12-Day Tanzania Safari – Photo Safari
Arusha, Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro & Manyara
- approx. 12 hours flight time
- On-site rescheduling possible
- Possible year-round
Introduction (Overview)
On an unforgettable 12-day safari in Tanzania, experience the ultimate photography adventure through Africa's most iconic wilderness areas! This exclusive photo safari takes you through six spectacular national parks and conservation areas – from the Momella Lakes in Arusha National Park to the tree-climbing lions of Lake Manyara.
On this private safari, you'll discover northern Tanzania's highlights entirely at your own pace. In a comfortable 4×4 vehicle with a pop-up roof, you'll travel with your experienced guide to the best photo spots: Tarangire with its majestic elephant herds, the legendary Serengeti in all its facets – north, central and east – and the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater. Special highlights include the night game drives and a walking safari in Arusha National Park.
The best time to travel for the Ndutu region is from December to March, when the Great Migration and the calving season provide spectacular photo opportunities. Let yourself be enchanted by the beauty of Tanzania!
ROUTE OVERVIEW
- Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport
- Day 2: Walking safari in Arusha National Park
- Day 3: Safari in Tarangire National Park
- Day 4: Drive to the Ndutu region with a night game drive
- Days 5–6: Photo safari in the Ndutu region
- Day 7: Drive to the Northern Serengeti with a night game drive
- Day 8: Safari in the Central Serengeti
- Day 9: Safari in the Central and Eastern Serengeti
- Day 10: Safari in the Ngorongoro Crater
- Day 11: Safari in Lake Manyara National Park
- Day 12: Return journey from Kilimanjaro Airport
Budget accommodations
2 people
3.779 € *
4 people
2.881 € *
6 people
2.582 € *
Mid-range accommodations
2 people
3.779 € *
4 people
2.881 € *
6 people
2.582 € *
Luxury accommodations
2 people
4.933 € *
4 people
3.885 € *
6 people
3.536 € *
* Indicative costs per person, excluding flight tickets to Tanzania
Our offer includes:
Optional additions:
Not included:
Customer testimonial
“Everything perfect – great trip and great price
Our safari with Safari Tanzania was unforgettable! Thanks to their collaboration with local providers, they offered us a huge selection of accommodations. While other providers were often hard to reach and had limited options, Safari Tanzania put together a tailor-made tour perfectly suited to our budget and preferences. We saw the Big Five and experienced the Great Migration! Our guide was top-notch, and the organization ran smoothly. Absolutely recommended for a personalized and affordable dream vacation!
Philipp Grünewald, a customer from Vienna
Daily Descriptions
Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport
After landing at Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport, you'll be given a warm welcome by your driver. The scent of Africa hangs in the air as you're driven to your accommodation. In the evening, you'll receive a detailed safari briefing to prepare you for the adventures ahead on your 12-day safari in Tanzania.
Day 2: Walking safari in Arusha National Park
Arusha National Park impresses with its variety – from lush forests to the breathtaking Momella Lakes. Here you have the rare opportunity to take a walking safari and experience the flora and fauna from a completely new perspective.
Against the majestic backdrop of Mount Meru, you'll watch giraffes, buffalo and various primate species. This walking safari offers fantastic photo opportunities off the beaten track. In the afternoon, you'll drive to Karatu, where you can let the day's impressions sink in.
Day 3: Safari in Tarangire National Park
The Tarangire National Park is famous for its spectacular wildlife viewing, especially during the dry season when the animals gather at the Tarangire River. This park is home to Tanzania's largest concentration of elephants!
On extended game drives through grassy savannah and marshland, and past the iconic baobab trees, you'll look out for large elephant herds, zebras, buffalo, lions and a rich variety of birdlife. The ancient baobabs make for spectacular photo opportunities and are part of what makes this park so distinctive. In the evening, you'll return to Karatu.
Day 4: Drive to the Ndutu region with a night game drive
Today your journey takes you into the legendary Ndutu region – a paradise for photographers! The drive itself is an experience in its own right, with first wildlife sightings along the way: giraffes, zebras and elephants cross your path.
In the late afternoon, you'll reach the Ngorongoro area and have the chance to capture breathtaking views. The absolute highlight: a night game drive! This one-of-a-kind experience gives you the chance to observe Africa's nocturnal wildlife – hyenas, owls and, with a little luck, predators hunting in the darkness.
Days 5–6: Photo safari in the Ndutu region
Two full days in a photographer's paradise! The Ndutu region is known for its incredible wildlife and picturesque landscapes. From December to March in particular, this area is the hotspot for the Great Migration and the calving season – an absolute must for any nature photographer!
On full-day game drives, you'll have plenty of opportunity to capture breathtaking images: vast herds of wildebeest and zebras, and predators such as lions and cheetahs on the hunt. The varied terrain – from open plains to lush wetlands – provides fantastic settings for your shots. Experience the seasonal migrations and the rich biodiversity of this one-of-a-kind region!
Day 7: Drive to the Northern Serengeti with a night game drive
After breakfast, your journey into the northern Serengeti begins. Along the way you'll enjoy game drives through wonderfully varied landscapes and keep an eye out for giraffes, zebras, elephants and lions.
In the late afternoon, you'll reach the northern Serengeti – famous for the dramatic river crossings during the migration (July–October). In the evening, another exciting night game drive awaits! Watch the Serengeti's nocturnal wildlife from a completely different perspective – hyenas on patrol, owls hunting and the mysterious sounds of the African night.
Day 8: Safari in the Central Serengeti
Welcome to the heart of the wild! The Central Serengeti, and the Seronera Valley in particular, is regarded as Africa's "big cat capital." This is where the densest wildlife populations live, and the landscapes are simply breathtaking.
On your game drives through the varied habitats – from rolling plains to riverine forest – you'll have excellent chances of seeing the Big Five: lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo and, with a little luck, even rhinos. The central region, with its iconic acacias, offers fantastic photographic backdrops.
Day 9: Safari in the Central and Eastern Serengeti
Today you'll explore both the Central and the Eastern Serengeti, experiencing the full variety of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The eastern region offers breathtaking panoramas and different wildlife viewing opportunities.
The Serengeti covers around 14,763 square kilometres and is home to over 4,000 lions, 1,000 leopards and 3,500 hyenas. Enjoy sightings of a wide range of species and capture the beauty of these iconic areas with your camera.
Day 10: Safari in the Ngorongoro Crater
The absolute highlight of your photo safari! Today you'll descend into the Ngorongoro Crater begins – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa. This spectacular caldera was formed millions of years ago when an immense volcano collapsed. At 610 metres deep and covering roughly 260 square kilometres, the crater is home to around 25,000 large mammals – the highest predator density in Africa. Within just a few minutes you'll see wildebeest, zebras, gazelles, elephants and over 500 bird species. With a little luck, you'll glimpse the endangered black rhino in the tall grass. After this unforgettable day, you'll drive to Karatu.
Day 11: Safari in Lake Manyara National Park
The final safari adventure of your 12-day trip to Tanzania! Lake Manyara National Park is a gem of variety and famous for one very special phenomenon: tree-climbing lions! These rare big cats rest in the branches of the acacias – a fantastic photo opportunity.
The park's varied ecosystem draws an abundance of wildlife: buffalo, impalas, giraffes, hippos and plenty of elephants along the lakeshore. For bird lovers, Manyara is a paradise – large flocks of flamingos, raptors circling overhead and the brilliantly coloured lilac-breasted roller. In the afternoon, you'll drive back to Moshi, where you can let the impressions of this extraordinary journey sink in.
Day 12: Departure
After breakfast, you'll be taken to Kilimanjaro International Airport. With a heart full of memories and a memory card full of breathtaking shots, you'll set off for home. Not quite ready to leave? Extend your adventure with a day trip to local attractions, or travel on to the dream island of Zanzibar – the perfect combination of safari and beach holiday!
Customer testimonial
“Top-organized safari with fantastic memories
Safari Tanzania, as an intermediary, enabled us to have highly individualized planning and saved us the effort of comparing dozens of providers online. They adapted everything to our wishes, connected us with the ideal local team, and offered flexible, prompt support – a relaxed highlight full of lasting memories.
Many safari organizers pushed for a personal call, only to offer a package tour in the end. Safari Tanzania sent us an offer after the first email, which we then minimally adjusted and swapped out one accommodation. This saved my girlfriend and me a lot of effort. Thank you very much!
Michael Simann, a customer from Frankfurt
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All prices listed are former prices for short and price-optimized trips. Current prices may be higher due to the respective season and inflation. Our terms and conditions apply.
Entdecke andere 12-Tage Safaris here.
passionate tour guide in Tanzania for 6 years
It fills me with pride to show guests the beauty of Tanzania and give them unforgettable moments. I love it when my guests see a lion in the wild for the first time or marvel at the savanna at sunset. It is important to me that my guests feel safe and well looked after – and return home with many beautiful stories.
My profession is not just a job for me, but something I'm passionate about."
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Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to travel for this photo safari?
The Ndutu region is ideal from December to March for the calving season. The dry season (June–October) generally offers the best wildlife viewing.
What makes this safari special for photographers?
Night game drives, a walking safari, six different parks and the Ndutu region during the migration all offer one-of-a-kind photo opportunities.
Can I see the Big Five on this safari?
Yes! The combination of the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater maximises your chances of seeing all of the Big Five, including the black rhino.
Are there night game drives?
Yes, two night game drives are included – in the Ndutu region and in the northern Serengeti. See nocturnal wildlife such as hyenas and owls.
What is a walking safari?
In Arusha National Park, you'll explore the wilderness on foot with an armed ranger – a unique perspective on the flora and fauna.
Where does the safari start and end?
Starts and ends at Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport. Transfers are included.
Can I combine this safari with Zanzibar?
Absolutely! After Day 12, an extension in Zanzibar for beach and culture makes the perfect addition.
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