Your journey begins in Nairobi upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, followed by a seamless check-in at Crowne Plaza Nairobi, conveniently located within the airport complex. This modern hotel offers the perfect setting to rest after your flight while still providing easy access to the city if needed. After settling into your room, take time to relax and recover, making use of the hotel’s excellent facilities such as the rooftop swimming pool, fitness centre, or enjoying a relaxed meal at one of the in-house restaurants. Depending on your arrival time and energy levels, you may opt for a brief city orientation drive or simply unwind at the hotel. Dinner will be served at Crowne Plaza, featuring a selection of local and international cuisine, before retiring for the night in preparation for your safari photography in the next day.

Dinner and overnight at: Crowne Plaza Hotel

Meal Plan: Half Board

From Nairobi to Samburu National Reserve After an early breakfast at Crowne Plaza Nairobi, you will depart Nairobi and begin your scenic journey north toward Samburu National Reserve. The drive takes you through Kenya’s central highlands, passing coffee plantations, small towns, and the fertile slopes of the Mount Kenya region, with brief stops along the way for refreshments and photo opportunities. As you continue toward Isiolo, the landscape gradually changes from lush highlands to semi-arid savannah, signalling your approach to Samburu. You will arrive at your lodge or camp in time for lunch, followed by a short rest. In the late afternoon, head out for your first game drive in Samburu National Reserve, where you may spot unique wildlife species such as Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, Somali ostrich, and elephants along the Ewaso Nyiro River. Return to the lodge at sunset for dinner and an overnight stay surrounded by the sounds of the African wilderness

Dinner and overnight at: Elephant Bedroom camp

Meal Plan: Full Board

Days 3 and 4 are dedicated to fully exploring the rugged beauty and exceptional wildlife of Samburu National Reserve. Each day begins with an early morning game drive, the best time to spot wildlife as animals are most active in the cooler hours. As you traverse the reserve, you will have excellent opportunities to see Samburu’s unique “Special Five,” including the Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, Somali ostrich, and gerenuk, as well as elephants, lions, leopards, and a wide variety of birdlife along the Ewaso Nyiro River. After the morning drive, return to the lodge for breakfast and time to relax, enjoying the serene surroundings, swimming pool, or simply taking in the views from camp. Lunch will be served at the lodge, followed by a short rest during the heat of the day. In the late afternoon, set out again for another game drive, capturing the changing colors of the landscape as the sun sets over the reserve. Optional activities during your stay may include a visit to a local Samburu cultural village or a guided nature walk, depending on your lodge. Each evening, return to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay, ending your days immersed in the unique atmosphere of northern Kenya.

Dinner and overnight at: Elephant Bedroom camp

Meal Plan: Full Board

After an early breakfast at your lodge in Samburu, you will depart and begin your journey south toward Lake Nakuru National Park, traveling through changing landscapes that offer excellent photography opportunities. The drive takes you past Isiolo and Nanyuki, with views of rural life, open plains, and the distant slopes of Mount Kenya, before descending into the dramatic scenery of the Great Rift Valley. Scenic stops will be made along the way for refreshments and landscape photography. You will arrive at Lake Nakuru National Park in time for lunch at your lodge, followed by a short rest. In the afternoon, head out for a photography-focused game drive within the park, renowned for its alkaline lake, dramatic escarpments, and diverse wildlife. Lake Nakuru is one of the best places in Kenya to photograph black and white rhinos, Rothschild’s giraffes, buffalo, and a wide variety of birdlife, including flamingos when conditions are favourable. As the light softens toward evening, capture reflections, wildlife portraits, and scenic viewpoints before returning to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay

Dinner and overnight at: Sarova Lion Hill Lodge

Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 6 is spent entirely exploring Lake Nakuru National Park, offering excellent opportunities for wildlife and landscape photography. After an early breakfast, set out on a morning game drive when the light is soft and animals are most active. The park’s compact size and diverse habitats allow for close encounters with black and white rhinos, Rothschild’s giraffes, lions, leopards, buffalo, and a rich variety of birdlife. The lakeshore and surrounding woodlands provide beautiful backdrops, ideal for both wide-angle landscape shots and detailed wildlife portraits. Return to the lodge for breakfast or brunch and some relaxation before lunch. In the afternoon, head out again for another game drive, focusing on different areas of the park such as Baboon Cliff and Makalia Falls, which offer elevated viewpoints perfect for scenic photography. As the day draws to a close, enjoy golden-hour photography with dramatic Rift Valley skies and reflections on the lake. Return to the lodge in the evening for dinner and an overnight stay, ending a rewarding full day in Lake Nakuru.

Dinner and overnight at: Sarova Lion Hill Lodge

Meal Plan: Full Board

After an early breakfast at your lodge in Lake Nakuru National Park, you will depart and begin your journey toward the world-famous Maasai Mara National Reserve. The drive takes you through the scenic landscapes of the Great Rift Valley, passing rolling hills, rural farmlands, and traditional Maasai villages, offering excellent opportunities for cultural and landscape photography along the way. A brief stop will be made at a viewpoint to capture panoramic views of the Rift Valley before continuing onward. You will arrive in the Maasai Mara around midday and proceed to your camp or lodge in time for lunch, followed by a short rest. In the late afternoon, head out for your first photographyfocused game drive in the reserve. The vast open plains provide classic safari scenes and exceptional chances to photograph lions, cheetahs, elephants, buffalo, and large herds of plains game against sweeping savannah backdrops. As the sun sets, enjoy goldenhour photography before returning to the camp for dinner and an overnight stay, marking the beginning of your immersive Maasai Mara experience.

Dinner and overnight at: Tipilikwani Mara Camp

Meal Plan: Full Board

Each of these three days is dedicated entirely to exploring the Maasai Mara, one of Africa’s most iconic wildlife destinations, offering unmatched opportunities for photography. Begin each day with an early morning game drive, when wildlife is most active and the soft, golden light enhances your photographs. Capture dramatic scenes of lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants, giraffes, zebras, and wildebeest roaming the expansive savannah. The Mara’s rivers, open plains, and rolling hills provide stunning backdrops for both wildlife and landscape photography. Return to your lodge or camp mid-morning for breakfast and a short rest, followed by optional downtime to review your photographs or enjoy camp amenities. After lunch, venture out again for afternoon and sunset game drives, focusing on golden-hour light, silhouettes, predator-prey interactions, and detailed close-ups of animals and birds. During these days, you may explore different areas of the Mara, such as the Talek River, Mara Triangle, or other prime wildlife zones, to capture varied perspectives and maximize photographic opportunities. Optional activities may include a hot air balloon safari at sunrise, offering breathtaking aerial shots of the savannah dotted with wildlife. Each evening, return to your camp or lodge for dinner and overnight stay, resting and preparing for the next day of immersive photography in the heart of the African wilderness.

Dinner and overnight at: Tipilikwani Mara Camp

Meal Plan: Full Board

After an early breakfast at your lodge or camp in the Maasai Mara, you will begin the scenic drive back to Nairobi by road. The journey takes approximately 5–6 hours, passing through rolling hills, fertile farmland, and traditional Maasai villages, offering occasional opportunities for landscape and cultural photography along the way. You may make brief stops en route for refreshments and to stretch your legs, as well as capture the changing scenery from the Mara plains to the central highlands. Upon arrival in Nairobi, check in at your hotel for lunch and some relaxation. The afternoon can be spent at leisure, with options for souvenir shopping or a short city tour if time permits. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at your hotel, celebrating the incredible experiences and photographs captured during your safari. Overnight stay in Nairobi.

Dinner and overnight at: Crowne Plaza Hotel

Meal Plan: Half Board

On your final day, enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel in Nairobi, reflecting on the unforgettable experiences of your 12-day photography safari. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have some free time for last-minute shopping, a short city visits, or simply relaxing at the hotel. When it’s time, you will be transferred to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) for your onward international flight. Your safari concludes here, leaving you with incredible memories and a collection of stunning wildlife and landscape photographs from Samburu, Lake Nakuru, and the Maasai Mara.

Dinner and overnight at: N/A

Meal Plan: Breakfast Only