This itinerary is built specifically for photographers, not general travellers who happen to bring a camera — specialist vehicles with low sides and bean bag supports, extended time at sightings rather than moving on quickly, and guides trained to think about light and positioning alongside wildlife behaviour.
Detailed Itinerary
DAY 1
Arrival at Nairobi, then a flight to the Maasai Mara, with a late-afternoon photographic drive timed for golden hour light.
Arrive Nairobi, Transfer to Maasai Mara
Accommodation Options
Mid-rangeSarova Mara Game Camp
LuxuryAngama Mara
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
DAY 2
Dawn and dusk drives structured around light, with a longer midday break when light is flattest, rather than a single continuous outing.
Full Day Photographic Game Drives, Maasai Mara
Accommodation
As above
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 3
A full day positioned at the Mara River’s crossing points, with your guide reading herd behaviour to anticipate where and when a crossing might unfold.
Mara River Crossing Points
Accommodation
As above
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 4
An optional pre-dawn hot air balloon flight over the Mara for aerial photography of the herds, followed by a champagne bush breakfast.
Optional Hot Air Balloon Safari
Accommodation
As above
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 5
A cross-border flight from the Mara to the Serengeti’s northern airstrips.
Fly to Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
Accommodation Options
Mid-rangeSerengeti Serena Safari Lodge
LuxuryFour Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 6
Dawn and dusk drives across the Serengeti’s plains, with extended time at any productive sighting.
Full Day Photographic Game Drives, Serengeti
Accommodation
As above
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 7
A further day of photographic game drives, following your guide’s read on current herd and predator positions.
Second Full Day, Serengeti
Accommodation
As above
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 8
A final dawn session, with the rest of the day free to rest, review images, and enjoy a relaxed sunset drive.
Golden Hour Session and Editing Time
Accommodation
As above
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 9
A transfer to Arusha and Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward international flight.
Departure
Meals: Breakfast
Permits & Costs
| Maasai Mara conservancy/reserve fees | ~$100 per person per day |
| Serengeti park entry | ~$82 per person per day |
| Hot air balloon safari (optional) | ~$550 per person |
| Bean bags & low-profile photo vehicle | Included in package price |
Who This Itinerary Suits
Serious photographers who want their itinerary structured around light and sighting time, not a standard tourist schedule.Tour Includes
- Low-profile photographic vehicle with bean bag supports
- Photography-trained driver-guide
- Regional flight, Mara to Serengeti
- All accommodation per itinerary
- Meals as specified
- Park entry & reserve fees
Tour Excludes
- International flights
- Hot air balloon safari (if selected)
- Visas
- Tips & gratuities
- Travel insurance
- Camera gear and lenses