Wildlife Photographic Safari
Trip Date: 10–17 February 2027
(Full board: breakfast, lunch, and dinner included)
With no fences between the camps and the reserve, the Maasai Mara National Reserve stretches like a vast universe, one of the most intact and dynamic ecosystems on the African continent. The Mara has always been, and will always remain, the stage for some of the most powerful wildlife encounters on Earth. In February, that stage fills with newborns, and the predators that follow them. Home to the famous Big Five, with countless wildlife species, this is an exceptional time to focus on wildlife behavior and develop your photographic skills while fully immersed in the wild.
We will be staying at the beautiful Talek Bush Camp, located directly on the river. Here, we will enjoy comfortable accommodation and views over the river while observing baboons, hippos right from the camp. This setting places us close to animal corridors and key wildlife activity areas, making it ideal for a photography-focused safari.
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is the main arrival point. We recommend arriving early in the morning, between 5:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. on the first day of the trip to allow enough time for the transfer and to settle into the camp after arrival.
Hosted by Yusuf Saeed.
Experience Kenya's incredible wildlife during one of its most dramatic seasons, in good company and with a strong photographic focus.
Itinerary — Day by Day
Day 1 · 10 FebruaryArrival & Welcome to Talek Bush Camp, Maasai Mara
You will arrive in Nairobi early in the morning and begin your transfer to Maasai Mara, a drive of approximately five/six hours with short scenic and comfort stops along the way. Upon arrival at Talek Bush Camp, you will check in and take time to rest after the journey before lunch is served at the camp. Later in the afternoon, we will take a sunset walk around the camp area, focusing on the landscape and atmosphere of the Maasai Mara to become familiar with the surroundings. This walk is designed to ease into the environment and begin observing the reserve through a photographer's perspective. Dinner will be served in the evening, followed by an early night's rest in preparation for the first early morning photographic safari.
Day 2–6 · 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 FebruaryPhotographic Safaris in the Maasai Mara
These days will be fully dedicated to photographic safari drives during the green season. Each day will begin with an early wake-up call before sunrise at 5:00 a.m., followed by a light tea or coffee at the camp before departing for the safari.
We will spend the early hours in the field focusing on wildlife behavior, particularly predators and their movement, while working with the soft golden light of sunrise. Our daily movements will be guided by the latest sightings shared across the guiding network, often remaining within key areas where herds and predator activity are concentrated, allowing us to fully commit to unfolding events rather than fixed routes.
Depending on animal movement and photographic opportunities, we will try to cover a new location for each day, and the days will be run as full-day safaris with picnic lunches in the reserve, enabling us to stay in the field for extended periods and follow the natural rhythm of the reserve. This approach allows us to respond to unpredictable moments, whether a hunt, a chase, or sudden shifts in herd behavior. We will also pay close attention to non-predator species, as prey dynamics are a critical part of the circle of life stories.
Evenings will be spent positioning ourselves for the silhouette shots with the sunset moments before returning to camp for dinner and rest, preparing for the following early morning in the field.
Day 8 · 16 FebruaryDeparture ✈
For our last day together, we will enjoy the camp, its surrounding birds and wildlife around one final time. After breakfast at around 11:00 a.m., we will have time to prepare for departure before beginning our transfer back to Nairobi. If time allows and depending on flight schedules, there may be a brief stop at a local market for souvenirs along the way.
Upon arrival in Nairobi, you'll be checked into a hotel to rest and relax before your onward flight, whether departing late the same evening or early the next morning. Airport drop-off is included at your scheduled flight time.
What to Expect
You will spend six days in the Maasai Mara, including five full-day photographic safaris focused on wildlife behavior, light, and meaningful moments in the field. You will also learn about photography and animal behavior from both Yusuf and our guide throughout the trip.
One of the major advantages of this safari is our guiding team, who can position the vehicle for optimal photographic angles without being restricted to fixed routes. We will also pay close attention to other guides who monitor herd movement, providing up-to-date information that helps us stay with wildlife activity and respond to what unfolds in real time.
We also have the freedom to enter the reserve before sunrise, allowing us to reach key areas early and work with the best possible light.
Who This Trip Is For
This trip is designed for photographers who want to spend real time in the field, focusing on wildlife behavior, light, and moments rather than rushing through sightings.
It is ideal for those who are comfortable with long hours in the vehicle, unpredictable conditions, and a flexible schedule shaped by wildlife movement.
Whether you are an intermediate or experienced photographer, the goal is to improve through real situations in the wild, not a structured classroom environment.
This trip is not suited for travelers looking for a luxury safari experience or a fast-paced itinerary.
Accommodation
We will be staying at the beautiful Talek Bush Camp, located directly on the Talek River. The camp offers comfortable twin-share accommodation with river views, and places us close to key wildlife corridors — ideal for a photography-focused safari.
Cost
Inclusions
- Accommodation at the beautiful Talek Bush Camp (mid-budget).
- Full board, including all teas and coffees.
- 5 full-day photographic safari drives (approximately 12–14 hours each), with the flexibility to split some days into 2 half-day safaris based on group preference.
- Private safari vehicles (1 vehicle for up to 4 guests, 2 vehicles for 5–6 guests), guaranteed window seat for everyone.
- Twin-share accommodation.
- Transfers to and from Nairobi Airport.
- 1-night stay at a Nairobi hotel until your onward flight in the early morning of Feb 17.
Exclusions
- Gratuities for lodge staff.
- Other drinks, souvenirs and items of a personal nature.
- International flights to and from Nairobi Airport.
Recommended Equipment
A telephoto lens of 400mm or greater is essential for photographing wildlife.
Payments & Booking
25% deposit is needed to reserve your seat. This is 100% refundable up until 60 days before travel.
Last payment is due 30 days before travel. From 30 days before the travel date onward, the trip becomes non-refundable.
Payments are currently made through Western Union transfer. Egyptian guests may also choose to pay the deposit via InstaPay using the current USD exchange rate. Final payments can be made either through Western Union transfer or in USD cash before the trip.
Reserve Your Seat
Only 6 spots available for this February 2027 expedition. To reserve, contact Yusuf directly.
Contact Yusuf