Introduction
A wonderful opportunity to photograph the incredible spectacle of the annual migration of the Serengeti and Maasai Mara. There are few experiences on earth as awe inspiring as being amongst 1.5 million wildebeest, Thompson Gazelle and zebra as they congregate on the banks of the Mara River building up the courage to cross to more lush pastures on the other side. This is the largest migration of land mammals on the planet. Strategically positioned on the banks of the Mara River we will be ready as nervous herds build up and fret, waiting for the first one to make the move and start crossing. Braving strong currents, hungry crocodiles and the very real risk of injury or death, in the ensuing stampede, they cross in groups ranging from a few hundred to tens of thousands at a time.
As if this wasn’t enough to keep our interest we’ll also move around seeking out predators such as lion, cheetah, and leopard as well as the scavengers like hyena and vulture, feasting on their abundant food source. At this time of year, many of the big cats have new born young to take care of and there is a good chance to see lion or cheetah kills. The natural world is in full force for us to witness. Our trail will also lead us to some local villages to photograph the proud Maasai people. Sunsets here are often spectacular and there are opportunities for fine landscape shots just at the point where the sky bursts in to red and orange as the sun bids it final farwell.
The open savannah land of this 1,500 square kilometres reserve is the northern part of the Mara-Serengeti ecosystem which itself covers over 25,000 square kilometres. This is a land that never seems to rest as hunter and prey continually play out their game of life and death.
This tour is designed to put us at the prime point and at the best time to be part of this incredible spectacle.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive to Nairobi and stay at a local hotel in the city.
You will fly into Nairobi, Kenya and we will organise a transfer to pick you up from the airport and bring you to the hotel. In the evening there will be a pre trip meeting to check documents and give advice on the trail ahead. Afterwards, we’ll all join together for dinner and discuss our plans and review shooting techniques.
Day 2: Transfer to airport and fly to Maasai Mara.
On day 2 we get cracking with the trip. After an early breakfast we’ll transfer to Wilson airport and fly in to the Maasai Mara (approx 40 minutes) where we will be picked up and taken to our camp for the next 4 nights. We’ll get settled in and have lunch and prepare for our first foray out into the park for our first shoot. By now we’ll have all the information we need on weather, migration progress and which of the big cats are located. We’ll return in the evening for dinner and to review our images.
Day 3 – 6: Tracking the wildlife and shooting images.
The next 4 days will be spent located in the reserve with a minimum of 2 game drivers per day. There is no specific itinerary as we will follow the action based on constant updates from our guides. The 2 main items will be to visit crossing points of the Mara River and seeking out big cats in other areas. As we are based in the reserve itself we can take advantage of getting on the trails at first light, often the best times for us as well photographing right up until sundown. The middle of the day, when the light is too harsh and wildlife is the most inactive will be spent back at the camp, relaxing, reviewing our images and doing talks on photography technique and practice.
Day 7: Final early morning shoot followed by a transfer to Lake Nakuru National Park.
We’ll grab our final shots in the reserve and make our way to Lake Nakuru National Park for an afternoon shoot, transiting through the Great Rift Valley on the way. This location is ideal for shooting the thousands (sometimes more than a million) flamingos feeding on the abundant algae in the lake. The park is home to many other species including big cats including leopard. The park is home to a large group of black rhino and good sightings of this endangered animal are regular. This small park is ideal for a more intimate experience with wildlife.
Day 8: A full day in the park with a visit to a local community centre.
Today we’ll start early hoping to shoot some iconic images of the massive flocks of flamingo. We’ll also head out again for a game drive. For those that choose to, we will visit a local community project for displaced persons*. Creative Trails will make a contribution of $20USD per participant to the local project. Photography is generally permitted subject to advice from our guides and permission from the subjects. We’ll round off the day with a final shoot in the park hoping to capture some last light photos of the resident game.
Day 9: Final morning shoot and transfer back to Nairobi after lunch.
Our final early morning shoot before returning to the lodge to wrap up the trip. there will be a talk over lunch after which we will transfer back to Nairobi and on to the international airport.
What’s included
- All of the accommodation listed in the day to day itinerary.
- Services of the Creative Trail leader, local guides and drivers.
- Park entry fees and permits where applicable.
- All meals except dinner on day 1 in Nairobi and any meal in Nairobi on the return day. Drinking water is provided out on safari.
- Ground transport from the joining location to the departure location, including transfers, internal flights and safari game viewing vehicles inside the reserve.
- Photography tuition and guidance from your leader.
- Contribution to local community project.
Not included
- International flights to and from Nairobi.
- Travel insurance.
- Visa costs and airport taxes if applicable.
- Tips or gratuities to guides, porters and drivers.
- Meals, other than those listed including soft drinks, alcohol or snacks.
- Souvenirs, curios or other purchases such as laundry.
- Any optional tours or activities not included in the itinerary.