A 14-Day Photographic Safari Expedition
Tour Plan
Route: Nairobi → Samburu National Reserve → Ol Pejeta Conservancy → Lake Nakuru National Park → Lake Naivasha → Maasai Mara National Reserve → Nairobi → Amboseli National Park → Nairobi
This meticulously planned photographic safari is tailored for photographers who aspire to encounter exceptional wildlife, capture breathtaking landscapes, and immerse themselves in authentic cultural experiences. The itinerary optimizes time spent in Kenya’s most visually captivating destinations while capitalizing on the optimal natural lighting conditions for wildlife photography.
• Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, a representative from Wild Chronicles will meet you.
• Transfer to Tamarind Tree Hotel for rest and rejuvenation following your international flight.
• Evening safari and photography briefing.
Overnight: Tamarind Tree Hotel, Nairobi
Key Photography Opportunities:
* Urban and lifestyle photography in Nairobi.
• * Evening cityscape photography.
• * Pre-safari equipment preparation and orientation.
• Depart Nairobi after breakfast and embark on a northward journey through Kenya’s picturesque central highlands.
• Arrive at Sarova Shaba Game Lodge in time for lunch.
• Afternoon game drive within Samburu National Reserve.
Overnight: Sarova Shaba Game Lodge
Key Photography Opportunities:
* The distinctive arid landscapes of Northern Kenya.
* Elephant herds traversing the Ewaso Nyiro River.
* Warm evening light, ideal for wildlife photography.
* First Encounters with Samburu’s Endemic Wildlife Species
• Early Morning Game Drive: Embark on an exhilarating game drive to witness the Samburu National Reserve’s diverse wildlife.
• Midday Relaxation and Image Review: Take a break for relaxation and review your photographs from the morning drive.
• Afternoon Game Drive: Continue your adventure with another game drive until the setting sun.
• Optional Samburu Cultural Village Visit: Enhance your experience by visiting the Samburu cultural village.
• Overnight: Sarova Shaba Game Lodge
Key Photography Opportunities
• The Samburu Special Five: Capture the iconic Grevy’s Zebra, Reticulated Giraffe, Beisa Oryx, Somali Ostrich, and Gerenuk.
• Big Cats: Observe the majestic lions, leopards, and cheetahs in their natural habitat.
• Cultural Portraits and Storytelling Photography: Document the rich cultural heritage of the Samburu people through portraits and storytelling.
• Dramatic Sunrise and Sunset Scenes: Capture the breathtaking beauty of the dust-filled sunrises and sunsets.
• Early Morning Game Drive: Depart Samburu National Reserve with an early morning game drive.
• Drive to Ol Pejeta Conservancy: Travel to Ol Pejeta Conservancy.
• Arrival at Sweetwaters Serena Camp for Lunch: Settle in at Sweetwaters Serena Camp for lunch.
• Afternoon Game Drive: Embark on another game drive in the afternoon.
• Overnight: Sweetwaters Serena Camp
Key Photography Opportunities
• Mount Kenya Landscapes: Capture the stunning landscapes of Mount Kenya.
• Rhinos in Natural Habitat: Observe the majestic rhinos in their natural environment.
• Wildlife Portrait Photography: Document the diverse wildlife through captivating portraits.
• Conservation and Environmental Imagery: Capture the efforts of conservationists and the preservation of the natural world.
• Visit the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary.
• Optional visit to the Endangered Species Boma.
• Morning and afternoon game drives.
Overnight: Sweetwaters Serena Camp
Key Photography Opportunities
• The last remaining Northern White Rhinos.
• Black and Southern White Rhinos.
• Chimpanzee conservation photography.
• Lions, elephants, giraffes, and plains game.
• Mount Kenya backdrop photography.
• Drive to Lake Nakuru National Park.
• Arrive in time for lunch.
• Afternoon game drive.
Overnight: Sarova Lion Hill Lodge
Key Photography Opportunities
• White and Black Rhinos.
• Rothschild’s Giraffes.
• Seasonal flamingo flocks.
• Leopards in acacia woodlands.
• Spectacular viewpoints overlooking Lake Nakuru.
• Excellent bird photography opportunities.
• Drive to Lake Naivasha.
• Enjoy a guided boat excursion.
• Continue to Maasai Mara National Reserve.
Overnight: Sarova Mara Game Camp
Key Photography Opportunities:
• Hippos at water level
• African Fish Eagles in flight
• Pelicans, kingfishers, and other waterbirds
• Reflections and scenic lakeside landscapes
• Crescent Island and Great Rift Valley scenery
• Morning and afternoon game drives
• Full-day wildlife viewing with packed lunch
• Optional Maasai village visit
• Overnight: Sarova Mara Game Camp
Key Photography Opportunities:
• The Big Five: Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Buffalo, Rhino
• Predator behavior and interactions
• Vast savannah landscapes
• Golden-light wildlife portraits
• Maasai culture and portrait photography
• Explore deeper sections of the reserve
• Focus on wildlife behavior and action photography
• Optional sunrise hot-air balloon safari
• Overnight: Sarova Mara Game Camp
Key Photography Opportunities:
• Predator hunts and behavioral photography
• Seasonal Great Migration river crossings (July–October)
• Aerial landscape photography from a hot-air balloon
• Sunrise and sunset shots across the Mara plains
• Wildlife storytelling and portfolio-building opportunities
• Morning game drive
• Return to Nairobi
• Evening at leisure
• Overnight: Tamarind Tree Hotel
Key Photography Opportunities:
• Final wildlife photography session in the Mara
• Scenic drive through the Great Rift Valley
• Landscape and travel documentary photography
Amboseli National Park Extension (Days 11–13)
• Drive to Amboseli National Park.
• Arrive for lunch.
• Afternoon game drive.
Overnight: Ol Tukai Lodge
Key Photography Opportunities
• First views of Mount Kilimanjaro.
• Large elephant herds.
• Open plains ideal for pristine wildlife compositions.
• Stunning sunset photography.
• Morning and afternoon game drives.
Overnight: Ol Tukai Lodge
Key Photography Opportunities
• Amboseli’s renowned elephants with Mount Kilimanjaro in the background.
• Large tuskers and elephant family interactions.
• Lions, cheetahs, hyenas, and buffalo.
• Wetland birdlife and reflections in the swamps.
• Sunrise and sunset landscapes.
• Iconic Africa postcard-style images.
• Final morning game drive.
• Drive back to Nairobi.
• Farewell dinner and image-sharing session.
Overnight: Tamarind Tree Hotel
Key Photography Opportunities
• Last opportunity for elephant and Kilimanjaro photography.
• Backlit dust scenes during the morning safari.
• Closing portfolio images from the expedition.
Depending on your international flight schedule, optional activities may include:
• Giraffe Centre
• Karen Blixen Museum
• Nairobi National Museum
Transfer to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your departure flight.
Key Photography Opportunities
• Giraffe portrait photography at the Giraffe Centre.
• Colonial architecture and cultural heritage photography.
• Museum exhibits documenting Kenya’s wildlife and cultural history.
• Final travel and documentary photography opportunities.
Why This Safari is Ideal for Photographers
Photography Highlights
• Designed specifically for wildlife, landscape, and conservation photographers.
• Opportunities to photograph both the Big Five and Samburu Special Five.
• Diverse ecosystems including savannahs, wetlands, forests, lakes, and semi-arid landscapes.
• Seasonal access to the Great Migration.
• Dedicated golden-hour game drives for optimal lighting conditions.
• Conservation-focused encounters at Ol Pejeta Conservancy.
• Iconic elephant photography against Mount Kilimanjaro in Amboseli.
• Cultural photography opportunities with Samburu and Maasai communities.
• Exceptional portfolio-building opportunities across Kenya’s premier wildlife destinations.
Important Note
All accommodations are subject to availability at the time of booking. Should any of the listed properties be unavailable at the time of confirmation, comparable or higher-category alternatives will be provided to ensure the quality and comfort of your safari experience are maintained.
End of Tour.
