Kenya · Wildlife Photography

11-Day Wildlife Photography Safari in Kenya with Private Flights

11 Days Round trip from Nairobi Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Capture aerial photography over flamingo-filled Lake Magadi and Lake Natron
  • 02 Experience exclusive wildlife encounters in private conservancies with minimal crowds
  • 03 Photograph nocturnal animals using specialised night hides
  • 04 Explore the Maasai Mara ecosystem and capture the Big Five in their natural habitat

Capture Kenya's wild beauty on an 11-day photography safari across exclusive conservancies and iconic landscapes. Experience aerial shoots over soda lakes filled with flamingos, explore remote wilderness areas, and enjoy guided game drives in the Maasai Mara ecosystem. Photograph nocturnal wildlife from specialised hides and refine your skills with expert guidance. Discover diverse habitats, from savannahs to volcanic terrain, while creating powerful images through immersive and carefully curated photographic experiences in truly untouched natural environments.

Capture Kenya's wild beauty on an 11-day photography safari across exclusive conservancies and iconic landscapes.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 11 Days
Tour type Private
Activity level Moderate
Accommodation Included · Luxury
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Yes
Cities Nairobi, Magadi, Masai Mara, Olkiramatian, Nairobi National Park
Languages Cantonese, English, Mandarin

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Arrival in Nairobi and Introductory Safari

Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, where you will be warmly welcomed with a meet and greet before being transferred to Hemingways Nairobi. Settle in and relax while enjoying serene views of the nearby Ngong Hills, offering a peaceful start to your journey.

Later, head out for an introductory game drive in Nairobi National Park, a unique wildlife sanctuary set against the backdrop of the city skyline. Here, you may spot giraffes, rhinos, and a variety of plains game, providing an exciting first taste of Kenya's wildlife.

Return to the hotel in the evening for a welcome dinner and briefing, setting the tone for the adventure ahead.

Overnight stay: Hemingways Nairobi

2
Day 02

Flight to Olkirimatian Conservancy

Board a private charter flight and soar over the breathtaking Great Rift Valley, enjoying sweeping aerial views of dramatic escarpments, volcanic formations, and vast untouched wilderness.

Arrive at Olkirimatian Conservancy and transfer to your lodge, where you will settle into Lentorre Lodge, surrounded by panoramic wilderness views and complete tranquillity.

In the afternoon, head out for a game drive in this exclusive private conservancy, where wildlife roams freely across open landscapes with minimal disturbance, offering a truly intimate safari experience.

Later, take part in an optional night photography session in specialised hides, where you can capture nocturnal wildlife under controlled lighting in a unique and immersive setting.

Overnight stay: Lentorre Lodge

3
Day 03

Helicopter Photography over Lake Magadi and Lake Natron

Take a helicopter flight over the striking landscapes of Lake Magadi and Lake Natron, capturing breathtaking aerial views of vast soda lakes, volcanic terrain, and large flocks of flamingos painting the waters in vivid pink tones.

Return to the lodge for lunch and a relaxed afternoon surrounded by wilderness serenity.

Later, continue with jeep safaris or photography sessions in specialised hides, depending on wildlife movement and lighting conditions, offering varied opportunities for close and creative wildlife encounters.

As golden hour approaches, position yourself for dramatic landscape photography, capturing the warm light casting long shadows across the Rift Valley scenery.

Overnight stay: Lentorre Lodge

4
Day 04

Wildlife Photography in Olkirimatian

Begin the day in Olkirimatian Conservancy, surrounded by untouched wilderness and vast open landscapes. Enjoy a flexible schedule, choosing between aerial photography sessions or guided game drives depending on wildlife activity and conditions.

Track wildlife moving freely across the savannah, positioning near watering points to capture natural behaviour and authentic moments in the wild.

Make use of specialised photography hides for close, intimate encounters, allowing for unique and undisturbed wildlife shots. Throughout the day, refine your skills with guidance from expert photography support in varying environments and lighting conditions.

Capture powerful imagery across different settings, making the most of the changing light and natural drama of the landscape.

Overnight stay: Lentorre Lodge

5
Day 05

Journey to Shompole Conservancy

Depart from Olkirimatian Conservancy and journey toward the remote Shompole Conservancy, enjoying scenic views of dramatic Rift Valley landscapes along the way.

Arrive and settle into Shompole Wilderness Camp, a secluded retreat set in a pristine natural environment with sweeping views of the surrounding wilderness and the iconic Shompole Mountain.

Take time to relax and absorb the stillness of the landscape as you prepare for an immersive evening experience. Later, participate in a night photography session using specialised hides, designed for close and undisturbed encounters with nocturnal wildlife under the African night sky.

Overnight stay: Shompole Wilderness Camp

6
Day 06

Shompole Wildlife and Landscape Photography

Spend the day immersed in Shompole Conservancy, focusing on exceptional wildlife and landscape photography in one of the most dramatic settings in the Rift Valley.

Rotate between expertly designed photography hides and guided game drives, allowing for varied and intimate encounters with wildlife across rugged and untouched terrain. Capture sweeping landscapes and striking compositions, including dramatic silhouettes set against the backdrop of Shompole Mountain.

Observe animal behaviour in carefully positioned and controlled settings while continuously refining your photography skills with guidance from experienced professionals. As evening sets in, continue sessions focused on nocturnal wildlife photography, capturing rare and elusive species under low-light conditions.

Overnight stay: Shompole Wilderness Camp

7
Day 07

Flight to Mara North Conservancy

Take a scenic flight to Mara North Conservancy, part of the wider Maasai Mara ecosystem, enjoying breathtaking aerial views of vast, unbroken landscapes stretching across the Great Rift Valley.

Upon arrival, transfer to Royal Mara Safari Lodge, where you will settle in and unwind in the heart of the wilderness.

In the afternoon, head out for a game drive across wide-open plains dotted with acacia trees, offering classic African safari scenery and rich wildlife encounters. Capture elegant giraffes and other wildlife silhouetted against golden sunset skies, alongside sweeping savannah landscapes glowing in warm evening light.

Overnight stay: Royal Mara Safari Lodge

8
Day 08

Full-Day Safari in Mara North

Spend the day exploring Mara North Conservancy, one of Africa's most celebrated wildlife destinations, known for its rich biodiversity and unspoiled safari landscapes.

Enjoy both morning and afternoon game drives across the wider Maasai Mara ecosystem, moving through open plains, riverine areas, and wildlife-rich habitats. Encounter lion prides, elephant herds, and a wide variety of plains game, all within their natural environment.

Capture dynamic wildlife scenes, including natural interactions and behavioural moments, while benefiting from expert guidance to position for the best sightings and photography angles. Experience the African wilderness in its most authentic and untamed form throughout the day.

Overnight stay: Royal Mara Safari Lodge

9
Day 09

Sunrise Safari and Wildlife Photography

Begin the day with a sunrise in Mara North Conservancy, capturing the soft golden light as it spreads across the vast savannah and brings the landscape to life.

Track early wildlife movements and observe natural predator-prey interactions unfolding across the plains, offering rare and authentic moments in the wild. Photograph intimate scenes that reflect the true rhythm and balance of the ecosystem.

Continue exploring the open plains on guided game drives, following wildlife activity and refining your photographic opportunities throughout the day.

In the evening, enjoy a final golden-hour safari, where dramatic lighting enhances iconic scenes of wildlife and sweeping landscapes before returning to camp.

Overnight stay: Royal Mara Safari Lodge

10
Day 10

Return to Nairobi

Begin the day with an early morning safari in Mara North Conservancy, capturing final images as the savannah slowly awakens in soft morning light and wildlife begins its daily rhythm.

Return to camp for breakfast and prepare for departure, packing up after an unforgettable wilderness experience. Transfer to the airstrip for your scheduled flight back to Nairobi, enjoying aerial views of the Mara as you leave the plains behind.

Upon arrival, transfer to Hemingways Nairobi, where you can relax, unwind, and review your photography collection from the journey. In the evening, gather for a farewell dinner, sharing highlights and memorable moments from the expedition.

Overnight stay: Hemingways Nairobi

11
Day 11

Departure from Nairobi

Spend your final morning in Nairobi, exploring vibrant local markets and cultural sites, where you can experience the city's rich blend of modern life and traditional heritage while shopping for souvenirs and local crafts.

Later, transfer to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your international departure flight.

As your journey comes to an end, you leave with unforgettable memories, powerful wildlife encounters, and a collection of extraordinary safari photography from Kenya's most iconic landscapes.

End of the tour.

Lake Magadi, Lake Natron, Masai Mara, Great Rift Valley

Where this trip takes you

Lake Magadi, Lake Natron, Masai Mara, Great Rift Valley

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Nairobi 5 cities · 11 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • All internal flights (Nairobi - Olkirimatian - Shompole - Mara - Nairobi)
  • Luxury accommodation as per itinerary
  • All meals as specified (Full Board / Half Board)
  • Game drives in 4x4 safari vehicles
  • Helicopter photography experience
  • Access to night photography hides
  • Professional photography guide services
  • Park and conservancy entry fees
  • Airport transfers in Nairobi
  • Bottled drinking water during safari

What's Not Included

  • International flights
  • Visa fees and travel insurance
  • Personal expenses (laundry, tips, drinks, souvenirs)
  • Optional activities not mentioned
  • Alcoholic and premium beverages (unless specified)
  • Additional accommodation before or after the safari

What to bring

  • Professional or enthusiast camera gear (DSLR/mirrorless, telephoto lenses 200-600mm recommended)
  • Extra memory cards and spare batteries
  • Lightweight, neutral-colored clothing (avoid bright colors)
  • Warm layers for early mornings and evenings
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
  • Personal toiletries and medications
  • Binoculars (optional but recommended)
  • Small backpack for daily use

Know before you go

  • Best time to travel: May offers lush landscapes and excellent photographic light, with fewer crowds.
  • Fitness level: Moderate - some activities involve early mornings, short walks, and extended game drives.
  • Photography focus: This is a specialised photography safari with flexible timing based on light and wildlife movement.
  • Connectivity: Limited Wi-Fi in remote camps - perfect for disconnecting and immersing yourself in nature.
  • Weather: Warm days and cooler mornings and evenings - layered clothing is recommended.
  • Travel documents: A valid passport and, if required, a Kenyan visa are mandatory.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Nairobi
Tour start
Nairobi, Kenya
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 11 days finish where they began, in Nairobi.

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USD 16,060 /person
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