Migration Photo Safaris Masai Mara
Masai Mara Migration Photo Safaris: Spectacular Great Migration Photographic Tours of Masai Mara
Millions of wildebeests and Zebras start crossing the Mara river, in search of fresh grass, risking their own lives.On one hand, hungry crocodile wait for the wildebeest to enter the water, on the other, big cats like Lions, Leopards and Cheetahs wait patiently and suddenly spring in action.There is no other spectacular event on the Earth like wildebeest migration. Migration Photo Safaris in Masai Mara is any wildlife photographer’s dream come true.
During the migration period, the Lions, Leopards and Cheetahs are very active in daily activities like hunting. These big cats makes it an ideal location to photograph the annual migration. Photograph the stalking big cats , attacking their prey or the tender moments of Lion family where cubs playing with lioness. The vast African landscapes, sunrises and sunsets are to die for. Masai Mara has featured in several BBC, National Geographic documentaries over years. Fulfill the dream of photographing and watching these magnificent big cats of Africa and create pictures of lifetime.
The diversity of animals (Big Five – Lions, Leopards, Elephants, Cape Buffalos and Rhinos) and the popular Giraffes, Hyenas, Elands and Gazelles to name a few and huge number of birds are present in Masai Mara. Simply put, the annual wildebeest migration is a spectacular phenomenon not to be missed. Migration is the best time to visit Masai Mara as the grass is short and there are plenty of animals around to photograph. Dust clouds created by the build up of zebras, wildebeests and other animals before jumping into the river near the Mara river create very unique and exciting atmosphere for great action photography. The predators are highly active as they know lot of prey is around and there is hardly any rain to disrupt the safaris, meaning its perfect time to visit Masai Mara for wildlife photography. You will learn lots of creative techniques to capture unique and outstanding images of wildlife, which will proudly enhance your image portfolio.
Is This Masai Mara Migration Photo Safari Trip For You?
1. We welcome photographers of ALL levels as well and non photographers. This safari will be conducive to learning from one another and include instruction that will suit everyone’s photographic needs. No question is off limits, no inquiry too basic.
2. We are BIG on photographing in the field. We will spend most of our time (sometimes from dawn to dusk -depending on wildlife movement & sightings) and effort on safari / photographic activities and taking pictures. We will go on morning, afternoon as well as night gamedrives.
3. Non-photographer or videographer spouses / travel companions will love these safaris. The wildlife and cultural experiences on this trip will appeal to anyone with a love for animals,nature and adventure. We have specialist guides leading all activities.
Group Size Limit : Max 6 participants Only
Traveling in a small group is the best way to for photographic adventures and to experience the nature closely.
Keeping that in mind, we have only six people on each tour and each photographer gets a whole row of seat for comfortable ride and also to accomodate photography gear. This will ensure you would have plenty of space for shooting fast action as well as you would enjoy a comfortable ride. We’ll depart early in the morning to chase the best light, remain at a site of specific photographic interest to fully explore the potential, or move to a new destination when desired.
About your stay: Porini Lion Camp: Porini Lion Camp is located in the exclusive 33,000 acre Olare Motorogi Conservancy. This expansive conservancy, which borders the Masai Mara Game Reserve is home to an abundance of animals including the Big Cats for which the Mara is famous.
The Camp is situated along the banks of the Ntiakatiak River, a seasonal river with some permanent hippo pools near the camp. The camp is very exclusive and gives a real in the bush experience.
At camp guests enjoy morning, evening and night game drives in custom built 4×4’s. Sundowners at scenic viewing points, from where you can enjoy a drink watching the sun set over the Mara.
The Porini tents are spacious and each has an en-suite bathroom with flush toilet and safari shower. The camp gives the experience of real adventure in an exclusive private wilderness but with all the comforts required by discerning travellers. Food is excellent with home baked bread, fresh salads and high quality meals prepared by the camp Chefs. The chefs will be happy to cater for any dietary requirements (with prior notice)
The camp is strategically located close to the the park boundary. It also has its own airstrip for private charter flights between the Mara and Nairobi.
Please click on above link to see the virtual 360 degree tour of the camp and tents.
Great Migration Photo Safaris
Suggested Schedule:Masai Mara Migration Photo Safaris
Day 1: All the participants fly to Nairobi and meet at Nairobi Serena Hotel on day 1 and introuduce each other. Detailed briefing of the week ahead will provided by the tour leader.
Day 2: After breakfast we all take a 45 mins small flight to Masai Mara from Wilson Airport and checkin at the camp. After lunch, we head for our first game drive.
Day 3: We will go for morning and afternoon game drives with lunch breaks in between. We will leave early and come back late if we see interesting activities happening during the herd crossing river so we are flexible on that. Between morning and afternoon game-drives, we do photography review sessions, to learn new techniques, see each others work and to improve our skills.
Post processing sessions are organised during the week, which provides detailed Adobe Lightroom tuition. One to One sessions are available on request, free of charge.
Day 4: Same as day 3
Day 5: Same as day 3
Day 6: Same as day 3
Day 7: Same as day 3
Day 8: After our morning game drive and lavish breakfast, we head back to the camp and say goodbye to the camp staff. We will then be transferred to the airstrip and to take late morning flight to Nairobi.
What animals you might see?
- Lions, Leopards & Cheetahs
- Elephants, Giraffes and Rhinos
- Waterbuck, Springboks , Hippos and Zebras
- Serval, Caracal, Baboons and Ostrich
- Crocodiles, Wildebeest, Jackals
Night Gamedrives: The camp is based in conservancy, which means there will be very few vehicle around us when we want to photograph animals. Due to high number of vehicles in the park , animals move to quiet conservancy areas where only our camp vehicles have access and other vehicles can’t come.
Wildlife is most active after dark so we will go for night game drives using infra red lights and take pictures.
What’s Included in the cost of Masai Mara Migration Photography Safari?
- One night stay at a 5 star Nairobi Hotel with dinner
- Flights to and from the Masai Mara from Nairobi
- All airport transfers and ground transportation of luggage
- All accommodation and all meals at Porini Camp
- All park fees
- Exclusive vehicles and qualified driver guides
- Flying Doctor emergency medical service
- Photography and Post processing tuition (Adobe Lightroom and photoshop)
The Extras (Not Included):
- International flights
- Personal Phone /Mobile calls
- Kenya visa (about USD $50)
- Tips and gratuities for camp staff and guides
- Malaria prevention tablets and Yellow fever vaccination
Tour Leaders: Perhaps the most important aspect of a photographic safari is your leader. All our photo safaris are personally hosted and lead by professional wildlife photographers.
We are a team of wildlife photographer and experienced photo safari leaders. We have spent years in the wilderness, following specific animals day after day for several months and witnessing extraordinary and rare to see behavior.
We have extensive first-hand knowledge on the behavior of many animals including Tigers, Leopards, Lions, Cheetahs and Elephants. Our tour leaders can explain photographic concepts in ways which are easy to understand and practice.
Apart from organising your photo-safaris, they will accompany to your destination, share his knowledge of wildlife as well as help you with expert tips on wildlife photography and post processing. He will be there to coordinate the driver, instructing him on best positioning, approach, timings, best lighting conditions etc.
A single, optional supplement is available. Single supplements are optional for single travellers who want their own room and tent. Otherwise single travellers are paired with another single traveler of the same gender. Pay just 10% deposit today & reserve your place.Remaining 90% amount is payable 90 days before the safari.
These photographic safaris are very popular and we only have 6 places on each tour, it is highly recommended to reserve a place well in advance by paying the 10% deposit.
Financial Protection :
You Migration Photo Safaris Masai Mara has complete financial protection as you would be booking through a registered tour operator. Your money is 100% safe and if one of our suppliers goes bust, your money is fully protected.
Lens Hire: Lens hire is available in Masai mara during migration photo safaris, so that you do not need to worry about the hiring and returning it in your home country. It also eliminates the problem of weight restrictions.
Recommended Lenses for this photography safari:
- Long range lens: 400mm or 500mm lenses mounted (ideally) on a full frame body.
- Medium range lens 70-200mm
- (optional) Ultra wide angel lens 10-24mm , 17-40mm.
- (optional) 1.4x , 1.7x and 2x teleconverters
Bean bag for support is highly recommended for camera support. The camp staff would be providing their own however you can bring your own and the camp staff will be happy to fill it up for you.
