This 12-days Tanzania Photography Safari Itinerary is a remarkable tour that focuses on Tanzania's premier safari destinations, making wildlife photography a priority. This 12 days Africa safari itinerary guides photographers through some of Africa's most iconic national parks found in Tanzania with the best fascinating landscapes and large and impressive wildlife numbers from the Big fives and large Africa predators and critter to the greatest annual wildebeest migration
This 12-day Tanzania Photography starts in Arusha, often referred to as the "Safari Capital," photographers are greeted by the region's vibrant cultural heritage. Arusha National Park introduces them to unique wildlife, including giraffes grazing near Mount Meru and a range of colorful bird species, such as the violet-backed starling.
Our 12-days Tanzania Photography Safari progresses to Tarangire National Park, known for its large elephant herds and striking baobab trees lining the Tarangire River. This park experiences a high concentration of wildlife during the dry season, making it an ideal setting to capture animals as they congregate around water sources.
Moving to Ndutu in the Southern Serengeti, photographers can witness the great migration, particularly during the calving season when thousands of wildebeests and zebras traverse the plains. In the Northern Serengeti, dramatic river crossings present remarkable opportunities to document the action as wildebeests and zebras navigate the challenging waters, often pursued by crocodiles.
The Central Serengeti is characterized by its vast savannahs, home to lions, leopards, and cheetahs throughout the year. The Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, features a distinctive volcanic landscape teeming with wildlife, including black rhinos and hippos.
Finally, Lake Manyara National Park provides opportunities to capture moments of tree-climbing lions and diverse bird life, concluding this photographic adventure. Photographers and crew members can depart Tanzania with lasting memories and stunning images that reflect the country’s wild beauty and vibrant natural environments. Each filming and photography location offers a unique opportunity to document the intricate relationships between wildlife and their surroundings, creating a captivating portfolio of Tanzania's natural wonders.
Day 1: Arusha
Day 2: Arusha National Park
Day 3: Tarangire National Park
Day 4-6: Ndutu (Southern Serengeti NP)
Day 7: Northern Serengeti National Park
Day 8: Central Serengeti National Park
Day 9: Ngorongoro Highlands
Day 10: Ngorongoro Crater
Day 11: Lake Manyara National Park
Day 12: Kilimanjaro Airport
Begin your Tanzania Photography Safari in Arusha, a bustling city known as the gateway to Tanzania's national parks. Capture the vibrant culture by exploring local markets and visiting the Cultural Heritage Centre, showcasing Tanzania’s rich history and artistry. Enjoy a traditional Tanzanian meal, savoring the flavors of ugali and nyama choma. Acclimatize to the environment and prepare for the adventure ahead. The city’s elevation at about 1,400 meters helps you adjust to the altitude, setting the stage for the stunning landscapes and wildlife photography to come, overnight at a hotel in Arusha.
On your Tanzania Photography Safari, Arusha National Park offers diverse ecosystems perfect for capturing nature's beauty. Focus your lens on giraffes, zebras, and various bird species like the colorful violet-backed starling. The park’s unique features, including the Ngurdoto Crater and Momella Lakes, provide beautiful backdrops. Take advantage of walking safaris for an up-close experience with wildlife. The park’s serene atmosphere allows you to capture the intricate details of flora and fauna, making it an ideal location for nature photography enthusiasts, overnight at a lodge near Arusha National Park.
As you continue your Tanzania Photography Safari, Tarangire National Park presents an opportunity to photograph iconic wildlife against stunning landscapes. Focus on large elephant herds and majestic baobab trees. During the dry season, wildlife gathers around the Tarangire River, offering excellent opportunities for action shots. Utilize your camera to capture the contrast of rolling hills and expansive plains. Explore the park in safari vehicles, stopping frequently to photograph lions, leopards, and various bird species in their natural habitats, enriching your wildlife portfolio, overnight at a lodge in Tarangire National Park.
In Ndutu, part of your Tanzania Photography Safari, witness the great migration and capture spectacular moments during the calving season. Focus on newborn wildebeests taking their first steps and the interactions between predators and prey. Stunning sunsets create a dramatic backdrop for your photographs. Guided safaris provide insights into the unique flora and fauna, enhancing your understanding of the ecosystem. The expansive grasslands offer countless opportunities for wildlife shots, ensuring your portfolio are filled with captivating images from this extraordinary region, overnight at a lodge in Ndutu.
The Northern Serengeti is a highlight of your Tanzania Photography Safari, especially for documenting dramatic river crossings during the migration. Focus on wildebeests and zebras as they navigate the Mara River, creating dynamic action shots. The varied landscapes, including rugged hills and valleys, provide stunning backdrops for your wildlife images. Look for big cats like lions and leopards resting under acacia trees, adding depth to your photography collection. The less-traveled roads offer solitude, allowing you to observe and photograph wildlife in a serene environment, overnight at a lodge in Northern Serengeti.
Central Serengeti, the heart of your Tanzania Photography Safari, is teeming with wildlife year-round, making it a paradise for photographers. Capture moments at the Seronera River, where hippos and crocodiles create excellent photographic opportunities. Open plains are ideal for spotting herds of wildebeests, gazelles, and elephants. Early morning and late afternoon safaris maximize your chances of photographing active wildlife. Use the vast landscapes to create stunning images showcasing the golden grasslands and dramatic skies, enriching your portfolio with diverse representations of Tanzania’s natural beauty, overnight at a lodge in Central Serengeti.
The Ngorongoro Highlands provide a unique blend of culture and nature on your Tanzania Photography Safari. Capture breathtaking vistas and lush green landscapes, often shrouded in mist. Visit local Masai villages to photograph traditional lifestyles and cultural practices, adding depth to your portfolio. The high elevations create unique weather patterns that influence the flora and fauna, offering diverse photographic opportunities. This day enriches your safari experience, allowing you to document both the stunning landscapes and the vibrant culture of Tanzania, overnight at a lodge in the Ngorongoro Highlands.
The Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a highlight of your Tanzania Photography Safari. Capture the rich variety of wildlife, including the endangered black rhino, within this unique ecosystem. Safari drives offer opportunities to photograph iconic species such as lions, elephants, and flamingos in the crater lakes. The stunning landscapes, combined with the abundance of wildlife, create perfect conditions for documenting the beauty of the natural world. This day is essential for photographers eager to record the richness of Tanzania’s biodiversity, overnight at a lodge on the crater rim.
Lake Manyara National Park is a vibrant stop on your Tanzania Photography Safari, offering diverse ecosystems to capture. Focus your camera on tree-climbing lions, often spotted resting in branches, and the variety of bird species, including pelicans and flamingos. The park’s unique landscapes provide beautiful backdrops for your photography, with the Great Rift Valley enhancing the scenery. Safari drives allow for exploration of wildlife and scenic viewpoints, maximizing your photographic opportunities in this stunning environment filled with life and color, overnight at a lodge near Lake Manyara.
On your final day of the Tanzania Photography Safari, travel to Kilimanjaro Airport for departure. Reflect on the stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife you’ve documented. The memories preserved through your photography will serve as lasting reminders of the vibrant ecosystems and rich cultures experienced during your adventure. Consider purchasing local crafts or souvenirs in Arusha, allowing you to take home a piece of Tanzania. This day marks the end of an enriching journey, filled with exploration and a deeper connection to nature in one of Africa’s most beautiful destinations.