Day 1: Welcome to Amboseli – First Game Drive

🚙 Morning Pickup – You will be picked up at your hotel in Nairobi for your flight to Amboseli at 07h30am. On arriving at Amboseli airstrip our private Guides will wait for you and you will be transferred to Amboseli Serena Lodge with your first game drive on the way, arriving before lunchtime.
🍽️ 12:30 PM – Arrival at the lodge, check-in, and enjoy a delicious lunch while soaking in the views.
🚗 3:30 PM – 6:30 PM – Afternoon game drive in Amboseli National Park, one of the best places in Africa to photograph elephants up close, often with the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro as a backdrop.

📸 Photography Highlights:

• Gentle Giants: Amboseli is famous for its large elephant herds, making for powerful and intimate wildlife portraits.

• Golden Light: Capture breathtaking scenes as elephants, lions, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, and wildebeests move through the warm glow of the setting sun.

• Dramatic Landscapes: Expansive plains, acacia trees, and reflections in seasonal marshes provide endless creative possibilities.

• Backlighting & Silhouettes: The soft evening light is perfect for experimenting with composition and unique lighting techniques.

With three private safari vehicles, everyone will have ample space to move freely and capture every moment—from intense wildlife interactions to sweeping landscapes.

🌅 7:00 PM – Return to the lodge, freshen up, and enjoy a relaxing dinner under the stars, sharing first impressions and highlights from the day.

Full-Day Safari in Amboseli National Park

The day begins early, around 6:30 AM, with a freshly brewed coffee or tea before we head out for our morning game drive. The soft golden light of sunrise is ideal for capturing Amboseli’s wildlife as they start their day—elephants moving through the mist, lions on the prowl, and a variety of bird species in action.

We’ll return to Amboseli Serena Lodge for a late breakfast around 10:30 AM, followed by some down time to rest, transfer photos, or discuss techniques before heading out again.

Lunch will be served at 12:00 PM, providing a perfect break before we embark on our afternoon game drive. The mid-to-late afternoon hours give us another chance to track and photograph Amboseli’s incredible wildlife, using the shifting light to our advantage.

As the sun sets, we’ll return to the lodge for dinner around 7:30 PM, followed by a 30-minute editing and review session, where we’ll discuss the day’s shots, share feedback, and go over post-processing techniques.

A perfect way to wind down after an action-packed day of photography before resting up for our next adventure!

After breakfast transfer to Amboseli Airstrip for flight to Nairobi Wilson at 08h15am. At Wilson Airport your guides and landcruiser are waiting for you for you transfer to Solio Area,
Rhino Watch Lodge.

Arrival afternoon and relaxing with a view to Mount Kenya.

This is a good time to go over the previous days shoot and discuss and camera adjustments, composition, editing tutorials and camera holding techniques.

Full-Day Safari in Solio Game Reserve

We start the day early at 5:30 AM with coffee or tea before heading out at 6:00 AM for a morning game drive in Solio Game Reserve. This exclusive, private conservancy is world-renowned for its incredible rhino population, offering us the rare opportunity to photograph both black and white rhinos in their natural habitat. Along the way, we may also encounter lions, leopards, giraffes, buffalo, zebras, and various antelope species, all set against the stunning backdrop of Mount Kenya.

By 12:30 PM, we’ll stop for a picnic lunch in the reserve, allowing us to stay immersed in the wildlife-rich landscape without missing a moment of action. After lunch, we continue exploring, using the afternoon’s shifting light to capture dramatic wildlife portraits and scenic compositions.

We return to Rhino Watch Lodge around 5:30 PM, where we’ll have time to relax before sitting down for a delicious dinner at 7:00 PM. Afterward, at 8:00 PM, we’ll gather for a 30-minute editing and review session, discussing techniques, compositions, and post-processing tips to enhance our images from the day.

By 8:30 PM, the evening is yours to unwind and rest before another unforgettable day in Kenya!

Arrival at Ashnil Samburu Lodge & Afternoon Game Drive

After breakfast transfer to Samburu, Ashnil Samburu Lodge. Arrival lunchtime, just in time to enjoy a delicious lunch while taking in the stunning views of the Ewaso Ng’iro River. This incredible location is nestled in the heart of Samburu National Reserve, known for its rugged landscapes, iconic acacia trees, and a unique mix of wildlife found only in this region.

After a short rest, we head out at 3:30 PM for an afternoon game drive, where we’ll have the chance to photograph Samburu’s unique “Special Five”:
🦓 Grevy’s zebra – larger and more distinct than the common zebra
🦒 Reticulated giraffe – with its striking geometric patterns
🐂 Beisa oryx – a graceful antelope with long, straight horns
🦛 Gerenuk – the “giraffe antelope” known for standing on its hind legs to browse leaves
🦃 Somali ostrich – recognized by its bluish skin and long legs

We’ll also keep an eye out for big cats like leopards and cheetahs, as well as elephants, buffalo, and hyenas moving through the golden evening light.

We return to the lodge at 6:30 PM, where you can freshen up before a 7:30 PM dinner overlooking the river. Afterward, at 8:30 PM, we’ll have an optional 30-minute review session, going over the day’s captures and discussing composition and editing techniques.

By 9:00 PM, the evening is yours to relax under the African night sky, getting ready for another action-packed day in Samburu!

Days 6, 7 & 8: Full Days in Samburu – Sunrise to Sunset Photography

For the next three days, we fully immerse ourselves in the stunning landscapes and rich wildlife of Samburu National Reserve, maximizing our opportunities to capture breathtaking images.

Daily Schedule:

☕ 5:30 AM – Wake-up call with fresh coffee and tea
🚙 6:00 AM – Morning game drive to catch the golden light and active wildlife
🍳 9:30 AM – Return to the lodge for a hearty breakfast
🖥️ 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM – Image review, editing tips, and instructor feedback
🛏️ 12:00 – 3:00 PM – Rest & leisure time at the lodge (pool, relax, recharge)
🥪 3:00 PM – Light lunch before heading out
🚗 3:30 PM – Afternoon game drive for golden-hour photography
🌅 6:30 PM – Return to the lodge at sunset
🍽️ 7:30 PM – Dinner with a view of the river
🖥️ 8:30 PM – 9:00 PM – Optional photo review & editing session

What You’ll See & Photograph in Samburu

• Rare & Unique Wildlife – Capture the Samburu Special Five (Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, gerenuk, and Somali ostrich), plus elephants, big cats, and Nile crocodiles.

• Predator Action – Keep an eye out for cheetahs, lions, and leopards hunting in the open savanna.

• Bird Photography – Photograph martial eagles, lilac-breasted rollers, and hornbills in stunning detail.

• Scenic Landscapes – Iconic acacia-dotted plains, dramatic escarpments, and the winding Ewaso Ng’iro River, a lifeline for wildlife.

These three full days in Samburu allow for a deep dive into wildlife photography, ensuring that you have ample time to refine your skills, experiment with techniques, and build a stunning portfolio of images.

Flight to Maasai Mara & First Game Drive

☕ 7:00 AM – Enjoy a final breakfast at Ashnil Samburu Lodge, taking in the morning views before departure.
✈️ 8:30 AM – Transfer to the airstrip for your 10:15 AM flight to Maasai Mara (possible connection via Wilson Airport at 2:00 PM).
🚙 12:00 – 3:00 PM – Arrive in the Maasai Mara, where your private guides will be waiting. Begin your first game drive en route to the camp, making the most of this prime wildlife area immediately upon arrival.
🍽️ 3:30 PM – Check-in at the lodge and enjoy a late lunch.
🛏️ 4:30 – 5:30 PM – Settle in, relax, and recharge before the afternoon outing.
🚗 5:30 PM – Sunset – Evening game drive, capturing the magic of golden-hour light and Mara’s famous predators in action.
🌅 6:45 PM – Return to camp as the sky turns fiery orange over the plains.
🍷 7:30 PM – Dinner under the stars, followed by a brief editing/review session (optional).

What You Might See & Photograph in the Maasai Mara

• Big Cats Up Close – Lions, leopards, and cheetahs patrolling the savanna.

• Dramatic Open Landscapes – Rolling grasslands, endless horizons, and acacia trees.

• The Great Migration (Seasonal) – If timing aligns, witness thousands of wildebeest & zebras crossing the plains.

• Elephants, Giraffes & More – Iconic African wildlife in an unforgettable setting.

Your first game drive in the Maasai Mara sets the stage for an incredible next few days, where you’ll explore one of the world’s most famous wildlife reserves with expert guidance and perfect photographic opportunities.

Days 10–14: Unlimited Game Drives in the Maasai Mara

For the next five days, immerse yourself in the heart of one of Africa’s most spectacular wildlife reserves with unlimited game drives. This is your chance to capture incredible wildlife moments, fine-tune your photography skills, and experience the rhythm of the African wilderness like never before.

Daily Schedule (Adjustable as Needed)

☕ 5:30 AM – Wake up with fresh coffee/tea and light breakfast before heading out.
🚙 6:00 AM – 11:00 AM – Morning game drive – Explore different areas of the Mara as wildlife is most active in the cool morning light.
🍽️ 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM – Return to camp for a delicious lunch and relax during the midday heat.
📸 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM – Optional editing/review session, learning new post-processing techniques.
🚗 4:00 PM – Sunset – Evening game drive, chasing golden light and thrilling wildlife action.
🌅 6:45 PM – Return to camp, freshen up, and enjoy a sundowner overlooking the savanna.
🍷 7:30 PM – Dinner under the stars, sharing stories and highlights from the day.

What You Might See & Photograph

• Big Cats in Action – Lions, cheetahs, and leopards hunting or resting in the golden grass.

• Elephants & Giraffes – Majestic creatures silhouetted against stunning backdrops.

• Dramatic Wildlife Interactions – Hyenas, jackals, and scavengers creating compelling scenes.

• Birdlife & Small Wonders – Eagles, kingfishers, and unique details often overlooked.

• The Beauty of the Mara – Endless rolling plains, sunrises, and moody storms make for breathtaking compositions.

These five days of unlimited game drives allow for maximum flexibility, ensuring we are in the right place at the right time for the best photographic opportunities. Each day will be tailored to weather conditions, wildlife movements, and your personal photography goals.

After breakfast transfer to the airstrip for your flight to Nairobi at 11ham. Pickup at Wilson Airport and transfer to JKIA for your international flight.
We wish you a great journey back home.