10-Day Photography Safari in Tanzania

In the morning, after a delicious early breakfast, you’ll set out to explore Arusha National Park, which is just a short 20-minute drive away. This park boasts stunning volcanic landscapes, panoramic views of Mt. Meru and Mt. Kilimanjaro (on clear days), lush rainforests, and a rich variety of wildlife. Key highlights include the Ngurdoto Crater and Momella Lakes, famous for their diverse bird species, including a notable number of flamingos.

Upon arrival, you’ll embark on a guided hike from Momella Gate to the Tululusia Waterfalls, with a return to the gate. This moderate hike is a great way to stretch your legs and immerse yourself in the captivating African scenery. An armed park ranger will accompany you to ensure your safety and provide valuable insights.

After the hike, you’ll enjoy a game drive and a picnic lunch at one of the designated spots within the park. Arusha National Park, with its compact size and diverse landscapes, offers excellent opportunities for photography. In the afternoon, you’ll depart the park and drive through Arusha and the Maasai Steppe region, heading towards a private concession nestled between Tarangire and Lake Manyara National Parks.

After an early breakfast at the tented lodge, you’ll depart with your packed lunches for Tarangire National Park, located about an hour away. This park, Tanzania’s sixth largest, is renowned for its large elephant herds, ancient baobab trees, and the elusive tree-climbing African pythons. The park also boasts a rich variety of bird species.

You’ll spend the entire day exploring Tarangire’s diverse landscapes and wildlife on a full-day game drive. After your day of adventure, you’ll return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay, reflecting on the day’s exciting encounters and beautiful scenery.

After a leisurely breakfast at the tented lodge, you will check out and embark on a drive to Mto wa Mbu, a township within the Great Rift Valley area, which takes just under 90 minutes. Upon arrival, you’ll experience the rich cultural diversity of Tanzania, where you can see representatives from various tribes and cultures.

Your visit includes a tour of a local banana plantation, a chance to interact with a local farming family, and sampling fresh banana products. A delicious local lunch prepared for you will follow, showcasing traditional cuisine. You will also have the opportunity to explore the vibrant market in Mto wa Mbu.

In the afternoon, you’ll enter Lake Manyara National Park for a half-day game drive. This picturesque park, surrounding an alkaline lake, features a mix of dense forest, open plains, and lush waterside grasses. It is home to a variety of wildlife including buffalo, hippos, elephants, flamingos, and the famous tree-climbing lions. After the game drive, you’ll drive to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area for dinner and an overnight stay.

Begin your day with an early departure from the lodge, equipped with a packed breakfast and lunch to ensure you make the most of your time in the Ngorongoro Crater. Your aim is to reach the crater floor early, maximizing your opportunities to experience one of nature’s most remarkable wonders.

The Ngorongoro Crater, a 12-mile diameter and 2,000-foot deep collapsed volcanic caldera, offers a diverse range of landscapes, from forests and grasslands to open plains. Its rich and fertile soil attracts a wealth of wildlife.

Enjoy a full day of game drives, taking in the breathtaking scenery and spotting various species. You will have picnic breakfast and lunch at designated sites within the crater. The crater is renowned for its abundant wildlife, including the rare and endangered Black Rhino, and offers a chance to see the majestic ‘Big 5’.

After an early breakfast, embark on your journey towards the iconic Serengeti Plains. En route, take a meaningful detour to visit a Maasai village. This stop provides a unique chance to interact with the Maasai people and gain insights into their rich cultural heritage. Despite modern changes, the Maasai have preserved their traditional way of life, offering a fascinating glimpse into their customs and daily routines.

Upon arriving in the central Serengeti, immerse yourself in the renowned landscape of the ‘Kopjes’—distinctive rocky outcrops that provide excellent vantage points and frequent sightings of majestic big cats. The central Serengeti is known for its abundant wildlife and diverse habitats, making it a prime location for observing and photographing predators in their natural environment. Enjoy an afternoon game drive as you explore this spectacular region and settle into your accommodation for the night.

You will check out from the lodge and set off with packed lunches, heading towards the Mara River area in the park’s northeast corner. This region borders the Maasai Mara and is renowned for the dramatic Wildebeest Migration. If you’re fortunate, you might witness the incredible Mara River crossing, one of the most spectacular events in the safari world.

Upon arriving in the North Serengeti, spend a half-day exploring this remote and exclusive part of the park, known for its breathtaking scenery and abundant wildlife. After your game viewing, you will drive a short distance to your luxury seasonal tented camp for an overnight stay.

Despite the long day of travel, the reward is substantial. The northern Serengeti provides stunning views and unparalleled access to the greatest migration on the planet, ensuring a truly unforgettable safari adventure.