PHOTOGRAPHY TOURS TO TANZANIA
TANZANIA
With an astonishing number of National Parks and Reserves, it comes as no surprise that Tanzania is home to a huge density of wildlife in Africa – Wildebeest, Elephants, Zebras, Black Rhinoceros,Ostriches, Giraffes etc to name just a few. In fact, Tanzania is known to have the highest concentration of predators in all of Africa. These include animals such as Leopards, Jackals, Hyenas and all big cats. To visit Tanzania is to experience the magic that makes up the very fabric of this fantastical country. One of the most productive places in terms of wildlife photography, this tour is scheduled during the end of the ‘Calving Season’. This is the time when the Wildebeest have their babies in Ndutu (south Serengeti) and the predators are actively looking for an easy kill.
On this Tour, we shall be visiting two main destinations to immerse ourselves in all the glorious wildlife that this country has to offer.
Ndutu Plains : Part of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and located to the south of the Serengeti landscape, the Ndutu Plains consist of shrub forests and sweeping grasslands. One of the biggest advantages of the safaris here is the ability to go off-roading and not follow a safari route. This allows us to traverse the landscape based on the density of the wildlife in the area and gives us free reins to pursue our photographic opportunities from any angle we prefer. Moreover, our Tour takes place at the end of the Wildebeest calving season. Witnessing the natural wonder of birth and motherhood is an experience you are sure to cherish for a lifetime.
Serengeti National Park : Undoubtedly one of the best-known wildlife sanctuaries in the world, the Serengeti is known to house the greatest concentration of wildlife in all of Africa. The Serengeti ecosystem is one untouched by the trials of time and the climate, vegetation and fauna have barely changed over the last million years. A visit to the Serengeti National Park is for sure a bucket-list item for any wildlife enthusiast and this Tour will make sure you check yours off the list.
Embark on an unforgettable wildlife adventure through Tanzania. Explore the breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife that make Tanzania a haven for photography enthusiasts.
Tanzania boasts an extraordinary density of wildlife, including Wildebeest, Elephants, Zebras, Black Rhinoceros, Ostriches, Giraffes, and more. It is renowned for having the highest concentration of predators in Africa, with Leopards, Jackals, Hyenas, and big cats thriving in their natural habitats.
Our tour is strategically scheduled during the end of the Wildebeest calving season in Ndutu (south Serengeti). Witness the breathtaking spectacle of newborn Wildebeests while predators actively seek an easy kill, providing unparalleled photographic opportunities.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
- Serengeti Great Migration: Witness one of the world's most spectacular wildlife events as millions of wildebeest, zebras, and other animals migrate across the Serengeti in search of greener pastures. Capture breathtaking shots of this natural phenomenon.
- Ndutu Lake: Explore this beautiful conservancy to the South of Serengeti. This is one of the finest places for wildlife photography as you can drive off road in this place.
- Kopje: Little head or Bald head in Dutch is called Kopje. This is why the rocky outcrops in Serengeti are referred to as Kopje. You could get lucky with lions resting on these rocks.
- Expert natural-history and photography guidance by photography mentor Sachin Rai
TOUR ITINERARY
Please Note: TBD
On this day, we touch down at Arusha and make our way to Ndutu Plains. We check in at out mobile tented camp. We will be staying here for the next 4 nights. We proceed for our first safari and will drive around the famous Ndutu lake to look for predators.
Safaris at the Ndutu Plains are as action-filled as they are sublime. On this day, we explore the grasslands as it is here we are most likely to catch some exclusive predatory action.
We concentrate primarily on the Cheetah on this day as we are sure to catch some thrilling hunts.
The Tour is set in March and this coincides with the end of the calving season. At the height of the calving season, around 8000 wildebeests are born every day! The wildebeest have impeccable timing when it comes to giving birth. The grasslands make for the perfect backdrop for their young ones as it does not provide their predators with too many spots to lurk. This ensures a higher chance of survival for their calves.
However, it is also a time where food is bountiful for our eager predators and if lucky, we may even catch mother Cheetahs teaching their own young ones about the thrill of the chase.
There are two main marshlands at Ndutu. On this day, we explore both the marshlands and our primary focus is to come in contact with and make glorious photos of what is called the marsh pride (pride of Lions).
The Eden Valley or Hidden Valley as it is called by some is undoubtedly hidden from plain sight and acts as Eden for the many animals that cross the Ndutu during the time of their migration.
The valley is in a decline, hence hiding it from the point of view of the general grassy plains. The valley consists of a large lake that acts as the watering hole for the many Wildebeest, Deer, Zebras etc that traverse these plains.
Exploring the valley will give us momentous photographic opportunities to photograph the many animals in all their glory.
On this day after a short safari and breakfast, we shall check out of our hotels at Ndutu and make our way through the plains into the central part of Serengeti National Park.
Post check-in at our accommodations at Serengeti and after lunch, we shall take an evening game ride in the Seronera region.
On this day, we shall visit multiple kopjes. The word kopje is derived from the Dutch word for “bald”. The name came about due to the astonishing way that these giant granite boulders seemingly jut out and strut from the otherwise plain landscape of the Serengeti.
However, these little hillocks provide a spectacular viewing point for many predators as they sit atop in absolute regality as they survey their hunting grounds below. The most obvious visual of a kopje is perhaps the one depicted in Lion King, where Simba is shown his kingdom as the many animals below rejoice in his birth.
Jokes aside, the kopje and its many inhabitants and visitors make for stunning viewing and photographic opportunities. Depending on our luck, we may even catch a glimpse of the elusive Klipspringers.
We spend the last day of our Tour, leisurely roaming around the Serengeti plains, chasing the many grassland dwellers.
From the majestic Elephants to the lithe Giraffes; from the striking Zebras to the plentiful Wildebeest; from the powerful Lions to the fierce Cheetahs and Leopards, on this day, we try our luck with all that Serengeti has to offer us and if luck prevails, we shall leave the Serengeti with our hearts and memory cards full of unforgettable sightings and memories.
We check out after breakfast and take a small 20-seater aircraft out of Serengeti back to the city of Arusha.
Here we shall enjoy a hearty lunch, after which we shall be driven to the Kilimanjaro International Airport where we shall board our respective flights back home.
Please note that the areas visited within each destination may not coincide exactly as in the itinerary. However, all will be visited. Not all animals and birds mentioned in the itinerary are “for sure” sightings as that will depend on many other factors on the day and our luck.
- All prices above are excluding taxes. 5% GST would be applicable.
- Patrons: Guests who have travelled with us on at least three photography tours.
- Foreign nationals please message us at contact@glidingfrog.com for a quote.
- 4 Nights stay in Ndutu with all meals inclusive on double sharing
- 3 Nights stay in Serengeti with all meals inclusive on double sharing
- All safari permits
- Tips and gratuities.
- Alcohol or any other expenditures including laundry on the trip.
- Travel to Arusha and back from your respective home town.
- Anything that is not mentioned in the Inclusions list.
- 50% of the Tour fee before –
- 100% of the Tour fee before –
All figures per person.
- 50% of the Tour fee on or before –
- 100% of the Tour fee on or after –
Please note: The date of written (email) communication of intent to cancel is the date considered for calculation of the cancellation fees.
- 4 Nights stay in Ndutu with all meals inclusive on double sharing
- 3 Nights stay in Serengeti with all meals inclusive on double sharing
- All safari permits
- Tips and gratuities.
- Alcohol or any other expenditures including laundry on the trip.
- Travel to Arusha and back from your respective home town.
- Anything that is not mentioned in the Inclusions list.
- 50% of the Tour fee before –
- 100% of the Tour fee before –
All figures per person.
- 50% of the Tour fee on or before –
- 100% of the Tour fee on or after –
Please note: The date of written (email) communication of intent to cancel is the date considered for calculation of the cancellation fees.
GALLERY
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Of course! This Tour is meant for newbies as well as experienced photographers. Beginners will get all the advantages of learning on and off the field from the photography mentors.
In fact if you are a fresher, you should jump on this great photography learning opportunity and sign up right away!
The best time is during the dry season, from late June to October, when wildlife gathers around water sources, making it easier to spot and photograph them. The calving season (January to February) is also excellent for wildlife photography.
Tanzania boasts a diverse range of wildlife, including the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros), wildebeest, zebras, giraffes, cheetahs, hippos, crocodiles, various bird species, and more.
Absolutely yes! We will be happy to customize this tour for you based on your preferred dates. Kindly write to us and tell us your preferred time of travel and we shall get back to you with a tentative itinerary and quote. This tour can be with or without a photography guide.
Yes, Tanzania is generally safe for tourists. Safari operators follow strict safety protocols, and guides are experienced in handling wildlife encounters. It is important to follow the guide’s instructions at all times.
Yes, many safari tours are family-friendly, however, some lodges and camps may have age restrictions, so it’s best to check with your operator before hand.
The Great Migration is the annual movement of over 1.5 million wildebeest, along with zebras and gazelles, across the Serengeti and Maasai Mara in search of fresh grazing.
It typically occurs from June to July when the herds cross the Grumeti River and again in September when they cross the Mara River.
Yes, you may need certain vaccinations such as yellow fever, especially if you’re arriving from a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission.
It is also recommended to take malaria prophylaxis, as Tanzania is a malaria-prone region. Consult your doctor for advice on vaccinations and medications.
BOOK TOUR
PLAN CUSTOMISED TRIP
In case these dates do not work for you and you would wish to travel on your own at your own convenience dates, then do write to us.
We will customise a tour for you on your preferred dates. This can be with or without a photography guide. We would ensure you have the best drivers, guides and will also suggest properties based on your preference.
We have close to two decades of experience in the wildlife travel sector and will be able to guide you based on our own experience.