Join award-winning photographer Cheryl Opperman for a photography safari of a lifetime to the diverse ecosystems of Tanzania, Africa. From Tarangire National Park to Ngorongoro Crater to the Serengeti, spend 14 days and 13 nights photographing some of the most amazing animals on the planet in their natural habitat.
Two vehicles will be dedicated to serious photography and spend plenty of time at each sighting to capture the best light. With only three participants per vehicle, each person will have an entire row to themselves for unobstructed photography on both sides.
In the evenings we will return to the lodges or camps for dinner and photography instruction from Cheryl. LEARN MORE ABOUT CHERYL: Cheryl Opperman Bio
August 31 – September 13, 2026 (Not including travel days)
$15,495* per person based on double occupancy (cash discount price) (Includes lodging, ground transportation, and most meals. Airfare, Visas, etc are additional. See list below)
$1,995* (cash discount price) Single Supplement
$295* (cash discount price) extra for a day early arrival to recover from jet lag.
*A cash discount is given when paying by cash/check
The safari is limited to 6 photographers (We reserve the right to add one vehicle for non-photographer companions). Follow the link below to register. The deposit is due upon registration. We will add additional dates if necessary based on demand. Custom dates are also available year round, so please email info@cherylopperman.com for more info.
$2,000 Non-refundable Deposit Due at Registration
Final Payment Due May 1, 2026
Sample Itinerary:
Duration: 14 Days, 13 nights
Destinations: Arusha, Tarangire, Ngorongoro, Ndutu, Serengeti
Accommodations: Lodges and Tented Camps
Transportation: 6 Seater 4WD Toyota Land Cruisers (with only 3 clients per vehicle)
Travel & EARLY Arrival Day
Depart home and arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where we will be waiting to meet you once you have cleared customs. Transfer to your accommodations, where you can enjoy a wonderful dinner on your own and a superb night’s rest and relaxation. This is your chance to really soak up the atmosphere and recharge your batteries for what lies ahead for your photo safari and river crossing.
Overnight at Lodge with Private Bath
Day 1 (August 31) – Travel & Arrival Day
Depart home on August 30th and arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport on August 31st, where we will be waiting to meet you once you have cleared customs. Transfer to your accommodations, where you will enjoy a wonderful dinner and a superb night’s rest and relaxation.
Early arrivals will have a leisure day while waiting for other participants to arrive.
Meals and overnight at Lodge with Private Bath
Day 2 (September 1) – Orientation / Game Drive to Arusha National Park.
After breakfast and a short orientation, you’ll set off on a scenic drive to Arusha National Park for game viewing and practice using camera techniques and flash. Arusha National Park is a gem of varied ecosystems and spectacular views of Mt. Meru, the crater that gives the region its name. The small national park includes the slopes, summit, and ash cone of Mt. Meru, the Momela Lakes, Ngurdoto Crater, and the lush highland forests that blanket its lower slopes. Game viewing around the Momela Lakes is at a laid-back and quiet pace with lots of flamingos and other birds. While passing through the forest, you will stop to search for troupes of rare Black & White colobus monkeys playing in the canopy. Late in the afternoon, you will return to your lodge.
Meals and overnight at Lodge with Private Bath
Day 3 (September 2) – Drive to Tarangire National Park
After Breakfast, we will load the luggage to your safari car and drive south through Arusha to prehistoric-looking Tarangire National Park. You will arrive at your safari lodge in time for lunch. After a hot lunch at your lodge, you will embark on afternoon game viewing and photography in a landscape dotted with baobab trees and umbrella-thorn acacias. Visiting the Silalei Swamp and Tarangire River are highlights of this park which is famous for some of the largest herds of elephants in Africa. In the dry season, large numbers of animals congregate along the life-giving river that provides the only permanent water for wildlife in the area. Here you may see lion, leopard, cheetah, lesser kudu, buffalo, Oryx, eland, giraffe and zebra. In addition to the animal species, the park is famous for its century-old baobab trees and over 300 species of birds.
Meals and overnight at Lodge with Private Bath
Day 4 (September 3) – Exploring the Tarangire National Park
You will enjoy a full day of game viewing at Tarangire National Park. The Silalei swamp acts as a giant sponge during the green season and slowly releases water during the dry season attracting a wide variety of animals and birds.
Meals and overnight at Lodge with Private Bath
Day 5 (September 4) – Tarangire – Ngorongoro Crater
After breakfast, you will have a final morning photography session and game viewing in Tarangire National Park. On the way to the next park you will visit the culturally-diverse village of Mtowa Mbu, set on the banks of the river of the same name, for an in-depth look at tribal life in the African bush. You will enjoy a late lunch with a local family before heading through the Ngorongoro Highlands to your lodge on the rim of the Crater.
Meals and overnight at Lodge with Private Bath
Day 6 (September 5) – Exploring the basin of the Ngorongoro Crater
Prepare for an early start after a tasty breakfast and descend into the crater for photography sessions and an in-depth exploration of this distinctive Eco-system. Enjoy abundant wildlife viewing set against the impressive backdrop of the Ngorongoro Crater, the heart of the conservation area. These drives provide one of the best opportunities in Africa to view black rhino, which tend to spend their time on the crater floor. Ngorongoro Crater is one of the world’s greatest natural spectacles. Its magical setting and abundant wildlife never fail to enthrall visitors. Another big draw to this picturesque Caldera, is its dense population of predators, which include lions, hyenas, jackals, cheetahs and the ever-elusive leopard. If you are lucky, you will have chance to see small cats like the Rare Caracal, Seval Cat as well as the African Wild Cat which sometimes requires a trained eye to spot. Picnic lunch will be served at one of the picnic sites at the crater floor, followed by afternoon game viewing around the hippo pool near the Mandusi Swamp. As the day comes to a close, you will return to the lodge for a scenic view of the sunset.
Meals and overnight at Lodge with Private Bath
Day 7 (September 6) – Scenic Drive to the Eastern-Central Serengeti
After an early breakfast, embark on a scenic drive towards the eastern-central Serengeti, passing through the stunning Malanja Depression. Along the way, take in breathtaking views of rolling highlands and vast open plains, where Maasai herders can often be seen tending their livestock against a dramatic landscape.
As you enter the eastern-central Serengeti, the scenery shifts to a mix of rugged hills, acacia woodlands, and open grasslands. This region is known for its incredible concentration of big cats, especially cheetahs and lions, which thrive in the expansive plains. It also serves as a key migration corridor for thousands of wildebeest and zebras, making it a prime location for unforgettable wildlife sightings.
After arrival at the tented camp, enjoy an afternoon game drive where you may encounter elephants moving gracefully through the savanna, giraffes browsing the treetops, and leopards resting in the shade. As the sun sets over the Serengeti, settle into your camp, surrounded by the sounds of nature, and reflect on the remarkable journey through one of Africa’s most iconic landscapes.
Meals and overnight at Tented Camp with Private Bath
Day 8 – 9 (September 7 – 8) – Explore the Eastern Serengeti Plains and Kopjes
Over the course of the next two days, you will explore this untamed wilderness through morning and afternoon game drives, maximizing your chances of incredible wildlife encounters.
On the first morning, venture into the legendary Gol Kopjes, a spectacular collection of ancient granite rock formations rising from the open plains. This area is famous for its high concentration of predators, particularly cheetahs, which use the open terrain for high-speed hunts. Lions are often seen lounging on the sun-warmed rocks, while leopards expertly camouflage themselves among the crevices. The surrounding plains are also home to herds of gazelles, zebras, and wildebeest, providing a constant spectacle of predator-prey interactions.
In the afternoon, continue your exploration in the Seronera River Valley, a lifeline that attracts a diverse range of wildlife year-round. The river’s permanent water supply sustains large herds of elephants, giraffes, impalas, buffalo, waterbucks, and hippos. Baboons and vervet monkeys swing through the trees, while crocodiles lie in wait along the riverbanks. This region is also a prime hunting ground for lions and leopards, offering thrilling opportunities to witness the raw power of nature.
On the second day, begin with another morning game drive, delving deeper into the vast Serengeti plains. Explore the expansive grasslands and hidden waterholes where elusive species such as servals, bat-eared foxes, and hyenas roam. The shifting light of the early morning provides the perfect setting for dramatic wildlife photography.
In the afternoon, revisit key areas or explore new sections of the region based on wildlife movement. Your guide will track recent sightings to ensure the best possible game-viewing experience. Whether it’s a pride of lions preparing for an evening hunt, a cheetah sprinting across the plains, or a herd of elephants making their way to a watering hole, every moment in the Serengeti is filled with wonder.
As each day draws to a close, return to your camp, where you can relax and reflect on the incredible experiences of the day. Enjoy the tranquility of the African wilderness, with the sounds of nature surrounding you, before another exciting day of adventure begins.
Meals and overnight at Tented Camp with Private Bath
Day 10 (September 9) – North Serengeti
After breakfast, you’ll embark on a scenic drive towards the remote and captivating Lamai area in the Northern Serengeti. Known for its breathtaking landscapes and rich wildlife, Lamai is one of the Serengeti’s best-kept secrets, offering a more secluded and intimate safari experience. As you traverse the open plains, dotted with acacia trees and granite kopjes, you may spot giraffes gliding across the horizon, zebras grazing in large herds, and even lions resting under shady trees.
Upon reaching your camp in Lamai just in time for lunch, you’ll have the chance to relax and soak in the tranquility of this remarkable region. Situated near the Mara River, Lamai is a prime location for wildlife viewing, especially during the Great Migration season when thousands of wildebeest and zebras cross the river, creating one of the world’s most dramatic natural spectacles. This is also a hotspot for predators like crocodiles, lions, and leopards, who lie in wait for their prey.
After some rest, set out on an exciting evening game drive to explore Lamai’s rugged and diverse landscapes. The areas rocky kopjes serve as hiding spots for predators like cheetahs and leopards, while the expansive savannahs are home to elephants, buffalo, and countless species of antelope. The lack of crowds in this part of the Serengeti allows for peaceful and uninterrupted wildlife encounters, enhancing the sense of being in the heart of the wilderness.
As the day draws to a close, the setting sun bathes the Lamai region in a warm, golden glow. The evening game drive offers a perfect opportunity to witness the animals as they become more active in the cooler hours. With the stunning scenery and abundant wildlife, Lamai provides an unforgettable safari experience, combining natural beauty, seclusion, and the thrill of the Serengeti.
Meals and overnight at Tented Camp with Private Bath
Day 11 – 13 (September 10 – 12) – North Serengeti
Prepare for an unforgettable multi-day adventure in the northern Serengeti, focusing on the Mara River and the enchanting Lamai area. Immerse yourself in the beauty of these regions with early morning and late afternoon game drives, where you’ll witness incredible wildlife moments.
As dawn breaks, depart from the camp with a picnic breakfast in hand, setting off on a thrilling journey to track the massive herds of the Great Migration. The Mara River, glowing in the soft morning light, offers the perfect backdrop for witnessing the breathtaking spectacle of wildebeest and zebras crossing the water. Watch as the herds carefully assess the dangers of crocodiles and unpredictable currents before making their daring plunge.
Find a peaceful spot along the river to enjoy your picnic breakfast, surrounded by the serene beauty of the Serengeti. After ample photography, return to camp for a leisurely lunch and time to relax.
In the afternoons, head out again for another game drive as the sun sets, exploring the Mara River and the captivating Wogakuria kopjes. The warm, golden light of sunset enhances the landscape, offering a magical view of the wildlife as they move through this stunning terrain.
The Mara River and Lamai area showcase the natural beauty and vitality of the Serengeti’s northern region, where untouched wilderness is teeming with life. As the day ends, return to camp, filled with the excitement of your journey. Enjoy a delicious dinner, surrounded by the sounds of the wild, and look forward to more incredible moments in the days ahead.
Meals and overnight at Tented Camp with Private Bath
Day 14 (September 13) – North Serengeti – Arusha
Begin your day with an early breakfast at the camp, soaking in the tranquil morning atmosphere before departing for Lamai Airstrip. Along the way, enjoy a final wildlife viewing as you bid farewell to the Serengeti’s vast plains and remarkable creatures.
Board a scenic bush flight from Lamai to Arusha, where you’ll be treated to stunning aerial views of the landscape below. Upon arrival, you’ll stop at a cultural heritage site for some optional shopping, giving you the chance to pick up unique Tanzanian treasures to remember your journey.
Finally, drive to the peaceful lodge where you will enjoy an early farewell dinner before continuing your drive to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight back home, carrying with you memories of Tanzania’s incredible beauty and wildlife.
Day use room at Hotel Near Airport
The Cost includes the following:
INCLUSIONS:
• All Airport, Hotel and Ground Transfers.
• Exclusive Use & Transport in our 4×4 Extended Toyota Land Cruisers.
• All Accommodations & Meals as indicated on the Itinerary
• All National Park Fees, Concession Fee & Reserve Entrance Fees
• All Fuel Costs
• Unlimited Game Drive & Mileage
• Unlimited Beverages such as drinking bottled-water, soft drinks, domestic beer, tea & coffee provided in the mini-refrigerator installed in safari vehicle
• Safari Wildlife & Birding Books provided in the vehicle
• Full-time Support from our ground operation team in Tanzania
• Professional, Certified, Fluent-English Speaking Naturalist Guide with 8 to 15 years of experience
• Internal Airfare / Bush Flight from Serengeti to Arusha
• Flying Doctors Membership Card for Emergency Evacuation to Nairobi
EXCLUSIONS:
• International Airfare to Kilimanjaro
• Visas
• Laundry & Beverages at Meals
• Travel Insurance
•Gratuities & Items of Personal Nature
•Extra Nights for Early Arrival or Late Departure
TRAVEL INSURANCE:
We strongly encourage you purchase comprehensive travel and evacuation insurance and we work with InsureMyTrip to offer our clients hand selected plans that will help protect your trip from a number of different perils. Feel free to follow the link below to visit the InsureMyTrip website. The site is easy to use to shop for plans and their staff is extremely helpful if you have any questions. They also have a number of informative articles about travel and insurance under the “Learn” tab on their website. Please be aware that some plans will not cover pre-existing and/or other conditions unless you purchase the policy shortly after making the FIRST deposit.
