A significant benefit of living in Kenya is the easy accessibility I have to the places I wish to explore and create memorable experiences. No longer does it take advanced planning and a costly investment. I can stay current on what is happening and make quick changes or improvements – or perhaps that is the excuse I used for running to the Mara for a few days!
Over the last 18 months, there have been drastic changes in the Mara, with more coming. While the Mara has been and still is one of the most exciting wildlife photographic destinations in our world and is hands down the best place to photograph the big cats, it must be better managed. Less than 15 years ago, fewer than ten camps were in the Mara. Today, the number of camps seems endless, to say nothing of the hundreds of vehicles that swarm in with them. Capturing a beautiful image and having a soulful experience in nature has become an extreme challenge. However, we are hopeful the new management plan will restore it to its former glory!
The past few years, I have been increasingly shifting to the beautiful Mara conservancies with low occupancy, low vehicle density, off-road access for the best positioning, low-level angles, and twilight photography. In planning the unique Legacy safari in 2025, I want one of three locations to be a premium photographic experience in a big cat location with the freedom to roam and photograph as I once had in the Mara nearly 20 years ago. I knew of one conservancy that is the most exclusive, which I have not been to, so it was time to hop in the Landy and make a quick trip out there.
Before putting such a premium location into an itinerary, I invest in putting my boots on the ground, so to speak, and make sure it meets or beats my expectations and the value is there. I knew the small luxury tent camp would be top-notch, but I wanted to make sure about the photographic opportunities; we can do close-up wide-angle shots at a low level, even being able to slip out of the vehicle and lying flat on the ground, without having vehicles in the background! I also wanted to explore the beauty from corner to corner to evaluate the wide-open spaces where the horizon meets the sky, the incredible views, and the lusher areas, envisioning the potential of animalscapes.
It was so incredible that the feeling that I had when I first explored the Mara came rushing back, and it almost brought me to tears with excitement. This location will definitely be included in the Legacy Safari led by the amazingly talented Kimerlee Curyl and me!
Kimerlee Curyl is the world’s leading fine art photographer of our iconic wild horses. Since 2004, she has developed and delivered unique, intimate, minimalistic-styled images, capturing the wild horse’s raw essence and rich textures. Leaving you, the viewer, imagining their very breath on your face. She has a style all her own, which has become instantly recognizable. One of the largest fine art publishers in the US represents her work; her work hangs in prestigious galleries with national, international, and celebrity collectors. Her work has also been used in numerous advertising campaigns and product branding.
Here are a few of her beautiful images.
When I first dreamed of this safari, I did not realize it would fall in my 20th year of photographing across the African continent. I can’t imagine a better way to celebrate it! The last piece has fallen into place, and the itinerary will soon be released. Experiences and memories last forever, come with us and create a legacy!
A few spots are already spoken for, so ensure your name is on the priority notification list, if you wish to join us.
