Capture breathtaking wildlife moments in one of Africa’s most iconic safari destinations with our exclusive Masai Mara Photography Safari Package. Designed by MasaiMara.ke in partnership with Kambu Campers, this itinerary maximizes your chances of getting the best wildlife shots with a focus on golden-hour lighting, prime game-viewing spots, and expert guidance.
Photography Safari Package Highlights
- Custom-modified 4×4 safari vehicles with open sides and beanbag mounts for stable photography.
- Private and small-group safaris for unrestricted movement and positioning.
- Dedicated expert guides experienced in wildlife photography and animal tracking.
- Access to the best photography locations, including prime Big Five areas, river crossings, and predator hotspots.
- Strategic game drives timed for the best lighting conditions.
- Optional hot air balloon photography safari for aerial landscape shots.
3 to 5-Day Photography Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival & Sunset Wildlife Photography
- Arrive by flight or road from Nairobi and check into your selected lodge or tented camp.
- Lunch at camp and safari briefing with our expert wildlife photography guide.
- Afternoon golden-hour game drive:
- Explore Topi Plains & Lookout Hill, known for dramatic backdrops and predator activity.
- Focus on lion prides in the open grasslands for perfect sunset silhouette shots.
- Sunset shoot at Oloololo Escarpment, overlooking the Mara.
- Dinner & photography workshop at the lodge (review images, discuss settings and techniques).
Day 2: Full-Day Big Five & Predator Photography Safari
- Pre-dawn wake-up call for an early start to capture the first light of the Mara.
- Sunrise game drive (5:30 AM – 10:00 AM):
- Musiara Marsh – Home to elephants, buffaloes, and stalking lions.
- Leopard Gorge – One of the best spots for elusive leopard photography.
- Rhino Ridge – Dedicated tracking to photograph the rare black rhino.
- Bush breakfast at Mara River, capturing stunning landscapes and hippo pods.
- Mid-morning game drive:
- Follow cheetahs on the hunt in Ol Kiombo plains, capturing high-speed action.
- Track the movements of lion coalitions in the Talek River area.
- Lunch & rest at camp/lodge.
- Afternoon golden-hour game drive (3:30 PM – 6:30 PM):
- Mara River crossings (seasonal) – Best from July to October for dramatic wildebeest crossings.
- Predator tracking in the Mara Triangle – Exceptional for lions, leopards, and cheetahs.
- Elephant herds at Sand River, capturing backlit dust shots at sunset.
- Evening post-processing session, discussing photo composition and techniques.
Day 3: Specialized Wildlife & Birds Photography
- Morning golden-hour drive (6:00 AM – 9:30 AM):
- Olare Orok Conservancy for intimate predator photography (off-road access allowed).
- Hippo and crocodile shots at the Mara River bend.
- Close-up portraits of giraffes and zebras in the vast plains.
- Mid-morning Maasai cultural session (optional) – Portrait photography of colorful Maasai warriors.
- Lunch & relaxation at camp/lodge.
- Afternoon photography game drive (4:00 PM – 6:30 PM):
- Golden light shots of elephants and buffaloes near the Mara River.
- Predator action photography, focusing on hunting behavior and interactions.
- Final sundowner shoot at an elevated viewpoint.
Day 4 (Optional): Aerial & Walking Photography
- Hot air balloon safari at sunrise (optional, extra cost) – Aerial photography over the Mara.
- Walking safari in Naboisho Conservancy (optional) – Close-up shots of small wildlife and landscapes.
- Relaxed afternoon photography session, capturing Mara’s breathtaking scenery.
- Final campfire photography workshop, discussing editing techniques.
Day 5 (Optional): Last Game Drive & Departure
- Final early morning game drive to capture any missed wildlife moments.
- Leisurely breakfast & photo review session.
- Departure to Nairobi via flight or road transfer.
Recommended Accommodations for Photographers
Luxury Lodges (Best for Private Photography Safaris)
🏡 Angama Mara – Elevated views perfect for sunrise and sunset photography.
🏡 Mara Plains Camp – Located in Olare Motorogi Conservancy for exclusive predator sightings.
🏡 Mahali Mzuri – Excellent private location for photography-focused safaris.
Mid-Range Lodges (Comfort & Great Access to Wildlife)
🏕️ Mara Serena Safari Lodge – Panoramic views and easy access to Big Five areas.
🏕️ Ashnil Mara Camp – Situated near the Mara River, ideal for migration photography.
🏕️ Entim Mara Camp – Designed for photographers, offering premium river crossing views.
Budget Camps (Affordable with Great Game Viewing)
🏕️ Kambu Mara Camp – Budget-friendly, well-located for game drives.
🏕️ Rhino Tourist Camp – Close to the reserve with basic yet comfortable facilities.
🏕️ Miti Mingi Eco Camp – Good for budget travelers focused on photography.
About our Photography Tour Guide:
Kambu Campers’ dedicated photography safari guide is not just an expert in tracking wildlife but also a trained photographer who understands the intricate details of composition, lighting, and camera settings. With years of experience guiding professional photographers and filmmakers, he knows how to position the vehicle for optimal angles, ensuring the best possible framing for each shot—whether it’s a golden-hour lion portrait, a dramatic cheetah chase, or a silhouette of elephants against the Mara sunset.
Beyond just spotting wildlife, he advises on ideal shutter speeds for fast-moving subjects, suggests ISO settings for different lighting conditions, and helps photographers anticipate animal behavior to capture once-in-a-lifetime moments. He also communicates via UHF radio with research teams and other guides, ensuring that you’re always in the right place at the right time for action-packed wildlife photography. With his deep knowledge of Masai Mara’s landscapes, seasonal movements, and prime locations, you’re guaranteed an unparalleled photography experience tailored to your needs.
Want that perfect savannah shot?
Our expert photography guide will take you to Topi Plains and Lookout Hill, where you can capture golden-hour images of lions surveying their territory. For those dramatic wide-angle shots of the vast Mara landscape, we’ll head to Oloololo Escarpment, offering an elevated perspective of the endless plains.
If you’re after silhouettes of giraffes at sunset, we’ll position you at Sand River, where the soft evening light creates breathtaking contrasts. Whether it’s a predator on the hunt, a wildebeest crossing, or an elephant family moving through the grasslands, our guide knows exactly where to go for jaw-dropping wildlife photography.
Inclusions
✔ Private or small-group safari vehicle with photography setup.
✔ Expert photography guide with animal tracking skills.
✔ All park entry fees and conservancy access (if selected).
✔ Full-board accommodation in selected lodge or tented camp.
✔ Bush breakfasts, sundowners, and dedicated photography stops.
✔ Night photography guidance (if staying in a conservancy).
Exclusions
❌ Hot air balloon safari (optional, extra cost).
❌ Camera gear rental (can be arranged on request).
❌ International flights & personal expenses.
Why Choose This Photography Safari Package?
✅ Strategically planned game drives to capture wildlife in the best light.
✅ Access to exclusive locations and wildlife tracking support.
✅ Guided by experienced wildlife photography experts.
✅ Best lodges positioned for high wildlife density and stunning landscapes.
In addition;
MasaiMara.ke’s rental safari vehicles are specially designed for photography enthusiasts and wildlife lovers, offering open-sided configurations that provide unobstructed 360-degree views for capturing perfect shots.
Unlike standard safari vehicles, these photographer-friendly 4×4 Land Cruisers come equipped with customized beanbag mounts, low-noise engines for minimal wildlife disturbance, and adjustable seating layouts to allow photographers to move freely for the best angles.
Additionally, they feature pop-up roofs for elevated perspectives, charging ports for camera batteries, and reinforced suspension to navigate the Mara’s rugged terrain smoothly. Whether tracking elusive predators like leopards or capturing dramatic river crossings during the Great Migration, these vehicles ensure you have the ultimate advantage in the field.
FAQs on Masai Mara Photography Safari
1. What type of camera gear is best for a Masai Mara photography safari?
Answer:
📷 DSLR or mirrorless camera with interchangeable lenses is highly recommended.
🔭 Telephoto lens (200mm-600mm) for close-up shots of wildlife.
🔍 Wide-angle lens (16mm-35mm) for stunning landscape and sunrise shots.
🎥 Tripod or monopod for stability during low-light and long-exposure shots.
🎒 Extra batteries & memory cards as charging in remote areas is limited.
Pro Tip: Bring a beanbag for vehicle support to stabilize long lenses.
2. How do I protect my camera from dust while on safari?
Answer:
- Use ziplock bags or a dry bag when not shooting.
- Carry a lens blower and microfiber cloth to clean dust off your gear.
- Avoid changing lenses in windy and dusty conditions.
- Store cameras in a padded camera bag when driving on rough roads.
Pro Tip: A rain cover is useful during the wet season to protect against sudden downpours.
3. What’s the best time of day for photography in Masai Mara?
Answer:
🌅 Golden Hour (6:00 AM – 8:30 AM & 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM) – Best for warm lighting and predator activity.
☀️ Midday (11:00 AM – 2:00 PM) – Harsh light but good for elephant, rhino, and buffalo shots.
🌙 Night (Only in private conservancies) – Great for leopards and nocturnal predators.
Pro Tip: Avoid shooting in harsh midday sun—instead, focus on editing and reviewing images during this time.
4. Can I use a drone for aerial photography in Masai Mara?
Answer:
❌ No, drones are strictly prohibited inside Masai Mara National Reserve.
✅ Allowed only with special government and KWS (Kenya Wildlife Service) permits (rarely granted).
✅ Alternative: Book a hot air balloon safari for stunning aerial shots.
Pro Tip: Private conservancies may have different rules—always check before bringing a drone.
5. What are the best locations for photography in Masai Mara?
Answer:
📍 Mara River – Great for wildebeest migration crossings & crocodile action.
📍 Leopard Gorge – A known hotspot for leopards resting in trees.
📍 Musiara Marsh – Home to elephants, lions, and buffalo herds.
📍 Oloololo Escarpment – Stunning sunset and landscape photography.
📍 Olare Orok Conservancy – Amazing for predators and exclusive wildlife encounters.
Pro Tip: Stay near these locations to maximize time in prime wildlife zones.
6. Should I choose a private or group safari for photography?
Answer:
- Private Safari – Best for customized game drives, maximum flexibility, and private vehicle positioning.
- Group Safari – Budget-friendly but less control over stops and photography angles.
Pro Tip: A private safari is ideal for serious photographers to avoid competing for the best shots.
7. Can I charge my camera batteries in the safari vehicle?
Answer:
✅ Yes, most safari vehicles have charging ports (USB or inverter-based sockets).
❌ However, power availability can be inconsistent.
Pro Tip: Bring multiple spare batteries and a portable power bank to ensure you never run out of power.
8. What’s the best time of year for a photography safari in Masai Mara?
Answer:
📆 July – October: Great for the Great Migration and predator-prey interactions.
📆 January – March: Best for big cats and lush green landscapes after the short rains.
📆 April – June: Fewer tourists, dramatic skies, and vibrant greenery.
Pro Tip: If you want dramatic river crossings, visit July-September. If you prefer lush green backdrops, go in the low season (March-June).
9. How do I get the best shots of fast-moving animals like cheetahs?
Answer:
⚡ Use a fast shutter speed (1/1000s or higher) to freeze motion.
🦘 Track the animal’s movement and anticipate its next move.
🔎 Use continuous autofocus (AI Servo/AF-C mode) for sharp images.
🌍 Choose a lower angle for a more dramatic and immersive perspective.
Pro Tip: Burst mode (high FPS shooting) is essential for capturing action shots.
10. How do I get stunning sunset and silhouette shots in Masai Mara?
Answer:
🌅 Position yourself so the sun is behind the subject.
📏 Set a small aperture (f/8-f/11) for a sharp silhouette.
💡 Lower ISO (100-400) to retain rich sunset colors.
📷 Underexpose slightly to darken the subject and enhance the background colors.
Pro Tip: Giraffes and acacia trees make for stunning silhouettes against Masai Mara’s golden sunsets.
11. How close can I get to the animals for photography?
Answer:
- Guides ensure you’re at a safe distance while respecting wildlife.
- Predators (lions, cheetahs, leopards) – Often within 5-15 meters.
- Elephants & Buffaloes – Maintain at least 25 meters distance.
- Rhinos – Best viewed from a distance due to their unpredictability.
Pro Tip: A 400mm+ lens allows close-up shots without disturbing animals.
12. Can I do a walking safari for better angles?
Answer:
❌ Not inside the Masai Mara National Reserve.
✅ Allowed in private conservancies like Naboisho or Ol Kinyei.
Pro Tip: Walking safaris offer great opportunities for macro and landscape photography, but not for predators.
13. Can I do night photography in Masai Mara?
Answer:
❌ Not allowed inside the main reserve.
✅ Allowed in private conservancies, where night game drives offer chances to photograph leopards, hyenas, and nocturnal wildlife.
Pro Tip: Bring a fast prime lens (f/2.8 or lower) and increase ISO (3200-6400) for night shots.
14. What settings should I use for wildlife photography?
Answer:
🐆 Fast-moving animals:
- Shutter speed: 1/1000s or faster
- Aperture: f/5.6 – f/8
- ISO: Auto or 400-1600
🌅 Landscapes & Silhouettes:
- Shutter speed: 1/125s – 1/250s
- Aperture: f/8 – f/11
- ISO: 100-400
🐘 Portraits (elephants, buffaloes):
- Shutter speed: 1/500s
- Aperture: f/4 – f/7.1
- ISO: 200-800
Pro Tip: Always shoot in RAW for better editing flexibility.