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SAMBURU - MASAI MARA - TSAVO
SAFARI OVERVIEW
Join us for a 10-day photographic expedition through Kenya’s wild heart, exploring three iconic and contrasting ecosystems: Samburu, the Masai Mara, and Lumo Conservancy.
We begin in Samburu National Reserve, a remote and rugged landscape home to rare northern species like Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, and gerenuk. The arid terrain, striking rock formations, and golden light make it a dream setting for creative wildlife photography.
Next, we venture into the Masai Mara, where we’ll focus on some of Africa’s most thrilling wildlife interactions. This central region is rich in predator-prey dynamics, with regular sightings of lion, leopard, cheetah, hyenas, and jackals. During the migration season, this area also offers front-row access to the drama of the Great Migration, including potential river crossings and the movement of vast wildebeest and zebra herds. From intense big cat encounters to chaotic crossings, the Mara delivers high-impact photographic moments day after day.
The journey concludes in Lumo Conservancy, where we’ll spend two nights photographing from a professionally designed underground photo hide. Positioned at eye-level with a wildlife waterhole, the hide provides an extraordinary opportunity to shoot elephants, predators, and elusive nocturnal species up close—often just meters away. Expect intimate encounters with hyenas, jackals, and perhaps even leopard under the cover of darkness.
Designed for photographers of all skill levels, this safari blends action, artistry, and access like never before.
GROUP SIZE
4 guests + 1 photo host per group
LOCATION
Samburu - Mara - Tsavo: Kenya
DURATION
10 days / 9 nights
PHOTOGRAPHY SKILL LEVEL
All skill levels welcome
BRIEF ITINERARY
DAY 1:
Arrival in Nairobi, Kenya
DAY 2:
Transfer to Samburu / afternoon safari in Samburu
DAYS 3 & 4:
Morning and afternoon safari in Samburu
(optional photo hide experience)
DAY 5:
Fly to Masai Mara / afternoon safari in Masai Mara
DAYS 6 & 7:
Morning and afternoon safari in Masai Mara
DAY 8:
Fly to Lumo Conservancy / afternoon safari
- overnight photo hide experience -
DAY 9:
morning in photo hide / afternoon safari in Lumo Conservancy
- overnight photo hide experience -
DAY 10:
Transfer to Nairobi / End of Tour
(see detailed itinerary below)
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
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Eye-Level Predator Encounters from a Private Underground Hide
Photograph lions, hyenas, and elusive nocturnal species from an expertly designed underground hide in Lumo Conservancy. Capture striking low-angle shots of wildlife just meters away—perfect for dramatic, frame-worthy images.
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Big Cat Action in the Famed Musiara Marsh
Spend golden hours tracking lions, leopards, and cheetahs in one of the Masai Mara’s most predator-rich zones. From stalking scenes to dramatic chases, this is your canvas for intense big cat storytelling.
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Unique Species of the North in Samburu
Explore the lesser-traveled Samburu Reserve, where rare “Samburu Special Five” like the Grevy’s zebra and gerenuk await. The unique terrain and light provide stunning backdrops for portrait-style and environmental wildlife photography.
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Golden Hour & Nighttime Photography Opportunities
Take advantage of early morning and late evening drives, plus exclusive nighttime sessions at the hide—ideal for playing with shadows, starscapes, and behavior rarely seen in daylight.
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Seamless, All-Inclusive Luxury Safari Experience
From charter flights and premium accommodations to private, customised vehicles and expert photographic guidance—every detail is handled so you can focus on creating powerful images in the wild.
LOCATION
SAMBURU - MASAI MARA - TSAVO
SAMBURU NATIONAL RESERVE: Samburu offers a dramatic and arid landscape dotted with doum palms and rocky outcrops—perfect for striking wildlife compositions. This unique northern ecosystem is home to rare species like the Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, and gerenuk, offering distinctive subjects and a quieter, off-the-beaten-path experience.
MASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE (Central Region): This central zone of the Masai Mara is a wildlife hotspot, known for its high density of predators and frequent big cat sightings. Its proximity to key migration routes and river crossing points offers prime opportunities to witness the Great Migration in action, along with dramatic interactions between hunters and prey. The diverse terrain—from riverine forests to open plains—makes it ideal for varied and compelling wildlife photography.
LUMO CONSERVANCY (Tsavo Region): Lumo Conservancy offers exclusive access to a private underground hide, where you’ll photograph wildlife at eye-level as they approach a waterhole—day and night. From elephants and buffalo to hyenas and nocturnal predators, this setting is perfect for capturing rare behavior and low-light drama.
RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT
CAMERA BODY:
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Guests are encouraged to bring a camera body with a minimum of 24-megapixels to guarantee the best results while on safari. This can be mirrorless or a DSLR, as your photo host is experienced with both and will be able to offer assistance whenever need be.
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A second camera body is always a great consideration, however, this is not mandatory. This can be used as a backup, or you can keep a second lens attached and switch back and forth between cameras.
LENSES:
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A telephoto lens with a reach of at least 500 mm. This can be a fixed/prime lens or a zoom lens. Ideal for photographing predators and more distant wildlife.
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If you intend to bring a fixed/prime lens of 500 mm or more, you will also need a closer range lens. A 100 - 400 mm or similar is a great option, as this will allow you to get shots of wildlife that comes closer to the vehicle.
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A 70 - 200 mm lens is ideal for our photo hide experiences because it allows you to frame intimate, close-up portraits of wildlife just meters away, while also offering enough reach to capture subjects approaching from a distance—all with beautiful compression and sharp detail.
TOUR INCLUDES
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10-day guided photographic safari across Samburu, Masai Mara & Lumo Conservancy
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All game drives in private 4x4 safari vehicles with expert driver-guides
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Two chartered bush flights: Samburu to Masai Mara & Masai Mara to Lumo Conservancy
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10kg extra baggage allowance on internal flights (ideal for camera gear 25kg total allowance)
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Luxury accommodation in hand-picked safari lodges and camps
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All meals, drinks (excluding premium alcohol), and daily laundry service
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Exclusive access to a professionally designed underground photo hide in Lumo
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One-on-one portfolio critiques and ongoing photographic mentorship
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Pre-tour virtual meeting with your photo host for preparation and gear advice
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Park and conservancy fees
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Filtered drinking water and refreshments on all game drives
TOUR EXCLUDES
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International flights to and from Kenya
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Personal travel insurance (mandatory for all guests)
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Personal expenses such as souvenirs and optional activities
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Any activities not listed in the official itinerary
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Premium alcoholic beverages
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Gratuities and tips for guides, camp staff, and drivers
ITINERARY
DAY 1:
ARRIVAL DAY
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Guests arrive in Nairobi (Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO))
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Transfer to Nairobi airport hotel (Approx. 10 min drive from airport)
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Meet and Greet with photo host at 6:00pm
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Overnight in Nairobi
(Guests must arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport no later than 4:00pm on arrival day)
DAY 2:
TRANSFER TO SAMBURU / AFTERNOON SAFARI
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Road transfer to Samburu National Reserve
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Afternoon photographic safari in Samburu
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Introduction to image selection and post processing with photo host
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Overnight in Samburu National Reserve
PHOTOGRAPHY FOCUS: Samburu's 'special five' Grevy's Zebra, Reticulated Giraffe, Beisa Oryx, and Gerenuk.
DAYS 3 - 4:
TWO SAFARI OUTINGS DAILY
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Morning photographic safari in Samburu
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Evening photographic safari in Samburu
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Image selection and post processing with photo host at the lodge
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Overnight in Samburu - option to spend the night in photographic hide
PHOTOGRAPHY FOCUS: Leopards of Samburu along the Samburu's special five. Potential to visit photographic hide (depending on wildlife movements/behviour) - option to spend the night in the photo hide.
DAY 5:
FLY TO MASAI MARA / AFTERNOON SAFARI
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Chartered flight to Masai Mara (Central Region)
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Evening photographic safari in Masai Mara
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Image selection and post processing with photo host at the lodge
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Overnight in Masai Mara Central Region
PHOTOGRAPHY FOCUS: Predators of the central region including lions, leopards, cheetah, hyena, and jackal along with general African wildlife species of the Masai Mara
DAYS 6 - 7:
FULL DAY SAFARI OUTINGS
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Full day photographic safari in Central Masai Mara
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Image selection and post processing with photo host at the lodge
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Overnight in Masai Mara Central Region
PHOTOGRAPHY FOCUS: The river crossings of the Great Migration of Wildebeests and predators that follow the herds.
DAY 8:
FLY TO LUMO CONSERVANCY/ PHOTO HIDE EXPERIENCE
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Chartered flight to Lumo Private Conservancy
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Evening photographic safari in Lumo Conservancy
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Overnight photo hide experience
PHOTOGRAPHY FOCUS: General African wildlife during daylight. Photograph predators, elephants, and nocturnal wildlife species in the overnight photo hide.
DAY 9:
TWO SAFARI OUTINGS / PHOTO HIDE EXPERIENCE
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Sunrise in the photo hide for golden hour shots
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Brunch, refresh and post processing at the lodge
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Afternoon photographic safari in Lumo Conservancy
PHOTOGRAPHY FOCUS: General African wildlife during daylight. Photograph predators, elephants, and nocturnal wildlife species in the overnight photo hide.
DAY 10:
TRANSFER TO NAIROBI / END OF TOUR
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Sunrise in the photo hide for golden hour shots
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Brunch, refresh and post processing at the lodge
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Road transfer to Nairobi
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END OF TOUR
(Gusts must depart no earlier than 9:00pm on this day)
ACCOMMODATION
Throughout your 10-day safari, you’ll stay in handpicked luxury camps and lodges located in some of Kenya’s most photogenic wildlife hotspots. Each property combines comfort with direct access to the action, offering en-suite tents, private verandas, and exceptional service—all designed to keep you close to nature.
From Samburu’s rugged terrain to the predator-rich plains of the Masai Mara and the unique photo hide in Lumo Conservancy, every location has been selected to maximize photographic potential. Whether you’re capturing elephants at eye-level from an underground hide or reviewing big cat encounters from your riverfront deck, your accommodation enhances both your comfort and your craft.
At Soroi Mara Bush Camp, the dedicated photo studio becomes your creative hub, where your photo host will guide editing sessions and offer personalized tutorials to refine your images and techniques.
