Big Cats Photographic Safari

Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), where you will be greeted by a Wild Rhythms Safaris representative. Transfer to your hotel in Arusha for an overnight stay, where you will rest after your international flight. Accommodation options: Gran Melia Arusha

Drive to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. En route, enjoy an optional game drive in Lake Manyara National Park, renowned for tree climbing lions and rich birdlife. Continue to your lodge at the crater’s edge. Overnight at a lodge on the Ngorongoro Crater rim, offering spectacular views of the crater floor.

Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a full-day game drive. Photography Focus: The crater offers abundant wildlife, including lions, hyenas, leopards, and the endangered black rhino, with a backdrop of breathtaking landscapes. Return to your lodge at the crater’s edge. Overnight at the same lodge as Day 2.

Fly or drive to the Eastern Serengeti, a region renowned for its open plains and dense predator population, particularly cheetahs. Photography Focus: Capture cheetahs in action, lions lounging in the grasslands, and other wildlife in their natural habitat. Accommodation Options: Namiri Plains Camp: Known for its exclusivity and predator sightings. Lemala Nanyukie Lodge: Offers luxurious accommodation and excellent wildlife proximity.

Begin the day with an early sunrise game drive, capturing the golden light as it spills over the vast Eastern Serengeti plains. This region, especially around Namiri Plains or Lemala Nanyukie Lodge, is renowned for its big cat sightings—particularly cheetahs and lions. Return to camp for brunch and rest, then head out in the afternoon to photograph wildlife in the warm glow of sunset. Accommodation: Namiri Plains Camp or Lemala Nanyukie Lodge – Both offering luxury and prime access to remote wildlife viewing.

Today’s game drives continue with a focus on dramatic compositions, using the Serengeti’s open horizons and acacia silhouettes for impactful photography. Between drives, you may opt for a guided walking safari, perfect for capturing close-up textures, animal tracks, and the subtle beauty of the landscape. In the evening, enjoy a fireside review of the day’s best shots and stories from the bush. Accommodation: Namiri Plains Camp or Lemala Nanyukie Lodge – Tailored for discerning photographers and nature lovers.

Fly to the Western Serengeti, a region famous for big cat sightings and seasonal wildebeest crossings. Photography Focus: Capture lions, leopards, and possibly crocodiles near the Grumeti River.

Arrive in the Western Serengeti, home to the Grumeti River and surrounding private reserves known for high predator density and dramatic migration scenes. Begin with an afternoon game drive, focusing on predator-prey interactions along the riverbanks and open plains. End your day with a sunset drink overlooking the savannah, followed by a gourmet dinner. Accommodation Options:

Enjoy morning and evening game drives tailored for photographers, with guides helping position you for high-action shots of lions, leopards, and cheetahs. Track movements near the Grumeti River, especially during migration season, where crocodiles and predators await the crossing herds. Between drives, relax at your lodge and take in sweeping views of the Western Corridor. Accommodation: Mila Tented Camp, Grumeti River Lodge, or Singita Sasakwa Lodge – Each offering unique perspectives and access to Western Serengeti’s untamed beauty.

Take a scenic flight from Western Serengeti to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward journey. Day rooms can be reserved at nearby hotels for you to rest and relax should you have to. Summary of Accommodations: Katambuga House (1 night) Ngorongoro Crater Rim Lodge (2 nights) Namiri Plains Camp or Lemala Nanyukie Lodge (3 nights) Mila Tented Camp, Grumeti River Lodge, or Singita Sasakwa Lodge (3 nights)