Photo Safari Report: Tarangire, Ngorongoro & Serengeti (Grumeti) – June (Dry Season)
June is one of my favourite months for a safari in northern Tanzania. The dry season has fully settled in, the landscapes become cleaner and more open, and wildlife sightings often feel more concentrated around water and key feeding areas.
At the same time, June sits in a wonderful “in-between” period — the safari experience can still feel remarkably calm compared to peak months later in the season.
This was a classic northern Tanzania itinerary: Tarangire National Park, followed by the Ngorongoro Crater and Conservation Area, and finishing in the Serengeti National Park, based in the Grumeti region.
The key intention behind this journey is not only to see Tanzania’s iconic wildlife, but to do it in a way that felt quiet, unhurried, and deeply connected to nature — escaping the crowds, taking our time, and focusing on quality encounters rather than rushing through a checklist.
Tarangire National Park – Elephants, Baobabs and Golden Dry-Season Light
We began our safari in Tarangire, a park that never fails to deliver atmosphere and strong photographic opportunities. In June, Tarangire feels beautifully “textured”: dusty tracks, warm light, and the dramatic silhouettes of ancient baobabs standing over open plains and acacia woodland.
From the first drives, we found excellent wildlife activity. Elephant sightings were a consistent highlight — families moving calmly through the bush, often crossing open spaces where we could photograph them with clean backgrounds and a real sense of scale. The dry season also created wonderful conditions for storytelling images: dust hanging in the air, strong contrast in the light, and animals naturally gravitating toward key areas.
We also enjoyed:
- Striking dry-season landscapes, with baobabs and open horizons
- Classic plains game scenes, ideal for wide compositions
- Beautiful morning and late-afternoon light that made every subject feel more dramatic
Tarangire set the tone perfectly: iconic Tanzania, but still calm and immersive.
Ngorongoro Crater & Conservation Area – Big Game, Unique Landscapes and a Sense of Scale
From Tarangire we continued toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, where the scenery shifts dramatically as you climb into cooler highlands. The Crater rim views are always spectacular, but in June the visibility and crispness of the air can make the landscape feel even more impressive.
Descending into the Ngorongoro Crater is one of those moments that never loses its impact — it feels like entering a self-contained world. The density of wildlife here is exceptional, and we had a full and rewarding day exploring the crater floor. The combination of open grasslands, wetlands and forest edges provides an incredible variety of habitats and photographic possibilities.
Beyond the crater itself, the broader Conservation Area offered a different pace — wide spaces, changing light, and a feeling of travelling through living geography rather than simply driving between sightings. It was a wonderful contrast to Tarangire’s dry woodland and a perfect transition before heading into the Serengeti.
Fly-in: Lake Manyara Airstrip to the Serengeti (Grumeti) – A Seamless Shift into Remote Wilderness
One of the highlights of this itinerary was the fly-in from Lake Manyara airstrip to the Grumeti area of the Serengeti. This flight is more than just a transfer — it’s part of the safari experience. Seeing the landscape unfold from the air gives you a real understanding of the scale of northern Tanzania.
Arriving in the Grumeti region immediately felt like stepping into a more remote version of the Serengeti: fewer vehicles, a more exclusive atmosphere, and that special feeling of space that photographers always appreciate.
Serengeti National Park (Grumeti Area) – Classic Serengeti, Without the Rush
The Grumeti area is a superb choice for travellers who want the Serengeti experience but prefer a quieter rhythm. The scenery here is classic: rolling plains, riverine woodland, and beautiful open areas that allow wildlife to be photographed in context.
Our days in Grumeti were shaped by long, patient sessions with sightings — the kind of time you rarely get in busier areas. Instead of feeling rushed, we could observe behaviour, wait for better light, and work different angles. It’s a style of safari that rewards both photographers and nature lovers.
We enjoyed excellent game viewing, and the atmosphere of Grumeti itself became one of the strongest memories of the trip: the feeling of being far from crowds, surrounded by space, and truly present in the moment.
From Safari to the Sea: Grumeti to Zanzibar
After our final Serengeti days, the guests flew from Grumeti to Zanzibar, seamlessly transitioning from wildlife and wilderness to a well-earned beach holiday.
It’s one of the best combinations Tanzania can offer: an intense and immersive safari experience followed by time to relax by the Indian Ocean.
Reflections – A Classic Itinerary, Experienced in a Quiet and Meaningful Way
This safari was a perfect example of how a “classic” northern Tanzania route can still feel unique and deeply personal when it’s timed well and paced correctly.
June gave us the dry-season advantages — wildlife visibility, strong light, and concentrated activity — while still maintaining a calmer feel compared to the peak months.
Most importantly, the guests truly appreciated and enjoyed the journey. They repeatedly commented on how refreshing it was to experience these iconic parks without constant crowds, and how much they valued the unhurried rhythm and intimate connection with nature.
It was exactly what we set out to achieve: a safari that felt authentic, quiet, and unforgettable.