Guied game drives at Wilderness Mara sighting of giraffe

Kenya photo safaris

In the Masai Mara’s secluded Mara Triangle, Wilderness Mara offers fewer vehicles and access to abundant wildlife: the ideal conditions for a Kenya photo safari.

Itinerary
Tailor-made

Personalised safaris including Wilderness camps, partner properties, city stays, transfers, activities and experiences to suit your dates and interests.

Upliftment Employment
Award-winning

193 awards since 2020, with our safari lodges consistently voted among the top in the world, as well as recognition for our positive Impact initiatives.

Game Drive
Exclusive

With small guest numbers, we provide access to remote concessions in some of Africa’s wildest safari destinations, with the option of private vehicles and guides for additional flexibility.

Binoculars
Diverse

We operate in eight African countries, with 55+ camps promising a range of activities from boating, to walking, game drives and more, for a full immersion in nature and local culture.

What to expect on a photo safari in Kenya

Kenya is one of Africa’s most famous photo safari destinations. In the Masai Mara look out for big-cats, such as lion prides on the move or cheetahs scanning the grasslands. Renowned for the Great Migration, the vast herds of wildebeest and zebra found here create a safari dream for photographers.

 

Our signature Kenya safari camp is positioned in the more secluded Mara Triangle, where wildlife density is high but vehicle density is intentionally low. This creates a less crowded and rushed experience, where you can spend meaningful time with a subject rather than moving on quickly to the next sighting. For a different perspective you can also choose to fly high in a hot air balloon, visit a local community or walk across our bridge to access both sides of the Mara River. There’s even a dedicated space in camp for reviewing images and engaging with visiting researchers. 

How to plan your photo safari in Kenya

The Masai Mara and Wilderness Mara set the tone for your photo safari in Kenya, and a stay here can easily be combined with other Kenya safari destinations, such as Amboseli where the focus shifts to elephants with Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro forming an iconic backdrop, or Samburu, where you can photograph unusual species like the  gerenuk with its improbably long neck. You can also decide to spend time with our Touring team in Nairobi, photographing Kenya’s capital city, or choose to extend your Kenya photo safari to other East African safari destinations such as Tanzania’s Serengeti, go gorilla trekking in Rwanda, or enjoy a beach escape on an Indian Ocean island.

 

For trip planning, aim for a minimum of 7 to 10 days, though 10 to 14 days allows for a photo safari across multiple locations and countries. Bring a versatile telephoto setup and don’t forget dust protection, extra batteries, and plenty of memory cards.

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Photo safari tours & packages in Kenya

Be inspired by these safaris in Kenya and get in touch to create a private tour tailored to your interests. Your itinerary can be elevated with a range of exclusive, privately arranged experiences, from a dedicated guide and seamless air transfers to a scenic hot air balloon flight over the Masai Mara or a local community visit. Speak to your Travel Designer to arrange your personalised safari.
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Elephant walking through the grasslands of Kenya

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Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to go on a photo safari in Kenya?

 

The best time for a photo safari in Kenya depends on what you want to capture, but generally the dry season offers the most reliable wildlife photography conditions. From June to October, the Great Migration passes through the Masai Mara National Reserve allowing for great action shots with peak predator activity. That said, the green season between November and March can also be extremely rewarding for photographers with atmospheric skies, lush green backdrops, colourful migratory birds and fewer crowds, which means more dedicated time at sightings, though wildlife can be dispersed and roads can be trickier to navigate, depending on rainfall.

 

Can I charge my equipment in the camps in Kenya?

 

Yes, at most safari camps in Kenya, including Wilderness Mara, you can charge camera batteries and electronics, but it’s still worth planning ahead. Wilderness Mara is fully solar powered, with charging available in your tent or in the central Study area, but you’ll still want to bring multiple batteries and power banks if possible, especially if you plan on venturing out on full day game drives.

 

Can I use a drone in Kenya?

 

In Kenya, drone use is heavily regulated, and in most safari areas it is either restricted or not permitted at all. Photographic drones are generally prohibited without specific government permissions, and even with permits, use inside national parks and conservancies is typically tightly controlled due to wildlife protection concerns and guest privacy policies. If aerial photography is important to you, we highly recommend booking a sunrise hot air balloon safari from Wilderness Mara; it will give you a unique perspective of the landscape from above.

The male lion is the king of the Wilderness

Let’s plan your next journey

Ready?

When we say we’re there every step of the way, we mean it, literally. From planning the perfect circuit, to private inter-camp transfers on Wilderness Air, and easing you through Customs. We’re with you on the ground, at your side, 24-7, from start to finish. Ready to take the road less travelled? Contact our Travel Designers to plan an unforgettable journey.