SAMBURU - MARA - TSAVO WILDLIFE PHOTO SAFARI
SAFARI OVERVIEW
Join us for a 10-day photographic journey 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
LOCATION
Samburu, Masai Mara, Tsavo West
PRICE
DURATION
$12,890 USD pp sharing
10 days / 9 nights
PHOTOGRPHY SKILL LEVEL
All skill levels welcome
ITINERARY
ARRIVAL DAY
-
Guests arrive in Nairobi (Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO))
-
Transfer to Nairobi airport hotel (Approx. 10 min drive from airport)
-
Meet and Greet with photo host at 6:00pm
-
Overnight in Nairobi
(Guests must arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport no later than 4:00pm on arrival day)
-
TRANSFER TO SAMBURU - AFTERNOON SAFARI OUTING
-
Road transfer to Samburu National Reserve
-
Afternoon photographic safari in Samburu
-
Introduction to image selection and post processing with photo host
-
Overnight in Samburu National Reserve
PHOTOGRAPHY FOCUS: Samburu's 'special five' Grevy's Zebra, Reticulated Giraffe, Beisa Oryx, and Gerenuk. Option to spend evening/night in photographic hide for rare species sightings such as the Striped Hyena-
TWO SAFARI OUTINGS - SAMBURU NATIONAL RESERVE
-
Morning photographic safari in Samburu
-
Evening photographic safari in Samburu
-
Image selection and post processing with photo host at the lodge
-
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.-
FLY TO MASAI MARA - EVENING SAFARI OUTING
-
Chartered flight to Masai Mara (Central Region)
-
Evening photographic safari in Masai Mara
-
Image selection and post processing with photo host at the lodge
-
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
-
FULL DAY SAFARI OUTINGS - MASAI MARA
-
Road transfer to Kibale National Forest with final safari en-route
-
Upon arrival at the lodge, guests will be given a pre-Chimpanzee photographic lecture to prepare for the day ahead
-
Overnight in Kibale
PHOTOGRAPHY FOCUS: The group will learn what to expect during their Chimpanzee photography trekking the following day. This evening is also a great time to ask your photo host for a one-on-one photo critique.
-
FLY TO LUMO CONSERVANCY - PHOTO HIDE EXPERIENCE
-
Chartered flight to Tsavo West
-
Evening photographic safari in Lumo Conservancy
-
Overnight photo hide experience
PHOTOGRAPHY FOCUS: General African wildlife during daylight. Photograph predators, elephants, and nocturnal wildlife species in the overnight photo hide.-
SAFARI & PHOTO HIDE EXPERIENCE - LUMO CONSERVANCY
-
Sunrise in the photo hide for golden hour shots
-
Brunch, refresh and post processing at the lodge
-
Afternoon photographic safari in Lumo Conservancy
-
Overnight photo hide experience
PHOTOGRAPHY FOCUS: General African wildlife during daylight. Photograph predators, elephants, and nocturnal wildlife species in the overnight photo hide.
-
FLY TO NAIROBI / END OF TOUR
-
Sunrise in the photo hide for golden hour shots
-
Chartered flight - Tsavo West to Nairobi Wilson Airport
-
Road transfer to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) approx. 45 min. drive
-
END OF TOUR
(Gusts must depart no earlier than 6:00pm on this day)
-
RECOMMENDED GEAR
CAMERA BODY:
-
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.
-
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:
-
24–70mm lens: Perfect for hide photography in Samburu and Tsavo, allowing for immersive wide shots, portraits, and environmental storytelling when animals approach the hides at close range.
-
70–200mm lens: Another essential for hide setups, offering excellent reach and compression for slightly more distant subjects while maintaining flexibility and responsiveness in tight spaces.
-
400mm/500mm prime lens: Highly recommended for Masai Mara game drives and general wildlife photography throughout the safari. These lenses provide the reach and clarity needed to capture intimate predator moments, action scenes, and wildlife behavior in open terrain.
LOCATION
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
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 WEST 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.
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.
2026 PRICE:
$12,890 USD per person sharing accommodation
$1,700 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
THREE 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, local 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
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.