This site requires Javascript enabled to operate correctly. Please enable Javascript in your browser, or click here
The Wildlife
Accommodation
Photo Safari Map
Experience the ultimate 17-day photo safari in Tanzania's legendary Serengeti National Park, a paradise for capturing images of the majestic Big Cats. Explore three distinct locations, each offering its own remarkable landscapes, resident lions, elusive leopards, and nomadic cheetahs.
Your adventure begins with a warm welcome at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Kenya, followed by a transfer to a Nairobi hotel for an overnight stay. The next morning, you'll board a flight to the Kogatende airstrip in the northern Serengeti, Tanzania, passing through Migori and Tarime airstrips.
Our first camp is strategically located near the Mara River, where the awe-inspiring Great Migration is still in full swing. Immerse yourself in the spectacle of this incredible event, capturing the interactions between the migrating herds and the predators that trail behind.
Next, we venture to the heart of the Serengeti, characterized by the Seronera River and breathtaking granite outcrops known as Kopjes. These natural formations serve as favored resting places for resident Lion prides, offering exceptional opportunities for intimate encounters and stunning photographs. The Seronera region is renowned for its thriving Leopard and Lion populations, ensuring unforgettable wildlife photography experiences.
Our final stop on this amazing adventure will take us to the enchanting haven of Ndutu, a place of extraordinary beauty. We have intentionally timed our visit during the challenging dry season, offering a glimpse into the raw beauty and unique behaviors that arise when nature faces adversity. Ndutu's diverse landscapes, including soda lakes, marshes, woodlands, and open plains, present a magical stage for thrilling photographic opportunities. Prepare to photograph the captivating essence of this interesting corner of Tanzania, where resilient wildlife and breathtaking landscapes combine to create a wonderful conclusion to our safari adventure.
This safari is dedicated to locating and photographing the Big Cats, focusing on their behavior and capturing their tranquil moments and graceful movements. With three different locations, we explore varied habitats and encounter different Lion prides, Cheetahs, and Leopards. Patience and dedication will reward you with remarkable photographs showcasing the true essence of these magnificent creatures. We will also have time to photograph the many other animals found in the places we will be visiting.
Following the last photography session in Ndutu, we'll spend a night in Arusha and then proceed to the Namanga border post. Upon crossing back into Kenya, we'll arrive in Nairobi for a late lunch. You'll have access to a day room to freshen up before your international departure later that same night.
Extend your adventure by adding extra nights on your return journey to Nairobi. We offer a two-night stay at the stunning Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania, followed by three nights at Amboseli National Park in Kenya.
Please refer to the EXTENSION TAB for more information on this optional extension.
Kindly note that Stu Porter will not be leading the extension, but we will arrange for a professional local driver/guide to accompany you.
The Serengeti, established as a national park in 1951, spans 14,750 square kilometers (5,700 square miles) and is part of a larger 30,000 square kilometer (11,583 square mile) ecosystem, serving as the flagship among Tanzania's 19 national parks.
Its name derives from the Maasai word "Siringet," meaning "the place where the land goes on forever."
This iconic reserve is renowned for its vast population of lions, with approximately 3,000 individuals, and hosts the world's largest remaining migratory animal herds.
The Great Migration follows a seasonal clockwise rotational pattern, with the mega herds gathering in the northern Serengeti and Masai Mara between July and November.
The Serengeti's diverse terrain encompasses hills, valleys, lakes, rivers, woodlands, and short grass plains adorned with distinctive rocky granite outcrops called "kopjes."
The Ndutu area is a year-round wildlife paradise, offering incredible opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography.
During the dry months from August to October, the resident animals congregate around the remaining water sources in the marshes and lakes, creating a spectacle of wildlife activity.
The woodland areas in Ndutu provide essential shelter for both predators and prey, enhancing the chances of captivating wildlife encounters.
Located within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Ndutu allows off-road driving, which is advantageous for photographers to explore different areas and position themselves for optimal lighting, angles, and distances to their subjects.
Ndutu is unquestionably one of the finest destinations in Africa for capturing remarkable images of majestic big cats.
This small group photo safari offers unparalleled flexibility in the field. To optimize our photographic opportunities, we provide packed breakfasts and capitalize on the predators' heightened activity during the cooler morning hours.
With a maximum of 4 participants in 2 private vehicles (2 participants per vehicle), you'll have ample space for your equipment and exclusive access to both sides of the safari vehicle. This ensures an unobstructed view and maximum shooting potential throughout the journey..
Stu Porter will lead this photo tour.
Photographic tuition and guidance are provided, catering to beginners, as well as intermediate and advanced photographers who prefer a flexible learning approach.
Our professional and experienced guides utilize their local contacts and extensive knowledge to locate wildlife, ensuring optimal photographic opportunities.
They understand the specific requirements of photographers and will go the extra mile to position the safari vehicle for the best possible shots, guaranteeing exceptional results.
During this incredible photo safari in Tanzania, you will have the opportunity to see and photograph a wide range of animals, including Lions, Leopards, Cheetahs, Elephants, Cape Buffalos, Hippos, Black Rhinos, Spotted Hyenas, Jackals, Giraffes, Zebras, Wildebeests, Thompson's Gazelles, Grant's Gazelles, Olive Baboons, Vervet Monkeys, Coke's Hartebeests, and a diverse array of reptiles and birdlife.
Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), overnight in Nairobi - Kenya
Your safari begins with a meet & greet at the airport. A road transfer will take you to a local hotel.
You will stay for 1 night in Nairobi at TAMARIND TREE HOTEL
(Bed & Breakfast only)
Breakfast. Depart at 08:30. Fly to the Serengeti via the Masai Mara
After breakfast transfer to Wilson Airport for our flight to Migori (via the Masai Mara). At Migori airstrip we will be met and driven by an airline representative, through the border and customs and into Tanzania. We will then drive for 45 mins to Tarime Airstrip to catch a 20 min flight into the Serengeti National Park, arriving at Kogatende Airstrip. We will reach our camp in time for lunch.
You will stay for 3 nights in the northern Serengeti National Park at KATI KATI TENTED CAMP.
(All meals included)
Morning & Afternoon photo game drives in the northern Serengeti
Enjoy flexible photographic game drives
Morning & Afternoon photo game drives in the northern Serengeti
Enjoy flexible photographic game drives
Travel through the Serengeti with a packed breakfast and arrive at Seronera Wildlife Lodge for lunch
We depart at the same time taking all our luggage with us, as well as a packed breakfast. We will arrive at our second location in the central Serengeti in time for lunch
We will stay for 3 nights in the central Serengeti at SERONERA WILDLIFE LODGE
(All meals included)
Morning & Afternoon photo game drives in the central Serengeti
Enjoy flexible photographic game drives
Morning & Afternoon photo game drives in the central Serengeti
Enjoy flexible photographic game drives
Morning game drive in the Serengeti, via the Gol Kopjes. Drive to the Ndutu area and arrive for lunch
This is our final morning exploring the central Serengeti region. We depart early with all our luggage and with special permits in hand, we explore a seculded area of the Serengeti on our way towards Ndutu. We enjoy our packed breakfast in the Gol Kopjes and then drive to Ndutu in time for a late lunch.
We will stay for 8 nights in Ndutu at NDUTU SAFARI LODGE in en-suite rooms.
(All meals included)
Morning & Afternoon photo game drives in Ndutu
Enjoy flexible photographic game drives
Morning & Afternoon photo game drives in Ndutu
Enjoy flexible photographic game drives
Morning & Afternoon photo game drives in Ndutu
Enjoy flexible photographic game drives
Morning & Afternoon photo game drives in Ndutu
Enjoy flexible photographic game drives
Morning & Afternoon photo game drives in Ndutu
Enjoy flexible photographic game drives
Morning & Afternoon photo game drives in Ndutu
Enjoy flexible photographic game drives
Morning & Afternoon photo game drives in Ndutu
Enjoy flexible photographic game drives
Final morning in Ndutu. Drive back to Arusha for an overnight stop - OR optional 6-night extension to NGORONGORO CRATER & AMBOSELI
Enjoy your final morning of photography in Ndutu. Drive to Arusha, arriving in the late afternoon for an overnight stop.
You will stay for 1 night in Arusha at KAHAWA LODGE in an en-suite room.
(All meals included)
** NGORONGORO CRATER & AMBOSELI OPTIONAL EXTENSION
If you choose to do the optional 6-night Ngorongoro Crater and Amboseli EXTENSION, you will stay for 2 nights on the rim of the Crater at NGORONGORO SERENA SAFARI LODGE in en-suite rooms.
(All meals included)
You will then stay for 1 night in Arusha at the KAHAWA LODGE
(All meals included)
You then cross back into Kenya by road and stay for 3 nights in Amboseli at AMBOSELI SERENA LODGE in en-suite rooms.
(All meals included)
** View all details of this extension in the EXTENSION TAB
Depart Arusha, cross the border back into Kenya, and reach Nairobi in the early afternoon. Use of dayroom before departure
After breakfast, you will depart Arusha by road and pass through the Namanga Border Post back into Kenya. You will reach the FOUR POINTS SHERATON AIRPORT HOTEL in Nairobi in the early afternoon. Enjoy the use of a day room until your time of departure. The complimentary shuttle bus will take you a short 5 min journey to the airport to catch your international flight home.
(Dayroom and final lunch & drinks included)
We are thrilled to present an exciting opportunity to extend your stay and visit two iconic African destinations: the Ngorongoro Crater and Amboseli National Park. This extension will take place after your scheduled safari, allowing you to further immerse yourself in the beauty of Africa.
Following your final morning photo game drive in Ndutu, you will drive to the Ngorongoro Crater, where you will spend two nights at the Ngorongoro Crater Serena Lodge. Upon arrival, you will have the afternoon to relax and soak in the breathtaking view of the Crater, located just below the lodge.
After a refreshing rest, you will venture into the Crater for a full day of photography. Equipped with breakfast and lunch boxes, you will capture the stunning scenery and witness the unique color palette of the Crater during the dry season. The Crater is renowned for its abundant predators, including lions and spotted hyenas. Additionally, you may encounter majestic bull elephants roaming the crater floor, as well as the endangered black rhino.
At the end of the day, you will return to the lodge, where you will enjoy your second night overlooking the famous Crater. The following morning, armed with breakfast, you will embark on your final game drive in the Ngorongoro Crater. Mornings in the Crater are particularly productive, offering an ideal opportunity to make the most of your wildlife encounters before embarking on a leisurely journey back to Arusha. You will arrive in the late afternoon, marking your final night in Tanzania.
After a restful night's sleep, your adventure continues as you head towards the Namanga Border post to reenter Kenya. At the border, you bid farewell to your Tanzanian guide and meet our knowledgeable Kenyan guide, who will accompany you to the Amboseli Serena Lodge for a late lunch. The first afternoon in Amboseli National Park awaits, where you will embark on a game drive in one of Kenya's most famous wildlife reserves.
Over the course of two full days, you will have the opportunity to explore Amboseli National Park and marvel at its abundant wildlife. Keep an eye out for the impressive herds of elephants and an array of other captivating animals. The picturesque backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro serves as a constant reminder that you are in one of the most remarkable and renowned locations in all of Africa.
After a final morning game drive, you will journey back to Nairobi. A day room will be available for you to freshen up before heading to the airport for your international flight home.
PRICE:
$ Please enquire
The formation of the Ngorongoro Crater dates back approximately 2.5 million years ago when a massive volcanic cone experienced a significant eruption, leading to its collapse and the creation of the crater. Covering an impressive area of 264 square kilometers (102 square miles), the rim of the crater rises 610 meters (2,000 feet) above the floor, reaching a total elevation of 2,286 meters (7,500 feet) above sea level.
Recognized for its geological and ecological significance, the Ngorongoro Crater was designated as part of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area in 1959. Its remarkable features earned it a well-deserved spot on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1979.
The crater's floor, characterized by expansive grasslands, hosts an astonishing diversity and abundance of wildlife. Notably, it boasts the highest concentration of lions anywhere in the world. Additionally, the shallow soda Lake Magadi serves as a habitat for thousands of pink flamingos, adding to the vibrant and captivating ecosystem.
Beyond its thriving biodiversity, the Ngorongoro Crater captivates visitors with its ever-changing weather patterns and awe-inspiring cloud formations. These atmospheric phenomena cascade over the rim like colossal waves, creating a visually stunning spectacle that enhances the already breathtaking scenery. As one of Africa's most remarkable destinations, the Ngorongoro Crater offers a captivating and dynamic experience for all who venture within its bounds.
Established as a national park in 1974, Amboseli encompasses a core area of 392 square kilometers (151 square miles). However, it is part of a much larger ecosystem spanning approximately 8,000 square kilometers (3,100 square miles) that stretches across the Kenya-Tanzania border.
This national park safeguards two out of the five primary swamps in the region, creating a sanctuary for an abundance of mammals and birds. It also encompasses the remnants of a dried-up Pleistocene lake, aptly named Lake Amboseli. Renowned as the second most popular wildlife park in Kenya, Amboseli captivates visitors with its natural wonders.
One of the park's prominent attractions is its reputation as the ultimate destination for an up-close encounter with wild and free-ranging elephants. Witnessing these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat is an unforgettable experience. Furthermore, Amboseli offers unparalleled views of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's tallest mountain, soaring to a majestic height of 5,895 meters (19,341 feet). The sight of elephants roaming against the backdrop of the snow-capped mountain is an iconic image that ranks high on the list of unforgettable wildlife encounters.
Amboseli's unique blend of diverse wildlife, picturesque landscapes, and the awe-inspiring presence of Mount Kilimanjaro creates an unparalleled backdrop that makes it one of Africa's most captivating parks.
Day 1
Final morning drive in Ndutu area. Arrive at Ngorongoro Crater for a late lunch. Afternoon at leisure
After breakfast, you will say farewell to the rest of the group who will continue to Arusha. You will stop arrive at the Ngorongoro Crater for a late lunch and settle into your new accommodation. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon and the magnificent views of the Crater from the lodge.
You will stay for 2 nights on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater at SERENA LODGE.
(All meals included)
Day 2
Full day of photography in the Ngorongoro Crater
Depart early from the lodge to be at the entrance gate to the Crater as it opens. You will have a packed breakfast and lunch inside the Crater with rest stops at the designated picnic sites. Return to Serena lodge at the end of the day.
Day 3
Final morning drive in the Crater then drive to Arusha for overnight stop
After a final early morning game drive in the crater, you will head towards Arusha, arriving in the late afternoon.
You will stay for 1 night at the famous ARUSHA COFFEE LODGE.
(All meals included)
Day 4
After breakfast, depart for the Namanga Border. Then continue to Amboseli
Today you will enjoy a good breakfast at the lodge before driving to the Namanga Border Post. You will cross back into Kenya and meet up with our Kenyan guide and vehicle.
You will drive to Amboseli arriving in time for a late lunch and an afternoon game drive in the park.
You will stay for 3 nights at AMBOSELI SERENA LODGE.
(All meals included)
Day 5
Morning & Afternoon photo game drives in Amboseli National Park
Enjoy relaxed and flexible photography.
Day 6
Morning & Afternoon photo game drives in Amboseli National Park
Enjoy relaxed and flexible photography.
Day 7
Final morning game drive in Amboseli. Drive back to Nairobi arriving in the mid-afternoon. Depart in the evening
Final short morning photo game drive in Amboseli before heading back to Nairobi by road. Arrive in the mid-afternoon and enjoy a day room to freshen up.
The complimentary shuttle bus will take you the short 5 min journey to the airport to catch your international flight home.
(Room only, no meals or drinks included)
Road Transfers
2 nights Ngorongoro Crater (Tanzania)
1 night Arusha
3 nights Amboseli National Park (Kenya)
Visa fees
Laundry not indicated
Meals & drinks not indicated
Tips for lodge staff & your local guide
We first recommend that you read and become familiar with our booking terms & conditions, which can be found on this page, under the PRICES box.
Get in touch with us to confirm that there are still spaces available on the photo safari that you are interested in. Click on the “ENQUIRE NOW” button above.
Once we confirm with you that there is space available, and you would like to join the safari, we will send you a direct link via email. Follow this unique link to sign up to our CLIENT AREA. After you have registered with your name, email address and a password of your choice, you will then be asked to complete our online booking form.
As soon as we receive your completed booking form/s (1 per participant) then you will be required to send us the deposit to secure your place on the safari.
Deposits can be paid via credit card, PayPal or international bank transfer. We will notify you as soon as your deposit arrives. Places on the safari will only be confirmed once we have received both a completed booking form and deposit payment.
As soon as your booking form and deposit are with us, we will update your CLIENT AREA to display the outstanding balance amount. This amount will be due 90 days before the start date of the safari.
Stu Porter
Serengeti Big Cats Photo Safari - Tanzania
Photo highlights from the 2019 Big Cats of the Serengeti photo tour to Tanzania.
Posted on 17th October, 2021
Serengeti Big Cat Photo Safari - Tanzania
Photo highlights from the October 2022 Big Cats of the Serengeti Photo Safari & extension to the Crater & Amboseli
Posted on 4th May, 2023
