4-5 DYNAMIC LOCATIONS
12 DAYS
Known as the top wildlife photography destination immortalized by countless wildlife films, Kenya needs little introduction. Crafted to exceed a photographer’s wildest dream, this multiple-location safari takes you to the top wildlife reserves and offers you the most outstanding photographic opportunities for multiple species, compelling ecosystems with stunning landscapes, and capturing dynamic images as we focus on light and composition!
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!
