Big Cats of the Masai Mara - February 2019 > Video
Big Cat Photo tour - Masai Mara, Kenya
Video highlights from the Feb 2019 Photo tour to Kenya to photograph the Big Cats, Lion, Leopard & Cheetah.
Posted on 25th October, 2021
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Are you planning ahead? This is one of our signature photo safaris, offered each year - book and pay your deposit for the 2028 departure before 31 Dec 2026 to receive a USD $250 per person discount.
This 9-night Kenya photo safari is based entirely in the Masai Mara Triangle during late January and February, a productive time for wildlife photography. Your safari is led by Mamai John, a respected local guide from the Maasai tribe, whose deep knowledge of the Mara and photographic awareness help you position for light, background, and behaviour.
The Mara Triangle offers access to the Mara River, open plains, and striking backdrops along the Oloololo Escarpment. With off-road driving permitted in selected areas, you’ll have the flexibility to work sightings of lions, leopards, cheetah, elephant, buffalo and a lot more.
Your journey begins and ends with scenic flights between Nairobi and the Mara, both including additional luggage allowance for camera gear, with an overnight stay at the start and a day room before your evening departure.
An optional Amboseli extension is also available.
Mamai John is a Maasai guide with over 20 years’ experience across Kenya’s wildlife reserves.
Skilled in predicting behaviour and positioning vehicles for photography, he is also a capable photographer.
While he doesn’t offer in-depth tuition, Mamai's knowledge of wildlife and Maasai culture creates a relaxed, welcoming safari experience.
Learn more about Mamai on the Tour Leaders Page → HERE
MARA TRIANGLE - MASAI MARA
The Masai Mara Triangle is a protected section of the Masai Mara, bordered by the Mara River and Oloololo Escarpment. It offers a mix of open plains, riverine areas, and elevated backdrops for varied photography. Managed and patrolled by park rangers, the Triangle maintains a well-regulated environment.
Off-road driving is permitted in designated areas, allowing careful positioning for Big Five sightings and cheetah.
SAFARI VEHICLE
MASAI MARA
MARA SERENA SAFARI LODGE – MASAI MARA
Mara Serena Safari Lodge is set high on a ridge within the Masai Mara, offering sweeping views across the plains and excellent access to diverse wildlife areas, including the Mara River.
☀️ MASAI MARA (KENYA)
Late January and early February in the Masai Mara bring warm temperatures, green landscapes, clear mornings with soft light and active wildlife, and afternoons with some cloud and occasional showers that add atmosphere.
MASAI MARA
CAMERA BODY:
LENSES:
ACCESSORIES:
For more in-depth guidance on what to bring we are happy to discuss your setup via Zoom or email.
Visas are required for parts of this safari, and it is your responsibility to ensure they are in place before departure.
Regulations can change, so we recommend checking official government websites prior to travel.
❖ Passport must be valid for 6 months after travel with a minimum of 4 blank pages.
❖ We will provide an official itinerary and booking confirmation to support your application.
❖ We recommend applying at least 3 weeks prior to travel.
KENYA
> A visa (eTA – Electronic Travel Authorisation) is required for most travellers.
> Apply online via the official system: https://www.etakenya.go.ke/
> Cost: Approx. USD $30**
> Valid for single entry (typically up to 90 days)
> Always check current requirements before travel as these are subject to change without notice.
Yes, this safari is well suited to photographers with a basic to good understanding of their camera.
Mamai John focuses on positioning, light, and behaviour rather than camera tuition, so you should feel comfortable managing your own settings while benefiting from his field experti
This safari is not physically demanding. Most time is spent in the vehicle on game drives, with minimal walking required. It is suitable for guests with a reasonable level of general mobility, but you will need to be able to spend extended time in the safari vehicle.
Yes, this safari can be extended to include other destinations such as Amboseli National Park, offering opportunities to photograph elephants against the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro.
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• Lion
• Leopard
• Cheetah
• Spotted Hyena
• Black-backed Jackal
• Elephant
• Cape Buffalo
• Masai Giraffe
• Plains Zebra
• Topi
• Thomson’s Gazelle
• Impala
• Lilac-breasted Roller
• African Fish Eagle
• Secretary Bird
• Saddle-billed Stork
• Grey Crowned Crane
• Kori Bustard
• Bateleur
• Martial Eagle
• White-backed Vulture
• Superb Starling
• Northern Carmine Bee-eater
• Grey Heron
This Masai Mara photo safari is a small-group Kenya wildlife photography tour based in the Mara Triangle and led by experienced Maasai guide Mamai John.
Designed for photographers who value positioning, light, and behaviour, it offers excellent access to iconic wildlife, including big cats, elephants, buffalo, and cheetah.
With nine nights in one of Africa’s most productive ecosystems, this safari provides the time and flexibility to create strong, high-quality wildlife images.
You will be met at Jomo Kenyatta Airport and transferred to your nearby airport hotel for an overnight stay.
1 night in Nairobi at TAMARIND TREE HOTEL.
→ Breakfast is included
→ Lunch & Dinner NOT included
→ Drinks NOT included
→ Laundry NOT included
Fly into the Masai Mara and spend eight nights exploring one of Africa’s most productive wildlife regions. Rolling grasslands and riverine forests support high predator densities, offering excellent opportunities to photograph lions, cheetahs, leopards, and plains game.
Early starts and flexible time in the field give you the opportunity to follow behaviour, work with light, and capture great moments across open plains and along the Mara River.
8 nights in the Masai Mara at MARA SERENA LODGE.
→ All meals included
→ Drinks NOT included
→ Laundry NOT included
Fly back to Nairobi. A day-use room is available before you transfer to the airport for your onward international departure.
The complimentary shuttle bus will take you the short 5 min journey to the airport.
Dayroom at FOUR POINTS SHERATON HOTEL.
→ Room only - NO meals, drinks or laundry included
We recommend beginning by reading our Booking Terms & Conditions, located under the Prices section on each safari page. This outlines how our safaris are structured, including our booking and cancellation policies.
Once availability is confirmed and you’d like to proceed, we’ll email you a personalised, secure link to access our Client Area. Here, you’ll create your account and be directed to complete your online booking form.
Once availability is confirmed and you’d like to proceed, we’ll email you a personalised, secure link to access our Client Area. Here, you’ll create your account and be directed to complete your online booking form.
Please complete one booking form per participant. Once received, we’ll provisionally reserve your place, pending deposit payment.
A deposit is required to confirm your booking. The deposit amount varies depending on the safari and will be clearly advised before you commit.
Payments can be made securely by credit card (subject to a 5% handling fee) or by international bank transfer. Your place is confirmed once both your completed booking form and deposit have been received.
After your deposit is received, your outstanding balance will be displayed in your Client Area. The final payment is due 90 days before departure, with reminders sent in advance.
For bookings made within 90 days of the safari start date, full payment will be required at the time of booking.
If you have any questions at any stage, please don’t hesitate to get in touch — we’re always happy to help and look forward to welcoming you on one of our African photo safaris.