Tanzania photography holidays: the best lodges and hotels
The Serengeti is one of Africa's most captivating safari areas and the annual migration circular migration of wildebeest, along with zebra, Grant's gazelle, Thomson's gazelle, eland and impala attracts many photographers in the area. For keen photographers, like other keen wildlife-watchers, will want to understand how the herds are likely to move over the year; see our comments and moving map of where to see the Serengeti wildebeest migration for the full story!
A photography holiday in Tanzania's north can easily include visits to the Maasai people, who live mostly in the northern Tanzania. In at least one location in the Serengeti you can also visit some well-preserved rock paintings of animals, shields and other traditional military regalia. Note that although the Maasai are usually happy to be photographed, most will ask visitors for a fee for this.
Photogenic people and wildlife are not the only aspects of a visit to attract photographers to northern Tanzania. Here the topography is varied - from grassy plains, open woodland, imposing mountains and forests to networks of channels, lakes and swamps. The dramatic scenery of the Great Rift Valley - rolling volcanic hills, deep craters and groves of skeletal baobabs - is amazing for a photography holiday.
As an alternative to the north, southern Tanzania's scenery is gentler. Here it's less common to hire a private vehicle with a guide, and more common to stay at a camp which organises your activities. So you won't usually have the flexibility of your own vehicle - but you are more likely to have an open-sided and sometimes even open-topped vehicle, which can really help with individual photographs.
Photography holidays elsewhere in Africa
Our top ideas and inspiration for Photography holidays in other countries.
Where to see wildlife species in Africa
Maximise the chances of seeing your favourite African animals based on traveller sightings reports from the field.
Lion
Panthera leo
Lions are at the top of the food chain and also most safari wish-lists, but with their numbers falling fast, any encounter with these majestic apex predators always feels like a privilege.
80% SUCCESS
1,711 sightings from 2,141 observations
Leopard
Panthera pardus
The most numerous of Africa’s big cats, leopard occur across many habitats, from wild tracts to populated areas. Their grace and their elusive nature make them a unique safari drawcard.
45% SUCCESS
1,088 sightings from 2,404 observations
Cheetah
Acinonyx jubatus
The cheetah is the fastest land animal and the only cat that hunts by pure speed. Found largely in open grasslands, its slim, elegant form is today an increasingly rare sight.
30% SUCCESS
561 sightings from 1,876 observations
Wild dog
Lycaon pictus
African wild dogs are among the continent’s most compelling animals. Much misunderstood, these rare, tie-dyed canids are amazingly efficient hunters with a fascinating social life.
31% SUCCESS
486 sightings from 1,573 observations
Spotted Hyena
Crocuta crocuta
The spotted hyena may be thought of as ‘ugly’ and ‘cowardly’. In fact, this versatile and intelligent carnivore is one of Africa’s most fascinating and warrants attention on any safari.
51% SUCCESS
1,177 sightings from 2,293 observations
Wildebeest
Connochaetes sp.
Superficially bovine in appearance, wildebeests are known for their spectacular migrations sometimes in huge numbers. These resilient animals are some of Africa’s most successful herbivores.
66% SUCCESS
1,414 sightings from 2,141 observations
Buffalo
Syncerus caffer
One of the ‘Big Five’, buffalo earned a fearsome reputation in hunters’ tales. By contrast, big herds of these sociable bovids are placid, but mount formidable defences against predators.
82% SUCCESS
1,422 sightings from 1,741 observations
Chimpanzee
Pan troglodytes
The chimpanzee is our closest living relative. This highly intelligent great ape is a forest animal with a sophisticated social life. Any encounter in the wild is a memorable experience.
100% SUCCESS
18 sightings from 18 observations
Eland
Taurotragus oryx
Africa’s largest antelope, eland are culturally important from prehistoric rock art to modern game farms. Though widespread, they are also shy so sightings are uncommon and often fleeting.
46% SUCCESS
791 sightings from 1,710 observations
Elephant
Loxodonta africana
By far the biggest of the so-called Big Five – indeed, the largest land animal on the planet – the elephant shapes the very landscape it inhabits and is a defining presence on any safari.
90% SUCCESS
2,050 sightings from 2,279 observations
Oryx
Oryx sp.
Oryx are impressive antelopes, with a powerful physique and elegant markings set off by rapier-like horns. They cut a distinctive dash in some of Africa’s harshest landscapes.
70% SUCCESS
810 sightings from 1,157 observations
Gerenuk
Litocranius walleri
With its slender frame and extraordinarily long neck, this unmistakable East African antelope resembles an attenuated impala and often stands on its back legs browse high shrubs.
75% SUCCESS
54 sightings from 72 observations
Giraffe
Giraffa camelopardalis
The world’s tallest land mammal, giraffes are herbivores which have evolved many unique adaptations. Their iconic outlines tower above the bush in many of Africa’s wildlife areas.
84% SUCCESS
1,980 sightings from 2,351 observations
Hippo
Hippopotamus amphibius
The territorial calls of the hippo create a signature soundtrack to Africa’s rivers & wetlands. Despite an endearing smile, this aquatic herbivore has a notoriously aggressive disposition.
88% SUCCESS
1,489 sightings from 1,683 observations
Roan antelope
Hippotragus equinus
Africa’s second largest antelope and one of its most handsome, with a powerful build and distinctive markings, roan are wary of people, but renowned for their bravery against predators.
23% SUCCESS
282 sightings from 1,202 observations
Sable antelope
Hippotragus niger
Perhaps Africa’s most beautiful antelope, sable are renowned for their combative nature, even holding off lions. Shy and restricted in range, sightings of sable are always special.
21% SUCCESS
252 sightings from 1,183 observations
Sitatunga
Tragelaphus spekii
The sitatunga is the most aquatic of Africa’s antelopes and specially adapted to its swampy habitats. Though widespread across Africa, only a handful of places offer reliable sightings.
18% SUCCESS
33 sightings from 188 observations
Striped Hyena
Hyaena hyaena
The striped hyena is the most widespread of the world’s hyenas, but absent from southern Africa. A rarely-seen nocturnal scavenger, it is shyer and more solitary than its spotted cousin.
14% SUCCESS
68 sightings from 472 observations
Zebra
Equus sp.
The zebra is a quintessential African animal: the horse in stripy pyjamas at the end of every child’s A–Z. There are three species, of which the plains zebra is much the most common.
84% SUCCESS
2,208 sightings from 2,640 observations
Aardvark
Orycteropus afer
The aardvark is one of Africa’s most bizarre and enigmatic animals. A shy, nocturnal termite-eater, signs of its presence may be scattered about the bush whilst sightings remain elusive.
3% SUCCESS
54 sightings from 1,996 observations
Pangolin
Smutsia sp.
Pangolins appear to be more pine cone than animal in their unique armoury of scales. These nocturnal, ant-eating oddities are not only highly elusive but also increasingly rare.
2% SUCCESS
36 sightings from 1,906 observations
Black Rhino
Diceros bicornis
The black rhino is the smaller and rarer of Africa’s two rhino species but has the more fearsome reputation. Shy and heavily persecuted, it tends to stick to cover.
29% SUCCESS
337 sightings from 1,152 observations
