Join Tamron professional photographers, Erica Robinson and Ken Hubbard, in collaboration with The Camera Store, and led by the experienced guides of Sababu Safaris, on a once-in-a-lifetime photographic journey to Tanzania. Here, you will be surrounded by incredible scenery, wonderful people, and an abundance of wildlife. Our travels will begin in the city of Arusha, then take us through Tarangire National Park, the Southern Serengeti Ndutu Plains for the great wildebeest migration, the Ngorongoro Crater, and end in West Kilimanjaro. Along the way we will stop to visit with local tribes, participate in a sunrise hunt with the Hadzabe bushmen, distribute solar lights with the Datoga, and spend a full day with the Maasai. This is an experience not to be missed, photographically and educationally. See full itinerary for details.

Your Tamron Representatives: 

ERICA ROBINSON (Field Services Specialist) has 14 years of photography experience and a degree in the Arts. Erica has worked as a wedding photographer in Boston, a cruise-line photographer, and provided technical knowledge through a local camera store. Becoming a proficient world traveler, she focuses on travel photography and storytelling, providing education through workshops and inspiring others to accomplish their photography goals. You can see her work here:  Erica Robinson Photo . 

ARMANDO FLORES (Field Services Specialist) studied photojournalism in college and has worked in the photo industry for nearly 40 years. He worked for Nikon for over two decades, did a stint at Sony and is now a field services specialist for Tamron Americas. He photographed professional sports for over 17 years and has also worked as a contributing photographer for Reuters, AP, AMPAS, HFPA and IGLA. Armando’s photographic interests are in landscape, travel, sports, portraits, and macro photography, but enjoys teaching just as much.. 

Your Tanzania Professional Guides:

SABABU SAFARIS is established with the goal of promoting Tanzania as the land of infinite beauty, life and adventure. We aspire to attract people from different places, cultures, age groups and backgrounds, and offer them one common objective: to discover Tanzania in the most breathtaking, exciting and authentic (!) way possible. We invite you to immerse yourself in the Tanzanian culture and gain experiences that will change your heart and mind, and have a long lasting impact on you. We want to ensure that you will go home with overwhelming appreciation of all that this country has to offer – from its amazing wildlife to its beautiful people. From tailoring the small details of your trip, to the seamless operations on the ground, SABABU SAFARIS will deliver a personalized and exceptional travel experience. Let us lead you away from your world to a place that is so different from anything you have ever experienced - Tanzania will touch your soul and make you feel truly connected and alive!

KIBO PALACE HOTEL | ARUSHA - February 7-9, 2026 (2-nights)

TARANGIRE SAFARI LODGE | TARANGIRE NATIONAL PARK - February 9, 2026 (1-night)

LAKE EYASI SAFARI LODGE | LAKE EYASI - February 10, 2026 (1-night)

NGORONGORO SERENA SAFARI LODGE I NGORONGORO CRATER - February 11, 2026 (1-night)

NYIKANI MIGRATION CAMP - NDUTU | SOUTHERN SERENGETI - February 12-15, 2026 (3-nights)

ORIGINAL MAASAI LODGE | WEST KILIMANJARO - February 15-17, 2026 (2-nights)

Tanzania, located just south of the equator, has a diverse climate due to its size. The main rainy season, or "long rains," occurs from March to May, the long dry season runs from June to October, November and December bring the lighter, followed by a drier period in January and February before the rains return in March.

The annual wildebeest migration, involving nearly two million wildebeest and thousands of zebras, is a spectacular event. While the famous Mara River crossing is well-known, the herds continue their journey through the Serengeti, offering unique seasonal landscapes and thrilling wildlife action. Our guides at Sababu Safaris provide customized itineraries based on the migration's four seasonal patterns.

1. CALVING SEASON Late January to March | Southern Serengeti & Ndutu plains 

2.GREEN SEASON & GRUMETI RIVER CROSSING 

Mid-April to early July | Western & Central-West Serengeti 

3. DRY SEASON & THE MARA CROSSING 

Mid-July to early October | Northern Serengeti 

4. SHORT RAIN SEASON Mid-October to December | Central & East Serengeti 

It never gets really cold in Tanzania so lightweight clothing, preferably cotton or linen, and moisture-wicking, is recommended. While on a game viewing safari, avoid brightly colored clothing, stick to whites, beiges, greens, khakis and browns. There may be long days sitting in safari vehicles, so it is advisable to wear light comfortable clothing such as short/long sleeved shirts and cotton/linen trousers or shorts. Denim will become too hot and extremely uncomfortable. Walking close-toed shoes and socks are required.

• Yes - Khaki, green, tan, brown - loose fitting - moisture wicking

• No - Black and blue, attract tsetse flies 

• No - Red, orange and brights, attract wildlife
  

The evenings can be chilly, so long sleeved shirts and trousers should be worn. A sweater may be needed. These will also prevent you being bitten by insects. A hat should be worn at all times outside. The sun may sometimes not feel hot, but it can still easily burn, especially if it is cloudy and overcast.

If visiting Zanzibar or any coastal town don't forget to take a swimsuit, as it is invariably warm. Ladies are recommended to take cotton skirts, blouses and dresses. Sandals are a must for this environment! On the beaches and within the confines of hotels, normal swimwear is acceptable but nudity is not.

Blog:https://www.sababu-safaris.com/blog/essential-safari-packing-list-for-tanzania

REQUIRED:

Camera and Lenses - Tamron loaner lenses will be available. Remember that we are sharing lenses amongst a group so, if there is a particular lens you would prefer to use throughout the entirety of the trip, we recommend you bring that with you. This will be discussed in further detail, closer to travel.

Tripod - A sturdy tripod is required for certain types of photography. While a tripod may not be used daily, there may be opportunities for night sky photography which requires use of a tripod.

Closed toe boots - You will be walking daily on dirt, unpaved, sometimes rocky uneven terrain for many hours of each day. 

Flashlight and Headlamp -  Headlamp preferably with both white and green or red light

Laptop - To download and backup images as well as for use during possible classroom time.

Extra memory cards & batteries - Yes battery life is long these days, and yes memory cards hold massive amounts of data. However, should your battery become too cold and not operate for as long as you'd like, and should your memory card run into issues, you will be disappointed to no longer be able to photograph.

ADDITIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS:

Filters - Circular polarizer / Neutral Density

Remote shutter release - If you do not use a remote shutter release, it is also an option to use the built in timer if your camera has this function.

Clothing layers: As mentioned in the "weather" tab, the weather may vary. This is a reminder to please pack accordingly. 

Reusable water bottle - Water will be available but being at this higher elevation we recommend you stay as hydrated as possible by having a refillable water bottle to refill between outings. Tap water in Tanzania is generally not safe to drink, and most travelers try to stick to mineral water. Most camps, lodges and hotels have bottled water readily available, and you will have unlimited access to bottled water throughout the day provided by Sababu Safaris. Bringing a reusable water bottle may come in handy to pour a few bottled waters into.

Electricity and Plug Standards:

The electricity supply in Tanzania is 220/240 volts at 50Hz. Plugs are 3 point square (UK Type). Adapters are available at major airports. 

Gifts:

We encourage you to take a look at this list of items you can bring to support children in the local communities, if you have a few pounds to spare:
https://www.packforapurpose.org/destinations/africa/tanzania/sababu-safaris/ 

Most camps, lodges, or hotels cater specifically to tourists and serve Western-style food. Game lodges tend to offer a daily set menu with a limited selection, so it is advisable to notify us in advance if you are a vegetarian or have other specific dietary requirements. First-time visitors to Africa might take note that most game lodges in and around the national parks have isolated locations, and driving within the parks is neither permitted nor advisable after dark, so that there is no realistic alternative to eating at your lodge.

Tap water in Tanzania is generally not safe to drink, and most travelers try to stick to mineral water. Most camps, lodges and hotels have bottled water readily available, and you will have unlimited access to bottled water throughout the day provided by Sababu Safaris.

In Tanzania, the unit of currency is the Tanzanian Shilling, which is divided into 100 Cents. Notes are issued in denominations of 500, 1000, 2000, 5000, and 10000 Shillings. Coins are issued in denominations of 50, 100 and 200 Shillings.

Banks are open from 9:00am to 3:00pm Monday to Friday. Many banks are equipped with 24-hour ATM machines. Credit cards and travellers checks are not widely accepted in Tanzania and Where they are accepted, can charge high service fees with high exchange rates. Major foreign currencies - particularly US $ - are accepted in Tanzania and are convertible at banks and bureau de changes in the main towns and tourist areas. If bringing cash in US $, please make sure bank notes are in good condition, with no cuts or damage and are not older than 2006. Most banks offer higher exchange rates for US $100 / US $50 bank notes compared to US $20 / US $10 or US $5 bank notes. 

Tipping Tips

• Restaurants: It is customary to leave a tip of around 10% if service charges are not included.

• Hotel staff: Small tips of a few dollars for porters and housekeeping are appreciated.

• Safari guides and drivers: Typically receive higher tips due to the extensive service provided.

At Camps and Lodges

• Tipping Individually: You can tip each time a staff member serves you. For example, tip porters when they handle your luggage or waitstaff after each meal.

• Tipping at the End: If you choose to tip at the end of your stay, keep in mind that finding a specific staff member might be challenging.

• Using a Tip Jar: The standard practice is to tip during checkout. This way, your tips are shared among all the staff members who contributed to your experience.

For Your Safari Driver-Guides

• The customary practice is to tip your safari driver-guide at the end of the safari.

Blog: https://www.sababu-safaris.com/blog/tipping-in-tanzania

On this particular event, transportation will be provided from start to end. Sababu Safaris will arrange airport pick-ups and drop-offs based on flight itineraries. Should you choose to arrive early prior to the start dates of our event or depart late past the end dates of our event, transportation is your responsibility during those extra dates. You will be expected to provide your own airport transportation if you arrive outside of the workshop dates.

All cancellations are subject to a $100 fee, to be applied to a future workshop.

If cancelled 90+ days or more prior to start date - Full refund

If cancelled between 45 and 90 days prior to start date - 50% refund

If cancelled 45 days or less prior to start date - No refund

Trip Insurance:  Tamron Americas and Sababu Safari's carries the necessary permits and liability insurance for legal operation. We highly recommend that all trip participants purchase their own health, disability, life, and travel insurance. It is the participant’s responsibility to have adequate health and injury insurance for the areas we will visit. Tamron Americas and Sababu Safaris are not responsible for any health or injury liability. 

Covid-19 Policy: Prevention procedures involve you as an active communicator. We are relying on you to share this information with us to keep all participants safe and healthy. Your honesty and communication will enable us to offer the high-quality, engaging workshops we are known for. Under our latest screening protocols, we may at our discretion decline service to a workshop participant and/or remove a staff member from a workshop under the following circumstances:

• If a participant or workshop leader has been in close contact with someone known to have COVID-19 within the 14 days prior to a scheduled workshop.
• If a participant or staff member develops flu-like symptoms (a fever, cough, abnormal temperature and shortness of breath) during and/or 14 days prior to a scheduled workshop.

Masking at workshops: Due to the differing regulations per city/state/region/country, and the close participant proximity to one another, we will follow the federal and local guidelines of the visiting location implemented at the time.  Facilities that we may be required to wear masks include but are not limited to: hotels, restaurants, transportation vehicles, meeting rooms, visitors centers, etc. This is subject to change based on federal and local regulations and recommendations. Please be respectful of others in keeping distance while both in the field and inside meeting spaces.

Notice of film and photography: Photographs and/or videos of participants may be used to promote similar, Tamron Americas events in the future. Your participating constitutes your consent to be photographed, filmed, and/or otherwise recorded, and to the release and use of these articles without payment from Tamron Americas. 

Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport.

After finishing passport control and customs procedures via our VIP Visa Express Service, you will be met by your safari guide outside the arrival lounge and taken to your accommodation for check in and overnight (approx. 45 minutes). Spend a relaxing evening before you start your Tanzania safari the following day.

Resting at the foot of Mount Meru, the sprawling city of Arusha is known as the safari capital of northern Tanzania. It serves as an excellent base from which to explore the remarkably scenic surrounding area which includes majestic Mount Kilimanjaro, as well as Manyara, Tarangire and Ngorongoro National Parks. Arusha is a good spot to take a day or two off from the safari circuit as it features a temperate climate and lush surrounds.

Accommodations: Kibo Palace Hotel 

Tucked away in Arusha, Kibo Palace Hotel is straddled between the gateway to some of the most enchanting safari destinations and Mount Kilimanjaro, whose highest point it is named after. This little paradise comes with all the amenities and access you would expect in a modern city right in the wild. 

Today, spend the day at leisure and get the chance to acclimate. After a relaxing morning, you will have the opportunity to visit Arusha’s Cultural Heritage Center as well as Shanga Workshop which empowers Tanzanians with disabilities to create unique, high-quality, handmade jewelry, glassware and home wares. Get to know some of the people who call Tanzania home and who make a big difference in their communities.

Accomodations:

When Kibo Palace Hotel opened its doors in 2006, it brought a breath of fresh air and set the pace in hotel standards offering fine cuisine and highest level of professionalism in Arusha. Since then, it has been recognized in various forums. The hotel has hosted important events and continues to accommodate international, regional and local dignitaries, politicians and renowned businessmen and women as well as those coming to visit our beautiful parks. We are very proud of our hotel both for it’s beautiful architectural design, ambiance and the service we provide to match. The Kibo Palace Hotel enjoys a prime location close to The Arusha International Conferencing Centre, The United Nations and the East African Community Headquarters. Arusha is the gateway to the famous Ngorongoro Crater, Mt. Kilimanjaro, Serengeti National Park, Tarangire, Arusha and Lake Manyara National Parks. The hotel has 77 well appointed luxury rooms and suites with all modern amenities. The Chef and his team serve delectable cuisine and mouth watering desserts that are a favourite for many at our Kilimanjaro Restaurant and Poolside. 

Trade Arusha for baobab trees, as you head into Tarangire National Park. Have your cameras ready, today will be your first game drive - time for some Big Five bingo! With the highest density of elephants in the country, Tarangire NP offers an incredible opportunity to witness these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. From towering baobab trees to diverse wildlife including lions and giraffes, the park's unique ambiance and thriving ecosystem make it a must-visit destination for safari enthusiasts.

Explore this beautiful park on a game drive before you check into to your beautiful accommodation inside the park.

In the evening, after an early dinner, you will have the opportunity to go on a night game drive! A new world of nocturnal animal species awaits you on an exclusive night game drive excursion within the Tarangire National Park, as this area is considered an ideal location for this activity. Lake Manyara ecosystem close by, Tarangire National Park is a melting pot for all types of animals. Tarangire river is richly in the reliable waters year round and animals here are in prime conditions making wildlife viewing even better. The lesser seen animals are generally seen.

Accommodations:

Tarangire Ndovu Tented Lodge is located in the heart of Tarangire, Tanzania’s wild land and landscapes. Tarangire is famed for its massive elephant herds, true sense of wilderness and a gentle backdrop of baobabs. It is the lesser visited but more intriguing park on the northern circuit.

At Tarangire Safari Lodge, we have 10 standard tented suites PLUS 2 x 2 bedroom inter-connected tented family suites, and one honeymoon tent with outdoor shower that are open throughout the year. During these dry months, the massive elephants herds travel through the corridor between Manyara and Tarangire and spend their time in and around the park. This is because of their ability to uncover permanent sources of fresh water. We endeavour to retain the uniqueness and intimacy of the camp, while being directed by the location, wildlife and other factors of responsible tourism. The main thatched area is open plan from bar to lounge to dining area - and offset with a stunning rim flow pool in front of the property overlooking the wild expanses ahead, all the way to the Great Rift Valley wall.

Continue with a game drive in Tarangire NP before you make your way to Lake Eyasi.  On your way there, you will visit the local farming village of Mto Wa Mbu where you will get to go on a 1.5 hour guided walk. This village is unique in Tanzania, since it is home to over 120 different tribes from across Africa. The walk will take you to see local farms, schools, a kindergarten, local homes, the market and banana farms.

Enjoy a relaxing evening at your lodge at the shore of Lake Eyasi before meeting and connecting with some of Tanzania's most fascinating tribes - the Hadzabe and Datoga tribes - the following morning!

Accommodations: Lake Eyasi Safari Lodge

Located on a gentle slope overlooking the lake, Lake Eyasi Safari Lodge offers stunning views over the seasonal soda lake and up to the Ngorongoro Conservatio Area. All the 14 spacious rooms are scattered within the vast property and are tastefully furnished with great attention to detail, the décor blends elements from the surrounding landscape with modern comfort, and have private verandah overlooking the lake.

The region of Lake Eyasi,South-west of Ngorongoro, is home to the Hadza bushmen, the last survivors of a civilisation that knows nothing of agriculture, livestock, pottery, and metals. They live by hunting with bows and arrows, and gathering wild berries and fruits. They are the last heirs of the homines sapientes who took their first steps right here, along the Rift Valley, about two hundred thousand years ago.

Their way of life has remained unchanged over the millennia and they live in small wandering groups of about twenty individuals. The Hadza people of Lake Eyasi are the heirs of the very first human beings, the kids of Olduvai Gorge and Koobi Fora who still have a symbiotic relationship with the environment, the purest example of anarchic society with no rules, no chief, no dont’s.

Get up before sunrise and visit the Hadzabe Bushmen, one of the world’s last remaining hunter-gatherer tribes, and let them teach you all about their time-honored hunting techniques, survival skills, food preparation and cultural norms. You will get the chance to go on an exciting morning hunt with them! This is one of the most sensitive cultural encounters available in the world today.

Afterwards, you'll visit the Datoga Tribe. These pastoralists are also skilled blacksmiths who collect metal scrap, which they cleverly process into bracelets, arrowheads and knives. You also have the opportunity to visit one of the huts in the village where the women grind flour from corn, from which later bread is baked.

While visiting the tribe, you'll distribute solar lights and water filters. Make a tangible difference in their lives while getting an authentic insight into local life!

In the afternoon, your journey continues as you drive to the iconic Ngorongoro Conservation Area. In the late afternoon, check into your spectacular accommodation on the Ngorongoro Crater Rim!

Accomodations: Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge

Nestled high on the jagged rim of the Ngorongoro Crater and shrouded in mist, the Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge is a stunning example of ecological and architectural harmony. The boulder-built buildings of the Lodge are camouflaged by indigenous creepers and linked by timber walkways that skirt ancient trees. Inside, guests are greeted by the hushed ambiance of a game-viewing hide and the ochre, rust, and charcoal imagery of a prehistoric cavern, decorated with Maasai iron spears, bright-beaded robes, and intricately-carved artifacts. The rooms, strung around the crater rim, are adorned with brass lamps, wildwood mirrors, and Maasai carvings, each featuring its own rock-enclosed balcony and uninterrupted views of the Crater below. After a day of adventure, guests can follow a gentle nature trail, take a guided walk to the Crater's rim, or simply relax with a herbal massage as the sun sets behind the mountains. Explore the Cradle of Mankind at Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge and experience one of the most unique travel experiences in the world.

After an early breakfast you will be one of the very first vehicles descending the six hundred meters (2,000ft) into the Ngorongoro Crater for superb game viewing!

Wildlife wonderlands don't get much better than the Ngorongoro Crater, possibly one of the most iconic animal-viewing areas in the world. A UNESCO World Heritage Site (and with very good reason), the cavernous bowl-shaped crater is a caldera, formed two to three million years ago when a large volcano exploded and collapsed in on itself. Today, the flat floor is covered in nutritious grasses and home to an unprecedented number of black rhino as well as black-maned lions, magnificent tuskers, and smaller plains game, but surprisingly no giraffe. We'll leave you to ponder why when you visit!

Spend the first half of the day exploring the crater on a game drive before you proceed to the Ndutu Plains of the Southern Serengeti where you will stay for three (3) nights.

Accommodations: Nyikani Migration Camp

From December through March, the wildebeest migration moves in and out of the Ndutu area. Ndutu is located in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, just south of Serengeti National Park.

Nyikani Migration Camps location provides easy access to prime game viewing areas around Lake Ndutu and Masek. In addition to the almost two million wildebeest and zebra that move through the area each year, Ndutu is home to cheetah, lion, giraffe and hundreds of bird species. During February’s calving season, the wildebeest give birth to 8,000 babies a day.

Spend two (2) full days in the Ndutu Plains  of the Southern Serengeti and witness the Great Migration! Being in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) you will be able to drive off road - a great advantage for getting up close to Africa's large mammals! There is so much to see - witness the Great Migration giving birth to thousands of calves, and the predators always searching for their next meal!

The Ndutu region forms part of the northern section of Ngorongoro Conservation Area and stretches to the unfenced southern reaches of the Serengeti National Park, a meeting point between these two incredible wilderness areas. This section of the park is made up of rolling grasslands peppered with alkaline lakes that attract flocks of flamingos, as well as acacia woodlands.

We are completely flexible with your preferences and the days will be organized according to your wishes. On every day of the safari, your guide will discuss with you the best timings for you, including the game drives and the wake-up time. For example, you could do a morning game drive, return to the camp for lunch and relaxation and finish with an afternoon game drive, or you could do a full day game drive with picnic lunch.

Accomodations: Nyikani Migration Camp

From December through March, the wildebeest migration moves in and out of the Ndutu area. Ndutu is located in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, just south of Serengeti National Park.

Nyikani Migration Camps location provides easy access to prime game viewing areas around Lake Ndutu and Masek. In addition to the almost two million wildebeest and zebra that move through the area each year, Ndutu is home to cheetah, lion, giraffe and hundreds of bird species. During February’s calving season, the wildebeest give birth to 8,000 babies a day.

After a last morning game drive in Ndutu, you will be dropped off at Ndutu Airstrip, from where you will **fly back to Arusha (ARK). Here, you will be picked up and transferred to West Kilimanjaro (approx. 90 minute drive) where you will spend the next two (2) days to immerse yourself in the Maasai culture at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro.

**Please note this transfer will be a small plane with luggage/weight restrictions. Our main luggages will be transported by our drivers to West Kilimanjaro. You will need to pack a smaller duffle/bag/luggage to carry only necessities plus a camera bag. You will be allowed 20kg + an extra 15kg per person. Total of 35kg per person including backpacks (= approx. 77lbs).

You will have the opportunity to experience several cultural activities or you can simply sit back and take full advantage of the amenities this magical place has to offer. In the morning, go on a nature walk through Maasailand, and take part in a spear throwing in the evening before witnessing a traditional sundowner ceremony and joining the Maasai for storytelling at the campfire. You will also have the chance to visit Africa Amini Alama’s projects such as their elementary and secondary schools, if you wish. Witness the positive change this organization has brought to an entire community.

Whether engaging in cultural experiences, witnessing the positive impact of community initiatives, your time spent here promises to be enriching and rewarding.

Accommodations: Original Maasai Lodge

Offering 16 traditional Maasai inspired bungalows, the Original Maasai Lodge offers a unique African experience in Ngare Nanyuki, Tanzania. The bungalows are solar-powered and offer European standards, with toilet and shower with hot water. Guests can enjoy the magnificent sunrise behind the Kilimanjaro from the terrace whilst international and traditional Swahili dishes are refined with home-grown herbs and served in the restaurant. Free activities such as javelin throwing, dances, nature walks or campfire conversations allow interaction with the Maasai. For added relaxation, guests can make use of the relaxation area, massage room, swimming pool and sauna.

Enjoy a relaxing morning and take in your surroundings one last time. Depending on the time of your flight departure, meet your transfer to Kilimanjaro (JRO) airport from where you will catch your international flight back home.