A photography-focused journey through East Africa’s most iconic landscapes. Our 12 days Big Cats Wildlife & Cultural Photo Safari is designed for travelers and families who wish to experience East Africa through the lens combining exceptional wildlife density, dramatic scenery, and authentic cultural encounters across Kenya and Tanzania. Thoughtfully paced and family-friendly, the journey offers both seasoned photographers and enthusiastic beginners the opportunity to capture powerful, story-driven images in comfort and style.
Set against vast, sun-drenched savannahs and volcanic plains, this safari places you in the heart of Africa’s greatest wildlife arenas, where lion prides, elusive leopards, cheetahs on the hunt, and powerful elephants with their young move freely through pristine ecosystems. Carefully timed game drives focus on the best light of the day, maximizing photographic opportunities while allowing younger travelers ample time to rest and enjoy the experience. Accommodation is selected with photography and family comfort in mind: spacious lodges and well-positioned safari camps located close to key wildlife corridors. These provide easy access to prime viewing areas, warm hospitality, and tranquil spaces to relax, review images, and share stories after each day in the field.
Beyond wildlife, this journey weaves in meaningful cultural experiences, offering respectful interactions with local communities and insight into traditional ways of life. These moments add depth to the photographic narrative, enriching the safari with human stories that complement the wildlife imagery and inspire a deeper connection to the destinations visited.
Guided by experienced professional safari guides with a strong understanding of wildlife behavior and photographic positioning, each game drive is designed to balance learning, creativity, and enjoyment. Whether capturing a cheetah sprinting across the plains, elephants at golden hour, or a child’s first close encounter with wildlife, every day presents moments worth preserving.
This safari is ideal for families and travelers seeking a purposeful, visually rewarding journey one that blends iconic Big Cat encounters, cultural discovery, and relaxed luxury across the legendary landscapes of Kenya and Tanzania. More than a safari a photographic journey into Africa’s wild soul captured in moments, remembered for a lifetime.
Detailed itinerary
DAY 1: Arrival in Nairobi, Karibu Kenya
Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, your Nyumbu Beyond Journeys safari guide will meet you and provide a brief orientation. Following this, you will be transferred to your accommodation in Nairobi, which is approximately one hour away. There, you can settle in for the night and prepare for your exciting safari adventure
DAY 2: Full day in Nairobi | Magical Encounter with Giraffe & Elephants at Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
Visit the Giraffe Center to hand-feed Rothschild’s giraffe Centre is open from 9 AM to 5 PM, seven days a week. Feeding and tours operate throughout this time. Remember to carry a valid Identification Card with you. Proceeds from entry fees go towards our conservation education work with students and teachers across Kenya.
Take a stroll, or hike if you’re up to it, in our serene 1.5-kilometre nature trail and see how many species of bird you can spot – the record in one stroll is 60! Watch out for smaller animals such as dik-dik and squirrel. Next, Visit to Elephant orphanage and learn about each animal story and how they are taken care of in this beautiful project of conservation.
DAY 3:Transfer to Amboseli National Park
Depart for Amboseli National Park, famous for its big game and views of snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro. After lunch at your lodge and perhaps a lesson in spear throwing with your Child Activity Coordinator, set out on a game drive in search of elephant, zebra and wildebeest.
DAY 4:Full Day Amboseli National Park Experience
Discover the wonders of Amboseli National Park through an exhilarating full-day game drive, providing ample opportunities to catch glimpses of some of Africa’s most iconic wildlife in their natural habitat. As you traverse through the vast plains of Amboseli, keep an eye out for herds of elephants, buffalos, and zebras grazing on the open savannah, while lions and cheetahs prowl the grasslands in search of prey. The park is also home to over 400 bird species, making it a birdwatcher’s paradise.
The stunning backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa, provides a picture-perfect setting for your wildlife adventure. With experienced guides at your side, you’ll gain insights into the behaviors and habits of the animals you encounter, ensuring a memorable and educational experience.
DAY 5: Transfer to Ngorongoro Crater and guided game drive
Drive from Kenya into Tanzania, stopping in Arusha for lunch. Then, fly to Manyara and transfer to your lodge, perched on the rim of Ngorongoro Crater. A UNESCO World Heritage Site formed by the collapse of a volcano, Ngorongoro Crater is home to an incredible concentration of wildlife.
DAY 6: Guided Game Drive In Ngorongoro Crater
As you explore the grassy crater floor, you’ll encounter a plethora of herbivores such as Zebra, Elephant, Wildebeest, and Buffalo, all easily spotted in this wildlife paradise. Keep an eye out for the elusive Giraffes that occasionally grace the conservation area, alongside the rare Black Rhino, a true gem of the crater that is rarely seen elsewhere in Tanzania.
Don’t miss the chance to witness the impressive array of antelope species like Waterbuck, Impala, Topi, Oribi, Eland, Grant’s and Thomson’s Gazelles that call the crater home. The water pools scattered around attract a variety of wildlife, including the imposing hippopotamus.
Prepare for encounters with carnivores drawn by the abundance of herbivores, with sightings of Lion, Cheetah, Spotted Hyena, Black-backed, and golden jackal being quite common. Keep your eyes peeled for the elusive Leopard, a sporadic visitor to the crater.
The Ngorongoro conservation area also hosts a plethora of bird species, with highlights including the majestic Black kite, Black-winged lapwing, Hildebrandt’s spurfowl, Kenya rufous sparrow, and the elegant Lesser flamingo. Immerse yourself in the wonders of nature on a Game Drive safari in Ngorongoro Crater, where every moment is filled with excitement and awe.
DAY 7:Transfer to Serengeti Plains & Guided game drive
Venture into the awe-inspiring Serengeti Central for an unforgettable safari experience. Here, witness the extraordinary sight of over a million wildebeest, along with hundreds of thousands of zebra, Thomson’s gazelle, and other antelope species, all preyed upon by Africa’s iconic predators.
Stop for a privately guided visit to Olduvai Gorge, an archaeological site housing some of the earliest fossilized human bones. Arrive at your lodge and, time permitting, Ride Like a Local on a rousing game drive. While some animals call this area home year-round, many are part of the legendary ‘Great Migration,’ a spectacle that rivals any wildlife show on the planet. With careful planning, you can witness this remarkable event in its natural, unspoiled setting, away from the crowds. Serengeti Central offers the chance to immerse yourself in the beauty and drama of the African wilderness like never before.
DAY 8: Full Day Serengeti Central Experience
Following a relaxing picnic lunch, we continue our adventure with the Kopjes Circuit in the afternoon. This route winds around the Maasai Kopjes, renowned for attracting lions and giant cobras. Explore these granite outcrops, each a unique ecosystem offering shade and waterholes for wildlife. Keep watch for lions lurking in wait for their prey. Immerse yourself in the wonders of the Serengeti with this unforgettable full-day game drive experience.
DAY 9: Transfer Serengeti Central to Maasai Mara
Witness the beauty of this reserve, which is also home to a plethora of hippos, crocodiles, and other fascinating creatures. Masai Mara is famous for its large population of African lions, including the striking black-maned lion. Upon arrival, savor a delicious lunch at your chosen budget-friendly camp. Experience an exhilarating afternoon game drive, where you can encounter the captivating animals mentioned above and more. May your journey through Masai Mara be filled with unforgettable wildlife sightings and stunning natural beauty.
DAY 10: Full Day Maasai Mara Experience
A full day Maasai Mara game drive offers an incredible opportunity to explore the vast plains of the Mara and witness the diverse wildlife. Starting early in the morning, the game drive takes you through the various habitats of the park, including grasslands, woodlands, and riverine forests, where you can spot predators like lions, leopards, and cheetahs. You’ll also have the chance to see herds of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles as they graze and migrate across the savannah. Along the way, your experienced guide will provide fascinating insights into the wildlife and their behaviors.
For an even more unforgettable experience, you can opt for a hot air balloon safari, where you can soar above the Mara and witness the stunning landscapes and wildlife from a bird’s eye view. This experience offers a unique perspective and a chance to see the Mara from a different angle.
DAY 11: Full Day Game Drive In Masai Mara
Embark on an unforgettable Full Day Game Drive in Masai Mara, where your day begins with an early morning sunrise game drive offering a prime opportunity to witness predators on the hunt. After returning for a late breakfast, venture into the heart of the Masai Mara Game Reserve. Here, vast grassland plains are adorned with herds of Zebra, Giraffe, Gazelle, and Topi as you seek out the awe-inspiring Wildebeest Migration spectacle.
Following your morning adventures, return to your lodge for a relaxing late breakfast. Feel free to pack a picnic lunch and set out for a day-long exploration of the Maasai Mara or choose to unwind at the lodge in the morning, enjoying lunch at the premises before embarking on an afternoon safari as the temperatures become mild. Explore the wonders of the Masai tribes on this full evening excursion, immersing yourself in the beauty and wildlife of this iconic location.
DAY 12: Nairobi to Nairobi Airport for flight home
Upon completion of your exciting adventure and depending on your flight schedule, you will be picked up from your Nairobi accommodation to Jomo Kenyatta international airport, where you will depart for home with unforgettable memories and captivating photos. Experience a seamless transfer to Nairobi Airport in Nairobi City, as you are picked up by your guide and transferred comfortably in preparation for your flight.
