Kenyan safari photography adventure
Classic Kenya Photography safari
Duration :12 days 11 nights
Itinerary : Nairobi, Amboseli, Lake Naivasha, Maasai Mara
Experience the ultimate 12-day Kenyan safari, exploring the country’s most iconic wildlife destinations in comfort and style. From the vibrant city of Nairobi, to the majestic elephants of Amboseli, the serene waters of Lake Naivasha, the flamingo-filled shores of Lake Nakuru, and the legendary Maasai Mara, this safari combines breathtaking landscapes, extraordinary wildlife, and immersive experience
Safari Highlights & Key Experiences
- Nairobi: Kick off your adventure with Nairobi National Park and intimate encounters at the Giraffe Centre and David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.
- Amboseli National Park: Photograph giant elephants against the stunning backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro, with sunrise and sunset game drives.
- Lake Naivasha: Capture hippos, flamingos, and abundant birdlife on boat safaris and lakeside walks.
- Lake Nakuru National Park: Witness flamingo-strewn lakes, rare rhinos, and diverse wildlife framed by the Rift Valley scenery.
- Maasai Mara National Reserve: Explore Kenya’s premier safari destination, photographing the Big Five, dramatic predator action, and sweeping savannahs. Optional hot air balloon rides offer unparalleled aerial perspectives.
Travel in a customized open Land Cruiser, specially designed for photography, providing unobstructed views and flexible shooting angles throughout your journey. With expert guides, handpicked lodges, and immersive game drives, this safari is perfect for photographers, wildlife enthusiasts, and travelers seeking a rich, unforgettable Kenyan experience.
Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi – Welcome to Kenya
Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, you are greeted and transferred to your luxury hotel in Nairobi. The evening is at leisure, giving you time to rest, organize your gear, and prepare for the exciting safari ahead. Nairobi’s modern amenities and vibrant city setting provide the perfect introduction to your luxury Kenya adventure.
Day 2: Full Day in Nairobi – Wildlife and Cultural Experiences
Spend a full day exploring Nairobi’s unique wildlife and conservation attractions. Begin with a guided game drive in Nairobi National Park, where lions, rhinos, giraffes, and zebras roam against the city skyline—an iconic and photogenic backdrop. Continue to the Giraffe Centre for close encounters and portrait photography with endangered Rothschild giraffes, followed by the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust to witness and photograph orphaned elephants. Early morning and late afternoon wildlife drives allow you to capture soft, golden light for stunning images.
Day 3: Nairobi – Amboseli National Park
Travel by private vehicle to Amboseli National Park, arriving in time for an afternoon game drive. Amboseli is world-famous for its large elephant herds and sweeping vistas of Mount Kilimanjaro. Sunset drives offer unforgettable photographic opportunities, capturing elephants silhouetted against the iconic mountain backdrop.
Day 4: Full Day in Amboseli – Early Morning and Sunset Photography Drives
Spend the day fully immersed in Amboseli’s dramatic landscapes and wildlife. Depart before sunrise for an early morning game drive, ideal for capturing elephants, lions, and giraffes in soft, golden light. Return for a midday rest at your luxury lodge, then embark on a late afternoon drive to photograph wildlife and savannah landscapes during the stunning sunset hours.
Day 5: Amboseli – Lake Naivasha
Depart Amboseli for Lake Naivasha, enjoying scenic stops along the way. Upon arrival, take a guided boat ride on Lake Naivasha to photograph hippos, kingfishers, and cormorants in their natural habitat. Continue to Crescent Island Game Sanctuary for a walking safari, offering close-range photography of giraffes, zebras, and antelopes. Capture the vibrant lake reflections during sunset for perfect landscape shots.
Day 6: Full Day at Lake Naivasha – Hells Gate and Optional Geothermal Spa
Spend a full day exploring Lake Naivasha’s landscapes and wildlife. Begin with an early morning visit to Hells Gate National Park to photograph dramatic cliffs, gorges, and resident wildlife. Afternoon activities include birding along the lake, capturing flamingos, or enjoying an optional swim at a nearby geothermal spa. Sunset along the lake provides ideal lighting for reflections and silhouette photography.
Day 7: Lake Naivasha – Lake Nakuru
Travel by road to Lake Nakuru National Park, famous for its flamingos, rhinos, and lush scenery. Upon arrival, enjoy an afternoon game drive, photographing rhinos, giraffes, zebras, and buffalo against the rolling hills and lake vistas. Sunset along the lake enhances the reflections and dramatic landscapes, perfect for photography enthusiasts.
Day 8: Full Day at Lake Nakuru – Birding and Wildlife Photography
Spend a full day exploring Lake Nakuru’s extraordinary biodiversity. Early morning drives provide soft light for wildlife photography, while midday visits focus on the flamingos and other bird species along the lake’s shore. Late afternoon drives capture the golden light on the lake, wildlife, and surrounding escarpments, creating a perfect combination of landscape, birding, and wildlife photography opportunities.
Day 9: Lake Nakuru – Maasai Mara
Depart Lake Nakuru for the Maasai Mara, arriving in the afternoon. Stop at scenic viewpoints along the route for photography and landscape shots. In the Mara, enjoy a late afternoon game drive to witness wildlife activity in the soft light of sunset. The iconic savannah, acacia trees, and abundant wildlife create unforgettable photographic opportunities.
Day 10: Full Day in the Maasai Mara – Early Morning and Sunset Drives
Spend a full day photographing the Maasai Mara’s rich wildlife. Begin before sunrise with an early morning drive to capture predators, elephants, and plains game in soft, golden light. Return to camp for rest, then depart for a late afternoon drive to capture action, silhouettes, and dramatic savannah landscapes during the golden hour.
Day 11: Full Day in the Maasai Mara – Wildlife and Landscape Photography
Enjoy a second full day in the Maasai Mara to maximize photography opportunities. Early morning and late afternoon drives allow for uninterrupted observation and photography of the Big Five, cheetahs, hyenas, and birds. Optional scenic stops along rivers, hippo pools, or open plains add diversity to your portfolio. Sunset drives provide striking final images of the Mara’s iconic landscapes.
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 departure and time to organize your photographic content. Upon arrival in Nairobi, transfer to your hotel or onward international departure, concluding your luxury Kenya safari with a rich collection of wildlife, bird, and landscape imagery.
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 |
Amboseli | Sentrim Amboseli Sopa Amboseli | Kibo Safari camp Serena Amboseli | Ol Tukai lodge Tawi lodge |
Lake Naivasha | Naivasha Country club Burch resort | Lake Naivasha resort Sopa lodge Naivasha | Enashipai resort Chui lodge Naivasha |
Lake Nakuru | Lake Nakuru lodge Flamingo lodge | Sarova lion hill Sopa lodge Nakuru | The Cliff Nakuru |
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