ON SAFARI IN KENYA’S MAASAI MARA AND AMBOSELI

Photograph wildlife on Africa’s grand stage in two of her most beautiful parks in Kenya

DATES: MARCH 5 - 14, 2025

The word Safari originates from the Arabic word “safar” which means “to make a journey.” And this is precisely what a visit to Africa is in the truest sense: A Journey. Just to be able to put yourself in the presence of the largest collection of megafauna on the planet takes considerable effort. And the rewards are there for those that choose to do so.

Immersing yourself in the biodiverse plains of Kenya, in search of elephants, lions, cheetahs, giraffes and more, one can often question our place in this world and our impact upon it. The affects of mankind are very real here with so many species in Africa now endangered and having tremendous population declines in the last half century. And yet the lands here still remain vibrant and filled with so much abundant wildlife that you cannot help but wonder just what could have been if not for humans. We find ourselves now in the present day at a tipping point for the survival of so many African species. But with global strides in curbing the illegal wildlife trade, tougher poaching laws, eco-tourism helping to fund conservation, and protecting more lands to prevent habitat loss, there is something that these majestic creatures of Africa have now that they haven’t in a long time: Hope.

It is my goal to share this feeling of hope during our 10 day Journey to Kenya. Our time will be spent in the Maasai Mara on a pair of conservancy lands adjacent to the national reserve with less restrictions and vehicles. The Mara is like no other place in Africa, the diversity of wildlife is a photographer’s dream. Known for it’s big cats, (lion, leopard, and cheetah) the Mara has been the subject of several BBC documentaries notably the Big Cat Diary. We might even see a lion kill, a cheetah chase, or the rare black rhino. But we will have plenty of opportunities to see zebra, wildebeast, giraffe, hippo, antelope, crocodile, numerous bird species, and more. Needless to say that your camera and memory cards will be getting lots of work. All in all, these safaris produce life-long memories and the images often can be framed by the Mara’s famous sunrises, sunsets, and dramatic vistas.

OPTIONAL PRE WORKSHOP AMBOSELI TOUR: For those interested in photographing even more elephants, we have arranged for 3 days and nights in Amboseli National Park, the best place in the world to view free ranging elephants which sits at the base of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Named for the salty flats, Amboseli has the densest population of elephants in this small 392 square kilometer park. If you have ever seen images of large elephant herds wandering across the dusty plains, this is where that scene unfolds! After three days in Amboseli we will move on to the Maasai Mara for the remainder of the trip.    

INSTRUCTOR: CHRIS BYRNE

GROUP SIZE: 6 PARTICIPANTS

MAASAI MARA COST: $9,350 (Double Occupancy) / Single Supplement available for an additional $1500 (limited availability)

DEPOSIT: A $3150 deposit is required to secure a spot

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AMBOSELI EXTENSION COST: $4200 (Double Occupancy) / Single Supplement available for additional $750

*** ONLY AVAILABLE TO PARTICIPANTS OF THE MAASAI MARA WORKSHOP ***

DEPOSIT: A $1400 deposit is required to secure a spot

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PAYMENTS: 33% Deposit due at sign up. Second payment due 180 days out and final payment due 90 days in advance.

INCLUDED: All Transportation in Country, Meals and Lodging

NOT INCLUDED: International Flights to Nairobi, Premium Alcohol, Tips & Gratuities, Camera Equipment

PLEASE READ VERY CAREFULLY THE TERMS AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE REGARDING CANCELLATION POLICY, TRAVEL INSURANCE, INOCULATION, ETC.

ITINERARY

OPTIONAL AMBOSELI TOUR: For this 3 day add-on we will arrive in Nairobi on March 2 anytime and stay at the Tamarind Tree Hotel. The following day on March 3rd we will take a short flight to Amboseli for a three night stay where we will enjoy game drives in the park in Africa with the densest population of elephants. On March 6 we will fly out back to Nairobi and take another short flight to the Mara North Conservancy.

MAIN MAASAI MARA TOUR: The workshop will begin on March 5, 2024 and this day will be set aside for arrivals into Nairobi (airport code NBO). Guests will be received and transferred to the Tamarind Tree Hotel for an overnight. On March 6 the tour departs on our short flight to the Mara North Conservancy where we will stay for four nights. On March 10 we will make an inter camp transfer to the Olare Motorogi Conservancy and remain for four more nights. During our stay we will have private use of two game drive vehicles for our group only and will be out each morning and afternoon in search of wildlife! Our final game drive will be the morning of March 14 and that afternoon will be depart for Nairobi where the trip will end. Participants should make plans to fly home that evening on March 14 from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) or stay in a hotel (not included). \

INCLUDED: In country flights to Amboseli and the Maasai Mara, airport transfers, park fees, all transportation, hotels, and meals.

EXCLUDED: International Airfare to Nairobi, Travel/medical insurance, Visa Fees, extra hotel nights beyond the tour dates, premium drinks, excess baggage fees, laundry, tips and gratuities.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT

A wildlife photography trip of a lifetime! Simply put there is no place else on earth like Africa. And the two parks chosen for this adventure will provide numerous opportunities for the most famous of Africa’s creatures: elephants and lions. The chance to photograph this wildlife in close proximity is a nature photographer’s dream. As we move about in our safari vehicles, with eyes glued to the grasslands and plains for interesting sightings, immersing yourself in the moment will be key. For we are guests in their habitat and wild lands. “These aren’t zoo lions” is what I was told on my first journey to Africa and that couldn’t have been more accurate. These animals are raw, scarred, fighting for survival and we shall witness the circle of life right before our eyes.

In Amboseli, known for it’s dusty plains, we will be after images of herds of elephants walking across the flats (often in a line) that can be some of the most dramatic wildlife images a photographer can produce. The strong family ties of these beautiful animals will be on full display as we work to create memorable photographs of their interactions. In the Mara, our focus will shift to big cats and the lion prides this region is known for. Watching cubs play and wrestle with each other, a group of lines at a watering hole, or even the sounds and smells of them feeding on a kill, I assure you the behavior of these animals is wonderful to see and photograph (even if they are just lounging around). Aside from that there will be the backdrop of even more wildlife that you don’t see everyday which will have you struggling to put the camera down and just enjoy the moment for awhile.

Join me on this journey to Africa and great memories with an incredible portfolio of wildlife images awaits you!

PHOTOS OF OUR ACCOMODATIONS

PLEASE READ THE BELOW INFORMATION CAREFULLY

TRAVEL DOCUMENTATION

It is the responsibility of the Client to be in possession of a valid passport, visa permits and vaccination or other medical certificates as may be required for the whole of the tour. Chris Byrne Photography LLC (The Company) does not accept responsibility for changes in regulations for visas or any particular requirements for visas. The Company cannot be held responsible for the failure of the Client to obtain the necessary visas.

INOCULATION

The Client must take all necessary inoculations as are required or generally recommended in relation to the countries to be visited. Professional medical advice should be sought regarding inoculations. Failure to have proper vaccinations may result the denial of entry into Kenya. Please refer to the US Embassy in Kenya and recommended vaccines for updated info on Kenya.

INTERNATIONAL CANCELLATION POLICY

We reserve the right to cancel the workshop if minimum participants are not met or in the event of an emergency. In the event that a specific guide cannot personally attend, then a replacement guide will be the first option. If a cancellation does occur, participants may either use the fee towards a future workshop or receive a full refund. We are not responsible for travel expenses incurred and therefore travel insurance is required to cover such costs.

A $200 change fee will be charged for changes or cancellations. Participants who cancel prior to 120 days before the workshop will receive either a full refund or credit to a future workshop minus the change fee. Any cancellations within 120 days of the workshop cannot be refunded under any circumstances. Only if we are able to fill the vacancy, will the participant will receive a credit to a future workshop minus the change fee. Understand that filling international trip spaces on this short notice is quite difficult. Workshop credits are good for one calendar year from the date of the missed workshop. If a desired replacement workshop is sold out, we will work with you on the credit.

Any cancellations within 30 days of the workshop (for any reason) will forfeit their entire registration fee as it is extremely difficult to fill the space on that short of notice. If a true emergency arises last minute we will do our best to work with you granting a partial credit towards a future workshop, but this is not guaranteed.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

Travel Insurance is mandatory for all Clients. At the time of booking he or she must arrange his or her own insurance with a reputable insurer, with protection for the full duration of the tour, to cover personal injury, medical expenses, repatriation expenses, loss of luggage and the expenses associated with cancellation or curtailment of a tour. If a Client becomes ill, all hospital expenses, doctor fees and repatriation costs are the Client’s responsibility and the Company shall not be liable for any refund of the tour cost. Because of the nature of this trip with non-refundable advance deposits by specific dates and other potential issues Travel Insurance is required. Specifically reimbursement for “Cancellation for Any Reason.” Medical insurance will be up to the participant at the level they want. Two companies that we recommend are Ripcord and Squaremouth.