January 16-Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport.
Upon landing at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be welcomed and escorted to your selected hotel in Arusha. We have booked a set of rooms at Tulia Boutique and Spa resort near the airport. 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.
Day 1 (January 17): Arusha to Tarangire National Park
Tarangire National Park
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 Eileen’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
Meals & Drinks:
• Full board(Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included)
• Alcoholic drinks are not Included
Day 2 (January 18): Southern Serengeti National Park
Serengeti National Park(Ndutu Calving Season)
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.
Meals & Drinks:
• Full board(Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included)
• Alcoholic drinks are not Included
Day 3 (January 19): Southern Serengeti National Park
Southern Serengeti
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
Meals & Drinks:
• Full Board(Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
• Alcoholic drinks are not Included
Day 4 (January 20): Southern Serengeti National Park
Southern Serengeti
After relishing a splendid breakfast at Kon-Tiki Ndutu Camp, we set out to explore the enchanting landscapes of the Ndutu region, nestled in the southern Serengeti and northern Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Famed as a seasonal haven for the Great Migration, Ndutu is a mosaic of grass plains, woodlands, and alkaline lakes that create an unrivaled stage for wildlife photography. Here, the drama of life unfolds vividly: vast herds of wildebeest and zebras carpeting the plains, elegant giraffes browsing in the acacias, elusive cheetahs stalking silently, and powerful lions patrolling their territories. The seasonal lakes draw in flamingos, while hyenas, jackals, and countless bird species add rhythm to the wilderness symphony. Ndutu’s open plains offer unique, close encounters with wildlife—often just meters away—making it a dream setting for both seasoned and aspiring photographers. Your experience today is not merely about observing the animals but immersing yourself in the raw energy of this fertile land. Every photograph captured here is a chapter in the timeless story of the Serengeti, where birth, survival, and migration intertwine in a grand natural performance. Between exhilarating morning and afternoon game drives, we’ll pause for a hot bush lunch in the heart of the plains, perhaps under a lone acacia or beside the shimmering edge of Lake Ndutu. As the golden light of dusk descends, we return to the warm hospitality and tranquility of Kon-Tiki Ndutu Camp. Here, you can relax, share stories of the day’s encounters, and savor a hearty dinner to the soothing soundtrack of the African night.
Overnight at Kon-Tiki Ndutu Camp.
Meals & Drinks:
• Full Board(Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
• Alcoholic drinks are not Included
Day 5 (January 21 ): Central Serengeti
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.
Meals & Drinks:
• Full Board(Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
• Alcoholic drinks are not Included
Day 6 (January 22): Central Serengeti
Central Serengeti- A full day game drive
After breakfast at Kon-Tiki Serengeti Camp, we embark on a full-day adventure into the heart of the Central Serengeti, one of the most celebrated wildlife areas in Africa. Known for its year-round abundance of animals and dramatic landscapes, this region is the beating heart of the Serengeti ecosystem. The famous Seronera Valley will be the highlight of the day, where the winding Seronera River sustains an extraordinary concentration of wildlife. Majestic lions bask on the kopjes, leopards drape lazily in acacia trees, elephants and buffalo roam the open plains, while hippos and crocodiles linger in the river’s bends. Graceful gazelles, topis, and hartebeests add vitality to the sweeping savanna, creating an endless spectrum of scenes for your camera lens. The day will be filled with captivating wildlife moments—whether it’s watching a cheetah scanning the horizon, observing playful elephant calves, or encountering the raw intensity of predator-prey interactions. Every turn offers a new glimpse into the untamed rhythm of life on these plains. We’ll enjoy a hot bush lunch in the park, perhaps near a kopje with panoramic views or in the shade of an acacia tree, before continuing with the afternoon game drive as the golden light enhances the beauty of the landscape. As the sun sets, return to the comfort of Kon-Tiki Serengeti Camp, where you can unwind, share the day’s stories, and savor a delicious dinner against the enchanting soundtrack of the African night.
Overnight at Kon-Tiki Serengeti Camp.
Meals & Drinks:
• Full Board(Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
• Alcoholic drinks are not Included
Day 7 (January 23): Serengeti → Ngorongoro Crater → Karatu
Ngorongoro Crater
Rise early for a sunrise game drive in the Serengeti as we make our way toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The early morning hours offer some of the most rewarding wildlife sightings, with predators still active from the night and herbivores beginning their daily routines across the golden plains. By mid-morning, descend into the awe-inspiring Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site often called the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” The crater floor hosts an extraordinary concentration of wildlife in a unique, self-contained ecosystem. Here, you’ll have the chance to spot the endangered black rhino, large prides of lions, towering elephants, buffalo herds, zebras, wildebeests, hippos basking in the pools, and an impressive variety of birdlife. The scenery—lush forests, open grasslands, and shimmering lakes—creates a perfect backdrop for photography and wildlife viewing. We’ll enjoy a picnic lunch by one of the crater’s scenic spots before continuing the game drive through the afternoon, soaking in the unmatched beauty and diversity this natural wonder offers. As the day winds down, ascend from the crater and drive to Karatu, where you’ll check in at the charming Eileen’s Tree Inn. Nestled amid lush gardens, this cozy lodge offers a tranquil place to relax, share stories of the day’s adventures, and enjoy a hearty dinner.
Overnight at Eileen’s Tree Inn, Karatu.
Meals & Drinks:
• Full Board(Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
• Alcoholic drinks are not Included
Day 8(24th January)- Lake Eyasi- Arusha
After an early breakfast in Karatu, you will drive about 1.5 hours to Lake Eyasi, where you will join the Hadzabe bushmen on their traditional morning hunt and learn about their unique hunter-gatherer lifestyle and click-based language before visiting the Datoga tribe, skilled blacksmiths who forge tools and jewelry. After enjoying a packed or lodge-arranged lunch, you can take a short walk along the lake’s shores, often dotted with flamingos and other birdlife, before starting your 4–5 hour scenic drive back to Arusha in the afternoon, arriving by early evening.
Meals:
• (Breakfast and Lunch)
(25th January)
After breakfast, depart for home or optional tours to Zanzibar, Mount Kilimanjaro, Dar es Salaam, etc. You will be driven to the airport.
Your Safari Organizer – Dr Mark Winter
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 Driver Guide
Your Organizer has chosen Babuu Temba to be our guide and driver after working with him in the past. Babuu has a wealth of information about the sights you will visit as well as being safe and reliable.
