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Best of Kenya - Samburu, Lake Nakuru & Masai Mara Photo Safari - Nov 2024

November 10th - 22nd, 2024
Best of Kenya - Samburu, Lake Nakuru & Masai Mara Photo Safari - Nov 2024
Kenya &
2 Spaces

OVERVIEW

This 13-day photographic safari encompasses three renowned and visually captivating reserves in Kenya: Samburu, Lake Nakuru, and the Maasai Mara.

Perfect for first-time African explorers, this itinerary presents a rich variety of landscapes and an unparalleled array of wildlife species.

Your photographic adventure commences in Nairobi, where our safari representative will greet you at the airport. Following this, you'll be transferred to a Nairobi hotel for an overnight stay.

The next day, the journey begins as you drive from Nairobi to Samburu, arriving in time for a late lunch. Three nights will be spent in Samburu, delving into this rugged and arid terrain in search of exclusive species found solely in this area.

Transitioning to Lake Nakuru by road, you'll arrive in time for a late lunch, proceeding to an afternoon game drive along the lake's shore. This two-night stopover between Samburu and the Maasai Mara offers an ideal interlude.

Continuing your expedition, the road leads from Lake Nakuru to the Maasai Mara. Upon arrival, you'll enjoy a late lunch at accommodation overlooking the Mara River within the Mara Triangle.

Renowned as Kenya's most illustrious and photographically abundant reserve, the Maasai Mara boasts an incredible wealth of animals. Particularly noted for exceptional Big Cat encounters (lions, leopards, and cheetahs), this reserve is a photographer's dream.

For three nights, you'll stay in a lodge within the Mara Triangle, followed by an additional three nights in a smaller tented camp situated right along the Mara River. These two distinct locations grant you the opportunity to explore every facet of the reserve.

Concluding your Mara experience with a final morning photo game drive, you'll fly back to Nairobi. Enjoy the comfort of a dayroom before departing on your international flight home later that evening.

SAMBURU NATIONAL RESERVE

Samburu stands as an idyllic haven for photographers, boasting an extraordinary array of wildlife exclusive to this particular region of Kenya.

The extensive road network in Samburu facilitates comprehensive exploration of this game-abundant area without the need for extensive travel.

Distinctive species such as the Grevy's Zebra, Somali Ostrich, Gerenuk, Vulturine Guineafowl, Beisa Oryx, and the Reticulated Giraffe populate Samburu exclusively, making them prominent subjects on the photography agenda for this initial safari destination.

Furthermore, the enchanting Ewaso Nyiro River, coupled with the surrounding hills and mountains, presents captivating landscapes, providing ample opportunities to capture stunning photographs.

LAKE NAKURU NATIONAL PARK

Situated among the Rift Valley Lakes, Lake Nakuru rests at an elevation of nearly 1800m above sea level.

The warm waters of the lake foster the proliferation of algae and plankton, creating an inviting environment that attracts a remarkable diversity of birdlife.

The park surrounding Lake Nakuru serves as a secure habitat for various wildlife, including Rothschild Giraffe, Black and White Rhino, Buffalo, and other herbivores. Predators such as lions, leopards, and Spotted Hyaenas also find refuge here. The lake's shores become a gathering place for numerous water bird species like pelicans and cormorants, providing a captivating spectacle for photographers with their diverse presence.

Positioned as an ideal stopover between Samburu and the Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, despite fluctuations in its water levels, remains an exceptional photography destination. Its ever-vibrant ecosystem ensures a wealth of subjects, promising to satisfy the discerning photographer's artistic pursuits.

MASAI MARA GAME RESERVE

In the Maasai Mara, you'll be greeted by a landscape adorned with gentle rolling hills, expansive savanna grasslands, lush riverine thickets, and the iconic Mara River. Spanning 1500 square kilometers (560 square miles), this locale stands as a premier destination for a photographic safari, nestled in the very essence of unspoiled Africa.

Renowned for its abundance of Africa's magnificent big cats—Lions, Leopards, and Cheetahs—the Maasai Mara holds a reputation as one of the prime spots for photographing these majestic creatures. Yet, these charismatic felines are just part of the variety of animals. The sheer diversity of mammals, birds, and reptiles populating this region is nothing short of astounding.

DETAILS

This photo safari ensures a maximum of three participants in one safari vehicle, granting ample room for equipment and assured access to both sides of the safari vehicle.

Led by a seasoned and skilled safari guide, you'll benefit from their expertise in wildlife tracking and positioning the vehicle optimally, taking into account lighting conditions and subject distance.

During this safari, you stand an excellent chance to witness and photograph the following animals:

Lion, Leopard, Cheetah, Elephant, Cape Buffalo, Reticulated Giraffe, Rothschild Giraffe, Maasai Giraffe, Beisa Oryx, Gerenuk, Grevy's Zebra, Plains Zebra, Hippo, Black Rhino, White Rhino, Spotted Hyena, Jackal, White Bearded Wildebeest, Thompson's Gazelle, Grant's Gazelle, Olive Baboon, Vervet Monkey, Coke's Hartebeest, Topi, Waterbuck, and an excellent variety of birdlife and reptiles.

DAY 1

Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), overnight in Nairobi - Kenya

Your safari begins with a meet & greet at the airport. A road transfer will take you to a local hotel.

You will stay for 1 night in Nairobi at the BEST WESTERN in Upper Hill.

(Bed & Breakfast only)

DAY 2

Depart at 7 am and drive 6 hours to Samburu Reserve. Afternoon game drive

Enjoy an early breakfast before you are met by your local Kenyan Guides. You will travel north towards Samburu passing Mount Kenya and other scenic highlights on the way. You will reach Samburu in time to check-in and enjoy a delicious lunch. You will prepare to head out on your first afternoon photo game drive at around 16:00.

You will stay for 3 nights in Samburu at ELEPHANT BEDROOM CAMP in en-suite tents.

(All meals included)

DAY 3

Morning & Afternoon photo game drives in Samburu

Enjoy relaxed and flexible photography. Packed breakfasts will be taken on board the safari vehicle to allow you to maximize the early morning hours looking for subjects to photograph when they are the most active. At a convenient time, you will stop to enjoy your breakfast in the bush and a well-earned leg stretch.

Samburu will be quite hot around midday so it is a great time to head back to camp for lunch and a short siesta before heading out in the late afternoon when it starts to become cooler and the wildlife becomes more active.

DAY 4

Morning & Afternoon photo game drives in Samburu

Enjoy relaxed and flexible photography.

DAY 5

Depart Samburu. 6-hour drive to Lake Nakuru. Afternoon game drive

Enjoy a packed breakfast as you depart Samburu and begin driving to Lake Nakuru. Drive through the rift valley to arrive at Lake Nakuru for a late lunch followed by a game drive to explore the edge of the lake.

You will stay for 2 nights in Lake Nakuru National Park at SAROVA LION HILL LODGE in en-suite rooms.

(All meals included)

DAY 6

Morning & Afternoon photo game drives at Lake Nakuru

Enjoy relaxed and flexible photography.

DAY 7

Depart Lake Nakuru and drive 6 hours to Maasai Mara. Afternoon game drive

You will depart Lake Nakuru after breakfast and begin driving to the Maasai Mara. This road trip will take you through the town of Narok and you arrive in the Mara in the mid-afternoon. Settle into your rooms and depart for your first afternoon game drive in this famous reserve.

For the first 3 nights in the Mara you will stay at the MARA SERENA LODGE which has an incredible view over the Mara River and reserve.

(All meals included)

DAY 8

Morning & Afternoon photo game drives in the Maasai Mara

Enjoy relaxed and flexible photography. Packed breakfasts will be arranged to allow you to maximize your time in the field. It can also get quite warm around midday so returning to camp for lunch and a siesta are also recommended. However, if there is something worth staying out to photograph then our guide can be as flexible as you need him to be.

DAY 9

Morning & Afternoon photo game drives in the Maasai Mara

Enjoy relaxed and flexible photography.

DAY 10

Move to your second location in the Mara, arrive for lunch with photography en-route

Your final three nights will be spent at ENTIM MARA CAMP, conveniently located right on the Mara River. This is a small tented camp with excellent food and facilities.

(All meals included)
( Local drinks and laundry included)

DAY 11

Morning & Afternoon photo game drives in the Maasai Mara

Enjoy relaxed and flexible photography.

DAY 12

Morning & Afternoon photo game drives in the Maasai Mara

Enjoy relaxed and flexible photography.

DAY 13

Short morning game drive. Fly back to Nairobi. Use of a day room before departure

Enjoy your final morning game drive before flying back to Nairobi Wilson Airport. You will be met at the airport and transferred to the FOUR POINTS SHERATON AIRPORT HOTEL. You will have the use of a day room until your time of departure. The complimentary shuttle bus will take you the short 5 min journey to the airport to catch your international flight home.

(Room only, no meals or drinks included)

STEP 1 - PLEASE READ OUR BOOKING TERMS & CONDITIONS

We first recommend that you read and become familiar with our booking terms & conditions, which can be found on this page, under the PRICES box.

STEP 2 - GET IN TOUCH

Get in touch with us to confirm that there are still spaces available on the photo safari that you are interested in. Click on the “ENQUIRE NOW” button above.

STEP 3 - AWAIT A REPLY FROM US & THEN CREATE YOUR CLIENT ACCOUNT

Once we confirm with you that there is space available, and you would like to join the safari, we will send you a direct link via email. Follow this unique link to sign up to our CLIENT AREA. After you have registered with your name, email address and a password of your choice, you will then be asked to complete our online booking form.

STEP 4 - COMPLETE A BOOKING FORM

As soon as we receive your completed booking form/s (1 per participant) then you will be required to send us the deposit to secure your place on the safari.

STEP 5 - SEND YOUR DEPOSIT

Deposits can be paid via credit card, PayPal or international bank transfer. We will notify you as soon as your deposit arrives. Places on the safari will only be confirmed once we have received both a completed booking form and deposit payment.

STEP 6 - FINAL BALANCE PAYMENT

As soon as your booking form and deposit are with us, we will update your CLIENT AREA to display the outstanding balance amount. This amount will be due 90 days before the start date of the safari.