AFRICAN SAFARI - MASAI MARA MIGRATION PHOTOGRAPHY TOUR
21st September 2010 - 13 Days -
(or) 2nd October 2010 - 9 Days -
This fantastic African Wildlife Safari has been designed to place our clients in one of the prime locations in the Masai Mara, at the very time of year that has historically provided the best chances of witnessing the colossal migration herds of zebra and wildebeest crossing the crocodile infested rivers.
Holiday of a Lifetime
Photographers On Safari have put together all the ingredients to make this safari your “holiday of a lifetime”. After much discussion we have decided that you will get the most time and best game viewing opportunities if we stay in one place for the full 6 or 10 nights stay in Kenya. Moving to three different locations would undoubtedly cost you two days' photography. We consider your time too precious to do that. The other huge advantage is that this strategy will give our guides a much better chance of predicting the whereabouts and movements of the animals we wish to photograph.
Experienced African Safari Leader
Photographers On Safari's leader has stayed at Kicheche regularly, and therefore knows exactly what to ask for, and when and where to ask for it. This is hugely important on a holiday of this type, and no time is lost “learning the ropes”.
River Crossings Targeted
This area provides so much game viewing, that we do not have a set itinerary for each day. We will obviously target any migration river crossings that are occurring. Our guides will be in radio contact with other guides at all the known crossing points and we are less than 2 hours from any of these. (The animals mass on one bank and generally take quite some time plucking up courage to actually cross). We will also target certain species each day. Obviously we will photograph anything interesting along the way, but by having specific targets, you make it almost certain that you will view each animal at some point. Spending 6 or 10 nights at this one fantastic safari location should provide ample opportunity to track down any chosen subject.
Wildlife Photography Tuition
You will constantly receive the necessary tips, tuition and advice on camera settings in order to assist you in getting the very best out of your photographic holiday. Your pictures will be displayed on a computer, followed by a constructive critique to ensure you are photographing to the very best of your ability.
Photograph at Sunrise & at Sunset
We do not operate “Ferrari Safaris”. Our aim is to stay with interesting subjects for some time, thus seeing and photographing behavioural activities that are not witnessed by the vast majority of safari photographers. We leave camp each morning before first light, so that we are hopefully actually photographing animals at sunrise -a very special time for photographers. Breakfasts are invariably taken out in the field. We alternate lunches between taken in the field and enjoyed at leisure in the camp. We do not return to camp until the sun has set and it is too dark to photograph.
Off-Road Viewing of the Big Five
The last trip provided sightings of 4 of the big 5 on most days in the Mara, and we were regularly only feet away from all these subjects. The thing that makes this place really special is that we can go off road as and when we wish, and therefore get unbelievably close to these incredible creatures.
Masai Mara National Reserve
Photographers On Safari have also purchased three permits (10 nights safari) and 2 permits (6 night safari) to enable you to cross into the National Reserve to view the major crossings of the Mara River. Nothing has been left to chance. Any extra permits can be bought as required at a cost of $70.00 each when we are there. Maximum group size is 8 photographers, and each of you is guaranteed a seat on the outside of the safari vehicle. The camp has facilities to charge all your electrical appliances.
Kicheche Camp, Masai Mara
On your Masai Mara safari our bush hideaway in Kenya welcomes you to a different world, a world centred at the heart of the African wilderness that is Kenya's Masai Mara. A world of majestic animals, dazzling birds, sweeping grass lands, flat-topped trees and breathtaking sunsets. Staying in a bush camp doesn’t mean compromising on comfort. The food and service are first class, as are the warmth and experience of Kicheche’s staff making your Masai Mara safari an unforgettable experience. The camp prides itself on offering a friendly and relaxing stay, with our hosts treating you as welcome guests, not mere travel statistics. To maintain this intimate and relaxed atmosphere there is a maximum of twenty two guests at any time. Each tent is comfortably furnished with an en suite bathroom and flushing toilet. Low wattage lighting is supplied 18 hours a day. Battery charging facilities for cameras and laptops available.
Itinerary - September 21st 13 Days
Tuesday, 21st September 2010:
Outward flight. Depart London Heathrow (Terminal 4) on the evening Kenya or British Airways flight to Nairobi, Kenya.
Wednesday, 22nd September 2010:
via Nairobi / Kicheche Mara Camp, Masai Mara. Morning arrival into Nairobi. After clearing customs and immigration, you will be met by a representative from Kicheche Mara Camp and transferred across town to Wilson Airport, arriving in time to connect with the scheduled morning Air Kenya flight to the Masai Mara. On arrival into the famous reserve, you are met and transferred to Kicheche Mara Camp. Arrive in the late morning. Afternoon game drive.
Kicheche Mara is a seasonal bush camp in the traditional style, and accommodates a maximum of twenty two guests in comfortable twin/double bedded tents each with en suite bathroom facilities, consisting of a bucket shower (a traditional shower rose fed from a tank), a flush loo, and vanity. The tented camp is set up in a forested location on the northern edge of the Aitong Plains. There is no permanent electricity with lighting provided by battery, solar, candle or hurricane lanterns. Hot water for the bucket showers is available on call. Tents are furnished with proper beds with linen, table and chairs (on the veranda). Meals are generally taken al fresco, although there is a mess tent when the weather is inclement. Kicheche has a secluded tented lounge (the Nyati tent) with a selection of reference books and easy chairs – the perfect spot to relax during the heat of the day. Activities include game-viewing drives, nature walks and visits to local Masai manyattas (villages). At additional cost (around £40.00 per person), you can also experience a night out fly-camping, walking out from Kicheche in the late afternoon and back to camp the following morning – further details on request.
Later you have the opportunity for photographic game-viewing by customised four-wheel drive Kicheche vehicles on the plains before returning to camp at sunset for hot showers and an evening around the camp fire. Overnight Kicheche (twin/double tents, full board).
Thursday, 23rd September 2010
to Friday 1st October 2010:
Kicheche Mara Camp, Masai Mara
Nine full days at leisure for photographic game-viewing drives by four-wheel drive vehicle in the Masai Mara. Nature walks are also available. Overnights at Kicheche Camp (twin/double tents, full board). The Masai Mara is one of the few areas left in Africa where animals can be seen in the large numbers that existed a hundred years ago. Over 500 bird species have been recorded in the area. The diverse habitat enables many different species to co-exist: elephant, black rhino, Masai giraffe, Cape buffalo, eland, Burchell’s zebra, topi, Coke’s hartebeest, wildebeest, waterbuck, roan antelope, impala, Thomson’s gazelle, reedbuck, lion, leopard, cheetah, hyena, jackal, the lesser cats, hippo, crocodile, baboon, vervet monkey, warthog, mongoose and many more. During July to mid-October, the Mara is home to the famous wildebeest migration.
Saturday 2nd October 2010: Return flights
Morning game drive for further photographic opportunities. After lunch, transfer back to the airstrip and connect with the scheduled Air Kenya return flight to Wilson Airport, Nairobi. On arrival, you will be met and transferred to a local restaurant where you have the opportunity to have some dinner (not included). Later, transfer out to Jomo Kenyatta Airport where you connect with the return Kenya/British Airways flight to London. Depart Nairobi, overnight in flight.
Sunday 3rd October 2010:
Arrive London. Early morning arrival into London Heathrow Terminal.
Costs:
£4250.00 incl. international flights
cancellations only
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Itinerary - October 1st 10 Days
Friday 1st October 2010:
Outward flight. Depart London Heathrow (Terminal 4) on the evening Kenya or British Airways flight to Nairobi, Kenya.
Saturday 2nd October 2010:
via Nairobi / Kicheche Mara Camp, Masai Mara. Morning arrival into Nairobi. After clearing customs and immigration, you will be met by a representative from Kicheche Mara Camp and transferred across town to Wilson Airport, arriving in time to connect with the scheduled morning Air Kenya flight to the Masai Mara. On arrival into the famous reserve, you are met and transferred to Kicheche Mara Camp. Arrive in the late morning. Afternoon game drive.
Kicheche Mara is a seasonal bush camp in the traditional style, and accommodates a maximum of twenty two guests in comfortable twin/double bedded tents each with en suite bathroom facilities, consisting of a bucket shower (a traditional shower rose fed from a tank), a flush loo, and vanity. The tented camp is set up in a forested location on the northern edge of the Aitong Plains. There is no permanent electricity with lighting provided by battery, solar, candle or hurricane lanterns. Hot water for the bucket showers is available on call. Tents are furnished with proper beds with linen, table and chairs (on the veranda). Meals are generally taken al fresco, although there is a mess tent when the weather is inclement. Kicheche has a secluded tented lounge (the Nyati tent) with a selection of reference books and easy chairs – the perfect spot to relax during the heat of the day. Activities include game-viewing drives, nature walks and visits to local Masai manyattas (villages). At additional cost (around £40.00 per person), you can also experience a night out fly-camping, walking out from Kicheche in the late afternoon and back to camp the following morning – further details on request.
Later you have the opportunity for photographic game-viewing by customised four-wheel drive Kicheche vehicles on the plains before returning to camp at sunset for hot showers and an evening around the camp fire. Overnight Kicheche (twin/double tents, full board).
Sunday 3rd October 2010
to Thursday 7th October 2010:
Kicheche Mara Camp, Masai Mara
Five full days at leisure for photographic game-viewing drives by four-wheel drive vehicle in the Masai Mara. Nature walks are also available. Overnights at Kicheche Camp (twin/double tents, full board). The Masai Mara is one of the few areas left in Africa where animals can be seen in the large numbers that existed a hundred years ago. Over 500 bird species have been recorded in the area. The diverse habitat enables many different species to co-exist: elephant, black rhino, Masai giraffe, Cape buffalo, eland, Burchell’s zebra, topi, Coke’s hartebeest, wildebeest, waterbuck, roan antelope, impala, Thomson’s gazelle, reedbuck, lion, leopard, cheetah, hyena, jackal, the lesser cats, hippo, crocodile, baboon, vervet monkey, warthog, mongoose and many more. During July to mid-October, the Mara is home to the famous wildebeest migration.
Friday 8th October 2010: Return flights
Morning game drive for further photographic opportunities. After lunch, transfer back to the airstrip and connect with the scheduled Air Kenya return flight to Wilson Airport, Nairobi. On arrival, you will be met and transferred to a local restaurant where you have the opportunity to have some dinner (not included). Later, transfer out to Jomo Kenyatta Airport where you connect with the return Kenya/British Airways flight to London. Depart Nairobi, overnight in flight.
Saturday 9th October 2010:
Arrive London. Early morning arrival into London Heathrow Terminal.
Costs:
£3250.00 incl. international flights
1 place available
Included: (both Safaris)
International flights on Kenya Airways or British Airways (economy); transfers in Nairobi; internal flights to the Masai Mara; twin/double* accommodation on full board basis; all game-viewing drives and park entrance fees; laundry and all drinking water at Kicheche; UK and Kenya international airport taxes. Please note that all clients must share a room on this safari. Single travellers are most welcome. Bookings accepted from couples or singles who are prepared to share.
Not Included: (both Safaris)
Visa fees; gratuities and personal items; travel insurance; dinner on the last evening. There is an internal flight weight allowance of 15kgs per person. Extra baggage allowance can be arranged by prior arrangement. Current cost is approx. £2.00/kg.
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Click here to view pictures from Masai Mara 2007
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Click here to view pictures from Masai Mara 2009
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Recommendations
I’ve just finished the first cull of the
The whole journey was an absolute joy. What a nice group of people, all with the same passion and willing to help each other and to share experiences. I dare say that Kees especially learnt a lot from you, John. He had a great time, improving his abilities. And I just loved being in
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Click here to view detailed report of Masai Mara 2007
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Click here to view detailed report of Masai Mara 2008
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Click here to view detailed report of Masai Mara 2009
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2007, 2008 & 2009 Migration Safari Reports
The 2007 Masai Mara Migration Photography Tour was an outstanding success. The group witnessed and photographed two crossings, leopard and cubs (twice), leopard in a tree, cheetah and cubs (twice), lions and cubs (several times), elephants and babies (several times), lions + leopards + cheetahs on prey (all at least twice), lion kill, cheetah kill, crocodile kill, lions suckling tiny babies, big 5 in one day, hippos and tiny babies, plus many, many more animals. Over 70 species of birds identified. Click on the hyperlinks above for more in depth details. In 2008 two groups of photographers went to the same location. One group spent ten nights in the Mara, and the second group six nights. Three people that went in 2007 also returned in 2008. It was a unanimous decision that 2008 was even better than the previous year. Big Cats were everywhere and we got very choosy about which ones we spent time with. They had to be hunting or with cubs for us to stay with them. There was a resident leopard close to our camp with two cubs, and these were regularly spotted out in the open or up trees. One morning we photographed five leopards up four trees in less than two hours. Both groups saw in excess of two thousand wildebeest crossing the Mara River. One of the 2009 participants has been invited by the BBC to submit one of his pictures taken on this safari to the BBC Wildlife Photography Magazine. A fantastic achievement and we wish him every success. In 2009 we once again had clients returning for a second visit. Hard to believe, but it was considered opinion that the quality of the photo opportunities were even better than the year before. Click on the link to the detailed report immediately above for more details.
