There are wildlife destinations that offer incredible sightings, and then there are places that feel almost mythical. Kenya's Laikipia Plateau is one of those rare places.

We're thrilled to introduce our newest Special Edition photography workshop: Shadows of Laikipia: Black Leopards & Rhinos of Kenya; an unforgettable wildlife photography safari built around one of Africa's rarest and most sought-after photographic subjects.

This is far more than a traditional African safari.

Set within one of Kenya's premier private conservancies, this exclusive experience gives photographers access to vast protected landscapes, exceptional wildlife encounters, and the freedom to focus on creating extraordinary images rather than navigating crowds. Alongside the legendary black leopard, you'll photograph endangered black and white rhinos, elephants, lions, zebras, giraffes, African wild dogs, and an incredible diversity of birdlife across one of Africa's most celebrated conservation success stories.

The Legendary Black Leopard

Few animals have captured the imagination of wildlife photographers quite like the black leopard.

These melanistic leopards are exceptionally rare, and for many photographers, seeing one in the wild remains a lifelong dream. Thanks to decades of conservation and the expertise of local trackers, Laikipia has earned a reputation as one of the very few places on Earth where photographers have a genuine opportunity to encounter and photograph these extraordinary felines. While wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed, the region's remarkable track record has made it a bucket-list destination for serious wildlife photographers around the world.

Against the warm golden light of the African bush, their dark coats reveal subtle rosette patterns that emerge as light shifts across their bodies. It's a subject unlike any other, demanding patience, observation, and thoughtful composition.

We'll spend multiple game drives focusing on these remarkable predators. Because we're operating within a private conservancy, our guides have the flexibility to spend more time with wildlife, carefully positioning the vehicle for the best light and cleanest backgrounds instead of rushing from sighting to sighting.

As daylight fades, the experience continues with carefully managed night safaris, offering the chance to witness Laikipia's nocturnal wildlife in a completely different light. These evening drives add another exciting dimension to the photographic opportunities and provide the possibility of unforgettable encounters after sunset.

For many photographers, this opportunity alone is worth the journey.

A Rhino Conservation Success Story

While the black leopard may be the headline attraction, this workshop offers another extraordinary opportunity: photographing both black and white rhinos in one of Africa's greatest conservation success stories; Solio Conservancy.

Rhino populations here have rebounded thanks to decades of dedicated conservation efforts, creating exceptional opportunities for ethical wildlife photography while contributing directly to the long-term protection of these iconic animals.

Watching a massive white rhino graze peacefully across open grasslands or witnessing the more solitary and prehistoric-looking black rhino emerge from dense brush offers an incredible contrast in both behavior and photographic style.

These encounters are about more than checking another species off a list. They're an opportunity to document conservation in action while creating powerful wildlife portraits that few photographers ever have the chance to take.

An Incredible Diversity of Wildlife

Although black leopards and rhinos define this workshop, Laikipia's remarkable biodiversity is what makes the experience truly unforgettable.

Often described as one of Kenya's hidden gems, the region offers a quieter, more intimate safari experience than many of Africa's better-known parks while supporting an astonishing variety of wildlife.

Throughout the trip, photographers may encounter elephants crossing dry riverbeds, lions resting beneath acacia trees, endangered African wild dogs moving through the landscape, elegant giraffes browsing the treetops, and the beautifully striped Grevy's zebra found only in northern Kenya. The conservancy is also home to both black and white rhinos, making it one of the few places where photographers can build a truly diverse African wildlife portfolio in a single journey.

For bird photographers, Laikipia is equally rewarding. Kingfishers, hornbills, bee-eaters, raptors, and countless other species offer endless opportunities to add vibrant avian images to your collection.

Designed for Wildlife Photographers

Every aspect of this Special Edition workshop has been built around photography.

To maximize our time in the field, we'll travel by private charter flight directly into Laikipia, minimizing long overland transfers and allowing us to spend more time where it matters most; photographing wildlife.
Once in the conservancy, we'll photograph from custom-designed safari vehicles built specifically for photographers, giving every guest plenty of room to work comfortably while allowing our guides to position the vehicle for the strongest compositions and the best available light.

Casey Mannes spearheads this expedition as one of Backcountry Journeys highest regarded guides, and will help you refine your technique, improve your compositions, anticipate wildlife behavior, and build a portfolio that tells the story of this extraordinary ecosystem!

Whether you're planning your first African safari or returning in search of something truly unique, this experience has been thoughtfully designed to help you make the most of every moment in the field!

Photography That Gives Back

One of the most rewarding aspects of visiting Laikipia is knowing that your experience contributes to something larger.

The conservancies you'll explore represent decades of collaboration between conservation organizations, local communities, and responsible tourism operators working together to protect wildlife and preserve critical habitat. Every visit helps support ongoing conservation efforts while demonstrating the value of protecting these remarkable landscapes for future generations.

It's an opportunity to create extraordinary photographs while helping ensure these species continue to thrive.

Join Us in Kenya

Few photography adventures combine such a rare subject with such an extraordinary supporting cast! From elusive black leopards and thriving rhino populations to photographer-designed vehicles, private conservancy access, and intimate wildlife encounters; Shadows of Laikipia offers an African safari unlike any other.

If you've been dreaming of photographing one of Africa's rarest predators while experiencing one of Kenya's most spectacular wildlife destinations, we'd love to have you join us!

Learn more about our new Shadows of Laikipia: Black Leopards & Rhinos of Kenya photography workshop and reserve your spot today!