The marvels of the mara river crossing

the marvels of the mara river crossing

17 Days

16 Nights

This journey offers unparalleled opportunities to capture the raw beauty of Africa’s wildlife, from dramatic river crossings to the vibrant landscapes that define the region. It’s an experience that immerses you in the heart of nature’s most captivating moments.

Custom Photo Safari

Small Group

Trip Leader

Judy Karendal

Days of discovery

August 16, 2025

Your Journey start at Kilimanjaro International Airport

Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, our warm and welcoming team will be there to greet you and ensure a seamless transfer to Arusha. As you settle into your accommodation, take in the peaceful atmosphere and unwind after your journey. Enjoy a delicious dinner, allowing the flavors to introduce you to the richness of Tanzania. Let the stillness of the night rejuvenate you, preparing your spirit for the extraordinary Safari that lies ahead.

Lodging

Mount Meru Game Lodge

August 17, 2025

Leisure Morning and Safari Readiness

You’ll start your day with a relaxing morning at the lodge, enjoying the peaceful surroundings before your adventure begins. Your safari guides will then provide a detailed briefing to prepare you for the day ahead.

Next, you’ll explore Arusha town and visit Cultural Heritage, home to a stunning art gallery showcasing local artworks and crafts. Take your time to admire the pieces and find unique souvenirs to take home.

After the tour, return to the lodge for a delightful dinner with scenic views. As the evening sets in, unwind and reflect on the day’s experiences, looking forward to the safari adventures ahead.

Lodging

Mount Meru Game Lodge

August 18, 2025

A scenic Journey to Ngorongoro Crater

Start your day with a delightful breakfast at the lodge, setting the stage for an unforgettable journey ahead. Leaving from Arusha, your path winds through the charming Mto wa Mbu village before arriving at the beautiful Ngorongoro Highlands. Once you arrive at your lodge in time for a delicious lunch, take a moment to enjoy the local flavors in a peaceful setting.

In the afternoon, take part in a fascinating photography session at the famous Ngorongoro Crater. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes and abundant wildlife, capturing the essence of this natural wonder. From the lodge, observe the lively scenes and diverse species that live in the crater, providing an ideal opportunity for your photographic adventure.

This day offers a wonderful mix of delicious food, stunning scenery, and the joy of photography, ensuring a truly memorable experience from morning till evening.

Lodgings

Embalakai Ngorongoro

August 19, 2025

Exploring the basin of the Ngorongoro Crater

Start your day with an early breakfast at the lodge before venturing into the Ngorongoro Crater for an exceptional photography session and thorough exploration of its diverse ecosystem. Marvel at the stunning scenery and observe the abundance of wildlife, including the elusive black rhino grazing on the crater floor.

The Ngorongoro Crater is renowned as one of the world’s most spectacular natural wonders, boasting unmatched beauty and a rich variety of wildlife. Alongside the herds of herbivores, you’ll encounter predators such as lions, hyenas, jackals, and cheetahs, with occasional sightings of the elusive leopard. For those with a keen eye, spotting smaller cats like the rare caracal, serval cat, and African wild cat can be a memorable experience.

Enjoy a picnic lunch at one of the scenic spots nestled on the crater floor. Then, embark on another game drive to visit attractions like the hippo pool near the Mandusi Swamp, Lake Magadi—an important alkaline lake within the crater—and the Lerai Forest. As the day comes to an end, return to your lodge for dinner and overnight accommodation.

Lodgings

Embalakai Ngorongoro

August 20, 2025

Eastern Serengeti Bound - A Scenic Drive Ahead

As you savor your final breakfast against the backdrop of the majestic Lemagarut Mountain in the Ngorongoro Highlands, a transformative chapter of your safari unfolds. Today, you embark on a journey to the iconic Serengeti, yet not before embarking on a sensory-rich prelude—a guided nature walks led by local Masai guides in the area.

En route to your carefully chosen Serengeti camp, set amidst the eastern plains, prepare to be entranced by the breathtaking allure of the Gol Kopjes. Here, sweeping open expanses coexist harmoniously with a wealth of remarkable wildlife, crafting a mesmerizing tableau of the natural world’s wonders.

Over the next three days, allow yourself to be immersed in the captivating tapestries of the Gol Kopjes, Moru Kopjes, and Simba Kopjes regions. As you traverse these awe-inspiring terrains, surrender to a sensory symphony of boundless plains and extraordinary wildlife encounters.

The Serengeti unfurls its untamed grandeur, gifting you with the privilege of bearing witness to nature’s most enchanting moments, and the opportunity to etch indelible memories into the fabric of your safari adventure.

Lodgings

Canopy Wilderness Camp – Eastern Serengeti

August 21-23, 2025

Discovering the Enchanting East Serengeti's Plains and Kopjes

As the sun bathes the Serengeti in its warm glow, you embark on a photographic journey through its captivating landscapes. With camera in hand, you capture the essence of this mesmerizing region, where nature’s beauty and wildlife encounters intertwine.

Starting from your camp after breakfast, you explore morning and afternoon photography sessions across the Central and Eastern Serengeti plains and rocky outcrops. The Eastern Serengeti reveals vast views, rolling plains, and abundant wildlife.

Passing through the Gol Kopjes, you capture the enchanting beauty of the Serengeti’s central-eastern expanses. Upon reaching the camp in the central-eastern part of the Serengeti, you enjoy a tasty lunch that renews your energy for more photographic adventures.

The Central-Eastern Serengeti showcases a unique blend of ecosystems supporting a remarkable diversity of wildlife. Elephants, giraffes, impalas, waterbucks, hippos, and more contribute to the vibrant scene. Among rocky outcrops, elusive predators like lions, leopards, and cheetahs await their chance to shine.

You have the flexibility to tailor your days to make the most of your photographic adventures. Embrace the magic of early mornings and late afternoons as you capture the Serengeti’s timeless beauty. Let your photographs tell the story of this extraordinary land, inspiring others to marvel at its wonders.

Lodgings

The Canopy Wilderness Camp – Eastern Serengeti

August 24, 2025

Journeying to Mara River and the Northern Serengeti: A Picturesque Drive

Start your day with an early breakfast at the Camp, preparing yourself for an unforgettable journey to the northern Serengeti. The morning will be brimming with captivating opportunities for photography and game viewing in the central Serengeti. As you traverse this iconic landscape, you’ll gradually find yourself amidst the scenic beauty of the Lobo valley and the enchanting Bologonja area.

Upon your arrival at the Camp, take a moment to relish in a well-deserved lunch that will replenish your energy for the adventures that lie ahead. Afterward, embark on another extraordinary photography session and game viewing excursion, this time exploring the wonders of the northern Serengeti, including the breathtaking Lamai and Mara River areas.

As the day draws to a close, return to the lodge where a delightful dinner awaits you. It’s the perfect opportunity to unwind and reflect on the day’s adventures, while eagerly anticipating the wonders that tomorrow has in store.

Lodging

Canopy Migration Camp - Lamai

August 25-28, 2025

Discover the beauty of Northern Serengeti

Waking up to the sounds of nature, each day brings new chances to explore and discover. After a good night’s sleep, enjoy a tasty breakfast at The Canopy Camp Serengeti Mara River, getting ready for another day of fun.

Heading out into the Mara River areas again, you’ll be amazed by the changing scenery and wildlife. With your camera, you’ll look for new angles and interesting sights, excited to capture the beauty of this special place.

As the sun gets higher, lighting up the landscape, you’ll keep taking photos, enjoying the natural world around you. Whether it’s elephants moving gracefully, the migration crossing the Mara river, playful lions, leopards, and cheetahs, colorful birds, or mischievous monkeys, each moment is a chance to capture the magic of the Serengeti.

When the day ends, return to camp with memories and photos to treasure. Gather around for dinner with your fellow travelers, sharing stories and admiring the wonders of nature.

As night falls and you listen to the sounds of the wilderness, you’ll drift off to sleep feeling content, excited for the adventures that await tomorrow.

Lodging

Canopy Migration Camp - Lamai

August 29, 2025

Soaring from Serengeti to Arusha: The Bush Flight Experience embracing the Echoes of an Enchanted Safari

After an early breakfast at your camp in the Serengeti, you’ll start your journey back to Arusha. Enjoy a final game drive on the way to the Airstrip, taking in the last breathtaking views of the Serengeti.

From the airstrip, board a scenic flight to Arusha, where you’ll be transferred to the lodge for a delightful lunch and some time to relax in a day-use room.

As the day winds down, you’ll head to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight home, carrying unforgettable memories of your Tanzanian adventure.

Lodging

Airport planet Lodge or similar

Grumeti River Safari

8 Days | 7 Nights

The Grumeti River flows through the heart of the Serengeti, a place of beauty, mystery, and untamed wilderness. Its lush banks are alive with wildlife, elephants graze in the shade, hippos wallow in its calm pools, and colorful birds fill the air with song. But the river’s true drama unfolds during the Great Migration, when thousands of wildebeest plunge into its crocodile-infested waters, facing the ultimate test of survival. Every moment at the Grumeti is a breathtaking encounter with nature at its most raw and enchanting.

Start your journey

Day 1

Your Journey start at Kilimanjaro International Airport

After you arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, our team will be ready to welcome you and help with customs clearance. Then, we’ll make sure you have a comfortable ride to your accommodation in Arusha. There, you can enjoy a delicious dinner and get a good night’s rest. This is a perfect time to relax and prepare for the exciting safari ahead while taking in the beautiful surroundings.

Lodging

Lodgings: Mt Meru Game Lodge or Similar

Day 2

This morning, set off on a journey south to the scenic Ngorongoro Highlands. Along the way, visit a Maasai village and experience the rich traditions of one of Tanzania’s most enduring tribes. This unique encounter offers a rare chance to witness their customs, daily life, and deep connection to the land.

Continue to Mto wa Mbu village for a cultural tour through its lush banana and rice plantations. Here, enjoy a traditional lunch with a local family, savoring authentic African flavors in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

In the afternoon, travel to the Ngorongoro Highlands, arriving in time to relax and prepare for the next day’s adventure.

Lodging

Lodgings: Pamoja Olea Farm Lodge - Karatu or Similar

Day 3

Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a captivating exploration of this unique ecosystem. Known for its abundant wildlife, the crater offers one of Africa’s best opportunities to see black rhinos, who often roam the crater floor. The Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a natural wonder with its stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife, including a high concentration of predators like lions, hyenas, jackals, cheetahs, and leopards.

This stunning caldera is also home to rare species like the caracal, serval cat, and African wild cat, which are often hard to spot but can be seen with a keen eye. Enjoy a picnic lunch at one of the designated sites on the crater floor, then continue your game drive, visiting the hippo pool near the Mandusi Swamp and Lake Magadi, an alkaline lake that adds to the crater’s charm. As the day winds down, explore the lush Lerai Forest and other captivating areas before heading to your lodge or camp for a delicious dinner and overnight stay.

The Ngorongoro Crater also plays a key role in black and white rhino conservation, making it an essential destination for wildlife enthusiasts who want to witness the efforts being made to protect these magnificent creatures.

Lodgings

Pamoja Olea Farm Lodge - Karatu or Similar

Day 4

Journey to the Eastern Serengeti

Set off on an enriching journey to Olduvai Gorge, one of the world’s most pivotal prehistoric sites. Once excavated by the renowned Louis and Mary Leakey, this extraordinary location has uncovered nearly 60 hominid fossils, ranging from 2 million to 17,000 years old, along with the remains of about 7,000 extinct animal species, offering a rare insight into the dawn of humanity.

Enjoy a private tour of the excavation sites with an expert guide, then explore the on-site museum, where you can marvel at detailed molds of these ancient artifacts and gain a deeper understanding of humanity’s early history.

Continue your adventure with a scenic drive through the Eastern Central Serengeti, keeping watch for wildlife along the way. Arrive at your camp in the heart of the Serengeti, unwind with a cocktail by the campfire, enjoy a delicious dinner, and get ready for the next exciting chapter of your journey.

Lodgings

Canopy Wilderness Canopy – Eastern Central Serengeti

Day 5

Explore the Eastern Serengeti Plains and Kopjes

Spend an incredible day exploring the Central-Eastern Serengeti, a breathtaking landscape where open grasslands, acacia woodlands, and towering kopjes create a haven for wildlife. This diverse ecosystem is home to elephants, giraffes, impalas, waterbucks, hippos, buffalo, and playful primates, while the granite kopjes provide the perfect vantage points for predators like lions, leopards, and cheetahs.

Venture into the Seronera River Valley, a lifeline for wildlife, attracting both resident animals and seasonal migrations. Experience the magic of early morning and late afternoon game drives, when predators are most active, and the golden light enhances every sighting.

As the sun sets, return to camp for a relaxing evening by the campfire, enjoying cocktails, a delicious dinner, and the enchanting sounds of the Serengeti night.

Lodgings

Canopy Wilderness Camp – Eastern Central Serengeti

Day 6 and 7

After breakfast, set off for the stunning Western Corridor of Serengeti National Park, known for its expansive plains, riverine forests, and the winding Grumeti River. This diverse ecosystem is home to a variety of wildlife, including grazing herbivores, majestic elephants, and elusive predators hidden in the tall grasses.

Arrive at your lodge for a relaxing lunch and enjoy the breathtaking surroundings before heading out on an afternoon game drive. Between May and June, the region hosts the dramatic Great Migration, where vast herds of wildebeest and zebras cross the plains in search of fresh grazing, facing the challenge of crossing the crocodile-infested Grumeti River – an exhilarating spectacle.

The following day, enjoy early morning and late afternoon game drives, following the migration herds and observing lions, cheetahs, hippos, and a variety of birdlife. Every turn offers an incredible wildlife sighting.

As the day ends, return to your lodge to unwind under the African sky, reflecting on the wonders of this untamed land.

Lodgings

Lahia Tented Lodge or Similar

Day 8

A Scenic Farewell to the Serengeti

After an early breakfast at the lodge, start your journey to Grumeti Airstrip, enjoying one last game drive as you spot wildlife along the way. At the airstrip, board a scenic bush flight to Arusha, offering stunning aerial views of the Serengeti’s vast plains below.

Upon arrival, visit the Cultural Heritage Center for lunch and the opportunity to shop for unique Tanzanian crafts and souvenirs. Then, transfer to a lodge where you’ll have a day room to relax and refresh before an early farewell dinner with your guide.

In the evening, you’ll be driven to Kilimanjaro International Airport, marking the end of your unforgettable safari adventure as you board your flight home.

Day Use Room:

Airport Planet Lodge

Tanzania Photographic Safaris

PHOTOGRAPHIC safaris

Crafting images, memories, and stories to cherish forever.

At Africa Nature Photography and Safaris, we specialize in creating photography-driven journeys across Tanzania’s wildest and most beautiful landscapes. Our photo safaris are designed for photographers of every level, whether you are just beginning your photographic journey or are an experienced professional seeking to capture rare and extraordinary moments in nature.

Led by expert naturalist guides with a deep understanding of both wildlife behaviour and photography, our expeditions place you at the heart of Tanzania’s greatest spectacles. From the drama of the Mara River crossings in the Serengeti to the elephant-rich Tarangire, the volcanic majesty of Ngorongoro, and the remote wilderness of Ruaha and Nyerere, each adventure is crafted to give you the best opportunities for unforgettable images.

With our extensive local knowledge, passion for storytelling, and years of field experience, we ensure that every journey is more than just a safari. It is an exploration of nature’s most powerful stories, an opportunity to create, to connect, and to carry home images and memories that will last a lifetime.

Tanzania Safaris

Our safaris are more than journeys, they are personal adventures through wilderness areas and beautiful landscapes and the rich culture of Tanzania people. Guided by nature’s rhythm and the expertise of our team, each safari itinerary is created around your interests and pace. From intimate wildlife encounters to the stunning scenery and quiet moments in the bush, every day is filled with surprise, discovery, and cherished experiences, a truly once-in-a-lifetime journey.

5 Days | 4 Nights
best time : December - April
5 Days | 4 Nights
best time : July - october
8 Days | 7 Nights
best time : December - March
8 Days | 7 Nights
best time : All year Round
11 Days | 10 Nights
best time : All Year Round
8 Days | 7 Nights
best time : July - october
8 Days | 7 Nights
best time : May /June
12 Days | 11 Nights
best time : All Year Round

Explore our signature safaris or contact our expert consultant to craft a bespoke journey designed around your interests A safari that suits your interest

12 Days | 11 Nights
best time : All Year Round

This journey lets you cherish the best of the Serengeti, From its exciting wildlife to its stunning landscape, matching the season of your visit, ensuring you experience the great Wildebeest Migration in its full splendor. 

8 Days | 7 Nights
best time : December - March

Enjoy enchanting game drive and cherished wildlife encounters, witnessing the great migration in Ndutu Forest, where thousands of wildebeest roam the southern Serengeti Plains.

8 Days | 7 Nights
best time : July - october

Enjoy exciting game drives and experience the raw beauty of Tanzania wilderness regions. Witness the great migration as vast herds of wildebeests cross the Mara River, braving powerful currents and lurking crocodiles. 

8 Days | 7 Nights
best time : May /June

Cherished game viewing  to the natural beauty of Tanzania iconic wilderness regions and witness the dramatic great migration at Grumeti Rive, where wildebeest face crocodile-infested waters. 

5 Days | 4 Nights
best time : December - April

A journey to Ndutu Forest and the southern Serengeti plains, where the great Migration comes to life. Experience exciting game viewing and witness dramatic predator action in the wildlife rich regions.

5 Days | 4 Nights
best time : July - october

Safari to the northern Serengeti, where you will enjoy exciting game viewing in the remote and untouchable Lamai area, witness the great migration  crossing the Mara River and Capture incredible photos.

8 Days | 7 Nights
best time : All year Round

Photo safari across two unique Serengeti locations, Capture extra ordinary moments and stunning images as you experience the Serengeti’s diverse landscapes and vibrant animals up-close. 

11 Days | 10 Nights
best time : All Year Round

Designed for those who cherish the beauty of nature in all its forms, where  the wonders of wildlife and birdlife come together to create an unforgettable safari adventure.

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Let Your African Safari Tell a Story Worth Remembering

Every traveler has a dream, and at Africa Nature Photography & Safaris, we bring those dreams to life as we design cherished journeys as unique as the travelers who take them. From solo adventures to private safaris for couples, families, or friends traveling together, an exclusive photo safari and ultimate trek to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, every experience is tailored with care and passion. Guided by a love for Tanzania’s natural beauty and a commitment to conservation through education, our safaris bring you to places where wildlife is abundant and communities benefit. With us, your journey is not just travel, it is a story of discovery, connection, and memories to last a lifetime.

Safari Options

Safari in Tanzania is not just a journey,  it promises  a connection to nature as every moment is a story waiting to be told. Whether you are celebrating a honeymoon, anniversary, or a once-in-a-lifetime getaway, our safari adventures are crafted just for you, blending your personal dreams with the boundless beauty of nature, allowing you to follow its rhythm at your own pace.

Guided by professional photographers and expert naturalist’s guides, our photo safaris offer more than just great sightings, they help you grow your skills while connecting deeply with nature. With only three photographers on our custom photo safari vehicle and unlimited game mileage, you will enjoy personal guidance from our naturalist, flexible shooting opportunities, and space to capture every moment you encounter at your own pace. This is more than just a safari, it is a journey where every image tells a story of nature beauty, purpose, and conservation.

December to April bring the Serengeti’s Green Season, a favourite time for Africa Nature Photography guides like to be on safari, showing you the true beauty of Tanzania. The landscapes are lush, the skies dramatic, and wildlife flourishes, with fewer visitors around. Ndutu Forest, the Eastern Serengeti plains, and kopjes offer incredible moments for photographers, while the Ngorongoro Crater is full of cherished wildlife encounters. It’s a peaceful and enchanting time to connect with nature and create memories that will last a lifetime.

If you’re planning a safari between July to October, witnessing the Wildebeest crossing the Mara River is something truly special. It is the time of the year when the northern Serengeti and Lamai region come alive with one of the most dramatic wildlife events on Earth. This is the peak of the Great Migration, where thousands of wildebeest and zebras gather at the river’s edge, ready to brave the powerful currents and face crocodiles hidden beneath the surface. It is not just a safari, it is an intimate passage through nature’s most powerful stories into the heart of the northern part of Serengeti, where each moment offers something to witness, to feel, and to cherish forever.

Intimate Escapes Across the Serengeti

Experience intimate yet luxurious tented camps set in the remote and peaceful corners of the Serengeti. From the quiet Nyabogati Valley in the eastern Serengeti, to the Lamai area in the north, where the dramatic river crossings migration take place, and the Ndutu Forest in the south, where new life begins during the wildebeest calving season, each location offers a unique and unforgettable connection to nature and the Great Migration experience.

Nyabogati Wilderness Camp

Eastern Serengeti

Canopy Migration Camp

Southern Serengeti

Lamai Migration Camp

North Serengeti

At Africa Nature Photography, we believe that true conservation goes far beyond the borders of protected areas. It starts with people. When you travel, you become part of this mission as the journey you take includes opportunities to visit a school at the slopes of mount Meru and engage with local youth, share knowledge, and learn about community-based conservation efforts. Together, we plant a tree, not just as a symbol, but as a living shade. A simple yet powerful act to inspire the younger generations, and helps build a deeper connection to nature and a lasting commitment to protect it.