This itinerary narrows the photographic brief to exactly three subjects — lion, leopard and cheetah — using guides who track known prides, resident leopards and cheetah family groups across two of the world’s best big cat destinations.
Detailed Itinerary
DAY 1
Arrival at Nairobi, then a flight to the Maasai Mara, with a late-afternoon session tracking known resident prides.
Arrive Nairobi, Transfer to Maasai Mara
Accommodation Options
Mid-rangeSarova Mara Game Camp
LuxuryAngama Mara
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
DAY 2
A full day with the Mara’s resident lion prides, among the most habituated and closely studied populations in Africa.
Full Day Lion Tracking, Maasai Mara
Accommodation
As above
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 3
A full day targeting the Mara’s resident leopards along riverine woodland, and cheetah on the open plains.
Leopard and Cheetah Tracking, Maasai Mara
Accommodation
As above
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 4
A day in a neighbouring private conservancy, where off-road driving and lower vehicle density allow closer, more considered compositions.
Conservancy Big Cat Session
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
A full day in the Seronera area, consistently one of the best big cat regions on the continent for lion and leopard density.
Full Day Big Cat Tracking, Central Serengeti
Accommodation
As above
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 7
A full day on the open plains, prime cheetah hunting territory with clear sightlines for both the cats and the photographer.
Cheetah Tracking, Serengeti Plains
Accommodation
As above
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 8
A final morning big cat session, with the afternoon free to review images and relax.
Final Photographic Session, Free Afternoon
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–$120 per person per day |
| Serengeti park entry | ~$82 per person per day |
| Regional flight, Mara to Serengeti | Quoted separately |
Who This Itinerary Suits
Photographers with a specific, narrow brief — big cats and nothing else — who want guides who track known individuals rather than a general game drive.Tour Includes
- Low-profile photographic vehicle with bean bag supports
- Photography-trained driver-guide with local big cat knowledge
- Private conservancy day, Maasai Mara
- All accommodation per itinerary
- Meals as specified
- Park entry & conservancy fees
Tour Excludes
- Regional flight, Mara to Serengeti
- International flights
- Visas
- Tips & gratuities
- Travel insurance
- Camera gear and lenses