This itinerary widens the photographic brief beyond predators and megafauna to include East Africa’s exceptional birdlife — four parks chosen specifically for the combination of Big Five subjects and strong bird photography opportunities.
Detailed Itinerary
DAY 1
Arrival at Nairobi, then a drive to Amboseli National Park, with an afternoon photographic session as elephant herds move against Kilimanjaro’s backdrop.
Arrive Nairobi, Transfer to Amboseli
Accommodation Options
Mid-rangeAmboseli Serena Safari Lodge
LuxuryTortilis Camp
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
DAY 2
Dawn and dusk sessions among Amboseli’s elephant herds, timed for the clearest Kilimanjaro views.
Full Day Photographic Session, Amboseli
Accommodation
As above
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 3
A drive to Lake Naivasha, with an afternoon boat-based photography session among fish eagles, kingfishers and hippo.
Transfer to Lake Naivasha
Accommodation Options
Mid-rangeLake Naivasha Sopa Lodge
LuxurySawela Lodges
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 4
A walking photography session on Crescent Island, unrestricted access to giraffe, zebra and abundant waterbirds.
Birding at Crescent Island
Accommodation
As above
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 5
A flight to Kilimanjaro or Arusha, then a drive to Tarangire National Park.
Fly to Arusha, Transfer to Tarangire
Accommodation Options
Mid-rangeTarangire River Camp
LuxuryOliver’s Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 6
Dawn and dusk sessions among Tarangire’s elephant herds and baobab-studded landscape, strong for both wildlife and landscape work.
Full Day Photographic Session, Tarangire
Accommodation
As above
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 7
A drive to Lake Manyara National Park, with an afternoon session beneath the escarpment.
Transfer to Lake Manyara
Accommodation Options
Mid-rangeLake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge
LuxuryTarangire Treetops
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 8
A full day focused on Lake Manyara’s exceptional birdlife, with over 350 species recorded on the lake, plus a chance at tree-climbing lions.
Full Day Birding, Lake Manyara
Accommodation
As above
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 9
A drive down to Arusha, with the afternoon free to review images and relax.
Transfer to Arusha, Free Time
Accommodation Options
Mid-rangeHatari Lodge
LuxuryRivertrees Country Inn
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 10
Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward international flight.
Departure
Meals: Breakfast
Permits & Costs
| Amboseli park entry | ~$60 per person per day |
| Lake Naivasha boat safari & Crescent Island entry | ~$50 per person |
| Tarangire & Lake Manyara park entry | ~$60 per person per day |
Who This Itinerary Suits
Photographers with a genuine interest in birdlife alongside mammals, not solely predator-and-migration imagery.Tour Includes
- Low-profile photographic vehicle with bean bag supports
- Photography-trained driver-guide, birding specialist on request
- Regional flight, Kenya to Tanzania
- All accommodation per itinerary
- Meals as specified
- Park entry fees
Tour Excludes
- International flights
- Visas
- Tips & gratuities
- Travel insurance
- Camera gear and lenses