Overview
Discover Kenya Through Your Lens | 10 Days / 9 Nights
Discover Kenya through your lens on a 10-day photographic journey combining wildlife, conservation and spectacular landscapes. From the unique tree lodge experience in Aberdare and rhino conservation at Ol Pejeta to the wildlife-rich plains of the Maasai Mara and Mara Triangle, this safari offers rewarding opportunities to photograph Kenya’s remarkable biodiversity.
Originally designed for Bryan Pereira of Exposure Tours, a photography specialist with whom Aardwolf Africa Adventure Safaris has enjoyed several successful safari trips, this itinerary places particular emphasis on big cats, wildlife behaviour and memorable photographic encounters. Extended time in the Maasai Mara allows photographers to search for lions, leopards and cheetahs while capturing the changing light and drama of the African savannah.
For those seeking an even more specialised experience, the journey can be extended to Shompole Wilderness for dedicated wildlife photography from purpose-built photographic hides.
Optional Shompole extension available on request, subject to availability and additional cost.
Highlights
- Nairobi Wildlife & Heritage
- Aberdare Tree Lodge Experience
- Ol Pejeta Conservation
- Fly-In Maasai Mara Safari
- Big Cat & Wildlife Photography
- Explore the Mara Triangle
- Optional Shompole Photographic Hide Extension
Itinerary
Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, meet your Aardwolf Africa Adventure Safaris representative for a transfer to Tamarind Tree Hotel.
The remainder of the day is at leisure, allowing you to rest after your international journey and prepare your photographic equipment for the safari.
Accommodation: Tamarind Tree Hotel or similar
Meals: Bed & Breakfast
Begin your day early with a morning game drive in Nairobi National Park, one of the few wildlife parks located beside a capital city. Enjoy opportunities to photograph rhinos, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras and other wildlife against the backdrop of Nairobi's skyline.
After the game drive, proceed to the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust's elephant orphanage for its scheduled visiting session, where you will learn about the rescue, rehabilitation and conservation of orphaned elephants.
Continue to the Giraffe Centre to discover conservation efforts protecting the endangered Rothschild's giraffe and enjoy an opportunity to observe these remarkable animals at close range.
Later, enjoy lunch at a restaurant in the Karen area before returning to your hotel for an afternoon of relaxation.
In the evening, guests may opt for dinner at the famous Carnivore Restaurant, known for its open-fire barbecue and lively dining experience. Alternatively, relax at the hotel and enjoy dinner at your own pace.
Accommodation: Tamarind Tree Hotel or similar
Meals: Breakfast; lunch, dinner
Photography highlights: Wildlife against the Nairobi skyline, rhinos, elephants and Rothschild's giraffes.
After breakfast, meet your driver-guide and depart Nairobi at approximately 9:00 AM for the Aberdare region.
Carry a small overnight bag for your stay at The Ark. Your main luggage will be securely stored for collection before your onward journey to the Maasai Mara.
Arrive at Aberdare Country Club for lunch before proceeding to The Ark, enjoying a game-viewing transfer along the way.
The Ark overlooks a floodlit waterhole and salt lick frequented by wildlife. Observe animals from the lodge's viewing decks, balconies and underground observation bunker, offering a distinctive alternative to conventional game drives.
Accommodation: The Ark Lodge or similar
Meals: Lunch and dinner.
After an early breakfast at The Ark, depart at approximately 8:00 AM and return to Aberdare Country Club to collect your main luggage before continuing to Ol Pejeta Conservancy. En route, stop at the Equator crossing near Nanyuki for photographs before proceeding to your camp.
Arrive at Sweetwaters Serena Camp around midday, subject to road conditions, and enjoy lunch.
In the afternoon, explore Ol Pejeta Conservancy, renowned for its wildlife and pioneering conservation initiatives. Visit the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary to learn about the rescue and rehabilitation of chimpanzees, and discover the conservancy's important work protecting endangered rhinos.
Guests interested in a closer encounter with the northern white rhinos may request a private conservation experience, which can be arranged in advance subject to availability, confirmed timings and additional charges.
Depending on arrival time and the schedule of the conservation activities, enjoy an afternoon game drive in search of rhinos, elephants, lions, giraffes and other wildlife.
Return to camp for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Sweetwaters Serena Camp or similar
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Highlights: Equator crossing, chimpanzee sanctuary, rhino conservation and wildlife viewing at Ol Pejeta.
Important note: The private northern white rhino experience is optional, must be requested in advance and is subject to availability and additional charges. The day's activities may be adjusted according to arrival time and confirmed schedules.
After an early breakfast, transfer to Nanyuki Airstrip for your scheduled morning flight to the Maasai Mara.
On arrival at Keekorok Airstrip, meet your Mara driver-guide and begin a game drive towards Ashnil Mara Camp.
Enjoy lunch at camp before heading out for an afternoon game drive. Explore the Mara's expansive grasslands in search of lions, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, zebras and other wildlife.
An optional sundowner experience may be arranged at an additional cost, subject to availability.
Accommodation: Ashnil Mara Camp or similar
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
fter breakfast, depart with a picnic lunch for a full day exploring the Maasai Mara National Reserve.
Spend time searching for predators, observing animal behaviour and photographing the diverse wildlife that inhabits the open savannah. Your guide will adapt the route according to wildlife sightings and prevailing conditions.
The picnic arrangement allows greater flexibility to explore the reserve without returning to camp for lunch.
Accommodation: Ashnil Mara Camp or similar
Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch and dinner.
Enjoy another full day of wildlife photography, departing with picnic breakfast and lunch.
Additional time in the Mara allows you to revisit productive wildlife areas, search for species you may not yet have encountered and observe animal interactions at a more relaxed pace.
During migration season, large herds of wildebeest and zebras may be present, although their location and river-crossing activity depend on seasonal movements and rainfall.
Return to camp for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Ashnil Mara Camp or similar
Meals: Picnic breakfast, picnic lunch and dinner.
After breakfast, enjoy game drives en route to the Mara Triangle and Mara Serena Safari Lodge.
Arrive in time for lunch, followed by an afternoon rest before departing at approximately 4:00 PM for a game drive.
The Mara Triangle offers expansive grasslands, riverine habitats and dramatic scenery, with opportunities to photograph elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, antelopes and predators.
Accommodation: Mara Serena Safari Lodge or similar
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Spend a full day exploring the Mara Triangle, departing with picnic breakfast and lunch.
Your guide will help identify promising wildlife-viewing areas and adapt the day's route to changing sightings and conditions. The combination of open plains, riverine vegetation and distant escarpment views also offers excellent opportunities for landscape photography.
Return to Mara Serena Safari Lodge in the evening.
Accommodation: Mara Serena Safari Lodge or similar
Meals: Picnic breakfast, picnic lunch and dinner.
Rise early for a final morning game drive with a packed breakfast, exploring the Mara Triangle until approximately noon.
Lunch at Mara Serena Safari Lodge may be arranged on request at an additional cost, subject to your flight schedule and lodge arrangements.
At approximately 2:00 PM, transfer to the airstrip for your scheduled 3:00 PM flight to Nairobi.
Upon arrival, transfer to your airport hotel for a period to freshen up and relax, according to the confirmed arrangement. Later, take the hotel shuttle or an arranged transfer to the international airport for your onward flight home.
Meals: Packed breakfast; lunch optional at additional cost.
End of safari: Nairobi.
Optional Extension: Shompole Wilderness Photographic Experience
Recommended extension: 3 nights
For photographers wishing to go beyond conventional game drives, extend your safari with a specialist stay at Shompole Wilderness in Kenya's South Rift Valley.
Shompole offers a distinctive wildlife photography experience centred on purpose-built, ground-level photographic hides. These allow photographers to observe wildlife at close range, work with different angles and lighting conditions, and potentially capture nocturnal activity that is difficult to photograph from a safari vehicle.
Depending on the camp's arrangements, guests may experience different hide environments, including opportunities to photograph wildlife visiting water sources and other active habitats. Hide sessions and wildlife sightings depend on availability, animal movements and prevailing conditions.
Includes/Excludes
Package Inclusions
- Airport meet-and-greet and transfers in Nairobi as specified in the confirmed itinerary.
- Accommodation in all lodges and tented camps as specified in the itinerary, or similar alternatives, on the indicated meal plans.
- Meals according to the daily itinerary and confirmed accommodation meal plans.
- Private 4×4 Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof for road-based safari game drives.
- Services of a professional English-speaking driver-guide.
- Scheduled internal flights from Nanyuki to the Maasai Mara and from the Mara to Nairobi.
- Applicable park, reserve and conservancy fees for destinations included in the final quotation.
- Entry fees for the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust's elephant orphanage, Giraffe Centre and Karen Blixen Museum, subject to confirmed arrangements.
- Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary visit, subjec
- Bottled drinking water in the safari vehicle.
- Flying Doctors emergency medical evacuation cover, subject to the provider's terms and conditions.
- For the optional Shompole extension: accommodation, meals, photographic hide sessions, transfers and any applicable conservation or activity fees will be included only as specified in the separate extension quotation.
Package Exclusions
- International flights to and from Kenya.
- Kenya Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA), visa fees where applicable, and other required travel documentation.
- Mandatory Kenyan inbound travel health insurance, where applicable.
- Personal travel insurance covering trip cancellation, personal belongings, travel disruptions and any additional medical or emergency expenses not covered by the mandatory inbound policy.
- Optional hot-air balloon safari and champagne breakfast in the Maasai Mara.
- Optional sundowners, Maasai village visits and activities not expressly included.
- Additional charges for restricted-access conservation experiences, if applicable.
- Personal expenses such as laundry, toiletries, telephone calls, souvenirs and other incidentals.
- Alcoholic beverages and drinks not included in the accommodation package.
- Tips and gratuities for driver-guides, lodge staff and other service providers.
- Excess baggage charges on internal flights.
- Lunch on Day 10, unless specifically included.
- Any services not expressly listed under package inclusions.
- Shompole extension exclusions: the extension is quoted separately. Any flights, transfers, additional activities, exclusive hide use or specialist photography services not expressly included in that quotation remain excluded
