2021/09/17 – Migration and Arid Lands

• Starting and ending at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, in Nairobi
• Safari dates: September 17th 2021 to September 26th 2021
• 1 night in Nairobi, 3 nights in Samburu NR, 5 nights in Masai Mara NR
• 6 participants on two vehicles (max 8 if two couples share a row of seats)
• Guided by Federico Veronesi

Three days in the dry acacia woodlands of Samburu

Samburu  lies on the northern banks of the Ewaso Nyro river in Northern Kenya. It is at the heart of a vast ecosystem where animals move freely over a huge territory extending beyond the borders of the reserve. The habitat consists of semi-arid bush and savannahs interspersed with Flat-top Acacias and Doum palms.
Here we will search for Leopards on the rocky outcrops and Lions along the river. We will follow the Elephants as they drink and bathe in the Ewaso Nyiro river, an amazing sight. We will also photograph the specific species of arid habitats, such as Grevy’s Zebras, Oryxes, Gerenuks, and Reticulated Giraffes.

Six days among Big Cats and the Great Migration in the Mara

The Masai Mara NR supports one of the highest concentrations of game in Africa. In particular, it is the number of predators and the high chances of seeing them that make the Mara so unique and attractive for wildlife photographers and enthusiasts.

Here we will photograph the famous big cats, Leopards, Cheetahs and Lions, but we shall also seek opportunities to photograph the equally fascinating small cats, Caracals and Servals. In this period the great Wildebeests’ migration is in the Mara, giving us the opportunity to see huge herds of animals walking across the plains or the magnificent river crossings, one of the most amazing natural spectacles on earth.

Small group of keen photographers

This safari is for only 6 guests on two vehicles (maximum of 8 guests if 2 couples decide to share the same row of seats). Federico will share the time equally between the two. Federico will be able to offer each guest a very personalized photographic support. Each guest will have plenty of space on the vehicles. Federico will constantly communicate to all guests via hand-held radio between the two vehicles.

Full row of seats on the vehicle

We believe it is crucial that every photographer on the tour has a full row of seats on the vehicle to him/herself. This provides ample space for the equipment, but most of all, allows everyone to photograph on both sides of the vehicle without overlapping with other guests. Couples can request to share a row of seats on the vehicle if one of the two members is not a keen photographer, for a maximum of one couple per vehicle.

Vehicles fully customised for photography

Our vehicles are fully customised to satisfy the needs of photographers. They have fully open sides for an interrupted field of view and supports at the right height to lean the big lenses on. We provide bean bags in plenty but we also supply supports to mount your tripod head on. Vehicles also have pop-up roof for photography from a higher angle when required.

Accommodation in the heart of the parks

In Samburu NR we will be based at a lovely tented camp ideally located on the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro river. Tents are built on raised wooden platforms, and are all en-suite, with a wonderful veranda overlooking the river. The camp is often visited by Elephants on their way to the river.

In Masai Mara NR we will stay at a small luxury camp on the banks of the Olare Orok river in the heart of the Mara. From here we will easily reach all the river crossing points and many of the wildlife-richest areas of the reserve. The camp is in the heart of leopard country and different prides of lions live around it.

All accommodation is on full-board basis, including breakfast, lunch and dinner. We will always have packed breakfast during our game drive, and depending on the situation, also lunch.

Photographer/guide with in-depth knowledge and experience of the parks

Federico Veronesi will be your guide and accompanying professional photographer for this trip. Samburu and Masai Mara are among Federico Veronesi’s favourite parks in Kenya. He lived in the Mara for approximately six months per-year for many years and has spent a lot of time in Samburu. He intimately knows the animals of these parks and their behavior. He will share his experience photographing them to ensure that you live an unforgettable experience and take extraordinary images.

Price for this safari is USD 7,950. Single supplement is USD 1,275.

The price includes:

• Accommodation in Nairobi (Fairview Hotel, 1 night B&B), Samburu NR(Elephant Bedroom, 3 nights FB) and Masai Mara NR (Mara Bush Camp, 5 nights FB) as per above itinerary. Lunch on last day. Still mineral water at Mara Bush Camp.
• Unlimited game drives, within park hours, using a 4×4 Land Cruiser with 3 rows of seats.
• Park fees for Samburu NR (3 nights/ currently 70 US$ per person per night) and Masai Mara NR (5 nights/ currently 70 US$ per person per night).
• Guiding services by professional photographer and safari guide Federico Veronesi (Italian and English speaking) and professional Kenyan safari guide.
• Domestic flights by Air Kenya or Safarilink: from Samburu NR to Masai Mara NR and from Masai Mara NR to Nairobi Wilson Airport; one complimentary “freight seat” on all flight sectors which gives extra 70 kg allowance in total to the group (to be shared among all participants).
• Road transfer from Nairobi to Samburu NR.
• Airport pick-up and drop-off in Nairobi for a total of 2 airport transfers.
• 1 lt complimentary bottled water per person per day in the vehicles during game drives.
• AMREF Flying Doctors emergency medical evacuation cover from safari locations to international standard hospital in Nairobi (does not include hospitalization and repatriation).
• Government taxes and VAT where applicable.

The price does not include:

• International flights.
• Entry visa to Kenya (US$ 50 p/person – visa fees may change without notice).
• Personal travel and medical insurance.
• Eventual charge for excess baggage weight on domestic flights (currently 3 US$ + 16% VAT per excess kg).
• Eventual increase in park fees. These may change at a short notice and unfortunately may not be foreseen.
• Eventual off-road permit fees for Masai Mara NR (permit is not guaranteed).
• All drinks, laundry and extras in the parks (except for still mineral water which is included at Mara Bush Camp).
• Tipping and any other item not expressly mentioned in the inclusions.