Magical Tanzania

with Award-Winning Photographer Jackie Kramer
Date:
May 15 - May 28, 2026
Duration:
14 Days
Price:
From $11,195
Interests:

About this trip

Enjoy unforgettable wildlife viewing and incredible photo opportunities in some of Tanzania’s most famous parks and reserves on this 14-day adventure with avid nature photographer and photography teacher Jackie Kramer. Receive personal instruction while capturing images of magnificent wildlife – including the famed Big Five – in Arusha and Tarangire National Parks and in stunning Ngorongoro Crater. Cap off the safari experience in the legendary Serengeti ecosystem, where you’ll see vast migrating herds and iconic landscapes. You'll also learn about Africa’s diverse indigenous groups with authentic cultural encounters in local communities, where you’ll have the opportunity to engage with local people and observe their way of life.

Highlights

  • Sharpen your photographic skills against the backdrop of Tanzania’s vibrant natural and cultural landscapes, with guidance by master photographer Jackie Kramer.
  • Go on morning and afternoon wildlife-viewing drives in the Serengeti, Tanzania’s most renowned national park and home to the greatest concentration of large mammals on Earth.
  • Explore Tarangire National Park, known for its large herds of up to 300 elephants and its picturesque baobab trees.
  • Descend into Ngorongoro Crater, a natural amphitheater with a rich concentration of wildlife including zebras, lions, and wildebeest.
  • Walk through open grasslands at the foothills of Mt. Meru in search of warthogs, buffaloes, giraffes, antelopes, and a variety of avian species.
  • Celebrate Tanzanian culture as you explore local villages, browse markets, visit a local school, and meet artisans.
  • Occupancy in the safari vehicles is capped at 3 travelers per vehicle, ensuring each person has their own row for unobstructed photo opportunities.

Meet your leader

Jackie Kramer

Jackie has been photographing the natural world, with an emphasis on flowers and birds since high school. Jackie's work has received international acclaim for her images and has been published in numerous online and print magazines. Jackie's true passion is to encourage people to live their legacy, which she does primarily through her Facebook group, Phlorography - Artistic Floral Photography, with passionate floral photographers from around the world. She is committed to supporting other photographers and using photography as a medium to build relationships and enrich each other’s lives. Jackie leads photography tours to gardens in North America (& elsewhere) and to birding hotspots in Central and South America and also hosts an online academy with classes taught by world renowned photographers.

Website: www.jackiekramerfineart.com/

Land Cost

$11,195

Per person

About this price

Land cost only. Does not include round-trip airfare to and from destination.

Single room supplement $800

What makes us different

Rich content

All of our programs include experiences that are enriching and engaging to facilitate a genuine connection between our travelers and their destinations

Carbon offsetting

As part of our commitment to sustainable travel, we partner with ClimateSafe to offset the carbon emissions from each journey

Wildlife up-close

Enjoy up-close observation of the behaviors and interactions of wildlife in their native habitats

Service anytime

Enjoy worry-free travel — our emergency line is monitored 24/7/365 so we can assist you if any problems arise while you’re traveling with us

We know what photographers need

From stunning landscapes and animals to comfortable accommodations and private vehicles, all of the details are selected with photographers in mind

Support local communities

We work with local guides and organizations so your trip includes authentic cultural experiences while supporting the economy of the region

Daily Itinerary

Print Itinerary
Depart US
Begin your adventure from your home departure city for your overnight flight to Arusha, Tanzania.
En Route
Arusha
Upon arrival to Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel for overnight. Check in starts at 12 pm.
Arusha Serena Hotel
Aursha
Breakfast this morning is available at 6:30 am. Following breakfast there will be a program orientation session at 8 am in the hotel conference room. Depart the hotel at approximately 8:40 am for your drive to Arusha National Park for your first wildlife-viewing drive, giving you an opportunity to see flamingos, blue monkeys, giraffes, zebras, buffalos, antelopes, and with luck, black-and-white colobus monkeys. After lunch, an armed park ranger will accompany you for a nature walk in the foothills of Mt. Meru. Explorations will take you through open grasslands where you may see warthogs, buffalos, giraffes, antelopes, and a variety of avian species. In the wooded areas of the park, be on the lookout for blue monkeys as well as the black-and-white colobus monkeys. Your walk will end at the beautiful waterfalls in the area. Return to Arusha for dinner.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Arusha Serena Hotel
Tarangire National Park
Rise before the sun comes up to have early morning photo opportunities around the lodge grounds. After breakfast and check-out, visit a local market and see locals shopping and going about their daily routine. After market, visit Shanga Beads. Founded in 2007, this local project is made up of a group of more than 70 people with a wide range of disabilities who create a variety of products using techniques including weaving, glass-blowing, beading, paper-making, and metal work, using recycled materials wherever possible. Their philosophy is that kindness is a language that blind people see and deaf people hear. Learn about the birth of the project and visit the workshops, as well as the gift shop, to witness the amazing artistry of this heartwarming project. Have lunch in town before traveling to Tarangire National Park with afternoon wildlife-viewing drives en route.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Sopa Tarangire Lodge
Tarangire National Park
Begin your morning with a wildlife drive in Tarangire National Park. Tarangire is known in particular for its large population of elephants as well as its iconic baobab trees. The park's 1,096 square miles of protected lands are also home to wildlife such as wildebeests, zebras, gazelles, elands, gerenuks, lions, and leopards, which travel long distances to arrive at the area's only permanent river, the Tarangire River, which snakes through the park. Extensive grasslands, dusted with the occasional acacia or baobab tree, provide the optimum conditions for viewing and photographing flora and fauna. Bird lovers will have the opportunity to see more than 500 avian species, including Yellow-collared Lovebirds, Rufous-tailed Weavers, Ashy Starlings, Common Ostriches, and Kori Bustards. After lunch and time to relax, you will go back out for an afternoon wildlife drive.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Sopa Tarangire Lodge
Ngorongoro Crater
After breakfast, check out and depart for Ngorongoro Serena Lodge. En route, enjoy a wildlife drive and stop for lunch at African Galleria Restaurant. After check-in, take a late afternoon nature walk on the rim of the crater accompanied by a park ranger. Enjoy dinner this evening with amazing views of the crater below.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Ngorongoro Serena Lodge
Ngorongoro Crater
This morning, descend into Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that's often called the 8th Wonder of the World, for a wildlife drive among one of the most unique concentrations of animals on earth. Vast grasslands cover most of the crater floor and provide ample grazing for resident zebras, gazelles, wildebeest, elephants, warthogs, and rhinos. With a large number of prey species contained within the crater, it is not surprising that Ngorongoro is also home to a dense population of lions. During your drive, you will be treated to a picnic lunch in the crater. In the late afternoon, drive back out of the crater and return to the lodge in time to take in an unforgettable sunset.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Ngorongoro Serena Lodge
Serengeti
After a peaceful breakfast overlooking the crater, depart for Serengeti National Park, home to the greatest concentration of large mammals on Earth. The migratory herds of wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle roam widely in search of green grass and water, with historical pathways that are bred into the animals' DNA. En route to the Serengeti visit the famous Olduvai Gorge to learn about archaeologists Louis and Mary Leakey, who began their first excavations of this area in the 1930s as they searched for clues to the origin of mankind. The Leakey team's discovery of primitive tools and, later, fossilized hominid remains (Australopithecus boisei and Homo habilis) at this site helped lay the foundation for present-day theories on human evolution. Once passing through the entrance gate of the park, your afternoon wildlife-viewing drive begins. A boxed lunch will be offered today. Arrive at your camp in time to relax, enjoy refreshments, and take in the sights and sounds of the magical Serengeti.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Land of Nature Camp
Serengeti
Spend the next two days exploring the central Serengeti, where the Seronera River provides an important water source and therefore attracts a great deal of wildlife. This area offers great opportunities to observe hippos, as well as migratory animals such as wildebeest and zebras. These species attract most of the area's carnivores such as lions, cheetahs, hyenas, and Nile crocodiles.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Land of Nature Camp
Serengeti
Continue exploring the central Serengeti.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Land of Nature Camp
Karatu
Begin making your way out of Serengeti National Park this morning, taking in the wildlife en route to Karatu. Upon arrival at your lodge, if you wish, take a short exploratory walk around the lodge's farm/coffee plantation.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Acacia Farm Lodge
Karatu
Depart for a Maasai village for a special visit this morning. Afterwards, visit the Lucas Mhina Primary School, where you will get a chance to interact with the children. Have lunch at Mto wa Mbu village, then drive to African Galleria for the chance to purchase souvenirs if desired. In the late afternoon, return to the lodge for time at leisure and farewell briefing before gathering for a celebratory farewell dinner.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Acacia Farm Lodge
Arusha/Departure
After a leisurely morning, travel to Arusha for a special lunch at a private home, followed by the use of a day room at Under The Shades Safari Lodge to prepare for your transfer to the Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight(s) home. Check out is at 6 pm.
Breakfast-Lunch- included
Under the Shade Safari Lodge - Day Room
Arrive US
Welcome home!
Land Cost

$11,195

Per person

About this price

Land cost only. Does not include round-trip airfare to and from destination.

Single room supplement $800

What's Included
  • Arrival and departure transfers based on individual flight schedules
  • Activities and meals as mentioned in itinerary
  • All tips
  • Full time driver/guide for the duration of your program
  • Safari vehicle with 3 passengers per vehicle with guide/driver
  • Bottled water or water refill station during transfers
  • Non alcoholic beverage with meals
  • Flying Doctors membership
  • Carbon Offset
What's Not Included
  • International airfare
  • Items of personal nature
  • Travel Insurance
Pricing Details
Cost is based on a minimum of 5 participants in double occupancy.

A deposit of $1000 is required for participants to register and reserve space on the program. Reservations submitted beyond the final payment deadline noted below will require full payment to enroll. 120 or more days before departure: $600 cancellation fee; remaining balance is refunded. 119 - 96 days before departure: full deposit of $1000 is forfeited. 95 - 0 days before departure: 100% of program price is forfeited.

Holbrook Travel strongly recommends the purchase of travel protection for medical emergencies while traveling and to protect your investment. Please note the purchase of Cancel for Any Reason Coverage or to exclude pre-existing conditions with Trip Cancellation coverage may require policy purchase within 10-14 days of your initial deposit, depending upon the provider.

Single room supplement $800


Final payment due date: February 09, 2026

Travel Info

Print Travel Info

Entry & Exit Requirements

U.S. citizens must have a valid passport to enter Tanzania. Passports must be valid for at least six months after the date of entry and have at least one blank page available.

A tourist visa is also required for entry. An e-visa can be obtained online in advance by completing the e-visa application form and making payment online with a credit card (Visa or Mastercard) or bank transfer at https://visa.immigration.go.tz. Processing can take up to 10 days; please allow yourself sufficient time prior to travel. If the e-visa is approved, you will receive a “grant notice” via email. You must present a printed copy of the grant notice to the Immigration Officer on arrival at the airport in Tanzania.

U.S. citizens may also opt to obtain a tourist visa upon arrival at the airport in Tanzania, though we do not recommend this option. Expect delays if you choose to obtain a visa at the airport. Be prepared to pay in cash, as credit card payments can be unreliable due to connectivity issues.

The visa fee is USD $100 for a 12-month multiple-entry visa (subject to change).

If you are not traveling with a U.S. passport, please check with the Tanzanian Embassy for the requirements based on your nationality.

Health Information

IMMUNIZATIONS

The Centers for Disease Control recommends that all travelers be up to date on routine vaccinations such as measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus vaccine, varicella (chicken pox) vaccine, and your yearly flu shot before every trip.

There are no vaccinations required for entry into Tanzania, unless you are traveling from a country where yellow fever transmission is a risk, in which case proof of yellow fever vaccination is required.

Additionally, the CDC recommends inoculation against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and typhoid for most travelers to Tanzania.

Please consult your physician for additional information and recommendations based on your individual circumstances.

MALARIA

The CDC warns that travelers to Tanzania may be at risk for exposure to malaria. Malaria is caused by a parasite found in Anopheles mosquitos, which are active from dusk until dawn. Prevention is twofold: the use of anti-malarial drugs and the prevention of insect bites. If you choose to use an anti-malarial drug, as recommended by the CDC, see your physician for a prescription.

To protect against mosquitos, the CDC recommends that you cover exposed skin with lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and pants, consider treating clothes with permethrin, and use an insect repellent containing an EPA-registered active ingredient like DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE). Apply sunscreen first, followed by the repellent, ideally 20 minutes later.

Be careful when applying products containing DEET, as it can damage or dissolve certain synthetic fabrics as well as plastic, rubber, vinyl, or elastic materials, such as those used in camera equipment, binoculars, phone cases, sunglasses, or watches. Additionally, some research suggests that when DEET and picaridin enter local waterways, they can be harmful to amphibians and other wildlife. When selecting a repellent, it is ultimately up to each traveler to weigh the risks and benefits of different options, keeping in mind both environmental factors and the importance of protecting against illness.

OTHER INSECT-BORNE ILLNESSES

In addition to malaria, the CDC warns that travelers may be at risk for other illnesses transmitted by mosquitos, ticks, or sand flies, such as dengue fever, chikungunya, African tick-bite fever, and others. Travelers are advised to protect themselves against insect bites using the measures noted above.

After spending time outdoors, especially in grassy or wooded areas, the CDC recommends showering and conducting a full-body check for ticks. If you find a tick attached to your skin, safely remove it as soon as possible.

WILDLIFE

Follow all instructions from your guides regarding wildlife. Animals may become aggressive to protect themselves, their young or their mates, or to guard a food supply. Do not make sudden movements either toward or away from them, as this may be interpreted as threatening or territorial. Avoid stray dogs, as they may carry rabies. In the unlikely event of being bitten, clean the wound and control bleeding. Seek medical attention immediately.

Parasites & Bacteria

Avoid swimming or bathing in freshwater lakes or rivers. Some freshwater bodies contain disease-causing parasites or bacteria that may be contracted through contact with infected water.

SUN EXPOSURE

The effects of the sun can be damaging to the eyes and skin. Spending time outdoors exposes you to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, even on cloudy days. To protect yourself from the sun, use a broad spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 15, protect skin with clothing, wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, and drink plenty of fluids.

CPAP Machines

Some safari lodges and tented camps in remote areas of Tanzania supply electricity through generators or solar power, and shut off electrical power during part of the night in order to conserve energy. If you use a CPAP machine, please be prepared to bring a battery pack (and any necessary cables) to power your equipment when electricity is not available. The battery pack can be charged during the day in preparation for nighttime use. Please be aware that if you do not have a battery pack, some lodges may assess a fee to run electricity through the night.

Travelers Diarrhea

The CDC warns that travelers’ diarrhea is one of the most common travel-related illnesses worldwide. Consumption of contaminated food and water may cause diarrhea. To avoid this, do not drink tap water, and use bottled water to brush your teeth. Avoid ice and uncooked vegetables or fruit without a peel. When in doubt, ask your guide. Restrict yourself to cooked food at restaurants, and avoid food sold on the streets. If you contract diarrhea, it is important to drink large quantities of purified water. Consult your doctor for appropriate medication should you experience diarrhea.

Altitude Sickness

At elevations above 5,000 feet, altitude sickness is a possibility. Stay hydrated and well-rested, and avoid heavy, fatty foods and alcohol in the days before arrival. Consult your physician prior to travel for advice specific to your situation.

Respiratory Illness Protocols

Please review our Respiratory Illness Protocols page, which explains our policy and procedures if you or another traveler should develop symptoms of a respiratory illness during your trip. Your participation in a Holbrook Travel program indicates that you are in agreement with these protocols.

Resources

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Packing Recommendations

Everyone has personal preferences when it comes to packing; for this reason, the information below is offered as a general guide and not a definitive list. You know yourself best: Use your discretion and pack what you think will serve you, based on your personal preferences and specific itinerary.

You can find many of the items below in our Gear Store.

CLOTHING

Casual, comfortable clothing is suitable for most activities in Tanzania. You may wish to bring a slightly nicer outfit or two if your itinerary includes dinners out or more formal activities.

Bring enough clothing suitable for the length of your program. If you prefer to pack light, note that many hotels offer laundry services (at additional cost). If you plan to hand-wash items, remember that humidity may delay drying time.

Pack clothing that can be worn in layers to adapt to weather changes throughout the day. Clothing that wicks away moisture and dries quickly is recommended.

Bring clothes in neutral or muted colors such as green, khaki, brown, or gray. We recommend that you avoid wearing white as it can easily be spotted by animals, and it gets dirty quickly. In addition, black and bright or dark blue may attract tsetse flies, which have a painful bite. Regardless of clothing color, tsetse flies can bite through fabric, so wearing loose-fitting and/or layered clothing can help protect against bites, as can wearing a pair of thick hiking socks, especially on days when you are most likely to encounter them (such as in Tarangire National Park.

Please note that army-style camouflage clothing is illegal in Tanzania.

Locals tend to dress conservatively. Tank tops and shorts cut above the knee are typically not recommended in public.

  • A combination of short-sleeved and long-sleeved shirts
  • Shorts
  • A combination of lightweight, quick-drying long pants and medium-weight pants or trousers
  • Undergarments
  • Sleepwear
  • Light- to medium-weight jacket or sweater/sweatshirt – Evenings can be cold, especially in desert areas, on the Ngorongoro Crater rim, and during May-August
  • Bathing suit – Some hotels have pools.
  • Socks – Bring extra pairs.
  • Shoes – Consider your specific itinerary when choosing footwear. For most programs, you’ll likely want at least one pair of comfortable, closed-toe walking or hiking shoes with thorn-proof soles, suitable for forest hikes and walking over cobblestones or other uneven terrain. Sturdier hiking boots may be appropriate for more active itineraries. In addition, many participants opt for a pair of sturdy sport-strap sandals (e.g. Keens, Tevas, or similar), plus a pair of casual flip-flops or sandals for around your hotel.
  • Lightweight rain jacket, hooded poncho, and/or windbreaker
  • Visor or wide-brimmed sun hat
  • Bandana, scarf, or gaiter

Personal Toiletries

Pack toiletries based on your personal preferences and habits.

  • Shampoo, conditioner, lotion, deodorant/antiperspirant , etc. – If possible, avoid strong fragrances if you are sensitive to insect bites and to be considerate of your fellow travelers.
  • Soap and washcloth or a small, quick-drying microfiber towel – Washcloths are not standard in all hotels. If you normally use a washcloth, you may wish to bring one from home.
  • Hairbrush, comb, hair ties, shower cap
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Razor
  • Ear plugs, especially if you are a light sleeper
  • Personal hygiene products
  • Insect repellent with DEET or picaridin (see note below about treating clothing with permethrin)
  • Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF
  • Aloe vera gel
  • A travel pack of tissues – also useful as napkins or toilet paper if needed

In addition to your personal toiletries, it is useful to pack a small medical kit, which you can easily prepare. Helpful items might include: bandages, antihistamine, a pain reliever, motion sickness and/or altitude sickness medication (if you are prone to either), anti-diarrhea medicine, individually wrapped pre-moistened towelettes and/or hand sanitizer, antibiotic ointment, anti-fungal cream, moleskin for blisters, eye drops, tweezers, a mini sewing kit, and an extra pair of disposable contact lenses or eyeglasses if you wear them.

Days before you leave home, you may wish to consider spraying any clothing, socks, and shoes that will be worn in lowland, tropical sites with permethrin, an anti-parasite medication, to repel irritating pests and prevent the spread of disease. A recommended brand is Sawyer. Carefully read all instructions before use. Please note permethrin is highly toxic to cats and fish, and some aerosol products may be harmful to birds. Side effects may include minor itching, burning, or redness. You may want to use a laundry marker to label and keep track of which socks are permethrinized. Only one application per item is necessary; permethrin on treated clothes remains effective through several washings. Permethrin should NOT be applied directly to skin.

Miscellaneous

Remember to pack valuables such as your passport, cash/credit cards, and medications in your carry-on luggage.

  • Passport and photocopies of all travel documentation
  • Personal insurance card and travel insurance information
  • Money – ATM/credit card, traveler's checks, and/or cash; small bills in good condition are recommended
  • Prescription medicines (if applicable), with a copy of the prescription
  • Yellow fever certificate (if required; only if you're traveling from a country where yellow fever transmission is a risk)
  • Sunglasses with strap
  • Small day pack for hikes and excursions
  • Flashlight and/or head lamp
  • Travel alarm clock or inexpensive waterproof wristwatch with alarm – Not all hotels provide alarm clocks.
  • A pocket calculator or phone to assist with conversions and currency exchange
  • Binoculars with lens cleaner
  • Camera and related equipment, such as charger, lenses, and extra memory cards
  • Reusable water bottle – The safari vehicles are equipped with large water jugs. Please bring your own personal water bottle that can be refilled from the jugs during wildlife-viewing drives.
  • Non-perishable snacks
  • Pocket-knife or multipurpose tool – Pack in your checked luggage.
  • Notepad or travel journal and pen
  • Travel seat cushion – Seats in the safari vehicles are cushioned, but if you normally have hip or back problems, you may appreciate having some extra padding on the bumpy roads.
  • Music or reading material for down time, long bus drives, or on the airplane, and a portable bright light to read by
  • Collapsible walking stick with rubber tip – Pack in your checked luggage.
  • A small quantity of laundry detergent if you’ll be washing clothing by hand
  • Money belt
  • Voltage converter and plug adapter
  • Chargers for electronics

Additional Packing notes

Be aware that Tanzania has banned single-use plastics. Visitors are requested to avoid bringing plastic bags into the country. This includes garbage bags and grocery/shopping bags. Zip-top style bags specifically used to carry toiletries per TSA’s liquids rule are still permitted on the assumption that they will be reused on the return flight. Items purchased at the airport before boarding the aircraft should be removed from plastic bags. Please double-check your carry-on luggage before disembarking in Tanzania; any plastic bags should be left on the plane to avoid delays and possibly fines.

Although comfortable, safari vehicles are primarily utilitarian in nature and have very limited storage space. For this reason, we ask you to be mindful of what you bring for this program, traveling only with the essentials, and to please use a soft-sided duffel bag (no longer than 22 inches) as your main piece of luggage. In addition to your duffel bag, there will also be room for a medium-sized carry-on item (e.g. a camera bag, purse, or lightweight daypack).

If you do not have a duffel bag, please be sure to advise Holbrook or your trip host in advance of the trip. Then, at your first program orientation in Tanzania, your local guide will be able to provide a canvas duffel (one per person) for you to pack what you will need during the program. We will securely store your empty suitcase until the last day of the program, at which time you will be able to retrieve your suitcase and re-pack in preparation for your flights home. The dimensions of the provided duffel bag are 22 in x 11.8 in x 11 in (56 cm x 30 cm x 28 cm).

To protect against dust, you may wish to bring a bandana to cover your face, and a microfiber cloth or other covering for your binoculars and/or camera equipment.

During wildlife-viewing drives, you'll be spending much of your time in the vehicles, so heavy-duty hiking boots aren't needed; closed-toe walking shoes or sneakers are usually sufficient. A pair that easily slips on and off will allow you to stand on the seats of the safari vehicle for a better view when the roof hatch is open.

I saw all the animals I had hoped to see and some that are not easily viewed. Amazing doesn’t even describe it accurately!
- Marianne B.
Tanzania , 2022
Questions

Contact Sandy Schmidt at 877-907-5360 or email Sandy

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