March 3-12, 2016
Experience and photograph one of the greatest wildlife locations in the world when the predators are hungry and the vehicle traffic is very low. Known as the Big Cat season in the Maasai Mara and one of the best-kept secrets in Africa, this is the time of year when the crowds are down south in Tanzania with the migration, but the hungry predators remain behind. This allows us to spend quality time with these big cats, virtually undisturbed.
We will be able to focus on creating extraordinary, award winning, images with dramatic side/back lighting, and dynamic compositions. This is very challenging during the migration season with so many other vehicles to consider. With the migration having left a few months ago, the grasses are short and the predators are out hunting more often; food is not as plentiful.
The Mara has one of the densest populations of wildlife in Africa and possibly the world! Still in abundance are elephants, giraffes, hippos, impalas, Thompson’s and Grant’s gazelles, Topi, hartebeest, black-backed jackals, spotted hyenas, and more. These animals do not migrate and remain in the Mara all year round.
For more than a decade, Piper Mackay has spent hundreds of hours on safari, leading safaris, and driving her own Land Rover to every corner of this reserve. The best way to maximize every opportunity, in the best possible light, is to stay in different locations, as we will on this safari. The first location lies between multiple, overlapping predator territories. The second is in an exclusive private reserve that shares its boarder with the Mara, where we will have ultimate photographic freedom to drive off road with no gate time to adhere to. We can continue to track wildlife into the evening when the predator action really starts.
This safari is open to only six photographers. Similar to a private safari, this allows for more flexibility and generous, effective one-on-one photographic instruction. This Photo Safari is an extraordinary opportunity to photograph Africa’s most phenomenal wildlife locations with outstanding local drivers/guides who understand the needs of photographers.
AMBOSELI – You will have the opportunity to extend your safari to include Amboseli National Park, one of the most incredible reserves to photograph vast herds of elephants storming across dry, open plains. It has one of the most amazing ecosystems, containing marsh wetlands, and dust tunnels that move along the landscape. Imagine photographing expansive views filled with giraffes, zebras, and other exotic African wildlife, with Mount Kilimanjaro as a backdrop. You will not only capture iconic images, you will also be reminded of an authentic Africa of bygone days. Details
SAFARI HIGHLIGHTS
- The best predator location in Africa
- Great off season pricing
- Very low occupancy rate, allowing for a higher quality photographic experience.
- We have private 9-passenger 4X4 Land Cruisers with only 3 people per vehicle. Every person will have their own row with 2 window seats available for the best viewing and photographic opportunities.
- Luxury accommodations in a small, private tented camps.
- The safari is limited to only 6 participants! This is a smaller, more private group than most photographic safaris.
- Experienced silver-rated guides who specialize in working with wildlife photographers.
- low-season prices
- Dayrooms on the day of departure, so you can properly relax and clean up before your long flight home that night.
THE ITINERARY
March 3, 2016
Arrive in Nairobi, Kenya. Our ground operator will meet you and transfer you to the Ole Sereni overlooking Nairobi National Park
Accommodation- Ole Sereni, Nairobi
March 4-8, 2016
We will meet at breakfast for a safari briefing before driving to the local airport for our flight to the Mara. For this flight we have included extra luggage allowance so you can bring all the gear you need. Excitement builds quickly as you fly over the Mara and begin seeing the wildlife below. We will have plenty of time to enjoy a hot lunch and settle in before heading out on our first game drive.
Our tented camp, for the next 5 nights, is positioned to blend unobtrusively into the surrounding vegetation and lies between multiple, overlapping predator territories. We will have access to the Marsh pride, made famous by the BBC’s series “Big Cat Diary,” the Rekero pride, the Doulbe Cross Pride as well as known cheetah and leopard territories.
Your days will start with hot coffee or tea, delivered to your tent before the sun rises. As the cool, fresh air fills your lungs you’ll feel invigorated and rejuvenated, ready for a great day on safari. The predators are usually quite active as the sun begins to rise. This is when the dew is sparkling through the grasses and you can see the lion’s breath.
Our camp has a special photographers tent where we will all gather to download, back up, and work on post processing. Participants always comment on how much they love the camaraderie among other talented photographers. Learning from each other, as well as the leader, is a huge added value, as everyone brings different perspectives, knowledge, and skills.
There is no better way to experience Africa than by sleeping under canvas listening to the zebras barking, hyenas crying, and possibly hearing the roar of a lion off in the distance.
Accommodation –Mara Bush Camp
March 9-11, 2016
We will spend the next 3 days in the Olare Orok Conservancy, which shares its imaginary boarder with the Mara. This is a private concession with even fewer vehicles; where we have the ultimate freedom to respectfully drive off road, photograph our subjects at eye-level, and take our photographic opportunities to the next level. Once the sun starts to set and the predators become active, we can stay with them until we decide to return to camp, as there are no gate times to adhere to.
Our luxury-tented camp is a small classic safari camp with beautiful traditional African furnishing. The tents are large and designed with an open feel to bring you right into this stunning wilderness. We will have delicious gourmet meals, some out on the vista filled great plains.
Accommodation – Kicheche Bush Camp
March 12, 2016
We will have one last game drive before bidding farewell to the Mara and driving to the airstrip. Upon arrival into Nairobi, we will be met by our ground team and transferred to the Ole Sereni, overlooking Nairobi National Park, where we will have dayrooms. You will have the opportunity to properly relax and clean up before your flight home.
Day rooms- Ole Sereni
The Cost
The cost of this photo safari is $7,495.00 per person.
The price is based on shared accommodations; single room supplement is $995.00, if available.
A $1,500 (USD) non-refundable deposit is due at the time of registration to secure your spot. You may purchase travel insurance that will refund your deposit if you have to cancel your trip.
Price Includes:
- In-country round trip air fare to and from the Maasai Mara
- Airport transfers
- First class accommodations
- Guaranteed row and window seat in private 4X4 Land cruisers
- All National Parks fees, Game Reserves entrance fees, and taxes
- All meals (except on March 6 –this is a travel day and most flights arrive late evening, and Dinner on March 14 due to early departures)
- Evacuation insurance to a Nairobi hospital (transport only – Cost of hospitalization NOT included)
- Dayroom’s on the day of departure, so you can properly relax and clean up before your flight home
- Experienced African specialist to help you with pre or post safari arrangements
What’s Not Included:
- Visas
- Travel Insurance
- Personal purchases (such as curious, spirit liquors, telephone calls, internet, laundry…)
- Gratuities for the guides, staff at accommodations, and airport transfers
- Optional extra activities (balloon rides, walking safaris, Maasai village visit, etc.)
- Pre- and post-safari tours
- Meals or accommodation before or after the safari
- International flights to and from the African Continent
INTERESTED IN JOINING US?
The group size for this incredible photo safari is limited to only 6 photographers and may fill very quickly. To secure your spot, please complete the on-line registration form and make the $1500.00 non-refundable deposit. Both a reservation form and deposit must be completed to confirm a spot. Once the safari is full, you may add your name to the waitlist.
SIGN-UP AND DEPOSIT
CLICK THE LINK TO – Fill out and e-sign the registration form (Ecosign
Make your deposit of $1500.00 (non-refundable) by using the pay button below (Paypal)
BIG CATS AND TUSKERS – What follows is an incredible SAFARI EXTENSION to Amboseli, for those who want to make this the Best Wildlife Experience of East Africa.
Extend your safari to include Amboseli; one of the most amazing ecosystems, containing vast herds of elephants, marsh wetlands, and dust tunnels that move along the landscape. Capture stunning images of the large herds of Elephants and Zebra’s as they roam through the dusty plains. Photograph expansive views filled with giraffes and other exotic African wildlife with Mount Kilimanjaro as a backdrop. Details
