16 DAYS | 15 NIGHTS The Ngorongoro and Serengeti Photographic Safari
Tour Overview
Tanzania stands out for its remarkable concentration of the Big Five and the wealth of opportunities to track them, both of which define this sixteen-day photographic safari. The adventure begins in Tarangire, a reserve known for its impressive elephant herds, tree-climbing lions, and occasional sightings of leopards near the riverine woodlands.
From there, the safari continues to Lake Manyara, noted for its diverse wildlife, including buffalo and other large mammals, before moving on to Ngorongoro for three days dedicated to seeking the Big Five. The experience concludes in the Serengeti, exploring the central plains, western corridor, and northern regions.
Duration: 16 Days
When to go: All Year Round
FULL ITINERARY
Day 1:
Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport
Your adventure begins in Arusha, where one of our staff members will greet you upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport. You will be assisted through immigration, baggage claim, and customs, and then transferred to Mount Meru Hotel for the night – a luxury boutique hotel located on the edge of Arusha city, about an hour’s drive from the airport.
This evening, everyone will gather for introductions. Both the driver-guide and safari manager will be present to brief the group on the days ahead. There will be time for questions and discussion. The remainder of the evening is yours to unwind after what’s likely been a long flight.
Where to Stay
Mid - Range: Tulia Boutique Hotel
Luxury: Mount Meru Hotel
MEAL PLAN
Full Board
Where to Stay
Overnight: Lodge / Hotel
MEAL PLAN
Full Board
Day 2&3:
Tarangire National Park
You will meet your private guide in the hotel lobby this morning, ready for two full days exploring Tarangire National Park. Upon arrival at the park entrance, we complete the required permit formalities. Before lunch, we spend time along the Tarangire River, observing birdlife and watching wildlife gather to drink. We then continue to Lemala Lodge, located deep within the park, offering an authentic bush experience and close access to key wildlife areas.
This region provides excellent sightings of elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, and an impressive variety of antelope species.In the afternoon, we set out for a second game drive through different areas of the park, often encountering elephants, lions, leopards, and buffalo. As the day draws to a close, we return to the lodge for dinner, review the day’s photographs, and discuss the next day’s exploration with the guide.
Where to Stay
Mid - Range: Tulia Boutique Hotel
Luxury: Mount Meru Hotel
MEAL PLAN
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Where to Stay
Overnight: Tented Camp / Lodge
MEAL PLAN
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4&5:
Lake Manyara
After breakfast at the lodge, we head to Lake Manyara National Park, one of Tanzania’s most ecologically diverse areas. Though compact, it plays a crucial role in the Big Five circuit. The park is well known for its tree-climbing lions, large herds of elephants, buffalo, and the elusive leopard. Hippos gather in the shallow pools, while the alkaline lake attracts countless flamingos and other avian species. Giraffes, wildebeest, and troops of baboons are also common sights during the day.
The following morning, we leave early for another game drive, making the most of the park’s morning activity before departing for the Ngorongoro Highlands. The drive leads to the Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, where the afternoon will be spent unwinding and reviewing photographs from Lake Manyara. Dinner is served in the evening, followed by a restful night in preparation for the adventures ahead.
Where to Stay
Mid - Range: Tulia Boutique Hotel
Luxury: Mount Meru Hotel
MEAL PLAN
Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Where to Stay
Overnight: Tented Camp / Lodge
MEAL PLAN
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6,7,8:
Ngorongoro Crater
The Ngorongoro Crater is, without a doubt, a Big Five paradise, and for the next three days, we will focus on photographing this iconic group of terrestrial wildlife in one of the continent’s most remarkable natural sanctuaries. Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage site, supports one of the highest densities of wildlife in Africa, with more than 25,000 large mammals confined within its walls.
Its self-contained ecosystem, fed by permanent springs and open grasslands, offers exceptional conditions for observing and capturing elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo, and rhinos at close range. The light conditions shift dramatically through the day, offering diverse photographic tones, contrasts, and perspectives on the crater floor.Each day begins early to take advantage of the soft morning light and heightened animal activity.
The schedule remains flexible, allowing spontaneous detours when photographic opportunities arise. Lunch is served on the crater floor before a slower-paced afternoon drive focused on composition and detail. Evenings are reserved for reviewing images, unwinding at the lodge, and preparing for the next day’s photographic pursuits.
Where to Stay
Mid - Range: Tulia Boutique Hotel
Luxury: Mount Meru Hotel
MEAL PLAN
Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Where to Stay
Overnight: Tented Camp / Lodge
MEAL PLAN
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9,10,11:
Central Serengeti
Leaving Ngorongoro early in the morning on day nine, we shift our focus to the Central Serengeti, the region that defines the meaning of “Serengeti,” derived from the Maasai word Siringit, meaning “endless plains.” It is here that one begins to appreciate the vastness and diversity of the ecosystem. The Central Serengeti, especially the Seronera Valley, is well known for its high density of predators, making it one of the best places to encounter all members of the Big Five.
Lions dominate the open plains, leopards find refuge in acacia trees, and elephants, buffalo, and rhinos move freely among countless herds of wildebeest, zebra, and antelope that animate the landscape.Day ten offers an optional hot air balloon safari, a once-in-a-lifetime experience that allows a rare aerial perspective of the plains, golden hues, and wildlife scenes that are impossible to capture from the ground. Safaris are all about early mornings, getting out there and seeing animals.
This is especially a key factor for photographers, as the cooler hours bring heightened animal activity and the best light. Your guide has an intimate knowledge of the park, which contributes a great deal towards brilliant sightings. Lunch is enjoyed at the lodge or outdoors al fresco. From a photographic standpoint, central Serengeti is the epicenter of iconic African imagery.
Where to Stay
Mid - Range: Tulia Boutique Hotel
Luxury: Mount Meru Hotel
MEAL PLAN
Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Where to Stay
Overnight: Tented Camp / Lodge
MEAL PLAN
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12&13:
Serengeti - Western Corridor (Grumeti River)
Leaving Seronera soon after breakfast, we set off on a morning safari of about 3 to 4 hours, heading west toward the Serengeti’s Western Corridor along the Grumeti River. The game drive includes several stops to capture remarkable sightings before reaching Singita Sasakwa Lodge for check-in, enjoy lunch, and a short rest. After a siesta we set off on the afternoon game drive.
This region is known for its dense concentration of wildlife, including lion, leopard, elephant, and buffalo, along with large herds of wildebeest and zebra that gather near the river during migration. The terrain here is strikingly varied, with open plains, riverine forests, and acacia woodlands that create ideal conditions for Big Five photography.
Over the next two days, early departures offer the best light for photographing wildlife and landscapes. Expect to see elephants along the riverbanks, hippos wallowing in the Grumeti, and raptors circling overhead. Between drives, enjoy al fresco meals overlooking the plains or unwind at the lodge. Be sure to bring along your binoculars. We conduct all our game drives in specially adapted 4×4 open game drive vehicles to allow you the best possible vantage point. After a scrumptious dinner is served back at the lodge, we share safari stories around the camp fire under the stars.
Where to Stay
Mid - Range: Tulia Boutique Hotel
Luxury: Mount Meru Hotel
MEAL PLAN
Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Where to Stay
Overnight: Tented Camp / Lodge
MEAL PLAN
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 14&15:
Northern Serengeti – Full day
After your early morning activity and breakfast, you continue on a game drive toward the northern Serengeti. Keeping a relaxed pace, we will carry a packed lunch to enjoy en route. Arriving at Serengeti Bushtops Camp, a small and exclusive premier camp, you’ll find outstanding safari accommodation and an intimate atmosphere that mirrors the essence of an authentic Big Five safari experience.
The northern Serengeti forms part of the Mara River ecosystem, offering exceptional opportunities to observe elephants, buffalo, and large prides of lions in their natural setting. This region is also one of the best places to spot elusive leopards resting in acacia trees and witness cheetahs scanning the plains for prey.
The annual Great Migration passes through this area between July and October, when immense herds of wildebeest and zebra cross the Mara River, often shadowed by crocodiles and opportunistic predators. Other wildlife includes giraffes, topi, reedbuck, and spotted hyenas. During your stay, you can enjoy morning and afternoon game drives or guided walking safaris that reveal the subtle details of the landscape.
Where to Stay
Mid - Range: Tulia Boutique Hotel
Luxury: Mount Meru Hotel
MEAL PLAN
Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Where to Stay
Overnight: Tented Camp / Lodge
MEAL PLAN
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 16:
Fly back to Arusha – Transfer to Kilimanjaro Int’l Airport
The sun rises over our final day in the northern Serengeti, offering one last opportunity to spot the animals that may have escaped us.
After breakfast, we fly back to Arusha, arriving in time for lunch and optional day room service at Arusha Coffee Lodge before transferring to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward travels. The flight takes approximately 45 minutes.
MEAL PLAN
Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Tour Inclusion
- Pick up and drop in Arusha as per the itinerary
- Park entrance fee
- Full board accommodation while on safari
- Service of an English speaking driver guide
- Transport based on a 4WD Vehicle with open roof for game viewing
- Driver’s allowances and park fees for vehicle and driver
- Game drives as per the Itinerary
Tour Exclusion
- Pick up and drop in Arusha as per the itinerary
- Park entrance fee
- Full board accommodation while on safari
- Service of an English speaking driver guide
- Transport based on a 4WD Vehicle with open roof for game viewing
- Driver’s allowances and park fees for vehicle and driver
- Game drives as per the Itinerary
Price Per Person
|
Number of Person
|
Price per Person
|
|---|---|
|
PAX 2 |
$ 480 |
|
PAX 3 |
$ 460 |
|
PAX 4 |
$ 440 |
|
PAX 5+ |
$567 |
|
PAX 5+ |
$567 |
Tour Inclusion
- Pick up and drop in Arusha as per the itinerary
- Park entrance fee
- Full board accommodation while on safari
- Service of an English speaking driver guide
- Transport based on a 4WD Vehicle with open roof for game viewing
- Driver’s allowances and park fees for vehicle and driver
- Game drives as per the Itinerary
Tour Exclusion
- Pick up and drop in Arusha as per the itinerary
- Park entrance fee
- Full board accommodation while on safari
- Service of an English speaking driver guide
- Transport based on a 4WD Vehicle with open roof for game viewing
- Driver’s allowances and park fees for vehicle and driver
- Game drives as per the Itinerary
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