Ngorongoro Crater

Located only 112 miles away from Arusha, Ngorongoro Crater is very easy to reach for people heading there on a safari. And in terms of wildlife you will be spoilt for choice when you head to the crater as you will be able to find all of the ‘Big Five’ animals in one location. Lions, leopards and elephants are all present in abundance, as well as nearly all of the other exciting animals that you could hope to see on a safari. One really special treat are the back rhinos, because the crater is one of the only places in the wild where they are still breeding.

Ngorongoro Crater is also situated relatively near to the mighty Serengeti, meaning many people choose to visit both of these wildlife havens during a single safari for an experience that is hard to equal. One of the most amazing events at the Serengeti is the migration of the ungulates, including zebra and wildebeest, so head here between July to September to witness this incredible spectacle.

But it’s not just the animals that attract visitors to the crater. When you go to Ngorongoro Crater you will also almost certainly come face to face with the tribesmen who live in the area. Dressed in brilliant colours and always armed with their spears, a photo of a tribesman will look great on your wall at home – but don’t expect to take a picture for free as they’ll expect a few dollars for the privilege.

Masai tribe at Ngorongoro Crater

The area is also incredibly important for its hominid remains. Nearby to Ngorongoro Crater you can visit Olduvai Gorge, the site of the oldest homo habilis remains ever found on earth and the cradle of humanity. The crater highlands also offer great hiking opportunities, and if you are really adventurous you can head to the active volcano, Ol Doinyo Lengai, during your trip.

Ngorongoro Crater certainly lives up to its name as one of the natural wonders of the world. Head here on a safari and you’ll get to experience so much more than just the animals. The spectacular scenery, the people and the sheer scale of it will mean you’ll have some truly great photos to show your friends on your return home.

The differences between a normal safari and a photo safari are numerous. To start with, the group is accompanied by a professional photographer who is an expert in the area. This means you will get access to the best places where you’ll be able to take the most impressive wildlife shots, and the professional photographer will be able to provide advice on taking photos in specific locations and light conditions. Because the whole tour is catered especially for taking great pictures, you won’t have to miss any opportunities and you’ll be able to stay in one spot until you get the right shot.

One of the best locations for a photographic safari is Tanzania. This is because it offers some of the best scenery and game viewing that Africa has to offer. Here you’ll be able to get up close and personal with the biggest and most impressive animals on the planet, and you’ll also be able to capture spectacular images of Mount Kilimanjaro and Ngorongoro Crater.

All the animals that you could hope to see can be found in Tanzania, and certainly all of the ‘Big Five’. Elephants, lions and cheetahs are a certainty, some of which will come right up to the vehicle. And if you’re lucky you might be able to spot a leopard, the most elusive of the big cats. All this will mean you’re sure to take some photos home to be proud of.

The benefit of a photographic safari is that it is a highly personal experience. You get one-on-one tuition and an insider knowledge of the country and its features. Also, it doesn’t matter on your level of experience as all levels are normally catered for. You’ll miss out on all the frustrations that come with a normal safari, meaning you’ll get a window seat for the best views, and you can also head out at particular times of the day such as dawn and dusk to take advantage of the best light conditions. You have the freedom to plan your trip to guarantee that you’ll have some amazing shots at the end of the experience.

A photo safari not only allows you to enjoy all the benefits of a normal safari, but you will also get to take home some fantastic photos at the end of it, avoiding any disappointment upon your return. These will not only be something to be proud of, but will preserve the memories of your time away, and will lead to an even better experience of Tanzania and the wonders that it has on offer.

I’m sure that the Serengeti doesn’t really need too much of an introduction, but here we just wanted to introduce you to some of the many types of impressive animals which you might be able to capture on film on a trip to the Serengeti.

The Great Migration

Great Migration

The Great Migration is really a once in a lifetime sight (unless you’re lucky enough to make it to the Serengeti more than once in your life!) where the park’s 2 million wildebeest travel across the plains in search of fresh grass. If you think that a bunch of wildebeest surely can’t be that impressive, you couldn’t be more wrong.

And there is a good possibility that you will see a lot more animals as well, for example dotted between the wildebeest you are quite likely to see gnus and zebras. Many of the Serengeti’s predators know that a whole herd of wildebeest is likely to make for an easy dinner, and plenty show up to take advantage. We’ve personally had some of our best action shots during the Great Migration, featuring lions, leopards, cheetahs and crocodiles.

The Big Five

Big Five

Once upon a time, the “Big Five” were the five animals which every hunter wanted to bag as a trophy. Today, they’re the animals which every photographer who visits Africa wants to capture: the lion, the leopard, the rhino, the elephant and the Cape buffalo.

It’s not as easy as you might think to get a good shot of each of these five, although with the help of a good guide and a lot of patience you could be well on your way. The effort it takes to get a shot of each of the five just adds to the satisfaction you will feel when you complete the set.

East African Birds

East African Birds

The Serengeti National Park will spoil every bird lovers with a very impressive variety of East African birds. Any first time safari visitors to Tanzania expects to see only the big mammals but they are all amazed with the new knowledge, discovery and interest they take home with them after they spot all the beautiful, unique and colourful birds all over the Serengeti plains. These birds will surely take your enjoyment to another level and you will be guaranteed amazingly wonderful bird shots after your trip.

Plan Your Own Trip

So as you can see, the Serengeti National Park is just paradise for any nature and wildlife photographer and/or nature and wildlife lover. We would strongly urge anyone who gets the opportunity to go, to grab the chance with both hands, and you too could experience this beautiful place – a paradise not to be missed in this lifetime.

We ourselves offer amateur and serious digital photographers the chance to join us on a Photographic Safari so you too can be on your way to adding photos of these amazing creatures and breathtaking landscapes to your portfolio.

If you would like more information on planning your own trip send us an e-mail at info@aranetatan.com.