ULTIMATE SERENGETI WILDLIFE PHOTO SAFARI
SAFARI OVERVIEW
This 9-day wildlife photographic safari delivers the ultimate Serengeti experience, combining predator-rich plains with the drama of the Great Migration. Guests fly straight into Central Serengeti, bypassing long overland travel and heading directly into big cat territory. For the first four nights, the focus is on tracking and photographing lions, leopards, and cheetahs as they patrol the open plains and hunt in the golden light of sunrise and sunset.
After immersing in the predator action of central Serengeti, the journey continues north to Kogatende, where the Great Migration takes center stage. Here, mega herds of wildebeest gather at the Mara River, braving dangerous crossings and crocodile-filled waters as they push into the Mara Triangle. This is high-adrenaline, high-impact photography - where every frame tells a story of survival, tension, and movement.
Whether you're capturing a lion’s stare or a river crossing in full chaos, this safari offers unmatched opportunities for dramatic wildlife storytelling in two of East Africa’s most iconic regions.
For guests seeking even more diversity, this trip can be extended to include a visit to the wildlife-rich Ngorongoro Crater or Tarangire National Park for a complete northern Tanzania experience.
GROUP SIZE
4 guests + 1 photo host
LOCATION
Central & Northern Serengeti
PRICE
DURATION
$8,850 USD pp sharing
9 days / 8 nights
PHOTOGRPHY SKILL LEVEL
All skill levels welcome
ITINERARY
ARRIVAL DAY
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Guests arrive in Arusha (Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO))
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Transfer to Arusha accommodation (Approx. 1 hours drive from airport)
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Meet and Greet with photo host at 6:00pm
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Overnight in Arusha
(Guests must arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport no later than 3:00pm on arrival day)-
FULL DAY SAFARI IN CENTRAL SERENGETI
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Chartered flight: Arusha to Seronera Airstrip
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Photographic opportunities en-route to lodge
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Post processing and photo tutorial with photo host at the lodge
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Overnight in Central Serengeti
PHOTOGRAPHY FOCUS: Photographic opportunities include chance to photograph predators of the open savannas en-route to the lodge-
TWO SAFARIS DAILY IN CENTRAL SERENGETI
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Two photographic safaris daily
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Post processing and photographic tutorial with photo host at the lodge
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Overnight in Central Serengeti
PHOTOGRAPHY FOCUS: Predators of Central Serengeti including lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, and more. Other photographic opportunities include giraffe, zebra, gazelle, wildebeests, and more-
TRANSFER TO NORTHERN SERENGETI
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Transfer to (northern) Serengeti National Park (Approx. 4 hours)
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Photographic opportunities en-route
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Afternoon safari in Northern Serengeti
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Post processing and photo critique with photo host at the lodge
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Overnight in Northern Serengeti
PHOTOGRAPHY FOCUS: Photographic opportunities include Great Migration of Wildebeests in Northern Serengeti
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FULL DAY SAFARIS DAILY - NORTHERN SERENGETI
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Full day photographic safari in Northern Serengeti
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Post processing and photo critique with photo host at the lodge
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Overnight in Northern Serengeti
PHOTOGRAPHY FOCUS: River crossings of the Great Migration of Wildebeests
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DEPARTURE DAY
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Safari transfer en-route to Kogetende Airstrip
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Chartered flight: Kogatende to Kilimanjaro International Airport - approx. arrival time 2:00pm
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END OF TOUR
(guests must depart after 5:00pm on this day)-
RECOMMENDED GEAR
CAMERA BODY:
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Guests are encouraged to bring a camera body with a minimum of 24-megapixels to guarantee the best results while on safari. This can be mirrorless or a DSLR, as your photo host is experienced with both and will be able to offer assistance whenever need be.
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A second camera body is always a great consideration, however, this is not mandatory. This can be used as a backup, or you can keep a second lens attached and switch back and forth between cameras.
LENSES:
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70–200mm lens: A key lens for this trip, ideal for photographing big cats at close to mid-range, interactions within prides or coalitions, and capturing the energy and chaos of the Great Migration. Offers excellent sharpness and low-light performance.
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400mm/500mm lens (prime or zoom): Crucial for long-distance scenes—stalking predators, dramatic hunts, and large herds in open plains. This reach is particularly valuable in the Northern Serengeti, where crossings and predator-prey encounters often unfold at a distance.
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If using a 500mm prime, it's highly recommended to also bring a 70–200mm to cover a broad range of compositions without needing to swap lenses during high-paced moments.
LOCATION
SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK (CENTRAL REGION):
Predator territory at its finest, the Central Serengeti features vast open plains ideal for spotting and photographing lions, leopards, and cheetahs. With big cats often seen near camp and frequent action across the grasslands, it’s a photographer’s dream for storytelling and behavior shots.
SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK (NORTHERN REGION):
From June to September, this region comes alive with the Great Migration, as mega herds of wildebeest and zebra gather to cross the Mara River. This is the heart of dramatic wildlife action—river crossings, crocodile ambushes, and intense predator-prey encounters, all unfolding in front of your lens.
ACCOMMODATION
This safari features two exclusive luxury tented camps located in Central and Northern Serengeti, each selected for their comfort, privacy, and strategic access to prime wildlife photography locations. These camps offer a seamless blend of wilderness immersion and modern amenities, allowing you to stay close to the action without sacrificing comfort.
In the Central Serengeti, your camp is nestled in a quiet, game-rich area—perfect for early morning game drives in predator territory. Enjoy spacious, en-suite tents, warm hospitality, and the natural soundtrack of the African bush just outside your door.
In the Northern Serengeti, you'll move to a seasonal mobile camp positioned near the Mara River during peak migration months. Here, you'll be just minutes from dramatic river crossings and mega herds, ensuring you never miss a photographic moment.
Both camps provide a consistently high level of service and thoughtful details, offering photographers a relaxed, well-equipped base between field sessions.
SIMILAR PHOTO TOURS
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Big Cat Encounters in Central Serengeti
Explore the predator-rich plains of Central Serengeti, one of the best regions in Africa for photographing lions, leopards, and cheetahs in action. With open landscapes and excellent visibility, it’s a hotspot for big cat storytelling.
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Four Nights in the Heart of the Serengeti
Spend four nights based in the Central Serengeti, where you'll photograph not only predators, but also a vast array of plains game, birds, and behavioral moments across diverse ecosystems.
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Great Migration River Crossings in Northern Serengeti
Witness the intensity of the Great Migration as over 1.5 million wildebeests surge across the Mara River. From massive herd movements to predator ambushes, this is peak-action photography at its finest.
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Intimate Instruction with Expert Photo Hosts
With a maximum of four photo guests group, enjoy personalized guidance both in the field and during post-processing sessions—ideal for refining skills and building a compelling portfolio.
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Two Iconic Serengeti Locations, One Seamless Safari
This all-inclusive safari covers both Central and Northern Serengeti, offering varied habitats, seasonal behavior, and world-class photographic opportunities throughout the journey.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
2026 PRICE:
$8,850 USD per person sharing accommodation
$800 USD single supplement fee (if applicable)
25% DEPOSIT TO CONFIRM BOOKING
2027 PRICE TBA
Airport transfers (pick-up and drop-off at Kilimanjaro International Airport – JRO)
All accommodation in mid-luxury tented camps
All road transfers between camps and airstrips
All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily)
All beverages including coffee, water, tea, non-alcoholic beverages, local beers, wines, and spirits
All national park and conservancy entry fees
Daily game drives with prime access to migration and predator hotspots
Two domestic chartered flight (Arusha Airport to Seronera Airstrip Kogatende Airstrip to Kilimanjaro International Airport)
Includes 25kg total luggage allowance per person (10kg additional for camera gear)
Photographic guidance and tutorials throughout the safari
Optional one-on-one photo critiques with your photo host
Pre-tour virtual meeting with your photography guide for preparation and gear planning
International flights (arrival and departure to Tanzania)
Personal Travel Insurance (required for all guests)
Premium alcoholic beverages
Personal expenses (souvenirs, extra activities, etc.)
Activities not listed in itinerary
Gratuities/tips for guides/staff