Day 1: Arrival in Arusha – Transfer to Lake Manyara

Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha city, where your Wild Compass Africa safari guide will warmly welcome you. Depending on your arrival time, you will transfer directly to Lake Manyara, a scenic drive that shortens the journey to Serengeti the following day. Along the way, keep your camera ready for spontaneous photo opportunities of the rolling highlands, Maasai villages, and acacia-dotted landscapes.

Upon arrival at your lodge near Lake Manyara, enjoy a brief orientation and pre-trip briefing with your guide, who will provide tips on photography techniques, wildlife behavior, and optimal lighting conditions for the days ahead. Capture the lake’s birdlife and flamingo flocks during the golden hour before settling in. Overnight at a lodge or tented camp near Lake Manyara, setting the tone for an immersive photography adventure.

Day 2-3: Lake Manyara → Serengeti National Park (Central Seronera Section)

Wake early to enjoy sunrise over the lush landscapes of Lake Manyara before departing for Serengeti National Park, entering the iconic Central Seronera region, the heart of the Serengeti ecosystem. This section of the park is renowned for its high density of predators and abundant plains game, making it perfect for capturing dramatic wildlife interactions and dynamic herd behaviors.
On arrival, embark on an afternoon/evening game drive, framing wildlife against Serengeti’s breathtaking sunsets, with herds of zebra, wildebeest, and gazelle grazing across golden plains. Your guide will help position you for the best angles, utilizing light, shadow, and landscape features to enhance composition. Nightfall photography opportunities may also arise with nocturnal species if conditions permit.

Day 4–5: Ndutu – The Calving Grounds

Transfer to Ndutu, the epicenter of the wildebeest calving season, where January to March offers the most spectacular wildlife photography opportunities. During this time, thousands of wildebeest give birth across the short grass plains, attracting a high concentration of predators including lions, cheetahs, and hyenas. This makes Ndutu a prime location for capturing action shots, from newborn calves taking their first steps to dramatic predator-prey interactions in natural light.

Spend your days on full-day game drives with packed lunches, allowing you to maximize your time in the field and never miss a photographic moment. Our 4×4 safari vehicles are equipped for off-road driving, giving you access to hidden corners of the Ndutu plains where wildlife is less disturbed and the best shots can be captured. Off-road capability is crucial in Ndutu because the wildebeest calving areas are vast, and the animals move freely across the plains; getting closer (safely) without disturbing them enables photographers to frame intimate, up-close wildlife encounters.

Ndutu is also ideal for photographers because of the short grass plains, which provide unobstructed views of predators stalking their prey, herds of grazing ungulates, and dramatic dust clouds kicked up by wildebeest migrations. Early mornings and late afternoons in Ndutu produce golden light, perfect for capturing the rich colors of the African landscape and wildlife in action.
Overnight stays at the Ndutu tented camp place you in the heart of the action, ensuring that every sunrise and sunset is an opportunity for remarkable wildlife photography.

Day 6: Ndutu → Ngorongoro Crater

Morning game drive in Ndutu before transferring to Ngorongoro Crater. Descend into the crater for a half-day exploration and photography session. Search for black rhinos, elephants, zebras, and flamingos in the soda ash lake areas. Overnight at a lodge on the crater rim or nearby Karatu.

Day 7: Maasai Cultural Experience & Transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport

After breakfast, visit a local Maasai boma in Mto wa Mbu, where you can photograph traditional homesteads, colorful attire, daily life, and cultural dances. Capture authentic moments that showcase the Maasai heritage, storytelling, and rituals, while engaging respectfully with the community.
After this immersive cultural experience, transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward flight, concluding your Wild Compass Africa photography safari with unforgettable memories and a collection of stunning cultural images.
Best Time to Visit
January to March: Peak Ndutu calving season, ideal for photographers. Wildlife is concentrated, vegetation is lush, and lighting is perfect for shots.