13 Day Amboseli, Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro & Maasai Mara Safari

The 13 Day Amboseli, Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro & Maasai Mara Safari is one of the most visually rewarding safari circuits in East Africa. Designed specifically for wildlife photographers and landscape enthusiasts, this itinerary connects five of the region’s most iconic ecosystems into one continuous journey of dramatic scenery, diverse wildlife, and unforgettable photographic opportunities.

From the snow-capped peaks of Mount Kilimanjaro in Amboseli to the elephant-rich landscapes of Tarangire, the vast Serengeti plains, the wildlife-dense Ngorongoro Crater, and the predator-filled Maasai Mara, this safari offers unmatched variety in both subject matter and scenery.

Each destination has been carefully selected to maximize light conditions, wildlife density, and photographic diversity, making this one of the most complete photography safaris in Africa.

WHY THIS SAFARI IS SO POPULAR

This itinerary is highly sought after by photographers and visual storytellers because it combines:

  • Iconic African landscapes
  • High wildlife density areas
  • Diverse ecosystems in one circuit
  • Excellent predator viewing opportunities
  • Dramatic lighting conditions for photography
  • Big Five safari destinations
  • Opportunities for both wide-angle and close-up wildlife photography

Unlike standard safaris that focus on single regions, this itinerary ensures continuous variation in scenery, wildlife behavior, and photographic subjects.

ROUTE OVERVIEW

Nairobi → Amboseli National Park → Tarangire National Park → Ngorongoro Conservation Area → Serengeti National Park → Maasai Mara National Reserve → Nairobi

SAFARI HIGHLIGHTS

  • Mount Kilimanjaro sunrise photography in Amboseli
  • Large elephant herds in Tarangire National Park
  • UNESCO-listed Ngorongoro Crater wildlife density
  • Predator-rich Serengeti plains
  • Big Five wildlife in Maasai Mara
  • Endless savannah landscapes
  • Golden hour photography opportunities
  • Diverse ecosystems in a single safari circuit

FULL DETAILED ITINERARY

DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN NAIROBI

Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, you will be met by a representative from Horizon Explorer Africa Safaris and transferred to your hotel.

The rest of the day is reserved for rest and safari briefing.

Depending on arrival time, optional photography-related activities in Nairobi may include:

  • Nairobi National Park wildlife photography
  • Giraffe Centre visits
  • Cultural photography sessions

Overnight: Nairobi

DAY 2: NAIROBI → AMBOSELI NATIONAL PARK

After breakfast, depart Nairobi and travel south toward Amboseli National Park.

Arrive in time for lunch followed by an afternoon game drive.

Amboseli is world-famous for its unobstructed views of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak, making it one of the most photographed safari destinations in the world.

Wildlife commonly seen includes:

  • Elephants (large herds)
  • Lions
  • Cheetahs
  • Giraffes
  • Zebras

Sunset photography with Kilimanjaro in the background is a highlight of the day.

Overnight: Amboseli

DAY 3: FULL DAY AMBOSELI PHOTOGRAPHY SAFARI

Spend a full day exploring Amboseli with morning and afternoon game drives.

Early morning light offers the clearest views of Mount Kilimanjaro, making it the most important photography session of the day.

Amboseli is particularly famous for:

  • Large elephant herds crossing open plains
  • Dust-filled golden-hour landscapes
  • Kilimanjaro silhouette photography
  • Wetlands attracting hippos and birdlife

This is one of the most visually rewarding days of the entire safari.

Overnight: Amboseli

DAY 4: AMBOSELI → TARANGIRE NATIONAL PARK

After breakfast, depart Amboseli and proceed to the Namanga border for immigration formalities into Tanzania.

Continue to Tarangire National Park, arriving in time for an afternoon game drive.

Tarangire is known for its ancient baobab trees and massive elephant herds.

Wildlife includes:

  • Elephants
  • Lions
  • Leopards
  • Zebras
  • Wildebeest
  • Numerous bird species

Overnight: Tarangire

DAY 5: FULL DAY TARANGIRE PHOTOGRAPHY SAFARI

Spend the day exploring Tarangire National Park.

This park offers some of the best elephant photography opportunities in East Africa, particularly during the dry season when herds gather around the Tarangire River.

Key photographic highlights include:

  • Elephant herds under baobab trees
  • Dramatic river landscapes
  • Birdlife in wetland areas
  • Predator-prey interactions

Overnight: Tarangire

DAY 6: TARANGIRE → NGORONGORO CONSERVATION AREA

After breakfast, depart Tarangire and travel toward Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

Enjoy scenic landscapes along the way before arriving at your lodge on the crater rim.

The elevated viewpoint offers dramatic sunset photography over the crater.

Overnight: Ngorongoro Rim Lodge

DAY 7: NGORONGORO CRATER SAFARI

Descend early into Ngorongoro Crater for a full-day safari.

The crater is one of the most wildlife-dense areas in Africa, offering exceptional photographic opportunities.

Possible sightings include:

  • Black rhinos
  • Lions
  • Elephants
  • Buffalo
  • Hippos
  • Hyenas

The enclosed landscape allows for close-range wildlife photography in a dramatic setting.

Overnight: Ngorongoro

DAY 8: NGORONGORO → SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK

After breakfast, depart Ngorongoro and travel toward Serengeti National Park.

Enjoy en-route photography as landscapes transition into open savannah plains.

Arrive for an afternoon game drive in Serengeti.

Overnight: Serengeti**

DAY 9: FULL DAY SERENGETI PHOTOGRAPHY SAFARI

Spend a full day exploring Serengeti National Park.

This is one of the best predator photography destinations in Africa.

Wildlife includes:

  • Lions
  • Leopards
  • Cheetahs
  • Hyenas
  • Elephants
  • Wildebeest
  • Zebras

Golden-hour photography across the endless plains is a key highlight.

Overnight: Serengeti

DAY 10: SERENGETI WILDLIFE EXPLORATION

A second full day allows deeper exploration of Serengeti’s different regions.

Your guide will track wildlife movements to maximize photographic opportunities.

This flexibility is essential for capturing rare predator behavior and dramatic wildlife interactions.

Overnight: Serengeti

DAY 11: SERENGETI → MAASAI MARA (ISEBANIA BORDER)

After breakfast, depart Serengeti and head toward the Isebania border.

Complete immigration formalities and enter Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve.

Arrive for an evening game drive in the golden light of the savannah.

Overnight: Maasai Mara

DAY 12: FULL DAY MAASAI MARA PHOTOGRAPHY SAFARI

Spend a full day exploring Maasai Mara.

This is one of Africa’s most famous wildlife photography destinations.

Highlights include:

  • Lion prides in open plains
  • Cheetahs hunting in daylight
  • Elephant herds
  • Riverine landscapes
  • Seasonal migration herds

A picnic lunch allows extended time in the field.

Overnight: Maasai Mara

DAY 13: MAASAI MARA → NAIROBI → DEPARTURE

After breakfast, depart Maasai Mara and return to Nairobi.

Depending on flight schedules, optional lunch or shopping stops may be arranged.

Transfer to the airport for departure.

End of safari.

DESTINATIONS COVERED

Amboseli National Park

Famous for elephant herds and iconic Mount Kilimanjaro photography.

Tarangire National Park

Known for baobab landscapes and large elephant populations.

Ngorongoro Crater

A natural wildlife enclosure with extremely high animal density.

Serengeti National Park

One of the world’s best predator and landscape photography destinations.

Maasai Mara National Reserve

Premier Big Five safari destination with dramatic wildlife action.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

  • June to October: Dry season, best wildlife visibility
  • July to September: Peak migration season
  • January to March: Green season, excellent photography light and fewer crowds

ESTIMATED PRICE RANGE

Package TypePrice Per Person
BudgetUSD 5,800 – 7,800
Mid-RangeUSD 8,200 – 13,900
LuxuryUSD 14,500 – 26,000+

INCLUSIONS

  • Accommodation throughout safari
  • Park entry fees
  • Professional safari guide
  • Private safari vehicle
  • Game drives
  • Border crossing assistance
  • Meals as specified
  • Bottled drinking water
  • Airport transfers

EXCLUSIONS

  • International flights
  • Visa fees
  • Travel insurance
  • Optional activities
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Personal expenses

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is this safari good for photographers?

Yes. This itinerary is specifically designed for landscape and wildlife photography.

Can I see the Big Five?

Yes. All major Big Five destinations are included.

Is Kilimanjaro visible year-round?

Visibility depends on weather conditions, but early mornings in Amboseli offer the best chances.

Why include both Serengeti and Maasai Mara?

They form one ecosystem and provide continuous wildlife and photography opportunities.

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