Travel stories

Tanzania photo trip 2025

On February 14, 2025, a group of photography enthusiasts, led by photographer Krijn van der Giessen, left for a 9-day photo trip through Northern Tanzania. Below is their travel story.

Michel’s story:

Now I was allowed to make the trip that was on my bucket list. A trip to Africa, to see the big five and take beautiful pictures. Because I went with Krijn Photography who put together this trip in collaboration with Explore Tanzania.

After the flight from Amsterdam, our first stay, where we arrived late and left early again. The beautiful resort had large rooms and a beautiful garden around it. The breakfast that we did have there was perfect. Then we were allowed to meet our guides, Benny and Simba (Idry). Who would take us to our next destination. A first beautiful trip along the villages, where you see daily life and a piece of their culture.

After a few hours of driving we arrived at the entrance gate of Lake Manyara, on our way to our Green Camp there. This is also where our safari started, so on the way to the camp we saw monkeys and various birds. We had lunch at a picnic spot, wonderfully relaxed under a tree with a view over the lake and birds around us that were busy. Then we drove on to our camp where we could settle down for a while, and the safari just continued with elephants and giraffes that welcomed us. Our bags were brought to the rooms and you were shown around your room. A luxury double bed, a private shower and a private toilet. Back to the main tent you see that, if you walk down a bit, you end up at a lake and a rock formation. And from that rock formation comes a waterfall, what a pleasure. In the evening we enjoyed a delicious dinner that was prepared with great care.

The second day here in Lake Manyara, we were able to see our first lion. And of course the necessary birds, giraffes and elephants. The sunsets that they organize here in the camp by the water are also beautiful; at the end of the day on a chair by the water with a drink, that is just wonderful enjoyment.

The fourth day of the trip was all about going to the Serengeti. We traveled all day, but this was no problem because you pass the most beautiful areas and most beautiful views. We also passed the Ngorongoro Crater, which we would visit on the way back. Once in the Serengeti area you see what the migration entails; everywhere you looked you saw wildebeest and zebras. Quite an experience to experience. The trip was otherwise quiet and once in the Green Camp South in the Serengeti you are so close to nature. So close that I didn’t even realize that we were almost at our camp, until we were standing in front of it. And here again very nice tents where you lack nothing. Which I, if I have to be honest, was still afraid of. After all, you are camping in the middle of the bush. But if you are worried about that, the luxury you have here can be compared to home. That is also how it feels when you arrive at the camp, how warm and friendly the entire staff is.

The following days were all about seeing as much as possible; so we got up early for sunrise and then went on safari. We were definitely allowed to see the jaguar, cheetah, and lions during those days in the Serengeti. They were high on my wish list.
We also did a walking safari from the Serengeti Green Camp. Which is an experience in itself; you get even closer to nature. Groups of zebras and impalas grazing close to you. To the point where an elephant walks straight towards you, and for safety reasons we had better cross a field. But at no point do you feel unsafe. You are accompanied by guides who know what they are doing and have the right knowledge.

After this beautiful walk, we ended at a rock formation where the camp had arranged a drink and nuts for us. Here we sat down for a while and enjoyed a drink, a chip and the conviviality of each other and certainly also of the camp staff. They always manage to bring this experience to a new level. The camp staff even sang for us and of course we had our picture taken with the whole group.

On our last day we were back in the village where we were able to sleep wonderfully in a nice lodge. That day we walked around the village itself, through a banana plantation and we visited several markets. After a local lunch, it was time to travel back to the airport.

This is a trip I will never forget and I am so happy that Explore Tanzania was able to make this happen for me.