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Kenya Photography Safari

A diverse world through the lense

Photography and travel to Africa are two activities that are inextricably linked together due to the stunning visual locations available, the magical African light and the variety of superb subjects to capture on film. As a specialist operator to Kenya for over 10 years we have been asked more and more for opportunities for clients who are both knowledgeable and those that are new to photography if there are any trips we offer that are more specialised and include help with the use of the equipment as well as guides who are versed in photography.

Fortunately, as one of the most prolifically filmed and photographed countries in Africa, with the long running presence of the BBC and the Big Cat Diaries, there are plenty of great opportunities for photographers in Kenya. Below we have discussed a few of the best ways to make the most of your trip!

A Private Vehicle For Limited Periods

Definitely one of the preferred options for many of our clients is simply to pay a supplement to have your own vehicle and driver for a few of the days of your safari itinerary. Many of the properties throughout Kenya have this as an option these days with the approximate cost running to around the U per day mark. Many of the guides are keen photographers themselves and so, while this is definitely for the more experienced photographer, they can offer help with positioning, apertures and other tips on photographer out here.

A Private Vehicle Throughout

As a slight variation on the above, rather than having a driver/guide from the property you are staying in, you can also look to have your own vehicle for the duration of your itinerary. This option does give you the freedom to do exactly as you like and we have a great range of guides who understand things like positioning of the vehicle. This option does tend to involve more driving between destinations but for visiting places like Lake Nakuru and Naivasha is essential.

A Photography Workshop

Definitely aimed at the more amateur photographer, there are also photography workshop trips that are operated out of certain properties (such as and Kickeche Main Camp and Rekero, both in the Masai Mara), that offer both a full, photographic safari, but with sessions in the evenings to run through some of the photos of the day and to offer expert advise on where photos and techniques can be improved. A great example of this is the week long work shop hosted in Little Governors” Camp in the Mara with Jonathan and Angie Scott who are famed for the BBC Big Cat diaries amongst other accolades.

Photography Lodge

More and more of the properties in Africa are recognising the need to help photographers with the restrictive luggage allowances and the specialist equipment that is required for photography in Africa and so a few of them now offers things like specialist vehicles and even free use of long range photography lenses as part of their rates. This can, obviously, be a very big draw in your decision as to where to stay. Take a look at Alex Walker”s Serian Camp or Ol Donyo Lodge in the Chyulu Hills.

Best camps for photography safaris:

Little Governors Camp, Porini Camp, Ol Donyo Lodge, Great Plains Camp

Where to go in kenya
For Photography Safari

Kenya Photography Safari

Kenya Safari Map

More travel guides for Africa Photography Safari trips in 2026/27

Take a look at a few of our more detailed country selections for 2026/27 Photography Safaris across Africa.

Africa Photography Safari

africa

From hidden per person per night
See the Guide
Photography

Zanzibar Honeymoon

zanzibar

From hidden per person per night
See the Guide
Zanzibar beach snorkelling africa specialists hdr pic q76 1a

Kenya Photography Safari

kenya

From hidden per person per night
See the Guide
Ol Donyo, Photography Log hide, Chyulu Hills, Kenya

Please visit our What to Do in Africa page to see the full range of safari and holiday options available.

What are the best parks & regions for a Kenya Photography Safari in 2026/27?

The following are The Africa Specialists’ recommended best parks and regions for Kenya Photography Safari for 2026/27 but don’t forget that we’re here to help if you need a hand with anything.

The Masai Mara

kenya

From $420 per person per night
Explore Now
The Masai Mara

Amboseli National Park

kenya

From $398 per person per night
Explore Now
Amboseli National Park

Southern Beaches

kenya

From $398 per person per night
Explore Now
Elwena Afrochic, Southern Beaches, Kenya

The Laikipia Plateau

kenya

From $398 per person per night
Explore Now
The Laikipia Plateau

Lewa Downs

kenya

From $398 per person per night
Explore Now
Lewa Downs

Samburu National Reserve

kenya

From $398 per person per night
Explore Now
Samburu National Reserve

Lake Naivasha and Nakuru

Kenya

From $398 per person per night
Explore Now
Lake Naivasha and Nakuru

Lamu Island

kenya

From $398 per person per night
Explore Now
Lamu Island

Tsavo East and West

kenya

From $398 per person per night
Explore Now
Tsavo East and West

Nairobi

kenya

From $398 per person per night
Explore Now
Nairobi, Kenya

Don’t miss our new Africa Safari Finder to find safari ideas by destination, region and type...

What are the best hotels & lodges for a Kenya Photography Safari for 2026/27?

We highly recommend the following hotels & lodges for Kenya Photography Safari for 2026/27. These are all tried and tested by The Africa Specialists™ so don’t hesitate to call us with any questions you may have.

NB. All prices for properties exclude applicable park fees and are guide prices.

$90$3,405

Price pp pn (USD)

Stars3Stars5

Our Rating

Tortilis Camp

kenya

From $915 per person per night
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Tortilis Camp, Amboseli National Park. Kenya

Porini Amboseli Camp

kenya

From $850 per person per night
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Porini Amboseli Camp, Amboseli National Park, Kenya

Naibor Camp

kenya

From $1,110 per person per night
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Naibor Camp, Masai Mara, Kenya

Sarova Lion Hill Lodge

kenya

From $360 per person per night
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Sarova Lion Hill Lodge

Karen Blixen Camp

kenya

From $825 per person per night
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Karen Blixen Camp

The Palacina

kenya

From $250 per person per night
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The Palacina, Nairobi, Kenya

Deloraine House

kenya

From $630 per person per night
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Deloraine House, House View, Lake Nakuru, Kenya

Loisaba Star Beds

kenya

From $855 per person per night
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Loisaba Star Beds

House of Waine

kenya

From $370 per person per night
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House of Waine, Nairobi, Kenya

Satao Camp

kenya

From $435 per person per night
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Satao Camp

Bateleur Camp

kenya

From $2,595 per person per night
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Bateleur Camp

Mara Ngenche Camp

kenya

From $715 per person per night
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Mara Ngenche Camp, The Masai Mara, Kenya

Mara Expeditions Camp

kenya

From $675 per person per night
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Mara Expeditions Camp, The Masai Mara, Kenya

Cottar’s 1920s Camp

kenya

From $2,000 per person per night
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Cottar's 1920s Camp

Ol Donyo Lodge

kenya

From $2,555 per person per night
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Ol Donyo, Room view, Chyulu Hills, Kenya

Sosian

kenya

From $970 per person per night
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Sosian

Hemingways

kenya

From $530 per person per night
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Hemingways, Nairobi, Kenya

Rekero Camp

kenya

From $1,450 per person per night
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Rekero Camp, Dining with a view, Masai Mara, Kenya

Lewa House

kenya

From $1,600 per person per night
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Lewa House, Lewa Downs, Kenya

Mara Plains

kenya

From $3,405 per person per night
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Mara Plains Camp. The Masai Mara, Kenya

Kinondo Kwetu

kenya

From $540 per person per night
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Kinondo Kwetu, Southern Beaches, Kenya

Richard’s River Camp

kenya

From $1,320 per person per night
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Richard’s River Camp, sundowners, Masai Mara, Kenya

Elephant Pepper Camp

kenya

From $1,125 per person per night
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Elephant Pepper Camp

Kichwa Tembo

kenya

From $1,335 per person per night
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Kichwa Tembo

Alfajiri Villas

kenya

From $290 per person per night
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Cliff Villa pool, Alfajiri Villas, Southern Beaches, Kenya

Saruni Wild

kenya

From $900 per person per night
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Saruni Wild

The Boma

kenya

From $90 per person per night
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The Boma, Executive suite, Nairobi, Kenya

Sasaab

kenya

From $1,855 per person per night
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Sasaab

Waterlovers Beach Resort

kenya

From $245 per person per night
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Waterlovers Beach Resort, Southern Beaches, Kenya

Lewa Safari Camp

kenya

From $925 per person per night
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Lewa Safari Camp, Lewa Downs, Kenya

Hemingways Watamu

kenya

From $245 per person per night
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Hemingways Watamu

Elephant Bedroom Camp

kenya

From $935 per person per night
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Elephant Bedroom Camp

Governors’ Il Moran Camp

kenya

From $1,595 per person per night
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Governors' Il Moran Camp

Saruni Samburu

kenya

From $1,000 per person per night
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Saruni Samburu

Offbeat Mara Camp

kenya

From $950 per person per night
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Offbeat Mara Camp

Afrochic

kenya

From $300 per person per night
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Afrochic

Governors’ Camp

kenya

From $1,000 per person per night
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Governors' Camp

Sand River Camp

kenya

From $1,275 per person per night
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Sand river camp 3 masai mara kenya

Naboisho Camp

kenya

From $2,250 per person per night
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Naboisho Camp, The Masai Mara, Kenya

Ol Seki Hemingways Mara

kenya

From $1,305 per person per night
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Ol Seki Hemingways Mara

The Sanctuary at Ol Lentille

kenya

From $950 per person per night
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The Sanctuary at Ol Lentille, Lamu, Kenya

Swahili Beach Resort

kenya

From $250 per person per night
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Swahili Beach Resort

Loisaba Tented Camp

kenya

From $1,090 per person per night
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Loisaba Tented Camp

Angama Mara

kenya

From $2,750 per person per night
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Angama Mara

Giraffe Manor

kenya

From $1,415 per person per night
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Giraffe Manor, Nairobi, Kenya

Kicheche Mara Camp

kenya

From $995 per person per night
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Kicheche Mara Camp

Msambweni House

kenya

From $440 per person per night
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The pool at Msambweni House

Ol Malo House

kenya

From $860 per person per night
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Ol Malo House

Little Governors’ Camp

kenya

From $1,830 per person per night
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Little Governors' Camp

Loldia House

kenya

From $935 per person per night
See the camp now
Loldia House, Lake Naivasha and Nakuru, Kenya

Ol Malo Lodge

kenya

From $1,600 per person per night
See the lodge now
Ol Malo Lodge

Saruni Mara

kenya

From $900 per person per night
See the hotel now
Saruni Mara

And don't miss our Africa Wildlife page for a full guide to the amazing wildlife available...

A few of our favourite itineraries for a Kenya Photography Safari in 2026/27

Below we have outlined a few of our more popular Kenya Photography Safari for 2026/27. As we only tailormake our trips to your exact requirements these are just to give you a feel for what is possible.

Days12Days13

Duration

$4,500$7,500

Price Brackets (USD)

12 Nights

Honeymooners Delight

Amboseli National Park, Southern Beaches, The Masai Mara

From $5,500 per person
See the Trip
Honeymoons at Naibor Camp

12 Nights

Lions and Elephants

Amboseli National Park, Nairobi, Southern Beaches, The Masai Mara

From $4,500 per person
See the Trip
Lions at Governors Camp, Masai Mara

13 Nights

Go On, It Will Be Worth It!

Nairobi, Samburu National Reserve, Southern Beaches, The Laikipia Plateau

From $7,500 per person
See the Trip
Samburu National Reserve

13 Nights

The Discerning Safari

The Laikipia Plateau, The Masai Mara, Zanzibar and islands, Zanzibar beaches

From $6,000 per person
See the Trip
The Laikipia Plateau, Kenya, Ol Malo Lodge

13 Nights

Plateaus and Plains

The Laikipia Plateau, The Masai Mara

From $5,500 per person
See the Trip
Laikipia Plateau, Kenya, Sosian
Don't miss our Tailormade Safari Holidays & Trips to select from our bespoke safari trips.

When is the best time to go on a Photography Safari trip to kenya in 2026/27?

Whereas it’s feasible to go on a kenya Photography Safari trip in 2026/27 almost any time of the year — depending on preferences and wildlife/safari viewing plans — but if you want to avoid peak season or aim to get the timing “just right” then use the following guide to the whole of kenya or call us any time to check feasibility, costs or best options for the perfect kenya Photography Safari  trip…

January fair

Visiting Kenya in January 2026/27

The front end of the year is the first clear month of weather after the short rains of November and December and, as such, is a great time to head to Kenya for a safari. Dry, clear days offer excellent game viewing and, as it not the season of the wildebeet migration, properties are not running at their fullest.

Activities & Events

Head to the Masai Mara for great resident game viewing, in particular in the Greater Mara Concessions.

Cheat Sheet

  • + Clear skies and mid-20s temperatures
  • + Parks are quieter without the migration herd visitors
  • + Often well priced properties
  •   Migration herds are not in the Masai Mara

Top Tips for January 2026/27

  • + Look to combine a couple of parks for the best experience

February fair

Visiting Kenya in February 2026/27

February is another great month to head to Kenya if you are looking to experience great game without the wildebeest migration visitors. With good weather, good grass cover and plenty of predator action, Kenya offers an excellent winter safari and beach option.

Activities & Events

The Mara is still the main focus for game viewing with other parks such as Amboseli and the Laikipia Plateau also offering a good quality safari.

Cheat Sheet

  • + Dry and warm weather
  • + Really good game viewing
  • + Fewer tourists at this time of year
  •   Game numbers aren’t near the migration herd season

Top Tips for February 2026/27

  • + A lovely time to visit some of the less known areas

March mixed

Visiting Kenya  in March 2026/27

March is the last of the months with good weather before the main rains of April and May break. Temperatures and humidty tend to start creeping up as the month goes on with rain coming at the back end. This being said, game viewing is still very good.

Activities & Events

Very good and reliable game viewing across the country as the last month of the short dry season pushes animals to the water sources.

Cheat Sheet

  • + Warm and dry weather in the main
  • + Camps are running at 50% occupancy in some cases
  • + Good value for money
  •   The end of the month can bring rains

Top Tips for March 2026/27

  • + A superb Easter holiday break for the family!

April mixed

Visiting Kenya in April 2026/27

April heralds the start of the main rains in Kenya and, as such, many of the properties close their doors for maintenance and to give staff a deserved break. This being said, the early part of the month is a photographers delight with stormy skies and moody vistas.

Activities & Events

Game driving in the Mara is still possible although viewing can be sporadic amongst heavy downpours.

Cheat Sheet

  • + The country is at its quietest for visitors
  • + Low season rates for the few properties that remain open
  •   Heavy rains disturb the game viewing

Top Tips for April 2026/27

  • + Ideally it is worth considering an alternative time of the year

May mixed

Visiting Kenya in May 2026/27

The second of the main rainy months in Kenya is normally avoided if at all possible as the game viewing and lodge availability can be very mixed. One of the upsides is that, due to the low visitor numbers, the properties that are open sell at a much lower price point.

Activities & Events

For the intrepid few the open grasslands of the Mara can still offer some game viewing…mainly of grumpy lions!

Cheat Sheet

  • + Temperatures are still warm albeit humid
  • + Still a good time for photographers
  •   Heavy rains can spoil the game viewing potential

Top Tips for May 2026/27

  • + Another month to avoid if possible

June great

Visiting Kenya in June 2026/27

The arrival of June brings an end to the long rains in Kenya and, with it, the promise of the arrival of the great migration herds from the Serengeti. While the high grasses make game viewing harder, it is a very picturesque time to travel with healthy animals and cool temperatures.

Activities & Events

Game viewing in the Masai Mara and across in Amboseli is particularly rewarding.

Cheat Sheet

  • + Clear skies and mild temperatures
  • + Healthy and happy game viewing
  • + Low season rates and fewer visitors make for good value
  •   Just a little early for the great migration herds

Top Tips for June 2026/27

  • + June is a good time to visit on a budget

July best

Visiting Kenya in July 2026/27

July is the start of Kenya’s “main” season…when the great migration herds arrive from the Serengeti and mingle around the rivers and waterways of the Mara grasslands. This is to witness one of the largest gatherings of mammals on the planet…and it is quite a sight! 

Activities & Events

Migration viewing is the main event at this time of the year with river crossings, predation and wildebeest everywhere.

Cheat Sheet

  • + Mostly clear, dry weather
  • + Outstanding game viewing in the Mara with the wildebeest
  • + Areas such as Laikipia and Amboseli are also very good
  •   This is the Mara at its busiest for visitors as well

Top Tips for July 2026/27

  • + You will need to get in early for the best properties

August amazing

Visiting Kenya in August 2026/27

The second of the busy months in Kenya, August is probably the Mara at itse very fullest as far as both animals and visitors are concerned…it is mayhem! This being said, there are still pockets of privacy to be had such as in the conservancies or down on the Serengeti borders.

Activities & Events

For many, the migration is the only reason to head to this area of the world but it is worth considering Lewa Downs for a more private and less frantic safari as well.

Cheat Sheet

  • + Right in the heart of the dry season for weather
  • + Animals are everywhere!
  •   Prices are at their peak in the month

Top Tips for August 2026/27

  • + Consider booking in a couple of areas

September great

Visiting Kenya in September 2026/27

September is often the pick of the months to travel almost anywhere in Africa as the weather is always warm and stable, the game viewing is excellent and the prices and visitor numbers tend to fall after the bun fight that is August.

Activities & Events

Game viewing in the Masai Mara is as good as it gets with wildebeest starting to consider their move south once more.

Cheat Sheet

  • + Clear and dry weather with temperatures starting to rise
  • + Outstanding game viewing in the Mara and throughout
  • + Fewer visitors in this window when compared with July/August
  •   Prices are still pretty elevated

Top Tips for September 2026/27

  • + Look to book towards the end of the month

October still good

Visiting Kenya in October 2026/27

October, along with September, is a great time to travel to the Masai Mara if you are looking to see the great migration herds without the high visitor numbers in July and August. The temperatures are starting to rise and rains at the back end of the month can trigger the herds’ movement south again.

Activities & Events

Game viewing in the Masai Mara Reserve and up in the Laikipia Plateau are still highly recommended.

Cheat Sheet

  • + Temperatures are creeping upwards
  • + The last month for the great migration herds
  • + Fewer visitors result in lower prices
  •   Rain arrives at the end of the month

Top Tips for October 2026/27

  • + Aim to visit in the first half of the month for the migration

November fair

Visiting Kenya in November 2026/27

November is the start of the short rains in Kenya and, as the rains arrive, so the migratory wildebeest herds start their long walk to the southern grasslands of the Serengeti once again. This is still a good time for seeing the resident herds that remain.

Activities & Events

Game viewing in the Masai Mara plains is still possible and, if you are lucky, the herds may feint to the south and return north at the start of the month.

Cheat Sheet

  • + Mild if wetter weather arrives
  • + Rain arrives to bring life and greenery to the parched landscape
  • + Low season rates kick in
  •   Wildebeest herds will have left by the middle of the month

Top Tips for November 2026/27

  • + Book at the start of the month for herds and low prices

December fair

Visiting Kenya in December 2026/27

The end of the year brings the short rains in earnest to the Kenya plains and, as such, many of the properties close for the month to repair and renew after the main season. Game is still very good, however, in the Mara and other main areas of the country for those willing to tollerate the sporadic downpours.

Activities & Events

The December period is a great time for birding in particular as the migratory species arrive from Europe.

Cheat Sheet

  • + The parks are empty in the front end of the month
  • + Fantastic birding
  •   Can be muggy and hot at this time of the year
  •   Rain can spoil a game drive on occasion

Top Tips for December 2026/27

  • + A good month for some winter sun on the coast

Please visit our Best Time to Visit kenya page for full information about kenya

Why travel with The Africa Specialists™?

1

100% tailormade

We help plan your trip from start to finish
We make sure to include all your interests
We offer a range of accommodation types
It is your trip, made to suit you

2

Expert knowledge

We have over 40 years of destination know how
We all spend time in our destinations annually
Local contacts give us unique insight
We are true specialists

3

We have you covered!

We have full ATOL bonding for your financial peace of mind
We provide 24/7 emergency backup as you travel
We make sure that the properties and guides are the best!

4

A trusted service

Established in 2010, you can totally rely on us.
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Please call us any time on USA +1-917-336-2937 or drop us a note via our contact us page.

What to do next...

Begin Your Journey (French's Safari Map)
Begin Your Journey

Step with us into a world where every detail is curated, every moment considered, and every horizon feels like it was reserved exclusively for you.

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Craft Your Bespoke Safari

Tell us what inspires you — and we’ll shape an African journey like no other — right down to the smallest detail.

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Your Adventure, Tailored to Perfection

From private conservancies to remote luxury lodges, let us help you design your perfect safari adventure.

Please call us any time on USA +1-917-336-2937 or drop us a note via our contact us page.