14-Day Photography Safari Itinerary in Kenya: Capturing the Wild Heart of Africa
OVERVIEWThis 14-day itinerary through Kenya’s diverse landscapes and iconic wildlife sanctuaries is crafted for photographers seeking both adventure and artistry. From the towering presence of Kilimanjaro to the golden savannahs of the Masai Mara and the rare species of Samburu, each destination offers unique visual narratives waiting to be captured.
Day 1-2: Arrival in Nairobi & Nairobi National Park
Your photographic safari begins in Kenya’s capital, Nairobi. Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, you’ll be transferred to your hotel for a restful night. The following morning, your adventure starts with a visit to Nairobi National Park, the only national park within a capital city. Against a surreal backdrop of Nairobi’s skyline, you’ll photograph a variety of wildlife including lions, giraffes, rhinos, and zebras. The open grass plains, acacia bushes, and seasonal wetlands offer excellent lighting and composition opportunities for landscape and wildlife shots.
Day 3-4: Amboseli National Park
From Nairobi, travel south to the scenic Amboseli National Park, nestled at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro. Famed for its large herds of elephants and sweeping views of the snow-capped peak, Amboseli is a photographer’s paradise. Over two days, you’ll explore the park during early morning and late afternoon game drives to capture dramatic lighting. Expect stunning frames of elephants silhouetted against the majestic mountain, reflections in the seasonal swamps, and vibrant birdlife.
Day 5-6: Lake Naivasha
Departing Amboseli, you’ll journey to the serene Lake Naivasha, a freshwater lake in the Great Rift Valley. This peaceful haven offers a change of pace and the chance to focus on bird photography and landscapes. Take a boat ride to photograph hippos wallowing in the water, fish eagles diving for prey, and dramatic sunsets over the lake. You’ll also visit Crescent Island for walking safaris among giraffes, zebras, and antelopes, providing unique low-angle shots and intimate wildlife encounters.
Day 7: Lake Nakuru National Park
Next, head to Lake Nakuru National Park, renowned for its flamingo-lined shores and populations of both black and white rhinos. Your lenses will be drawn to the stunning contrast of the pink flamingos against the lake’s blue waters, the acacia woodlands, and the dramatic escarpments. The park also hosts leopards, buffalo, and a rich array of birds, offering diverse photographic opportunities.
Day 8-10: Masai Mara National Reserve
No Kenyan photography safari is complete without a visit to the iconic Masai Mara. Spend three full days immersed in the reserve’s rolling savannahs and golden light. This is one of Africa’s top wildlife destinations, especially during the Great Migration season. Capture thrilling predator-prey interactions, lion prides in golden hour, cheetahs on termite mounds, and elephants traversing open plains. You may also take an optional hot air balloon ride for panoramic aerial shots of the Mara landscape and its inhabitants.
Day 11-12: Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Depart the Mara and journey to Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Laikipia. This private conservancy offers exclusive and uncrowded photography experiences. Home to the last two northern white rhinos, the Big Five, and a chimpanzee sanctuary, Ol Pejeta is deeply committed to conservation. Early morning and dusk safaris offer dramatic light for capturing rare and endangered species in intimate detail. Night game drives provide a chance to photograph nocturnal creatures under the stars.
Day 13-14: Samburu National Reserve
Your final destination is the rugged and arid beauty of Samburu National Reserve in northern Kenya. Known for its unique wildlife like the Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, and gerenuk, Samburu offers striking contrasts in both terrain and species. Spend your last two days capturing the warm colors of the Ewaso Nyiro River, dramatic sunsets, and the fascinating interplay of light and shadow in this less-traveled gem. Your journey concludes with a drive or flight back to Nairobi, filled with unforgettable images and stories.
Cost includes:
•13 Night accommodation as per the itinerary
•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