New Safari Report: Tarangire, Lake Natron and Mkomazi – November 2024

The itinerary took us from Tarangire National Park to Lake Natron, and then further east to Mkomazi National Park — three very different places, each with its own photographic character.

In Tarangire, the safari began among ancient baobabs, elephants, open savannah and golden light. November brought softer landscapes, active birdlife and a calm rhythm in the field. With only a few vehicles around, we could work slowly, choose our angles carefully and stay with the scenes that deserved time. Elephants, cheetahs and birds gave us excellent photographic opportunities.

From there, we continued to Lake Natron, one of the most unusual and atmospheric landscapes in Tanzania. This is not a place defined by dense big game, but by space, silence, textures and scale. The alkaline flats, flamingos, Rift Valley scenery and the presence of Ol Doinyo Lengai, the sacred Maasai volcano, created a completely different photographic mood. Sunrise and sunset were especially rewarding, with delicate light, reflections, patterns in the shallow water and long, quiet sessions without crowds.

The final part of the journey brought us to Mkomazi National Park, a wild and still little-visited park bordering the greater Tsavo ecosystem. Here the feeling changed again: open plains, thorn scrub, distant hills, dramatic skies and a strong sense of wilderness. One of the most memorable moments of the safari was the encounter with black rhinos — a rare and privileged experience in such a quiet setting. Lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, hartebeest and outstanding raptor sightings added further depth to our days in the park.

What made this safari special was not only the wildlife, but the rhythm of the journey. It was not built around a checklist of famous places or rushed sightings. It was designed to explore a different side of Northern Tanzania: less crowded, more spacious, more contemplative and highly rewarding for photography.

For my guests, this quieter route was one of the great strengths of the experience. The variety between Tarangire’s baobabs and elephants, Lake Natron’s surreal landscapes and Mkomazi’s open wilderness created a safari that felt both diverse and coherent. It showed how rich Northern Tanzania can be when the itinerary moves beyond the most predictable routes.

The full safari report is now available here: Read the full safari report

Similar itineraries can be designed for private travellers, couples or small groups who are interested in wildlife photography, landscapes, light, slow observation and routes away from the busiest safari circuits.