Upcoming tours
Kenya - Big Cats of the Maasai Mara
october 8 - 15, 2026
8 Days / 7 Nights
Witness the drama of East Africa unfold on a wildlife photography adventure through Kenya's most iconic safari destination: the Maasai Mara. This adventure offers exceptional opportunities to photograph big cats, elephants, plains game, and abundant birdlife in the open savanna. Designed for photographers at all levels, this small-group experience blends world-class wildlife sightings, and breathtaking landscapes - giving you the time, guidance, and space to create powerful, story-driven images in the heart of wild Africa.
$5,230
per person
Limited to 3 guests
2 spots remaining
Why the Maasai Mara?
The Maasai Mara is one of Africa's most revered safari destinations, known for its endless plains, abundant wildlife, and dramatic predator interactions. With strong populations of lions, cheetahs, leopards, and large herbivore herds, it offers unmatched opportunities for observing and photographing wildlife in stunning light. The Mara's expansive terrain and consistent wildlife activity make it an ideal destination for experiencing the essence of a classic East African safari. Acacia-dotted savannas, dramatic skies, and soft golden light provide striking backdrops for both wildlife encounters and photographic storytelling.
Why join this tour?
- A thoughtfully paced safari focused on extended time in the Maasai Mara with 11 action-packed game drives, allowing for higher chances of key wildlife sightings and interactions.
- October is an ideal time to experience the Maasai Mara with beautiful light and easier wildlife visibility. The dry season continues, which keeps wildlife concentrated and numbers high, while peak migration crowds have largely thinned. Although the height of river crossings has passed, many wildebeest and zebra remain in the ecosystem. With fewer vehicles in the reserve, game drives feel less rushed and more intentional, allowing space for longer sightings, creative angles, and quieter moments in the field.
- Led in partnership with experienced local guides and professional drivers who know the Mara's terrain and wildlife dynamics, supporting ethical viewing and meaningful encounters.
- Photography guidance throughout the trip, with an emphasis on patience, composition, light, and storytelling rather than rushed sightings.
- Custom safari vehicles optimized for wildlife photography, featuring open sides for unobstructed views, low shooting angles for eye-level perspectives, 360° swivel seating for fluid repositioning, and dedicated bean bag supports for lens stability.
- Each vehicle is intentionally limited to just 3 guests to ensure ample space for camera gear, comfortable maneuverability during sightings, and personal guidance in the field.
- An experience designed around respect for wildlife, time in the field, and the freedom to slow down and observe rather than follow a checklist of sightings.
- All accommodations, meals, transportation within Kenya, park fees, and scheduled game drives included, creating a seamless and well-supported safari experience.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi
Arrive in Kenya's capital, check in to the hotel, and settle in for an overnight stay before the safari adventures begin.
Day 2: Nairobi to Maasai Mara
Drive to the Maasai Mara and settle into your new home for the next 5 days at Mara Ol Kinyei Tented Camp. Enjoy a delicious lunch, then off to your first afternoon safari on the open savanna.
Days 3–7: Maasai Mara
Full safari days exploring one of Africa's most wildlife-rich ecosystems, with excellent opportunities to photograph big cats, large herds, and dramatic Mara landscapes.
Day 8: Maasai Mara to Nairobi
Enjoy a final morning at camp before returning to Nairobi for onward travel home.
Inclusions
All accommodation (based on double occupancy)
All meals
Airport pick up/drop off
All transportation within Kenya (Nairobi ↔ Maasai Mara)
Private safari vehicle with an experienced local driver/guide
11 game drives in the Maasai Mara
Photography guidance and support throughout the trip
All applicable taxes and park fees
Exclusions
International flights
Visa fees
Travel insurance
Alcoholic beverages
Personal Expenses (laundry, souvenirs, etc.)
Tips and gratuities
Optional activities not listed in the itinerary
Pricing & Payment
2 Spots Available
$5,230 per person
(Based on double occupancy)
40% deposit due at booking
Remaining 60% due 3 weeks prior to departure
Single supplement: additional $1,200
You may reserve your spot using the booking link above or by contacting the Tour Host for bank transfer instructions. By booking, you agree to the Terms and Conditions.
Extend your East African Safari
Because the Uganda and Kenya tours are scheduled only a few days apart, guests may choose to combine both into one extended wildlife photography journey through East Africa.
Guests who join both tours receive $300 off the Kenya safari, along with support coordinating travel between the two trips.
This option allows photographers to experience the rainforests of Uganda alongside the open savannas of the Maasai Mara in a single trip.
The five-day break between trips provides time to rest, review images, and explore Nairobi and nearby wildlife areas before the Kenya safari begins.
FAQ
what focal length should I bring
A telephoto lens with a minimum focal length of 300mm is best for wildlife photography in the Maasai Mara. A longer lens in the 500-600mm range is ideal. Wildlife can be viewed at varying distances, from far away to surprisingly close to the vehicle, so having a range to use is preferred. For close encounters, a 70-200mm lens or wider would be perfect. We can also go over your gear together before the trip to help you feel confident in what you bring, and I can offer recommendations based on your goals.
What will the weather be like?
The days are warm (27°C - 30°C / 81°F - 86°F) with cooler mornings and evenings (11°C - 14°C / 52°F - 57°F). Conditions are mostly dry, but the occasional short rain showers are possible. You can expect beautiful, clear skies, and dramatic sunrises and sunsets. Packing recommendations will be provided prior to the trip.
What are the chances of seeing target species?
Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, but the Maasai Mara is known for consistent and abundant big cat activity. Lions are prevalent, cheetahs are common, and leopards are present - although harder to spot due to their more secretive nature. With numerous game drives and experienced guides, sightings of key species are highly likely.
What other wildlife can we expect to see?
The Maasai Mara supports a wide range of wildlife beyond the primary focus species. Common sightings include elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, buffalo, and several antelope species, along with hippos and crocodiles along the rivers. Birdlife is abundant, with raptors, vultures, storks, bee-eaters, secretarybirds, and many grassland and water-associated species regularly seen during game drives.
what level of fitness is required?
This trip requires minimal physical effort. Safari activities take place from a vehicle, and no strenuous walking or hiking is involved.
will there be wifi or cell service?
All of the lodges during the trip offer WiFi, though service may be slow. Cell coverage can be intermittent within the reserve.
Do I need to be a photographer to enjoy this trip?
No. While this trip is designed with photographers in mind, it is open to anyone who enjoys wildlife and safari experiences. The pace of this trip is intentionally slower and more patient, prioritizing time with wildlife, waiting for behavior, trying creative angles and composition, and working with light rather than rushing between sightings. Non-photographers often find this approach immersive and rewarding, offering a deeper connection to the landscape and wildlife through observation and time in the field.
Get in touch
Interested in joining this tour or have questions before booking?
Send a message below and I'll get back to you shortly. I am always happy to talk through logistics, photography goals, or anything else you would like to know before committing.
If this trip feels like the right fit but the dates don't work, feel free to reach out! I also offer custom guided safaris tailored to your schedule and interests.
Ethical Wildlife Experiences
All tours are rooted in respect for wildlife and the environments we visit. We prioritize ethical viewing, work closely with trusted local partners, and aim to create space for observation rather than interference. Photography is always secondary to the well-being of the animals.
This tour is led by Lindsey Arpin in partnership with SpotClick Tours