SAMBURU + MASAI MARA WILDLIFE PHOTO SAFARI
SAFARI OVERVIEW
This immersive photographic safari is designed for wildlife photographers eager to capture the drama of the Great Migration and the intimacy of hide-based shooting—all in one unforgettable journey.
First, you'll travel north to the rugged beauty of Samburu National Reserve, a stark contrast in both landscape and subject matter. Over two nights, you’ll explore this unique ecosystem in search of rare northern species, and spend some time (day or night) focused on underground hide photography. From striking low-angle portraits of elephants and oryx to elusive nocturnal visitors, Samburu offers creative opportunities that push beyond traditional game drive photography.
Then, take a quick flight south to spend four nights in the Central Masai Mara, timed to align with the peak of the migration. Here, you’ll photograph massive herds of wildebeest and zebra, dramatic Mara River crossings, and the predators that follow in their wake—including lions, cheetahs, leopards, and hyenas.
With a small group size, prime seasonal timing, and a blend of high-action and slow, intentional photographic experiences, this safari is designed to elevate your portfolio and deepen your connection to the wild.
GROUP SIZE
4 guests + 1 photo host
LOCATION
Samburu, Masai Mara
PRICE
DURATION
$10,495 USD pp sharing
10 days / 9 nights
PHOTOGRPHY SKILL LEVEL
All skill levels welcome
RECOMMENDED GEAR
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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70–200mm lens: Perfect for hide photography in Samburu, where you'll often be photographing animals at close to mid-range. This lens provides ideal framing for tight compositions, portraits, and behavior shots in intimate hide settings.
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500mm lens (prime or zoom): A must-have for the Masai Mara, especially during the Great Migration, when you'll want maximum reach to capture dramatic river crossings, predator interactions, and large herds on the move. The 500mm allows you to photograph from a respectful distance while still producing high-impact imagery.
LOCATION
SAMBURU NATIONAL RESERVE
Samburu’s arid beauty and rugged landscapes are home to rare northern species like Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, and the long-necked gerenuk. It’s a quieter, more intimate destination perfect for focused photography, with fewer vehicles and clean, natural backdrops. The addition of underground hide photography offers a unique perspective—ideal for capturing wildlife up close, including nocturnal visitors under the stars.
MASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE
The central Masai Mara is one of Africa’s most action-packed photographic arenas, especially during the Great Migration. This region offers easy access to dramatic river crossings and predator-rich territories, ideal for capturing lion hunts, cheetah chases, and massive herbivore herds in motion. Soft light, sweeping savannahs, and dynamic wildlife behavior make every drive full of potential.
ACCOMMODATION
This safari features handpicked luxury camps that place you at the heart of Kenya’s most photographically rewarding regions. Each camp is chosen for its proximity to wildlife, comfort, and the ability to keep you immersed in nature while offering all the amenities needed to recharge after long days in the field.
In Samburu, you’ll stay at Soroi Larsens Camp, a stylish, riverfront retreat in the heart of the reserve. With its tranquil setting, comfortable accommodations, and close access to the underground photo hide, it’s the ideal place to wind down between shooting sessions while staying deeply connected to the wild.
In the Masai Mara, your base is Soroi Mara Bush Camp, set along the Olare Orok River in big cat territory. The camp offers spacious tents with en-suite bathrooms, private verandas, and even an on-site photo studio—perfect for editing, reviewing images, and prepping gear between game drives.
Together, these camps deliver a seamless blend of comfort, exclusivity, and prime location, making them the perfect basecamps for a photography-focused adventure.
2026 PRICE:
$10,495 USD per person sharing accommodation
$1,500 USD single supplement fee (if applicable)
25% DEPOSIT TO CONFIRM BOOKING
2027 PRICE TBA
Airport pick-up and drop-off at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO)
All accommodation in handpicked 5-star lodges/tented camps
All ground transportation between lodges in private, comfortable vehicles
Two domestic flights w/ 25kg baggage allowance per flight
All meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily
Purified drinking water, coffee, tea, juice, and all non-alcoholic beverages
All alcoholic beverages (house wines, beers, spirits)
All national park entry and conservation fees
Daily photographic support and guidance from your photo host
Optional one-on-one photo critiques during the trip
Pre-tour planning session with your photography guide
International flights (arrival and departure to Kenya)
Personal Travel Insurance (required for all guests)
Premium alcoholic beverages
Personal expenses (souvenirs, extra activities, etc.)
Activities not listed in itinerary
Gratuities/tips for guides/staff
ITINERARY
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)-
TRANSFER TO SAMBURU / EVENING SAFARI
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Road transfer to Samburu National Reserve
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Afternoon photographic safari in Samburu
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Evening and overnight in specialised overnight photographic hide
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Overnight in Samburu (Larsen's Photo Hide)
PHOTOGRAPHY FOCUS: The 'Samburu Special Five' including species that are not found in typical safari locations: Grevy's Zebra, Reticulated Giraffe, Beisa Oryx, Somali Ostrich, Gerenuk along with the commonly spotted predators - leopard, cheetah and lion.-
PHOTO HIDE AND SAFARI OUTINGS
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Sunrise in photo hide
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Mid morning brunch and rest & refresh
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Image selection and post processing with photo host at the lodge
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Evening photographic safari in Samburu
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Overnight in Samburu
PHOTOGRAPHY FOCUS: The 'Samburu Special Five' including species that are not found in typical safari locations: Grevy's Zebra, Reticulated Giraffe, Beisa Oryx, Somali Ostrich, Gerenuk along with the commonly spotted predators - leopard, cheetah and lion.-
FLY TO MASAI MARA / EVENING SAFARI
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Chartered flight: Samburu to Masai Mara (Central Region)
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Afternoon photographic safari in Masai Mara
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Image selection and post processing with photo host in dedicated photo studio at lodge
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Overnight in Masai Mara
PHOTOGRAPHY FOCUS: General wildlife of the Masai Mara such as elephants, lions, leopard, buffalo, zebra, giraffe, etc.-
FULL DAY SAFARI OUTINGS
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Full day photographic safari in Masai Mara Central Region
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Image selection and post processing with photo host in dedicated photo studio at lodge
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Overnight in Masai Mara
PHOTOGRAPHY FOCUS: The Great Migration of Wildebeests focusing on mega herds and iconic river crossings as well as photographing the predators that follow the herds.-
DEPARTURE DAY
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Chartered flight: Masai Mara to Nairobi Wilson Airport
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Transfer to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport - NBO (or accommodation of choice in Nairobi)
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END OF TOUR
(Guests must depart no earlier than 9:00pm on this day)-
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
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Great Migration Photography in the Masai Mara
Photograph the iconic wildebeest migration as massive herds move across the plains and through the Mara River—creating intense, fast-paced scenes of movement, tension, and survival.
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Predator Encounters in Central Mara
Spend four nights in one of the most predator-rich areas of the Mara, where lions, cheetahs, and leopards follow the herds. Expect daily opportunities to capture dynamic hunting behavior and intimate big cat portraits.
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Rare Species & Rugged Landscapes in Samburu
Explore the unique terrain of Samburu, home to species not found elsewhere in Kenya—including Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, and gerenuk—set against a backdrop of rocky outcrops and golden light.
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Underground Hide Photography in Samburu
Spend time (either day or night) at a professional photo hide, capturing eye-level images of wildlife like elephants, oryx, and nocturnal species in a controlled, creative setting—ideal for slow, thoughtful photography.
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A Two-Region Safari Designed for Diversity & Depth
From the high-action drama of the Mara to the quiet, focused compositions of the Samburu hide, this itinerary offers a well-rounded photographic journey with powerful contrasts in wildlife, light, and storytelling.