Samburu’s semi-arid landscape is a paradise for wildlife photographers. This lesser-visited reserve offers a unique opportunity to photograph species found only in this region, as well as intimate interactions with the “Big Five.”

Day 2 Morning Game Drive:
Your day begins early as you embark on a sunrise game drive. The soft morning light is perfect for wildlife photography, and your experienced guide will position you strategically for the best shots. Samburu is home to the Samburu Special Five: Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, Somali ostrich, and the gerenuk. Capture these animals against the striking, arid landscape.

Photographic Hide Access:
You’ll have exclusive 24-hour access to the Professional Photographic Hide, located by a waterhole frequented by elephants, zebras, and other wildlife. This hide offers ground-level photography, allowing you to frame animals with the reserve’s iconic red-dusted backdrop.

Birdwatching and River Walk:
In addition to game drives, enjoy a specialized birdwatching session along the Ewaso Nyiro River, a vital source of life in this semi-arid region. Samburu hosts over 450 bird species, including the vivid bee-eaters, kingfishers, and African fish eagles—perfect subjects for your lens.

Day 3 Evening Sundowner & Night Photography:
As the day comes to a close, enjoy a sundowner with stunning views of Samburu’s rugged terrain. Capture the glowing dusk with your camera. After dark, your guide will assist with night photography, helping you capture nocturnal wildlife and the stars above. This is an excellent opportunity for astrophotography, especially with the clear Samburu skies.

After breakfast, take a scheduled flight from Samburu to the world-renowned Maasai Mara National Reserve. Upon arrival at the Mara-Olkiombo Airstrip, you’ll be met by your private guide and transferred to the luxurious Soroi Luxury Migration Camp. After a brief rest, head out for an introductory game drive across the Mara plains. The Mara is teeming with life year-round, but from July to October, you’ll witness the dramatic Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles cross the Mara River, risking the jaws of crocodiles. Have your camera ready to capture these thrilling moments, as well as the abundance of predators that follow the herds.

These two days are devoted to exploring Maasai Mara’s immense wildlife, with a special focus on photographing the Big Cats, the Big Five, and the Great Migration (season-dependent).

Day 5 Sunrise Game Drive:
Start your day with a pre-dawn wake-up call and a cup of coffee before heading out for a sunrise game drive. The Mara’s golden morning light provides the perfect conditions for photographing lions, cheetahs, leopards, and elephants. With your experienced guide, capture the intimate moments of wildlife interaction, from predator-prey dynamics to tender moments within family groups.

Bush Dinner & Golden Hour Photography:
As the day ends, enjoy a bush dinner in the heart of the Mara. This unique dining experience offers a fantastic opportunity to photograph the Mara’s landscape bathed in golden light, while wildlife may roam in the distance.

Optional Hot Air Balloon Ride:
On Day 6, wake up early for a hot air balloon ride over the Mara (at an additional cost). This is a breathtaking way to capture the Mara’s vast savannah, the winding Mara River, and possibly even the migration herds from above. After landing, enjoy a champagne breakfast in the bush.

After breakfast, board a scheduled flight to Lumo Community Wildlife Sanctuary, located near the Taita Hills. Lumo is an undiscovered gem, known for its conservation efforts and low tourism traffic, making it ideal for unobstructed wildlife photography. Upon arrival, enjoy an afternoon game drive through the sanctuary. Lumo’s open grasslands and towering cliffs provide a dramatic backdrop for photography. You might spot elephants, giraffes, and the elusive leopard in this secluded sanctuary.

Spend two full days exploring Lumo, with both daytime and nighttime photography opportunities.

Day Game Drives:
Lumo’s rolling hills, open plains, and dramatic landscapes make it a photographer’s paradise. Your guide will take you on private game drives tailored to your photography needs. Capture images of Lumo’s diverse wildlife, including buffalos, zebras, and hartebeests.

Night Game Drive:
On Day 8, venture out for a thrilling night game drive, where you’ll have the chance to photograph nocturnal wildlife like leopards, aardvarks, and hyenas under the cover of darkness. Night drives provide unique challenges and rewards for wildlife photographers.

Star Bed Sleepout:
On Day 9, experience an unforgettable night in Lumo’s Star Bed, a raised open-air platform under the African sky. Set up your tripod to capture long-exposure shots of the Milky Way and constellations. Listen to the sounds of the bush as you fall asleep under the stars, a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

After a leisurely breakfast, enjoy one final game drive before transferring to the Taita Hills Airstrip for your flight back to Nairobi. Upon arrival at Wilson Airport, you will be transferred to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your departure flight. If you have time, consider a visit to the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust or a brief stop at Giraffe Manor for some last-minute photos and memories.