MASAI MARA GREAT MIGRATION PHOTO SAFARI
An 8-day Kenya photographic safari focused on Great Migration season in the Masai Mara, with possible river crossings, big cats, predator behaviour, Samburu’s rare northern species and specialist photo hide photography.
September 8 - 15, 2027 | 8 Days | Max 3 Guests Per Group | Dedicated Photo Host & Vehicle
SAFARI AVAILABILITY
This Kenya photo safari is designed for photographers who want a Masai Mara-focused experience during Great Migration season, with the added variety of Samburu National Reserve and specialist photo hide photography. Each group is limited to a maximum of 3 guests, with a dedicated photo host, private photographic vehicle and one row per photographer.
ULTIMATE KENYA PHOTO SAFARI OVERVIEW
This 8-day Masai Mara Great Migration Photo Safari is designed for photographers who want a focused Kenya safari during one of the most exciting wildlife seasons in East Africa. The itinerary places strong emphasis on the Masai Mara, with opportunities for wildebeest migration photography, possible river crossings, big cats, predator behaviour and classic open plains wildlife.
The safari begins in Samburu, a distinctive dryland reserve in northern Kenya known for species that are not commonly found in the country’s southern safari regions. Here, guests can photograph Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, Beisa oryx, Somali ostrich, elephants, lions, leopards and a wide range of birdlife. Samburu also offers access to a specialist photographic hide, creating opportunities for low-angle wildlife photography, close-range encounters, reflections and nocturnal activity.
From Samburu, the journey continues by private group charter flight to the Masai Mara, one of Africa’s most productive wildlife photography destinations. This part of the itinerary focuses on big cats, open plains wildlife, predator behaviour and, during September, the possibility of Great Migration activity, including wildebeest herds and river crossing opportunities depending on seasonal movement and conditions.
With a maximum of 3 guests per group, each photographer has their own row in the vehicle, alongside a dedicated photo host, local driver-guide and private photographic vehicle.
GROUP SIZE
Max 3 guests per group
Location
Samburu National Reserve & Masai Mara
PRICE
$11,820 USD per person sharing
DURATION
8 days / 7 nights
PHOTOGRAPHY SKILL LEVEL
All skill levels welcome
Why Join This Kenya Photo Safari?
This itinerary is designed for photographers who want a Masai Mara-focused Kenya safari during Great Migration season, with strong predator opportunities, open plains wildlife and the added variety of Samburu’s rare northern species and specialist photo hide photography.
Great Migration Season - Masai Mara
Travel during one of the most exciting times of year in the Masai Mara, when wildebeest herds may be present and river crossing opportunities are possible, depending on seasonal movement and conditions.
Masai Mara Predator Photography
Spend time in one of Africa’s most productive big cat regions, with opportunities for lions, cheetahs, leopards and predator behaviour.
Mara Wildlife & Landscapes
Photograph the Mara’s wide-open grasslands, dramatic skies, golden light, elephants, giraffes, plains game, birdlife and the atmosphere of one of Kenya’s most iconic wildlife regions.
Samburu Special Five
Add variety with Samburu’s rare northern species, including Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, Beisa oryx and Somali ostrich, alongside elephants, predators and birdlife.
Specialist Samburu Photo Hide
Spend time in a specialist photographic hide, designed for low-angle perspectives, close-range wildlife encounters, reflections and creative hide-based photography.
Photographer-Led Guidance
Travel with Mark or Jaren Fernley in a private photographic vehicle, with a maximum of 3 guests per group, one row per photographer and practical guidance in the field throughout the safari.
PHOTOGRAPHY HIGHLIGHTS
This Masai Mara & Beyond Photo Safari is designed around a Masai Mara-focused experience during Great Migration season, with strong predator opportunities, classic open plains photography and the added variety of Samburu’s rare northern species and specialist photo hide.
Migration movement and river crossing potential
During September, the Masai Mara can offer dramatic seasonal movement, with the possibility of wildebeest herds gathering, moving through the reserve or attempting river crossings depending on conditions.
Predator behaviour and big cat encounters
The Mara is one of the best places in Africa to work on predator photography, from lions and cheetahs on the open plains to leopards in riverine areas and hyenas interacting with the wider ecosystem.
Classic Mara compositions
Use the Mara’s open grasslands, rolling hills, big skies and golden light to create wider environmental images, clean portraits, backlit scenes and storytelling frames.
Samburu species variety
Samburu adds a completely different photographic look to the itinerary, with dryland species, elephants, riverine habitat, warm colours and wildlife not commonly seen in southern Kenya.
Low-angle hide photography
The Samburu photo hide creates opportunities for eye-level images, reflections, close-range portraits and creative compositions that offer a different perspective from vehicle-based photography.
Itinerary at a Glance
A quick look at the journey, from arrival in Nairobi to Samburu, the Masai Mara during Great Migration season and onward departure.
Day 1
Arrival in Nairobi
Arrive in Nairobi and settle in before the safari begins.
SAMBURU NATIONAL RESERVE
Photograph rare northern species, elephants, predators, dryland landscapes and specialist photo hide opportunities.
Days 2 - 3
Masai Mara National Reserve
Focus on Great Migration season, big cats, predator behaviour, open plains wildlife, classic Mara landscapes and possible river crossing opportunities.
Days 4 - 7
Departure from Nairobi
Day 8
Final transfers and onward international flights.
Price & Booking Details
PRICE INCLUDES
Airport meet-and-greet, pick-up/drop-off at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Nairobi All accommodation in carefully selected luxury lodges and tented camps All ground transportation between lodges, airstrips and safari locations in private vehicles Two private group charter flights with a 25kg baggage allowance per person, per flight All meals throughout the safari, including breakfast, lunch and dinner Purified drinking water, coffee, tea, juice and non-alcoholic beverages House wines, local beers and selected local spirits, where included by the properties All national park, reserve and conservation entry fees included in the itinerary AMREF Flying Doctors emergency medical evacuation cover for the duration of the safari Private photographic safari vehicle with a maximum of 3 guests per group Professional photographic guidance throughout the safari from your photo host Local driver-guide support in each safari region Optional one-to-one photo critiques and image review sessions during the trip Pre-safari planning session with your photography guide All scheduled activities and photographic experiences listed in the itinerary On-the-ground logistical support throughout the safari
PRICE EXCLUDES
International flights to and from Kenya Personal travel insurance, which is required for all guests Premium alcoholic beverages, unless specifically included by the property Personal expenses, including souvenirs, laundry, spa treatments, etc. Optional activities or experiences not listed in the confirmed itinerary Gratuities and tips for photo hosts, driver-guides, lodge staff and other support teams Visa fees, passport fees, vaccination costs or any personal travel documentation expenses Any additional hotel nights, meals, transfers or services required due to early arrival, late departure, flight changes, delays or missed connections Any increase in government taxes, national park fees, conservation fees, fuel levies, airport taxes, tourism fees or other compulsory charges imposed after the safari has been confirmed Any costs arising from circumstances beyond our control, including weather disruptions, road closures, flight delays, changes to park regulations, medical issues or other force majeure events
Detailed Safari Itinerary
This Masai Mara & Beyond Photo Safari has been designed around a focused combination of Samburu and the Masai Mara. The journey begins with rare northern species, dryland landscapes and specialist hide photography in Samburu, before continuing to the Masai Mara for Great Migration season, big cats, open plains wildlife and predator behaviour.
DAY 1
Arrival in Nairobi
Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, where you will be met and transferred to your Nairobi airport hotel. This first evening includes a meet-and-greet with your photo host, giving you time to discuss the safari ahead, ask questions and prepare for the journey.
Guests must arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport no later than 4:00pm on arrival day.
Overnight: Nairobi Airport Hotel
DAY 2
Transfer to SAMBURU National RESERVE
After breakfast, travel by road to Samburu National Reserve. This northern Kenya landscape offers a very different photographic environment from the Masai Mara, with dryland scenery, riverine habitat, warm tones and rare species not commonly found in southern Kenya.
After arrival, settle into camp before heading out for your first afternoon photographic safari in Samburu. Depending on the final schedule, this evening may also include time in the specialist photo hide.
Photography Focus: Introduction to Samburu, dryland landscapes, elephants, predators, rare northern species and first hide photography opportunities.
Overnight: Soroi Laresns Camp / Samburu photo hide experience
DAY 3
Samburu Wildlife & Specialist Photo Hide
Spend the day photographing in Samburu, with a focus on the Samburu Special Five, including Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, Beisa oryx and Somali ostrich. There may also be opportunities for elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, birds and other wildlife.
A key feature of this section is time at the specialist Samburu photo hide, offering low-angle wildlife photography, close-range subjects, reflections and the possibility of nocturnal activity. Between sessions, there may be time for image review, editing support or photographic discussion with your photo host.
Photography Focus: Samburu Special Five, elephants, dryland wildlife, riverine habitat, low-angle hide photography and nocturnal opportunities.
Overnight: Soroi Laresns Camp / Samburu photo hide experience
DAY 4
Fly to the Masai Mara
After your time in Samburu, fly by private group charter to the Masai Mara. On arrival, transfer to camp and begin your Masai Mara photography with an afternoon game drive across one of Africa’s most productive wildlife regions.
This first afternoon is an opportunity to settle into the rhythm of the Mara, with potential subjects including lions, cheetahs, leopards, hyenas, elephants, giraffes, plains game and birdlife.
Photography Focus: Introduction to Masai Mara wildlife, big cats, open plains, golden light and first migration-season opportunities.
Overnight: Soroi Private Wing - Masai Mara
DAYS 5 - 7
Masai Mara, Great Migration Season & Predator Photography
Spend three full days photographing in the Masai Mara during Great Migration season. During September, wildebeest herds may be present in the reserve and river crossing opportunities are possible, depending on seasonal movement and conditions.
The Masai Mara is also exceptional for year-round predator photography, with strong opportunities for lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas and behaviour-based encounters. The focus throughout these days will be on light, positioning, patience and storytelling, whether working with big cats, herd movement, river activity, open plains wildlife or classic Mara landscapes.
Between drives, there may be time for image review, editing support or photographic discussion with your photo host in the camp’s dedicated photo studio.
Photography Focus: Great Migration activity, possible river crossings, lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, predator behaviour, open plains wildlife, golden light and classic Mara landscapes.
Overnight: Soroi Private Wing - Masai Mara
DAY 8
Return to Nairobi / End of Safari
Enjoy a final morning in the Masai Mara before flying by private group charter to Nairobi Wilson Airport. From there, transfer to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your onward international departure.
Photography Focus: Final hide session and departure
End Point: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Nairobi
Guests should book international flights departing no earlier than 6:00pm on this day.
Designed by Photographers, for Photographers
This Masai Mara & Beyond Photo Safari has been planned by photographers, for photographers. From vehicle space and field positioning to specialist Samburu hide photography and expert guidance from Mark and Jaren, the itinerary is built around the practical needs of wildlife photographers in the field.
Professional Field Guidance
This safari is led by Mark or Jaren Fernley, professional wildlife photographers and co-founders of Untamed Photo Safaris. Throughout the safari, your photo host will help you work with light, behaviour, positioning, composition and camera settings in real field conditions.
Guidance is practical, flexible and shaped around the opportunities in front of you.
Recommended Camera Gear
A mirrorless or DSLR camera body with strong autofocus and good low-light performance is recommended, especially for early mornings, late afternoons, hide sessions and fast-moving wildlife encounters.
A 24-70mm lens is useful for wider landscapes, elephants, environmental portraits, camp scenes and storytelling images. A 70-200mm lens is excellent for flexible wildlife compositions, close-range subjects, hide photography and portraits with a wider sense of place.
For the Masai Mara, we strongly recommend a longer telephoto lens, ideally around 500mm. This gives photographers the reach needed for big cats, birds, distant wildlife, predator behaviour and potential Great Migration scenes, while allowing respectful working distance in the field.
A second camera body is helpful but not essential, particularly when moving between wide, mid-range and long telephoto compositions without changing lenses in dusty or fast-moving conditions.
Photographic Safari Vehicles
Each group is limited to a maximum of 3 guests, with one row per photographer in a private photographic vehicle.
This gives you space for long lenses, easier positioning and more flexibility when working a sighting.
Safari Locations
This Masai Mara Great Migration Photo Safari is centred around the Mara during one of the most exciting wildlife seasons of the year, with Samburu National Reserve adding rare northern species and specialist hide photography to the journey.
SAMBURU NATIONAL RESERVE
Samburu offers dryland landscapes, riverine habitat, warm colours and species not commonly seen in southern Kenya. It is one of the best places to photograph the Samburu Special Five, including Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, Beisa oryx and Somali ostrich, alongside elephants, predators and birdlife. The specialist photo hide adds opportunities for low-angle images, reflections, close-range portraits and nocturnal activity.
Masai Mara National Reserve
The Masai Mara is the main focus of this safari, offering exceptional predator photography and strong Great Migration potential during September. Wildebeest herds, dramatic movement and possible river crossings may be seen depending on seasonal conditions. Beyond the migration, the Mara is outstanding for lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, elephants, plains game, birdlife, golden light and classic open landscapes.
Luxury Safari Accommodation
This safari uses a carefully selected combination of luxury lodges, tented camps and specialist safari properties, chosen for their comfort, location and access to key photographic areas. The accommodation is designed to keep you close to the wildlife while still offering space to rest, review images and recharge between field sessions.
In Amboseli and the Masai Mara, guests stay in comfortable safari properties with excellent access to the surrounding wildlife areas. At Shompole, the photo hide experience is connected to a luxury lodge, allowing guests to return during the middle of the day to rest, refresh, review images and enjoy time in comfort before heading back into the hides.
Expect warm hospitality, good food, private space and thoughtfully chosen locations that support both relaxation and serious photographic focus throughout the journey.
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