Lake Tobias Wildlife Safari
For those who love wildlife and dream of going on a photo safari, we have a great new Trek for you!
For over 50 years, Lake Tobias Wildlife Park has been fascinating visitors with its wild, exotic animals and adventure safaris. Nestled in the quiet country-side, Lake Tobias resounds with the sights and sounds of the jungles and grasslands of six continents. Mammals, reptiles and birds from around the world can be found here. Monkeys, tigers, ostriches and many other exciting creatures are presented in a zoo-type setting.
The safari tours are the main attraction, and the primary focus of our photo trek. Open-air cruisers take you across 150 acres of rolling hills where you see herds of wild and exotic animals from around the world. Tour guides travel with you through pasture land and wooded areas sharing information on the various species and their habitats. There are more than 400 animals in the safari fields, all roaming freely. This changing landscape makes each visit unique. Even multiple tours on the same day will offer different photographic opportunities as the animals move about. You will be amazed at how close you come to these animals! Many will stroll right beside our tour bus, allowing guests to touch and feed them-making for some fantastic photo opportunities! Animals are in such close proximity to the vehicle that a standard telephoto in the range of 18-200 will give good coverage for all displays throughout the day. There is also a reptile and exotic animal facility, where you will find large, custom-designed habitats housing snakes, lizards, amphibians, tropical birds, a sloth, lemurs and my personal favorites-Tamarins and Marmosets. A macro lens or 50mm would be great for the low-light inside.
Instruction will be given on how to best capture the animals, with emphasis placed on composition, exposure and lighting. Workshop is suitable for all levels of photo enthusiasts, and any camera gear you own. Information will be emailed to participants in advance to help with gear choice and other important information. We will also have a pre-trek class via Zoom, to review all the details of the trek-including images taken on location, all shooting info, gear used, etc. This will enable participants to be fully prepared to start capturing amazing images from the moment we see our first animals and onward.
The photo trek will run from 10am-3:00pm with a break for lunch. There are numerous pavilions where you can enjoy your own packed lunch, or purchase food at a variety of stations. Food lines tend to get long, so packing a picnic lunch is recommended.
Cost is $179. Fee for this workshop includes pre-trek zoom class, a post trek image review, admission to the park and tickets for two different safari rides-enabling the group more opportunities to see and photograph the animals on the tour, and, membership in our private Facebook group where you share and view images from other workshop participants, and gain encouraging feedback and continued learning opportunities.
Transportation to and from the park, as well as any food or beverage purchases is not included.
Lake Tobias Wildlife Park is located about 25 miles north of Harrisburg and four miles north of Halifax, just off Route 225. Address: 760 Tobias Rd, Halifax, PA
Please note that the safari ride can be VERY BUMMPY at times. If you have a bad back or other physical issues that a ride like this could further aggravate, this may not be in your best interest at this time. (In case of heavy rain or storms, the trek will be rescheduled to a future Saturday most conducive to the majority of the group.)
Updated Terms & Conditions – Valerie A Hoffman Photography (March 2023)
As we live in our new ‘normal’, the following updated policies are being put in place to protect the health and wellbeing of all workshop attendees, as well as those who we will come in contact with during events.
That being said, here is what you need to know and comply with:
- Anyone who is sick with COVID like symptoms or has a fever over 100 degrees must not attend the event. Amount paid may be put towards a future workshop, or can be refunded in full if notice is given in advance. Suggest checking your temperature BEFORE leaving home. By registering for an event, you also agree to a touchless temperature check at the initial gathering for any workshop or trek.
- Face Masks are optional unless otherwise specified.
Cancellation Policy:
Two (2) weeks notice is required to receive a full refund. 75% refund of the Trek fee with only one (1) week notice. NO refund will be given if less than one (1) week notice is given for cancellation. Must call to cancel. We reserve the right to cancel the Trek at our discretion. Minimum number of participants is necessary to run event.