Photo Safari

Day 1 Arrive at the JKIA you will be met and transferred to your Nairobi Hotel, for an overnight stay in Nairobi.

Day 2 After breakfast you will be picked for your drive towards the Masai Mara, heading down into the Great Rift Valley, past volcanoes and alkaline lakes as you go. Ascend the Mau escarpment and arrive at the Loita Hills on the outskirts of the Mara in time for lunch. As your camp staff set up your tents, you'll get started with your first lecture and preparations for the evening's game drive. All meals and overnight at the campsite.

Mara means "contrast" in the Maa tongue, referring to the contrast of fair, savannah land and dark trees in the area. Located to the south of Nairobi, and bordering Tanzania, the Maasai Mara forms part of the huge Serengeti eco-system. The Mara spreads over 1510 square kilometres of rolling plains, sudden rocky outcrops, and green winding rivers.

Not only is the Mara blessed with this stunning landscape, but its animal diversity is one of the greatest in Africa. Surrounded by the grazing lands of the Maasai people, the Mara is a sanctuary for all of the "Big Five" animals: lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino and leopard. The sweet grasses and abundant water ensure a full compliment of plains game such as the Impala and Thompsons gazelle, which are of course, closely followed by lion, leopard and cheetah. The deep river pools provide homes for hippo and crocodiles.

Each year, generally in July/August/September, the Mara is host to the spectacular Wildebeest Migration, one of the natural wonders of the world! Literally millions of these awkwardly shaped ungulates move across the open plains in an endless stream stretching from horizon to horizon. The movement of this vast herd is fascinating in itself, but it is seldom that a day goes by without the added bonus of watching the predators that follow the herd. Lion, leopard, cheetah and wild dogs rely on the herd for food. Spotting one of these magnificent predators is more or less guaranteed at this time.

Day 3 Leave for an early morning game drive in search of the wildebeest. The Wildebeest Migration is one of the few remaining mass migrations in the world. With a population estimated at around 1.5 million animals, the Migration is one of the wonders of the animal world.

The long rains of Tanzania and Kenya start in late March and early April. At this time the wildebeest are to be found in the eastern part of the Serengeti in Tanzania, with some still in the Maasai Mara, Kenya. Lush, abundant grasses caused by the rains provide plenty of fodder and this is the wildebeest calving season.

Virtually all the calves are born within a two-week period. Whilst this helps the herd in the future, with the majority of the young at the same stage of development during the long walk, it also provides safety to the calves during birth. The numerous predators simply cannot keep up with the 'easy' pickings and for every birthing mother and calf eaten, another survives.

The mating season commences now, with males defending territory and attempting to attract females into their area for mating. The noise of bellowing wildebeest is quite deafening!

Once mating is more or less completed, the herds merge together again and the push to the northwest begins. Some animals head west first, often going well outside of Serengeti park boundaries before the swinging northeast. The other half go directly north. The two groups will meet again in the Masai Mara in late July and August.

When crossing the Serengeti, into the Mara, the wildebeest must cross many large rivers; the spectacular river crossings are a highlight of many safaris. It's not a sight for the squeamish though!

Many of the weaker animals are unable to cope with the strong river currents and the buffeting from the other wildebeest as they swim. Hundreds of animals die while making the crossings and the rivers are inundated with corpses. Crocodiles, hyena, lion and other predators feed on the bodies. For days to come, no predator needs to hunt for dinner.

With the advent of the short rains in November and December, the wildebeest swing southeast and slowly head back to the Serengeti's eastern plains. By February the migration is back to its starting point and the entire cycle will start again.

Lunch back at the campsite, lectures in the afternoon and then a game walk in the evening to search out photo opportunities on the ground. Dinner and overnight at the campsite.

Day 4 A full day in the Loita Hills practicing your techniques. All meals and overnight at the campsite.

Day 5 Your camp crew will pack up camp today as you game drive enroute to the Keekorok Lodge inside the Masai Mara Reserve itself. Check in to the lodge and enjoy a hot shower and lunch before continuing on with your studies. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.

Day 6 It's back out to the camping crew today at your new campsite inside the Mara Reserve. All meals and overnight at the campsite.

Day 7 Exploring the rivers of the Mara and the wildebeest crossings if possible. All meals and overnight at the campsite.

Day 8 Depart after breakfast after breaking up Campsite and go for a game drive on through the Mara River to Mara Serena Lodge or similar, dinner and overnight at the Lodge.

Day 9 Depart after breakfast and drive back to Nairobi arriving at your Nairobi hotel, you'll spend the evening going over all that you have learned during your safari and overnight at your Nairobi Hotel.

Day 10 After breakfast depending upon your flight departure time, spend the day exploring Nairobi or head straight out to the JKIA for your departure flight back Home.

Price Includes: Photography instruction, all meals, water, park and camping fees. Self-camping style safaris provide clients with their own vehicle, a driver/guide, a camp cook and helper, two man tents with 3-inch mattresses for sleeping. Public campsites are used, which provide long drop style toilets. The camp staff will heat water for traditional bucket style showers. Chairs, tables and all camping equipment are provided.

Excludes: Sleeping bags, towels, personal purchases, tips, alcoholic drinks when camping and all drinks at the lodges, visas, international flights and your personal photography equipment and film.