ULTIMATE WILDLIFE SAFARI KENYA 2026

4-5 DYNAMIC LOCATIONS

12 DAYS

Known as one of the world’s premier wildlife photography destinations, immortalized by countless documentaries and iconic wildlife films, Kenya needs no introduction. This expertly crafted, multi-location safari is designed to exceed the expectations of even the most seasoned photographers. It takes you deep into Kenya’s top wildlife reserves, each offering unparalleled opportunities to capture the beauty of nature. From the vibrant diversity of sub-species to the striking contrasts of ecosystems, every stop on this journey presents a new canvas for your lens. With breathtaking landscapes as your backdrop—ranging from the Maasai Mara’s open plains to Samburu’s rugged terrains and Amboseli’s lush wetlands—this safari is a visual feast that promises to inspire and challenge your creative vision.

SAMBURU: Crossing the equator opens a magical new world! Filled with large, iconic umbrella acacia trees in a stunning, arid environment, among the rich, red African soil, Samburu Reserve evokes the traditional vision of “I Dream of Africa.” As the wind blows through the stunning doom palms, one knows they are in a magical place.Roaming through this primal land and unique to this reserve are the maneless lions, rare and exotic Grevy’s Zebras, red soil–stained red elephants, reticulated giraffes, Oryx and Somali ostrich. In the stillness of what seems like an empty land, one might hear the rustle of the brush as a cheetah or leopard makes himself or herself known. In stark contrast to this dry, neutral landscape, wander the vivid, semi-nomadic colorful Samburu tribe. 

SOLIO GAME RESERVE: Tucked in the valley between the lofty slopes of Mount Kenya and the peaks of the Aberdare Mountains lies the private Solio Game Reserve, which is internationally recognized as the most successful private Rhino Breeding reserve in Kenya. Besides the world’s largest population of white rhinos and nearly one hundred black rhinos, sightings of up to 40 Rhinos at a time are not uncommon. The wildlife experience is exclusive, with 19,000 acres of conservancy surrounded by 45,000 acres of ranch. Although our focus will be on the Rhinos, the reserve is inhabited by buffalo, zebra giraffe, Oryx, antelope, lion, cheetah, and leopard. 

LAKE ELEMENTAITA– is set within the eastern portion of the great Rift Valley in the private Soysambu Conservancy. The varied terrain offers volcanic hills, acacia woodlands, grassy plains, and a forest of yellow fever trees which is a stunning backdrop for any image.  The conservancy serves as a sanctuary for the nationally threatened colobus monkeys and endangered Rothschild giraffe. The alkaline lake draws tens of thousands of pink flamingos.

MAASAI MARA: Known as the wildlife mecca of the world, the renowned Maasai Mara is one of the greatest wildlife reserves on the planet! The vast, open plains are home to large pride of lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants, black rhinos, hippos, Maasai giraffes, common zebras, gnu, impala, Thompson’s and Grant’s gazelles, topi, hartebeest, black-backed jackals, spotted hyenas and more. It is the best reserve for the big cats, where BBC filmed Big Cat Diaries and where they continue to film regularly.  

“Vicki Santello’s experience and creativity in the field are second to none!  She possesses knowledge of wildlife behavior, which translates to being in the right place at the right time, which, of course, is how you come away from a safari with great images.  She is articulate, kind when offering advice, and always ready to share her knowledge.  Traveling with Vicki is a pleasure, and I highly recommend any adventure with Vicki as a guide. ” – Deb k

Artistic Images

Vicki Santello takes great pride in creating artistic wildlife images, using natural dramatic lighting, combined with manipulating camera settings. She will work passionately with you to capture images that stand above the point, click, and simply shoot the action in front of you. 

Deluxe Photographic Safari Vehicles 

Our vehicles are fully extended Land Cruisers specially designed to give photographers the most flexibility and maximum space. The sides of the Land cruisers are open (no small sliding windows), with custom built-in bean bags. Small bean bags are supplied to custom adjust the height.  The roof has a special roll-back top, so no bars are holding up a pop-top, which creates obstructions of your lens placement. They ensure plenty of space and options for using clamps, molar beanbags, panning plates, and other gear to aid your ability to capture the best images. 

Experienced Driver Guides

Our driver guides are silver rated and photographically trained by professional photographers. They understand the needs of photographers and the importance of quickly positioning the vehicle for the best light, composition, and exceptional photographs.  They have vast personal networks, through which they receive private information about sightings.  

Extra Weight Allowance 

We have arranged an extra weight allowance of 32 kg on your flights so your gear and luggage remain with you. This is a big trip, and anything could happen when transferring gear and luggage by ground transfer. 

This safari is designed to spend most of our time in the field, behind the lens, capturing award-winning images.  During the mid-day, back in camp, when the light becomes harsh, and the animal activity becomes quiet, we will review images—seeing your images while in the field will allow you to create better images while you are still on safari!

Professional Photography Guide

Vicki Santello – has traveled to Africa over 20 times since 1981 with extended stays as long 2 months. In 2018, Vicki won the prestigious Nature’s Best Africa category, Wild Cat Behavioral. Her work has been published in various publications and exhibited in galleries and museums. Her imagery continues to earn recognition in photography competitions such as (the North American Nature Photographer’s Association, (UK based), Wildart Photographer of the Year, (Kenyan based), Greatest Maasai Mara Photographer of the Year, and numerous Nature’s Best competitions held worldwide. Vicki is looking forward to sharing her love of the Maasai Mara and her passion for photography with you!