We've designed the Ultimate wildlife trip of a lifetime with unlimited wildlife photo opportunities - one that will generate a wealth of striking imagery and provide the time and depth for an unparalleled African nature experience. Space has been reserved for our group at the luxury Mara Serena Resort and Keekorok Camp - two of the nicest, and certainly the best-positioned camps in the Masai Mara National Reserve. The two camps are located on either side of the Mara river, which will enable us to cover the entire park in the span of 8 days.

Our Land Cruisers fan out within the wildlife reserve scouting, assessing and sharing information on virtually every productive locality in the region. Our lodges are located in the heart of the Masai Mara's highest wildlife concentration. The rolling landscape, savannah woodlands and rich riparian habitats provide a dramatic background for our photography.

This area is great for predators; Some of the big stars of BBC's Big Cat Dairy make their home ranges here. These locations have a phenomenal cheetah population, big lion prides and several non-shy leopards. During this time of year we seek out the wildebeest and zebra herds that blanket the landscape throughout this northern segment of their Serengeti migration. The animals may pour across the treacherous, crocodile-infested Mara River and literally mow the grass from knee to ankle height in a few days. Their location depends on weather conditions, but we can expect to spend some time with the moving herds-watching their behaviors and the predators that wait in the shadows.

Masai Mara, Kenya

Widely considered to be the greatest wildlife area in the world, Masai Mara is at the heart of Africa. Each year the Mara plays host to the greatest natural spectacle on earth, the Great Wildebeest Migration. The promise of rain and fresh life giving grass in the north brings more than 1.3 million Wildebeest together into a single massive herd. They pour across the border into the Mara, making a spectacular entrance in a surging column of life that stretches from horizon to horizon.

At the Mara River they mass together on the banks before finally plunging forward through the raging waters, creating a frenzy as they fight against swift currents and waiting crocodiles. The wildebeest bring new life to the Mara, not just through their cycle of regeneration of the grasslands, but for the predators who follow the herds. The Mara has been called the Kingdom of Lions and these regal and powerful hunters dominate these grasslands.

The Mara is an awesome natural wonder, a place where Maasai warriors share the plains with hunting lions, a place of mighty herds and timeless cycles of life, death and regeneration.

Safari Highlights:
  • Eight full-day safaries with focus on the Wildebeest migration and big cats of Africa
  • Private return flight from Nairobi to our dedicated resort runway in Masai Mara.
  • This itinerary focuses on a real wildlife experience from the surroundings of your premier accommodations.
  • Game viewing is done in open 4x4 Land Cruiser vehicles and you will be led by some of the leading guides in Kenya

What Is Different About a Photographic Safari?

Unlike a traditional safari, which focuses on observing wildlife, a photographic safari specializes in getting you in the right place at the right time to create the perfect picture. Our emphasis is photography, and LOTS OF IT!

This safari is designed to maximize photographic opportunities. Early morning and afternoon game drives provide ideal shooting conditions, with an emphasis on good light and quality subjects. Landrovers are limited to six photographers and each landrover has its own guide. Our small group guarantees everyone will have the opportunity to create memorable images.

The safari is very informal and fun, an ideal situation to maximizing learning. Kalyan Varma will be shooting alongside you at all times, sharing his knowledge of photography and animal behavior. We will have discussion and assistance on a variety of specialized topics such as photographic technique, composition, exposure, creative filming techniques, action shooting, and animal behavior. Advanced techniques will be constantly discussed, demonstrated, and put into practice.

Because of the unique location of this workshop, and the luxury accommodations, this workshop adventure is open to spouses as well as photographers. Even nonphotographers will find the locations visited and the wildlife viewing opportunities to be thrilling. The cost for non-photographers is the same as for active participants.

What's Included?

  • All Game Park fees
  • All accommodations, based on double occupancy
  • All meals inclusive of restaurant staff tips
  • Services of guides and drivers
  • Land transportation in safari Land Rovers.
  • Airport transfers to and from hotels
  • Internal airfare from Nairobi to Masai Mara

    What is Not Included?

  • Additional tips for staff such as guides and camp staff
  • Fees for passport, visas, immunizations and insurance
  • Alcoholic beverages while on safari
  • Laundry, phone and other items of a personal nature
  • Cost of hospitalization and evacuation if necessary

    • Dates


    Aug 28th - Sept 05th 2010


    Safari Leaders

    Kalyan Varma is a freelance Wildlife Photographer and a filmmaker who works on assignments with National Geographic and BBC. He is a BBC Earth Explorer who collaborates with wildlife scientists, researchers, policy makers, activists and educators on fieldwork, books and film projects. His work has appeared in many publications worldwide, including National Geographic, GEO, Lonely Planet, BBC Wildlife, Wildlife Conservation and other magazines.

    Sarath Champati has been the Chief Naturalist for Taj Safaris till recently. He set up the intensive training programme for Naturalists for the Company and has trained over 30 Naturalists for it's four lodges in Central India.Earlier he was with Jungle Lodges and Resorts for 7 years in a similar position. He has wide experience of wildlife in India and many other countries and over a decade of experience in Africa. He has been going to Kenya for the Great Migration almost every year since 1998

    Cost

    The cost for the safari is Rs 1,96,000 (~$4350). The price includes all the full-day safaries, all meals, luxury stay and return flight from Nairobi to Mara.




    What Do I Do Next?


    If you're excited by the thought of becoming a member of this photography workshop, then now is the time to register. If you have any questions before registering, send us an e-mail with any queries to kalyan@rtns.org. To register for the safari, kindly leave your information below:

    Name :
    Email :
    Phone :

    Photos


  • Photos from the previous safari