Maasai Mara & Amboseli Photo Tour

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

- Maasai Mara & Amboseli Photo Tour held in Amboseli National Park & the Mara North Conservancy
- Mara North Conservancy has less vehicles at sightings and off-roading is allowed
- Each guest provided with their own row in game vehicle
- Extra 10kg luggage allowance on all internal bush flights
- Led by two professional wildlife photographers
- Full photographic tuition provided on drives/in camp
- Superb opportunities to photograph the big cats and elephants against iconic Kenyan backdrops
- An abundance of many other iconic African species to photograph, including giraffe, hippo, zebra and buffalo
- A total of 14 games drives – providing ample wildlife viewing opportunities
- A mix of luxury and mid-range tented camps on an ‘all-inclusive basis’
- Quality camera bean bags provided for each guest for use during the safari
Exclusive Benefits
- 10% discount on lens hire (discount applies to UK based guests only)
- 15% discount at Bobs Books
- 15% discount at Big Lens Bag

Maasai Mara & Amboseli Photo Tour – Overview

Our 10-day Maasai Mara & Amboseli Photo Tour combines two of Kenya’s most spectacular wildlife destinations. We spend three nights exploring the wildlife-rich landscapes of Amboseli National Park before travelling north to the Mara North Conservancy, where we spend five nights immersed in one of Africa’s finest big-cat habitats.

This carefully designed safari gives you time to slow down, explore and concentrate on photography rather than simply ticking off wildlife sightings. Amboseli is famous for its large elephant herds and spectacular views towards Mount Kilimanjaro. In Mara North, the focus shifts to the abundant predators and plains game that make this part of Kenya so special.

Three Nights in Amboseli National Park

Our Maasai Mara & Amboseli Photo Tour begins with three nights near the eastern side of Amboseli National Park, staying at a comfortable lodge within its own private conservancy close to the Kimana Gate. This location gives us access to both the private conservancy and the national park, allowing us to experience two very different wildlife environments during our stay.

We will enjoy game drives in both areas, making the most of the different wildlife and photographic opportunities each offers. The private conservancy provides a quieter setting with fewer vehicles, while Amboseli National Park is renowned for its spectacular landscapes, abundant elephants and iconic views towards Mount Kilimanjaro.

The combination gives us greater flexibility during our three nights in the area. We can choose where to spend our time based on wildlife activity, seasonal conditions and the best photographic opportunities.

Amboseli is particularly famous for its large elephant herds, many of which have become accustomed to vehicles, providing excellent opportunities to observe and photograph their natural behaviour. Alongside elephants, the area supports lion, cheetah, leopard, buffalo, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest and a rich variety of birdlife.

The landscapes also provide an important part of the photographic experience. Open plains, seasonal wetlands, acacia woodland and the dramatic backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro can create striking images, particularly during the early morning and late afternoon when the light is at its best.

By combining the private conservancy with Amboseli National Park, our Maasai Mara & Amboseli Photo Tour offers three nights of varied wildlife viewing and photography before we continue to the Mara North Conservancy for the second part of the safari.

Five Nights in the Mara North Conservancy

The Mara North Conservancy covers more than 30,000 hectares (around 74,000 acres) and forms an important part of the greater Maasai Mara ecosystem. It borders the Maasai Mara National Reserve while offering a much quieter and more exclusive safari experience.

Unlike the main reserve, the conservancy limits vehicle numbers, helping to create a more relaxed atmosphere in the wilderness. The area also permits off-road driving, giving us greater flexibility when excellent photographic opportunities arise.

With five nights in the conservancy, we can explore a wide area rather than rushing from one sighting to the next. The region supports an impressive concentration of wildlife, with excellent opportunities to photograph lion, leopard and cheetah, alongside elephant, buffalo, giraffe, hippo and numerous species of antelope and birds.

Mara North is managed as a partnership between local Maasai landowners and tourism operators, with a strong emphasis on protecting the environment, wildlife and long-term interests of the local community. Its low vehicle density and commitment to conservation help preserve the wilderness character that makes this destination so special.

A Safari Designed Around Photography

Wildlife encounters are only part of the experience. During the Maasai Mara & Amboseli Photo Tour, we place equal importance on finding the best light and creating compelling images.

We will look beyond straightforward shots and make the most of changing conditions in the African landscape. Depending on the weather and position of the sun, this could mean working with warm morning light, dramatic backlighting, rim lighting or striking wildlife silhouettes.

The freedom to spend extended periods in the field gives us the opportunity to wait for these moments rather than moving on as soon as we have seen an animal. This approach can make a significant difference to the quality and creativity of your wildlife photography.

Small Group, Spacious Vehicles

We limit the Maasai Mara & Amboseli Photo Tour to just six guests, creating a more personal experience and plenty of space for photography.

Two professional wildlife photography hosts will accompany the group and rotate between the guests throughout the trip. Each guest has their own row, giving you room to work with your camera equipment without having to compete for space.

Our experienced local Kenya guides bring an intimate knowledge of the wildlife areas and work closely with photographic groups. Their knowledge of animal behaviour, locations and seasonal conditions helps us make the most of our time in the field..

A Wealth of Wildlife

Although the big cats will be a major focus, the variety of wildlife across Amboseli and Mara North means there is always something to photograph.

Expect opportunities with lion, leopard, cheetah, elephant, buffalo, giraffe, hippo and a wide range of plains game and birdlife. Amboseli is particularly renowned for its elephants, while Mara North offers outstanding opportunities for predator photography.

With time on our side, we can also choose to spend longer with individual animals when the photographic conditions are right. Rather than simply counting sightings, our aim is to create memorable wildlife encounters and strong images.

Photography Tuition

Our Maasai Mara & Amboseli Photo Tour is designed to give you plenty of time in the field, with photography guidance available throughout the safari. Whether you are picking up a camera for the first time or already have years of experience, our photography hosts can tailor their support to suit your individual needs.

For guests who would like tuition, guidance is available during game drives and in camp. This might include help with camera settings, choosing the right shutter speed or aperture, understanding autofocus, selecting suitable lenses and getting the best results from your equipment. We can also help you develop your composition and learn how to anticipate animal behaviour to capture more natural and engaging images.

As your confidence grows, we can introduce more creative approaches to wildlife photography. The diverse landscapes of Amboseli and Mara North provide excellent opportunities to experiment with backlighting, rim lighting, silhouettes, and slow shutter speeds. We will also encourage you to look beyond the obvious subject and make the most of changing light, dramatic skies and the surrounding landscape.

Our approach to tuition is relaxed and practical. Rather than taking you away from the safari experience for lengthy classroom sessions, we use the wildlife encounters around us as opportunities to learn. When conditions allow, we can spend more time with a particular subject and discuss how you might approach the image before you press the shutter.

Photography for All Abilities

You do not need to be an experienced wildlife photographer to join our Maasai Mara & Amboseli Photo Tour. Complete beginners are very welcome, and our photography hosts are happy to provide as much or as little guidance as you would like.

If you already have a good understanding of photography, we can help you refine your technique, explore more creative approaches and make the most of challenging lighting and wildlife behaviour. For beginners, the focus can be on building confidence and understanding the fundamentals while enjoying the incredible wildlife around you.

We also understand that not everyone wants to spend their entire safari concentrating on camera settings. Some guests may simply want to enjoy the experience, photograph occasionally or use a camera phone or binoculars. There is no pressure to take part in formal tuition, and you can choose how much photography guidance you would like throughout the trip.

Maasai mara photo tour

Making the Most of Every Photographic Opportunity

The combination of Amboseli National Park, its surrounding private conservancy and Mara North Conservancy provides an extraordinary variety of photographic opportunities. From elephants beneath the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro to lions and cheetahs on the open plains, every game drive can present something different.

Our aim is not simply to help you take technically correct photographs. We want to help you recognise the moments when the light, wildlife and landscape come together to create something special.

Whether you return home with a collection of your best-ever wildlife images or simply a memory card full of memories, our experienced photography hosts will help you get the most from your time in Kenya.

What to Expect

The Maasai Mara & Amboseli Photo Tour is designed for guests who want to spend plenty of time in the field while enjoying a spacious and relaxed wildlife viewing experience. With a maximum of six guests and your own row in the safari vehicle, you will have room to settle in with your camera equipment, binoculars or simply enjoy watching the wildlife around you.

You do not need to be an experienced photographer to join us. We welcome photographers of all abilities, from beginners taking their first steps into wildlife photography to experienced photographers looking to refine their skills. Photography guidance is available throughout the safari and tailored to what you want to achieve. If photography isn’t your main focus, you are equally welcome to simply enjoy the wildlife and landscapes at your own pace.

Time in the Field

Our days are built around the rhythm of the African bush, with early starts giving us the best chance of experiencing active wildlife and beautiful morning light. We will head out with a packed bush breakfast and spend the morning exploring the conservancy or national park, depending on wildlife activity and conditions.

There is no need to rush back after an exciting sighting. When the opportunity arises, we can take our time to watch animal behaviour and make the most of the photographic conditions. We will usually return to camp around lunchtime, giving you time to relax and enjoy a leisurely meal before heading out again in the afternoon.

Afternoon game drives provide another opportunity to explore, with the changing light creating a very different atmosphere as the day progresses. We will continue into the evening, making the most of the final golden light before returning to camp around sunset.

Photography at Your Own Pace

Photography tuition forms an important part of the safari, but there is no pressure to take part. Our photography hosts can provide individual guidance during game drives and, where useful, back at camp.

For those looking to improve their photography, this could include everything from camera settings and composition through to more creative techniques such as high-key and low-key photography, panning with slower shutter speeds, silhouettes, rim lighting and backlighting.

Most importantly, we adapt our approach to you. Beginners can concentrate on building confidence and understanding the fundamentals, while experienced photographers can explore more creative techniques and refine their existing skills.

Comfortable Accommodation

After a full day in the field, you can relax in our carefully selected tented accommodation. Both locations provide a comfortable base for the safari, with the camps chosen for their access to the surrounding wildlife areas and their peaceful wilderness setting.

The combination of three nights in Amboseli and five nights in Mara North Conservancy gives us the opportunity to experience two contrasting environments, while allowing enough time in each location to settle into the rhythm of safari life.

Above all, expect an unhurried approach to wildlife viewing, plenty of time in the field and the freedom to enjoy Kenya in whatever way suits you best — whether that means concentrating on photography, watching elephants beneath Mount Kilimanjaro, searching for big cats across the Mara or simply absorbing the experience of being in the African wilderness.

Tented Camp in a Private Amboseli Conservancy

During the Amboseli section of our Maasai Mara & Amboseli Photo Tour, we stay in a comfortable and intimate tented camp within a private conservancy close to the Kimana Gate. The camp provides a peaceful base from which to explore both the conservancy and the neighbouring Amboseli National Park.

Its location allows us to spend more time in the field, with easy access to some of the area’s best wildlife viewing areas. Having both the private conservancy and national park available gives us flexibility to choose where to spend our game drives depending on wildlife activity and photographic conditions.

The camp offers well-appointed tented accommodation in a tranquil wilderness setting, providing a welcome place to relax after a day of photography. Comfortable guest tents, attentive staff and a relaxed atmosphere make it an ideal base for the first part of our safari.

Away from the excitement of the game drives, there is time to enjoy the peaceful surroundings and reflect on the day’s wildlife encounters. With the sounds of the African bush around camp and the landscapes of Amboseli on the doorstep, the setting forms an important part of the overall safari experience.

From this private conservancy base, we can explore Amboseli’s diverse habitats while enjoying the advantages of a smaller-scale safari environment before continuing to the Mara North Conservancy.

Luxury Tented Camp in Mara North

During our stay in Mara North, we use a beautifully located and intimate luxury tented camp. Its position provides convenient access to the conservancy’s prime wildlife areas, while the small-scale setting offers a peaceful place to relax between game drives.

Well-appointed guest tents, attentive camp staff and a welcoming atmosphere provide a comfortable base for our time in the wilderness.

Whether you are visiting Kenya for the first time or returning as an experienced safari traveller, the Maasai Mara & Amboseli Photo Tour offers a superb combination of wildlife, photography and time in the field.

With three nights in Amboseli and five nights in Mara North, this is a safari designed to give photographers the space, flexibility and time needed to make the most of Kenya’s exceptional wildlife and landscapes.

The Game Vehicles

We have designed the vehicle arrangements on our Maasai Mara & Amboseli Photo Tour around space, comfort and flexibility. With a maximum of six guests, we use two dedicated game viewing vehicles, giving everyone plenty of room to enjoy the safari and concentrate on the wildlife around them.

Every guest is guaranteed their own row in the vehicle. This provides valuable personal space for camera equipment, binoculars and other essentials, while also giving you a clear and unobstructed view of the surrounding wildlife.

Our safari vehicles feature comfortable seating, large open sides and an open roof area. These generous openings allow you to photograph from different positions and make it easy to follow wildlife as it moves around the vehicle. The spacious roof area also provides plenty of room to stand, with ample headroom and excellent opportunities for viewing the surrounding landscape.

Designed for Wildlife Photography

The open-sided design works particularly well for wildlife photography. You can photograph from the side of the vehicle or use the open roof when the situation calls for a different perspective.

Each guest is also provided with a photographic bean bag, which offers a stable support for longer lenses and helps you achieve sharper images. Our photography hosts can also advise you on positioning and technique during sightings, helping you make the most of the space available.

There is no requirement to be a photographer, however. The spacious vehicle layout also makes it easy to enjoy the wildlife with binoculars or simply take in the scenery without feeling cramped.

Comfortable Throughout the Day

We spend long periods in the field, so the vehicles are equipped with the practical features you need for a full day of game viewing.

Each vehicle carries a generous supply of bottled drinking water and has on-board charging facilities for your cameras and other devices. For our early morning drives, we also carry tea, coffee and breakfast so that we can enjoy a relaxed bush breakfast during the morning.

These breaks give us a chance to leave the vehicles, stretch our legs and enjoy breakfast surrounded by the African wilderness before continuing our exploration.

Our experienced local guides sit at the front of the vehicle alongside the photography host, allowing the team to work together throughout each game drive. Their knowledge of the wildlife areas and animal behaviour helps us make the most of sightings across both the private Amboseli conservancy and national park, as well as the Mara North Conservancy.

The result is a spacious and relaxed game viewing experience, giving every guest the room to enjoy Kenya’s wildlife in their own way while still benefiting from the advantages of a small photographic group.

Day 1 – Arrive in Nairobi

Your Maasai Mara & Amboseli Photo Safari begins when you arrive at Nairobi International Airport.

After clearing immigration and customs, make your way to the arrivals area outside the terminal building. A member of our local ground team will meet you here. Look for a sign displaying your name.

You will then transfer to the EKA Hotel, a comfortable 4-star hotel around 15–20 minutes from the airport.

Overnight: EKA Hotel | Bed & Breakfast

Day 2 – Travel to Amboseli

Enjoy an early breakfast before we leave our hotel and travel 15-30 minutes to Nairobi’s Wilson airport. From here we take a bush flight into Amboseli National Park. On arrival to our camp, located just outside the Kimana gate, you will receive a warm welcome and a briefing about the camp and its facilities. We then settle in and enjoy lunch together.

This is a great opportunity to meet your fellow guests and get to know your photography hosts. We will also talk through the plans for the Amboseli and Maasai Mara sections of the safari.

You will spend the next three nights at our comfortable tented camp within a private conservancy. Your stay is on an all-inclusive basis, excluding premium wines and selected spirits.

Overnight: Amboseli Private Conservancy | All-Inclusive

Days 3–4 – Amboseli National Park & Private Conservancy

Over the next two days, we enjoy morning and afternoon game drives in Amboseli National Park and the surrounding private conservancy.

Our days start early to make the most of the cooler temperatures, active wildlife and beautiful morning light. Tea and coffee will be available before we head out at around 06:00–06:15. All timings will be based around national park opening and closing times

We will spend much of the morning exploring the area and looking for wildlife. We will also stop for a bush breakfast at a designated location before continuing our drive.

We normally return to camp late in the morning for lunch. The afternoon then gives you time to relax, read or enjoy the camp surroundings.

There will also be opportunities for one-to-one photography sessions with your hosts. These can cover camera technique, image selection and post-processing advice, including Lightroom.

Around 15:30, we meet for afternoon tea and coffee before heading out again. We continue our game drive into the evening, returning to camp around sunset.

Our schedule remains flexible throughout the safari. If we find an exciting wildlife sighting, we can spend more time in the field and adapt our plans accordingly.

Overnight: Amboseli Private Conservancy | All-Inclusive

Day 5 – Fly to the Maasai Mara

After an early breakfast, we transfer to the local Amboseli airstrip for our morning flight to Nairobi’s Wilson Airport from where we connect to our flight to the Maasai Mara.

The flight to Nairobi takes around 30–45 minutes. After landing, we wait in the airport departure lounge for our onward flight to the Maasai Mara. The connection usually takes around 60–90 minutes. A café is available at the airport if you would like to purchase drinks or snacks.

Our flight to the Mara takes approximately 50–75 minutes. As we approach the region, you will enjoy spectacular views across the vast plains of the Maasai Mara.

We land at Mara North airstrip, usually around 11:30. Our local field guides will meet us and transfer us to our luxury tented camp in Mara North Conservancy.

After arriving at camp, we enjoy a welcome drink and a briefing before lunch. You will then have time to settle into your tent and relax.

Later in the afternoon, we meet for tea and coffee before heading out on our first game drive in Mara North. We return around sunset before enjoying dinner at camp.

Overnight: Mara North Conservancy | All-Inclusive

Days 6–9 – Exploring Mara North Conservancy

The next four days give us plenty of time to explore the Mara North Conservancy.

We enjoy twice-daily extended game drives, usually leaving camp at around 06:00. The early start gives us the best chance of finding active predators and making the most of the soft morning light.

Each morning, we take breakfast in the bush. We may stop beneath an acacia tree or beside one of the rivers and tributaries that run through this beautiful landscape.

Morning drives usually return to camp between 11:00 and 12:30, depending on wildlife activity. After lunch and some time to relax, we head out again at around 15:30.

Afternoon drives continue into the evening, with a typical return to camp around 19:00.

The schedule is flexible rather than rigid. If we find an exceptional wildlife sighting, we can spend more time with it. This gives us the freedom to respond to changing conditions and make the most of every photographic opportunity.

With four full days in Mara North, we have time to explore different areas of the conservancy and search for its abundant wildlife. The region offers excellent opportunities to photograph lion, leopard, cheetah and a wide variety of other African wildlife.

Overnight: Mara North Conservancy | All-Inclusive

Day 10 – Final Game Drive & Return to Nairobi

Sadly, our final morning has arrived. We head out for one last (shorter) game drive, giving us a final opportunity to experience the African wilderness and photograph any wildlife we encounter.

We return to camp later in the morning, where you will have time to shower and freshen up. After checking out, your bags will be collected from your tent.

There will be time for lunch and relaxation at camp before we transfer to the airstrip for our afternoon flight back to Nairobi.

The flight takes approximately 50–75 minutes. On arrival in Nairobi, our driver will collect you and transfer you to the EKA Hotel for dinner (guest own cost). We then transfer you to Nairobi International Airport for your evening onward flight home.

Breakfast and lunch included.

Please note

Safari timings are approximate and may change according to flight schedules, wildlife activity and local conditions. We always aim to keep the itinerary flexible so we can make the most of the wildlife and photographic opportunities available to us.

EKA Hotel, Nairobi (1-Night)

EKA Hotel is a contemporary style hotel that is safe and secure and provides all the comfort, convenience and efficiency to the discerning traveler. Ideally located along Mombasa road in Nairobi the capital city of Kenya, Just a 20 minute drive from both Jomo Kenyatta and Wilson Airport .

The hotel has two restaurants, a gift shop and plenty of outdoor sitting. Eka Hotel Nairobi features 167 well-appointed rooms, five meeting & conference rooms, restaurant & bar, gym, swimming pool, gift shop and a wellness centre.

Each room consists of a double or two bed, large showering area, WC, LCD flat screen TV with DSTV, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Personal Minibar, Complimentary coffee making facilities, Direct dial International telephone.

Amboseli Private Conservancy – 3 Nights

Our camp used in Amboseli is a boutique mid-range tented camp offering exceptional views of Mount Kilimanjaro. Strategically located just a short drive from Amboseli’s Kimana gate, within its own private conservancy, a preferred habitat of Amboseli’s majestic big tuskers. The camp features 6 standard thatched roof tents/rooms and 1 family tent, each equipped with either a king bed or twin beds.

Every room tent boasts an en-suite bathroom with shower, flush toilet, and single sink, providing 24-hour access to hot and cold running water, courtesy of solar water heaters. From the seclusion of your tent and private veranda, you can indulge in breathtaking views of Mt. Kilimanjaro.

The camp caters well for the needs of photographers, offering 24-hour electricity and multiple charging sockets, ensuring ample resources to charge camera batteries and computers simultaneously. The camp’s central area comprises a bar and restaurant, accompanied by an outdoor dining area beneath a stunning Acacia Tortilis tree and a bonfire area, perfect for savouring snacks and drinks under the star-filled African night sky.

Kicheche Mara Camp (Mara North Conservancy) 5-Nights)

Our tented camp is located in a beautiful acacia valley overlooking the Olare Orok stream in Mara North Conservancy. It sits in an excellent wildlife area, with game viewing opportunities right from the camp.

The camp has an intimate wilderness feel, with just eight spacious guest tents. Each tent features comfortable beds, quality linen, bedside tables and luggage storage. En-suite bathrooms include a shower, flushing toilet and running water. Verandas provide a peaceful place to sit and enjoy the surrounding wilderness.

The camp is unfenced, so wildlife can move freely through the area. For your safety, trained night watchmen patrol the camp after dark. A member of staff will escort guests between their tents and the main areas at night. Each tent also has a whistle for use in an emergency.

Dining & Relaxation

All meals and drinks are included during our five-night stay. Meals are usually served outdoors in a beautiful setting overlooking the plains. During poor weather, we dine in the spacious dining tent. The menu combines Western and European cuisine with occasional African dishes. The camp can also accommodate special dietary requirements with advance notice.

Between game drives, the comfortable lounge tent provides a relaxing place to unwind. It features local furnishings and a collection of wildlife reference books, making it an ideal spot to relax, read or discuss the day’s sightings.

Power & Charging

The camp does not have mains electricity.Howver, an inverter system provides low-wattage power throughout the day for lighting and charging camera and video batteries. Charging facilities are available in your own tents.

The system has generator backup, helping ensure you can keep your essential photography equipment charged throughout your stay.

Minimum tour numbers/Photography Hosts

This Maasai Mara & Amboseli Photo Tour will run with a minimum of 3-guests. For groups of 5 or less, your tour will be hosted by one photography guide. For 6 guests the group will be joined by two photography hosts.

Single Supplements

Due to the small size of this camp we have a limited number of single occupancy rooms available. The single occupancy supplement ensure you have your own room throughout the tour. The cost of single occupancy for the first two bookings is at a reduced rate. After this the occupancy supplement priced at a higher rate. For those guests wishing to share we will partner you with any available person also willing to share of the same sex. In which case no single occupancy supplement applies. However, if you wish to share and we are unable to find a sharing partner of the same sex by the time of final payments due (90 days prior) the applicable single supplement will be charged.

Pre-Trip advice

2-3 months prior to travel you will receive a comprehensive document that provides packing advance and also plenty of other useful information for our Maasai Mara & Amboseli Photo Tour. The below provides some key additional information that you may find useful ahead of booking your safari with us.

Tour language

This tour is an English speaking tour and all guides and all lodge staff have a good understanding and use of understanding the English language.

Final Itinerary

Upon booking you will receive a basic itinerary and 2-4 weeks prior to your departure you will receive an updated itinerary, with local flight timings and also local contact information for your airport pick up’s etc.

Visas:

Obtaining your visa is the responsibly of each traveler. Visas are required for entry into Kenya by citizens of most countries so please check well in advance with the Kenyan Embassy or consulate in your country. Visa are no longer allowed on arrival therefore please do apply for these in advance using the Kenya E Visa service.

E-visas can take up to 2 – 3 weeks to be issued so please do ensure you apply in advance with this time frame in mind.

Vaccinations:

Below is a rough guide to what vaccinations you may require. However, we prefer you to confirm the recommended ‘jabs’ and pills with your medically qualified travel doctor who should have up to date information from a specialist tropical medicine organisation. We suggest visiting your travel clinic at least 6-8 weeks prior to departure.

Yellow Fever is generally required for all of East & Central Africa and must be done no later than 10 days prior to your departure. If you have a history of liver disorders (hepatitis etc.) you must consult your physician first. See below for more detail here on yellow fever. Other likely vaccinations to be required. Diphtheria, Typhoid, Tetanus, Hepatitis A, and Polio are generally the recommended vaccines. You may also need to consider Hepatitis B, Cholera and Meningococcal Meningitis. These are usually at the discretion of the traveler and can be discussed with your doctor.

Malaria prophylaxes are recommended and can be sometimes purchased from your local pharmacy. However, most generally require a doctor’s prescription. Please consult your pharmacist/doctor for the most appropriate prophylaxis for the area you are travelling to.

Diarrhea / Giardia etc. – good personal hygiene and control over the quality of your drinking water should avoid this, bottled water is readily available throughout the country, but take along some medicine in case.

Fitness Level Required:

This tour does not require a high level of fitness. However, guests should be able to get in/out of a game vehicle (a step up/down of around 2 feet) with little or no assistance and should be capable of walking up to 200 metres to and from their tent at the lodges/camps. If tents or hotel rooms are required close to the main camp mess or reception areas please advise at the time of booking. Guests should also be aware this safari includes early starts and extended game drives.

Weather & environmental conditions

November is one of the cooler months to visit Kenya and during this time temperatures are generally in the region of around 23°- 26 °C/73-78°F (at the hottest part of the day). However, occasionally temperatures can peak above and below this. During the late evening and first thing in the morning the temperature range drops to a very cool and pleasant 8-12°C/46-53°F.

Rain can sometimes be experienced during any time of the year in the Maasai Mara. Our game driving will be along game tracks, which can be both dusty, muddy and bumpy.

Internal (Bush) flight luggage limits

Please ensure you pack your luggage in a soft-sided case and that your hand luggage and checked luggage combined does not exceed the weight limit of 25kg. This weight limits includes your extra 10kg luggage allowance.

Camera Equipment

For game viewing during our Maasai Mara & Amboseli photo tour we would recommend bringing a camera/lenses that can cater for a range of distances, A good starting point is to have a camera/lens that can accommodate focal lengths of between 100 – 400mm (or for prime lenses 300mm – 600mm). In general, you will be using longer lenses/focal length for the majority of the time and especially with the big cats. Generally, for birds you will need a longer reach of 500mm and above. This advice above is based on full frame cameras.

A wider angle lens would also be highly recommended. You may find this comes in useful in photographing landscapes and sunsets at both locations. For example lenses such as 24-70mm, 24-120mm or their approximate equivalents.

Often on safari you will be photographing in the early morning and early evening and therefore sometimes in low light. So, for those more serious photographers we therefore recommend faster lenses, for example F4 or below.

It can sometimes be quite dusty on safari. So, we recommend bringing a dust bag or light cover for cameras. Often an old pillowcase is perfect for protecting your camera in the vehicle from the dust when it is sitting on your lap for times when not in your camera bag. A basic lens wipe and lens duster is also recommended.

Further assistance on cameras and lenses can be provided by contacting us direct.

Gratuities

Gratuities are not included in the cost of you photo safari. What you provide as a gratuity is very much up to the individual traveler. However, below is a guideline of what is generally recommended to budget for. Tips can be provided in both $USD or Kenyan Shillings. The below provides amounts using $USD. Your hosts will be responsible for the collection of gratuities and will ensure that these are fairly distributed.

Main Safari Driver/Guides: (based on 3 x guests per vehicle) Please allow for approx. USD $15 – $20 per guest per day. Please note that for group photo tours and basing on groups of 6-guests we will have 2 x safari guides. The amount suggested above is the total suggested amount per person, per day. The total gratuities collected from the group will then be divided between the 2 x guides used at each camp.

All other camp staff: Camps provide an opportunity for each person to provide a camp tip covering all other camp staff, which can range from a recommended $15-$25 per person per night that is equally distributed to those staff behind the scenes (waiting staff, security staff, reception, chefs etc.) Your gratuities for the ‘back of house’ camp staff will be collected from each guest on the last evening at each camp and provided in the tip box/camp manager at the time of farewells.

Baggage porters: Approx. 200-500 KSH/$2-$5 USD for up to two bags

Photographic hosts: Tipping of any hosts on your trip is optional and purely at the discretion of each guest.

International Flights

Guests will need to arrange their own international flights that arrive into Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (Airport Code: NBO) for the start of the Maasai Mara photo safari (Day 1). Should you wish to arrive a night earlier we are able to quote for extra nights. Guests should not book any international flights leaving Nairobi leaving any earlier than 21:30hrs on Day 10 to allow for any delays that may be experienced on internal flights. Your airport transfers will be arranged in accordance with your flight arrivals and departures.

WiFi/Phone Network Access:

At most of the lodges or hotels there is a degree of Wi-Fi access. However, please be aware that the speed of these networks may be slower than normal broadband speeds. There is generally good access to cellular networks in Nairobi and the Maasai Mara.

Dietary:

Most dietary requests can be catered for with advance notice provided to us at least two months prior to departure.

Travel Insurance:

We strongly recommend purchasing your own travel insurance at the time of booking to cover any eventualities should you need to cancel your tour due to unforeseen circumstances as both the deposit and final balances are non-refundable. Guests travelling without their own travel insurance do so at their own risk.

How to Book

If you wish to reserve a space/s please do email us using the contact Forman this page or directly at info@imagesofwildlife.co.uk. We will then reserve a space/s for you and request a deposit payment to be received by us within 7-days to formally secure. Payment can be taken by either bank transfer or credit/debit card.

2027 Costs:

In 2027 the cost of the Maasai Mara & Amboseli Photo Tour is £8995 per person and based on two persons sharing a twin/double tent. There are a limited number of single-occupancy tents. Single supplements are charged at £995 per person for the first 2 x single occupancy bookings and guarantee sole occupancy throughout all accommodation.

Cost Includes:

1-Night accommodation at EKA Hotel, Nairobi (B&B Basis)

3-Nights at a boutique camp in a private Amboseli Conservancy on all inclusive basis (including selected beers, wines and spirits)

5-Nights at Kicheche Mara camp, Mara North Conservancy on all inclusive basis (including selected beers, wines and spirits)

All picnic breakfasts during safaris

14 x game drives in Amboseli & Mara North Conservancy in spacious game viewing vehicle with open/canvas sides and each guest provided with their own row

Internal bush flights as stated with a 25kg luggage limit (hand luggage & hold luggage combined)

Amboseli National Park & Mara Conservancy fees

Bottled water during safaris & transits

Flying doctor’ s emergency medical evacuation assistance

All fuel for the duration of your safari

All road transfers in Nairobi as stated

Services of all local guides and photographic hosts (*please note for groups of 5 or less your tour will be accompanied by one photographic host)

Laundry at Kicheche Mara Camp & Elephant Garden Camp (Limited)

Not Included

International flights to/from Nairobi international airport

Soft and alcoholic drinks whilst at EKA Hotel, Nairobi

Meals not listed above

Tips & gratuities for all local guides & camp/lodge staff

Visas & personal travel Insurance

Vaccinations

Laundry at EKA hotel

All items of a personal nature.

How to Book

To book on the Maasai Mara & Amboseli Photo Tour please email info@imagesofwildlife.co.uk and secure your place with 25% deposit with the remainder payable 90 days prior to travel. We are able to take payments for deposits and final balances via bank transfer or payment via credit or debit cards.

Financial protection & ATOL

Images of Wildlife Photo Tours & Safaris is the trading name of Images of Wildlife Ltd. A company registered in England & Wales. Company No: 10566301. We are a member of Protected Travel Services (Membership Number: 5221).

As full members of Protected Travel Services we are able to offer the highest financial protection. All monies you pay to us are financially protected in line with the 2018 Package Travel Regulations via a trust account. This means that your funds are secure in an independent trust account and will be protected against our failure from the moment you pay to the day that you return from your trip. This includes protection for the initial deposit and subsequently the balance of all monies paid to the trust account, arising from cancellation or curtailment of your travel arrangements due to the insolvency of Images of Wildlife Ltd or any of our local suppliers paid from the trust account.

ATOL Protection:

ATOL protection apples to the Amboseli & Maasai Mara photo tour.

To book a place on the Maasai Mara & Amboseli Photo Tour please email info@imagesofwildlife.co.uk with detail of how many spaces you wish to secure. Once a member of our team receives the email we will provisionally hold your place/s while a booking pack is sent out by email with details of the deposit payment required.

A 25% deposit is required to secure your place on our Maasai Mara & Amboseli Photo Tour with the remainder payable 90 days prior to travel. We are able to take payments for deposits and final balances via bank transfer or payment via credit or debit cards.