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
- Maximum of three guests per vehicles
- Each Photographer gets their own row with access to both sides of the vehicle
- Increased weight allowance for extra camera gear
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
Safari Enhancement choices
Option Early arrival
Arrive a day before your scheduled trip to unwind, explore the area at your own pace, and fully immerse yourself in the journey ahead. This extra time allows for a smooth start, ensuring you're refreshed and ready for the adventure that awaits.
Balloon safari
As the sun rises, you’ll gently ascend into the sky, floating silently above the vast Serengeti plains. From this unique vantage point, you’ll witness herds of wildebeest, zebras, and other wildlife roaming freely below.