This Christmas we launch a new photography safari, taking us from Amboseli, at the foot of the imposing mass of Kilimanjaro, to the Maasai Mara plains, the ultimate African savannah.
A stop at Lake Naivasha will allow us to do unusual activities on a safari: hiking, boating or cycling.
Highlights of the trip
Amboseli
In eastern Kenya, near the Tanzanian border and at Kilimanjaro’s foot, Amboseli National Park is famous for large elephant herds and views of Kilimanjaro’s summit.
Lake Naivasha
Lake Naivasha, in the Rift Valley among extinct volcanoes such as Longonot, offers activities unavailable in other parks: walks, boat trips and cycling.
Masai Mara Reserve
Masai Mara is one of Africa’s most important and wildlife-rich reserves: essential for wildlife lovers and a paradise for nature photographers.
A day on safari
Safaris usually start early to make the most of good visibility and photographic light. Amboseli is one of East Africa's best places to see large elephant herds, while the Maasai Mara offers a chance to spot the Big Five — though nothing on safari is guaranteed! After lunch at camp, when the itinerary allows, we take a second safari until sunset.
Please note:
- The Maasai Mara Reserve is managed by the Maasai community rather than the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS).
- An optional hot-air balloon safari over the savannah at sunrise can be booked in advance.
Accommodation
We use permanent camps or lodges in the parks. Camps may draw electricity from solar panels or generators, so avoid appliances that may not work properly, such as hairdryers. Generators usually switch off at a set time at night to avoid disturbing guests.
All rooms have modern comforts, including a shower, washbasin and toilet.
– Nairobi: Spurwing Guesthouse
– Amboseli: Kibo Safari Camp
– Lake Naivasha: Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge
– Masai Mara: Ashnil Mara Camp
Shared rooms: Published prices are based on twin or double rooms. Single rooms are available for a supplement. Solo travellers wishing to share can request a “room to share” booking.
Transport
We use safari-adapted 4×4 vehicles with pop-up roofs and chassis extended according to capacity. Ideal for reserves, they are slower on road transfers than cars or minibuses. We prioritise their suitability for safaris.
Recommended equipment
– Daypack (20–25 l) for your equipment, glasses, hat, sun protection, water and other daily essentials.
– Comfortable camp shoes and hiking shoes or boots with non-slip soles and ankle support.
– Warm jacket or fleece for nights and mornings. Windproof jacket.
– Headtorch (camps usually use generators for a few hours daily, switching them off at night to avoid noise).
– Chargers for phones, cameras and other devices. Kenya uses British-style sockets with three rectangular pins, so bring an adaptor.
– Good binoculars, ideally 8–10× magnification; higher magnification can make viewing unsteady.
– For photographers: a telephoto or zoom lens, memory cards and spare batteries. A monopod or adaptable support, such as a beanbag filled with rice, helps stabilise the camera.
TIPS
To make loading and unloading easier, it is VERY IMPORTANT to limit luggage to 12–15 kg per person and use soft bags or backpacks.
REMEMBER THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT’S RECENT BAN ON BRINGING PLASTIC BAGS INTO THE COUNTRY – #StopPlastic
Our New Year trip to Kenya
✔️ Trip to Kenya
✔️ nature and wildlife 8 days
✔️ Departure 29 DEC 2021
✔️ Price from 2560€
An intensive safari from Amboseli, beneath Kilimanjaro’s imposing mass, to the Masai Mara plains. A stop at Lake Naivasha adds hiking, boat trips and cycling to the safari experience.
