rough plan and your budget, we will put a suggested itinerary to you.