Aloha,

I am back from this year's amazing photo safari in Tanzania and am delighted to share with you a review written by one of this year's participants, Mr. Kevin Mickits. I was so happy to read this review because this is what I envisioned when-- one night at dinner with Naomi at Plantation Lodge in Tanzania-- I decided to bring people on Safari. Good people, good travel, good photography in a land of kindness, adventure and beauty.

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Next year's safari dates are filling fast so if you would like to join me in Tanzania in 2026 get in touch today! 

Mr. Mickits's review follows below...

Lee, I wanted to send a brief review of our trip that we took in Tanzania. As you recall, I met you in Hawaii when my wife and I were on vacation. We stopped by your studio and I saw photographs of Africa. You explained to me that once a year you take a group to Tanzania for a photography Safari to Tanzania. I have been practicing photography since I was seven years old, but I had no idea how to really take pictures. I spoke to my wife that night in Hawaii and I called you the next day to book a trip to Tanzania based upon what you explained to me and shared with me as he experiences. I was so excited to take a trip with a professional photographer so that you could teach me the fine aspects of photography.

We spent a year preparing for this.  I purchased some Additional Cameras and lenses and my wife even got into the game by learning how to take pictures. It seemed like the trip was so far away, but before we knew it, we were taking a 28 hour flight from San Antonio to Tanzania. It was a brutal flight and there were times that I really wondered if the trip was worth the experience. I can tell you that every hour of misery in the air was worth the time on the ground.

We eventually met you and a lovely couple from Alaska for a trip of a lifetime. We traveled many miles in an open roof Jeep, taking pictures of lions, zebras, wildebeest, cheetahs, hyenas, rhinoceros, elephants, and other animals, including some exotic birds, we have never seen before. We took over 6000 photographs during our trip. It was an amazing experience.

I have to tell you that we had some questions about our travel to Africa regarding the food and accommodations. We are not really campers or outdoorsman. I can tell you that the accommodations were first class. Even when we stayed in a "tent", it was a 6 to 800 square-foot tent with a private shower and bathroom. We never felt as though we were outside our element.  We have stayed in many fine places, and although these were different, they were equal to anything we've ever experienced.

I cannot thank you enough for the experience. You taught me so much about photography and you were never condescending or intimidating. Our experience was one of the greatest adventures we have ever taken. I cannot thank you enough for the time that you spent with us. 

Also, the people we met from Alaska, Richard and Shelley, were amazing people and we totally enjoyed spending time with them. We will never forget this experience and I am still working through the 6000 photographs to clean them up so we can share them with my friends. I will be forever grateful for what you did for me and for my wife.

I also want to send a special thanks to our guide, Jackson. He was one of the most amazing people that we've ever met in our life. He was so accommodating and knowledgeable that I cannot imagine a trip without him. We will never forget his spirit and his pride for his country. I totally respect the people of Tanzania and the hospitality that they provided to us. I've already shared our experiences with many here in Texas and I've recommended you and Jackson for any future trip to Tanzania. I could not imagine a better experience and adventure. We are forever grateful for what you have given us and the memories you provided. Finally, a special thanks to the people of Tanzania, as we will never forget their hospitality and gratefulness.

Kevin F. Mickits

Upton, Mickits & Heymann L.L.P.

Lincoln Center

7800 IH-10 West, Suite 740

San Antonio, Tx. 78230

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Thank you, Kevin! I had a great Safari, too.

Aloha,

Lee