Big Cats Photo Safaris
Masai Mara is incomparable to any other place for Big Cats. The diversity and sheer volume of animals in this region is amazing. There is no other place like Masai Mara for wildlife photographers. What makes Masai Mara photo safaris so special?
The abundance of Lions, Leopards and Cheetahs and the daily activities like hunting by these big cats makes it an ideal location to photograph the big cats in their natural habitat. Photograph the stalking big cats , attacking their prey or the tender moments of a Lion family where a cub plays with a 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, 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. The annual wildebeest migration is a spectacular phenomenon not to be missed. The amount of keeper photos taken in Masai mara will be significantly higher than any other trip you may have taken in the past. The photographic opportunities are endless due to sheer abundance and variety of wildlife in Masai Mara. There is never a dull moment while being on a photographic safari in Masai Mara as you have vast number of animals, birds, reptiles as well as breathtaking landscapes to take photos of.
Is This Photo Safari For You?
1. We welcome photographers of all levels and non photographers. This safari will be include one to one coaching from the tour leader as well as from one another and include instructions that will suit everyone’s photographic needs. We encourage you to ask lots of question and learn new skills.
2. We spend as much time possible photographing in the field. We will spend most of our time and effort on safari / photographic activities and processing images. This photo safari will also include night game drives providing ample opportunities for creative photography.
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 and adventure. We have specialist guides leading all activities.
Big Cats of Masai Mara Photographic Safaris
Where do we stay: 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. With 10 luxury guest tents, the camp is very exclusive and offers a real ‘in the bush experience’. The tents are very spacious and have private verandahs along the length of the tent, providing a secluded and private ‘space’ for you to relax and enjoy the beauty of this African wilderness. Each tent has en-suite bathrooms with flush toilets and hot showers. Food is excellent with fresh baked bread and high quality meals prepared by the camp chef.
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. And escorted bush walks with Masai warriors and safari guide, where you can get an insight into the Masai people, their way of life and also learn more about the animals, birds and plants of the Mara.
Within the conservancy guests enjoy morning, evening and night game drives, sundowners at scenic viewing points and escorted walks with Masai guides. The camp is located close to the Masai Mara park boundary. It has its own airstrip for private charter flights with daily scheduled flights to Mara from Nairobi.
Suggested Itinerary of Big Cats of Masai Mara Photo Safari
Day 1: All the participants fly to Nairobi and meet at 5 Star Luxury Hotel on day 1 and are introduced to each other. Detailed briefing of the week ahead will be provided by the tour leader.
Day 2: After breakfast, we all take a 45 mins short flight to Masai Mara from Wilson Nairobi Airport. We head for our first game drive post lunch.
Day 3: Morning and afternoon game drives with lunch breaks in between. Departure for the game drives will be quite early whereas we have the flexibility of returning to the camps late (shouldn’t miss out on interesting activities). Between morning and afternoon game-drives, photography review sessions will be organised, to learn new techniques, see each others work and upgrade skills.
Post processing sessions are organised twice during the week, which provides detailed Adobe Lightroom sessions.
We will also go for night game drives when wildlife is most active.
Day 4 -7 : Same as day 3
Day 8: After our morning game drive, we head back to the camp and take late morning flight to Nairobi.
What animals you might see on this Photographic safari?
- Lions, Leopards & Cheetahs
- Elephants, Giraffes and Rhinos
- Waterbuck, Springboks , Hippos and Zebras
- Serval, Caracal, Baboons and Ostrich
- Crocodiles, Wildebeest, Jackals
Our camp is based in a conservancy , which means there will be very few vehicles around us while photographing animals. Due to a high number of vehicles in the park , animals move to the quieter conservancy areas which only our camp vehicles will have access to, providing us ample time and opportunity to photograph the wildlife.
What’s included in this Big Cats Photo Safaris?
- Meet and assist services at the Nairobi airport and chauffeured transfer to the hotel.
- One night stay at a 5 star Nairobi Hotel (Accommodation on a Twin room shared by same gender participants. Single rooms may be available at additional cost- please inquire)
- Flights to and from the Masai Mara from Nairobi (15kg weight restriction apply on the flight but we can transport heavy bags by road, your photography gear will be with you on the small plane)
- All meals (Breakfasts, Lunches, Dinners, snacks, Tea/Coffee, Domestic Alcohol)
- Game drive activities for our group.
- Private vehicles and drivers for all road transfers throughout the trip
- Photography and post processing tuition
- Soft drinks, bottled water and snacks during drives and safaris
- Flying Doctor / Emergency medical service
- Current National Park entry permits, tourism levies all taxes
What is NOT included?
- International flights
- Vaccination
- Travel Insurance
- Kenyan visa (about USD50)
- Tips and gratuities for staff
- Personal expenses
Tour Leader: Perhaps the most important aspect of a photographic safari is your leader. All our photo safaris are personally hosted and lead by experienced wildlife photographers.
Our professional wildlife photographers have spent years in the wilderness, following specific animals day after day for several months and witnessing extraordinary and rare to see behaviour. They have extensive first-hand knowledge on the behaviour of many animals including Leopards, Lions, Cheetahs and Elephants.
Apart from organising your photo-safaris, they will accompany you to Masai Mara, share their knowledge of wildlife as well as help you with expert tips on wildlife photography and post processing. They will be there to coordinate with the driver, instructing on positioning, approach, timings, lighting conditions etc.
Safari Cost : Please click on the following ‘book now ‘button to see the cost of this all-inclusive Masai mara photo safari (on twin share basis).
A single supplement (optional) is available for just GBP/USD/EUR 500. Single supplements are optional for single travelers who want their own room and tent. Otherwise single travelers are paired with another single traveler of the same gender.
These photographic Masai Mara safaris are very popular and we only have 6 places on each tour. It is highly recommended to reserve your places by paying a 25% deposit amount online. Remaining 75% amount is payable 90 days before the tour start date.
Lens Hire: Lens hire is available, so that you do not need to worry about 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.
Big cat photo safaris are a popular way for people to see these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. There are many different places to go on a big cat photo safari, and each destination offers its own unique experiences.
No matter where you choose to go on a big cat photo safari, you are sure to have an unforgettable experience. These majestic creatures are truly a sight to behold, and there is nothing quite like seeing them in their natural habitat.
Big Cat Photo Safaris: A Guide to Capturing the Beauty of These Majestic Creatures
Big cats are some of the most majestic and awe-inspiring creatures on the planet. They are also some of the most endangered. As a result, many people are turning to big cat photo safaris as a way to learn more about these animals and help to protect them.
A big cat photo safari is a journey to a remote location where big cats live in their natural habitat. The goal of a big cats photo safari is to capture photographs of these animals in their natural environment. This can be a challenging task, as big cats are often shy and elusive. However, with patience and skill, it is possible to get some truly amazing photographs.
In addition to the opportunity to take photographs, big cat photo safaris also offer a chance to learn more about these animals. Guides on these safaris are typically experts on big cats and can provide guests with information about their behavior, diet, and habitat. This information can help guests to better understand and appreciate these amazing creatures.
Big cat photo safaris can be a great way to learn more about these animals and help to protect them. By supporting these safaris, guests are helping to ensure that these majestic creatures have a place in the wild.
What to Expect on a Big Cat Photo Safari
A big cat photo safari can be a life-changing experience. However, it is important to be prepared before you go. Here is a list of things to expect on a big cat photo safari:
Long days: Photo safaris can be long days. You will likely be up before sunrise and back to camp after sunset.
Challenging terrain: Big cats live in some of the most remote and rugged places on Earth. Be prepared for hiking, camping, and other physical activities.
How to Choose a Big Cat Photo Safari
There are many different big cat photo safaris available. When choosing a safari, it is important to consider the following factors:
Destination: Where do you want to go? There are many different countries where big cats live, each with its own unique wildlife.
Budget: How much are you willing to spend? Big cat photo safaris can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.
Duration: How long do you want to go for? Safaris can range in length from a few days to a few weeks.
Type of safari: There are two main types of big cat photo safaris: drive-through safaris and walking safaris. Drive-through safaris take place in open vehicles, such as jeeps or Land Rovers. Walking safaris take place on foot, which allows for a closer view of the animals, but it is also more challenging.
Tips for Getting Great Photographs
If you want to get great photographs on your big cat photo safari, there are a few things you can do to improve your chances.
Before you go, learn as much as you can about the big cats you will be photographing. This will help you to understand their behavior and habitat, which will make it easier to get good photographs.
Use the right equipment: You will need a good camera and lens to get great photographs of big cats. A telephoto lens is essential, as it will allow you to get close-up shots of the animals without disturbing them.
Be patient: Big cats are often shy and elusive. It may take some time to get good photographs of them. Be patient and don’t give up.
Be respectful: Remember that you are in the animals’ home. Be respectful of their space and don’t do anything that could put them in danger.
Conclusion
Big cat photo safaris can be an amazing experience. They offer a chance to learn more about these majestic creatures and help to protect them. If you are thinking about going on a big cat photo safari, be sure to do your research and choose a reputable company. With a little planning, you can have an unforgettable experience.
Here are some tips for planning a successful big cat photo safari:
Do your research. There are many different companies that offer big cat photo safaris, so it is important to do your research and choose a reputable company, like ours.
Consider your budget. Big cat photo safaris can be expensive, so it is important to set a budget and stick to it.
Choose the right destination. There are many different places to go on a big cat photo safari, so it is important to choose a destination that is home to the big cats you are interested in seeing.
Book your safari in advance. Big cat photo safaris can fill up quickly, so it is important to book your safari in advance.
Pack the right gear. You will need a good camera, a zoom lens, and a tripod for your big cat photo safari.
Be patient. Big cats are wild animals, so it may take some time to get the perfect shot.
Enjoy the experience. Big cat photo safaris are an amazing opportunity to see these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. Soak up the experience and enjoy the memories you make.
Here are some additional things to keep in mind when planning your big cat photo safari:
The best time to go on a big cat photo safari is during the dry season, when the animals are more active.
Be sure to wear comfortable clothing and shoes that are appropriate for the climate.
Bring sunscreen, insect repellent, and a hat to protect yourself from the sun.
Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
Be respectful of the animals and their habitat.
Never approach or feed the animals.
Follow the instructions of your guide.
We have done all the planning, so you can have an unforgettable big cat photo safari. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip today!
