12-Day Photographic Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport, your private driver guide will warmly welcome you and transfer you to your lodge. Settle in, relax, and prepare for the adventure of a lifetime that begins tomorrow.

Accommodation: Mtoni River Lodge
Meal Plan: Bed & Breakfast

Day 2: Arusha National Park
After breakfast, head into the enchanting Arusha National Park. Here, diverse landscapes and wildlife await—from the lush forests around Mount Meru to the shimmering Momella Lakes. At Momella Gate, an armed ranger will join you for a walking safari, giving you the rare chance to encounter giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, and the playful black-and-white colobus monkeys up close. Later, enjoy a picnic lunch before continuing on a game drive to Ngurdoto Crater and other highlights of the park. In the evening, return to Arusha for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation: Mtoni River Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3: Arusha to Tarangire National Park
After breakfast, journey to Tarangire National Park, a photographer’s dream with its ancient baobabs and vast herds of elephants. The Tarangire River draws an incredible variety of wildlife, from giraffes and wildebeests to predators like lions and leopards. Bird enthusiasts will delight in spotting some of the park’s 500+ species. After a game drive and picnic lunch, retreat to your tented lodge for a serene evening.

Accommodation: Lake Burunge Tented Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4: Full Day in Tarangire
Spend a full day exploring Tarangire, venturing into its remote corners, including the Silale Swamps—a haven for elephants and a gathering place for predators. Capture iconic images of tree-climbing lions, leopards, and even African rock pythons. As the sun sets, return to your camp for dinner and storytelling under the stars.

Accommodation: Lake Burunge Tented Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner with drinks

Day 5–8: Serengeti National Park
Your adventure continues with four unforgettable days in Serengeti National Park. Renowned as Tanzania’s crown jewel, the Serengeti offers boundless photographic opportunities: endless golden plains, dramatic skies, and wildlife encounters that feel timeless. Depending on the season, you may witness the Great Migration—millions of wildebeests and zebras crossing the plains, shadowed by predators. Each day brings thrilling game drives and magical evenings at your tented lodge.

Accommodation: Embalakai Serengeti Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 9: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Highlands
After breakfast, enjoy an en-route game drive as you leave the Serengeti behind and journey to Ngorongoro. Arrive at the rim of the crater in the late afternoon, where sweeping views of this natural wonder set the stage for tomorrow’s descent. Relax at your camp in the highlands and prepare for another day of adventure.

Accommodation: Ngorongoro Embalakai Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 10: Ngorongoro Crater
Today, descend 600 meters into the Ngorongoro Crater, often called Africa’s “Garden of Eden.” This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to an extraordinary concentration of wildlife, including wildebeest, zebras, buffaloes, and the rare black rhino. With over 500 bird species and dramatic landscapes, every moment is a chance to capture something unforgettable. After a full day of exploration and photography, return to your lodge for dinner and rest.

Accommodation: Ngorongoro Embalakai Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 11: Lake Manyara National Park
After breakfast, drive to Lake Manyara National Park, a paradise for bird lovers and photographers. Famous for its tree-climbing lions and flocks of flamingos, the park also features striking landscapes framed by the Rift Valley escarpment. Capture elephants, giraffes, and baboons against lush forests and shimmering waters. Enjoy a picnic lunch before heading to Karatu for your final overnight.

Accommodation: Marera Valley Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 12: Departure
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before your transfer back to Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward flight. This marks the end of your unforgettable 12-day photographic safari with Nashivai Safaris—an adventure filled with incredible sightings, timeless landscapes, and stories worth sharing forever.

Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch