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.
The safari starts at Lake Nakuru where one can witness one of the largest flamingo congregations in the world. Nakuru is also known for the best sightings of Black and White Rhinos which are tough to see in Masai mara. After spending a day and a half there, we move to Masai Mara.
Space has been reserved for our group at the luxury Mara Serena Resort and Mara Fig 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 6 days. The choice of camps also lets you experience both tenting option in the mara as well as rooms with a view.
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:
- Two days in Lake Nakuru to focus on Rhinos and birds
- Six days safari with focus on the Wildebeest migration and big cats of Africa
- Safari led by a team of expert photographers, naturalists and wildlife trackers.
- 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
Schedule
Day 1
Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International airport in Nairobi, you will clear customs and immigrations and kick off the drive with a brief stop at Great Rift Valley view point before heading to Lake Nakuru National Park famous as the home to thousands of lesser and greater flamingo. This park also provides sanctuary for Rothschild giraffe, rhino and leopard. Arrive early for check-in followed by lunch. Afternoon enjoy a game drive to return early before sunset for dinner and Overnight at Lake Nakuru Lodge.
Day 2: Nakuru
We spend full day in Lake Nakuru National Park with morning and afternoon game drives
Day 3: Masai Mara
Today after breakfast, we check out and drive to the Masai Mara National Reserve. It is perhaps the only region left in Kenya where the visitor may see animals in the same super-abundance as existed a century ago. Arrive early for check-in followed by lunch. Afternoon enjoy a game drive to return for dinner and Overnight at Mara Fig Tree Camp.
Day 4: Masai Mara
We enjoy full day in Masai Mara with game drives.
Day 5: Masai Mara
We enjoy full day in Masai Mara with game drives.
Day 6: Masai Mara
Today after breakfast, check out and depart to other lodge where you enjoy full day in Masai Mar, overnight at Mara Serena Lodge
Day 7: Masai Mara
We enjoy full day in Masai Mara with game drives.
Day 8: Departure
Today after breakfast, check out and drive to Nairobi, Kenya's colourful capital city. Upon arrival you will enjoy lunch at a city restaurant before drop off at Jomo Kenyatta International airport for your onward departure flight.
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, Harsha and Mandanna will be shooting alongside you at all times, sharing their 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.
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
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Dates
Aug 11 - 18, 2012
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.
Cost
The cost for the safari is Rs 1,79,000 (~$3700). The price includes all the full-day safaries, all meals, luxury stay and return drive from Nairobi to Mara.
Single room supplement will cost $600 more.
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. Kindly email kalyan@rtns.org to register for the safari, or if you have any questions:
Photos
Photos of Vijay
Photos from the previous safari
Photos of Geetha
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