7 Days Tanzania Photography Safari-January 2025

Embark on an exclusive Tanzania Photography Safari in January 2025, traversing the rich landscapes of Tarangire, Southern Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Eyasi, and Lake Manyara. This expertly guided adventure promises unparalleled photographic opportunities, from the majestic elephants and ancient baobabs of Tarangire, the thrilling calving season in the Southern Serengeti, the dense wildlife and stunning vistas of the Ngorongoro Crater, the cultural encounters with the Hadzabe tribe at Lake Eyasi, to the diverse birdlife and unique tree-climbing lions of Lake Manyara. Enhance your photography skills while capturing the breathtaking beauty and wildlife of Tanzania’s most iconic locations.

Upon landing at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be welcomed and escorted to your selected hotel in Arusha. Spend the remainder of the day at your leisure, acclimatizing and preparing for your upcoming adventure. For hotel recommendations, Dr. Mark Winter is available to assist you.

Kick off your adventure with an early morning departure from your Arusha hotel. Meet your guide and fellow safari adventurers before heading towards Tarangire National Park. Famous for its namesake, the Tarangire River, this park in Tanzania’s Manyara Region serves as a critical water source for the area’s wildlife during the annual dry season. Here, you can capture incredible photos of a multitude of species, especially during the stunning sunset. After a thrilling day, unwind at Aileen’s Tree House in Karatu where you will be treated to a delicious dinner and rest in your allocated room.

Overnight at Eileen’s Tree Inn

• Full board(Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included)
• Drinks are not Included

Our venture takes us to the captivating Serengeti National Park, stamped with World Heritage status by UNESCO. Witness Tanzania’s famed wildlife – the wildebeests, gazelles, and zebras, and plunge into the rare experience of witnessing the most unparalleled massive land-animal migration. Devour a delightful picnic amidst this serene panorama before a rewarding photography safari. Wind down at the Kon Tiki Camp, nestled amidst an array of wildlife before savoring a buffet dinner.

Overnight At Kon-Tik Serengeti Camp.

• Full board(Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included)
• Drinks are not Included

Emerging from the comfort of Kon Tiki Camp after a delightful breakfast, we eagerly step into the second day of our exploration of the Southern Serengeti, a region renowned for its annual calving spectacle. This season is incredibly unique as an astounding number of wildebeests partake in a synchronized birthing period, with thousands of newborn calves dotting the plains. It’s nature’s live theater at its finest, but it’s also a season when life hangs delicately in balance. Predators; lions, cheetahs, leopards, and hyenas lurk close by, transforming the plains into a thrilling tableau of survival.

For photographers, this is a treasure trove of opportunities as you find yourself in the heart of raw, untamed action. Each moment here – from the miracle of birth to the stark reality of survival – poses an unprecedented narrative waiting to be captured on the lens. While the drama unfolds on nature’s stage, we’ll pause to enjoy a delightful hot lunch served amidst this incredible wilderness. The grand finale of the day’s photo-chronicle will take place during the golden hour—a photographer’s delight—as the setting sun drapes the southern plains in hues of gold and amber. As twilight descends, we’ll retreat to the Mara Heritage Camp to share and revel in the unforgettable moments captured throughout the day, all well within the comfort and luxury of our accommodation.

Overnight At Kon-Tik Ndutu Camp

• Full Board(Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
• Drinks are not Included

After relishing a splendid breakfast at Kon-Tik Ndutu Camp, we will switch gears to experience the eclectic character of Central Serengeti. Boasting a vast spectrum of wildlife and exquisite landscapes, this region is often considered the epicenter of the legendary Serengeti National Park. A melange of woodland, swamps, kopjes, and the iconic Seronera River, Central Serengeti is teeming with impressive wildlife throughout the year.

Blankets of wildebeests, cunning crocodiles hiding in water nooks, stealthy hyenas, sturdy buffalo, aquatic hippos, and graceful gazelles constitute the rich tapestry of life here. This hub of animal activity provides endlessly fascinating, dynamic scenes that weave an alluring narrative for your lens.

The day’s experience is not merely about witnessing wildlife but becoming part of the pulsating wilderness that the Central Serengeti embodies. Each photo you take here will bear witness to a moment in the grand ballet of life that unfurls daily on these plains.

After taking in the thrilling morning and afternoon wildlife viewing, we will break for a hot lunch in the park, amid the murmuring Seronera River or by a scenic kopje. After the time well-spent in the Central Serengeti’s wild heart, return to the tranquil setting of Kon Tiki Camp for a relaxing evening. Unwind as you reflect on the day’s adventure and spill into conversations throughout a delicious dinner, against the melodious backdrop of the African night.

Overnight At Kon-Tik Central Serengeti Camp

• Full Board(Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
• Drinks are not Included

Rising with the dawn, we embark on a 2-hour enchanting drive from Kon Tiki Camp to the renowned Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As we traverse through magnificent landscapes teeming with wildlife, we grasp the true essence of an African safari.

En route to the crater, we enrich our journey with a culturally immersive stopover at a Maasai Village. The Maasai people, known for their striking attire, remarkable jewelry, and captivating rituals, offer a fantastic opportunity to diversify your photographic portfolio with vibrant cultural narratives. This encounter allows you to experience firsthand the traditions and customs of one of Africa’s most enduring tribes.

Continuing our journey to the Ngorongoro Crater, we prepare to delve into a unique ecological wonder. The crater, the largest unflooded and intact caldera globally, offers a biodiverse paradise like no other. Its enclosed ecosystem harbors dense populations of the ‘big five’ and countless bird species. These living spectacles set against the majestic backdrop of the crater walls create an ideal environment for extraordinary wildlife photography. Midday brings a delightful pause as we break for lunch, surrounded by the unspoiled beauty of the crater.

Once the day’s wild encounter reaches its climax, we retreat to the cozy comforts of Aileen’s Tree House. Here, a hearty buffet dinner and a tranquil night under the star-studded African sky conclude a remarkable day of exploration.

Overnight At Eileen’s Tree Inn.

• Full Board(Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
• Drinks are not Included

With a fresh day beckoning us, we set our sights on Lake Eyasi, a slightly saline, sodic lake nestled in the remote regions of Tanzania. A hearty breakfast at Aileen’s Tree Inn sets us for a 2-hour journey to this off-the-beaten-path destination.

The region paints an evocative visual representation of rural Africa with its stunning landscapes, extending from steep Rift Valley walls over expansive plains to the soda lake, glistening under the African sun. Migratory flamingos provide a dash of flamboyant color to this otherwise arid landscape, proving to be avid subjects for captivating images.

Lake Eyasi is even more notable for its cultural significance. It’s home to the last of East Africa’s hunter-gatherers—the Hadzabe tribe, who still adhere to their ancient ways, and the Datoga tribe, known for their intricate metalwork. Its residents make for a remarkable encounter, highlighting the area’s cultural biodiversity.

Our visit allows you to communicate directly with these indigenous peoples, capturing indelible moments that contribute to a unique narrative showcasing the rarely glimpsed aspects of traditional Tanzania. Their primitive way of living, untouched by the modern world, provides a surreal frame of ‘time standing still’ and enriches our photographic journey with a truly unique experience.

The day’s saga of Lake Eyasi encompasses not just an exploration of geology and wildlife but delves deeply into ancient cultures, presenting a well-rounded fascicle of experiences backdropped by authentically African landscapes. We finally return to Aileen’s Tree House for another night to unwind and share memorable moments over a delectable dinner.

Overnight At Eileen’s Tree Inn

• Full Board(Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
• Drinks are not Included

Our final day’s adventure commences as we depart from Aileen’s Tree Inn after another reprieve prepared by hearty breakfast. Tailwind to this journey is our destination – Lake Manyara National Park, a verdant oasis known for its enchanting beauty and diverse ecosystem influenced by the alkaline lake that spans its main axis.

Lake Manyara, framed by the creased wall of the Great Rift Valley and brushed to a shimmer by the flamingo-flecked waters of the lake, provides a cinematic dawn for our day. It is a haven for bird enthusiasts with over 300 migratory bird species, including the captivating pink cover of thousands of flamingos that adorn the lake shore in spectacular fashion – a dazzling spectacle for your camera!

However, what separates Lake Manyara from other parks is its famous tree-climbing lions. This quirky behavior, not frequently spotted elsewhere, adds an intriguing spin to your wildlife photography experience. Elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, buffaloes, baboons, and a slew of bird species also populate the park, so keep your cameras close and senses sharp!

You’ll have the morning to venture through Lake Manyara’s multifaceted landscapes, from groundwater forests to shrubland filled with iconic Baobab trees. Our guide shall ensure you capture each shade of Lake Manyara’s natural charm.

Concluding our lake visit, we embark on the journey back to Arusha.

Dr. Mark Winter has been a photographer all of his life. He currently lives and works in the Sacramento, California area and maintains a studio catering to the photographic needs of photographers from throughout the Northern California area. He and his wife recently took this identical safari and is excited to share his experience with others. He will be accompanying this Photography Safari and will be available to you beforehand to assist you with planning. He can be reached at wintermark47@gmail.com

Your Organizer has chosen Waziri Bakari to be our guide and driver after working with him in the past. Waziri has a wealth of information about the sights you will visit as well as being safe and reliable.

Book your January safari early to ensure you secure front-row accommodations in the heart of Tanzania’s wildlife hot spots. This prime positioning guarantees up-close encounters with iconic animals, breathtaking photography opportunities, and exclusive experiences like witnessing the wildebeest calving season and engaging with indigenous tribes. Don’t miss out on the chance to make this once-in-a-lifetime adventure truly exceptional—reserve your spot now!

• Park fees
• All activities
• All accommodation
• A professional driver/guide
• All transportation
• All Taxes/VAT
• Roundtrip airport transfer
• Meals
• Drinks(Mineral water and Soda during the Game drive)

• International flights
• Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
• Tips
• Personal items
• Government-imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
• Alcoholic Drinks
• Tips for driver guide(Suggested 10$ Per person per day)