Samburu, Solio & Amboseli – Kenya

16th June - 27th June 2024 | 11 nights, 12 days

USD 6,700 per person on twin sharing basis

USD 7,700 per person on single occupancy basis

3 spots remaining

Hi! We are Harman and Nili, a team of experienced wildlife photographers with a lifelong passion for safaris in Kenya. In June 2025, we invite a small group of like-minded individuals to join us in exploring some of our favourite places in Kenya – Samburu, Solio and Amboseli. On this once-in-a-lifetime safari adventure, we will teach you photography and editing techniques, as well as share our knowledge of wildlife behavior – an essential aspect of successful wildlife photography.

Samburu & Buffalo Springs

The Samburu-Buffalo Springs Ecosystem in Kenya is a breathtaking sanctuary renowned for not only its wildlife but also its landscapes. The park's arid landscape is adorned with rugged hills, acacia woodlands, and the lifeline of the Ewaso Ng'iro River, creating a stark yet stunning contrast. Photographers are captivated by the park's dramatic scenery and the chance to capture striking images of wildlife against the vibrant colors of dawn and dusk.

In Samburu, we will stay at the elegant Intrepids Camp and in Buffalo Springs, we will stay at the beautiful Ashnil Camp. Both camps are situated along the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River. From within the camps, we can observe an abundance of wildlife and birdlife. The locations of both camps are ideal, as they rest within the territories of resident leopards, which we will track and search for.

Our primary focus in Samburu and Buffalo Springs will be finding and photographing the elusive leopard. Alongside this, we will also seek out the "Samburu Special Five" – Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, beisa oryx, and gerenuk. The breathtaking Samburu landscape provides a stunning backdrop, making any subject we encounter a perfect candidate for extraordinary photographs. We'll capture the vibrant birdlife and the mesmerising scenery, ensuring a diverse and rich photographic experience.

Solio

Solio Conservancy, located in Kenya's Laikipia County, is a private wildlife sanctuary renowned for its significant role in rhino conservation. Established in 1970, it was one of the first private rhino reserves in Kenya and has become a critical refuge for both black and white rhinos. The conservancy's success in breeding and protecting these endangered species has made it a model for conservation efforts across Africa. In addition to rhinos, Solio is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including lions, leopards, and over 300 species of birds, making it a vital ecological haven.

In Solio, we will stay at Rhino Watch Camp, which is situated just outside the conservancy. Our main focus in Solio will be rhino photography, particularly at sunrise and sunset, capturing these majestic creatures in the best light. We will also have the opportunity to search for the conservancy’s lions and leopards, although our primary focus will be creating rhino images that stand out. 

Amboseli

Amboseli National Park, located in southern Kenya, is renowned for its stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak. The name "Amboseli" means "salty dust" in the Maasai language, reflecting the park's dry and dusty conditions. The park is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, offering close-up encounters with large herds of elephants and a variety of other animals, including lions, cheetahs, and diverse bird species.

In Amboseli, we will stay at the beautiful, rustic Ol Tukai lodge located inside the National Park. This prime location allows us to explore the marshes surrounding Ol Tukai, searching for elusive small cats like servals, caracals, civets, and wild cats at dawn and dusk. Next, we'll focus on the elephants, waiting for herds to cross the dry lake and seeking unique compositions with Mount Kilimanjaro in the background.

What makes our Amboseli safaris truly special is our emphasis on Super Tuskers. These remarkable elephants have tusks weighing at least 100 pounds, and only about ten remain in the Amboseli ecosystem. Between the two of us, we have photographed several Super Tuskers, including Tim (RIP), Craig, Michael, Teejay, Leroy, Pascal, Vronsky, Per, and Conor. Our top priority will be finding and spending time with at least one of these majestic giants, offering you a rare and unforgettable experience.

Included in the Safari Price:

  • 2 nights at Bidwood Suites Hotel in Nairobi on B&B

  • 2 nights at Intrepids Camp in Samburu

  • 2 nights at Ashnil Camp in Buffalo Springs

  • 2 nights at Rhino Watch Camp in Solio

  • 3 nights at Ol Tukai Lodge in Amboseli

  • Full board accomodation in all above camps/lodges

  • Exclusive use of a 4*4 safari Landcruiser customised for photography with an English speaking guide

  • Return ground transfers to and from each location

  • Airport transfers

  • Park and Conservancy Entrance Fees for Samburu, Solio and Amboseli

  • AMREF flying doctors emergency evacuation insurance

  • Drinking water on game drives

  • Daily image review sessions

  • 1-on-1 photographic tuition in the field

Excluded in the Safari Price:

  • Any extra accomodation not mentioned above

  • Extra activities not mentioned above i.e. sundowners, bushwalks

  • Any personal expenses not mentioned above i.e. laundry, beverages, shopping

  • Tips and gratuities to safari guide and lodge staff

  • International flights

  • Health and travel insurance

  • Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) for travel into Kenya

  • Camera equipment

Terms and Conditions:

  • 50% deposit required to confirm this booking.

  • Remaining 50% to be paid 6 weeks prior to travel.

Meet your Hosts

Jambo! We are Nili and Harman, two passionate wildlife and nature photographers with roots in Kenya.

I am Nili, born and raised in the picturesque town of Kitale, Kenya. My childhood was spent gazing at the stunning slopes of Mt. Elgon, which ignited my love for nature and wildlife from an early age. I moved to Perth, Australia, to complete my Bachelor's in Accounting and Finance, but my heart remained with the wild. After returning to Nairobi in 2013 and working in the corporate world, my interest in wildlife and photography evolved from a mere hobby to a full-fledged passion. By 2016, I was making regular safari trips with a basic Nikon DSLR camera, which deepened my love for photography. Gradually, I invested in better equipment and eventually left the corporate world to become a full-time wildlife photographer and safari planner. For me, conservation and understanding animal behavior are as important as capturing their beauty on camera.

I am Harman, a wildlife, landscape, and travel photographer based in Western Australia. Born in Kenya, my childhood was filled with incredible wildlife moments that I loved to capture. Moving to Western Australia almost a decade ago pushed me out of my comfort zone and expanded my photographic horizons to include diverse landscapes and marine wildlife. This experience diversified my portfolio and taught me the importance of adaptability as a photographer. My goal is to emphasize the importance of our natural world through artistic visuals, hoping to inspire change and raise awareness about the critical role nature plays in our existence.

Together, our work aims to highlight the beauty of Mother Nature and stress the importance of conservation.

FAQs:

What does each day typically comprise of?

Below is a flexible guide of what each day will look like while we are on safari:

5.00 - 6.00: wake up and enjoy some Kenyan tea or coffee.

6.00 - 9.30: early morning game drive focused on finding big cats in golden light.

9.30 - 10.00: bush breakfast.

10.00 - 11.00: continued game drive as we head back to camp.

11.00 - 13.00: free time to enjoy the camp facilities, rest up, edit and back-up photos.

13.00 - 14.00: lunch at camp.

14.00 - 16.00: free time to enjoy the camp facilities, rest up, edit and back-up photos.

16.00 - 18.30: afternoon game drive focused on finding big cats and a subject for sunset.

18.30 - 19.30: freshen up before dinner.

19.30 - 22.00: drinks by the campfire and dinner.

22.00: time to rest up before another special day in the African wilderness.

What kind of camera gear do I need to bring?

We do not have specific requirements for our safari trips. Everyone is welcome, whether you're a photographer or just want to capture moments with your iPhone. If you are a photographer wondering about gear, we recommend a zoom lens of at least 400mm. However, we believe that great photography is more about technique than equipment. Many of our guests have captured stunning photos using their phones and digital cameras.

What is there to gain from this safari trip?

There is so much to be gained from this safari. We will be searching for the most sought after big cat on the planet. Plus, throughout the trip, we will teach you the intricacies of photography and editing, as well as provide insights into animal behavior. With our knowledge of the individual animals we encounter, which we've followed and identified over the years, you'll gain a deeper understanding of their lives. Beyond the wealth of information, you'll make lifelong friends and unforgettable memories with the other like-minded guests, your hosts Harman and Nili, and your guides.