Overview
This photography safari contrasts the wide-open Serengeti with the packed, enclosed wildlife of the Ngorongoro Crater, two very different settings for your camera. The crater rewards an early start, with soft light and active animals in the first hours after the gate opens.
You begin in Tarangire, famous for baobabs and huge elephant herds, then travel north towards the Mara River in search of the migration before returning to the crater, where black rhino are among the highlights of one of Africa's most reliable single-day shoots.
Groups are kept small so your vehicle can be positioned for light and angle, with window seats and flexible stops on every drive. It is our shortest dedicated photography safari, ideal if your time is limited. Get in touch and we will arrange a departure around your schedule.
| Accommodation | Confirmed together with you — see the Rates tab for general comfort levels we work with. |
|---|---|
| Meals | Full board on safari days; meals as specified for any city/beach nights, per your final itinerary. |
Day by Day (6 days)
ARRIVAL AND RIVERTREES COUNTRY INN
Your personal guide meets you at Kilimanjaro International Airport and drives you to Arusha, about 30 minutes from the lodge. You check in at Rivertrees Country Inn, a charming former coffee farm on ten acres of green gardens in the foothills of Mount Meru, home to plenty of birds and small wildlife. Dinner and the night are in a River Cottage.
TARANGIRE NATIONAL PARK
After a very early breakfast you set off with packed lunches for Tarangire National Park, about an hour away. Tanzania's sixth-largest park is famous for huge elephant herds, magnificent baobab trees, pythons that climb into the branches and a remarkable variety of birds. After a full day of game drives you return to the lodge and stretch your legs on a guided walk down to the lakeshore.
NORTH TO THE MARA RIVER
You check out and head north with packed lunches towards the Mara River area on the border with Kenya's Masai Mara, in search of the migration and, with luck, a river crossing. You spend the afternoon in this remote, exclusive corner of the Serengeti before reaching your seasonal camp close to the Mara River, with sweeping views over the northern plains. It is a long day, but well worth it.
Overnight at Mara Under Canvas Camp.
SERENGETI TO THE NGORONGORO CRATER
You travel south to the Ngorongoro Crater and descend early to the crater floor for photography, looking for black rhino, big-maned lions, hippo pods and old elephant bulls, with a picnic lunch on the crater floor.
Overnight at Ngorongoro Tortilis Tented Camp, full board.
SERONERA VALLEY BIG CATS
You drive back into the Serengeti through Naabi Hill Gate for an afternoon game drive in the Seronera Valley, prime territory for leopard and cheetah.
Overnight at Serengeti Baobab Tented Camp, full board.
FINAL SHOOT AND DEPARTURE
A last morning game drive, then the drive from the Serengeti back to Arusha and transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport for your international flight. Breakfast and lunch included.
Rates Per Person
The Overview tab explains the accommodation and meal options. Send us your dates and group size for an exact price.
Next: Inclusions →Inclusions
Included
- Private vehicle with your own driver-guide
- Park entry and conservation fees
- Accommodation as specified in your itinerary
- Meals as specified per day (full board on safari days)
- Airport pickup and drop-off
Excluded
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
Getting There
Tour Start & End
This trip starts in Serengeti National Park and ends in Mara River.
Airport Information
Kilimanjaro International Airport or Mwanza Airport is the most common arrival point for this trip.
Transfer Information
We meet you at the airport and handle every transfer between destinations throughout your trip.
Accommodation Before/After
Want an extra night in Arusha, Moshi or Zanzibar before or after your trip? Just ask and we will arrange it.