Ancient Landscapes & Big Cats Photo Safari
Ancient Landscapes & Big Cats Photo Safari - 7 nights / 8 days
Immerse yourself in wildlife photography, at two wildlife-rich destinations under the tutelage of acclaimed wildlife photographer Paolo Torchio.
In Samburu National Reserve, the rugged and semi-desert savanna intersected by the Ewaso Nyiro river is home to cheetah, leopard, lion, elephant, buffalo, hippo, over 350 bird specials as well as the special five: long-necked gerenuk, grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, somali ostrich and the beisa oryx.
The Masai Mara National Reserve, besides playing host to the annual wildebeest migration, has a high density of both resident and transient populations of game including lion, cheetah, leopard, elephant, rhino, giraffe, hyena and over 450 bird species.
The Trip:
Days 1-3: Elephant Bedroom Camp - Samburu National Reserve
North of Mount Kenya and Laikipia, the Samburu ecosystem comprises Samburu National Reserve, Shaba National Reserve, Buffalo Springs Reserve, Kalama Conservancy, West Gate Community Area and Nakupurat-Gotu Conservancy. The ecosystem’s remote location provides an untouched and unspoilt wilderness of open savannah, volcanic rocks, sacred mountains and the Ewaso Nyiro River lined with an oasis of vegetation attracting over 350 species of bird including vulture, kingfisher, guinea fowl and Somali ostrich.
Set on the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River in Samburu National Reserve surrounded by doum palms and other beautiful indigenous trees and shrubs sits this small and exclusive camp of 12 luxury tents - all furnished in rustic African style while offering all the comforts expected of a luxury camp. The lounge and dining area offer vibrant safari colors with original oil paintings, soft intimate lighting designed to relax guests returning from an exciting game drive. Herds of elephant, prides of lion or the solitary leopard amongst other game are regular visitors around the camp providing excellent game viewing in the spectacular scenic background of rugged rolling hills.
Days 4-7: Mara Bush Camp - Masai Mara National Reserve
The vast open grasslands of the Masai Mara are home to high densities of both resident and transient populations of game including lion, cheetah, leopard, elephant, rhino, giraffe, hyena and over 450 species of bird, the Masai Mara provides unrivaled game viewing throughout the year.
Mara Bush Camp is discreetly ‘tucked away’ in a riverine forest on the banks of the seasonal Olare Orok river; all 12 river facing tents are raised on stilts and have been placed far enough apart to guarantee complete tranquillity. Each is furnished with a comfortable four poster bed mosquito net, en-suite bathrooms and hot and cold water permanent shower, clothes rack, storage chest, writing desk & private veranda. Guest areas include a comfortable lounge and bar tent as well as a dining tent where freshly prepared meals are served. Picnic meals are readily available for all those who prefer to stay out in the bush all day long. For photographers, a separate photo-lounge provides tranquility to review images as well as a dedicated area to charge camera equipment and laptops.
Day 8: Departure
Transfer to airport for flights home or onward travels.
Paolo Torchio - Overall winner of The GREATEST MAASAI MARA PHOTOGRAPHER of the Year 2020
Born in Turin, Italy, in 1961, Paolo Torchio came to Kenya in 1990. A keen photographer since childhood, he was immediately captivated by the African wildlife and wilderness areas that he encountered, and quickly made the country his home. He has lived and worked in Kenya ever since, where he currently works as the official photographer in East Africa for IFAW Kenya.
In this time, Paolo has travelled widely in Kenya, and – increasingly of late – in other parts of Africa as well, including Madagascar. His photography aside, he has played an active role in various wildlife conservation projects in Kenya, often in association with the Kenya Wildlife Service.
* Contact us for rates & dates & reservations
