Hand-picked Northern Circuit Tanzania Photography Tours

Get ready for an extraordinary 14-day Tanzania photography safari, meticulously designed to capture the breathtaking beauty of Tanzania’s wildlife and landscapes! This itinerary balances prime photographic opportunities with comfortable lodge accommodations, ensuring an unforgettable journey for photographers of all levels.

This 14-day photography safari is a meticulously crafted adventure through Tanzania’s most photogenic national parks: the elephant-rich Tarangire, the diverse Lake Manyara, the legendary Serengeti, the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater, and the unique cultural landscapes of Lake Eyasi. Prepare to capture stunning images of wildlife, landscapes, and cultural encounters.

Day 1: Arrival in Tanzania – Warm Welcome to Arusha

As your flight touches down at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), the warm Tanzanian air, carrying the subtle scent of distant plains, will greet you. After clearing customs, you’ll be warmly welcomed by your dedicated photography guide, an expert in both wildlife and capturing stunning images. A comfortable transfer will whisk you away to the elegant Mount Meru Hotel in Arusha. Settle into your room, relax after your journey, and enjoy a delicious welcome dinner, allowing the excitement for your photographic adventure to build.

Day 2: Arusha to Tarangire National Park – Elephant Kingdom

After a hearty breakfast, your photographic safari truly begins! You’ll embark on a scenic drive south towards Tarangire National Park. Known for its colossal elephant herds and iconic baobab trees. Tarangire offers a stunning landscape for photography. Your guide will position you for optimal light and perspectives as you capture majestic elephants, graceful giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, and various predators. As dusk settles, you’ll check into the comfortable Kitela Karatu Safari Lodge (or similar lodge near Karatu) for dinner, followed by an overnight stay at Tarangire Safari Lodge, perfectly positioned to capture the park’s atmosphere.

Day 3: Lake Manyara National Park – Rift Valley Beauty

Following an early breakfast, you’ll embark on a captivating game drive in Lake Manyara National Park. This park, nestled at the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment, offers a striking contrast with its lush groundwater forests and diverse habitats. Your guide will help you capture the beauty of the park, from its large troops of baboons to graceful giraffes and a myriad of colorful birdlife. Including thousands of flamingos that often create a pink spectacle on the lake’s shores. You’ll return to Kitela Karatu Safari Lodge (or a similar lodge near Karatu) for dinner and a comfortable overnight stay, ready to review and process your images from the day.

Day 4: Karatu to Central Serengeti – Journey to the Endless Plains

Today marks an exciting transition as you journey towards the legendary Serengeti National Park. This isn’t just a transfer; it’s an en-route game drive, maximizing your photographic opportunities as you traverse the vast plains. The landscape gradually opens up, revealing the seemingly endless grasslands that define the Serengeti. As you venture deeper into the park, the anticipation of capturing its famous inhabitants will build. Arrive at Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge in the Central Serengeti, where exceptional comfort meets the heart of the wild. Settle into your luxurious tent, enjoy a gourmet dinner, and prepare for the photographic feast that awaits.

Day 5: Central Serengeti – A Full Day of Wild Wonders

Today is dedicated to a full day of exhilarating game drives within the heart of the Central Serengeti. With your expert guide, you’ll traverse the plains, seeking out the “Big Five” and capturing the incredible drama of the Great Migration (depending on the season). The central Seronera region is renowned for its high concentration of resident wildlife. Offering prime opportunities to capture formidable lion prides, swift cheetahs on the hunt, and elusive leopards. Every moment brings a new photographic opportunity, and your guide will ensure you’re in the right place at the right time. Return to the comfort and luxury of Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge for another evening of exquisite dining and sophisticated relaxation.

Day 6: Central Serengeti – Deep Dive into Diverse Ecosystems

Another glorious morning dawns in the Serengeti, offering another full day to delve even deeper into its wonders. Your guide, with their intimate knowledge of the area, will tailor the day’s game drive to maximize your chances of capturing specific wildlife behavior or exploring different sections of the park. You might focus on riverine areas, rocky outcrops (kopjes) which serve as lookout points for big cats, or open grasslands where massive herds graze. The beauty of the Serengeti lies in its ever-changing nature, and each day brings new surprises and unforgettable photographic moments. Return to the luxurious Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge for your final night amidst this iconic wilderness.

Day 7: Central Serengeti National Park – Heart of the Wild

Awaken to the sounds of the Serengeti and enjoy a hearty breakfast at Kati Kati Tented Camp. Today is dedicated to a full day of exhilarating game drives within the Central Serengeti. This region, known as Seronera, is a hotbed of year-round wildlife activity, making it a prime location for thrilling predator-prey interactions. Your expert guide will lead you through the plains. Searching for formidable lion prides, swift cheetahs on the hunt, and elusive leopards. You’ll witness vast herds of zebras, wildebeest, and various antelopes, thriving in this incredible ecosystem. Every turn offers a new photographic opportunity and a deeper appreciation for the raw beauty of the African wilderness. Return to the comfort and ambiance of Kubu kubu Tented Camp for another evening of delicious dining and relaxation under the vast African sky.

Day 8: Southern Serengeti – A Photographic Focus

Today, you’ll journey to the Southern Serengeti, an area renowned for its dramatic landscapes and diverse wildlife. This region offers a different photographic perspective, with vast open plains and acacia woodlands. Your guide will focus on capturing the unique beauty of this area, seeking out the best light and angles to showcase its beauty. You’ll overnight at Lake Masek Tented Lodge, or similar accommodation, depending on availability, perfectly situated to explore this region.

Days 9 & 10: Ndutu – A Photographer’s Paradise

The next two days are dedicated to exploring the Ndutu area, part of the Southern Serengeti ecosystem. Depending on the time of year, this area is a prime location for capturing the Great Migration. Particularly the calving season (roughly December to March). Your guide will work with you to capture the drama of the herds, the interactions of predators, and the stunning beauty of the landscape. You’ll spend two nights at Lake Masek Tented Lodge, or other related accommodation, depending on availability, maximizing your time in this photographic paradise.

Day 11: Ndutu to Ngorongoro Crater – From Plains to Crater Rim Majesty

After a final, memorable morning activity or a leisurely breakfast amidst the sounds of the Southern Serengeti. You’ll begin your journey towards the magnificent Ngorongoro Conservation Area. This is an en-route game drive, offering continuous opportunities for wildlife sightings as you ascend the outer slopes of the ancient volcanic caldera. The landscape transforms, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Serengeti plains stretching behind you. Your destination for the night is a luxurious lodge right on the crater rim, such as Ngorongoro Serena Lodge or Melia Ngorongoro Lodge, allowing for spectacular views and easy access to tomorrow’s adventure.

Day 12: Ngorongoro Crater – A World Within a World

An early start sees you descending into the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater for an unforgettable 5-6 hour game drive. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a natural amphitheater. A pristine ecosystem teeming with an incredible concentration of wildlife. You’ll have excellent chances of spotting the “Big Five,” including the endangered black rhino, all within this compact natural arena. Your guide will position you for the best photographic opportunities. Capturing the crater’s unique beauty and abundant wildlife. After this thrilling experience, you’ll ascend back to the crater rim and embark on a journey to the unique Lake Eyasi region. You’ll check into the comfortable Lake Eyasi Safari Lodge, enjoying dinner and the tranquility of this less-traveled area.

Day 13: Lake Eyasi – Cultural Encounters

Today promises a unique cultural experience. You’ll have the incredible opportunity to visit and photograph the Hadzabe tribe. One of the last true hunter-gatherer communities in East Africa. Capture their traditional way of life, learn about their ancient hunting techniques, and gain a profound appreciation for their unique connection to the land. You’ll also visit the Datoga tribe, known for their blacksmithing skills. This immersive experience offers deep insights into human history and provides unique photographic opportunities. After this moving experience, you’ll begin the scenic drive back to Arusha, checking into the Mount Meru Hotel for your final night.

Day 14: Farewell Tanzania – Departure

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the Mount Meru Hotel. Depending on your international flight schedule. You may have some time for last-minute souvenir shopping or simply to savor your final moments in Tanzania. Your dedicated transfer will then take you to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your onward flight back home, carrying with you a treasure trove of incredible images and unforgettable memories from your fascinating Tanzania photography safari.