10-Day Tanzania Wildlife & Calving Season Photo Safari
Arusha NP, Tarangire, Ndutu & Serengeti
Overview
Set out on a breathtaking 10-day photographic safari that captures the raw beauty, cultural richness, and epic wildlife of Tanzania’s most celebrated destinations. This journey is specially designed for photographers and adventure seekers who want to experience the full spectrum of Tanzania’s wilderness—from misty montane forests and predator-filled plains to crater-floor ecosystems and optional beach bliss.
Your adventure begins in Arusha National Park, a hidden gem nestled between Mount Meru and Kilimanjaro. Here, you’ll enjoy a combination of game drives and a guided walking safari, giving you a rare chance to photograph wildlife on foot, surrounded by thick forest, lakes, waterfalls, and unique species like black-and-white colobus monkeys and flamingos.
From there, venture into the golden, baobab-studded terrain of Tarangire National Park, home to some of Tanzania’s largest elephant populations. The park’s dry riverbeds, seasonal swamps, and iconic trees offer dramatic backdrops for photographing herds, birds, and predators in golden light.
Your route then leads through Karatu to the rich, wildlife-dense plains of the Ndutu region, in the southern Serengeti ecosystem. Timed during calving season (December–March), this area becomes a stage for the Great Migration and intense predator-prey drama, with lions, cheetahs, and hyenas actively hunting. Crucially, off-road driving is permitted in Ndutu, giving photographers the flexibility to track the action and frame the perfect shot.
Next, explore the Central Serengeti, renowned for its year-round game and expansive savannahs dotted with granite kopjes. Spend your days capturing big cats, grazing herds, and golden sunsets in one of the most iconic wildlife settings on Earth.
Before your return, descend into the legendary Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best locations to capture the Big Five in a single game drive. With its volcanic walls, sparkling soda lake, and dense animal populations, it’s a paradise for landscape and wildlife photography alike.
Your journey ends with a return to Arusha, where you can relax and reflect—or choose to extend your adventure with a Zanzibar beach escape. Think spice tours, Swahili architecture, and barefoot walks on white sand beaches—all seamlessly arranged by Tanzaniatrail.
With expert photographic guides, private 4×4 vehicles, and handpicked mid-range lodges, this safari blends technical photo support, immersive wildlife experiences, and complete comfort. Each day is designed to help you slow down, observe, and capture Africa’s most unforgettable moments—one perfect frame at a time.
Safari Itinerary
On arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, meet your friendly TanzaniaTrail guide who will transfer you to your Arusha hotel. Spend the rest of the day unwinding or preparing your photography gear. Later, enjoy a welcome briefing on the safari plan, local conditions, and top tips for capturing memorable images.
Meals: Not Included
Comfort Accommodation: Forest Hill Hotel
Premium Accommodation: Ngaresero Lodge
After breakfast, drive to Arusha National Park for a day of diverse photographic opportunities. You’ll explore lush forests, the Momella Lakes, and sweeping views of Mount Meru during a guided walking safari—an up-close chance to photograph giraffes, zebras, and monkeys in their natural habitat. After capturing the park’s scenic wonders, return to your Arusha accommodation to review the day’s shots.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Comfort Accommodation: Forest Hill Hotel
Premium Accommodation: Ngaresero Lodge
Depart Arusha early for Tarangire National Park, home to large herds of elephants and iconic baobab trees. Spend the day on game drives capturing images of diverse wildlife, from lions and zebras to countless bird species. As evening approaches, settle into your camp or lodge within or near Tarangire, where you can appreciate the African sunset and relax before tomorrow’s adventures.
Meals: Full board
Comfort Accommodation: Lake Barunge Tented Camp
Premium Accommodation: Maramboi Tented Lodge
Rise at dawn for a sunrise game drive, taking advantage of the soft early light to photograph active wildlife. Return for breakfast at your camp, then embark on a final Tarangire exploration before making your way to Karatu, a charming town perched in the highlands near Ngorongoro. Arrive late afternoon, enjoy the cooler climate, and take in the scenic surroundings of your lodge.
Meals: Full Board
Comfort Accommodation: Marera Valley Lodge
Premium Accommodation: Kitela Lodge
Leave Karatu after breakfast and drive to the Ndutu region, known for its fertile grasslands and seasonal calving of wildebeest and zebras. Upon arrival, head out for an afternoon game drive to capture the scenic plains and possible predator sightings. Retreat to your Ndutu lodge or tented camp at dusk, where you can rest and prepare for more photographic opportunities in the coming days.
Meals: Full Board
Comfort Accommodation: African Safari Ndutu
Premium Accommodation: In The Wind
Spend the entire day exploring Ndutu’s wildlife-rich areas, waking up early to capture animals in the golden morning light. Track lions, cheetahs, hyenas, and large herds of wildebeest, pausing midday for lunch and a brief rest. In the late afternoon, chase the warm sunset glow to take dramatic photos before returning to camp under starlit skies.
Meals: Full Board
Comfort Accommodation: African Safari Ndutu
Premium Accommodation: In The Wind
This morning, you’ll head from Ndutu to the heart of Serengeti National Park, pausing along the way for impromptu photo stops whenever wildlife appears. On arrival, enjoy an afternoon game drive where you can photograph iconic species like elephants and giraffes, as well as potential predator-prey interactions. In the evening, settle into your Central Serengeti lodge or tented camp.
Meals: Full Board
Comfort Accommodation: Serenity Camps and Lodges
Premium Accommodation: Serengeti Luxury Retreat
Immerse yourself in the stunning scenery of Central Serengeti with a full day of indepth photography. Begin at sunrise, capturing big cats and herbivores in the morning’s gentle light. Spend the midday hours near water sources where wildlife converges, then resume in the late afternoon for golden-hour shots. Conclude the day sharing stories under the stars.
Meals: Full Board
Comfort Accommodation: Serenity Camps and Lodges
Premium Accommodation: Serengeti Luxury Retreat
After a final Serengeti sunrise shoot, depart for the Ngorongoro Crater, descending into this incredible caldera for a half-day game drive. Photograph endangered black rhinos, vast flocks of flamingos, and other spectacular wildlife against the crater’s dramatic backdrop. In the afternoon, ascend and head back to Arusha, arriving by evening for a well-deserved rest.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Comfort Accommodation: Forest Hill Hotel
Premium Accommodation: Ngaresero Lodge
On your final day, relax at your Arusha hotel or explore the city’s craft markets before transferring to the airport for your flight home. Alternatively, extend your journey with a visit to Zanzibar, where TanzaniaTrail can arrange everything from beachfront accommodations to cultural Stone Town tours an ideal way to wind down your photographic safari and capture more unforgettable moments.
Meals: Breakfast
MID-RANGE INCLUDES
- All Meals as per Itinerary
- Airport Transfers
- National Park Fees
- Private 4x4 safari Jeep with pop-up roof
- Professional English-speaking safari guide
- Government taxes and levies
- Soft Drinks & Wines/Beers
MID-RANGE EXCLUDES
- Travel Insurance
- International Flights
- Tipping
- Personal Equipments
- Visa fees
LUXURY INCLUDES
- All Meals as per Itinerary
- VIP airport pick-up and drop-off
- All national park and conservation area fees
- Private 4x4 safari Jeep with pop-up roof
- Professional English-speaking safari guide
- Government taxes and levies
- Soft Drinks & Wines/Beers
- Premium accommodation in high-end lodges or luxury tented camps
LUXURY EXCLUDES
- Travel Insurance
- International Flights
- Tipping
- Personal Equipments
- Visa fees
- Premium wines and spirits (unless specified)
FAQs
Tanzania offers an unbeatable combination of diverse ecosystems, abundant wildlife, and dramatic landscapes. From the Great Migration in the Serengeti to the Big Five in Ngorongoro, the flamingos at Lake Natron, and baobab-dotted horizons in Tarangire—every day offers a chance for extraordinary images.
No! Photographic safaris are open to all skill levels. Whether you’re using a DSLR, mirrorless, or even a smartphone, the safari is designed to give you time and positioning to take your best shots. Some tours also offer on-site photo tips and mentoring.
Bring a DSLR or mirrorless camera, a telephoto lens (e.g., 100–400mm or 600mm for wildlife), and a wide-angle lens (e.g., 24–70mm) for landscapes. A sturdy bean bag for camera support, extra batteries, memory cards, lens cloths, and a laptop for backups are also essential.
Yes. Most mid-range and premium lodges provide charging stations in rooms or main areas. Safari vehicles often have inverters or USB ports to recharge your gear during game drives—just bring your adapters and cables.
Yes. For serious photographers, we offer private 4x4 safari vehicles with pop-up roofs and large windows, so you can move at your own pace, position yourself better, and avoid distractions from non-photographers.
Mid-range offers comfort with a romantic touch—cozy lodges, ensuite tents, great service.
Luxury adds exclusivity—private plunge pools, butler service, high-end amenities, and often fly-in safaris for convenience and style.
Absolutely. Our photography safari guides are trained in both wildlife tracking and photography support. They understand light angles, subject behavior, and how to position the vehicle for the best shots without disturbing the wildlife.
Of course! We can arrange visits to Maasai villages, coffee farms, or Spice Island tours in Zanzibar. These experiences offer beautiful insight into local life and traditions—perfect for meaningful memories together.
Consult your doctor at least 6 weeks before travel. Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory if arriving from an endemic country. Malaria prophylaxis is recommended. Also, bring insect repellent and consider travel insurance that includes medical evacuation coverage.
January–March: Calving season in Southern Serengeti (Ndutu)
June–July: Grumeti River crossings (Western Corridor)
August–October: Mara River crossings (Northern Serengeti)
Each season offers different moods, lighting, and movement.
For proper lighting, varied conditions, and unhurried sessions, 7 to 14 days is ideal. This allows time to track animal behavior and revisit locations for better light or action opportunities.
Booking is easy! Contact us via info@tanzaniatrail.co.tz or WhatsApp +255 764 987 596. Our experienced team will help craft your personalized Photographic safari itinerary based on your travel dates, preferences, and budget. We handle everything from start to finish.
Yes, but it's best suited for older children or teens interested in photography or nature. The pace is slower, and the focus is on patience and observation, which may not suit very young kids.
Absolutely. While there are standard routes, Photographic safaris can be tailored to fit your dates, number of days, interests (e.g., birdwatching, photography), and budget.
Far far away, behind the word mountains, far from the countries Vokalia and Consonantia, there live the blind texts. Separated they live in Bookmarksgrove right at the coast
We combine deep local knowledge, photography-savvy guides, flexible itineraries, and handpicked locations that maximize wildlife access and lighting conditions. Whether you're a hobbyist or pro, we ensure your trip is more than just a safari—it’s a photographic storybook in the making.
Explore Tanzania`s Beauty
Exclusively set apart from the rest, we focus on giving you life affirming and intimately designed experiences throughout Africa. We have safari packages that will suit your needs and budget, We also curate tailor-made safari itineraries. Travel with us today!
