Introduction
This 14-day photographic safari has been carefully designed to explore some of Kenya’s most spectacular wildlife regions while providing excellent opportunities for wildlife photography. The journey begins in Nairobi before continuing to the forested landscapes of Aberdare National Park, the wildlife-rich plains of Ol Pejeta Conservancy, and finally the world-famous Masai Mara ecosystem.
Throughout the safari, guests will stay in carefully selected lodges and camps that offer comfort, great locations for wildlife viewing, and access to diverse habitats. Multiple nights in different areas of the Masai Mara allow guests to explore a variety of landscapes while maximizing chances of photographing Kenya’s iconic wildlife including lions, elephants, giraffes, cheetahs, and many other species.
Game drives are scheduled during the early morning and late afternoon, when wildlife activity is at its highest and lighting conditions are ideal for photography. The safari is conducted in a 4×4 Land Cruiser with a maximum of three photographers per vehicle, ensuring comfort and optimal viewing angles.
Best Time to Travel
This safari can be enjoyed at different times of the year, with October to December and January to March being particularly rewarding seasons for wildlife viewing and photography.
From October to December, the landscapes are lush and green following the short rains, creating beautiful scenery and dramatic skies that are ideal for photography. Wildlife viewing remains excellent, and visitor numbers are generally lower than during peak migration months.
The period from January to March is also considered one of the best times for a safari in Kenya. The weather is typically warm and dry with clear skies, offering excellent visibility for game drives. The grass is shorter during this time, making it easier to spot wildlife, while predator activity remains high across the plains.
Both seasons offer excellent wildlife sightings, vibrant birdlife, and outstanding photographic opportunities across Kenya’s diverse ecosystems.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in Nairobi
Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, you will be met by an Aardwolf Africa Safaris representative and transferred to Tamarind Tree Hotel.
Nairobi is a vibrant introduction to Kenya and the starting point for many East African safaris. Depending on your arrival time, the remainder of the day is at leisure to relax after your international journey.
Meal Plan: Breakfast
Accommodation: Tamarind Tree Hotel
Day 2 – Nairobi Wildlife & Conservation
Early morning departure for a game drive in Nairobi National Park, where wildlife roams against the backdrop of the city skyline. Photographers often capture excellent shots of rhinos, giraffes, lions and plains game here.
Late morning visit to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust to photograph orphaned baby elephants during their feeding and mud-bath session.
Lunch at the historic Karen Blixen coffee gardens before visiting the Giraffe Centre, where endangered Rothschild giraffes can be photographed up close.
Return to the hotel in the late afternoon.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tamarind Tree Hotel
Day 3 – Nairobi to Aberdare National Park
After breakfast depart Nairobi for the forested highlands of Aberdare National Park.
Lunch will be served at Aberdare Country Club before transferring to The Ark Lodge, a unique tree lodge overlooking a floodlit waterhole.
From the lodge’s viewing decks and underground photographic hide, guests can photograph elephants, buffalo, bushbuck, and occasionally leopard visiting the waterhole during the evening.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: The Ark Lodge
Day 4 – Aberdare to Ol Pejeta Conservancy
After breakfast drive north to Ol Pejeta Conservancy, located on the equator with spectacular views of Mount Kenya.
Stop briefly at the equator crossing for photos before continuing to Sweetwaters Serena Camp.
After lunch enjoy an afternoon game drive including a visit to the Chimpanzee Sanctuary, the only one of its kind in Kenya.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Sweetwaters Serena Camp
Day 5 – Ol Pejeta Photography Safari
Full day exploring Ol Pejeta Conservancy.
This conservancy offers excellent opportunities to photograph:
- Black and white rhinos
- Lions and cheetahs
- Elephants and giraffes
- Scenic savannah landscapes with Mount Kenya backdrop
Morning and afternoon game drives allow photographers to take advantage of soft golden light and active wildlife behavior.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Sweetwaters Serena Camp
Day 6 – Fly to Masai Mara
After breakfast transfer to Nanyuki Airstrip for your scheduled flight to the Masai Mara National Reserve.
Upon arrival at Keekorok Airstrip, you will be met by your driver guide and begin your first game drive en route to Basecamp Masai Mara. Lunch at camp, relax.
Afternoon game drive from 4pm until sunset.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Basecamp Masai Mara
Day 7 – Masai Mara Photography
Full day exploring the plains of the Masai Mara with morning and afternoon game drives.
Wildlife often photographed here includes:
- Lions and cheetahs
- Large elephant herds
- Giraffes and zebras
- Hyenas and jackals
- Abundant birdlife
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Basecamp Masai Mara
Day 8 – Transfer to Ashnil Mara Camp
Morning game drive before transferring to Ashnil Mara Camp, located near the Mara River.
Afternoon game drive focusing on river crossings, predator activity and wildlife along the riverbanks.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner + selected drinks
Accommodation: Ashnil Mara Camp
Day 9 – Masai Mara Game Viewing
Full day game drive with packed breakfast and picnic lunch allowing extended time in the field to maximize wildlife photography opportunities.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner + selected drinks
Accommodation: Ashnil Mara Camp
Day 10 – Transfer to Mara Serena
Morning game drive before proceeding to Mara Serena Safari Lodge located on a hill with spectacular views across the savannah.
Afternoon game drive exploring the Mara Triangle region.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Mara Serena Safari Lodge
Day 11 – Full Day Masai Mara
Another full day exploring the reserve.
Optional activity:
🎈 Hot Air Balloon Safari at sunrise followed by champagne breakfast on the plains.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Mara Serena Safari Lodge
Day 12 – Transfer to Basecamp Wilderness (Naboisho Conservancy)
After breakfast transfer to Basecamp Wilderness
This small and intimate camp offers exceptional guiding and excellent wildlife photography opportunities in a less crowded part of the Mara ecosystem.
Since Naboisho Conservancy is a private conservancy, only vehicles from the camps operating within the conservancy are permitted to conduct game drives there. For this reason, your driver-guide will transfer you to the designated meeting point and say goodbye.
At this point, you will be warmly welcomed by your guide from Basecamp Wilderness Camp, who will accompany you for the next two days as you explore the wildlife-rich Naboisho Conservancy. During your stay, all game drives and activities will be conducted by the camp’s experienced guides.
Enjoy lunch at the camp followed by time to relax. Later in the afternoon, depart for an afternoon and night game drive, returning to camp in the evening.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner + drinks included
Accommodation: Basecamp Wilderness
Day 13 – Masai Mara Photography
Full day of game drives tracking predators and photographing wildlife behavior across the Mara plains.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner + Selected drinks
Accommodation: Basecamp Wilderness
Day 14 – Masai Mara to Nairobi
Early morning game drive before breakfast.
Transfer to the airstrip for your scheduled flight to Nairobi at 11am.
Upon arrival you will be transferred to Four Points by Sheraton Nairobi Airport for a day room where you can relax before your international flight.
Later transfer to the airport for departure.
Meal Plan: Breakfast
Safari Price:
October -20th December 2026
| Option | Price |
| Solo traveler – private vehicle & single room | USD 12,400 |
| Single room sharing safari vehicle | USD 10,000 |
| Double room sharing safari vehicle | USD 8,600 |
3rd January to March 2027
| Option | Price |
| Solo traveler – private vehicle & single room | USD 12,200 |
| Single room sharing safari vehicle | USD 9,930 |
| Double room sharing safari vehicle | USD 8,360 |
Notes
- Prices are per person in USD.
- Safari vehicle will have a maximum of 3 photographers.
- Accommodation is based on the lodges listed in the itinerary.
- Your driver-guide will arrange picnic lunches and refreshments to be available during your gamedrives.
Safari Package Includes
- All airport transfers in Nairobi
- Accommodation as specified in the itinerary
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary
- Transport in a 4×4 Safari Land Cruiser with pop-up roof for photography
- Services of a professional English-speaking driver/guide
- All park entrance fees and conservancy fees
- Game drives as per the itinerary
- Internal scheduled flights
- Ol Pejeta (Nanyuki) – Masai Mara
- Masai Mara – Nairobi
- Nairobi city excursions including Nairobi National Park, Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage and Giraffe Centre
- Flying Doctors emergency evacuation cover
- Mineral drinking water during safari
- Day room in Nairobi before international departure
- Government taxes and service charges
Safari Package Excludes
- International flights to and from Kenya
- Kenya visa fees
- Travel insurance (highly recommended)
- Baggage allowance for each passenger strictly 15kgs in soft case bags. Extra baggage will be charged. Clients may have the option to pre purchase excess baggage in advance. Contact us for the fees.
- Optional activities such as:
- Hot air balloon safari in Masai Mara
- Maasai village visit
- Sundowners
- Nature walks
- Alcoholic drinks and beverages unless specified and also exclusive champagnes, wines etc.
- Tips and gratuities for driver/guide and lodge staff
(Recommended guideline: USD 10–20 per person per day for driver/guide) - Personal expenses such as:
- Laundry
- Telephone calls
- Souvenirs
- Snacks
- Any services not specifically mentioned in the itinerary
- Lunch on last day and extra park fees
Photographic Safari Vehicle Policy
This safari has been specially designed for wildlife photographers to ensure comfort, flexibility, and optimal photographic opportunities in the field.
To maximize the photographic experience, the following arrangements apply:
- Maximum of 3 photographers per safari vehicle to allow adequate space for camera equipment and unobstructed shooting angles.
- Use of a custom 4×4 safari Land Cruiser with pop-up roof, ideal for wildlife photography.
- Flexible game drive schedules allowing extended time at wildlife sightings when photographic opportunities arise.
- The safari guide is experienced in positioning vehicles for optimal lighting, backgrounds, and wildlife behavior photography.
- Vehicles are equipped with charging sockets for camera batteries and equipment where available.
- Bean bags or camera supports can be provided for stable shooting from the vehicle.
This setup ensures guests enjoy comfortable positioning, clear views, and ample time to capture exceptional wildlife images.
Conclusion
This 14-day Kenya photographic safari offers an extraordinary journey through some of the country’s most diverse and wildlife-rich regions. From the unique landscapes of Aberdare National Park and the conservation success of Ol Pejeta Conservancy to the legendary wildlife plains of the Maasai Mara National Reserve, each destination provides exceptional opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography.
Carefully planned game drives, experienced guides, and limited photographers per vehicle ensure that guests have the time, space, and flexibility needed to capture remarkable moments in the wild. Whether photographing dramatic predator encounters, sweeping savannah landscapes, or intimate wildlife behavior, this safari is designed to deliver a truly rewarding photographic experience.
For photographers and nature enthusiasts seeking an immersive Kenya safari adventure, this journey combines expert planning, iconic wildlife locations, and unforgettable encounters in some of Africa’s most spectacular natural environments.
