Tanzania Photo Safari Tour: Authentic Tanzania Wildlife Safari

Today, you will arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport. You will be greeted by me and one of our drivers and transported to our Lodge in Moshi, approximately a forty-five-minute drive. Most flights arrive in the evening. You may wish to enjoy a light snack at the hotel, but soon retire to your beds. Tanzania is already enveloped in darkness, and tomorrow morning you can admire the surroundings in daylight. Karibu Tanzania!

After breakfast, we embark on a picturesque journey to Mkomazi National Park, a scenic drive lasting two hours.

Upon arrival at the park, as your guide takes care of the necessary paperwork, your adventure kicks off with an exhilarating game drive. Traveling through the park's diverse landscapes, you'll be treated to sightings of magnificent wildlife, including giraffes, zebras, and hopefully kudus. We will spend two days in a beautiful lodge within Mkomazi, with views of the park.

You'll get the extraordinary opportunity to visit the park's special rhinoceros sanctuary, a significant initiative aimed at safeguarding the future of these remarkable animals, among the most endangered large mammals in Africa.

Upon arrival, you will receive an enlightening briefing on the ongoing conservation efforts focused on preserving the rhino population. Your experience continues with a guided tour of the sanctuary, led by an expert ranger. Throughout the tour, your keen eyes remain vigilant for any rhinoceros sightings, offering a chance to observe these incredible creatures in their protected environment. Additionally, you will also have the opportunity to explore the habitat of wild dogs. We will have another night in Mkomazi Wilderness Retreat.

At 09:00, we will collect you from your accommodation and proceed to Amini Africa Maasai Lodge in West-Kilimanjaro. Upon arrival, you will receive a warm welcome from the Maasai community, who will serve as your guides for the day.

After settling into your "Maasai hut," lunch awaits in the charming restaurant. Spend the afternoon relaxing by the pool with magnificent views over Maasailand, or partake in a nature walk. Your Maasai guide will enlighten you about the surroundings, Maasai life, their hunting techniques, and natural remedies.

In the evening, dine by the bonfire under the stars - and indulge in delightful dishes. Once nestled comfortably between the sheets in your Maasai hut, allow your mind to wander and dream of the adventures yet to come.

This morning, your Maasai guide will accompany you for a Bush Breakfast, an exceptionally unique experience. If you're fortunate, you may encounter some wildlife along the way! In the afternoon, you can unwind by the pool, embark on a nature walk, or even partake in an adventurous mountain biking excursion! We will sleep another night in Amini Africa Maasai Lodge to experience the 'Maasai-way-of-life'.

Today, we journey to Tarangire National Park, a trip spanning approximately 3.5 hours.

Upon arrival at the park's entrance, your guide will handle the necessary formalities, marking the commencement of your safari adventure. Let the wildlife spotting in Tarangire begin...

After a game drive in Tarangire National Park, we will arrive at a beautiful Lodge, where you can often watch elephants up-close. They also have a relaxing pool with views of the African savannah.

Today we have a whole day to explore Tarangire National Park. The park is renowned for its vast baobab trees and significant elephant population. Who will be the first to spot an animal?

Depending on what the group wants, we can either do a full day game drive inside the park including a lunch in the park, or we go for a morning game drive, drive back to the lodge, and relax at the pool. For those who are interested, I can also offer some more photography tutoring or editing. We have an extra night at the same lodge in Tarangire.

Mto wa Mbu is at the foot of the Rift Valley. Located on the way to Ngorongoro and Serengeti, it is an ideal resting place for most safari travelers to experience the authentic cultural tour.

Optional activities:

- TukTuk tour (2 - 3 Hours)
Explore mto wa mbo village with three wheel visit banana farms, and rice farms, and learn the economic system of the village

- Climbing Balaa Hill (3 - 6 hours)
Climb to the top of the Rift Valley wall for breath-taking views of Lake Manyara, the village of Mto wa Mbu, and the Maasai Steppe beyond. Also, see a diverse array of local bird species and magnificent 2,000-year-old baobab trees.

- Village walks (2-4 hours)
Get an inside look at the homes and exquisite craft of Mto wa Mbu’s many tribes. Visitors will get a chance to meet locals and learn about banana beer, Makonde woodcarvings, and tribal painting techniques; the village provides a great introduction to everyday life in Africa.

- Farm tour (1-4 hours)
See the innovative farming practices of Mto wa Mbu villagers and learn about the irrigation system that sustains local crops, including the 32 varieties of bananas.

- Biking to Lake Manyara (2-5 hours) Bike to the coast of one of Africa’s most majestic lakes and get an amazing opportunity to view wildlife like zebras, giraffes, hippos, and buffaloes at close range in this corridor of migration between the national parks.

- Lunch at Mama’s (1-2 hours) Enjoys a delicious, home cooked meal in a local Mom’s home; Over lunch, the guide will provide a history of the region and the many stories about local tribes.

Today, you will journey along an extensive and rugged road to Serengeti National Park, where you will arrive approximately 4-5 hours later. It will be a lengthy yet picturesque drive, offering glimpses of diverse African landscapes along the way. Upon reaching Serengeti, you will proceed to your lodge in Serengeti while enjoying a game drive in Serengeti along the way. There, a refreshing cold beverage awaits you!

At these safari camps, you’ll feel immersed in nature, protected by the cozy canvas walls of your spacious tent, surrounded by the sounds of wildlife, and secluded from noise & light pollution. It feels like being transported back in time, and makes African safari unlike any other travel experience in the world! Embrace the simplicity — nature is the luxury we’re after.

Get settled into your cozy home for the next 3 nights, before gathering in the dining tent for a chef-prepared dinner, listening to the sounds of roaring lions and laughing hyenas in the distance.

a Serengeti Photo Safari is a great way to explore the beauty of Serengeti National Park. Here, you will encounter the most stunning Tanzania Safari Animals the world has to offer, set against landscapes that will surpass even your wildest dreams. It's like stepping into the scenes of "Out of Africa," but in reality.

Each evening, we will plan the following day together based on the preferences of the group. Will you venture out all day with a picnic lunchbox, or opt for separate morning and afternoon game drives, returning to our Serengeti camp for a warm lunch? We will elucidate the various options, which may also depend on the season and the current whereabouts of the wildlife in Serengeti.

The Serengeti is such an expansive park with an abundance of magnificent creatures that no amount of time spent here feels sufficient.

Optional but highly recommended: a Serengeti Balloon Safari to witness the vast Serengeti plains from above.

This morning, you can still relish a safari excursion in the Serengeti. Around 11 o'clock, you depart from the park towards the village of Karatu, nestled near the Ngorongoro Crater. Along the way, you traverse the crater rim, passing by a breathtaking viewpoint offering panoramic vistas of the crater, where we will stop to take nice images and enjoy the views.

In total, this journey, starting from when you exit the Serengeti, lasts approximately 4-5 hours. By late afternoon, you arrive at the lodge, where you can indulge in a refreshing sundowner.

In the morning, you will go on safari in the Ngorongoro Crater, where you'll spend the rest of the day embarking on a wildlife game drive. From the gate, a short drive along the crater rim awaits before descending into the circular crater via a breathtakingly scenic and steep road. The landscape here is extraordinarily beautiful. You'll be accompanied by a picnic lunch from the lodge.

By late afternoon, you'll journey out of the crater, making your way back to the lodge. Enjoy a final, amazing dinner prepared by the chef back at the lodge, where we’ll relive memories, share favorite stories, and our last moments together around the fire.

You have the morning at your leisure. Enjoy a relaxing time at the lodge or perhaps take a stroll in the surroundings. After lunch, it will be time to be chauffeured to Kilimanjaro Airport, approximately a 3.5-hour drive. There, we will say goodbye and you will board your flight back home.

In Africa, we don’t say “goodbye” however — just a “see you later” (or "baadaye" in Swahili) as I hope to connect with you again somewhere in the world, perhaps on one of my next Africa Safari tours!

Tip: You can also extend this journey with a delightful beach vacation on the tropical paradise of Zanzibar! I'm happy to help you plan your extension in Tanzania.

We bring a wealth of experience to your Tanzania Safari Tours. Having worked extensively in the travel industry as a photographer, marketeer, and travel consultant, I've personally explored the places we visit in Tanzania on our group trip.

My commitment to providing the best service is reflected in the relationships I've built over time and the careful selection of accommodations. For my Tanzania Safaris, I work together with a local Tanzanian Safari Tour Operator with many years of experience in the Safari World.

Together, we take care of the logistics and we are provided by an experienced English speaking driver/guide who knows Tanzania on the back of its hand.

With my devotion to high-quality authentic and ethical travel experiences, I'm passionate about making your Tanzania safari adventure extraordinary.

Absolutely! From booking hotels to coordinating transfers, arranging local guides, and organizing activities and excursions, we take care of it all.

We arrange both authentic Tanzania Group Trips and Customized Tanzania Itineraries. Ranging from a Luxury Tanzania Safari to a Budget Tanzania Safari, we tailor our services to meet your unique travel preferences, so don't hesitate to get in touch if you want a private safari trip or if you're looking for different dates than the ones scheduled.

While you can book your flight independently, we recommend entrusting us with the rest of your Tanzania Safari Itinerary to ensure seamless transitions and the best value. Our presence provides invaluable support, especially when unexpected situations arise.

Yes, we work with a preferred booking agent who can manage both international and domestic flights on your behalf. This collaborative approach ensures a smooth travel experience. What we do is putting you in direct contact with them so flights can be done by credit card. Flights are usually only held provisionally for 24 hours, so paying by credit card is usually best and that way you can also take advantage of any included travel insurance!

Our (custom) Tanzania Safari itineraries have a comprehensive trip price covering hotels, car, transfers, driver/guides, park fees, meals, water during safari days, activities, and Photographic tutoring by Kim Paffen.

While the trip price is inclusive the above elements, certain items are not inclusive of the safari trip price. Examples that are excluded are: tipping, visas, shopping, (alcoholic) drinks, travel insurance, washing clothes, and international flights are not included.

Tipping is not typically included in the price for your safari in Tanzania. In Tanzania, tipping is not mandatory but customary. Tips are given as a gesture of gratitude, and the amount given will depend on your satisfaction. As many first-time visitors find it challenging to gauge how much to give, here are some Tanzania tipping guidelines:

Safari Guide: $25 or more per day, per group.
Restaurants: 5 – 10% of the total bill.
Porters (carrying luggage at lodges/hotels): $1 - $2 per porter.
It is customary to give the tip at the end of the trip if you have the same guide for a few days. Tips can also be given in Tanzanian Shillings.

It depends if you prefer a custom-made itinerary or if you opt for one of our scheduled Small Group Photo Safaris in Tanzania, so please consider factors like flight costs, preferred (mid-range or semi-luxury) accommodations, and additional expenses for meals, tips, and shopping.

Be prepared to budget between 6000 and 7000 USD for a 14-day photo safari trip in Tanzania accompanied by a driver/guide and photographic guide. That budget is including flight, all meals, mid-range to semi-luxury accommodations, water in the car, park fees and all cultural activities and game drives.

We require a non-refundable 25% deposit to reserve your seat on our Tanzania safaris, with full payment due 90 days before travel. Refer to our Terms & Conditions for detailed pricing and payment information.

We prefer electronic bank transfers to avoid credit card fees. Refer to our Terms & Conditions for complete payment details.

Find comprehensive details in our Terms & Conditions. Our cancellation fees are non-negotiable.

For vaccinations to travel to Tanzania, you can visit a travel health clinic, as requirements vary by country.

Recommended vaccinations for travel to Tanzania include Yellow Fever, Hepatitis A, and DTP. Other diseases present in Tanzania include Typhoid Fever, Hepatitis B, Tuberculosis, Rabies, and Meningitis. Consult with a knowledgeable travel medicine doctor to determine if vaccination is advisable for you. Having the "Cholera not indicated" stamp in your vaccination booklet can prevent issues at border posts.

Check the Tanzania embassy or consulate requirements; we provide guidance in your final Tanzania travel document.

We recommend obtaining your tourist visa online at: Tanzania eVisa (https://visa.immigration.go.tz/). Initiate this process at least two weeks before departure as it typically takes approximately 10 days to complete.

Alternatively, tourist visas can be purchased upon arrival at Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro, and Zanzibar airports. In such cases, the visa fee must be settled in cash, in US Dollars. Please note that ATM services are unavailable at Tanzanian airports, so anticipate extended wait times upon arrival.

Pack essentials include valid passport, visa, air tickets, expense money, inoculations, and clothing suitable for safaris. Consider traveling light with soft luggage. You should also bring a day pack to carry essentials whilst out on safari.

Bring a valid passport; be sure to check the expiry date. Also pack a photocopy of the photo page and the entry stamp page of your passport as an additional piece of identification. Please store these photo copies in a different place to your travel documents. If your passport is in a hotel safe, or if you were to lose your passport this precaution would prove invaluable.

Here's a link to a safari packing list: https://ourplanetinmylens.com/what-to-pack-for-safari-in-africa/

Tanzania offers rich photo opportunities. Carry enough memory cards, and batteries. A 200 mm (or longer) telephoto lens is very useful on safari but if you're not into safari photography that much it is not a must.

Check health notices and malaria information for your destinations. Carry necessary medications and prescriptions.

Secure a travel insurance before arriving in Tanzania to participate in travel activities. If you don't have a Travel Medical Insurance yet, I highly recommend Safety Wing.

When you book your safari to Tanzania with us, we automatically enroll you in AMREF Flying Doctors. In the event of a medical emergency, you will be evacuated by a flight to the hospital in Nairobi. You are only insured for the evacuation flight to Kenya and ground ambulance transfers in Kenya. You are responsible for your travel insurance.

For going on safari in Tanzania, your passport must be valid for at least six months upon departing your country and possess a minimum of four blank visa pages, equating to two facing blank visa pages.

The local currency in Tanzania is the Tanzanian Shilling, however, US Dollars are widely accepted. It is advisable to carry cash in US Dollars, but please note: only bills from 2003 onwards are accepted; those dated before 2003 are unfortunately not. Credit card payments are accepted in some accommodations, but substantial surcharges apply.

You can withdraw money with your debit card in Tanzania. However, this is only possible in Moshi, Arusha, Dar es Salaam, and Stone Town (Zanzibar). During the safari or on the beaches of Zanzibar, this is not possible. Please ensure you have enough cash on hand during these days. US Dollars are more convenient than Euros.

During the complete Tanzania safari and on game drives, you will travel in a four-wheel-drive vehicle, a safari jeep, equipped with a specially made panoramic roof, allowing you to photograph or film while standing inside the vehicle. Our safari vehicles have comfortable seats, all positioned by a window so you can also spot animals while seated. You will be accompanied by a highly experienced guide and photographic tour leader.

Yes, malaria is prevalent in Tanzania. There is no vaccination against malaria. We recommend the use of anti-malarial tablets. You can discuss this with a travel medicine doctor.

Malaria is an infectious disease caused by malaria parasites transmitted through mosquito bites. The parasites first multiply in the liver and then in red blood cells. Symptoms include cold shivers followed by fever, often preceded by flu-like symptoms.

To protect yourself from mosquito bites, bring along insect repellent containing DEET and cover your body well in the evenings.

All meals during the safari are included in the price. Many people have an early breakfast because they also want to leave early to enjoy the beautiful morning light. Breakfast is always extensive and generous. Whether you prefer a Full English or Full Fruit with the most delicious mangoes, papayas, and watermelons, everything is possible. At the table, the sounds of the African night are often a topic of conversation. Was that a lion or a hyena I heard? At lunchtime, there are well-filled picnic lunchboxes that you can take with you in the car so you can enjoy lunch in the park at a beautiful spot. In the safari car, there are plenty of bottles of water available for you.

Dinner is always at the accommodation where you are staying that evening. East African cuisine with international influences. Whether your guide joins dinner or not depends on the accommodation. At some locations, this is customary, while at others, guides eat together. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages at the lodge are at your own expense unless otherwise stated.