Kenya’s Tribes
February 26 – March 6, 2027
3 Spots Left
Discover Safari: Kenya
At a Glance
Location
Kenya
Tuition
$16,995
Dates
June 23 – July 1, 2027
Fitness Level
Availability
Limited to 6 Guests
Collections
- Journey
Discover Safari: Kenya Photography Workshop
Designed for photographers experiencing safari for the first time
June 23 – July 1, 2027
- Learn wildlife photography from two experienced pros
- Photograph iconic African wildlife across two ecosystems
- One guest per vehicle row, an intimate 3:1 guest-to-pro ratio
For many photographers, an African safari sits permanently on the “one day” list. For first-time visitors, safari can also feel intimidating: unfamiliar wildlife, long lenses, and an entirely different style of photography from almost anything else in the world.
This photography workshop is designed specifically to bridge that gap.
Created for photographers looking to dip their toes into an African safari, this workshop focuses on slowing the pace and building confidence in the field without compromising photographic opportunities. Rather than covering multiple parks with private charter flights, we focus on two carefully chosen locations in Kenya that offer two very different photographic experiences.
We begin in a private reserve where underground photographic hides overlook a remote waterhole frequented by elephants, giraffes, lions, hyenas, leopards, and smaller nocturnal species. The hides offer repeat opportunities to try new compositions, experiment with settings, and begin understanding animal behavior in a completely wild environment.
From there, we continue into the Maasai Mara for four days, experiencing the classic African safari experience: lion prides at sunrise, elephants crossing open plains, cheetahs scanning the horizon, and giraffes feeding beneath acacia trees. Spending extended time in the same area allows us to move beyond simply searching for wildlife and begin learning the rhythms of this remarkable ecosystem.
No prior safari or wildlife photography experience is required. Throughout the workshop, we’ll focus heavily on helping you build confidence in the field, with intensive instruction covering wildlife storytelling, environmental portraits, capturing motion, working with long lenses, and creating stronger compositions in fast-changing situations. Combined with comfortable camps, a small group, and carefully paced logistics, the workshop is designed to introduce you to the African savanna in a way that feels exciting rather than overwhelming.
More than just a safari, this workshop is an opportunity to develop your photography while becoming immersed in one of Africa’s most iconic ecosystems. From distant lions calling beyond camp before sunrise to close encounters with elephants on the open savanna, the experience is designed not only to improve your images but to deepen your understanding of the savannah itself.
Your Pros
Imara Njeri
Itinerary
About the wildlife: This workshop offers significant opportunities for photographing wildlife, and while we do our best to maximize our wildlife encounters—based on past experiences, local knowledge, and the current conditions—we need to impress upon you that the wildlife really is wild and that we don’t control it.
This itinerary is subject to change due to weather, local conditions, and other factors.
June 23, 2027: Arrival in Nairobi, Transfer to Hotel, Group Dinner
Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), Nairobi, Kenya before 4:00 PM today. Air travel delays are common. Please arrive early, possibly even the day prior, so you don’t miss any of the workshop.
After arriving in Nairobi, you’ll be met by our VIP service to be escorted through immigration and customs before being transferred to your hotel on a quieter side of the city. In the evening, there will be an opportunity to meet the group over dinner and begin discussing what to expect from your first days photographing on safari.
June 24–25, 2027: Travel to Conservancy, Experience Remote Wildlife Hides, Night Viewing
Leaving Nairobi behind, we travel overland into the remote semi-arid landscapes near the Tanzanian border. The journey takes approximately four hours, beginning on tarmac roads before gradually transitioning onto rougher gravel tracks as the landscape becomes wilder and more remote.
Our destination is a small, private conservancy centered around one of Africa’s most exciting photographic hide systems. Two underground hides overlook remote waterholes regularly visited by elephants, giraffes, lions, leopards, hyenas, and smaller nocturnal species, rarely encountered so closely elsewhere on safari. Designed specifically for photographers, the hides offer true eye-level perspectives and carefully controlled lighting systems that allow for photography both during the day and deep into the night.
During the heat of the day, we’ll return to camp to rest, review images, and spend time in one-on-one instruction before activity begins building again toward sunset and into the evening hours.
June 26, 2027: Flight to Maasai Mara, Immediate Wildlife Exploration, Evening Game Drive
Today we continue into the Maasai Mara, one of Africa’s most iconic wildlife ecosystems. After a regional flight into the reserve, we’ll meet our private safari vehicles and begin photographing immediately as we make our way toward camp.
The Mara is home to one of the highest concentrations of large mammals anywhere on Earth, and the drive itself often produces our first encounters with elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffalo, lions, and cheetahs. Our camp is positioned in a quieter region of the reserve near the Tanzanian border, allowing us to focus on wildlife rather than avoiding vehicle congestion. After lunch and some time to settle in, we’ll head back into the field for our first evening game drive beneath the soft golden light of the savanna.
June 27–30, 2027: In-depth Maasai Mara Wildlife Observation, Daily Instruction, Review Sessions
Over the next four full days, we’ll explore the Maasai Mara at a relaxed pace, focusing not only on finding wildlife but also on learning how to photograph it. Lion prides resting on rock formations in the early morning light, elephants crossing open plains, cheetahs scanning the horizon, and giraffes feeding beneath acacia trees are all regular subjects here.
Throughout the workshop, we’ll cover wildlife storytelling, environmental portraits, capturing motion, long-lens technique, autofocus settings, and creating stronger compositions in fast-changing situations. Midday breaks back at camp also provide time for image reviews, editing discussions, and individual instruction.
July 1, 2027: Depart Maasai Mara, Return Flight to Nairobi, Day Room Access
After a final morning in the Mara, we’ll transfer to the airstrip for our return flight to Nairobi. Day rooms near the airport are included before international departures later that evening, providing an opportunity to shower, repack, and relax before your journey home.
Flights out can be made after 4:00 PM on July 1, 2027.
What is safari camp life like?
Accommodation throughout the workshop has been carefully chosen to balance comfort, atmosphere, and photographic access. In the private conservancy, we stay in a small, exclusive-use camp, positioned around one of Africa's most exciting photographic hide systems, allowing us to move easily between the camp and the waterhole throughout the day and night. In the Maasai Mara, our camp places us in a quieter corner of the reserve near the Tanzanian border, away from many of the busier central areas and well positioned for exceptional wildlife viewing.
Rather than large luxury lodges, both camps offer a far more intimate safari experience, with spacious safari tents, comfortable beds, en suite bathrooms with hot showers, excellent food, and welcoming staff. The camps are designed to keep you connected to the landscape itself, whether that's listening to lions calling in the distance after dark or waking to the sounds of the savanna before sunrise.
Our days begin early, usually with coffee or tea before heading into the field at first light, when wildlife activity is often at its peak. Depending on sightings, we may spend several hours photographing before returning to camp for lunch and a midday break to rest, review images, or spend time in one-on-one instruction. Late afternoons are spent back in the field as softer evening light transforms the landscape and wildlife behavior begins to shift once again.
Throughout the workshop, we use custom safari vehicles designed specifically for photographers, with excellent visibility, ample room for gear, and one guest per row to maximize comfort and shooting flexibility. Combined with a small group size and carefully paced logistics, the experience is designed to feel immersive, relaxed, and highly focused on photography from beginning to end.
The Wildlife Photography Hide
How This Workshop Differs From Our Premium Safaris
While this workshop is designed as a more welcoming introduction to safari, it differs operationally from our more ambitious expeditions. To keep the experience more accessible, we've simplified certain logistical elements, including the use of scheduled regional flights rather than entirely private charters.
We also travel during a slightly greener period of the year, where afternoon rain showers become a little more likely, though wildlife viewing remains strong and the softer light can create beautiful photographic conditions.
Some wildlife areas may also feel slightly busier than the extremely remote concessions used on our most premium safaris. However, we have been careful not to compromise on the aspects that matter most photographically: excellent wildlife viewing, private vehicles, strong guiding, and extended time in productive wildlife areas.
Fitness
Easy: This workshop is suitable for most fitness levels. The majority of photography takes place from safari vehicles or photographic hides, though guests should be comfortable climbing in and out of 4×4 vehicles multiple times per day and spending extended hours on bumpy dirt roads. Early mornings, warm daytime temperatures, occasional rain showers, and long days in the field are all a normal part of the safari experience.
Flights
Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), Nairobi before 4:00 PM on June 23, 2027. Flights out can be made after 4:00 PM on July 1, 2027. Air travel delays are common. Please arrive early, possibly even the day prior, so you don’t miss any of the workshop.
What to Bring
Please see our page How To Prepare For Your Workshop. We will send you a detailed information document 90 days before your workshop. This document will include specifics of where and when to meet, gear and clothing recommendations, and more.
What’s Included
- Double occupancy lodging. Single available for $2,000 supplement.
- Scheduled airport transfers.
- All permits and park fees.
- House beer, wine and spirits
- All meals, soft drinks, and snacks during the workshop.
- Internal flights during the workshop.
- All transportation during the workshop.
- Tips for crew, drivers, and local guides.
- Multiple image reviews and post-processing sessions.
- English-speaking local guide throughout the workshop.
- Photographic guiding and instruction from 2 pros.
- Adventure, fun, inspiration, and a great time!
Not Included
- Travel to and from Nairobi,.
- Passport and visa fees (if applicable).
- Any meals or accommodations before or after the workshop dates.
- Items of a personal nature.
- Alcoholic Beverages.
- Medical Evacuation Insurance (required).
- Travel Medical (required).
- Travel Medical and Trip Cancellation Insurance (optional, but recommended).
- Anything else specifically not listed as included.
- Single rooming available for $2,000 supplement.
Payment Terms
- Your non-refundable deposit of $5,995 will hold your space in this workshop.
- Further non-refundable payment of $6,000 is due by September 1, 2026.
- The non-refundable balance is due not later than January 1, 2027.
- In addition to our standard Terms and Conditions, for this workshop all payments are non-refundable, and this is why we recommend comprehensive travel insurance including trip cancelation.
- Need special payment arrangements? No problem, just ask us.
Frequently Asked Questions
You'll focus on wildlife storytelling, environmental portraits, capturing motion, working with long lenses, and creating stronger compositions in fast-changing situations. The workshop is designed to build your confidence in the field and improve your wildlife photography skills.
All payments for this workshop are non-refundable under any circumstances. We recommend comprehensive travel insurance, including trip cancellation coverage.
You'll have opportunities to photograph elephants, giraffes, lions, hyenas, leopards, and smaller nocturnal species in a private reserve. In the Maasai Mara, expect to encounter lion prides, elephants, cheetahs, zebras, and buffalo, among others.
The workshop is limited to a maximum of 6 participants, ensuring a personalized experience with ample opportunity for one-on-one instruction and comfortable shooting conditions.
We recommend bringing lenses such as a 100-400mm, 200-600, etc. for wildlife photography.
Days begin early with coffee or tea before heading into the field at first light. You'll photograph for several hours before returning to camp for lunch and a midday break. Late afternoons are spent back in the field, capturing wildlife in the softer evening light.
You'll need to arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi before 4:00 PM on June 23, 2027. Flights out can be booked after 4:00 PM on July 1, 2027. It's advisable to arrive a day early to avoid missing the start due to travel delays.
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