Serengeti • Ngorongoro • Lake Natron
10 Days | Sunrise/Sunset Shoots, Private Vehicle, Expert Photo Guide
Overview
“Anguka Nuru” – The Fall of Light.
This safari is designed for photographers. Two full nights in Serengeti ensure you capture both sunrise and sunset over the plains. Your vehicle is equipped for photography, your guide is trained in composition, and the itinerary prioritizes golden hour shoots.
Photography Features
- Private vehicle with window beanbags and roof hatches
- 65″ TV for evening image reviews
- Guide trained in composition, exposure, and animal behavior
- Raw file backup service available ($100 extra)
- Unlimited game drives (no fixed times)
- Golden hour prioritized over midday drives
Itinerary Details
Day 1: Arrival – Arusha
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport. Transfer to your Arusha hotel.
Evening Photography Briefing: Meet your photo guide. Discuss your goals, gear, and the locations ahead. Review sample images and discuss settings for different scenarios.
- Accommodation:Arusha Coffee Lodge
- Meals:Dinner
Day 2: Arusha to Lake Natron
Flamingos and the Rift Valley
Drive to Lake Natron (approx. 4-5 hours) via the Rift Valley. The landscape is dramatic—escarpments, volcanic cones, and eventually the soda lake itself.
Afternoon Shoot: Lake Natron is one of the most important flamingo breeding grounds in East Africa. Depending on the season, you may see thousands of flamingos painting the lake pink.
Composition Focus: Landscape photography—using the Rift Valley escarpment as a backdrop, reflections in the lake.
- Accommodation:Lake Natron Camp
- Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Lake Natron to Serengeti
Into the Endless Plains
Sunrise Shoot: Early morning at Lake Natron. The light is soft, the flamingos are active.
After breakfast, drive to the Serengeti via the Loliondo area (approx. 5-6 hours). This less-traveled route offers its own photographic opportunities.
Late Afternoon Shoot: Arrive in Serengeti in time for golden hour. Your first encounter with the plains.
- Accommodation:Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge
- Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Full Day Serengeti – Predator Focus
Two Full Nights in Serengeti – Day 1
Sunrise Shoot: Depart before dawn. Position yourself for predators returning from night hunts or beginning their morning activity.
Morning Focus: Big cats. Lions, leopards, cheetahs. Your guide’s knowledge of territory and behavior helps you anticipate action.
Mid-Day: Return to camp for rest and image review. Download, backup, and review your morning’s work.
Sunset Shoot: Return to the field for golden hour. The light is warm, the animals are active again.
- Accommodation:Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge
- Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Full Day Serengeti – Action & Behavior
Two Full Nights in Serengeti – Day 2
Sunrise Shoot: Different location, different light.
Today’s Focus: Depending on season and recent sightings:
- Calving Season:Newborns, predator-prey dynamics
- River Crossing Season:Fast shutter work, anticipation
- Year-Round:Behavioral shots—yawning lions, playing cubs, drinking elephants
Mid-Day Workshop: Image review and editing tips. Your guide shares techniques for post-processing.
Sunset Shoot: The day’s final light. Silhouettes, dust, drama.
- Accommodation:Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge
- Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Highlands
Morning game drive in the crater, then transfer to Arusha for your departure flight.
- Meals:Breakfast
Day 7: Ngorongoro Crater Floor
Two Full Nights in Ngorongoro – Day 1
Sunrise Descent: Enter the Crater as the sun rises. The light creeps over the rim, illuminating the floor below.
Today’s Focus: Density and diversity. The Crater offers more animals per square kilometer than anywhere else.
Key Subjects:
- Black rhinos (requires patience and a good guide)
- Hippos in the pools
- Flamingos at Lake Magadi
- Lions, hyenas, elephants
Lunch: Picnic at the hippo pool—great for behavioral shots.
Late Afternoon: Return to the rim as the light softens.
- Accommodation:Ngorongoro Crater Lodge
- Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Ngorongoro Crater Floor
Two Full Nights in Ngorongoro – Day 2
Sunrise Descent: Different angle, different light.
Today’s Focus: Fill the gaps. Subjects you missed yesterday. Different light on the same scenes.
Portrait Session: Tight shots of individual animals—eye contact, detail.
Final Sunset: Your last evening on the Crater rim. Capture the rim glowing in the setting sun.
- Accommodation:Ngorongoro Crater Lodge
- Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: Ngorongoro to Lake Manyara
Tree-Climbing Lions and Final Shots
Morning descent to Lake Manyara National Park. This compact park offers different habitats and subjects.
Focus:
- Lions in acacia trees (if present)
- Baboons and monkeys
- Forest birds
- Lake views
Afternoon: Transfer to Arusha.
Farewell Dinner: Celebrate your images and your journey.
- Accommodation:Arusha Coffee Lodge
- Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10: Departure
Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure flight.
- Meals:Breakfast
Price per person
From $8500
Quick Facts
Detail | Information |
Duration | 10 Days / 9 Nights |
Destinations | Lake Natron (1 night), Serengeti (4 nights), Ngorongoro (3 nights) |
Group Size | Max 4 photographers |
Vehicle | Private 4×4 with beanbag mounts, roof hatches, charging stations |
Guide | Trained photographer + wildlife expert |
Price | From $8500 per person |