I have finally posted a video of the story, photos and video of this most amazing and emotional wildlife encounter that I have experienced in my 19 safaris to the Serengeti. Click on link and enjoy!

Cheetahs Attack Their Own

I am privileged to run 3-4 photo safaris / workshops to the Serengeti each year. I get no greater pleasure in life than introducing people to the ‘wonder’ that is the Serengeti. No matter how you pre-visualize it… it’s better in real life. I can not imagine losing this opportunity for future generations.

I do understand the dire need for infrastructure development for the people to the west of the Serengeti. It is obvious to even the casual observer that the economic potential of connecting the shores of Lake Victoria to the rest of Tanzania is significant and needs to be done as soon as possible. However, nearly half of the proposed northern road will run through protected areas (Loliondo and the Serengeti) that are crucial to the ecosystem, and along which no development will be allowed. The southern route not only would connect a much larger population, but it will spur development all along the entire length of the road.

The Serengeti is one of the few positive examples on our planet of how wildlife management and protection can work. There are roughly a million more large mammals today in the Serengeti than there was in 1960. In August 2005, National Geographic stated that the wildlife is as varied and as plentiful as it was 20,000 years ago. To risk this amazing accomplishment for a slightly shorter road to fewer people is beyond comprehension. The migration of roughly 2million mammals is in Tanzania 9 months of the year. They cross the proposed road in August/September on their way to water in Kenya, and cross again in October/November on their way south to the special grasses needed for nursing their young (all born within a 6 week period in January / February).

If you have not experienced the migration in person, do so while you can. I assure you that once experienced, you will do all you can to stop this development. Please help. Join / Like Facebook Stop The Serengeti Highway page to get started http://tinyurl.com/StopHwyFB

Appreciated the Oakland Press front page article today on my exhibit/safaris and Troy Library presentation on Sunday the 17th. http://tinyurl.com/oakpress0111 Article

‘Anything But Cats’-An African Photographic Adventure featuring the photography of international wildlife and travel photographer William Cowger of Troy. ‘Anything But Cats’ features the unheralded mammals and amazing bird life of the Serengeti ecosystem. Since the cats of Africa get more press and attention than all the rest of the animals combined, a show highlighting the myriad of wild animals without whom the cats could not survive, seems overdue. The show includes ‘survival of the fittest’ challenges for antelope, elephants, giraffes, and zebras in addition to may beautiful wildlife portraits. The Troy Library (ranked 10th in the nation) is on Civic Center Dr.

A Meet the Artist Reception will be held Sunday, January 17th, 2008 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Troy Library. During this event, Mr. Cowger will present a continuous running slideshow and will be on hand to answer any and all questions you many have regarding his African trips of a lifetime featured at www.ThePhotoSafari.com.
Become a fan of Mr. Cowger’s African Safari Facebook Page at: William Cowger’s African Safaris Fan Page

Pleased to announce that my African Safari Show will be re-run on CMN-TV this week at the same times: Mon 9PM, Tue 8:30AM, Sat 3:30PM on Ch WOW 18 / Comcast 52 in Ferndale, Royal Oak, Clawson, Troy, Rochester, Rochester Hills, Berkley ,Auburn Hills, Huntington Woods, and Oakland Twp. This is part one of a 2 part series on the wonders of Africa.

Like Detroit, Africa engenders a bit of anxiety in most potential travelers because of media hype as well as a lack of knowledge. As an example, I have been taking photographers and observers to Tanzania for the last 5 years (17 trips) and we have never had a bad experience with safety, health or insects. Every time we enjoy hundreds of incredible wildlife experiences, sightings of bird life beyond expectations, and beautiful landscapes.

Tanzanians consider their country as the Switzerland of Africa, and they back that moniker up with the fact that they have never had tribal wars or even fought their former colonial masters. The warm welcome one gets from the locals is truly one of the fond memories that each and every visitor brings home with them. One of the challenges facing this safe and stable but yet poor country is marketing their incredible natural wonders. Surprising to most is that the Serengeti National Park and Mt. Kilimanjaro are both actually in Tanzania and not in Kenya. The strategic foresight of reserving 25% of their land mass for wildlife is beginning to pay off and will serve them well far into the future.

When I first started my photo safaris as a business, I assumed my prospective clients were all serious photographers. However, I find that just as many people have had life long dreams of going to Africa, but really appreciate going with someone that knows where they are going, when to go there, and can ease the fear of the unknown. On the February trip this year there were just 3 of the 12 people that were serious photographers. Whether it’s photography, the wildlife or both that draw you to Africa, you should not hesitate because of safety or health concerns.

One of the earliest feature length wildlife movies, and still one of the best is ‘Animals Are Beautiful People’ by famed director/producer Jamie Uys (of ‘The Gods Must Be Crazy’). This film is one of the factors that drove me to be a wildlife photographer, and it’s wonderful family fun as well. It features animals … including elephants… getting drunk on marula berries that have fermented on the tree. It’s on special from Amazon LINK

Bodes well for an awesome trip.

International wildlife and travel photographer, William Cowger of Troy, Michigan, is proud to announce a photography exhibit that provides a visual adventure of African wildlife that will run from Friday April 17 through June 18, 2009 at the Paramount Gallery at 22635 Woodward Ave Ferndale, MI . The hours of the gallery are from 9AM-5PM M-T and 9AM-6PM Fridays. The Grand Opening will be Friday May 15 from 5PM-7PM.

An updated exhibit of ‘Cats Being Cats’ is sure to whet the appetite of the most savvy art, wildlife, travel and photography enthusiast. The exhibit consists of 26 prints of African cats (lions, cheetahs, leopards, and servals) doing what cats do, and a continuously running video of safari adventures. Witness the famous tree climbing lions of Tanzania, see the cats hunting, nurturing, posing, feeding, and resting above as well as on the endless plains. For the first time anywhere see tree climbing cheetahs as well.

Get the feel of the adventure of a lifetime – maybe to the point of deciding to actually go on safari, therefore experiencing first hand Mr. Cowger’s thrilling, once in a lifetime photo safaris and workshops (held several times each year). Be sure to ask for details or view them for yourself at Mr. Cowger’s website: www.ThePhotoSafari.com

Who Says Cheetahs Don't Climb Trees?

Thanks to all the hard work of the many people and children that have contributed funds and school supplies for the Usa River Priamry School, I had the opportunity to play Santa in July.  Yes… I handed out special awards (School bags, folders, balls and supplies) directly to the brightest, most improved and best athletes in each grade of the school. 

Upon my arrival on July 25th, 2008, a total of 1600 pounds of school supplies were un-boxed and distributed to the children in the Usa River area.  The looks in their eyes and the appreciation shown by the children and the adults made it all worth it.  You truly touched their hearts and made a difference for many.

I also got to view the completion of the Phase 1 of the construction project.  The new veranda (cement walkway and half wall) along with the extended roof was being used for children to study, for the children to eat their lunch and for the teachers to check papers.