LOCATION, LOCATION, AND LOCATION
3 amazing locations in the Mara
Not only is the Great Migration the most exciting, heart-pounding safari in Africa, it is arguably the greatest wildlife photography experience in the natural world. Each year, between July and October, approximately 1.5 million wildebeest, 400,000 zebras, and 200,000 gazelles migrate through the Mara, chasing the rain and eating the tall grasses as they come from and return to the Serengeti in Tanzania. This is a giant moving feast for the predators, creating one of nature’s most astonishing dramas.
This signature itinerary takes the traditional migration photo safari to the next level by offering multiple locations throughout the Mara, including both sides of the Mara River. Each location has been carefully selected for its known predator territories, dramatic Mara River crossing points, and the unique beauty of the landscape. This has proven to be KEY in the past few years with climate change and the change in the migration patterns!!
The Great Migration Safari in 2017 surpassed all my expectations! Everyday was an incredible experience, with seeing so many different animals during the whole adventure! The accommodations were great, the food was amazing, and the people were warm and friendly! – Mark Folstad
In constant motion, the migration moves throughout many regions of the Mara, from the boarder of Tanzania, through the rich predator areas, near the swamps, and through the thick of the Balanites trees at the bottom of the dramatic Oldoinyioescarpment. From these wide-open game-filled vistas to the remote corners of the reserve, coving 1,510 square kilometers, you will seek vast photographic opportunities against a variety of backgrounds. They say the grass is not always greener, but sometimes it is! The rains may come to one side of the Mara and the migration could hold back on the other for a few days and you may not even witness it if you do your entire safari on one side.
Our first luxury camp, exclusive to our group, is in the heart of the best predator area, always full of big cat action. We will then move across the river where we have put up a private luxury mobile tent camp in the best location right on the Mara River, minutes from the main crossing point. There is only one lodge inside the reserve on this side and no permanent camps, so acquiring this site is exceptional! Our last location is back across the river, in the lower Mara, also right on the Mara River with its own private crossing point!!This will give you the best opportunity at witnessing a crossing.
This will mark my 19th great migration season in the Mara, with thousands of hours of experience, including many spent driving my own Land Rover.
This safari was designed not only to capture a solid, diverse portfolio of images during your 10 days in the Mara, but also produce life-long memories from an experience of a lifetime. This safari is LIMITED TO ONLY 8 PHOTOGRAPHERS. This allows for greater freedom, flexibility, better group dynamics, more one on one time with the leader, and the feeling of a more personal private safari.
Artistic Images
Piper Mackay prides herself on creating artistic wildlife images, using natural dramatic lighting, combined with manipulating camera settings. She will work passionately with you to capture images that stand above the point, click, and shoot the action photographs.
Deluxe Photographic Safari Vehicles
Our vehicles are fully extended Land Cruisers specially designed to give photographers the most flexibility and maximum space. The sides are open, no sliding windows, with full ledges to support proper molar bags, which we supply. The roof has a special leather roll back top, so there are no bars holding up a pop-top, which create obstructions of your lens placement. They ensure plenty of space and options for using clamps, molar beanbags, panning plates, and other gear to aid your ability to capture the best images. Each photographer will have their own row to spread out their gear and easily be able to shoot from either side of the vehicle with no obstruction of another guest sitting across the aisle.
Experienced Driver Guides
Our driver guides are all silver rated and have thousands of hours of experience throughout the entire Mara. They unOur driver guides are all silver rated and have thousands of hours of experience throughout the entire Mara. They understand the needs of photographers and the importance of quickly positioning the vehicle for the best light, composition, and exceptional photographs. Our main guides have vast personal networks, through which they receive information from all corners of the Mara. Having a large solid network in the Mara, especially during the migration, is critically important for the best photographic opportunities.
Extra Weight Allowance
We have arranged extra weight allowance on your flights to and from the Mara, so your gear and luggage can remain with you. This is a big trip, and anything could happen when transferring gear and luggage by ground transfer.
Mid-day image review
This safari is designed to spend most of our time in the field, behind the lens, capturing award-winning images. During the mid-day, back in camp when the light becomes harsh and the Mara becomes a little quiet, if time allows, we will review images and discuss image techniques, but we do not pull you out of the field for an instructional workshop.
Professional Photography Guide
You will be guided by professional African wildlife and Tribal photographer, Piper Mackay, who lives in Kenya and spends much of her free time driving her own Land Rover throughout Kenya. Many of her images captured in the Mara have been used in books and articles for major publications, which can be viewed on this site. Her passion, eagerness to teach, and outgoing personality ensures her guests an exciting experience.
Optional Excursions –
Sunrise with the Maasai – Icons of Kenya, the Maasia warriors once dominated the plains of East Africa. During our stay in this area, you will have the option to visit the Maasai Bomo at sunrise, where Piper has a special relationship. Soft hues of light will gradually filter over the traditional huts, as the village comes to life with morning activities, a surreal experience and one that will be much more special than a regular village visit.
