The big cat odyssey
Safari Overview
This 10-day itinerary is designed for the “Big Cat” enthusiast, specifically focusing on the remote Namiri Plains in the Eastern Serengeti an area once closed for 20 years to allow the cheetah population to flourish.
By staying in luxury tented camps and elite lodges inside the parks, you ensure your camera is ready the moment the sun hits the horizon.
Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). You will be met by your professional photography guide and transferred to your first accommodation.
A day of rest and gear calibration. No formal photography is scheduled to allow you to recover from your journey.
- Morning: A comprehensive itinerary briefing at the lodge. We will discuss the specific topography of Namiri and the behavior of Tarangire’s elephant herds.
Drive to Tarangire National Park for an afternoon game drive.
A hot lunch at the lodge before we head into the park.
Accommodation:Â A luxury tented camp located deep within Tarangire to capture the late-evening elephant movements.
A full day exploring the riverine forests and the Silale Swamp.
- Photography: Ancient Baobabs and large elephant families.
A picnic lunch somewhere in the park under a sprawling tree to keep you near the water sources.
Accommodation:Â Luxury tented camp (Inner Tarangire).
Morning drive in Tarangire, followed by a transition into the cool, lush Ngorongoro Highlands.
A hot lunch at a scenic spot during the drive to refresh for the evening.
Accommodation:Â A luxury lodge situated directly on the Ngorongoro Crater Rim for sunset landscape photography.
A full-day descent into the crater floor at dawn.
- Photography: Black Rhino, massive “Tuskers” (elephants), and lions in the yellow-fever acacia forests.
A picnic lunch somewhere in the park near the hippo pool to maximize shooting time.
Accommodation:Â Luxury lodge on the Crater Rim.
Moving into the Central Serengeti, a region famous for its high density of leopards and lions.
- Photography: Leopards in trees and lions on the iconic “Kopjes” (rock outcrops).
A picnic lunch en route as we enter the Serengeti plains.
Accommodation:Â A luxury tented camp positioned to allow for quick access to the Seronera River loops.
Dedicated morning and afternoon drives focusing on the “Big Cats” of the central valley.
A hot lunch at the camp to escape the midday heat and review your morning frames.
Accommodation:Â Luxury tented camp (Central Serengeti).
A scenic drive east into the remote Namiri Plains. This area is exclusive, with very few vehicles and a massive cheetah population.
- Photography: Cheetahs on the move and lions atop the dramatic Soit Le Motonyi rock formations.
A picnic lunch during the transit to explore the plains as we move.
Accommodation:Â An ultra-luxury tented camp in the Namiri Plains, where the nearest neighbor is over an hour away.
Full day of exploration in this predator-rich territory.
- Photography: Because of the lack of other tourists, we can spend hours with a single subject, capturing intimate behavioral shots.
A hot lunch at the camp to enjoy the 360-degree views of the plains from the deck.
Accommodation:Â Luxury tented camp (Namiri Plains).
A final dawn game drive in the Namiri Plains to capture the last sunrise.
Mid-morning transfer to the local airstrip for a bush flight back to Arusha.
Farewell meal in Arusha before your transfer to Kilimanjaro (JRO) for your flight home.
Accommodation Philosophy
INCLUSIVE AND NON-INCLUSIVE
To help you plan and budget accurately, here is the breakdown of what is typically covered in our premium safari packages and what you should expect to handle personally.
What is Included
Professional Private Guide:Â A highly experienced, English-speaking local guide (or photography expert) dedicated to your group for the entire duration.
Custom 4×4 Safari Vehicle: Use of a Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof for 360-degree viewing, charging ports for cameras/phones, and a fridge/cooler box.
Park & Entry Fees:Â All national park fees, Ngorongoro Crater service fees, and conservation taxes for all locations listed in your itinerary.
Accommodations: All nights in luxury tented camps, mobile camps, or lodges as specified.
Full Board Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day. This includes the mentioned hot lunches at camp and picnic lunches in the bush.
Drinking Water: Unlimited purified/bottled water provided in the vehicle during all game drives. Airport Transfers: Pick-up and drop-off at Kilimanjaro (JRO) or Arusha Airport.
Internal Bush Flights: If your itinerary includes a flight (e.g., Kogatende to Arusha), the flight ticket and airstrip transfers are included.
The “Experiences”:Â Cultural visits, Olduvai Gorge entry, and the specific Tranquility Experiences (as these are part of our guided service).
What is Not Included
International Flights:Â Your travel from your home country to Tanzania and back.
Tanzanian Visa: Most travelers require a visa (approx. $50–$100 USD depending on nationality), which can be obtained online or at the airport.
Travel Insurance:Â We strongly recommend comprehensive insurance that covers medical emergencies and trip cancellations.
Tips & Gratuities: Tipping is customary in Tanzania. As a general guideline:
Camp/Lodge Staff: $10–$15 USD per person (usually via a communal tip box).
Alcoholic Beverages & Sodas: While water is provided, alcohol and soft drinks at lodges are typically billed extra (unless staying at an “Ultra-Luxury All-Inclusive” camp).
Optional Balloon Safari: Usually costs approx. $550–$600 USD per person (unless explicitly added to your total package).
Personal Items:Â Laundry services, souvenirs, telephone calls, and any extra snacks or specialized snacks not provided by the camp.
Medical Requirements: Yellow Fever vaccinations (if required) and Malaria prophylaxis.