Capturing Tanzania:
A Guide to Photographic Safaris with Thrive Adventure
For many photographers, a wildlife safari in Tanzania is a bucket list experience that promises an abundance of opportunities to capture images of exotic wildlife, pristine wilderness landscapes and colorful cultural portraits. Any photographer who has been to Africa will tell you that the light is phenomenal, not to mention the twice-daily extravaganza as the sun rises above and dips below the horizon. Knowing what an attractive proposition Tanzania is for photographers, Thrive Adventures dedicate its services to catering to their unique needs. Join us now as we explore what makes it such an exciting destination, and how to make the most of your Tanzanian photographic safari adventure.
Why Choose Tanzania for Photographic Safaris?
Diverse Wildlife
With its varied habitats and vast tracts of land dedicated to conservation, Tanzania is renowned for the great diversity of animals, birds, reptiles, plants and landscapes that make up its colorful tapestry. Perhaps most sought-after by photographers are the Big Five: lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo; all of which are found roaming free in various national parks, reserves and conservancies. Predators are another huge drawcard, and the country has good populations of spotted hyena, cheetah, leopard and African wild dogs. These are present thanks to an abundance of prey, including giraffes, zebra, eland, topi, hartebeest, warthogs and various fleet-footed antelope species. Its lakes and rivers are home to giant crocodiles and belligerent hippos, while the air swarms with over a thousand different species of birds: from tiny warblers to soaring vultures. At literally every bend in the safari track, there is something new and fascinating to photograph.
Stunning Landscapes
Even the place names evoke images in the mind… Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Kilimanjaro. Yet seeing them in real life is an opportunity to capture the wilderness in a single frame. In the Serengeti, the endless, golden plains fuse with the impossibly blue sky. The Ngorongoro Crater – lush and fertile – is like a land that time forgot, dotted with abundant life. While the world’s tallest free-standing mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro, appears to exude arrogance as it looms over the surrounding landscape. All these and an infinite array of individually breathtaking landscapes are bathed in a light so warm and crisp that one is torn whether to photograph or just gaze in slack-jawed wonder. One moment lush and green, the next sparse and drab, the landscapes of Tanzania are a topic in their own right.
Cultural Richness
Tanzania is not just about wildlife; it’s also a land rich in culture and tradition. The Maasai people, with their vibrant attire and traditional lifestyle, offer unique cultural photography opportunities. Capturing the essence of local life, from bustling markets to serene village scenes, adds a profound depth to your photographic portfolio.
Of course, Tanzania is not just about its wildlife. It is a nation rich in culture, history and tradition. Very much part of the Tanzanian safari tradition, cultural encounters offer ample opportunity to capture moments ranging from idyllic pastoral life to frenzied rhythmic dances. You’ll travel far and wide to capture a smile as warm and welcoming as those seen across Tanzania. Always be sure to obtain permission from the people you wish to photograph and expect to be asked for payment.
Best Times to Visit
Seasonal Highlights
The timing of your visit can significantly impact your photographic safari experience. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect in different seasons:
- Great Migration (June to October): Dubbed “The Greatest Show on Earth”, the mass migration of over a million wildebeest and other herbivores, crossing crocodile-infested rivers and running a gauntlet of predators offers photographers a wealth of opportunity.
- Calving Season (January to March): The near-simultaneous arrival of thousands of newborns presents numerous predator-prey interactions interspersed with moments of tenderness.
- Dry Season (June to October): As water becomes scarce, wildlife concentrates around water sources, making for easier photography in sparse, clear-skied conditions.
- Green Season (November to May): With the rains, lush growth and great concentrations of birdlife make for colorful imagery.