African Wildlife Photography Tours
2027 Big Cats of Kenya
Embark on an unforgettable Kenya wildlife photography safari into the heart of the Masai Mara—an all-inclusive, expertly guided experience designed for photographers seeking extraordinary encounters with Africa’s most iconic predators.
Big Cat Photography in the Masai Mara
Your journey takes place in the legendary Masai Mara, within the exclusive Mara North Conservancy—widely regarded as one of the best locations in Africa for big cat photography. This predator-rich ecosystem is home to an exceptional density of lions, leopards, and cheetahs, offering unmatched opportunities to observe and photograph natural behavior.
By focusing entirely on this region, our Masai Mara photography tour allows you to go beyond sightings. We spend meaningful time with individual animals, learning their patterns and anticipating key moments—whether it’s a hunt unfolding, cubs at play, or the quiet intensity of a leopard moving through golden light. This deeper approach leads to more powerful storytelling and a stronger, more cohesive wildlife portfolio.
Mara North Conservancy: Exclusive Access for Photographers
Our base in the Mara North Conservancy provides a distinct advantage for serious photographers. With limited vehicle numbers, off-road driving access, and extended time in the field during optimal light, this is one of the most sought-after regions for a Kenya photography safari.
You’ll photograph from custom-designed safari vehicles built specifically for photographers, with your own row and the ability to shoot from both sides. This ensures maximum flexibility, comfort, and creative control in every situation. The result is a more productive, immersive experience—one that allows you to fully focus on capturing exceptional images of Kenya’s big cats.
At KAR Safaris, we specialize in small group wildlife photography tours in Kenya, combining expert guiding with a deep understanding of animal behavior and photographic storytelling. This is more than a safari—it’s a dedicated photographic experience designed to elevate your images.
Join us in the Masai Mara for a big cat photography safari in Kenya that goes beyond the ordinary. With limited spaces available, this exclusive tour offers unparalleled access to one of Africa’s most iconic wildlife destinations.
Trip Overview
2027 Dates: 01 - 10 Dec 2027 (Space Available)
Cost: $11,200 per person, double occupancy
$1400 Single supplement
Tour Leaders: Kate & Adam Rice
Tour Start/End Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Accomodations: Beautful safari camp
Fitness Level: Easy
We will primarily be in safari vehicles
Group Size: 6-9 guests
What’s Included:
All national park and conservancy fees
Private safari vehicles with one passenger per row
Morning and evening game drives
All domestic flights
All shuttles and transfers
Highly trained & experienced local guides
All accomodations
Freshly cooked meals
Not Included:
International flights to & from Nairobi, Kenya
Additional hotel nights, if desired
Travel insurance
Lodge staff and guide gratuity
Why This Tour Stands Out
Expertly Crafted for Photographers
This itinerary was created by a team of seasoned wildlife photography leaders with decades of experience guiding in Africa. Every element—from routing to pacing to positioning—has been intentionally designed to deliver exceptional photographic opportunities rather than a standard sightseeing safari.
Seamless, Thoughtful Planning From Start to Finish
From the moment you land in Nairobi to your final departure, every detail of your journey is carefully managed. Transfers, internal flights, accommodations, meals, and daily field schedules are planned with precision so you can stay fully focused on what you came for: creating extraordinary images. All you need to do is arrive; we handle the rest.
Unmatched Shooting Conditions
Each guest enjoys a private row in our open-sided, windowless safari vehicles, ensuring unobstructed views and ample space for gear. While exploring private conservancies, we are permitted to drive off-road, allowing us to position perfectly for iconic behavior, clean backgrounds, and intimate wildlife encounters—far from the crowds and limitations of traditional parks.
Camp Chosen for Light, Location, and Wildlife
We’ve handpicked accomodations located at the crossroads of Africa’s most dynamic wildlife activity and its most breathtaking light. By staying where golden hours meet prime big cat and big tusker territory, you’re positioned to capture dramatic, portfolio-worthy images morning and evening.
Example Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi
Touch down in Nairobi, Kenya, where you’ll be met and transferred to our carefully selected accommodations. Settle in, meet your guides, and unwind after your travels as you prepare for the adventure ahead.
Day 2: Flight to the Mara North Conservancy
After breakfast, we take a scenic bush flight from Nairobi to the Mara North Conservancy in the Masai Mara. Upon arrival, settle into camp before heading out on your first game drive in one of Africa’s most predator-rich ecosystems.
Days 2–9: Big Cats of the Masai Mara
Spend your days immersed in the wildlife-rich landscapes of the Mara North Conservancy, widely regarded as one of the best locations in Africa for big cat encounters. Lions, leopards, and cheetahs are the primary focus, with each day offering new opportunities to observe and photograph natural behavior.
Our schedule is intentionally flexible, allowing us to maximize time in the field during the best light and most active wildlife periods. With exclusive conservancy access, we can go off-road when appropriate and spend extended time with sightings—giving you the opportunity to anticipate behavior and create more compelling, story-driven images.
Between game drives, enjoy time in camp to rest, review images, and prepare for the next outing. This extended stay in a single region allows us to develop a deeper understanding of the wildlife and dramatically improves photographic opportunities.
Day 10: Departure
Enjoy a final morning game drive in the Mara North Conservancy before flying back to Nairobi. From here, you may connect with your international departure or choose to extend your stay with an additional night in Nairobi (not included).
A Safari That Goes Far Beyond the Big Icons
Yes, we’ll focus on lions, leopards, cheetahs, — but the magic of this ecosystem lies in everything that fills the spaces between. Herds of wildebeest kick up golden dust at sunrise. Giraffes stride across the horizon like living silhouettes. Troops of baboons chatter in the riverine forests beneath clouds of brilliantly colored birds. Along the water’s edge, hippos bellow while crocodiles sun themselves in ancient stillness.
And then there are the surprises—an impossibly tiny dik-dik stepping from the shadows, a bushbaby glinting in our spotlight after dark, or a curious mongoose standing tall just long enough for a frame.
Every day brings something unexpected, and every encounter adds a layer to your photographic story.
You may encounter:
Predators & Elusive Hunters
Lion
Leopard
Cheetah
Spotted hyena
Jackals
Primates & Small Mammals
Vervet monkeys
Olive baboons
Bushbaby
Banded & darf mongoose
River & Wetland Wildlife
Hippo
Crocodile
Herbivores & Iconic Grazers
Elephant
Cape buffalo
Masai giraffe
Plains zebra
White-bearded wildebeast
Eland
Waterbuck
Hartebeest
Topi
Thomson’s & Grant’s gazelles
Dik-dik
Warthog
Birdlife (Hundreds of Species)
From raptors and rollers to sunbirds, hoopoes, bustards, cranes, kingfishers, and more—this region is a paradise for bird photographers.
FAQ
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Contact us to talk through any additional questions you may have. Your spot will be secured once the deposit has been collected.
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Yes! The single supplement fee is $1400 per person.
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In the North Mara Conservancy, you’ll stay in a beautiful, traditional East African safari camp that blends comfort with an authentic bush experience. These are not “camping” tents—they’re spacious, well-appointed canvas suites comparable to lodge rooms in both comfort and amenities. Each tent features proper beds with high-quality linens, ample space for gear, charging facilities, flush toilets, and en suite traditional hot safari showers. It’s the perfect balance of immersion in nature without sacrificing the comforts you’d expect from a premium safari.
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Absoluely! We have many people join our trips who want to come and enjoy this incredible experience. Guests are welcome to join us on our excursions each day or kick back at our beautiful accomodations.
All guests are responsible for full tour tuition regardless of whether or not they are a photographer.
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Cell service may be available intermittently in certain areas.
WIFI will be available at our lodging.
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Daily temperatures range from 40-70F. Plan for cool mornings and rain is possible.
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We will provide a detailed packing list upon securing your spot on this trip.
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We will opportunities to photograph using a wide range of focal lengths. It is best to bring the long lenses as well as landscape lenses.
Why KAR Safaris?
At KAR Safaris, we’re different — and proud of it. We’re deeply passionate about what we do, and we bring a warm, welcoming spirit to every tour. Our trips are filled with laughter, camaraderie, and profound wildlife experiences that leave lasting impressions. We work hard to make sure you know exactly what to expect before you join us — no surprises, except the good kind! Genuine and honest to a fault, we believe in under-promising and over-delivering at every turn.
When you travel with us, you’re treated like a good friend, not just another client. We understand that every guest is different. Whether you just want to enjoy the wildlife or are a serious photographer, and we cater to your individual needs — offering personalized instruction if you want it, or simply giving you the space to enjoy the experience if you don’t. Our commitment is simple: create unforgettable experiences, built on trust, kindness, and a shared love of the natural world.
Have a small group or want a more exclusive experience? Ask about setting up a custom tour. From day trips to week long adventures, we can make your dream photography adventure a reality.
We recommend trip insurance for all of our tours and trips.