MASAI MARA & beyond WILDLIFE photo safari
8 DAYS / 7 NIGHTS
TOUR OVERVIEW
Join me for an 8-day photographic safari that combines the intimate, creative potential of Samburu with the explosive wildlife action of the Masai Mara — two of Kenya’s most distinct ecosystems, brought together in one seamless journey.
We’ll start in Samburu National Reserve, where we spend two nights exploring its rugged, arid beauty in search of rare northern species like Grevy’s zebra, oryx, reticulated giraffe, and gerenuk. This is also your chance to try your hand at underground hide photography, capturing wildlife from a unique, low-angle perspective — day or night.
Then we fly south to the center of the Masai Mara National Reserve, timed for the peak of the Great Migration. Here, we’ll photograph massive herds of wildebeest and zebra, dramatic Mara River crossings, and the predators that follow — lions, leopards, cheetahs, and hyenas — in fast-moving, high-stakes storytelling conditions.
With prime seasonal timing, a small group size, and a blend of high-adrenaline moments and slow, intentional photographic opportunities, this safari is built to elevate your vision and stretch your creativity. I’ll be right there with you to help craft your shots, adapt to the moment, and go home with images that truly mean something.
PHOTO SAFARI HIGHLIGHTS
The Great Migration, Captured from the Mara
We'll photograph massive herds and river crossings during peak migration—timing our shoots for the tension, dust, and adrenaline that unfold as predators and prey collide on the plains.
Four Nights in Predator Territory
We base ourselves in the Central Mara—one of the region’s most predator-dense zones—to track lions, cheetahs, and leopards in golden light and real-time hunting scenarios.
Rare Northern Species in Wild Samburu
Up north, we switch gears to photograph Samburu’s iconic “Special Five”—Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, oryx, and Somali ostrich—in bold light and sculpted terrain.
Creative Sessions in a Custom Underground Hide
You’ll have access to a professionally designed hide in Samburu—ideal for shooting elephants, nocturnal species, and shy wildlife at eye-level in moody, low-light conditions.
A Safari Built for Contrast & Creativity
From the high drama of the Mara to the still, studied moments of Samburu, this two-region journey gives you deep variety in subject, pace, and photographic approach.
ITINERARY
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Guests arrive in Nairobi (Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO))
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Transfer to Nairobi airport hotel (Approx. 10 min drive from airport)
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Meet and Greet with photo host at 6:00pm
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Overnight in Nairobi
Guests must arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport no later than 4:00pm on arrival day-
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Road transfer to Samburu National Reserve
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Afternoon photographic safari in Samburu
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Introduction and tutorial to African hide photography
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Evening and overnight in specialised overnight photographic hide
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Overnight in Samburu (Larsen's Photo Hide)
PHOTOGRAPHY FOCUS: The 'Samburu Special Five' including species that are not found in typical safari locations: Grevy's Zebra, Reticulated Giraffe, Beisa Oryx, Somali Ostrich, Gerenuk along with the commonly spotted predators - leopard, cheetah and lion.-
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Sunrise in photo hide
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Mid morning brunch and rest & refresh
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Image selection and post processing with photo host at the lodge
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Evening photographic safari in Samburu
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Overnight in photographic hide
PHOTOGRAPHY FOCUS: The 'Samburu Special Five' including species that are not found in typical safari locations: Grevy's Zebra, Reticulated Giraffe, Beisa Oryx, Somali Ostrich, Gerenuk along with the commonly spotted predators - leopard, cheetah and lion.-
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Chartered flight: Samburu to Masai Mara (Central Region)
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Afternoon photographic safari in Masai Mara
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Image selection and post processing with photo host in dedicated photo studio at lodge
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Overnight in Masai Mara
PHOTOGRAPHY FOCUS: General wildlife of the Masai Mara such as elephants, lions, leopard, buffalo, zebra, giraffe, etc.-
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Full day photographic safaris in Masai Mara
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Image selection and post processing with photo host in dedicated photo studio at lodge
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Overnight in Masai Mara
PHOTOGRAPHY FOCUS: The Great Migration of Wildebeests focusing on mega herds and iconic river crossings as well as photographing the predators that follow the herds.-
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Chartered flight: Masai Mara to Nairobi Wilson Airport
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Transfer to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport - NBO (or accommodation of choice in Nairobi)
END OF TOUR
Guests must depart no earlier than 6:00pm on this day-
EXPERT GUIDANCE
As your guide and photography mentor, I’ll be by your side throughout the journey — helping you anticipate moments, refine your composition, and tell stronger visual stories. This is hands-on, in-the-field instruction designed to meet you where you are and push your photography further.
We’re also supported by exceptional local guides, whose deep understanding of the land and wildlife ensures we’re always positioned for the best possible encounters — often before the action even starts.
At the end of each day, you’ll return to carefully selected lodges, where professional staff take care of everything else: warm hospitality, delicious meals, and a comfortable space to rest, recharge, and get ready for the next day’s adventure.
EQUIPMENT TO BRING
CAMERA BODY:
Guests are encouraged to bring a camera body with a minimum of 24-megapixels to guarantee the best results while on safari. This can be mirrorless or a DSLR, as your photo host is experienced with both and will be able to offer assistance whenever need be.
A second camera body is always a great consideration, however, this is not mandatory. This can be used as a backup, or you can keep a second lens attached and switch back and forth between cameras.
LENSES:
70–200mm lens: Perfect for hide photography in Samburu, where you'll often be photographing animals at close to mid-range. This lens provides ideal framing for tight compositions, portraits, and behaviour shots in intimate hide settings.
500mm lens (prime or zoom): A must-have for the Masai Mara, especially during the Great Migration, when you'll want maximum reach to capture dramatic river crossings, predator interactions, and large herds on the move. The 500mm allows you to photograph from a respectful distance while still producing high-impact imagery.
AVAILABILITY
The maximum group size for this trip is just three guests and spots are limited.
To ensure that you are able to attend this trip, please be sure to book ahead of time to guarantee your spot.
2026 PRICING
This trip is prices at $10,495 USD per person sharing accommodation.
If you are a solo traveller, there is an additional $1,500 USD single supplement fee.
PAYMENT
A deposit of 30% is due at the time of booking to reserve your place on this photo safari and secure your trekking permits.
70% remaining balance due
90 days prior to arrival
CONFIRMATION
Once a deposit is received, you are officially confirmed on this trip!
You will receive official confirmation via email along with important details and information you need!
