2022/09/01 – Rhinos, Wild Dogs and Predators

• Starting and ending at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, in Nairobi
• Safari dates: September 1st 2022 to September 11th 2022
• 1 night in Nairobi, 3 nights in Laikipia Wilderness, 3 nights in Lewa Conservancy, 3 nights in Samburu NR
• 6 participants on two vehicles (max 8 if two couples share a row of seats)
• Guided by Federico Veronesi

Three days in the remote Laikipia Wilderness

Laikipia Wilderness is a remote ranch in the heart of one of Kenya’s richest wildlife areas, on the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro river. The habitat is beautiful rocky outcrops and semi-arid bush, inhabited by a great variety of wildlife. Our main focus here will be the Wild Dogs. This is probably the best place in Kenya to see and photograph these extraordinary predators. We will try to track them and we’ll then follow them on their daily activities. This is also the area where the shy black Leopard has sometimes been seen.

Three days in Lewa Conservancy

The beautiful wilderness between the central highlands and the arid-lands of Northern Kenya hosts one of Kenya’s most famous and successful conservancies, Lewa. Here endangered species are protected and thriving, and are easily seen in a magnificent setting of rolling hills and savannah plains. Grevy’s Zebras, Black and White Rhinos, Elephants and predators all can be seen here.

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.

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 Laikipia Wilderness we will stay at a small and family-run bush luxury camp, perched on a rocky outcrop with great views on the Ewaso Nyiro river and Mt Kenya. The camp has excellent food and hospitality and the tents are beautifully set in the wild.

In Lewa Conservancy we will sleep at a luxury camp perfectly set in the bush, with great views, excellent food and service.

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.

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. Federico has been living in Kenya since 2002 and on safari for approximately six months per-year. 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 trip and take extraordinary images.

Price for this safari is 8,800 USD. Single supplement is 1,300 USD

The price includes:

• Accommodation in Nairobi (Fairview Hotel, 1 night B&B), Samburu NR(Elephant Bedroom, 3 nights FB) , Laikipia Wilderness (3 nights, FB), Lewa Conservancy (3 nights, FB) as per above itinerary. Lunch on last day.
• All drinks (except premium drinks) and laundry service at Laikipia Wilderness Camp and Lewa Conservancy.
• Unlimited game drives, within park hours, using a 4×4 Land Cruiser with 3 rows of seats.
• Park fees and conservancy fees for Samburu NR, Lewa Conservancy, and Laikipia Wilderness.
• Guiding services by professional photographer and safari guide Federico Veronesi (Italian and English speaking) and professional Kenyan safari guides.
• Road transfers from and to Nairobi.
• 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 increase in park fees. These may change at a short notice and unfortunately may not be foreseen.
• All drinks, laundry and extras in Samburu.
• Tipping and any other items not expressly mentioned in the inclusions.