ultimate safari and mara river crossing photo workshop
13 Days
12 Nights
Witness nature’s raw drama unfold with every leap, splash, and chase—a breathtaking spectacle of survival and instinct.
Custom Photo Safari rigs
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
Serengeti safari and photography workshop with
Cheryl
Days of discovery
September5, 2027
Arrival Day
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
Mt Meru Game Lodge
September 6, 2027
Explore the Beauty of Arusha National Park
After breakfast at the lodge, prepare for an enchanting adventure. You’ll set off on a scenic drive to Arusha National Park, where you’ll have the opportunity for exciting wildlife viewing and a chance to practice your flash photography skills.
Arusha National Park is a true treasure, boasting diverse landscapes and breathtaking views of the impressive Mt. Meru. In this relatively small park, you can explore Mt. Meru’s slopes, summit, and ash cone. You can also appreciate the serenity of the Momela Lakes, the beauty of Ngurdoto Crater, and the lush forests on the lower slopes. While wandering through this picturesque scenery, you’ll be captivated by the peaceful Momela Lakes and the vibrant flamingos that frequent them.
In the forested areas, you might even catch sight of rare Black & White colobus monkeys playing in the treetops. As the afternoon sun sets, bidding farewell to this captivating place, you’ll return to your comfortable lodge, cherishing the unforgettable memories and encounters of the day.
Lodging
Mt Meru Game Lodge
September 7, 2027
Drive to Tarangire National Park
After breakfast, we’ll load your luggage onto the safari vehicle as we head to Tarangire National Park in the south. Upon arrival at the safari lodge, you’ll enjoy a tasty lunch, setting the stage for an afternoon of exploration.
An afternoon game drive will take you through the park’s unique landscape, featuring baobab trees and acacias. We’ll visit attractions like the Silalei Swamp and Tarangire River, known for hosting large gatherings of African elephant herds, especially during the dry season.
You’ll have the chance to see a variety of wildlife, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, kudus, buffalos, giraffes, Oryx, eland, and zebras. The park is also home to over 300 bird species, and its ancient baobab trees provide a timeless backdrop for photography. This expedition is an excellent opportunity for immersive photography, capturing Tarangire’s beauty and its inhabitants.
Lodgings
Tarangire Sopa Lodge
September 8, 2027
Explore the Tarangire National Park
Today provides a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the incredible wildlife of Tarangire National Park. This park is renowned for its large herds of elephants, which are often seen near the Silalei Swamp and the meandering Tarangire River. These features are the park’s defining characteristics.
During the wet season, the swamp becomes a vital water source, attracting a variety of animals. In contrast, the dry season makes the river a constant source of sustenance, drawing numerous animals, including the lion, leopard, and cheetah. The park is also home to buffalo, Greater and Lesser kudu, Oryx, eland, giraffes, and zebras.
Bird enthusiasts will appreciate the park’s diverse avian population, with over 300 recorded species. The landscape is enhanced by ancient baobab trees, which have witnessed the passage of time and provide inspiration for photographers.
Lodgings
Tarangire Sopa Lodge
September 9, 2027
Journeying from Tarangire to the Ngorongoro Highlands
Start your day with a satisfying breakfast and then enjoy a morning of wildlife viewing in the beautiful landscapes of Tarangire National Park. Capture the park’s natural beauty and its abundant wildlife with your camera.
Later in the morning, we’ll take a scenic drive to the vibrant village of Mto wa Mbu, located along the picturesque Mto wa Mbu River. This culturally diverse village is home to over 100 Tanzanian tribes, and you’ll have the opportunity to take an immersive cultural tour to learn about their traditions, customs, and way of life.
You’ll have a delicious local lunch, where you can savor the authentic flavors of the region and engage in meaningful conversations with a local family. Through shared stories and discussions, you’ll gain insights into their daily lives, building connections that go beyond cultural boundaries.
In the afternoon, explore Mto wa Mbu with a series of captivating excursions. You can stroll through lush banana plantations and learn about the importance of this crop to the local economy. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the village, experiencing its vivid colors, sounds, and aromas.
As the day comes to a close, we’ll embark on a scenic drive through the stunning Ngorongoro Highlands. This highland region offers a serene sanctuary of tranquility and panoramic beauty. Upon arriving at your lodge, you’ll enjoy a delightful dinner, savoring delicious cuisine while taking in the peaceful surroundings.
Lodgings
Ngorongoro Lodge Melia
September 10, 2027
Explore the basin of the Ngorongoro Crater
Prepare for an early start with a tasty breakfast at the lodge, setting the stage for a day of captivating adventures in the Ngorongoro Crater. This unique destination, within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, offers an unmatched wildlife experience, featuring majestic lions, graceful cheetahs, elusive leopards, and the intriguing black rhinoceros.
Your day will be filled with exploration as you traverse the crater’s diverse terrain. A delightful picnic lunch in the wild adds an enchanting touch to your adventure, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of the Ngorongoro Crater.
As the day ends, return to the Lodge and enjoy the scenic view of the area at sunset. Nestled in a serene forest, you can reflect on the day’s incredible moments and prepare for a restful night, knowing that the memories made here will remain etched in your heart. Tomorrow brings new adventures as you continue to explore Tanzania’s wonders.
Lodging
Ngorongoro Lodge Melia
September 11, 2027
Scenic Drive to the Eastern-Central Serengeti – A Journey Through Tanzania’s Wild Heart
Prepare for an early start with a delicious breakfast at the lodge, setting the tone for another day of adventure. Embark on a scenic drive towards the eastern-central Serengeti, passing through the stunning Malanja Depression. Along the way, take in breathtaking views of rolling highlands and vast open plains, where Maasai herders can often be seen tending their livestock against a dramatic landscape.
As you enter the eastern-central Serengeti, the scenery shifts to a mix of rugged hills, acacia woodlands, and open grasslands. This region is known for its incredible concentration of big cats, especially cheetahs and lions, which thrive in the expansive plains. It also serves as a key migration corridor for thousands of wildebeest and zebras, making it a prime location for unforgettable wildlife sightings.
Upon arrival, enjoy an afternoon game drive, where you may encounter elephants moving gracefully through the savanna, giraffes browsing the treetops, and leopards resting in the shade. As the sun sets over the Serengeti, settle into your camp, surrounded by the sounds of nature, and reflect on the remarkable journey through one of Africa’s most iconic landscapes.
Lodging
Canopy Wilderness Camp – Eastern Central Serengeti
September 12 - 13, 2027
Explore the Eastern Serengeti Plains and Kopjes
After breakfast, set out on a scenic drive to the Central-Eastern Serengeti, a region renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and abundant wildlife. This area forms a unique transition zone where the Serengeti’s vast grasslands merge with scattered acacia woodlands and striking rocky kopjes, creating an ideal habitat for a wide variety of animals. Over the course of the two days, you will explore this untamed wilderness through morning and afternoon game drives, maximizing your chances of incredible wildlife encounters.
On the first morning, venture into the legendary Gol Kopjes, a spectacular collection of ancient granite rock formations rising from the open plains. This area is famous for its high concentration of predators, particularly cheetahs, which use the open terrain for high-speed hunts. Lions are often seen lounging on the sun-warmed rocks, while leopards expertly camouflage themselves among the crevices. The surrounding plains are also home to herds of gazelles, zebras, and wildebeest, providing a constant spectacle of predator-prey interactions.
In the afternoon, continue your exploration in the Seronera River Valley, a lifeline that attracts a diverse range of wildlife year-round. The river’s permanent water supply sustains large herds of elephants, giraffes, impalas, buffalo, waterbucks, and hippos. Baboons and vervet monkeys swing through the trees, while crocodiles lie in wait along the riverbanks. This region is also a prime hunting ground for lions and leopards, offering thrilling opportunities to witness the raw power of nature.
On the second day, begin with another morning game drive, delving deeper into the vast Serengeti plains. Explore the expansive grasslands and hidden waterholes where elusive species such as servals, bat-eared foxes, and hyenas roam. The shifting light of the early morning provides the perfect setting for dramatic wildlife photography.
In the afternoon, revisit key areas or explore new sections of the region based on wildlife movement. Your guide will track recent sightings to ensure the best possible game-viewing experience. Whether it’s a pride of lions preparing for an evening hunt, a cheetah sprinting across the plains, or a herd of elephants making their way to a watering hole, every moment in the Serengeti is filled with wonder.
As each day draws to a close, return to your camp, where you can relax and reflect on the incredible experiences of the day. Enjoy the tranquility of the African wilderness, with the sounds of nature surrounding you, before another exciting day of adventure begins.
Lodging
Canopy Wilderness Camp – Eastern Central Serengeti
September 14, 2027
Drive to the Northern Part of the Serengeti
After breakfast, you’ll embark on a scenic drive towards the remote and captivating Lamai area in the Northern Serengeti. Known for its breathtaking landscapes and rich wildlife, Lamai is one of the Serengeti’s best-kept secrets, offering a more secluded and intimate safari experience. As you traverse the open plains, dotted with acacia trees and granite kopjes, you may spot giraffes gliding across the horizon, zebras grazing in large herds, and even lions resting under shady trees.
Upon reaching your camp in Lamai just in time for lunch, you’ll have the chance to relax and soak in the tranquility of this remarkable region. Situated near the Mara River, Lamai is a prime location for wildlife viewing, especially during the Great Migration season when thousands of wildebeest and zebras cross the river, creating one of the world’s most dramatic natural spectacles. This is also a hotspot for predators like crocodiles, lions, and leopards, who lie in wait for their prey.
After some rest, set out on an exciting evening game drive to explore Lamai’s rugged and diverse landscapes. The area’s rocky kopjes serve as hiding spots for predators like cheetahs and leopards, while the expansive savannahs are home to elephants, buffalo, and countless species of antelope. The lack of crowds in this part of the Serengeti allows for peaceful and uninterrupted wildlife encounters, enhancing the sense of being in the heart of the wilderness.
As the day draws to a close, the setting sun bathes the Lamai region in a warm, golden glow. The evening game drive offers a perfect opportunity to witness the animals as they become more active in the cooler hours. With the stunning scenery and abundant wildlife, Lamai provides an unforgettable safari experience, combining natural beauty, seclusion, and the thrill of the Serengeti.
Lodging
Canopy Migration Camp - Lamai
September 15 - 16, 2027
Discover the beauty of Northern Serengeti
Prepare for an unforgettable two-days adventure in the northern Serengeti, focusing on the Mara River and the enchanting Lamai area. Immerse yourself in the beauty of these regions with early morning and late afternoon game drives, where you’ll witness incredible wildlife moments.
As dawn breaks, depart from the camp with a picnic breakfast in hand, setting off on a thrilling journey to track the massive herds of the Great Migration. The Mara River, glowing in the soft morning light, offers the perfect backdrop for witnessing the breathtaking spectacle of wildebeest and zebras crossing the water. Watch as the herds carefully assess the dangers of crocodiles and unpredictable currents before making their daring plunge.
Find a peaceful spot along the river to enjoy your picnic breakfast, surrounded by the serene beauty of the Serengeti. Afterward, return to camp for a leisurely lunch, giving you time to relax and reflect on the amazing experiences of the morning.
In the afternoon, head out again for another game drive as the sun sets, exploring the Mara River and the captivating Wogakuria kopjes. The warm, golden light of sunset enhances the landscape, offering a magical view of the wildlife as they move through this stunning terrain
The Mara River and Lamai area showcase the natural beauty and vitality of the Serengeti’s northern region, where untouched wilderness is teeming with life. As the day ends, return to camp, filled with the excitement of your journey. Enjoy a delicious dinner, surrounded by the sounds of the wild, and look forward to more incredible moments in the days ahead.
Lodging
Canopy Migration Camp - Lamai
September 17, 2027
Bush Flight from North Serengeti to Arusha
Begin your day with an early breakfast at the camp, soaking in the tranquil morning atmosphere before departing for Lamai Airstrip. Along the way, enjoy a final wildlife viewing as you bid farewell to the Serengeti’s vast plains and remarkable creatures.
Board a scenic bush flight from Lamai to Arusha, where you’ll be treated to stunning aerial views of the landscape below. Upon arrival, you’ll stop at a cultural heritage site for some optional shopping, giving you the chance to pick up unique Tanzanian treasures to remember your journey.
Next, drive to the peaceful lodge, where you’ll indulge in a delightful lunch surrounded by lush gardens. This relaxing meal provides the perfect moment to reflect on your adventure. Afterward, enjoy an early farewell dinner before continuing your drive to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight back home, carrying with you memories of Tanzania’s incredible beauty and wildlife.
Day Use Room:
Mt Meru Game Lodge
Safari Enhancement choices
Early arrival Option.
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.