Kenya Photographic Workshop Safari, Kenya

Highlights

Tailor-made for enthusiastic wildlife and nature photographers
Small-group game drives with expert photographic and wildlife guides
Excellent camera equipment supplied plus editing assistance
Private, game-rich Masai Mara concession
Perfect for the seasonal Wildebeest Migration from about July to October

Overview

Designed specifically for keen amateur wildlife photographers, this safari is a great opportunity to hone your camera skills in a dramatic and beautiful natural environment. Top camera equipment is supplied as part of your journey through Kenya and you have the expertise of a photographic guide, imparting their knowledge and assisting with technical aspects like focus, aperture, framing and light measurement. You enjoy one-on-one tuition, help with editing your photos and come away with a disc of all your images to show off your amazing new skills. The wildlife guide will teach you the basics of animals’ behaviour so you can learn to predict their movements and set your camera up appropriately.

You are based at Kichwa Tembo, one of the Masai Mara’s best-loved tented camps, and have the advantage of being located in a Masai Mara concession – a privately run ‘mini reserve’ adjoining the main Masai Mara National Reserve. Such a setting assures exclusive wildlife sightings and unspoilt landscapes, especially important during the Wildebeest Migration season – because no outside vehicles or guests are allowed. Game drives are the main focus on this safari: you head out on early morning and late afternoon drives as well as on spot-lit night drives in a specially-adapted 4X4 and there is also the option of a hot-air balloon safari for unforgettable views of the Mara at sunrise. The golden light is perfect for capturing stunning landscape shots, as well as interesting aerial images of game as you pass silently overhead.

Lying on the path of the Wildebeest Migration, Kichwa Tembo can promise much drama on the savannah during Migration season (from about July to October) but such is the wealth of wildlife in this area that spectacular wildlife sightings are enjoyed throughout the year. Back at camp you have a rim-flow pool to relax in plus Wi-Fi access and a treatment room to enjoy a massage. Your Superior Tent has an oversized bed with a view plus a private veranda with a shaded day-bed, the perfect place to set up time lapses or edit the day’s shots.

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Let’s Go

Summary

Tour Duration: 6 Days
Start: Nairobi
End: Nairobi

Destinations Visited

Kenya

Masai Mara

Accommodations Visited

Kenya, Masai Mara

Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp

5 Nights

'A unique opportunity to hone your photographic skills. With a dedicated photographic guide to offer one-on-one instruction and high-end equipment plus specialised a 4x4 vehicle included, this safari is a popular choice. Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp is located in a dense wildlife area of the Masai Mara where the Wildebeest Migration congregates in peak season so you could take epic photographs of river crossings and predators in action. We love the personalised attention on this tour.'

Lauren Johansson

Africa Safari Expert

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Day to day

Itinerary

Detailed breakdown

Day 1: Begin in Nairobi | 5 Nights

Masai Mara, Kenya

Your safari begins at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport where you are met and transferred to the domestic Wilson Airport. A scheduled flight of only an hour then takes you to a private landing strip where you are met by a guide and vehicle from Kichwa Tembo Tented camp. It is a 30-minute drive to camp when no doubt you will begin your game-viewing experience. Then it is time to settle into your accommodation – a Superior Tent complete with veranda, day-bed and en suite bathroom with shower and a ‘loo with a view’.

Days 2-5: Photograph the Mara your way

For the next four days the Masai Mara is yours to explore through the lens of your supplied camera. You have an enviable range of equipment to choose from – the lenses provided are the Nikon 600mm F4.0, 500mm F4.0 and the 400mm F2.8 with 1.4 and 2.0 x teleconverters – and you have the expertise of a photographic guide to help develop your own skills. You also enjoy advice and assistance with editing and are presented with a disc with all your images on to take home.

Morning and afternoon game drives are the main focus, led by experienced, sharp-eyed wildlife guides. Each vehicle takes four guests only (a fifth by request) which means a window seat with unrestricted views for everyone and a suitable arrangement for one-to-one tuition from the photography guide. Photographic subjects present themselves as the drive progresses: massed wildebeest herds, big cats, elephants, giraffe, birds, hippos and lurking crocodiles. The scenery is magnificent too… think classic Out of Africa rolling savannah with big skies and iconic flat-topped acacia trees.

There is plenty to do in between game drives when you are back at camp. Partly set under forest, Kichwa Tembo attracts a wealth of birdlife and the savannah views are spectacular, especially from the camp’s famous rim-flow pool. There is Wi-Fi in the main areas of the lodge as well as in your tent, and if you feel like treating yourself, you can book a massage at Kichwa Tembo’s treatment room. You sit down to delicious Pan-African cuisine, generally served outside but also in the privacy of your suite if requested.

Day 6: That’s a wrap

After breakfast at Kichwa Tembo you are driven back to the airstrip for the return flight by light aircraft to Nairobi. There is time for some game viewing on the way before the short flight to Wilson Airport and your onward travel arrangements.

Inclusions

Emergency medical evacuation insurance
Park fees and conservation fees
Road transfers between airstrips and lodges.
Safari activities
Soft drinks, house wines, local brand spirit and beers, teas and coffees, & refreshments on game drives.

Exclusions

International flights
Airport taxes
All meals and drinks not specified
Tips and gratuities
Items of a personal nature