Tanzania’s national parks and reserves are the perfect canvas for wildlife photographers, each offering a unique set of opportunities and challenges. Here are some of the best destinations for a photographic safari in Tanzania:

Serengeti National Park

One of the most famous wildlife destinations in the world, the Serengeti is synonymous with Africa’s greatest wildlife spectacle. This vast savannah, dotted with acacia trees and rocky outcrops, is the stage for the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles traverse the plains, followed by predators such as lions, cheetahs, and hyenas.

Best for:

• The Great Migration (best seen between June and October)
• Action shots of predator-prey interactions
• Iconic wide-angle shots of the Serengeti plains with animals in the background
• Sunset and sunrise photos over the plains

Photography Tips:

• The early morning and late afternoon light create perfect conditions for photographing animals in soft, golden light.
• The Serengeti is also known for its distinctive kopjes (rocky outcrops), which make for dramatic photographic backdrops.
• Wildlife tends to be more active at dawn and dusk, so these times are optimal for capturing dynamic animal behaviors.

Ngorongoro Crater

The Ngorongoro Crater is one of the most picturesque places on Earth and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This collapsed volcanic caldera is home to a high concentration of wildlife, including the “Big Five” (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhino). The Crater’s lush vegetation and waterholes provide diverse opportunities for wildlife photography against a stunning backdrop of green pastures and forested slopes.

Best for:

• Wildlife portraits of the Big Five in close proximity
• Landscape shots of the crater floor with animals roaming freely
• Close-up shots of black rhinos, one of the rarest and most elusive species

Photography Tips:

• The early morning mist often creates atmospheric shots, with wildlife partially shrouded in fog.
• You can get relatively close to the animals, allowing for detailed close-up shots without disturbing them.
• The Crater has many waterholes where animals congregate, offering excellent opportunities to capture herd dynamics.

Tarangire National Park

Tarangire is famous for its large elephant herds, iconic baobab trees, and relatively fewer crowds compared to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro. This park is an excellent destination for photographers who want to capture the majestic elephants in their natural environment, along with other wildlife such as giraffes, zebras, and wildebeest.

Best for:

• Elephant photography, particularly during the dry season when large herds congregate around water sources
• Baobab tree landscapes with wildlife in the foreground
• Birds, including the vibrant African hoopoe and the secretary bird

Photography Tips:

• The dry season (June to September) attracts large numbers of elephants and other wildlife around the limited water sources, making it easier to capture compelling animal interactions.
• Tarangire’s unique baobab trees, which are perfect for wide-angle shots, add drama to any composition, especially when lit by the warm light of dawn or sunset.

Lake Manyara National Park

Lake Manyara, located at the base of the Great Rift Valley, is famous for its flamingo populations, tree-climbing lions, and lush forests. It offers a mix of landscape and wildlife photography, with opportunities to capture animals in the dense forest or along the lake’s shores.

Best for:

• Bird photography, especially flamingos and pelicans
• Tree-climbing lions, which are a unique phenomenon in Manyara
• Wildlife in diverse environments, from forest to lakeshore

Photography Tips:

• Take advantage of the variety of landscapes—photograph the animals in the lush forest, on the lake shores, or with the Rift Valley escarpment in the background.
• Flamingos are best captured at dawn when the light is softer, and the birds are more active.

Selous Game Reserve

Selous, now part of the larger Nyerere National Park, is one of the largest game reserves in Africa and one of the least explored. The park offers a more remote and wild experience than the more visited national parks. It’s known for its varied terrain, including riverine forests, wetlands, and savannahs, and it is home to large populations of elephants, lions, buffaloes, and wild dogs.

Best for:

• Scenic landscape shots, with the Rufiji River and its wildlife
• African wild dog packs, one of the rarer species to capture
• Photographs of elephants, especially in dramatic riverine settings

Photography Tips:

• The river offers great opportunities for capturing elephants and other animals drinking or crossing.
• Early morning boat safaris on the Rufiji River provide unique angles for wildlife shots, particularly of animals coming to the water’s edge.