Enquires: bookings@untamedphotosafaris.com Phone: +44 7368271396
Tanzania, the largest country in East Africa, is a wildlife photographer’s paradise—renowned for its sheer abundance of animals and dramatic, ever-changing landscapes. To the east, the country meets the Indian Ocean, home to the idyllic Zanzibar Islands, while to the west lies the vast Lake Victoria. In the north, near the Kenyan border, the snow-capped summit of Mount Kilimanjaro offers a striking backdrop—perfect for combining iconic landscape shots with nearby big game photography in the Serengeti.
​
Tanzania is home to some of the world’s most sought-after photographic subjects, from lions and leopards to vast herds of wildebeest. The Serengeti National Park stands as the crown jewel for wildlife photographers, offering unrivaled access to the Great Migration—a breathtaking natural event where millions of animals traverse the plains in search of greener pastures. With its golden light, open savannas, and dense predator populations, Tanzania offers some of the finest conditions on Earth for capturing powerful, emotive wildlife imagery.
2026 TANZANIA - GROUP PHOTO TOURS
BEST TIME OF YEAR TO VISIT TANZANIA
Best Time to Visit
Located just below the equator, Tanzania’s temperature has very little fluctuation throughout the year. The climate is this country is similar to most East African countries including Uganda and Kenya.
​
If you are hoping to see the Great Migration of Wildebeest and Zebra in full effect, the best time of the year to visit Tanzania is the months of July and August. At this time of the year, the migratory herds are making their way back the the North, towards the Mara. If you are interested in capturing the Great Migration in action, these months of July and August are ideal for sightings of river crossings.
​
Tanzania has two rainy seasons: March - May and October - December. Our expert photographers tend to avoid traveling to Tanzania during these rainy seasons, as some parks prohibit entry into the parks during acclimate whether and wildlife can be unpredictable during these months.
SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK
Serengeti National Park is one of the most iconic and photogenic wildlife destinations on Earth. Spanning over 15,000 square kilometers of endless savannahs, rocky outcrops, and acacia woodlands, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a dream location for wildlife photographers. The Serengeti hosts an astonishing density of wildlife, including approximately 4,000 lions, 1,000 leopards, 550 cheetahs, 500 bird species, and over 2 million ungulates—offering endless opportunities to capture dramatic, raw moments of the wild.
​
What makes the Serengeti exceptional for photographers is not just its abundance of life, but its variety of ecosystems, unique behaviors, and light—ranging from golden dawns to moody storms across the plains. Whether you're focused on predators, birdlife, or grand-scale compositions of vast herds on the move, Serengeti delivers year-round.
​
At the heart of the park’s appeal is the Great Migration, one of the most significant wildlife spectacles on the planet. This continuous movement of wildebeests and zebras creates seasonal concentrations of animals and predators, setting the stage for thrilling photographic storytelling.
​
SOUTHERN SERENGETI (Ndutu Region): In January and February, the short-grass plains of Ndutu host the calving season, when hundreds of thousands of wildebeests give birth in just a few weeks. The sheer density of life—and death—creates a powerful photographic narrative. Predators such as lions, cheetahs, and hyenas follow closely, making this the best time to document the circle of life with intensity and emotion.
​
CENTRAL SERENGETI: Accessible year-round and rich in resident wildlife, the Central Serengeti is ideal for capturing classic African scenes: lions basking on kopjes, elephants against a golden horizon, leopards lounging in acacia trees, and large herds grazing. This region is reliable, varied, and photographically rewarding in every season.
​
NORTHERN SERENGETI: (Mara River Crossings) During July to September, the Great Migration reaches the Northern Serengeti, where wildebeest and zebras make the perilous Mara River crossing—one of the most dramatic scenes in wildlife photography. Thousands plunge into crocodile-filled waters in search of fresh grass, and with patience and positioning, photographers can capture intense sequences of action, chaos, and triumph. This region also features mobile luxury camps, placing you at the heart of the action during these peak migration months.
​
Whether you're photographing a solitary cheetah at sunrise or the thunder of hooves across the savannah, the Serengeti offers a rare combination of scale, spectacle, and intimacy. For wildlife photographers, it’s not just a destination—it’s a canvas of life in motion.
NGORONGORO CRATER NATIONAL PARK
Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a photographer’s dream destination. This vast, collapsed volcanic caldera in northern Tanzania is home to an astonishing diversity of wildlife, including the Big Five—lions, elephants, buffaloes, rhinos, and leopards—as well as cheetahs, wildebeests, zebras, and a variety of bird species. The crater’s unique ecosystem, isolated from the surrounding areas, creates an exceptional concentration of wildlife, making it one of the best places in Africa for wildlife photography.
​
The landscape of Ngorongoro adds to its photographic appeal, with its lush green grasslands, marshes, and salt flats, all surrounded by towering crater walls. The scenery provides a dramatic backdrop for wildlife encounters, allowing photographers to capture everything from sweeping shots of herds across the plains to intimate portraits of predators and prey. The light here is also incredible, with the early morning and late afternoon hours offering a warm golden glow over the crater floor, making it perfect for capturing wildlife in its most beautiful light.
​
What makes Ngorongoro particularly special for wildlife photographers is the abundance of wildlife. The density of animals makes it easier to encounter the Big Five in a single day, and the compact nature of the crater allows for frequent and close-up sightings. Photographers can capture moments of dramatic predator-prey interactions, elephants roaming peacefully, and the rare black rhino in stunning detail. The crater also hosts numerous bird species, making it a great place for capturing both large and small wildlife in one location.
​
With its diverse ecosystems, abundant wildlife, and breathtaking landscapes, Ngorongoro Crater is an extraordinary location for photographers seeking to capture the full range of Africa’s iconic wildlife in one place. Its combination of natural beauty and photographic opportunities makes it a must-visit destination for wildlife photographers from around the world.
TARANGIRE NATIONAL PARK
Tarangire National Park is one of Tanzania’s most photogenic and underrated wildlife destinations. Located in the northern part of the country, it is known for its large populations of elephants, with herds that roam freely across the park’s striking landscapes. The park’s diverse ecosystems—savannah, wetlands, and acacia woodlands—provide a dramatic backdrop for wildlife photography, especially when captured against the park’s signature ancient baobab trees.
​
The wildlife in Tarangire is incredibly diverse, making it a fantastic location for photographers looking to capture iconic African species in various settings. Elephants are the highlight, with Tarangire being home to one of the largest concentrations of elephants in East Africa. The sight of massive elephant herds, often moving gracefully across the park’s plains, is an unforgettable photographic moment. In addition to elephants, Tarangire is also home to lions, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, buffaloes, and a rich variety of birdlife.
​
Wildlife photography here is exceptional, with the dry season (June to October) offering the best opportunities for capturing wildlife as they congregate around the Tarangire River, which is a vital water source during this time. The dense acacia woodlands and grassy plains provide the perfect setting for spotting predators such as lions and cheetahs, while the river attracts herds of elephants and buffaloes, providing excellent opportunities for dramatic action shots.
​
The landscape of Tarangire adds to the experience, with its unique combination of open plains, swamps, and the occasional baobab tree offering striking compositions. Whether you're capturing a herd of elephants framed by a distant baobab or a lioness stalking through the tall grasses, Tarangire provides plenty of opportunities for breathtaking wildlife imagery.
​
For wildlife photographers, Tarangire National Park is a hidden gem, offering incredible wildlife sightings and stunning landscapes, making it a must-visit destination for capturing the essence of East Africa’s wildlife.
2025 TANZANIA - GROUP PHOTO TOURS
Have any questions?
If you are not sure if Tanzania is the right destination for you, contact one of our experts today to ensure that you are choosing the tour that best suits your photographic needs. Tanzania is an incredible country for any wildlife photographer or enthusiast, but if you are planning your first safari, speaking to a specialist will ensure that you choose the right tour for you.