Experience photography holidays in Kenya
De Brazza Monkey Fly-in Safari
9 days • 3 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT
US$12,310 - US$16,320 per person
Serian
Set high above the Mara River, Serian offers spectacular views. Private vehicles and guides offer complete flexibility and bush walks are available for those hoping to photograph their surroundings from a new perspective.
Serian Nkorombo
Guests enjoy autonomy with a private vehicle and guide. You can pause to wait for the perfect angle or visit your favourite viewpoint. Open Land Cruisers offer fantastic visibility while the location provides brilliant wildlife and migration access.
African Hawk-Eagle Fly-in Safari
7 days • 2 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT
US$8,510 - US$16,430 per person
Naboisho Camp
Naboisho’s photographic vehicle boasts rotating chairs and drop sides, and top-quality guides position it to get the perfect shot. The camp’s location in a game-rich, private area offers access to wonderful landscapes and wildlife without the crowds.
Steppe Eagle Fly-in Safari
7 days • 2 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT
US$5,680 - US$9,310 per person
Little Governors'
Sited by a broad marsh, Little Governors’ has a great backdrop for wildlife shots in camp, especially elephants and hippos, while spacious vehicles and experienced guides allow for great opportunities to get up close and personal with your subjects.
Golden Jackal Fly-in Safari
8 days • 2 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT
US$9,730 - US$14,130 per person
Rekero
Near the confluence of the Mara and Talek rivers, Rekero is in the heart of the Mara reserve – ideally located to capture the migration. The standard of guiding is superb and a specialised photographic vehicle is also available to book.
Big Cat Fly-in Safari
8 days • 2 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT
US$5,010 - US$8,850 per person
Governors' Camp
Governors Camp has a resident photographer on site, and with advance notice you can pre-book him for a special photo shoot or perhaps a photography lesson. Lenses are also available to hire. The guides can also advise you on photography and know how to position the vehicles for the best shots.
Greater Kudu Fly-In Safari
7 days • 2 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT
US$7,170 - US$9,080 per person
Laikipia Wilderness
Laikipia Wilderness has been a consistent draw for keen wildlife photographers since it opened, with sightings of wild dogs frequent, and periodically reliable. Similarly, the appearance of black leopards near the camp has provided excitement and challenge for photographers.
African Finfoot Fly-in Safari
7 days • 3 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT
US$9,900 - US$17,340 per person
Mara Plains Camp
Mara Plains is great for serious photographers: Canon cameras and 400mm lens are available to borrow, while the vehicles are ideally set up and there’s a keen photographer if advice is needed. The camp can burn images to CD, but it's best to bring your own storage devices.
Striped Hyena Safari
5 days • 3 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT
US$5,020 - US$6,990 per person
Kicheche Bush Camp
With keen photographer Paul Goldstein a major shareholder and frequent visitor to the camp, Kicheche is well geared to photographers. The guides are very good at using light in their positioning, and the vehicles have bean bags, tables to rest on, and bars to attach lenses.
Elephant Safari
10 days • 3 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT
US$5,110 - US$6,230 per person
Satao Camp
There's lots of wildlife around Satao Camp offering plenty of quirky photo opportunities. On our last visit this included a fairly relaxed bull giraffe, hippos after dark, a genet over the bar, insect life and numerous birds, including feed-from-your-hand hornbills.
Rothschild Giraffe Safari
8 days • 3 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT
US$11,720 - US$17,830 per person
Giraffe Manor
Giraffe Manor is a wonderful place to get close-up photos of giraffes. It also makes a very appropriate venue for photographing special occcasions. If you prefer to have this done by a professional photographer, Giraffe Manor can lay on a photo shoot at extra cost.
Best camps & lodges for Photography holidays in Kenya
Sanctuary at Ol Lentille
The Sanctuary at Ol Lentille is a great location for keen photographers. Combining wildlife, adventure and cultural activities, the range of subjects is wide, and that's before you take account of the wonderful landscapes in the area. And the fact that all stays here are private, means you will never have to compromise over your photography time - except with other members of your own party!
Ishara
Ishara is one of the few safari camps to boast it's own photography studio. There are high end Cannon cameras and lenses for guests to use, while the resident photography guides can join you on game drives, providing tuition and editing advice. Professional safari photoshoots can also be arranged.
Governors' Camp
Governors Camp has a resident photographer on site, and with advance notice you can pre-book him for a special photo shoot or perhaps a photography lesson. Lenses are also available to hire. The guides can also advise you on photography and know how to position the vehicles for the best shots.
Laikipia Wilderness
Laikipia Wilderness has been a consistent draw for keen wildlife photographers since it opened, with sightings of wild dogs frequent, and periodically reliable. Similarly, the appearance of black leopards near the camp has provided excitement and challenge for photographers.
Kicheche Bush Camp
With keen photographer Paul Goldstein a major shareholder and frequent visitor to the camp, Kicheche is well geared to photographers. The guides are very good at using light in their positioning, and the vehicles have bean bags, tables to rest on, and bars to attach lenses.
Mara Plains Camp
Mara Plains is great for serious photographers: Canon cameras and 400mm lens are available to borrow, while the vehicles are ideally set up and there’s a keen photographer if advice is needed. The camp can burn images to CD, but it's best to bring your own storage devices.
Mara Expedition Camp
Mara Expedition has two Canon 50D cameras that guests are invited to use. This is with a wide-angle and 100–400mm lens – fun for budding photographers to experiment with. The camp managers also have a good understanding of photography and so can offer up advice and tips.
Shimba Lodge
Shimba Lodge is a delight for photographers. Night or day, just set up somewhere with a tripod and start shooting: there is always something fascinating to watch around the very large waterhole, in the trees on the other side of it, or in and around the lodge itself.
Satao Camp
There's lots of wildlife around Satao Camp offering plenty of quirky photo opportunities. On our last visit this included a fairly relaxed bull giraffe, hippos after dark, a genet over the bar, insect life and numerous birds, including feed-from-your-hand hornbills.
Giraffe Manor
Giraffe Manor is a wonderful place to get close-up photos of giraffes. It also makes a very appropriate venue for photographing special occcasions. If you prefer to have this done by a professional photographer, Giraffe Manor can lay on a photo shoot at extra cost.
Basecamp Maasai Mara
Sitting on your deck with a camera at Basecamp Maasai Mara is always rewarding. Birds and monkeys often fill the trees near the tents, and there are areas in camp where you can get uninterrupted views across the Talek River to the herds of game in the reserve.
Leleshwa
Leleshwa guides know how to position a vehicle to get you the best shots. For birders, the riverbank location is particularly rewarding in terms of subject framing, as you can spot birds on branches opposite comfortable spots for setting up with a camera.
Naboisho Camp
Naboisho’s photographic vehicle boasts rotating chairs and drop sides, and top-quality guides position it to get the perfect shot. The camp’s location in a game-rich, private area offers access to wonderful landscapes and wildlife without the crowds.
Little Governors'
Sited by a broad marsh, Little Governors’ has a great backdrop for wildlife shots in camp, especially elephants and hippos, while spacious vehicles and experienced guides allow for great opportunities to get up close and personal with your subjects.
Serian Nkorombo
Guests enjoy autonomy with a private vehicle and guide. You can pause to wait for the perfect angle or visit your favourite viewpoint. Open Land Cruisers offer fantastic visibility while the location provides brilliant wildlife and migration access.
Rekero
Near the confluence of the Mara and Talek rivers, Rekero is in the heart of the Mara reserve – ideally located to capture the migration. The standard of guiding is superb and a specialised photographic vehicle is also available to book.
Porini Lion Camp
There are few other vehicles in the area, making the experience exclusive and very personal. The Porini Lion Camp Land Cruisers have a number of helpful modifications for photographers, including adept driver/guides and plug sockets.
Serian
Set high above the Mara River, Serian offers spectacular views. Private vehicles and guides offer complete flexibility and bush walks are available for those hoping to photograph their surroundings from a new perspective.
Mara Nyika
Mara Nyika equips each guest tent with a Canon camera, including 100-400mm and 24-70mm lenses for complimentary use. Your images will be downloaded onto a memory stick for you to take away with you at departure.
Photography holidays elsewhere in Africa
Our top ideas and inspiration for Photography holidays in other countries.
Botswana
Botswana is one of Africa's top safari destinations and also one of our key recommendations for ...
Mozambique
Mozambique offers marine national parks, hundreds of pristine islands and coral reefs - some of ...
Namibia
There is a reason why Namibia features so heavily in photography competitions such as Wildlife ...
Rwanda
Rwanda has a reputation as one of the top locations in Africa for trekking the mountain gorillas ...
South Africa
South Africa is a good country for a photography holiday; it offers scenic environments, varied ...
Tanzania
Tanzania offers some spectacular locations and wildlife for photography holidays in Africa, even ...
Zambia
Professional photographers lead few of our ideas for photography holidays in Africa, but we do ...
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe is a great spot for photography, providing myriad opportunities to keen photographers...
Where to see wildlife species in Kenya
Maximise the chances of seeing your favourite animals based on traveller sightings reports from the field.
Lion
Panthera leo
Lions are at the top of the food chain and also most safari wish-lists, but with their numbers falling fast, any encounter with these majestic apex predators always feels like a privilege.
81% SUCCESS
3,428 sightings from 4,237 observations
Leopard
Panthera pardus
The most numerous of Africa’s big cats, leopard occur across many habitats, from wild tracts to populated areas. Their grace and their elusive nature make them a unique safari drawcard.
47% SUCCESS
2,210 sightings from 4,708 observations
Cheetah
Acinonyx jubatus
The cheetah is the fastest land animal and the only cat that hunts by pure speed. Found largely in open grasslands, its slim, elegant form is today an increasingly rare sight.
33% SUCCESS
1,169 sightings from 3,569 observations
Buffalo
Syncerus caffer
One of the ‘Big Five’, buffalo earned a fearsome reputation in hunters’ tales. By contrast, big herds of these sociable bovids are placid, but mount formidable defences against predators.
83% SUCCESS
2,899 sightings from 3,486 observations
Wild dog
Lycaon pictus
African wild dogs are among the continent’s most compelling animals. Much misunderstood, these rare, tie-dyed canids are amazingly efficient hunters with a fascinating social life.
32% SUCCESS
994 sightings from 3,106 observations
Spotted Hyena
Crocuta crocuta
The spotted hyena may be thought of as ‘ugly’ and ‘cowardly’. In fact, this versatile and intelligent carnivore is one of Africa’s most fascinating and warrants attention on any safari.
55% SUCCESS
2,446 sightings from 4,483 observations
Striped Hyena
Hyaena hyaena
The striped hyena is the most widespread of the world’s hyenas, but absent from southern Africa. A rarely-seen nocturnal scavenger, it is shyer and more solitary than its spotted cousin.
14% SUCCESS
135 sightings from 990 observations
Elephant
Loxodonta africana
By far the biggest of the so-called Big Five – indeed, the largest land animal on the planet – the elephant shapes the very landscape it inhabits and is a defining presence on any safari.
91% SUCCESS
4,141 sightings from 4,551 observations
Black Rhino
Diceros bicornis
The black rhino is the smaller and rarer of Africa’s two rhino species but has the more fearsome reputation. Shy and heavily persecuted, it tends to stick to cover.
30% SUCCESS
701 sightings from 2,307 observations
White Rhino
Ceratotherium simum
The white rhino is the largest and most numerous of the world’s five rhinoceros species. They are larger, easier to see and generally more approachable than the black rhino.
43% SUCCESS
563 sightings from 1,305 observations
Eland
Taurotragus oryx
Africa’s largest antelope, eland are culturally important from prehistoric rock art to modern game farms. Though widespread, they are also shy so sightings are uncommon and often fleeting.
49% SUCCESS
1,642 sightings from 3,352 observations
Gerenuk
Litocranius walleri
With its slender frame and extraordinarily long neck, this unmistakable East African antelope resembles an attenuated impala and often stands on its back legs browse high shrubs.
76% SUCCESS
102 sightings from 134 observations
Giraffe
Giraffa camelopardalis
The world’s tallest land mammal, giraffes are herbivores which have evolved many unique adaptations. Their iconic outlines tower above the bush in many of Africa’s wildlife areas.
86% SUCCESS
3,987 sightings from 4,645 observations
Oryx
Oryx sp.
Oryx are impressive antelopes, with a powerful physique and elegant markings set off by rapier-like horns. They cut a distinctive dash in some of Africa’s harshest landscapes.
70% SUCCESS
1,523 sightings from 2,183 observations
Hippo
Hippopotamus amphibius
The territorial calls of the hippo create a signature soundtrack to Africa’s rivers & wetlands. Despite an endearing smile, this aquatic herbivore has a notoriously aggressive disposition.
90% SUCCESS
3,019 sightings from 3,373 observations
Sable antelope
Hippotragus niger
Perhaps Africa’s most beautiful antelope, sable are renowned for their combative nature, even holding off lions. Shy and restricted in range, sightings of sable are always special.
23% SUCCESS
543 sightings from 2,332 observations
Wildebeest
Connochaetes sp.
Superficially bovine in appearance, wildebeests are known for their spectacular migrations sometimes in huge numbers. These resilient animals are some of Africa’s most successful herbivores.
67% SUCCESS
2,790 sightings from 4,158 observations
Zebra
Equus sp.
The zebra is a quintessential African animal: the horse in stripy pyjamas at the end of every child’s A–Z. There are three species, of which the plains zebra is much the most common.
84% SUCCESS
4,355 sightings from 5,176 observations
Aardvark
Orycteropus afer
The aardvark is one of Africa’s most bizarre and enigmatic animals. A shy, nocturnal termite-eater, signs of its presence may be scattered about the bush whilst sightings remain elusive.
2% SUCCESS
80 sightings from 3,732 observations
Pangolin
Smutsia sp.
Pangolins appear to be more pine cone than animal in their unique armoury of scales. These nocturnal, ant-eating oddities are not only highly elusive but also increasingly rare.
2% SUCCESS
63 sightings from 3,770 observations
Other styles of holiday in Kenya
Discover all that Kenya has to offer
Beach holidays
Discover Africa's coast and tropical islands.
Birdwatching
Diverse habitats, discreet hides and superb guiding.
Cultural experiences
Get an insight into Africa's cultures and history.
Family holidays
Hand-picked camps for an incredible family safari.
Honeymoons
Romantic safaris and castaway island retreats.
Luxury
First-class service, scenic vistas and unparalleled comfort await you during these carefully selected luxury holidays.
Photography holidays
Great holidays to suit the keen photographer.
Private villas & houses
Enjoy Africa with just your friends & family
Riding holidays
Explore Africa's wilderness on horseback.
Solo Travel
Trip ideas ideally suited for a solo traveller.
Walking
Explore Africa's most scenic trails on foot.
Walking safaris
Explore Africa's untouched wildernesses on foot.
Wellbeing
Wellness escapes in stunning locations
Wildlife safaris
These trips include hard-hitting game and fascinatingly elusive species alike, as well as superb guiding and a variety of diverse ecosystems.