Morocco
January 29 – February 12, 2025
Exclusive Small Group Safari in Amboseli, Lewa, and the Masai Mara
October 20 – 31, 2024
On this safari we’ll take you to some of Kenya’s most desirable wildlife destinations: Amboseli, Lewa Conservancy, and the Masai Mara—where you will be guided to some of the best wildlife photography experiences on the planet.
We’ll start our safari in Amboseli. We’ll be based in a private reserve adjacent to Amboseli National Park, which boasts Africa’s highest density of elephants per square mile and abundant other wildlife. Amboseli lies near the border between Kenya and Tanzania and is dominated by the continent’s highest mountain—Kilimanjaro, soaring to 19,340 feet and providing a stunning backdrop to some of the best wildlife photography anywhere on earth.
Next we head to Lewa. Situated near the base of Mt. Kenya—Africa’s second tallest mountain—Lewa is one of Kenya’s most wildlife-rich safari locations. Ideally suited to our style of safari, we’ll have the opportunity for rich game viewing without the crowds. There is a very good chance of seeing all of the “Big Five,” and here also is one of the only places where visitors regularly see both black and white rhinoceros. With the backdrop of snow-capped Mount Kenya and the diversity of scenery from open plains, rolling hills, valleys, escarpments, and rivers, Lewa is perfect for our photographic safari experience.
Finally, we head to the Masai Mara Reserve along the Mara River, where the wildlife abounds. We’ve arranged for a private riverside campsite, a snug little setup with plenty of character and an incredible view. We’ll have four days and nights here to photograph the diverse wildlife. We’ll get out of the vehicles when we can, and burn up lots of memory cards as we go after the hundreds of birds and over 70 mammal species present in the area. We also expect to find many of Kenya’s top predators here: lions, leopards, and jackals thrive on the rich diversity of prey species.
Throughout our safari, we’ll be staying in Muench-style comfort at some of the best camps in the area, with all the expected amenities: top-level local guides, amazing food, luxurious accommodations with en-suite facilities, and hot showers. Expect to be immersed in photography and safari from before sunup until after sunset. Everyone can expect to learn the finer points of wildlife photography and to refine “the art of seeing,” where you will work on improving your compositions. In the evenings and during downtimes, we will work with you on image reviews and post-processing. Everything, even drinks, tips, and laundry, is included, so you can relax and focus on your photography. Of course, non-photographer spouses or partners are very welcome!
Your Pro
Location
Kenya
Tuition
$19,995
Dates
October 20 – 31, 2024
Availability
Sold Out
Limited to 7 Guests
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.
October 20, 2024: Arrive in Nairobi, Kenya this day and our VIP service will meet you airside, and guide you through customs and immigration and baggage claim. We will transfer you to our hotel for the night where you can have a light bite, and rest from the long travel day.
October 21–24, 2024: From Nairobi’s Wilson Airport, we’ll take a bush plane flight to Amboseli National Park. For the next three days and nights we are on safari in Amboseli, where not only will be photographing in Amboseli National Park, but also on private land that we have private accces to as well. Here we have exclusive and unfettered access to the wildlife, we can go off-road as we like, and we can photograph from outside the vehicles, getting on the ground and eye-level with our subjects. While the wildlife is diverse and abundant in Amboseli, our main focus will be the majestic herds of elephant that parade through the landscape. Having a family of these giant creatures march in silence a few feet away from you is an experience you will never forget! We hope to treat you to some unforgettable cultural experiences with our long-time Masai friends in the area as well.
October 24–27, 2024: From Amboseli we take bush plane flight up to Nairobi Wilson and then Lewa, in Kenya’s Laikipia region. Our camp features large comfortable rooms with verandahs and full en-suite bathrooms, and a very relaxed atmosphere. This unique and exclusive retreat offers privileged access to 65,000 acres of private protected wilderness. Each day on our safari, we’ll head out on morning and afternoon game drives in specially-equipped safari vehicles. Only one photographer per row in our cars, assuring you of the best chance to get the shot. We’ll spend our middays with plenty of downtime and our signature image reviews, post-processing instruction, and critiques.
October 27–31, 2024: We’ll take a private charter bush flight to Ol Kiombo airstrip in the Masai Mara, arriving in time for lunch at camp, unpacking, and an afternoon game drive. For the next four days and nights we are on safari in in the Masai Mara Reserve, in the heart of the Masai Mara ecosystem. Our camp is the perfect base from which to explore the wonders of the Mara. The vast, fertile plains of the Masai Mara boast a plethora of wildlife; with over 450 bird species and both resident and transient populations of lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant, giraffe, to name a few, the plains are dense with game. It’s a fantastic location for those wanting to observe the spectacle of the great migration, classified among the “Seven Wonders of the World”. From July to November, over 1.3 million wildebeest and zebra cross from the Serengeti in search of greener pastures. The stars to shine bright at night, undimmed by harsh lighting. Guests enjoy the unique experience of listening to the sounds of lion, leopard and hyena foraging and hunting while being cosseted with traditional and modern comforts such as a campfire and cozy duvets.
October 31, 2024: We’ll make the most of this last day, with a morning game drive before our bush flight back to Nairobi. We have dayrooms at Sheraton Four Points at Nairobi Airport for everyone, and flights home anytime today after 5:00 PM.
What is safari camp life like?
In short, you'll feel like you're in a luxury hotel! We've handpicked our camps for comfort, knowledgeable and friendly staff, great food, and convenience to our main objective, the wildlife. We also place considerable value on isolation and exclusivity. You won't find us in areas where there are dozens of other vehicles at a sighting—you'll feel like you own the land, and the animals are there just for you! Typical tented accommodations feature twin beds or queen bed, high thread-count linens, storage for clothing, sitting area, verandah, and of course en suite bathrooms, with toilets, hot water, and showers. They are enormous in size, bright, open, and airy.
Our days start early before sunrise. We'll have a quick coffee or tea, maybe a cookie, and off on our first game drive of the day. The animals are just starting to stir as the day begins, and we want to be there, and in the best light. We'll stay out for a few to several hours, depending on the sightings. After a mid-drive coffee break, we'll continue on until mid to late morning. We typically have breakfast in the field to maximize our game-viewing and photographing time. Back in camp, it's time for offloading cards, one-on-one instruction, or just taking time to relax and do nothing. Read a book, take a walk, or take a nap and recharge. Of course, there will be lunch, and then In the mid to late afternoon, we'll again head out for another game drive, chasing the best sightings. Enjoying your favorite drink while watching and photographing the sunset is a popular activity. Arrive back at camp after sundown, enjoy a hot shower if you like, and then join us by the campfire or in the living area for cocktails followed by dinner.
Food in our camps is superb—you'll be served both dishes you know and local specialties, too. Of course any dietary needs can be accommodated.
We've arranged for the best safari vehicles—custom Land Cruisers which feature ample room for you and your gear, and excellent visibility. And only one photographer per row of seats (note that front seat next to driver counts as a row). All of our camps feature optional daily laundry service (but not on days we travel in between camps).
Why a Muench Workshops Safari?
We know you have choices, and yes, you can spend less on another Safari. Our aim is to give you the best possible experience, maximizing your time and minimizing the hassle, while providing the best photographic experience and instruction available anywhere.
Photography and Safari Guiding: We've personally chosen only the best local safari guides for this photographic safari.
Details Matter: Our itinerary is carefully set to bring you the best game viewing and all that the region offers. We arrange things so that we're in areas that are not overly crowded with many other safari vehicles, and we get off-road when possible so we can get close to the action and our subjects.
Photography Instruction: This is a workshop, not just a tour. We will work hard on this safari, with instruction in the field and in camp. Many evenings feature critiques and post-processing instruction after dinner, and during the daytime we offer one-on-one instruction as needed. You'll come away with a wealth of new knowledge not only on how to create great imagery but how best to process those images in Lightroom and Photoshop.
Years of Experience—Happy Repeat Customers: We've been leading, guiding and teaching photographers for a long time—and we have thrilled customers who come back on our workshops again and again to prove it. If you'd like to speak to someone who has been with us on a workshop or safari, just let us know, we'd be happy to arrange a phone call.
Fitness
Easy: You must be able to climb in and out of the custom open land cruisers, and ride for several hours on possibly bumpy terrain.
Flights
Arrive Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), Nairobi, Kenya before 3:00 PM on October 20, 2024. Flights out can be made after 5:00 PM on October 31, 2024. 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 $2,500 supplement.
- Scheduled airport transfers.
- House spirits, beers, and wines at our camps.
- Laundry at our camps.
- All meals, soft drinks, and snacks during the workshop.
- All permits and park fees.
- Internal flights during the workshop.
- All transportation during the workshop.
- Tips for crew, drivers, and local guides.
- Photographic guiding and instruction from Jeff Wendorff.
- Image reviews and post-processing instruction.
- Adventure, fun, inspiration, and a great time!
Not Included
- Travel to and from Nairobi, Kenya.
- 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 and Trip Cancellation Insurance (optional, but recommended).
- Anything else specifically not listed as included.
- Single rooming available for $2,500 supplement.
Payment Terms
- Your non-refundable deposit of $6,995 will hold your space in this workshop.
- Further non-refundable payment of $7,000 is due by March 1, 2024.
- The non-refundable balance is due not later than July 1, 2024.
- 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.
Testimonials
“My husband and I took Jeff’s Kenya Workshop in February 2020 and we cannot imagine a better leader and safari. Jeff is personable, knowledgeable, intuitive and downright funny. Jeff is very observant and will casually offer suggestions like “be mindful of your background” when you are too darn excited to notice; and when asked a question, he will answer to any depth you require or want. We are now planning to sign up for another trip with Jeff. I would even do the same one again!
Patty Bachman - Kenya 2020 ”
“This was my third workshop with Jeff and I'm going to Africa with him in January. His workshops are very well organized as he pays attention to small details like the setup in my photo. I'm an experienced photographer and I learn something new and valuable at every workshop in addition to getting great photos.
John Klingel - Texas Birds 2021 ”
