Classic Kenya Photography safari
Classic Kenya Photography safari
Duration 8 days 7 nights
Itinerary Nairobi, Lake Naivasha, Maasai Mara
Embark on a 8-day Classic Photography Safari in Kenya (Nairobi – Naivasha – Maasai Mara), designed for photographers and wildlife lovers seeking extraordinary shots of Africa’s wildlife and landscapes. Travel in a customized open Land Cruiser, specially equipped for photography, giving you unobstructed views and flexible angles to capture every moment with precision.
Photography Highlights & Key Experiences
- Nairobi: Begin with urban wildlife contrasts at Nairobi National Park, and intimate encounters at the Giraffe Centre and David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust—perfect for both portrait and wildlife shots.
- Lake Naivasha & Surroundings: Photograph serene lakeside scenery, hippos, flamingos, and abundant birdlife. Optional boat safaris offer stunning reflections and creative compositions.
- Maasai Mara National Reserve: Experience Africa’s ultimate wildlife stage, capturing the Big Five, dramatic predator action, and sweeping savannah vistas. Early morning hot air balloon rides provide breathtaking aerial photography opportunities.
With customized vehicles, expert guides, and flexible itineraries, this safari ensures photographers can frame every shot perfectly, from golden sunrise plains to intimate wildlife moments. It’s the ultimate journey for capturing Kenya in all its beauty.
Safari itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi – Begin Your Photography Safari
Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, you are met and transferred to your luxury hotel in Nairobi. This evening provides the perfect opportunity to rest, prepare your photography equipment, and review your itinerary. Nairobi’s blend of modern luxury and proximity to wildlife makes it an ideal starting point for your high-end Kenya photography safari.
Day 2: Full Day in Nairobi – Wildlife & Conservation Photography
Today, explore Nairobi’s unique wildlife and conservation attractions with guided visits to Nairobi National Park, the Giraffe Centre, and the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. Using an open Land Cruiser, your professional guide will take you on intimate drives through Nairobi National Park during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset—ideal for capturing dramatic light, wildlife silhouettes, and vibrant landscapes. Portrait opportunities abound at the Giraffe Centre and elephant orphanage, offering close-range, ethical wildlife photography experiences.
Day 3: Nairobi – Lake Naivasha (Road Transfer in Open Land Cruiser, Crescent Island & Boat Ride)
Travel by private open Land Cruiser to Lake Naivasha, enjoying scenic photography stops along the way. Upon arrival, take a guided boat ride to photograph hippos, kingfishers, cormorants, and other waterbirds in natural light. Visit Crescent Island Game Sanctuary for a walking safari, capturing giraffes, zebras, and antelopes in open savannah landscapes. Evening drives along the lake provide spectacular sunset shots, reflecting the surrounding mountains and wildlife.
Day 4: Full Day Lake Naivasha – Hells Gate & Optional Geothermal Spa
Spend a full day photographing the unique landscapes and wildlife of Lake Naivasha. Begin early with a sunrise drive or walk in Hells Gate National Park, capturing dramatic cliffs, gorges, and geothermal features. Afternoon drives and photography stops allow you to document birdlife, scenery, and wildlife in the warm late-afternoon light. Optional swimming at a geothermal spa provides creative lifestyle and environmental photography opportunities.
Day 5: Lake Naivasha – Maasai Mara (Road Transfer via Maasai Village Visit)
Drive to the Maasai Mara in an open Land Cruiser, stopping at a traditional Maasai village to photograph cultural interactions, traditional attire, and local customs. The scenic drive offers opportunities for landscape photography, capturing the Great Rift Valley vistas, rolling hills, and passing wildlife. Arrive in the Mara in the afternoon, followed by an early evening game drive to capture wildlife in the golden glow of sunset.
Day 6: Full Day Maasai Mara – Early Morning & Late Evening Photography
Spend a full day photographing the Maasai Mara’s iconic wildlife and landscapes. Depart before sunrise in your open Land Cruiser to capture predators and plains game bathed in morning light, then return to camp for rest. Late afternoon drives take advantage of golden-hour lighting to photograph action shots, silhouettes, and dramatic savannah panoramas. Expect encounters with the Big Five, cheetahs, hyenas, and abundant plains game.
Day 7: Maasai Mara Hot Air Balloon Safari & Full Day Photography
Begin the day with a breathtaking hot air balloon safari at sunrise, floating silently over the Mara to capture sweeping aerial shots of wildlife and landscapes. After landing, enjoy a champagne bush breakfast and return to your open Land Cruiser for early morning and late afternoon drives. Focus on photographing predator-prey interactions, birdlife, and the iconic acacia-studded savannah under soft morning and evening light, maximizing your creative imagery.
Day 8: Maasai Mara – Nairobi (Road or Scheduled Flight, No Game Drive)
After breakfast, transfer back to Nairobi either by scheduled flight or private vehicle, with no game drive scheduled today. This allows for a relaxed departure and time to review your photographic content from the safari. Upon arrival in Nairobi, you are transferred to your hotel or onward international flight, concluding your luxury Kenya photography safari with a collection of breathtaking wildlife, bird, and landscape images.
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 |
Lake Naivasha | Naivasha Country club Burch resort | Lake Naivasha resort Sopa lodge Naivasha | Enashipai resort Chui lodge Naivasha |
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