This 14 days itinerary is ideal for wildlife, landscape and cultural photography. Designed to satisfy your sense of adventure, this trip will get you (and your camera) out of your comfort zone and into genuinely remote destinations. Whether it’s camping under the stars or living with the locals, you’ll have truly rewarding experiences and come home with some great photos. This trip can be offered to experienced, individual photographers looking for a private trip that is wildlife-focused, landscape-focused, culture-focused that also offers value for money.
Day 1: Arrive and be transferred to Eka hotel
Welcome to Kenya – Your preferred destination for photographic safaris! Upon touchdown at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, you will receive a warm welcome by our driver/guide who will transport you to Eka hotel to relax and recharge during your stay in Kenya’s capital
Day 2: David Sheldrick, Giraffe Centre
After breakfast embark on Nairobi excursions, David Sheldrick, then giraffe Centre and then lunch at Tamambo restaurant. We will take you to the renowned Giraffe Centre, where you will be given a rare opportunity to get up close to these gentle giants in this natural sanctuary, which was founded by Jock Leslie-Melville, the Kenyan grandson of a Scottish earl, to protect the endangered Rothschild giraffe .A heart-warming visit to the Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage will top up your outing. Here you can witness the heroic efforts of the dedicated team who rehabilitate orphaned elephant calves and other vulnerable animals. This extraordinary place plays a pivotal role in protecting the wilderness and offers a beautiful experience, as well as the opportunity to adopt an orphaned elephant. You will get a chance Shop for forgotten items.
Drive back to Eka hotel for dinner and overnight.
Day 3: Flight to Samburu
After breakfast to depart to Wilson airport to catch up a flight to Samburu. Your guide will be waiting in Samburu to pick you up and drive game enroute to Elephant bedroom tented camp for lunch and check in. Samburu National Reserve is famous for the semi-nomadic tribesmen, the reticulated giraffe, the gravy zebra, gerenuk, beisa oryx and a host of the big game including elephant and Africa big cats- leopard, cheetah and the lion. You can opt to go for an afternoon game drive or relax at your suite for the rest of the afternoon. Afternoon game drive and later drive back to the camp. Meal plan: full board
Day 4 & 5 Full day exploring Samburu.
Morning and afternoon game drives set you in search of unique northern Kenya species such as the reticulated giraffe, beisa oryx, Grevy’s zebra, and the long-necked gerenuk. Enjoy the park’s diversity, from the Ewaso Ng’iro River, acacia thickets, thorn trees, the riverine forest, and grassland vegetation. Much of the reserve consists of desert landscape – dusty red plains broken by thorny scrub, featuring dramatic views of tabletop Mt Ol Olokwe on the horizon. The drive commences early in the morning before breakfast to allow you to witness unique animal behaviors that are only apparent in the morning before they retreat to their hidings. Afterward, you will be taken back to the lodge for breakfast, rest, and later on, continue with the drive for the rest of the day for the two days.
Accommodation: at sopa Samburu Lodge on Full Board Basis.
Diners and overnight at the camp.
Day 6: Depart for sweet waters.
Sweet waters is home to rare species such as Beisa oryx, Reticulated giraffe and black rhino. Game drives here reveal the full range of African wildlife including lion, leopard, cheetah, elephant and hippo. Enjoy a private visit with the tame animals at the wildlife orphanage. Observe chimps from the Jane Goodall Institute at the Sweetwater’s Chimpanzee Sanctuary. Optional activities include walking safaris escorted by a local ranger, bird walks with several hundred species to observe, horseback and camel rides. Have Lunch and check in at Serena Sweetwater’s tented camp. Have an Afternoon game drive and in the evening return to the lodge for bonding sessions, meals, and refreshments.
Dinner and overnight at the lodge.
Day 7: Full day game drive at the sanctuary.
Enjoy morning and afternoon game drives at the sanctuary. Sweetwater’s is the only sanctuary for rehabilitation in Kenya of these widely abused chimpanzees with two groups living in an environment as close to their natural habitat as possible. The site is also a dedicated black rhino breeding area. Here visitors can enjoy the rare opportunity of observing the orphaned chimps that vary in age from 2-15 yrs. Most of these chimps have their origin at the Jane Goodall Institute in Burundi. Enjoy the sights and sounds of Man’s closest relative.
Dinner and overnight at serena sweet water tented camp
Day 8: Drive to Naivasha for lunch.
After breakfast, you’ll depart for Naivasha, home to Lake Naivasha, which is located on the floor of The Great Rift Valley. Naivasha shelters thousands of bird species and thus an exciting place for bird watchers. Make your way to Lake Naivasha, which is famous for boat riding and fishing activities. Also, enjoy game viewing of animals like warthogs, impalas, buffalos, and zebras.
Accommodation: Lake Naivasha Sopa lodge
Day 9: Masai Mara
Just after breakfast, you will have the opportunity to say goodbye to the serene habitat surrounding Lake Naivasha. You can also do the same for the flamingos, and the other bird species that will be awake by then. Today you will embark on a journey to a destination that will crown your safari experience.
You will make a stopover at the Great Rift Valley Observational point, where you will have visual access to the splendor of this vast county. Your eyesight is the only limiting factor to scenery you can explore.
The convoy will follow the Narok route, which ushers you to Maasai land, the home of the most culturally conservative people called the Maasai. They love visitors and are glad you have made a point to come all the way to appreciate their heritage.
At the lodge, you will have lunch then you will be guided to your accommodation. Later on, you will have a game drive; just a sneak peek in anticipation of the full day of precise exploration.
Dinner and overnight at the Mara bush camp.
Day 10, 11, & 12 Mara Exploration
The next 3days shall be spent viewing game, in the early morning hours and in the evenings as this is when we have the best chances of seeing wildlife. Also, this is the best place in Kenya to spot the Big Five in one drive, alongside other wild animals like the crocodiles, Oribi, East African Lions, Buffaloes, cheetah Leopards, hyenas, antelopes, Maasai giraffes, and warthogs. The ultimate action here is without doubt the annual wildebeest exodus in July and August when millions of these grass eaters move north from the Serengeti in search of lusher grass before turning south again in October. Hot air balloon safari can be arranged and a cultural visit to Maasai villages for the children to the Maasai culture and for a traditional dances.
You may also opt to do some of the activities offered by the lodge. On clear days, the Masai Mara offers fantastic orange tinted sunsets and you will definitely want to capture this moment while sipping on a sun downer back at the Mara bush camp
Day 13: Nairobi
Drive to the airstrip after breakfast to catch up your flight to Nairobi. Op on arrival you will be met by our representative, proceed to carnivore restaurant for lunch. Later drive to Eka hotel for check in. In evening you will drive to Tamarind restaurant for the farewell dinner. Drive back to your hotel for overnight stay.
Day 14: Outbound flight
After breakfast you will be escorted to the airport for your outbound flight.
INCLUDED:
- Meet and Greet and transfer to hotel day 1
- Bed & Breakfast accommodation on day 1
- Park entrance fees where applicable
- All activities (unless labeled as optional)
- Meals (as specified in the day-by-day section)
- All accommodation on safari
- Round trip airport transfers
- A professional driver/guide
- All transportation (unless labeled as optional)
- All Taxes/VAT
NOT INCLUDED
- Accommodation on the last day – unless requested
- International flights (from/to home)
- Tips (tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
- Personal items (souvenirs, insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Some meals (as specified in the day-by-day)
- Extra tours not mentioned in the itinerary