Best of Africa Photo Workshop

OVERVIEW

July 23 - 31, 2024
9 Day/8 Night Safari

Instructors: Jennifer King and Randy Wilson

The Mara - both Northern Mara and the Maasai Mara - have the largest population of wildlife for the yearly Great Migration. The migration hosts millions of animals that follow the Mara River during their winter months of July and August. Water rises, and the wildlife has a natural inclination to cross the river, sometimes more than once a day. The migration draws the wildebeest and zebra to the water’s edge, but the increase in prey, draws the crowds of lions, cheetahs and leopards. 

During our stay, we will have the opportunity to visit and learn from the ancient tribes of the Maasai Mara. We will visit a local village to learn their tradition and culture. Also, many of the staff at our Mara camps are authentic Maasai Mara villagers and warriors. Learning about and sharing time with the local tribes has always been one of the highlights of our safaris. 

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At JKPW, we believe that immersion is the best African Safari experience possible. Watching and photographing the big cats is and unimaginable experience. Getting to know the locals, how they live, and local historic dress and traditions, creates an experience that one can only live. 

ITINERARY

DAY 1 - JUL 23

• Arrive in Nairobi, Kenya - NBO International Airport

• JKPW will meet you as you exit the airport. We transfer you to your lodging so that you can rest and acclimate to the time change. 

• For those feeling up to it, we will meet for drinks and Hors d’oeuvres in the evening. 

• Lodging at Nairobi Airport Crowne Plaza

DAY 2 - JUL 24

• Breakfast

• Morning transfer to Nairobi Wilson Domestic Airport for transfer to the Mara 

• Flight to Mara North Conservancy

• Arrival and lodging at Kichwa Tembo Camp

• Lunch between 12:30-14:30

• Afternoon game drive 15:30-18:45

• Dinner 19:30-21:30

• Lunch, Dinner and Room included

Mara North Conservancy - the Mara Game Reserve is one of the great wildernesses of the world!

DAY 3 - JUL 25

• Morning Game Drive

• Breakfast (Breakfast can be before or during game drive)

• Lunch between 12:30-14:30

• Afternoon game drive 15:30-18:45

• Dinner 19:30-21:30

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Room included

• Lodging: Kichwa Tembo Camp

DAY 4 - JUL 26

• Morning Game Drive

• Breakfast 

• Lunch between 12:30-14:30

• Afternoon game drive 15:30-18:45

• Dinner 19:30-21:30

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Room included

• Lodging: Kichwa Tembo Camp

Over 40% of our photographers have been to more than 1 African Safari with us over the past 5 years.

DAY 5 - JUL 27

• Morning Game Drive

• Breakfast 

• Check-out of Mara North Lodging 

• Transfer to Maasai Mara

• Lunch between 12:30-14:30

• Afternoon game drive 15:30-18:45

• Dinner 19:30-21:30

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Room included

• Lodging: Mara Intrepid Camp

Maasai Mara National Reserve

African Acacia trees dot the endless grass plains, add Maasai warriors to the scene and history is complete. The undeniable highlight of the Maasai Mara National Reserve is undoubtedly the annual wildebeest migration traversing the vast plains of the Maasai Mara. It is known as the largest mass movement of land mammals on the planet – with more than a million animals following the rains in July and August.

What is a Safari Camp?

Camping on safari in Africa is not like camping in other locations around the world. Camping, or rather Glamping in Nature, would be a more appropriate term. Safari Camps are private camps situated throughout reserves and are private structures (tents) with one or two beds, private ensuite bathrooms, and all the amenities you would desire on any vacation. A safari camp allows you to stay in nature instead of a hotel building for a “connected to nature” experience like romantic days of safari, only this time with luxe .
They are safe, guarded, private and filled with amenities.

DAY 6 - JUL 28

• Morning Game Drive

• Breakfast 

• Lunch between 12:30-14:30

• Afternoon game drive 15:30-18:45

• Dinner 19:30-21:30

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Room included

• Lodging: Mara Intrepid Camp

DAY 7 - JUL 29

• Morning Game Drive

• Breakfast 

• Lunch between 12:30-14:30

• Afternoon game drive 15:30-18:45

• Dinner 19:30-21:30

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Room included

• Lodging: Mara Intrepid Camp

DAY 8 - JUL 30

• Morning Game Drive

• Breakfast 

• Lunch between 12:30-14:30

• Afternoon game drive 15:30-18:45

• Dinner 19:30-21:30

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Room included

• Lodging: Mara Intrepid Camp

DAY 9 - JUL 31

• Morning Game Drive

• Breakfast 

• Check-out of Maasai Mara Lodging 

• Transfer to airstrip for 10:30 bush flight

• Arrive back in Nairobi

• Lunch approx 13:00

• Depart for US

INCLUDES

9-DAY WORKSHOP INCLUDES

• Wildlife Guides

• Professional Photographer on hand

• 8 nights accommodations in Kenya

• 9 days of activities

• 10 open-air safari drives with local guide

• Airport Meet & Greet

• Daily safari drives as noted above

• Meal details: Breakfast at all locations, Lunch & Dinner at all Mara locations, water/coffee/tea during meals

• One-way flight from Nairobi Wilson Domestic Airport (WIL) to Mara North Airstrip (HKR)

• One-way flight from Maasai Mara to Nairobi

• All National Park, Reserve and Conservation fees

• All transportation including airport transfers per itinerary

• Bottled water during safari drives

• All tips for drivers & guides throughout the workshop

NOT INCLUDED

• Round-trip international airfare

• Visas

• Items of a personal nature

• Additional nights in Nairobi

• **Single Supplement for Lodging
  Workshop cost is based on double occupancy. A private room is available upon request for a single supplement of $2000 USD.

• Alcoholic drinks (available for purchase)

• Optional excursions (hot air balloon rides, spa services, etc.)

• Trip Insurance
  Please read in full our Cancellation and Refund Policy prior to registration.

Why JKPW?

We have studied, and traveled to South Africa, Botswana, Kenya and Tanzania so much over the past years, that we learned the difference between tourism and photography locations. Many safari trips cater to the number of wildlife sightings, and race to get you to a high count of cats and the Big 5. Wildlife photography is much different. We design our trips to get you to a high count of cats and Big 5, that are also photographable, not just seen through binoculars. 

We have stayed at luxury locations, crappy locations and many in between places that lay claim to the best of all conditions. Please note that all locations and camps are not created equal. It takes hands-on-experience with locations and staff to bring you the best African Safari experience possible. 

• Safaris are more than just open jeep rides. The lodging location in relation to the photo spots and the Mara River are critical for spending more time in the field photographing (rather than driving several hours to a location).

• Not all lodges / camps are created equal. In the US, our rating system is well understood. In African countries, it is somewhat different. A 5-star hotel may be hours away from the Mara River crossings. It may also be highly overrated. Experience and scouting helps us to choose locations closest to the action with high quality accommodations nearby.

• Because we are a photo safari, we DOUBLE our transportation. We have 2 OPEN AIR SAFARI LAND CRUISERS throughout our workshops so that everyone has extra space for their lenses and comfort. This is not standard for traditional photo safaris.

Please review our full cancellation and refund policy prior to registration as there are non-refundable and non-transferrable fees associated with each workshop.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

GETTING TO YOUR SAFARI

Most US departures arrive at Nairobi (NBO) International Airport in the morning, and would arrive in time for our Meet & Greet. However, with the recent state of travel and flight changes, arriving on time is a concern for many participants.

Should you choose to arrive a day early, we can assist you in booking a room near the airport.

You should also plan to fly out of Nairobi (NBO) OR Tambo International Airport either the night of July 31 or morning of August 1. There are evening international flights to the US depending on your airline of choice. If you have a morning flight, we can assist you in booking a room at an airport hotel.

DINING

Our safari camps cater to dietary needs. JKPW will request dietary information and restrictions prior to the trip so that we can accommodate you. Vegan, vegetarian. gluten-free food diets, allergies and intolerances will be provided to each camp.