11-Day Photography Safari Itinerary in Kenya: From Open Plains to Flamingo Lakes and Elephant Kingdoms
OVERVIEWThis 11-day photography safari journey takes you through some of Kenya's most iconic and diverse landscapes—Swara Plains, Lake Nakuru National Park, Masai Mara National Reserve, and Amboseli National Park. Designed for photography enthusiasts, this itinerary balances breathtaking scenery, abundant wildlife, and ideal lighting conditions, ensuring every day offers new opportunities to capture the essence of Kenya’s wilderness.
Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi – Gateway to the Wild
Arrive in Nairobi, Kenya’s capital, where you’ll be welcomed and transferred to your accommodation. Depending on arrival time, you can relax or enjoy a brief city exploration. Prepare your gear and get ready for an unforgettable photographic expedition.
Day 2: Swara Plains Conservancy – Off-the-Beaten-Path Beauty
Begin your adventure just an hour outside Nairobi in the Swara Plains Conservancy, a private sanctuary teeming with plains game and birdlife. With fewer visitors and open landscapes, this area is perfect for relaxed photography of giraffes, cheetahs, zebras, and over 300 bird species. The golden morning and evening light makes this a fantastic starting point for wildlife portraits and expansive savannah scenes.
Day 3-4: Lake Nakuru National Park – Flamingos and Rhinos
Travel northwest to the scenic Lake Nakuru National Park, located in the heart of the Rift Valley. Spend two days photographing its famous pink flamingos that carpet the lake’s edge, alongside rhinos (both black and white), buffaloes, and leopards. The contrast of acacia woodland, cliff-top views from Baboon Cliff, and the reflective lake waters offer a rich variety of photographic settings. The soft light of early mornings and late afternoons is ideal for capturing the vibrant colors and dramatic landscapes.
Day 5-8: Masai Mara National Reserve – The Crown Jewel
From Nakuru, descend into the rolling plains of the legendary Masai Mara, Kenya’s most celebrated wildlife reserve. Over four days, you'll explore the vast grasslands during game drives at sunrise and sunset, capturing powerful wildlife moments—lions on the hunt, cheetahs sprinting across the plains, elephants in herds, and possibly river crossings during the migration season. The golden hour in the Mara is particularly magical, casting a warm glow across the savannah, perfect for evocative animal portraits and landscape shots. Optional visits to a Maasai village or a hot-air balloon ride over the reserve offer unique cultural and aerial perspectives.
Day 9-10: Amboseli National Park – The Land of Giants
Travel southeast to Amboseli National Park, nestled at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro. Known for its iconic images of elephants with Africa’s highest mountain in the background, Amboseli is a must for wildlife and landscape photographers. Spend two days capturing elephant herds walking across dusty plains, hippos in swamps, and Mount Kilimanjaro peeking through clouds at dawn. Birdlife is also prolific, with pelicans, kingfishers, and raptors adding color to your compositions.
Day 11: Return to Nairobi – Farewell to the Wild
After a final early morning shoot in Amboseli, depart for Nairobi. Enjoy lunch en route or in the city, where your journey concludes. Depending on your flight time, you may stop by local artisan markets or relax before your airport transfer. Depart with memory cards full of spectacular images and a heart full of unforgettable experiences.
Cost includes:
•10 Night accommodation in Nairobi, Amboseli, Tsavo, Diani
•All airport transfers
•Transport and game drives in a 4×4 Land Cruiser
•Meals on full board basis
•Professional tour guide
•Drinking water throughout
•All park entry fees as per itinerary
•Maasai Village tour
Cost excludes:
•International and local flights
•Visa fee
•Guide’s tip (not mandatory, but recommended)
•Anything not mentioned
•We also offer hot air balloon safari at a cost of 480 USD per person