Capture The Big Cats in Africa’s Award Winning Park
Welcome to our exclusive Masai Mara Big Cats Photo Safari. This workshop has been meticulously crafted to provide you with the Ultimate African Safari experience. Along the way, you will encounter numerous unscripted and amazing photography opportunities.
Most companies both regular tour operators and photo safaris cram 4-6 photographers into a vehicle. This should make you wonder do they really understand the environment and needs of a photographer? We have a strict limit of just two Professional Photographers per group.
As a result, this means you get lots of space for gear and, most importantly, ALWAYS a clear view.
In addition you receive pre departure 1:1 gear consultations, onsite image reviews and image back up options all at no extra cost
Booking for 2024
Maximum 6 Guests, 2 photographers per vehicle, Full Board, Custom 4×4 Transport, All internal flights
Overview
Maasai Mara is an exceptional destination for photographing big cats due to its unique combination of factors. The park’s vast savannahs and open landscapes provide an ideal setting for capturing these majestic predators in action. The high concentration of big cats, including lions, leopards, and cheetahs, ensures frequent encounters and ample opportunities for photographers to observe and document their behavior.
The rich biodiversity of prey species, such as wildebeests and zebras, means that big cats are often engaged in hunts, offering dramatic and riveting photography moments. Moreover, the experienced local guides and trackers are well-versed in the behavior and movements of these animals, increasing the chances of getting up-close shots. The soft, golden light of the Mara’s sunrise and sunset further enhances the quality of photographs, adding a magical touch to each image. Altogether, Maasai Mara’s unique blend of wildlife abundance, picturesque landscapes, and expert guidance makes it an unparalleled destination for capturing remarkable images. The Mara Big Cats Photo Safari never disappoints.
Given the parks relatively compact size, it also offers the advantage of gaining access to the Big Five quite easily.
We enhance shooting time by flying in and out of the park, thus eliminating the necessity of a lengthy overland route. This provides you with the chance to seize wildlife moments right up to your departure, fully capitalizing on every opportunity. Furthermore, each guest will benefit from personalized instruction, along with confidential image reviews. This method guarantees that you not only gain but also hone your photography skills as you journey, allowing for the exploration of novel techniques and shooting styles throughout the experience.
Tour Bonus
An exciting bonus is getting to spend time at a Rhino reserve, where you can capture this rare species including the almost extinct Northern White Rhino.
https://www.fauna-flora.org/species/northern-white-rhino/
Tour Start
Your tour commences with your arrival in Nairobi. Upon your arrival, our professional and experienced team will warmly welcome you at the airport and swiftly transport you to the charming boutique Hotel, where you can enjoy a restful night.
The following morning, we will convene for a comprehensive safari briefing. During this session, we will discuss the entire trip and ensure you are acquainted with the complete safari team.
Fairview Hotel / Tamarind Tree Hotel or similar
Overview: The Fairview Hotel prides itself as “the country hotel in town.” Located approximately one kilometer from the city center, it is nestled in a quiet and leafy suburb. Charming and tranquil, it serves as the ideal starting and ending point for your Mara safari adventure. The hotel features exquisite rooms, a well-stocked wine cellar, and a refreshing pool for your leisure and enjoyment.
Today, you visit the world-famous Sheldrick Animal Orphanage. Here, you will meet the dedicated staff who look after orphaned elephants and introduce them back to the wild. In the afternoon, we visit Giraffe Manor. Here, you get up close enough to these amazing animals to touch and even feed them! You may even experience a kiss from them.
https://www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org/
As a special treat, we visit the “Out of Africa” Karen Blixen museum. The location features actual items from the author’s past alongside those used by Robert Redford and Meryl Streep.
Stilted Camp
Have you ever been to an underground bunker? In the coming days, you’ll have the opportunity to encounter rare rhino species and large elephants. The camp not only boasts indoor and outdoor viewing platforms; furthermore, it features an underground bunker.
The location houses the endangered remaining Northern White Rhino. In addition, we will visit a chimpanzee enclosure founded by Jane Goodall (Gorillas in the Mist).
Mara Photo Safari Explorer
To save time, firstly, we’ll fly you to the Mara for an amazing six days exploring this award-winning park. During this period, we will stay at three stunning and unique camps. Additionally, throughout your stay, you will get to experience various locations and environments. Moreover, all of these camps offer a high level of luxury, providing a safe and unique way to enjoy the park.
In the Mara, you will encounter abundant wildlife that presents fantastic photography opportunities. Furthermore, the Mara Big Cats Photo Safari means you require only a short-range zoom under 300mm or even a standard lens. We have had encounters with the wildlife just a few meters away, thus allowing the capture of stunning portraits and detail shots.
For a unique stay, you get access to the ‘Glamping’ experience. Furthermore, the next camps are uniquely located in the middle of the Mara. This location allows for perfect wildlife viewing alongside a comfortable home away from home.
5 Star Service
To increase photo safari opportunities, firstly, we often carry packed meals. This approach permits us to avoid wasting time by having to go back to the camp. Additionally, remaining on location longer provides the option to travel to more remote areas and arrive ahead of others.
Furthermore, all our 4×4 vehicles come equipped with power outlets, bean bags. Moreover, each vehicle stays in radio contact, facilitating communication if we come across a unique wildlife encounter. Notably, it’s not uncommon to see several cheetah families, maybe a lion kill, or even catch a glimpse of a leopard on the prowl! Remarkably, on this tour, there is a good chance you will see the Big Five in just two or three days.
On route you will receive instruction for professional focus, exposure and composition techniques. All guest will get 1:1 time with our professional photography instructor.
Departure Day
We awaken to the sights and sounds of big game country and treat ourselves to one final early morning game drive. Your Mara Safari will end with an internal flight returning you back to the city.
Tour Essentials
All internal return flights to the Mara are included, along with arrival and departure airport transfers. Additionally, full board accommodation in camps and lodges as described in the itinerary is provided. Moreover, a 4×4 vehicle reserved for our group is available, as well as game drives as indicated in the itinerary. Furthermore, you’ll have flying doctor’s emergency evacuations cover. Lastly, all National Parks and Game Reserves entrance fees are covered, and a professional driver/guide will accompany you.
Most photo safari companies try to be the best tour operator and the best photography instructors. This is particularly the case with the large hospitality brands. The result is that one or both sectors fall well below standard, most commonly its the photography side. We choose to partner with only the best in the business allowing for world class onsite logistics, while maintaining the integrity of the photography component.