3 days · Tanzania · Photographic safari
Tarangire Photography Safari
Tarangire is the place to photograph elephants. In the dry season large herds gather along the Tarangire River beneath ancient baobab trees, and the park is quieter than the Serengeti or the crater. This short safari gives you two full days of light in one of Tanzania’s most photogenic parks.
Enquire about this safariDuration
3 days / 2 nights
Route
Arusha · Tarangire National Park
Best time
June to October for elephant herds
Ideal for
Photographers of every level
Elephants and baobabs
As the land dries out from June, wildlife is drawn to the Tarangire River, the only permanent water in the area. Elephant herds come down to drink, dig for water in the riverbed and dust-bathe in the late afternoon, which creates beautiful backlit images. The baobabs, some of them centuries old, give you strong shapes for wide environmental frames. The park is also excellent for birds and for tree-climbing pythons, lions and leopard along the river, and the Silale Swamp attracts buffalo and waterbirds. With few vehicles around, you can take your time at each sighting. No more than three guests per vehicle, each with a window and roof hatch.
Itinerary
Day by day
A short, focused trip. Easy to combine with the Ngorongoro Crater or the Serengeti.
Day 1 · Arusha to Tarangire
Pick-up in Arusha and a two-hour drive to Tarangire, with your first game drive along the river in the warm afternoon light.
Day 2 · A full day with the elephants
Out at sunrise for elephants on the river and baobabs in the low light, a midday rest at camp, and an evening drive to the Silale Swamp.
Day 3 · Sunrise and return
A final early game drive, then back to Arusha by lunchtime, or onwards to the Ngorongoro Crater.
Shooting in Tarangire
A mid-range zoom is often enough here because the elephants come close. Bring a wide lens for baobabs and herds, and a longer lens for birds and cats.
When to go
June to October is best for elephant herds. November to May is green and full of birds, with fewer elephants on the river.
Extend your journey
Add the Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti for a complete northern circuit, or finish on Zanzibar.
Included
— Private photographic vehicle, maximum three guests
— A window and roof hatch for every guest
— Bean bags, camera mounts and in-vehicle charging
— Professional guide experienced with photographers
— Flexible early-start and late-return game drives
— All park and conservation fees
— Accommodation and meals as per itinerary
— Airport transfers and 24/7 support
Not included
— International flights and visas
— Travel insurance (required)
— Camera equipment and lens hire
— Optional balloon safari
— Tips for guides and camp staff
— Premium drinks and personal items
Join us in Tarangire
Tell us what you shoot with, what you most want to photograph and when you can travel. We will match you with the right guide, season and camps.
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