SAFARI OVERVIEW
This Tanzania Wildlife Photo Safari is an exciting adventure for any wildlife photographer or enthusiast. Starting in Arusha, we will make our way into the Ngorongoro Crater to visit the residential wildlife of the crater floor including Rhino, Zebra, Giraffe, Lion, Hyena, Flamingo and many other bird species.
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We will then make our way into Central Serengeti where we will find ourselves in a very unique location, where savannah meets forest. Situated right in the middle of two very different landscapes, we are in a prime destination for wildlife including many big cats on the hunt.
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Saving the best for last, we will then make our way north to the Mara River, where thousands of animals have flooded the area during this time of year, including the Wildebeests following the rains to the north. Experience the mega herds crossing the Mara River in their thousands, where photo opportunities in this location are never-ending.
TOUR DATE
2025: July 11 - 22
from $8,125 USD pp sharing
Single Supplement: $1,000 USD
Planning a trip for 2026? View our 2026 Photo Safari here
BRIEF ITINERARY
DAY 1: Arrival in Arusha
DAY 2: Full day safari in Lake Manyara National Park
DAY 3: Full day safari in Ngorongoro Crater
DAY 4: Transfer to Central Serengeti / afternoon safari
DAY 5: Morning and afternoon safari
DAY 6: Morning and afternoon safari
DAY 7: Morning and afternoon safari
DAY 8: Transfer to Northern Serengeti / afternoon safari
DAY 9: Morning and afternoon safari
DAY 10: Morning and afternoon safari
DAY 11: Fly to Arusha / End of Tour
(see detailed itinerary below)
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
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Take a visit to Ngorongoro Crater, the eighth Wonder of the World. Spend a full day on the crater floor with a packed lunch. Photograph animals as they graze the largest crater in the world
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Venture through the Serengeti where big cats such as Lion and Leopard are spotted on a regular bases. Spend three nights in Central Serengeti with opportunities to photograph the famous African Big 5 along with the top predators in Africa
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Experience the Wildebeest Great Migration as they head to the Mara River. Witness the thousands of Wildebeests making the great journey North, crossing through rivers, where the Nile Crocodiles await
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Photograph the species that follow the Wildebeest. Commonly found around the migrational herd will be Zebra, Thomson's Gazelle, and Eland
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Visit three photographic destinations on this all-inclusive safari, with something special in each location, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater, Central Serengeti, and Northern Serengeti
LOCATION
NGORONGORO CRATER, CENTRAL & NORTHERN SERENGETI
Heading to 3 major wildlife destinations in Tanzania, this tour offers something entirely different in each location. We will start by heading west toward Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where we will experience life inside the crater.
We will then make our way to the center of the Serengeti, known for its abundance of wildlife residing in the area year round. Perfect for bird lovers and big cat photography, this destination has something for every type of photographer.
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Our final destination is the Northern Serengeti near the Mara River where Wildebeests in their thousands will be making their way through the area as they head into the Mara Triangle of Kenya. Photograph Wildebeests and Zebra as they risk their lives crossing the Mara River.
RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT
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.
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LENSES:​​
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A telephoto lens with a reach of at least 500 mm​​. This can be a fixed/prime lens or a zoom lens. ​
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If you intend to bring a fixed/prime lens of 500 mm or more, you will also need a closer range lens. ​A 100 - 400 mm or similar is a great option, as this will allow you to get shots of wildlife that comes closer to the vehicle​
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If you are interested in taking landscape photographs during the trip, we recommend a wide angle lens that ranges anywhere between 12 mm - 105 mm. This can be used for landscapes, astro-photography, close range wildlife, and congregations of wildlife.
TOUR INCLUDES
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Airport pick-up/drop off (Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO))
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All accommodation in tented camps
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All road transfers between camps
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All meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner each day)
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All beverages (non-alcoholic and local beers, wines and spirits)
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All national park entry fees
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All game drives
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All photographic guidance and tutorials
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one-on-one photo critiques (optional)
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Pre-Tour meeting with your photography guide
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One domestic chartered flight (Kogatende Airstrip to Arusha)
TOUR EXCLUDES
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International flights
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Personal Travel Insurance (required for all guests)
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Personal expenses like souvenirs, extra activities, etc.
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Activities not listed in the itinerary
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Premium alcoholic beverages
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Gratuities/tips for guides and staff
ITINERARY
DAY 1:
ARRIVAL DAY
The first day is designed for all photography participants to arrive in Arusha at their own leisure. Untamed Photo Safaris will arrange transfers from Kilimanjaro International Airport (airport code JRO) for each photographer’s arrival.
The tour will start at 6 pm on this day, where the group will meet for the first time. Your Photo Host will be awaiting you with welcome drinks as you go through the itinerary, ask any questions, and get to know the fellow photographers in your group. After our briefing/meet and greet, we will move over to the restaurant for dinner. After dinner you will have the opportunity to relax with the others in the group.
DAY 2:
LAKE MANYARA FULL DAY SAFARI
After an early breakfast, the group will go by car past the Rift Valley and will make our way up the valley wall and past Karatu. We will later enter the Manyara National Park, where your wildlife photography will begin.
With your professional photographer at your side, you will have remarkable opportunities to get close and personal with Africa’s wildlife. An African styled packed lunch will be provided during this remarkable journey. In this national park, we will visit the ground water forests, rich in birds and monkeys. We will also take a visit to the Hippo pool and the pink mantle of flamingos of lake Manyara.
We will finally make our way back to Karatu where we will arrive at our lodge for our first editing session before dinner.
DAY 3:
NGORONGORO FULL DAY SAFARI
After an early Breakfast, we will drive into the Ngorongoro Crater starting in the highland forest spotting numerous bird species. We will make our way down and to the remarkable grassy crater floor where African mammals will be waiting. We will stay in the crater for a bush lunch while cameras will be ready to capture the stunning surrounding wildlife within.
Predators such as Leopard, Hyena and many Lion walk the flatlands here, making this crater a remarkable destination to take your camera and explore this stunning part of the world.
We will return for image selection and a photographic tutorial over complimentary beverages before dinner.
DAY 4:
TRANSFER TO CENTRAL SERENGETI / EVENING SAFARI
After breakfast, we will leave Karatu and head over to the heart of the Serengeti. En route, we will take advantage of the passing wildlife where photographic opportunities are thriving. Later the group will arrive at our next destination, where lunch will be waiting for your arrival. After lunch, a wildlife photographic tutorial will take place before heading out on our evening safari.
In the afternoon, we will head out into the Seronera area located in Central Serengeti for another photographic adventure. This photo safari will be dedicated towards finding predators such as Lion, Leopard, Cheetah and Hyena.
After, we will return to camp for a relaxing meal and a comfortable overnight stay in the wilderness. Here, an evening wildlife photographic tutorial will take place.
DAYS 5 - 7:
TWO SAFARIS DAILY - CENTRAL SERENGETI
Each day we will be up early for breakfast and the group will head out onto the open Serengeti plains for a morning photo safari. We will explore the flatlands and the river valleys to capture remarkable images of the vast wildlife, such as Lion, Leopard, Cheetah, Elephant, Giraffe, Rhino, many bird species and much more. We will return for lunch at the camp, followed by a photographic tutorial/critique where our neighbouring wildlife such as elephants can make regular visits.
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An afternoon drive will take place where we will explore more of the Central Serengeti. We will explore the famous Kopjes, known to house Lion and Leopard in search for a meal. We will also visit the Serengeti plains that are well known for the famous Cheetah hunts, making great action photography.
We will return as the sun sets to relax and later dine under the stars where lions and hyena can be herd calling nearby.
DAY 8:
TRANSFER TO NORTHERN SERENGETI / EVENING SAFARI
After an early breakfast, the group will leave the camp and head up north for the last photographic location. En-route to the next camp guests will take part in another photo safari that will guide you through remarkable areas that are thriving with wildlife. On arrival at the Mara mobile camp, we will all have lunch followed by a bit of time to relax.
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In the afternoon, we will head out on another photo safari in search for the local wildlife surrounding camp followed by dinner. After dinner, a short evening wildlife photographic tutorial will take place to prep for the next day.
DAY 9 - 10:
TWO SAFARIS DAILY - NORTHERN SERENGETI
Each day we will start with breakfast in the tented camp. You will have a morning and afternoon photo safari dedicated to the famous Wildebeest Great Migration, with lunch and a photographic discussion back at the tented camp.
Each drive, we will venture to the Kogatende Area in the Serengeti where life is packed at this time of year with enormous herds of Wildebeest and Zebra. The group will take a visit to see the famous Mara River crossings of large herds making for fantastic photographic opportunities. These mega herds attract numerous predators such as Lion and Nile Crocodile that pick off individuals, perfect for untamed action shots.
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Each evening, we will have dinner and with beverages, you can get to relax around the fire under the stars and soak in the wilderness of the Northern Serengeti in all its glory. An optional photographic critique will take place with your photo host.
DAY 11:
MORNING SAFARI / FLY TO ARUSHA
Today we take our leave after breakfast. The group will take their final game drive en route to the airstrip to get those final photographs. Here guests can bid farewell to our trackers and drivers. This final step will fly you over this vast African wilderness from Kogatende Airstrip to Arusha Airport.
From here, guests will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport or their accommodation of choice where we will say our farewells
ACCOMMODATION
This tour visits three of Mawe Lodges' tented safari camps set right in the middle of the wildlife with views of the vast grasslands flowing into the horizon.
Wake up with a coffee and the African sun poking through the morning sky with the tranquil sounds of the wild. Immersed in nature, you will never be distracted by other vehicles or unnatural sounds while relaxing around the camps.
Untamed Photo Safaris is proud to offer our guests a truly authentic African safari experience with the perfect combination of nature, wildlife, and comfort. Return to camp after an exciting day of photography with a glass of wine ready for your return during this all-inclusive safari.
