WINDING IT UP...

Instinct Tours safaris are made up of many, many special moments over the course of two weeks. I'll be the first to admit that it is really impossible to adequately convey to others how meaningful and unforgettable this experience is, no matter how hard I try! I'm can capture a lot with my lens, but there are always things that I look back on and wish that I could have done better. Prime example was a cobra that rose straight up out of the high weeds as we drove by while in The Serengeti. Before I could react and get my camera up from my lap, he was gone, just leaving moving weeds behind.We've been back now for two weeks, and it's time to finish up the documentation of May/June 2025. In only ten weeks until we'll be leaving again with our September group, and believe it or not, I'm already looking forward to it. We've never visited Tanzania in September, considered the height of the Great Migration, and I already know it's going to be wonderful. The next safari is going to be our largest group yet, and I know for sure we will be making more life long friends through our shared experiences.In viewing today's random collection of images, you'll enjoy most if viewed full screen so that you can read accompanying commentary.There is still one week remaining for anyone who wants to jump in for 2026! ... See MoreSee Less

Call Now

SAFARI MOMENT...

Over the course of many safari trips, we have had some incredible elephant encounters, and I have enjoyed every single one. However, during the trip to Tanzania two weeks ago, a great surprise awaited us as we made our way from Ngorongoro Coffee Lodge to Serengeti National Park.We were traveling in Maasai country toward the end of an extremely foggy morning. With the fog being intercepted by some periods of light, heavy cloud cover, and periodic sunshine, it had been interesting weather all morning long, constantly changing. Those in our vehicle were trying to ignore the extremely rough, washboard road while looking out the windows and enjoying the pastoral scenery of Maasai villages and herdsmen along the road.We came up over a hill, and all of a sudden found ourselves right in the midst of an elephant family. They were in a place where we had never seen elephants before, were so close to the road, and there were so many of them that we felt small even in our vehicle. There wasn't much choice in the matter. Makinda and Moses had to stop because it was obvious that they were in the process of crossing the road right in front of us. The strange thing was that they didn't just cross and go on, but instead lingered on both sides of the road, in front of us, and behind us. We were surrounded!Cameras came out quickly as we recovered from the surprise and became a little more comfortable with the closeness of the elephants. We probably lingered in this spot for 15-20 minutes and were able to get some great images. Wildflowers, hills, changing light and sky, and their location at the top of a bank to our left all contributed to an amazing opportunity. If I had to choose my favorite moments of the last safari, I would definitely pick this encounter as in the top two, with the other favorite being the herds of wildebeests and zebras crossing the stream.TEN MORE DAYS REMAIN TO SIGN UP FOR THE 2026 SAFARI TRIPS with Marcy's Photo Journey AND Instinct Tours. Contact us for more information! ... See MoreSee Less

Call Now

SAFARI MOMENT...

On our last afternoon game drive in the Serengeti, fatigue was settling in, the roads were particularly rough, and we just hadn't seen much until Makinda spotted lions on the top of some distant rocks. In limited areas of the park, it is permissible to go "off road," but we were not in one of those areas, so we couldn't get any closer than our road would allow. It was evident right away that in order to get any pictures of the lions in the beautiful late afternoon light, I would need my longest lens and even with that, the pictures would have to be heavily cropped. After we took a few shots of the females lying on the rocks, we proceeded just a little further and saw two cubs lying among the same group of rocks, just a little below the moms. There were probably other cubs somewhere, based on the number of adult females that were present, but we only were able to spot these two.Because of the distance at which we were shooting, I held out little hope that any of these would turn out and be sharable. But when I looked at them on the computer, I was pleasantly surprised and was especially thankful for my wildlife lens. Thought you might enjoy seeing the different perspectives of these images.As much as I dearly love the little black bear cubbies in the Smokies, I believe baby lions run a close second in pure cuteness!#tanzaniasafari #instincttours #arnoldmakinda #serengetinationalpark #wildlifephotography #marcysphotojourney #africanwildlife ... See MoreSee Less

Call Now

Ranging in size from very small to quite large, there are 16 different types of antelopes in the Serengeti. Although we didn't see all of them on our last safari two weeks ago, we saw many of them. My favorite has to be the little dik dik, and I'm convinced that a dik dik would make a great pet!

TIME IS RUNNING OUT TO JOIN US FOR ONE OF OUR 2026 SAFARI ADVENTURES. There are only two weeks remaining to secure your spot for February/March, June, or September with a $2000 deposit. Contact us today to find out the details of this life-changing experience. I guarantee you will not be disappointed!Tour Company: Instinct Tours Guide: Arnold Makinda ... See MoreSee Less

Call Now

EXTRAORDINARY SAFARI MOMENT!

Thundering hooves, massive herds, indescribable energy, dust clouds filling the air, zebras barking, wildebeest grunting...it was quite an extrasensory spectacle. On this particular afternoon in The Serengeti, our timing was perfect as we approached a small creek just as a stampede began. For at least thirty minutes we watched in wonder. The entire time I was shooting on continuous high, desperately trying to capture the moment and yet knowing that I was likely incapable of doing so. It was amazing to witness in person, but I knew without the deafening sound of pounding hooves, animal grunts and barks, and the smell of dust, pictures alone could not begin to recreate the experience. They just kept coming and coming and coming with no end in sight. Little babies were trying to keep pace with their mamas, and I feared that many of them might be trampled to death, but thankfully I never did see one fall.This was one of the top safari moments that I have ever witnessed. I believe Doug has some video that will do a better job of illustrating this highlight of The Serengeti. I'll encourage him to edit and post the video soon, but hopefully by taking a careful look at the images below, you'll get an idea of nature at its best. Even as we left the scene, the show continued and the numbers were not diminishing.I am now so anxious for September's safari where we hope to see a similar scene but on a much larger and more dramatic scale as the herds cross the Mara River!(For best viewing, display pictures on a full computer screen.)Tour Company: Instinct Tours Guide: Arnold Makinda ... See MoreSee Less

Call Now

There are so many incredible birds in Tanzania! Some are huge, others are unusual looking, and there are always a few that bring a smile with their strange behavior or mating rituals. Every time we go, we see several new ones that we haven't seen before, but the lilac-breasted roller inevitably comes out on top with just about everyone. It's easy to see why as they are stunning from every angle.

Believe me, if you are a bird lover, you would thoroughly enjoy a safari with us. Our guide, Arnold Makinda, is an expert in bird identification, habits, calls, and behavior. He amazes me each time we go, and over the course of the two week experience, we all learn so much. Go with us! Safari hosts: Instinct Tours and Arnold Makinda. You won't find a better tour. ... See MoreSee Less

Call Now

SAFARI MOMENT!

Known by many as the elephants' paradise, Tarangire National Park is the first location we visit on our safaris. Located in Tanzania's Manyara Region, the name of the park originates from the Tarangire River that crosses the beautiful landscape. This river is the primary source of fresh water for wild animals in the Tarangire Ecosystem during the annual dry season. The Tarangire Ecosystem is defined by the long-distance migration of wildebeest and zebras. During the dry season, thousands of animals concentrate in Tarangire National Park from the surrounding wet-season dispersal and calving areas.The park covers an area of approximately 1,100 square miles, and the landscape is composed of granitic ridges, river valley, and swamps. Vegetation is a mix of Acacia woodland, Combretum woodland, seasonally flooded grassland, and the iconic Baobab trees.Home to more than 550 bird species, Tarangire is a haven for bird enthusiasts, and is also famous for the termite mounds that dot the landscape. Mounds that have been abandoned are often home to dwarf mongoose. Wildlife research here is focused on African bush elephant and Maasai giraffe.Visitors in the June to November dry season can expect to see large herds of thousands of zebras, wildebeest and cape buffalo. Other common resident animals include waterbuck, giraffe, dik dik, impala, eland, Grant's gazelle, vervet monkey, banded mongoose, and olive baboons. Predators in Tarangire include lion, leopard, cheetah, caracal, honey badger, and African wild dog. Since 2005, the protected area is considered a Lion Conservation Unit.While in Tarangire, our groups stay in a lovely lodge with a very nice pool, grounds, and common areas. Monkeys, hyrax, lizards, and dik diks are commonly seen and occasionally elephants visit. Lunches are served poolside each day, and breakfasts and dinners are in a very spacious, nicely decorated dining room. Our stays in Tarangire are always relaxing and pleasant, providing a wonderful start to the safari experience. Sunsets are usually amazing, and we are often find ourselves enjoying the sunset while observing elephants retreating as they are heading for their night time resting place.We saw many, many elephants here during our recent adventure, and I'm posting a few of those today, along with a few other images that I hope will give you a good idea of what it feels like to be in Tarangire. Guide: Arnold Makinda Safari Tour Company: Instinct Tours#tanzaniasafari #tarangirenationalpark #wildlifephotography #marcysphotojourney #wildlifephotography #safari #africanwildlife#wildlifephotography ... See MoreSee Less

Call Now

Now back home with a little more time to go through pictures from our recent safari, and once again I am amazed that it never gets old! We saw so many unique sightings during this trip. I will be sharing much more over the next couple of weeks.

Having granddaughter Sadie and sister and brother-in-law, Greta and Ray, with us was wonderful. We so enjoyed being with them day after day and making new memories together. It was important to enjoy every moment and not take the time I usually take to document and post each day. I apologize to those of you who were anxious to see daily happenings, but will attempt to make up for it as I share the adventure retrospectively this time.These tree lions were spotted on Tarangire National Park on our first safari day. They were relaxing on opposite sides of an old dead tree and paid no mind to the many vehicles full of spectators along the nearby road. Lions never cease to be exciting...not a bad way to get things started! ... See MoreSee Less

Call Now

We were a tired, but happy team at the end of the Lenoir City Arts and Crafts Festival on Sunday afternoon! A huge thanks to all of those who stopped by and offered encouragement, positive comments about our work, and purchased pictures and cards from us over the two day event.

We are very thankful for our customers and friends, and you are one of the reasons that we continue to do what we do! It's actually quite simple...we love to capture the incredible beauty of God's creation and share it with others. Timing this year made the event a little more difficult for us, having just returned from Africa the night before set up, but our wonderful team of Sadie, Madelyn, and Mitch made it all possible. ... See MoreSee Less

Call Now

Home from Africa late last night, and now at Lenoir City Park setting up for the huge arts and crafts festival this weekend! We are so blessed to have granddaughter Madelyn helping us today. Praying for enough energy and stamina to make it through the next three days!! ... See MoreSee Less

We've seen some incredible sights of ongoing migration on this trip. Wildebeest and zebras in massive herds are on the move!

#Instinct Tours #Arnold Makinda #serengetinationalpark ... See MoreSee Less

Foggy mornings are special for photography. On our way to Serengeti, it was great to have some dense fog and see things through different eyes. ... See MoreSee Less

Just can't help but love giraffes!

# Arnold Makinda #Instinct Tours ... See MoreSee Less

Greetings from Tanzania! Once we arrived, I decided that spending time with granddaughter Sadie would be top priority, and pictures would be secondary. We are just four days now from returning home, but I thought I'd check in here to let you know that it has once again been a great adventure, made especially so because we've had family along to share the experience. There will certainly be plenty of time for pictures over the next couple of weeks, so stay tuned! ... See MoreSee Less

Mark your calendars now for the Lenoir City Arts and Crafts Festival on June 7th and 8th! Set up along the shore of Fort Loudon Lake at Lenoir City Park, this is an event YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS. Look for us in our usual spot--327A--near the restrooms and food vendors.

We'll have great selections of nature, wildlife, and travel fine art photography in various sizes and formats and are sure you'll fall in love with something for your home or office! Also available at the festival will be our many lines of boxed notecards, including our two newest collections, "Our National Parks" and "Safari Moments."We are looking forward to seeing you there! ... See MoreSee Less

Tanzania Adventures for 2026 are looking great, and we are now into major planning mode, making sure every detail is perfect for our guests!

Because we have decided to extend our deposit deadline for another month, YOU CAN STILL JOIN US for one of these life-changing safari journeys. Choose from three fantastic, first-class travel adventures: February, June, or September, with the additional option of adding a four day extension to the exotic island of Zanzibar where you will enjoy relaxing on the beach before heading home.A $2000 deposit will hold your spot with final balance due 90 days before departure in 2026. Marcy's Photo Journey facilitates these amazing experiences, making sure that you receive the assistance you need every step along the way. Once we arrive in Tanzania, Doug and I will accompany you on the two week safari conducted by Instinct Tours, one of Tanzania's premiere tour companies. Led by expert guide and company president Arnold Makinda, you can be confident that your safari experience is carefully crafted and highly personalized from beginning to end, ensuring that you have a most memorable encounter with the culture, wildlife, and people of Tanzania. Deposits are due by June 15th. We'd love to share more with you and are happy to answer any questions or concerns. Believe me, this exciting adventure is one that you will never regret. Rest easy, and let our team do the hard work, so that you can just come and enjoy. Package includes all accommodations, most meals, guide services, and transportation once you arrive in Tanzania, in addition to our personal concierge services here in the US before departure. CONTACT US FOR MORE DETAILS AND PRICING. Many of our travelers loved their experience so much that they are already signed up to join us again for their second or third time!(YOU CAN HELP US BY SHARING THIS POST! ALL SHARES GREATLY APPRECIATED.)instincttours.com#serengetinationalpark #ngorongoro #tarangirenationalpark #wildlifephotography #tanzania #africa #safari #adventuretravel #tanzaniasafari #FirstClassSafari #bestsafari #kilimanjaro #zanzibarisland ... See MoreSee Less

Nothing says SPRING in The Smokies better than a cool, misty, soft day in May. We had planned to take all day on Wednesday this week to continue our quest for baby bears, and I must admit that I was disappointed when we listened to the latest weather forecast before we left. As it turned out, it rained and misted all day, but ended up being a wonderful day anyway.

Although I'm still not having much luck getting the incredible bear shots that a lot of photographers are, it was a great day for mountain landscapes, cabins, birds, horses, and churches, and I think the images adequately portray what an exciting time Spring can be in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. We did manage to snag a few wet bears along the way! ... See MoreSee Less

How exciting it was to walk out to our mailbox today and find another $600 in donations for Unity School! We are now ALMOST HALF WAY TO OUR GOAL with two weeks remaining.

WE CAN DO THIS! Send checks to 405 Rodeo Drive, Knoxville, TN 37934 or Venmo to Doug Wielfaert. Thank you so much...you guys are the best!! ... See MoreSee Less

A highlight of every Tanzania adventure is our visit to Unity School! Our May departure date is just a little over two weeks away now, so time is running out to donate.

Doug and I feel so honored to have the privilege of helping these children and would love to have you join us. Please send checks to 405 Rodeo Drive, Knoxville, TN 37934 or Venmo to Doug Wielfaert. We hope to receive enough funding to continue our bathroom project as well as another total classroom repair and renovation. In addition, we'd also like to provide more new student desks and chairs ($60 each). I must admit that I'm really second guessing my goal of $5000 because donations have not been nearly as numerous as in times past. Thank you and may God bless you for your assistance! ... See MoreSee Less

Doug and I spent most of the day yesterday in Cades Cove looking for bears. We only had a very short encounter with new cubs one time, and they were so far away that it was impossible to get any good shots, even with my longest wildlife lens. Even so, it was a good day. The little ones are so much fun to see whether or not you actually come away with any good images. ... See MoreSee Less

SAFARI MOMENT!

I'm often asked to reveal my favorite safari animal, and most of you probably know by now that I have many "favorites," so it's almost impossible to pick only one. Elephants do rank right up there, though, and there is no better place to see, observe, photograph, and enjoy elephants than Tarangire National Park.It was the first day of our most recent February safari, and we had started the day by saying goodbye to our many friends at Lake Duluti Lodge and beginning the 2 1/2 hour drive to Tarangire. Known as "The Elephants Paradise," this first two night destination is one I always look forward to. Although it is a much smaller park than Serengeti, we always see so much, including fabulous landscapes anchored by the amazing baobab trees that I never tire of photographing.We had enjoyed our drive, checked in, savored a tasty poolside lunch, settled into our room at Sopa Lodge, and had a nice rest before setting out on our late afternoon/sunset game drive. Anticipation was high and cameras were ready, as we enjoyed sightings of baboons, a very entertaining group of ostriches, and some fabulous landscapes, but it was getting close to sunset before we saw the day's highlight. Just as the light moved into golden hour, we found a beautiful group of elephants, gathering themselves to settle in for the night. Elephants are committed to their family groups and are led by one of the most senior females. The leader of a female group, usually the oldest cow, is known as the matriarch. Males (bulls) leave their family groups when they reach puberty and may live alone or with other males. Adult bulls mostly interact with family groups when looking for a mate. They enter a state of increased testosterone and aggression known as musth, which helps them gain dominance over other males as well as reproductive success. Calves are the center of attention in their family groups and rely on their mothers for as long as three years. Elephants can live up to 70 years in the wild. They communicate by touch, sight, smell, and sound, and use infrasound and seismic communication over long distances. Elephant intelligence has been compared with that of primates and cetaceans. They appear to have self-awareness, and possibly show concern for dying and dead individuals of their kind.Elephants can move both forward and backward, but are incapable of trotting, jumping, or galloping. They can move on land only by walking or ambling, a faster gait similar to running. When walking, the legs act as pendulums, with the hips and shoulders moving up and down while the foot is planted on the ground. The elephant’s fastest gait does not meet all the criteria of running, since there is no point where all the feet are off the ground, although the elephant uses its legs much like other running animals and can move faster by quickening its stride. Fast-moving elephants appear to 'run' with their front legs, but 'walk' with their hind legs and can reach a top speed of 16 mph. At this speed, most other quadrupeds are well into a gallop, even accounting for leg length. Spring-like kinetics could explain the difference between the motion of elephants and other animals. The cushion pads expand and contract, and reduce both the pain and noise that would normally come from a very heavy animal moving. Elephants are capable swimmers, and they can swim for up to six hours while completely waterborne, moving at 1 mph and traversing up to 30 miles continuously.Instinct Tours safari guides are in no hurry! We spent about 45 minutes just enjoying this group and repositioning our vehicle often to observe and photograph from the very best vantage points. Believe me, you don't have to be a photographer to be immersed in the moment and witness the miracle of God's creation. I can assure you that time with elephants is well spent and always makes an impact. These moments...where the distractions of politics, cares of life, and personal concerns are totally forgotten...are priceless. You soon realize that these experiences are exactly why you have come to Africa and that your life will never be the same. For me, God is so present during these special times, and I believe that sensing His presence in these simple moments is the real reason that pulls us back there again and again.The cost of the journey, the long plane trip over, and the tiredness of long safari days all fade away quickly. Hoping you will enjoy a few of the images that were captured with my lens on this first night of the February 2025 safari. To fully appreciate each one, view full screen and read accompanying commentary.We still have openings for February, June, and September 2026 and would love to escort you to Tanzania! ... See MoreSee Less

HELP NEEDED!

Departure for our next journey to Tanzania is now only three weeks away, and we are nowhere near our funding goal for Unity School. Would you consider assisting us as we continue to help with renovation, supplies, and additional bathroom construction?It's easy to donate! You may either send a check or make a donation electronically, but we need to have everything collected a few days before we leave, so time is running out. At this point we only have two donations, but are hoping and believing that we can still reach our goal of $5000. ... See MoreSee Less

Festival season is upon us, and we are already preparing for the Lenoir City Arts and Crafts Festival taking place on June 7th and 8th. We love this event (our biggest of the year) and will be ready to go as soon as we return from Tanzania on June 5th. Make plans now and put this one on your calendar! ... See MoreSee Less

Maryville Maker’s Market! Maryville College Campus. Come see us … ... See MoreSee Less

IMPORTANT REMINDER FOR 2026 TANZANIA TRAVELERS!

Deposits are due April 30th. February is filling fast, with plenty of room right now in both June and September. ... See MoreSee Less

Just received pictures this morning of three of our large framed canvases now hanging on the walls of Downtown Dental in Knoxville! Thank you, Dr. Marsha Hickey and husband, Tim, for choosing Marcy's Photo Journey.

We'd love to do some custom work (or show you our current inventory) to freshen up your office or business space. Contact us for a free, no obligation consultation, and explore the possibilities! ... See MoreSee Less

EASTER 2025...It was a good day!

Church, dinner, hammock time, porch sitting, and backyard relaxing...just being together was so good. I especially loved that all of the granddaughters (and dog Oliver) joined in the egg hunt to make it much more exciting for Reagan. Her smile says it all. ... See MoreSee Less

OH HAPPY DAY!

We leave again for Tanzania just five weeks from today, and of course we will once again visit our special friends at Unity School. Yesterday morning Doug and I were discussing the best time to begin our spring fund-raising drive and decided that we should probably wait another couple of weeks because we didn't want to wear you out or annoy you by asking once again for money. About an hour after our talk, the mail came, and a $1000 CHECK ARRIVED from a friend in Wyoming, TOTALLY UNSOLICITED.Well, we took that as a sign that we needed to go ahead and officially begin our campaign for donations to the school. When we visited in February, we saw the new bathrooms (one for boys, one for girls, and one for teachers), renovated classroom, repaired windows, exterior paint job, new desks and chairs (for one classroom), and refurbished chalkboards. When the bathrooms were put in, it was necessary to spend quite a bit of our donated funds to hook into the city sewer system, since Unity did not have flush toilets until this time. Therefore, we were somewhat limited with the number of toilets and sinks that could be installed. It was mentioned that sometime in the future, as funds allow, an additional, second stall for boys and one for girls may be added.I don't even have words to express how much your donations mean to this school! Doug and I wish every single one of you could be there to see the changes taking place. They are getting so much for our money that it is mind blowing. We had no idea that they would honor us by acknowledging our contribution publicly with the desk and wall inscriptions, but it both humbles us and, at the same time, makes us so proud of "our team" here in the US who continue to support our efforts.So the time is here once again. If you would like to add to our first $1000 and help us reach our most ambitious goal yet of $5000, we'd love to have you on board. Donations are accepted electronically through Venmo and PayPal or you can mail a check to 405 Rodeo Drive, Knoxville, TN 37934. THANK YOU FOR HELPING US BLESS THESE CHILDREN! ... See MoreSee Less

"Our National Parks," the latest collection in our boxed notecards series, is finished and ready to go! These photos put you right there in many of our best US national parks during all seasons.

Pick up your set at Grit & Grace Market in Cleveland or order directly from us. Each box contains 24 unique cards and envelopes with stunning scenes from our favorite parks. We print these on our best linen finish paper, and are extremely pleased with the end result. Priced at $30 per box plus $5.00 shipping, unless you'd like to pick them up at our home in Knoxville.Great gift item! ... See MoreSee Less

Announcing the completion of our latest boxed notecard collection: "Safari Moments." We are especially excited about this set and think it features some of our very best photography.

You can purchase your set at Grit & Grace Market in Cleveland or order directly from us! 24 cards and envelopes (every card unique, no repeats) elegantly presented in a lovely white box, and finished with a black satin ribbon. Priced at $30, (plus tax if you are a Tennessee resident), and $5.00 shipping (or we will also make arrangements for pick up if you are local).Our notecard collections make great gifts! ... See MoreSee Less

Time is running out to take advantage of our GALLERY CLOSING SALE at Painted Tree Boutiques - Knoxville, TN! Come by soon to save 50% on all remaining photographic artwork. We still have a good variety of wildlife, travel, Smokies, Knoxville, and Tennessee framed canvases and metals. Find our work in G 9-10, B 15, and D 22.

If you are not local and see something you'd like to purchase for your home, WE WILL SHIP. (Please note: not all images pictured in these gallery photos are still available. Some have already been sold.) ... See MoreSee Less

ZANZIBAR: AN UNFORGETTABLE JOURNEY!

After our first life-changing safari trip to Tanzania, Doug and I added on a four day excursion to Zanzibar. We honestly had NO IDEA of what to expect, but thought that since we were traveling all the way to east Africa anyway, we should take advantage of this extra adventure before returning home. We are so glad we did!Zanzibar is a Tanzanian archipelago off the coast of East Africa. Located in the Indian Ocean, it consists of many small islands and two large ones: Unguja (the main island, referred to normally as Zanzibar) and Pemba Island. The capital is Zanzibar City, located on the island of Unguja. Its historic center, Stone Town, is a World Heritage Site. We landed in Stone Town and soon discovered that we were in another world!Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous region that united with Tanganyika in 1964, and formed the present-day United Republic of Tanzania. The archipelago's main industries are spices, raffia, and tourism. Spices produced here are cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, coconut, and black pepper. Tourism in Zanzibar is a more recent activity, driven by government promotion that caused an increase from 19,000 tourists in 1985 to 376,000 in 2016. The Indian Ocean was beautiful! We stayed two nights each in two different resorts. The first was in Stone Town where we toured the bustling market on our first morning. What an experience! We also visited a nearby jungle where we observed the rare red colobus monkeys (currently on the endangered list), a spice plantation, a mangrove swamp, and several interesting historic sites. Our second resort, also oceanside but located on a more remote part of the island, was ideal for resting, relaxing, and enjoying sumptuous gourmet meals and gorgeous ocean views, while storing up some energy for our long trip back to Tennessee. THE ZANZIBAR EXCURISON IS OFFERED TO ALL OF OUR TANZANIA TRAVELERS WITH Instinct Tours BEGINNING IN 2026! We are very excited about the addition of this optional add-on and can hardly wait to visit Zanzibar again ourselves. Deposits ($2000 per person) are now being taken through April 30th for next year's tours. If you are interested in including the Zanzibar excursion in your tour package, please let us know, and we will provide the details. ... See MoreSee Less

For the last month, we have been trying to get to Cades Cove, but with the closing of one gallery, our ongoing work with Instinct Tours, and other obligations, we just couldn't make it happen. Finally, this past Thursday was our first visit to the Smokies in way too long. Dogwoods, rain, mist, puddles, new life everywhere, and SO MUCH GREEN.

Even though it wasn't really the best day for photos, we enjoyed it so much. Every year I tend to take so many of the same pictures that I've taken in past years, but I never tire of it. We saw no bears, but hopefully we can return this coming week and enjoy the excitement of new cubbies! ... See MoreSee Less

“Africa changes you forever, like nowhere on earth. Once you have been there, you will never be the same. But how do you begin to describe its magic to someone who has never felt it? How can you explain the fascination of this vast, dusty continent, whose oldest roads are elephant paths?" Brian Jackman, author

Through personal experiences in Africa, we have found these words to be on point. CONSIDER JOINING US AS WE ESCORT TRAVELERS TO TANZANIA IN FEBRUARY, JUNE, AND SEPTEMBER, 2026! Each time we go, we are changed...for the better. ... See MoreSee Less

It will be four years ago this July since we created our shop in Painted Tree Boutiques - Knoxville, TN in west Knoxville. Certainly there have been some difficult months, but even so, we have sold way more framed wall art, cards, and prints than we could ever have imagined. We were so excited to finish 2024 strong with record high sales, and we looked forward to continuing on that path in the new year.

However, the first three months of 2025 have been a struggle, to put it mildly. With the uncertainties of the current economy, artwork is a low priority for most. Therefore, we are left with no option but to close our Knoxville gallery.Beginning tomorrow, ALL WALL ART (CANVASES AND METALS) AND MATTED PRINTS WILL BE 50% OFF. This sale will last until May 3rd, and the gallery space will be cleaned out on May 4th. If you get a chance to stop by soon, we have a large variety of work available, including the images below.We extend a HUGE THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR KNOXVILLE CUSTOMERS who have supported us over the last four years. It's been a great ride! ... See MoreSee Less

HELLO APRIL!

If you've ever considered placing a custom order with Marcy's Photo Journey, your time has come. From Tennessee to other great locations in the USA, and on to Italy, France, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Canada, Costa Rica, Africa, and many more locations all over the world. WE'VE GOT YOU COVERED.The process is simple. Let us know what you're looking for, and we'll go through our extensive image portfolio and provide options We love to work closely with our customers to create the perfect art piece to your specifications. Enjoy looking at the photos below, and know that our range of locations and variety of styles gives you some wonderful options! (Location of each picture is listed.)Through the month of April, we are offering 20% OFF ALL CUSTOM ORDERS. Free consultations and estimates are provided without obligation. WE SHIP TO ANY LOCATION IN THE US. Contact us today!(Shares are encouraged and greatly appreciated.) ... See MoreSee Less

SAFARI MOMENT!

While on safari, we ALWAYS see plenty of giraffes and yet I find myself excited every single time one is spotted. I especially love to see these awkward looking animals run with such grace and beauty, and being able to watch a mama and baby giraffe together is definitely an experience that never gets old. Tanzania chose the giraffe as their national animal for their grace, as well as their long necks which represent the ability to be visionary – seeing the past and the present. And so, giraffes serve as a reminder for Tanzanians to view life from all angles.Interesting facts:1. Giraffes are the tallest mammals on Earth. Their legs alone are taller than many humans—about 6 feet. 2. They can run as fast as 35 miles an hour over short distances, or cruise at 10 mph over longer distances. 3. A giraffe's neck is too short to reach the ground. As a result, it has to awkwardly spread its front legs or kneel to reach the ground for a drink of water. 4. Giraffes only need to drink once every few days. Most of their water comes from all the plants they eat. 5. Giraffes spend most of their lives standing up; they even sleep and give birth standing up. 6. Newborn giraffes can stand up and walk after about an hour and within a week, baby giraffes start to sample vegetation alongside their mothers.7. Despite the mother's attempts to stand over their calves during attacks by lions, spotted hyenas, leopards and African wild dogs, many calves are killed in their first few months. 8. A giraffe’s spots are much like human fingerprints. No two individual giraffes have exactly the same pattern.9. Both male and female giraffes have two distinct, hair-covered horns called ossicones. Male giraffes use their horns to sometimes fight with other males. 10. Giraffes only need 5 to 30 minutes of sleep in a 24-hour period! They often achieve that in quick naps that may last only a minute or two at a time.Years ago, it was thought that giraffes did not make any sounds, but this is now known to be untrue, as giraffes bellow, snort, hiss and make flute-like sounds. They also make low-pitched noises beyond the range of human hearing.It's not a surprise that so many of our fellow travelers on Instinct Tours say that these amazing creatures are among their top three safari animals! TRAVEL WITH US ON ONE OF OUR THREE ADVENTURES IN 2026 AND HAVE THIS LIFE-CHANGING EXPERIENCE FOR YOURSELF. A $2000 deposit will hold your spot with full payment balance not due until 90 days before departure. I GUARANTEE that you will never regret your decision to see first hand what all of the excitement is about! ... See MoreSee Less

Coming soon!

Since returning from Tanzania five weeks ago, it's been very busy around here. Doug and I have both been highly engaged in our work for Instinct Tours, but also spending extra time on our local endeavors. I am happy to announce the development of two new lines of boxed notecards that will be in both of our shops real soon. "Safari Moments" and "Our National Parks" The Safari Moments Collection highlights some of our favorite animals and birds from our visits to Tanzania, and Our National Parks contains stunning vistas from our favorite parks. As always, each box has 24 unique cards with no repeats. Enjoy a few of the cards pictured below.Be sure to look for these at Marcy's Photo Journey, located in Painted Tree Boutiques - Knoxville, TN and Grit & Grace Market-Cleveland TN. They will also be available at marcysphotojourney.etsy.com. ... See MoreSee Less

SAFARI MOMENT...

After elephants and rhinoceroses, the hippopotamus is the next largest land mammal. Hippos are recognizable for their barrel-shaped torsos, wide-opening mouths with large canine tusks, nearly hairless bodies, pillar-like legs, and large size. How dangerous are hippos? The hippopotamus is a very aggressive wild creature and is the deadliest large land mammal on the planet.Hippos are able to breathe air while being almost entirely submerged, thanks to high-set nostrils that protrude out of the water. These can be sealed when the animals need to dive. They can last about five minutes between breaths, long enough for an animal that lives in shallow rivers rather than the ocean depths, where it is never far from a fresh lungful of air. Despite their huge size (2200-9900 pounds) and short legs, they can run from 19 to 28 miles per hour.We always see many hippos while on safari in Tanzania. From the safety of our safari vehicles or observing at a distance from a riverside cliff, we have never felt unsafe or in danger. They are interesting and fun to observe, but on a few occasions, the stench has been off-putting to say the least! COME WITH US TO TANZANIA IN 2026! An Instinct Tours safari opens up a whole, new world for everyone who experiences this magical place. Contact us now for more information.#arnoldmakinda #instinctours #tanzaniasafari #tarangirenationalpark #serengetinationalpark #safariphotography ... See MoreSee Less

Just heard from our dear friend and brother, Arnold Makinda, in Tanzania. after he recently checked in to see the most recent progress at Unity School. Although they certainly did not need to recognize us for helping them, it was exciting to see that the school wanted to publicly thank you for your donations! With the donations from our trip last month, another entire classroom has been rennovated. Windows repaired and replaced, floor and walls repaired and freshly painted, and all new desks for each student.

Closer to the May departure, we will once again be collecting donations for this worthy cause. Every dollar you donate goes directly to improvements for these precious students. Doug, Makinda, and I can not thank you enough for supporting us in this effort. ... See MoreSee Less

INSTINCT TOURS has added a BRAND NEW PHOTOGRAPHERS SAFARI TO THEIR SCHEDULE!

March 13th (departing US) -26th (arriving home), 2026 has been set aside as a special time for any photographer who is interested in an exclusive excursion geared specifically to you. A more rigorous schedule will be followed in order to capture all of those photos that can only be gotten during the optimum early morning hours. Vehicles are limited to four passengers each, allowing extra room for camera equipment and the ability to move around easier for best composition opportunities.The cost of $7485 per person includes all transportation and guide services, accommodations, meals, and park fees. It DOES NOT INCLUDE flights. There are only eight spots available for this trip. Doug and I will be available to help answer inquiries, but will not be accompanying the group to Tanzania. All participants should be knowledgeable about their camera equipment as PHOTOGRAPHY INSTRUCTION is not part of the package. If you are interested in finding out more, please leave a comment below or let us know through messenger.(PLEASE SHARE WITH YOUR FAVORITE PHOTOGRAPHER!)#arnoldmakinda #instinctours #wildlifephotography #tanzaniasafario#tanzaniatravel ... See MoreSee Less

I have been so blessed to travel to Tanzania and photograph some of God's greatest creatures! Lions are among my favorites, and I've taken many, many pictures of these majestic cats. The images I'm sharing today are from our trip last month. For the first time, the opportunity to see a beautiful male lion in a lush green meadow, dotted with wildflowers, presented itself in the Lake Ndutu area of The Serengeti.

I have to give a lot of credit to Arnold Makinda of Instinct Tours. He is an incredible spotter, and we hung with this lion for a long time until Makinda was able to position our vehicle exactly in the perfect spot. I can hardly wait to order one of these on canvas! Which one is your favorite? ... See MoreSee Less

Our last location on this safari was the Ngorongoro Crater. A crater is defined as a feature which is formed as a result of an outward explosion of rocks and is circular in appearance, while a caldera is formed as a result of inward collapse of a volcano and has uneven sides. Ngorongoro is very scenic and consists of forest, savannah plains, and a soda lake. It is thought to have formed about 2.5 million years ago from a large active volcano.

Often described as Tanzania's "Garden of Eden," descending down into the crater is always a special and enjoyable experience. It's literally like another world there, and I think my favorite thing is being able to capture unusual landscapes with wildlife in them. The crater is our best option for seeing rhinos, and we did actually see two this time, but at great distance, making it very difficult to get decent images.Today's pictures wind up our February 2025 safari, and I hope you've enjoyed seeing just a small bit of all we saw. We are now in full swing for 2026 and still invite you to jump in and join us during February, June, or September next year. Contact us for specific information! ... See MoreSee Less