12-day wildlife photo tour in Kenya
February 8 – 19, 2025
Update sept ’24: trip confirmed; two spots available with a 400 USD discount!
In 2025 I will return to Kenya together with Simone Janssen and WOW Safaris, this time for a very interesting 12-day photo tour that will take you to some of the most beautiful game parks in Kenya.
This trip is suitable for every photographer with an interest in wildlife (and landscapes), regardless of experience or level. It doesn’t matter if you’ve just started or if you’re more advanced and neither does your camera gear matters; everyone’s welcome. During the trip we have plenty of opportunity for individual guidance and questions, so everyone will return home with beautiful photos. Non-photographing participants or travel companions are also welcome on this trip.
Curious? Find out everything about this trip below!
Kenya: a very versatile (safari) destination
This is the third time that Simone and I are returning to Kenya for a photo trip, and with good reason: this beautiful East African destination offers a huge variety of landscapes and animals. There is hardly any other country in Africa that has so much diversity to offer in terms of natural beauty. From snow-capped mountain peaks to bone-dry deserts; Kenya has it all!
During this trip we will visit a number of iconic nature reserves: Tsavo (East and West) and Amboseli in the south and, more centrally located, Samburu and Ol Pejeta. At these places we have a chance to see the big cats (lion, leopard and cheetah), but also elephants, giraffes, rhinos, and of course much more.
The special thing about visiting different places is that each park has its own characteristic landscape and animal population. In short; plenty of variety and photo opportunities!
a map of Kenya, with a rough outline of our route
A bit of general information about Kenya
Kenya borders several countries: Ethiopia to the north, Somalia and the Indian Ocean to the east, Tanzania to the south and Lake Victoria, Uganda and South Sudan to the west.
It is about 14 times the size of the Netherlands but has proportionately much fewer inhabitants: about 55 million. The capital Nairobi is by far the largest city and is an important hub not only in Kenya but also for the whole of Africa.
The population consists of many different tribes, all of which have their own customs, language and culture. The Kikuyu, Masai and Turkana are the most well known. In addition to their respective native languages, English and Swahili are commonly spoken throughout the country.
Kenya is located on the equator. The climate is tropical, but due to the large differences in altitude there are local differences in precipitation and average temperatures. The national currency in Kenya is the Shilling.
Who is this trip for?
This trip is for anyone who loves nature, enjoys taking pictures and has the patience to observe quietly and wait for that one great moment! Although it is a photo tour, you really don’t have to be a professional photographer or a very experienced safari traveller.
We simply want you to fully enjoy all that Africa has to offer. And we want to give you plenty of opportunities – and teach you how – to take great photos, at any level. Photographing wildlife sometimes requires some different skills than what you may be used to, but we can definitely help you with that.
Do realize though that travelling in Africa may be different than a regular vacation. There are not always toilets nearby, there might be a power outage and the food might sometimes be different than what you are used to (with a lot of Indian influences!). But that is what makes this trip interesting; embrace and enjoy the experience of visiting a very different place! All we ask, is a bit of flexibility and understanding from your side.
There is only room for 6 people per trip, so don’t wait too long – this is really a great offer for a fantastic safari!
Overnight stays
The accommodations we are using are lodges with rooms and some with tents (with ensuite bathroom). For this trip we chose places that are clean, comfortable and provide good food but that are not overly luxurious. Remember that our goal is nature, and we will spend most of our time out there looking for animals. And with the right guides you will eventually see the same things as guests of 5-star lodges.
Below you can see an impression of the places where we will stay:
Our safari vehicles
WOW Safaris has its own vehicles, of which we’ll use two. These special semi-open 4×4 Land Cruisers not only take us by road to the various parks in Kenya, but we also use them for game drives: because the sides can be opened, there is a clear view to the left and the right. And the roof can open so you can stand up and photograph from there!
There’s room for our guide in the front and one for us, your photography host, in the co-driver’s seat. There are three rows of seats at the back, which means that with 6 guests in total (and 3 per vehicle) we have a full row per person at our disposal. That’s very nice, because it means: plenty of room to move around and plenty of space for your (photo) bag!
There is also a cooler in the back of the car for cold drinks, and there are charging points for camera batteries.
Your guides and tour hosts
Two experienced guides from WOW Safaris will accompany us.
They will drive the cars, manage the communication and have the final responsibility. Our guides have a phenomenal knowledge of the animals (and how to find them) and are used to working with (professional) photographers or film crews, which means that they know how to ideally position our vehicle at sightings and how you can play with the light as a photographer or videographer.
In addition, we will accompany you as a host and photography teacher. That means we can tell you a lot about wildlife photography. Think of the right camera settings (which are very different for wildlife than, for example, portrait photography or weddings), how you can make optimal use of the light, and how you can create creative wildlife images with special techniques. We do this during the drives, but also in camp where we can help you with tips for selecting or post-processing your photos in Lightroom.
And because of the ratio of one host to three guests, there’s plenty of opportunity for individual questions and help.
Evert Doorn
I myself (Evert) did an overland trip of seven months from the UK to Cape Stap almost twenty years ago with my wife Dieuwke. After that we returned many times to Africa. I learned a lot from various, very experienced wildlife photographers. I have photographed in South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, India and especially Kenya. The big cats are definitely my favorite, but I also find the small animals and landscapes interesting. In the Netherlands I have been a professional photographer for weddings and business assignments for many years. I am also a photography teacher at the Gooische Fotoschool. You can find my current wildlife work on Instagram ( @thewildsite)
Simone Janssen
Simone has worked as a (camping) tour guide in Southern Africa from 2004 to 2007. During that period she did a full-time one month course at Eco Training to learn more about the bush: its animals, trees, tracks and everything else that is part of the great African circle of life. In addition, Simone has worked as a trainer and coach. In the Netherlands, Simone is a very experienced professional photographer, especially for weddings, but as soon as she has the opportunity, she will travel to Africa again! Her work can be found on Instagram: @simone_afrika
Photography equipment
It is recommended to bring a camera that you are familiar with. If you have another camera, be sure to take it with you as a backup or to quickly change lens types without the need to swap lenses. We recommend a wide-angle lens for landscape photos and a telephoto (zoom) lens to get closer to animals. Think of a lens that can go up to 400, 500 or even 600 mm. So-called ‘bean bags’ to support your lens are available in the cars. An extender is certainly useful, although you will probably want to take it off at night to make your lens a bit brighter.
Renting equipment is also an option to keep in mind. If you are unsure whether your camera or lenses are sufficient, please contact us.
Also remember that you bring enough storage with you, also to make a backup if necessary. A laptop or extra memory cards are not an unnecessary luxury! Finally, don’t forget your phone as an option to take photos or videos up close.
Extending your trip
We offer this photo tour with Nairobi as the starting and ending point. Halfway, we’ll return to Nairobi for one day, because we need this as a hub to connect to the northern parks.
After the trip, you might want to extend your holiday with a visit to one of the other reserves in Kenya such as the Masai Mara, or a stay on the coast. If you wish to fly to South Africa for example, this is of course perfectly possible from Nairobi.
WOW Safaris can help you with an extension in Kenya, and in Southern Africa we have contacts who can help you if you wish.
Why is this specifically a photo tour?
- To start with, you will learn a lot about (wildlife) photography! We sleep, eat and drink photography and are not only passionate about this form of photography, but also very motivated to share our knowledge and ensure that you’ll go home with beautiful photos
- We have enough space in the cars; no one has to sit in the middle
- Our local guides also take photographs themselves and can therefore help find the right angle or the best light – and of course they have a lot of knowledge about the animals and their behavior
- There is no rush to find the next animal and tick off boxes on a list; we take photos as long as we want and no one asks ‘are you ready yet?’
- As photographers, we see light differently than other tourists and that means that we try for situations and positions that make our photographs more than just snapshots
- Back at camp there is plenty of time to view and edit photos, learn from each other and talk about photography for hours!
Dates, costs and itinerary
Travel dates: February 9-20, 2025
Costs: USD 4995 per person (including last minute 400 usd discount)
The total costs are based on double room occupancy. Would you rather not share a room? Of course that is also possible; the fee for single supplement is $ 750. The payment and price is in US dollars because you book directly with WOW safaris which is based in Kenya. The deposit for this trip is 30% and the invoice will be sent once the trip is full and confirmed.
Summary of the itnerary (for the full program, scroll below)
Day 1: arrival in Nairobi, first meeting
Day 2: early departure to Tsavo East, afternoon drive
Day 3: full day in Tsavo East
Day 4: departure to Tsavo West, afternoon drive
Day 5: morning drive, departure to Amboseli and afternoon drive
Day 6: full day in Amboseli
Day 7: morning drive, departure to Nairobi
Day 8: departure to Samburu, afternoon drive
Day 9: full day in Samburu
Day 10: morning drive, departure to Ol Pejeta, afternoon and evening drive (return in the dark)
Day 11: full day Ol Pejeta
Day 12: morning drive, departure and arrival in Nairobi
What is included?
- all transport from Nairobi to Nairobi
- eleven nights based on double rooms
- English speaking local guides
- English speaking professional photographers as host
- meals as described in the detailed itinerary (see below)
- all park entry and conservation fees
- coffee, tea and water, and snacks in the vehicles
- an extensive information document provided in advance about what to bring with you for clothing, finances, health, and of course photo equipment
What is not included?
- international flights
- eTA (electronic travel authorization; can be requested online in advance and costs approximately $31)
- all drinks and snacks and meals not mentioned in the daily overview
- travel vaccinations
- tavel and cancellation insurance
- tips and souvenirs
Full itinerary
Day 1 (arrival in Nairobi)
Most flights arrive in the evening. You will be picked up at the airport and taken to Progressive Park in the city, where we will briefly meet up and then go to sleep, because the alarm clock is set very early for tomorrow morning!
Day 2 (with breakfast, lunch and dinner)
We get into the safari rhythm right away! After an early breakfast (possibly we’ll bring a packed breakfast with us), we set off for Tsavo East. This is a drive of about half a day. Tsavo East is known for its red sand that can produce beautiful photos with red dust in a soft sunset. Tsavo East is separated from West by the well-known railway line that runs from Nairobi to Mombasa on the coast. After lunch, and once we have checked in, we leave for a first afternoon drive in the park.
Day 3 (with breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Today we’ll further explore Tsavo East. Depending on where the animals are located, we do a separate morning and afternoon drive, or alternatively a full day out (bringing lunch with us). These are things that we’ll usually decide on the spot, depending on the circumstances and wishes. Tsavo is much quieter than, for example, the Masai Mara, which gives us plenty of opportunity to take nice photographs here.
Day 4 (with breakfast, lunch and dinner)
We’ll bring breakfast with us and go for another morning drive in Tsavo East. We then move to the adjacent and more remote Tsavo West. We cross the railway line and the highway and arrive in Tsavo West, on the border with Tanzania. After checking in and lunch we will do our first afternoon drive here. In this area we see remains of volcanoes, swamps and water sources: together forming a very interesting landscape, with of course the well-known red earth.
Day 5 (with breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Tsavo West is not as big as East and that is why we only sleep here one night. We do a morning drive with breakfast and after that we have a short drive to Amboseli. This iconic park is best known for the photos with Kilimanjaro in the background. So fingers crossed for a clear day, and elephants in the foreground! But this place has much more to offer, such as the birds (pelicans, kingfishers, flamingos), the hippos and all the other animals that live here.
Day 6 (with breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Today we do a morning and afternoon drive in Amboseli. Depending on the circumstances, we will see where we can take the most beautiful photos!
Day 7 (with breakfast)
We do one last morning drive in Amboseli, and after checking out we head back to Nairobi. Samburu is too far to drive in one day, so we do that with a stopover in Nairobi where we will spend the night again in Progressive Park in the evening. After arrival, everyone is free to spend the evening as they wish. A large shopping mall with various shops and restaurants is just around the corner.
Day 8 (with breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Today we leave early again with a packed breakfast, but this time towards Samburu in the north. Along the way we pass the snow-capped mountain peaks of Mount Kenya. Then we descent the plateau and the temperature will rise. Samburu is located in a semi-arid desert area and that affects both the landscape and wildlife!
In Samburu, for example, you will find the generuk, but predators are also present here. Samburu is also a beautiful place to spot birds of prey and large herds of elephants. After arrival and lunch we will do an afternoon drive.
Day 9 (with breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Full day in Samburu, looking for animals and great photo opportunities!
Day 10 (with breakfast, lunch and dinner)
After a morning drive (we take breakfast with us) we leave Samburu and slowly head back in the direction of Nairobi, but fortunately we are not there yet! Our final two nights are in Ol Pejeta. Ol Pejeta is a 90,000 hectare nature reserve under private management. The site is known as the largest black rhino sanctuary in Eastern Africa, and works closely with the local community. In addition to the rhinos, the reserve is also home to big cats (although leopards are quite shy) and occasionally even wild dogs are spotted.
After arrival and lunch we will set off for an afternoon and early evening drive, so we’ll return post-sunset. A unique opportunity to create exciting images: because we have two cars, we can help each other with headlights for backlight. We aim to see animals that are only active at night such as certain smaller cats, owls and monkeys.
Day 11 (with breakfast, lunch and dinner)
The last full day of game drives. We don’t know exactly what we will encounter, but we are going to enjoy it to the fullest!
Day 12 (with breakfast)
We do one last morning drive, and after breakfast we depart for Nairobi where we arrive in the afternoon; in time for those who have a flight home in the evening.
Bookings
You book directly with WOW Safaris. The trip will take place with a minimum of six participants and once it is full and confirmed, the invoice for the first deposit will be sent. This must be paid within six weeks to confirm your place. The remaining part must be paid 90 days before the start. You are expected to arrange your own travel and cancellation insurance.
A safari is a special experiene and we offer you the opportunity to go on a great photo tour in Kenya. You certainly won’t be disappointed. Don’t think too long, just go with it!
If you have any questions first, please feel free to contact me via the general form, or call or app me on +31 (06) 24528768
“In January 2019 we went on a photo trip to the Masai Mara with Evert and it was great. Everything was very well arranged, we stayed in a safari camp where you really feel like you are Out of Africa. It was the perfect base to see different parts of the Mara. We were able to photograph a lot of wildlife, the highlight being the leopard mother with cub. Evert is not only a photographer and photography teacher, so he can always give many tips, he is also a very experienced traveler. So if something doesn’t go quite according to plan, he knows how to solve it without us really noticing. It was a great trip and comes highly recommended!” Ellen & Marco