9-Day Masai Mara National Reserve Photo Safari

Join us on this extraordinary, action-packed African photographic safari as we capture the beauty and wilderness of the world-famous Masai Mara National Reserve. This journey is meant to maximize photographic opportunities in Kenya's Mara area, with a focus on the region's big cat population.

Reconnect with nature as you explore the game reserve, take on exhilarating game-viewing drives, and get once-in-a-lifetime encounters with some of Africa’s most notable wildlife species, such as giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, and wildebeests. Do not miss out the opportunity to sight Africa’s legendary Big Five - lion, leopard, black rhinoceros, African bush elephant, and African buffalo. 

One of the perfect destinations for passionate nature lovers!

Itinerary

Day 1 - Nairobi - Masai Mara National Reserve

Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. Your local guide will pick you up at the airport, then make your way to the hotel for check in. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure. 

Day 2 - Nairobi

Head to Wilson Airport for your flight to Masai Mara, offering breathtaking views as you head past the Great Rift Valley viewpoint. You will arrive in the Ol Kinyei Conservancy in the Greater Masai Mara area just in time for lunch. Afterwards, go on a thrilling game drive to capture the reserve's natural wonders and amazing wildlife. While out on the drive, look out for the park's endemic wildlife such as cheetah, giraffe, leopard, lion, zebra as well as the iconic African bush elephant. This should be an excellent introduction to the wildlife of East Africa, with plenty of picture chances for the entire group.

Day 3-4 - Masai Mara National Reserve

Spend the next two days exploring Masai Mara National Reserve in search of the legendary Big Five, with early morning game drives! One of the greatest wildlife reserves in Africa, the Masai Mara National Reserve is renowned for its exceptional populations of cheetah, leopard, lion, and the iconic African bush elephant. Throughout the game drives, your local guide will be on standby to provide tips and techniques on how to make the most of the light and ensure clear backgrounds for spectacular photos.

After the morning drives, return to the lodge for a pleasant break in the middle of the day. Those who are interested will get the opportunity to go over their photographs with your guide and discuss processing strategies and other technical details. 

In the afternoon, go out on safari again, when the lighting in the Mara is often at its best. As the sun sets, capture the beautiful silhouettes, with the wildlife strolling across the vast plains. Afterwards, return to the comfort of your lodge for delicious meals, stories around the fire, and the serenity of the African bush.

Day 5 - Masai Mara National Reserve - Nairobi

Depart and transfer to your second camp in the Masai Mara, located in the Olare Motorogi Conservancy, after another morning game drive. This transfer will effectively be another vehicle, and so another opportunity to capture the abundance of wildlife in the Masai Mara. You will arrive at the next camp in the early afternoon, giving you more time to settle in before lunch. Later in the day, go on another game drive and return to camp in time for dinner.

Day 6-8 - Masai Mara National Reserve - Nairobi

Continue with morning and late afternoon game drives in the Olare Motorogi Conservancy and farther afield for the next three days in pursuit of the Masai Mara's abundant wildlife and photography opportunities. Throughout the safaris, aim to get more photos of lions, leopards, and cheetahs. In addition to the three main targets, observe and photograph an African elephant, olive baboon, spotted hyena, bat-eared fox, black-backed jackal (serval if we are lucky), buffalo, and a variety of antelope species.

Day 9 - Masai Mara National Reserve - Nairobi

Start the day with an early morning game drive. After breakfast, depart for Nairobi, where your safari comes to an end at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

Inclusions

• Pick Up and Drop Off

• 8 Nights Accommodation 

• Breakfast (8)

• Lunch (9)

• Dinner (8)

• English-Speaking Local Guide

• Entrance Fees as Per Itinerary

• Transportation as Per Itinerary

• Government Taxes and Levies

Exclusions

• Local and International Flights

• Meals and Drinks Not Mentioned

• Balloon Safari

• Masai Village Visit

• Visas

• Travel Insurance

• Personal Expenses

• Gratuities (Optional)

Additional Information

• This experience involves a moderate amount of walking; Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

• This experience requires good weather conditions. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

• This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded. 

• Arrival time at each location may vary depending on the season.

• If there is insufficient time for all attractions/destinations on the itinerary, the tour guide will adjust the length of time spent at other attractions/destinations. 

• Delays, shortening of the tours, or omissions to the itinerary due to traffic, weather, or other unforeseen circumstances are not subject to refund.

• Itinerary is subject to change and the attractions may be closed due to traffic, weather, and force majeure. An alternative itinerary may also be omitted depending on road conditions.

• Please note that on days in which no activities are planned, you are free to explore at your leisure; all activities and purchases will be at your own expense. You will have your tour guide's mobile number in case of emergency.