Maasai Mara 5 days photography safari.
Maasai Mara photography Safari
Duration: 5 days 4nights
Itinerary: Nairobi, Maasai Mara, Nairobi
Experience the ultimate wildlife adventure on this 5-day Maasai Mara Safari, designed to immerse you in the heart of Kenya’s most iconic reserve. Known for its dramatic landscapes, abundant wildlife, and rich Maasai culture, the Mara offers unparalleled game viewing and unforgettable photo opportunities.
Safari Highlights & Key Experiences
- Big Five Game Drives: Track lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos, and buffalo across the vast savannahs.
- Predator Action: Witness cheetahs, lions, and hyenas in their natural habitat.
- Optional Hot Air Balloon Safari: Capture breathtaking aerial views of the Mara at sunrise, followed by a champagne breakfast in the bush.
- Maasai Cultural Visits: Meet local Maasai communities and learn about their traditions and way of life.
Travel in a customized open Land Cruiser, perfect for photography, offering unobstructed views and flexible shooting angles. With expert guides and luxury or boutique lodges, this 5-day safari delivers a fully immersive, once-in-a-lifetime Kenyan wildlife experience.
Detailed itinerary
Day 1: Nairobi – Maasai Mara
Upon arrival in Nairobi, you are met and transferred by scheduled flight or private vehicle to the Maasai Mara. The journey takes you deep into one of Africa’s most iconic safari destinations. Arrive at your luxury lodge or tented camp in time for a late afternoon game drive. The Mara’s golden savannahs, acacia trees, and abundant wildlife create the perfect setting for your first photography session. Capture elephants, lions, zebras, and giraffes against the backdrop of a setting sun, offering your first breathtaking glimpse of the Mara.
Day 2: Full Day in the Maasai Mara – Early Morning and Sunset Drives
Spend your day fully immersed in the Maasai Mara’s extraordinary wildlife and landscapes. Begin with an early morning game drive to photograph predators and herbivores in the soft, golden light of sunrise. Return to your lodge for a midday rest, then head out for a late afternoon drive to capture the Mara during the dramatic golden hour. Focus on lions, cheetahs, elephants, and plains game while taking advantage of wide-open savannah vistas for iconic landscape photography.
Day 3: Full Day in the Maasai Mara – Wildlife and Birding
Enjoy another full day exploring the Mara with early morning and late afternoon drives. This is an ideal day for wildlife and bird photography, with opportunities to capture dramatic predator-prey interactions, hippos in river pools, and colorful birds such as lilac-breasted rollers and bee-eaters. The changing light throughout the day provides dynamic photographic conditions, from soft sunrise glow to rich, warm sunset tones.
Day 4: Full Day in the Maasai Mara – Hot Air Balloon or Extended Photography Drives
Spend your final full day in the Mara with the option of a hot air balloon safari at sunrise for unique aerial photography. Drift silently over the savannah and capture panoramic shots of wildlife and landscapes from above, followed by a traditional bush breakfast. Later, continue with guided game drives, photographing the Mara’s iconic scenery and wildlife in varied lighting conditions. Sunset drives provide the perfect opportunity for silhouette photography and landscape shots.
Day 5: 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. Upon arrival in Nairobi, you are transferred to your hotel or onward international departure, concluding your luxury Kenyan safari with a collection of stunning wildlife, bird, and landscape photographs from one of Africa’s most iconic reserves.
Destination | Mi-luxury Hotels | Luxury Hotels | Premium hotels |
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