Specialist Camps
Photograph Africa’s wildlife in its natural habitat staying at the renowned Kicheche Camps.
Set out on a photographic safari through the heart of wild Kenya. Capture the best of Africa’s wildlife on camera, in private conservancies, with exclusive use of a vehicle and guide. Fly between Laikipia and the Masai Mara, spending time at luxurious tented camps.
Key Highlights of this Itinerary
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Private Vehicles
Take advantage of exclusive-use vehicles with accompanying guides.
Laikipia Wildlife
Track lions across the plains of Laikipia and visit the last surviving northern white rhinos.
Balloon Ride
Have the chance to take a sunrise balloon ride over the vast Masai Mara.
Why we like it
Wildlife encounters abound throughout both conservancies, but the exclusive nature of this trip means that photographers can make the most of them. Private vehicles afford flexibility that can be invaluable, whilst the protected nature of the conservancies makes for incredible, uninterrupted encounters. Both camps cater expertly to the demands of photographers offering complete flexibility, with game drives having no fixed length or schedule.
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Day 1
Nairobi - Ol Pejeta Conservancy (Kicheche Laikipia)
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Day 2 - 3
Ol Pejeta Conservancy (Kicheche Laikipia)
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Day 4
Ol Pejeta Conservancy - Masai Mara (Kicheche Bush Camp)
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Day 5 - 6
Masai Mara (Kicheche Bush Camp)
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Day 7
Masai Mara - Nairobi
Day 1
Nairobi - Ol Pejeta Conservancy (Kicheche Laikipia)
Arrive in Nairobi and fly by light aircraft to Laikipia, staying at Kicheche Laikipia in the Ol Pejeta Conservancy.
Day 2 - 3
Ol Pejeta Conservancy (Kicheche Laikipia)
Explore the plains, canyons and valleys of this private reserve in search of black rhinos, elephants, buffalos, giraffes, lions, cheetahs and more. Have a private vehicle that has been customised for photography.
Day 4
Ol Pejeta Conservancy - Masai Mara (Kicheche Bush Camp)
Fly south to the game-rich plains of the iconic Masai Mara, home to a wealth of animal life. Here, avoid the crowds of the reserve and head to the exclusive Olare Motorogi Conservancy, staying at Kicheche Bush Camp.
Day 5 - 6
Masai Mara (Kicheche Bush Camp)
Explore the wild conservancy landscape, in search of leopards, cheetahs and lions. During migration season, watch as the terrain is flooded with waves of zebras and wildebeests.
Day 7
Masai Mara - Nairobi
Fly back to Nairobi and connect with your international flight.
More Details
Specialist Photographic Guides
The guides on this trip are all a minimum of silver standard (as per the Kenya Professional Safari Guides Association grading system). They have all been trained in dealing with the needs of photographers on safari and excel on vehicle approach, positioning and the importance of lighting.
Just as important is that Kicheche’s guides have all received training on how to actually take good wildlife photos themselves and many have become keen and talented photographers. This could explain why many pro photographers choose Kicheche:
“Patrick at Kicheche is one of the finest specialist photographic guides on the entire continent, he certainly is the finest I have ever worked with!”
Greg du Toit – Winner of BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year, 2013
Customised Vehicles
Safaris will be taken in Toyota Land Cruisers that have been built around the needs of the photographer, with an open roof, super-wide window frames and bean bags as standard with camera platforms available on request.
Laikipia
Begin this wildlife-focussed trip in Ol Pejeta Conservancy, in Laikipia. Stay at the intimate Laikipia Kicheche Camp, which lies between a dense indigenous forest and popular waterhole. Explore the plains, canyons and valleys of this private reserve in search of black rhinos, elephants, buffalos, giraffes, lions, cheetahs and more.
The Ol Pejeta Conservancy is not just bursting with wildlife. It is also packed with additional activities. Track collared lions as they stalk their prey, take bush walks through the reserve, visit the last surviving population of northern white rhinos, canoe quietly across sheltered waters and mountain bike over pristine landscapes.
Masai Mara
Fly to the famous Masai Mara, home to one of the most fascinating wildlife phenomena – the annual migration of wildebeests. Here, stay in the beautiful Olare Motorogi Conservancy, which offers uncrowded, exclusive wildlife viewing. Again make use of private vehicles and guides; head out in search of the countless species that either hunt or graze on the plains of the Mara.
Take advantage of this outstanding natural environment and set out on foot to explore the conservancy. Bush walks offer a more intimate, more natural experience, which can be enhanced by a night fly camping in the bush. Alternatively, take to the air at dawn and float above the landscape as wild animals wander noiselessly below, then land to a champagne breakfast.
How does this holiday make a positive impact?
- Relevant SDGs
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The Kicheche camps stand out as leaders when it comes to sustainable tourism practices. They commit 25% of all revenue to conservation, with this money being used to prevent poaching, manage the conservancy and reduce human-wildlife conflict. This unwavering commitment to conservation not only ensures the camps make a positive impact in the short term but also establishes responsible practices that will have long term benefits for the local environment.
Travel to the areas included in this holiday idea provides direct financial support to conservation areas in Kenya. These include the Ol Pejeta Conservancy and the Olare Motorigi Conservancy, both of which are home to a number of endangered African species. In particular, Ol Pejeta is renowned as one of the last sanctuaries for the critically endangered eastern black rhino and its continued existence is pivotal to the species’ survival.
This holiday includes a stay in the Olare Motorogi Conservancy, which is a successful community conservancy located on the edge of the Masai Mara National Reserve. Created in partnership with the local community, the conservancy leases land for the purposes of tourism and conservation. This in turn provides income for the local landowners, ensuring that there is a shared desire for success at the heart of this innovative partnership.
Learn more about the UN's 17 sustainability goals
A note on price
Prices will vary depending on the time of year you are travelling. Prices do not include international flights. Please ask one of our Travel Experts for an accurate quote. Flights purchased through Steppes Travel departing from the UK are ATOL protected.
This Itinerary
Price
From £6,325 Per person
When to travel
Kenya in January
The hottest month across much of the country, and an excellent time to spot wildlife with lower visitor numbers. The seas are at their clearest, the landscape is still lush, but it is dry and sunny in general.
Kenya in February
The high temperatures continue, and it remains virtually dry, but the landscape should still be fairly green. Conditions are still excellent for wildlife viewing, with lower visitor numbers.
Kenya in March
The start of the main rainy season, but still good for wildlife viewing with the chance to see newborns.
Kenya in April
This is not the ideal time to travel. Some lodges close as the rainy season gets into full swing. Roads can be treacherous, and the coast becomes very hot and wet.
Kenya in May
May is the height of the rainy season and so many places will be closed with driving conditions becoming poor due to the heavy rainfall.
Kenya in June
The rains start to abate, and the landscape is as green and lush as it gets. This does make spotting wildlife a little trickier, but it is a beautiful time across the country.
Kenya in July
The start of the mass migration into the Masai Mara. Dry weather dominates across the country, with the occasional shower. This is the coolest month, with visitor numbers increasing.
Kenya in August
This is peak season in Kenya, especially in the Masai Mara, where it is the peak of the Great Migration. Exceptional game viewing is possible as animals congregate around watering holes and rivers.
Kenya in September
The weather remains dry, and there are still fantastic opportunities for game viewing in the Masai Mara as wildlife gathers around watering holes.
Kenya in October
As the temperatures rise, so does the chance of a shower or two. The herds of wildlife begin to leave the Masai Mara, but plenty of residents can still be seen. Visitor numbers are lower and it is a great time to visit across the country.
Kenya in November
The start of the short rainy season, as temperatures continue to increase. Many destinations are open, but around Laikipia, places close at this time.
Kenya in December
The end of the year brings the peak of the short rainy season. Hot and wet conditions dominate, but the scenery is beautiful and green, and there is still plenty of wildlife to be seen.
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Our knowledge and expertise set us apart. So too our curiosity. It is this that drives us to create a journey that is really bespoke to you, all the while ensuring we travel and operate sustainably.
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