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William Cowger Photo Safaris

10 reviews
Reviews: 10
Group, set date tours
Photos: 33
Main focus: Luxury
Established: 2005
Headquarters: United States
Languages:
English

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About William Cowger Photo Safaris
Oriented to all levels of photography and serious observers, wildlife and travel photographer William Cowger has introduced more than 20 groups to the wonders of the Serengeti since 2005. These 12 day on the ground photo safaris are focused on getting in the middle of the wildlife action in comfort with a full row in the car per person.
About our safari vehicles
Transportation in Tanzania is via specially outfitted and extended Land Cruisers that have seats for 8 in addition to the driver. We never have more than 4 people in a car so there is a row per person and always a seat for your camera gear and yourself. When on game drives, the top pops up so that all passengers can stand and have a 360 degree field of view without risking safety, and there is a hatch over the front seat so that there is a row for each of the 4 passengers / photographers. The pop-up roof also provides protection against the equatorial sun, and makes it easier to see the image display on the back of cameras. Each vehicle has a radio for locating game and emergency communications, charging outlets so that batteries can be charged while on safari, and a refrigerator to keep drinks cool.
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"Serengeti--a trip of a lifetime."
Safari enthusiast
United States United States
12 kudus
Photos (0)
Reviews (1)
Visited: Sep. 2014 Reviewed: May. 12, 2020

We thoroughly enjoyed our trip to the Serengeti with Bill Cowger. We had been reviewing several trips before deciding to go on this trip. We are so glad that we did. We were up and out early every morning and typically came back at dinner time. A couple of days we came back for lunch. We saw so many different animals and each time was amazing. We were even able to do a night drive. My husband took between 6 and 7000 shots and his pictures are fabulous. We were so luck to see three separate crossings of the Wildebeast at the Mara River.
It is just breathtaking. The drivers are so knowledgeable. The staff at the facilities were first rate. The mobile tents were an great experience, even waking up at 4 in the morning to the roaring and then breathing of a lion outside our tent. The food was great. We each had our own row in the car and could easily access all sides to see the animals. Would love to go again.

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Countries visited: Tanzania
12People gave this
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United States United States
Countries visited: Tanzania
Visited: Sep. 2014
Reviewed: Jun. 09, 2014

12People gave this
a kudu

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"Beauty and the Beast"
Safari enthusiast
Canada Canada
23 kudus
Photos (0)
Reviews (2)
Visited: Feb. 2014 Reviewed: Oct. 24, 2019

I never take pictures, I leave that to my husband.
I own only a dummy-proof bridge camera.
I went on safari with Bill Cowger.
I came back with over 3,500 pictures!

I do not regret booking with him. Apart from being a gentleman and a scholar, he runs a top of the line operation.

Tanzania is beautiful. Its people is peaceful and fun loving.
The lions, elephants, cheetahs, zebras, monkeys were plentiful and extremely photogenic. But we are not in a zoo. These animals are wild!

I am fussy about food. I did not lose any weight on this tour.

I am fussy about accommodations. All accommodations were great, especially the tents. They are not the Hilton but what a wonderful experience.

I loved my trip. I was very impressed with the professionalism of Mr. Cowger and his entire crew.

I hope I can go back someday and if I do, Bill Cowger will be my guide.

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Countries visited: Tanzania
11People gave this
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Canada Canada
Countries visited: Tanzania
Visited: Feb. 2014
Reviewed: Jun. 10, 2014

11People gave this
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"Two Amazing Safaris"
Safari enthusiast
United States United States
11 kudus
Photos (0)
Reviews (1)
Visited: Aug. 2006 Reviewed: May. 29, 2019

I have read other reviews of other travelers who went with Bill Cowger on a safari and I can concur with all that was said. I have gone on two wonderful adventures with Bill and will be joining him for my third safari in September 2015. My first one was July/Aug of 2006. It was only the 2nd or 3rd one Bill had done and I did not find one lodge, meal, drive, person, etc. that was not satisfactory and above. But since then he has upgraded some of the lodges, transportation from one venue to another, overnights to and from the airport before starting off to the Serengeti and other parks. My second safari was Feb/Mar 2008 and it was more magnificent than the first. The “tented” camp was excellent and the best food and service. “Tented” is in quotes because once in your tent you could be in a luxurious hotel anywhere in the world. I have likened the lodges to those in our US National Parks like Yellowstone, Grand Canyon or The Tetons. You remain a part of the park, very open, lodges made from all natural materials mostly from the area. Tanzanians are so proud of their country and want visitors to the feel the same way. The Takim guides are outstanding as mentioned by others. What always impressed me was they constantly told us that this was OUR safari so where we wanted to roam and how we wanted to stay watching a single lion or a herd of elephants was up to us. At the same time they would let us know where there was something special going on and what we could expect if we stayed in an area for awhile longer.
One of my best memories was standing on a small hillside, near dusk, watching thousands of wildebeest and zebras “stampeding” down a dry riverbed as they sought water and grass.I knew I was perfectly safe as the guides know the territory and know what these animals’ habits are.

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Countries visited: Tanzania
11People gave this
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United States United States
Countries visited: Tanzania
Visited: Aug. 2006
Reviewed: Jun. 20, 2014

11People gave this
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"What A Beautiful Photo Journey"
By: Bobby J
Safari enthusiast
United States United States
12 kudus
Photos (0)
Reviews (1)
Visited: Feb. 2014 Reviewed: Mar. 20, 2019

My wife and I were really undecided as to whether we really wanted to go to Africa. We finally decided to go after attending one of Bill Cowger's presentations at our local library. As the time drew near for us to travel, our excitement was beginning to overtake us. We flew from Detroit to Amsterdam, with Bill. He gave us a lot of first hand information as to what to expect. We flew to Kilimanjaro after about a 4 hour layover in Amsterdam. We were picked up by vehicles that would be used in our journeys. Our first stop was the Mount Meru compound. Delightfully comfortable, delicious food, and no real hurry to do anything but enjoy Africa for the first time. After a few days we were off on our journey to capture, on film, all the wonders of Africa, and the ECO system. During the next 13 days, we were totally amazed at what we saw, how we were taken care of, the wonderful food and accommodations, and the expertise of Mr. Cowger and his two drivers/guides.
We wish we were younger so that we could return to Africa. It was purely AMAZING.

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Countries visited: Tanzania
12People gave this
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By: Bobby J
United States United States
Countries visited: Tanzania
Visited: Feb. 2014
Reviewed: Jun. 09, 2014

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"Bill Cowger's African Safaris"
By: Dick
Safari enthusiast
United States United States
13 kudus
Photos (0)
Reviews (1)
Visited: Jun. 2013 Reviewed: Dec. 23, 2017

Bill knows the land, the animals' behavior, the best photography techniques, and the local culture. His drivers are bright and articulate, the accommodations and food excellent, and the local people warm and welcoming. Bill makes it YOUR safari, whether you're a simple point and shoot photographer like me, or if your expertise is more sophisticated.
We got much closer to the animals than I'd imagined we would, and had a once in a lifetime opportunity to personally experience the local culture (visiting schools, markets, even a native village). Tanzania is a beautiful country and Bill's expertise makes his safaris an amazing learning and relaxing experience.

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Countries visited: Tanzania
13People gave this
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By: Dick
United States United States
Countries visited: Tanzania
Visited: Jun. 2013
Reviewed: Jun. 08, 2014

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"The trip of a lifetime"
Safari enthusiast
Canada Canada
23 kudus
Photos (0)
Reviews (2)
Visited: Feb. 2014 Reviewed: Feb. 05, 2017

We researched the web thoroughly before booking this trip with Bill Cowger. We wanted a small group, one full row of seats per client, good lodging, good food and a photo-oriented experience.

We got all of that and then some! There were 7 clients, Bill Cowger himself plus two guides-drivers.
Accommodations are in 4-5 star hotels and in luxurious canvas tents. We loved the tents for their proximity to the wildlife, the gravity-fed showers, happy hour by the campfire and dinner under the stars. Truly the highlight of this trip!

The guides are very polite and well mannered, their knowledge of the fauna and flora of their country is encyclopedic. They are very attentive to the needs of photographers and to position the Land Rovers in the best possible light. The vehicles were washed and cleaned every night and the cooler was always kept full of cold water, juices and beer.

The scenery, the sunrises and sunsets are a photographer's delight but the animals will steal the show. It is hard to imagine coming so close to lions, cheetahs, elephants and thousands of zebras, wildebeests and beautiful colourful birds of every size and shape. You have to be there to believe.

Bill Cowger' safaris are top notch. Bill himself is with the group from beginning to end always ready to offer a crash course on camera settings or to oversee every detail of his very well run operation.

Any regrets about booking with Bill Cowger? NONE
Would you go back with Bill Cowger? As a matter of fact, we are booked again for September 2015.

See you there???

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Countries visited: Tanzania
12People gave this
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Canada Canada
Countries visited: Tanzania
Visited: Feb. 2014
Reviewed: Jun. 09, 2014

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"Tanzania Photo Safari"
By: Gary
Safari enthusiast
United States United States
46 kudus
Reviews (1)
Visited: May. 2013 Reviewed: Aug. 05, 2016

We thoroughly investigated African photo safari companies to find a reasonably priced tour in an animal-rich area with an experienced professional photographer. We also wanted an uncrowded small group setting and first class accommodations.

We wisely selected Bill Cowger's operation, which actually exceeded our expectations. Bill's experience in 23 previous trips was apparent in his ability to provide the best times and places for wildlife photography; moreover, he is a genuine pro photographer who can help with camera settings, etc. Unlike most of the other photo tour operators we observed, Bill provided uncrowded LandRovers where each individual could stand and photograph from each side of the vehicle. (We noticed that some of the much more expensive tour groups had twice as many passengers in their vehicles.) Food and accomodations were first class. We were especially impressed with the cuisine and living quarters in the tent camp -- strategically placed in a rugged area and surrounded by animals!

We enjoyed the trip so much that we are planning another trip with Bill next year.

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Countries visited: Tanzania
13People gave this
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By: Gary
United States United States
Countries visited: Botswana Namibia South Africa Tanzania Zimbabwe
Visited: May. 2013
Reviewed: Jun. 08, 2014

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"Outstanding Safari Experience"
By: Amanda
Safari enthusiast
United States United States
11 kudus
Photos (0)
Reviews (1)
Visited: Jul. 2006 Reviewed: Jul. 29, 2016

I feel so fortunate that I had the opportunity to travel to Tanzania with my husband, my mother- and father-in law, and my mom and dad. I was born in South Africa but moved back to the US when I was little and I had always dreamed of returning to Africa to go on safari. It couldn't have been a better experience. The food was far better than I expected, the hotels were clean and well kept, and everything was well organized. The guides/drivers (provided by Takim's) were outstanding. I am still in awe of their knowledge of the animals and the multiple reserves/parks we visited. Our guides were friendly, approachable, and it was clear that they love their jobs!

While everything about our trip was great, the animals themselves were the highlight. We spent hours watching lions, cheetahs, and even a leopard. We saw thousands of wildebeest. My husband's favorites were the hyenas; we loved hearing them laugh. My favorites were always the elephants, though. Because there were only 3 people in each truck, I was lucky enough to convince my mother-in-law and my husband to sit and watch with me for hours. The other people on the trip who wanted to spend more time looking for cats didn't have to put up with my elephant obsession because we all had so much flexibility in terms of who we rose with, when we left, and how long we stayed out.

I will never forget this trip and I'm so thankful to William Cowger for making it happen.

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Countries visited: Kenya Tanzania
11People gave this
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By: Amanda
United States United States
Countries visited: Kenya Tanzania
Visited: Jul. 2006
Reviewed: Jul. 31, 2014

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"One in a Lifetime Experience"
By: Ted
Safari enthusiast
United States United States
68 kudus
Reviews (1)
Visited: Jul. 2006 Reviewed: May. 29, 2016

My wife and I traveled with Bill Cowger in 2006 on a 12 day expedition that we were excited about and nervous- not being "camper" type people. Boy were we pleasantly surprised to find the accommodations first first class and the photo opportunities unbelievable. When a male lion relieves himself on the tire of your van then comely walks away, you know you have seen something only in Africa and yet you feel very safe.
I cannot recommend enough traveling with Bill. His humor and expert advise on photography make the trip something you will remember for a lifetime.

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Countries visited: Tanzania
12People gave this
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By: Ted
United States United States
Countries visited: Tanzania
Visited: Jul. 2006
Reviewed: Jun. 12, 2014

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"Ngorongoro, Serengeti Tanzania - absolutely loved it!"
By: Debbie
Safari enthusiast
United States United States
11 kudus
Photos (0)
Reviews (1)
Visited: May. 2013 Reviewed: Mar. 27, 2016

I had been wanting to visit East Africa as long as I could remember - since the days of Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom!
I spent countless hours and several years online looking at hundreds of photography safaris and then I found William Cowger right in my own back yard! And what a find he was. I want to be him when I grow up! I attended a presentation that he hosted and I was immediately sold. He was knowledgeable, enthusiastic, professional and extremely personable. He makes everyone feel like they are the most important person on the trip.
The itinerary was exactly what I had been looking for and I was not disappointed. The accommodations are top notch and my favorite by far was the Ndutu Safari Lodge. Right in the middle of all kinds of wildlife - giraffes meandering through the front yard & nibbling on the acacias at sunset; a pride of lions strolling past our cabins midday; lovebirds by the dozens playing in the birdbath; fire side cocktail each evening. And then there was the tent camp in the Serengeti - I had not imagined such a set up before - wrought iron queen bed with night stands & lamps, a covered porch area with carpet & chair to sit & enjoy your view for a few, private shower & bathroom. The best part about the tent camp is the night sounds; don't get me wrong, the food & service are phenomenal! But the night sounds are something you can only experience when you are there - they can't be replicated and they are indescribable. I did a video recording on my camera with the cap on, so I could just capture sound... it is pretty cool to listen to. Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge was another great place we stayed - the dining room ceiling soars to majestic heights, the food buffet was sumptuous and the pool was clear & sparkling blue. The view over the crater and the sunset from the lodges's terrace on the crater rim was beyond spectacular.
The photography opportunities abounded on this trip and I came home with some fabulous photos and memories. The vehicles we used had plenty of room for our photography equipment and us too - everybody had their own row. They also had a little refrigerator & electrical outlets to charge our toys! Simply said, this trip was wonderful.
And I will go with Bill again some day.

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Countries visited: Tanzania
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By: Debbie
United States United States
Countries visited: Tanzania
Visited: May. 2013
Reviewed: Jul. 11, 2014

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YAScore: 26/100
Based on 10 reviews

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