The Great Migration: Photograph millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles as they cross the Mara River in one of nature’s most dramatic events.
Predator Encounters: Capture lions, cheetahs, and leopards in action as they hunt amidst the migration herds.
Golden Light & Vast Landscapes: Experience breathtaking sunrises and sunsets that transform the savanna into a canvas of color and contrast.
Expert Guidance & Creative Growth: Learn advanced wildlife photography techniques and composition skills from experienced guides and instructors.

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If you have any questions about a trip, itinerary, or gear, our Photo Experience Team is available for a personalized one-on-one consultation to provide all the details you need.

Trip Description:

There are few places on Earth that embody the drama and beauty of wildlife photography quite like Kenya’s Masai Mara. Each year, more than a million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles sweep across its golden plains in one of nature’s most astonishing spectacles—the Great Migration. For photographers, it’s not just a safari; it’s a front-row seat to raw, untamed life unfolding beneath some of Africa’s most dramatic skies.

The Mara’s magic lies in its endless contrasts. Mornings begin with mist rising from the savanna as the first light paints acacia trees in soft gold. By mid-day, dust and motion fill the frame as herds thunder toward the Mara River, where crocodiles wait in patient stillness. Evenings bring the kind of light that every photographer dreams of—low, warm, and cinematic, perfect for backlit silhouettes of giraffes, lions, and elephants moving through the grass. Every hour here brings a new mood, a new story, and a new image worth capturing.

This workshop is designed to put you in the right place at the right time. With multiple full days in both the Mara Triangle and the Masai Mara National Reserve, we’ll have the flexibility to follow the migration herds, linger with predators, and seek out dramatic compositions that go beyond typical safari snapshots. Our guides and leaders know these lands intimately, understanding animal behavior and reading light patterns to help you anticipate the moments that matter.

At Mara Serena Safari Lodge and Soroi Private Wing, we’ll find comfort and inspiration between shoots. Each evening offers time to recharge, review images, and share feedback with fellow photographers. Whether you’re fine-tuning exposure techniques for fast action or learning how to tell a story through sequence and light, this experience is as much about growing creatively as it is about exploring.

Beyond the wildlife, the Mara itself is a study in texture and atmosphere—rolling hills, distant storms, and the sweeping scale of Africa’s Great Rift Valley. You’ll have chances to photograph not just animals, but the essence of the place: the way light filters through dust after a crossing, or how the horizon glows pink just before dawn. It’s this blend of grand spectacle and quiet beauty that makes the Mara such an endlessly rewarding destination for photographers.

By the time we return to Nairobi, memory cards will be full, but what stays with you will go far beyond the images. It’s the sound of the herds moving in rhythm across the plains, the patience of a lioness at dusk, and the shared excitement of capturing something truly wild. This is Africa at its most cinematic—and an experience no photographer ever forgets.

What's Included

All listed meals and non-alcoholic beverages during the workshop
All transportation during the workshop
All lodging during the workshop
All internal flights
Airport transfers
All permits and park fees
Professional photography guiding and instruction
Gratuity for service staff, local guide(s), and drivers

What's Not Included

Flights to and from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Kenya (NBO)
Meals not listed as included on the itinerary
Lodging outside workshop dates
Alcoholic beverages
Souvenirs and personal items
Gratuity for photography guide(s). Please refer to our FAQ section for more details about gratuities
Trip Insurance (recommended) - see plans here.

Details

Final Balance Due 180 days prior to Trip Start

Specialized Itinerary terms & conditions apply. Please see our Cancellation / Transfer policy on our Frequently Asked Questions page.

Trip Insurance Required

Trip Itinerary

Most Meals Included – (B,L,D) denotes Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi (D)
We’ll kick off our adventure at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Kenya (NBO). Upon arrival, our team will welcome you and assist with your transfer to our arrival hotel. In the evening, there will be a brief orientation followed by an introductory dinner.

Day 2: Fly to the Mara Triangle (B,L,D)
After breakfast, we’ll check out and head to Wilson Airport for our short, scenic flight to the Masai Mara. Once we land, we’ll enjoy our first game drive en route to Mara Serena Safari Lodge. After settling in and having lunch, we’ll head out again for an afternoon game drive—our first taste of the legendary wildlife that makes this region so famous. Expect dramatic light, sweeping plains, and the first of many unforgettable photo moments.

Days 3 & 4: Exploring the Mara Triangle (B,L,D)
We’ll spend the next two days in the Mara Conservancy (also known as the Mara Triangle), with unlimited game drives and no fixed schedule—allowing us to follow the light and the wildlife. This area is known for its concentration of big cats and for the dramatic river crossings that happen during the Great Migration. Expect early starts, golden light, and long, rewarding days in the field. We’ll return each evening to Mara Serena Safari Lodge for a hearty meal and a chance to review our favorite shots together.

Day 5: Transition to the Maasai Mara National Reserve (B,L,D)
We’ll start with an early morning game drive and breakfast before heading deeper into the Masai Mara, transferring to Soroi Private Wing with plenty of wildlife stops along the way. We’ll arrive in time for lunch, settle in, and then head out again for an afternoon drive. This part of the reserve has a slightly different feel—more open grasslands and great chances to photograph the migration herds spread across the plains.

Days 6–9: Four Full Days in the Maasai Mara (B,L,D)
These next four days will be all about immersion. We’ll spend full days out in the reserve with unlimited game drives, chasing light, action, and unique perspectives. This is the heart of migration season—expect wildebeest in the thousands, dust clouds, predator interactions, and plenty of opportunities to refine your wildlife photography. One evening, we’ll enjoy a special African Night celebration at the lodge—a chance to unwind, share stories, and soak in the sounds of the savanna under the stars. Each night, we’ll rest comfortably at Soroi Private Wing.

Day 10: Return to Nairobi and Depart (B)
We’ll head out early for a final morning game drive before breakfast, wrapping up around 9:00 a.m. Then it’s time to freshen up and transfer to the airstrip for our flight back to Nairobi, departing at 11:00 and arriving by 11:45 a.m. Once we’re back in the city, we’ll have day-room use at the Crowne Plaza Nairobi Airport Hotel until 6:00 p.m.—a perfect opportunity to relax, repack, and enjoy a final meal before your onward journey. Hotel shuttle service will be available for your departure flights.

Please note that the exact sequence of the itineraries on all photography trips will be based on weather and lighting conditions. The goal on these trips is to make sure we are at the right place at the right time for the perfect light on our subjects. Also, itineraries can change for a variety of other circumstances including floods, forest fires, national park closures, road closures, and more. Due to the nature of wildlife and landscape photography, we do not guarantee any specific sightings or specific compositions.

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