Helicopter, night, low angle, and hide photography
February 26 – March 8, 2023
ONLY 5 GUESTS
To celebrate ten wonderful years of Piper Mackay Photo Safaris, I wanted to create a unique wildlife photography experience including helicopter photography, night photography, low angle photography, hide photography, the most renowned wildlife reserve in the world, having all camps exclusively for our small group and at an unbelievable price.
This is an Africa wildlife photo safari that promises to deliver on all fronts! You will return home not just having furthered your photographic skills, but with an extreme variety of images not offered in any other safari. This safari takes place in my home country Kenya.
Helicopter Photography
We begin deep in the heart of the Great Southern Rift Valley surrounded by the staggering beauty of the Olkeramatian conservancy; beyond the volcanic lunar landscape are the soda lakes of Madadi and Lake Natron, which is full of flamingos. The perfect setting for aerial photography! We will be flying over the wildlife reserve on the way to the lakes. You will have two separate one-hour helicopter flights.
Hide photography – day and night
The lodge where we will be staying has a magnificent ground-level (eye to eye with wildlife) night hide and perfect lighting, allowing for an intimate perspective and dramatic images. Staring into the darkness in anticipation of what wildlife is about to arrive is thrilling. We will have exclusive use of this hide and the bird hide for two days.
Night wildlife photography
We fly by private charter to a private reserve in the world-renowned Maasai Mara, where we will have off-road access for the best positioning and night wildlife photography game drives. Predators begin to become active in the late afternoon. We will be able to locate the big cats before sunset to follow them into the evening when they become most active testing out your night photography skills.
Low angle photography – one on one mentoring
Our last location puts us perfectly positioned in the most prime predatory area of the Massai Mara, supporting one of the highest concentrations of game in Africa. This is the time of year that professional photographers love to be in the Mara because the migration has moved south and so have all the tourists. We have vehicles with special low-level doors to be eye to eye with the predators. Piper will be laying directly beside you offering one-on-one mentoring helping you to push the boundaries!
Exclusive camps and lodge with private rooms
Each of our accommodations is exclusive to our group and everyone will have their private room and luxury tent. Lentorre, perched on the Nguruman escarpment, is like a spa retreat. Each large villa has gorgeous vistas with its private plunge pool! You will not want to leave! Our two luxury tent camps have traditional African style reminiscence of the days of Earnest Hemmingway and incorporate a high eco-standard.
Extra weight allowance extreme
We have arranged a higher weight allowance than ever before: 40 kg/88lbs of weight. So, bring your best glass, bodies, and gear without having to compromise!
A small group of keen photographers
This safari is for only a maximum of only five guests in private accommodations. This means that Piper will not only be able to offer each guest personalized photographic support, but she will be laying side by side with you for one-on-one mentorship while photographing in the mara.
Itinerary
Day 1. February, 26 2023
Upon your arrival at the international airport in Nairobi, Kenya, you are met by a member of our ground team and transferred by private vehicle to the historical and tranquil area of Karen. Built in the architecture of the “Out of Africa” era, Macushla house will make you feel as though you are more than a guest, but at home in Africa; the perfect place to unwind after your long journey. As this is a travel day and most flights arrive in the evening, we have not included any meals.
Accommodation: Macushla House
Day 2. February, 27, 2023
Today you will awake in a magical new world with the aroma of Kenyan coffee brewing. We will meet at breakfast for a safari briefing before hoping into our Landcruisers and head to the Great Southern Rift valley arriving in time to settle in a relax before lunch. Our Afternoon and evening will be spent at the hides.
Day 3. February, 28, 2023
Morning and afternoon helicopter flights mixed in with hide photography and one-on-one image review
Day 4. March 1, 2023
Morning hide photography. Charter flight to a private reserve in the Mara. Afternoon and night game drive
Day 5. March 2, 2023
Morning game drive starting before sunrise with packed breakfast. Afternoon and night game drive.
Day 6. March 3, 2023
Morning game drive, transfer to the main mara, afternoon game drive
Day 7-10. March 4-7, 2023
Morning game drive starting before sunrise with packed breakfast and afternoon game drive.
Day 11. March 8, 2023
We will rise early for one last amazing game drive. We will fly out from a dirt airstrip in the Mara directly into Wilson private airport in Nairobi. You will be transported to the Four Points hotel, conveniently located at the airport, where you will have dayrooms. You can enjoy a leisurely afternoon reflecting on the amazing experience you had on the expedition, take a nap, enjoy a delicious meal, relax at the rooftop pool and bar, and have time to clean up before your flight back home later in the evening.
Day room: Four Points
Important Details
The Price
The price of this premier wildlife photographic safari is $11,990.00. based on single accommodation
***The cost of this safari is based on 5 participants. If there are less than 5 participants a small supplement fee of $995.00 will apply.
PARTICIPANTS ON THIS SAFARI MUST BE VACCINATED
Payment Terms
- USD $3,500.00 non-refundable deposit to confirm your place on this safari
- 2nd payment of USD $4,500.00 is due June 30,, 2022
- Final payment/balance is due Nov 1, 2023
- We highly recommend protecting your investment with proper travel cancellation insurance.
Price Includes:
- Charter flight to the Maasai Mara with extra weight allowance of 40Kg/88Lbs
- Scheduled flight from the Mara to Nairobi with extra weight allowance of 40Kg/88Lbs
- 2 helicopter flights
- Airport transfers on the day of arrival and departure
- Single (private) Accommodations
- Guaranteed row and window seat in private extended 4×4 Land cruisers
- Unlimited game drives
- All National Parks fees, Game Reserves entrance fees, and taxes
- All meals, starting with breakfast on February 26 up to breakfast on March 8
- Evacuation insurance to a Nairobi hospital (transport only – Cost of hospitalization NOT included)
- Complimentary drinking water on game drives
- Beverages at all camps – nonalcoholic, beer, win, and select cocktails
- Experienced safari agent to help you with pre- or post-safari extended travel in Kenya, Tanzania, or Rwanda
What’s Not Included:
- Visas
- Travel Insurance
- Personal purchases (such as curios, spirit liquors, telephone calls, internet, laundry…)
- Gratuities for the guides, staff at accommodations, and airport transfers ($30 -$40 per day)
- Optional extra activities (balloon rides, walking safaris, etc.)
- Pre- and post-safari tours
- Meals and accommodations before or after the safari
- International flights to and from the African continent
- Covid test
