Best of Kenya Photography safari
Best of Kenya Photography safari
Days :12 days 11 nights
Itinerary :Nairobi, Tsavo, Amboseli, Lake Naivasha, Maasai Mara /m
an extraordinary 12-day Best of Kenya Photography safari, exploring the country’s most iconic wildlife and landscapes. From the bustling city of Nairobi, to the vast wilderness of Tsavo, the majestic elephants of Amboseli, the serene waters of Lake Naivasha, and the legendary plains of the Maasai Mara, this journey offers a perfect blend of adventure, photography, and unforgettable wildlife encounters.
Safari Highlights & Key Experiences
- Nairobi: Begin with Nairobi National Park and intimate wildlife encounters at the Giraffe Centre and David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.
- Tsavo National Parks: Discover one of Kenya’s largest wilderness areas, featuring red elephants, volcanic landscapes, dramatic lava flows, and diverse wildlife.
- Amboseli National Park: Photograph giant elephant herds with Mount Kilimanjaro as a stunning backdrop during sunrise and sunset game drives.
- Lake Naivasha: Capture hippos, flamingos, and abundant birdlife, with optional boat safaris offering reflective lake shots.
- Maasai Mara National Reserve: Experience Big Five game drives, dramatic predator action, sweeping savannahs, and optional hot air balloon rides for panoramic photography.
Travel in a customized open Land Cruiser, designed for unobstructed views and flexible angles, ensuring every wildlife moment is perfectly captured. With expert guides, handpicked lodges, and immersive experiences, this safari is ideal for photographers, wildlife enthusiasts, and adventure seekers alike.
Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi – Begin Your Safari Adventure
Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, where you are met and transferred to a luxury Nairobi hotel. Take the evening to relax and prepare for your safari adventure, reviewing photography equipment or simply soaking in the vibrant city atmosphere. Nairobi’s blend of modern comfort and proximity to wildlife makes it the ideal starting point for your journey.
Day 2: Full Day in Nairobi – Wildlife and Cultural Experiences
Spend the day exploring Nairobi’s unique wildlife and conservation attractions. Begin with a game drive in Nairobi National Park, where lions, rhinos, and giraffes roam against the city skyline—an unusual and photogenic backdrop. Continue to the Giraffe Centre to photograph Rothschild giraffes up close, and the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust to capture orphaned elephants in an ethical setting. Early morning and late afternoon drives provide soft golden light for striking wildlife and landscape photography.
Day 3: Nairobi – Tsavo National Park
Depart Nairobi for Tsavo National Park, one of Kenya’s largest and most diverse safari destinations. Arrive at your luxury lodge in time for an afternoon game drive, photographing large herds of elephants, lions, giraffes, and iconic landscapes such as the Yatta Plateau or Galana River. Sunset drives enhance the dramatic lighting for landscape and wildlife photography.
Day 4: Full Day in Tsavo – Wildlife and Landscape Photography
Spend a full day exploring Tsavo East and West with morning and afternoon drives. Early morning drives provide opportunities to capture predators, elephants, and savannah wildlife in soft golden light. Late afternoon drives allow you to photograph dramatic sunsets over the open plains, volcanic hills, and riverine habitats, offering diverse and memorable imagery.
Day 5: Tsavo – Amboseli National Park
Travel from Tsavo to Amboseli, arriving in time for a late afternoon game drive. Amboseli is famous for its large elephant herds and breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro. Sunset drives provide iconic photography opportunities, with elephants silhouetted against Africa’s most photographed mountain.
Day 6: Full Day in Amboseli – Early Morning and Sunset Drives
Spend a full day in Amboseli with early morning and late afternoon drives. Capture wildlife in soft, golden light during sunrise, including elephants, lions, giraffes, and diverse bird species. Return to camp for a midday rest, then set out for a sunset drive to photograph dramatic landscapes, silhouettes, and wildlife behavior in the golden hour.
Day 7: Amboseli – Lake Naivasha
Depart Amboseli for Lake Naivasha, a scenic journey through Kenya’s stunning landscapes. Arrive in time for a boat ride on Lake Naivasha, photographing hippos, kingfishers, and cormorants. Continue to Crescent Island Game Sanctuary for a walking safari with giraffes, zebras, and antelopes, offering close-range photography. Evening light on the lake provides ideal reflections for landscapes and bird photography.
Day 8: Full Day at Lake Naivasha – Hells Gate and Optional Geothermal Spa
Begin the day with an early visit to Hells Gate National Park, photographing dramatic cliffs, gorges, and geothermal features in soft morning light. Afternoon activities can include birding, capturing flamingos and other waterbirds along the lake, or an optional swim at a nearby geothermal spa. Sunset along the lake provides perfect conditions for reflections and silhouette photography.
Day 9: Lake Naivasha – Maasai Mara
Travel to the Maasai Mara in a luxury vehicle, stopping at scenic viewpoints or a Maasai village for cultural photography opportunities. Arrive in time for a late afternoon game drive, photographing wildlife such as lions, elephants, and zebras in the golden glow of sunset. The Mara’s iconic savannah landscapes make every shot memorable.
Day 10: Full Day in the Maasai Mara – Sunrise and Sunset Drives
Spend a full day photographing the Maasai Mara’s abundant wildlife. Early morning drives allow you to capture predators, herbivores, and birds in soft sunrise light. Midday can be spent reviewing your photography or relaxing at your luxury lodge, then head out again for a late afternoon drive to capture the dramatic landscapes and golden-hour lighting that define the Mara experience.
Day 11: Full Day in the Maasai Mara – Wildlife and Landscape Photography
Enjoy a second full day in the Maasai Mara with both early morning and late afternoon drives. Focus on photographing the Big Five, cheetahs, hyenas, and other plains game. Capture river crossings, rolling savannahs, and iconic acacia trees under beautiful light. Sunset drives offer the perfect opportunity for silhouettes and panoramic shots.
Day 12: Maasai Mara – Nairobi (No Game Drive)
After breakfast, transfer back to Nairobi by scheduled flight or private vehicle. No game drive is scheduled today, allowing a relaxed conclusion to your safari. Upon arrival in Nairobi, transfer to your hotel or onward international departure, completing your luxury Kenya safari with a rich collection of wildlife, bird, and landscape photography.
Destination | Mi-luxury Hotels | Luxury Hotels | Premium hotels |
Nairobi | Ibis Styles Nairobi Prideinn Azure La Maison Westland’s | Eka Hotel Hilton Garden inn Airport Argile Hotel Nairobi | Radisson Blu Upperhill Kempinski Nairobi JW Marriot Nairobi |
Tsavo | Sentrim Tsavo Ngulia lodge Man Eaters | Serena Kilangni Ashnil Aruba Severin safari camp | Fintch Hattoon Lion Bluff Saltlick safari lodge |
Amboseli | AA lodge Amboseli Sentrim Amboseli Kilima Camp | Kibo Safari camp Sopa Lodge Amboseli Serena Amboseli | Ol Tukai lodge Tawi Lodge Angama Amboseli |
Lake Naivasha | Naivasha country club Burch resort | Sopa lodge Naivasha Sawela lodge | Enashipai resort Chui lodge |
Maasai Mara | Simba lodge Mara Fig Tree Mara Maisha Camp Keekorok lodge | Entim Mara Mara Engai Tipilikwani Mara Mara Intrepids | Sand River JW Marriot Mara Angama Mara Ishara Mara |
Package value estimate
Description | Package Value | How to Book / Inquire |
Mid-luxury package | Price on Request | Click to get quote |
Luxury package | Price on Request | Click to get quote |
Premium package | Price on Request | Click to get quote |
Price guide – below are factors that affect our costing
- Safari Style – Prices differ based on whether you choose a budget, mid-range, or luxury safari, with higher-end options offering private guides, premium lodges, and exclusive experiences.
- Accommodation – Safari stays range from standard lodges to luxury and ultra-luxury camps, with location, comfort, and exclusivity influencing the price.
- Season & Travel Dates – Rates are higher during peak seasons such as July–October and December, while low seasons offer better value and fewer crowds.
- Group Size & Privacy – Safari prices are influenced by the number of travelers—the larger the group, the lower the cost per person, while smaller or private safaris cost more due to personalized service and exclusive use of the vehicle and guide.
- Booking Period & Availability – Early bookings often secure better rates and availability, while last-minute bookings may attract higher prices, especially in peak season
- Meal & Beverage Plans – Standard meal plans are usually included, while premium drinks, private dining, or special dietary arrangements may affect pricing.
- Internal Flights & Transfers – Domestic flights between parks or luxury airstrip transfers can increase the overall safari cost but save time and enhance comfort.
- Special Experiences – Activities such as hot air balloon safaris, private bush dinners, cultural visits, or walking safaris are optional add-ons and priced separately.
Total cost inclusions
- Meet and greet
- Transport using an open sided land cruiser ideal for photography
- Hotel accommodation as per above itinerary
- Meals on full board
- Service of a professional photographer guide
- Extended and flexible game drives (early morning, late evening, and golden hours sessions)
- Sightseeing
- Visit Maasai Village
- Hot air balloon
- Sundowner experience and scenic bush stops
Exclusion on the total cost
- International & domestic flights
- Visa fees and travel insurance
- Personal photography equipment (cameras, lenses, drones, memory cards, etc.)
- Drone permits and special filming licenses
- Optional activities (balloon safari, spa treatments, night drives, extra excursions, etc.)
- Laundry services (unless specified by lodge)
- Gratuities for guides, drivers and hotel staff
- Any extra nights or services not mentioned in the itinerary