African Vision Safari
with Justin Black, Karine Aigner
Overview
“This was the experience of a lifetime. Visionary Wild provided a terrific photo safari. The educational value of this workshop was unparalleled, and I have participated in many workshops. The instructors were both terrific in facilitating the photography learning experience and in finding the best locations to maximize the opportunities.” –African Vision Safari Participant
Join award-winning wildlife photographers Karine Aigner and Justin Black for this superlative African safari experience for a small group of six, designed to exceed a passionate photographer’s wildest dreams. Karine and Justin pride themselves on their ability to teach the anticipation of animal behavior, timing, and camera handling skills that empower you to capture successful “decisive moment” wildlife images.
We will visit three of Kenya’s most distinct and geographically stunning locations at an ideal time of year: Amboseli, beneath snow-covered Mount Kilimanjaro (19,300ft.); Lewa Downs, beneath the dramatic peak of Mount Kenya (17,000ft.), and the Mara Triangle on the Mara River, Kenya during the Great Migration, with the basaltic wall of the Oloololo Escarpment providing a wonderful backdrop for the action on the plains.
This package is designed to deliver a superb overall experience, and includes first-rate, perfectly positioned lodging, all meals, beverages (including fine wine and beer at dinners), expert guides, photographic instruction, park entry fees, ground transfers, and internal flights during the itinerary.
Conceived as a unique wildlife photography experience that delivers the best that east Africa has to offer, this experience for a small group of passionate photographers focuses on the incredible biodiversity accessible via three distinctly different ecosystems, and the peak of the great migration at Masai Mara. Masai Mara is famous for its August migration of millions of wildebeest, zebras, and Thompson’s gazelles, accompanied by an abundance of lion, cheetah, leopard, and other native species. At the Lewa Conservancy you will find a surprising abundance of endangered black and white rhinos, and the world’s single largest population of Grevy’s zebra. The Conservancy is also home to herds of elephants and buffalo, giraffes, lions, cheetahs, more than 400 species of birds, and if we’re lucky, we’ll see a pack of wild dogs.
At all three locations we have arranged exclusive use of two 4×4 Landcruiser safari vehicles, with three guests and one instructor per vehicle.
Itinerary
August 5-15, 2024
August 5th: ARRIVAL DAY
You’ll be met as you disembark from your international flight at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport by our representative. After passport control, you will be transferred to Fairmont The Norfolk Hotel, your five-star accommodations within the city. (Approx. 45 minutes).
Our representative will assist you with check-in formalities such that you can relax and unwind after the flight. If you seek some activity rather than a day at leisure, a range of a la carte possibilities are on offer (see below). Our first official group meeting will be in the hotel bar at 6pm, before gathering for dinner at 7pm.
OVERNIGHT FAIRMONT THE NORFOLK HOTEL
MEAL PLAN: DINNER (8/5), BED & BREAKFAST (8/6)
ROOM TYPE STANDARD ROOM
August 6th: NAIROBI -AMBOSELI
0600hrs: A private transfer from the hotel to the Airport is provided.
0730hrs: Settle in for a flight from Nairobi with direct service to Amboseli National Park. The approximate flight duration is 45-50 Minutes.
0805hrs: Upon arrival at Amboseli airstrip a representative of Silver Africa Tours and Safaris will pick you up and transfer you between the lodge and the airstrip. Ensure that you have your Cameras ready as the airstrip is within the Park.
You will spot the free-ranging herds of elephants up close in the park – a little wonder why the park is the best place in Africa to spot such herds. It is home to many other species such as the Cape buffalo, Impala, Lion, Cheetah, Spotted hyena, Maasai giraffe, Zebra, and Blue wildebeest among other African animals. Birdlife is also abundant, both large and small species. Weather permitting, Amboseli national park offers a beautiful vista of the scenic snow-capped Mt. Kilimanjaro which makes it a perfect site for photography. It is the tallest mountain in Africa and the highest free-standing mountain in the world.
Dinner and overnight at Tortilis Camp.
Please note, strict luggage restrictions apply to this flight: 1) Maximum weight allowance of 32 lbs (15 kg) is permitted per person. 2) Baggage must be soft-shelled. 3) Additional baggage allowance can be arranged at additional cost,
August 7 & 8: AMBOSELI NATIONAL RESERVE
AMBOSELI NATIONAL RESERVE
After breakfast, each morning, join your expert guide and set out on yet Another day to enjoy a full-day game-viewing extravaganza in Amboseli. With its reputation for active elephant sighting it’s easy to spot them roaming the plains in the morning and evenings.
We will try to cover as much of Amboseli as we can, splitting our time from the dry lakes, open planes, and the swamp area. We will aim to get the key images of the maneless lions, Mount Kilimanjaro, with elephants and then see what other delights we can find. If we are lucky on this day, you can observe them splashing and foraging in Ol Okenya Swamp.
Heading out once again in the mid to late afternoon, we have an opportunity to see the day’s other period of transition as the sun drops and nocturnal species start to emerge. It’s at this time that most predators start to become active again rising after relaxing in the shade. We shall also stop at the observation hill to view the sprawling breathtaking view of Amboseli.
All meals and overnight at Tortilis camp
OVERNIGHT TORTILIS CAMP
MEAL PLAN ALL-INCLUSIVE
ROOM TYPE PRIVATE HOUSE & SAFARI TENTS
August 9th: Amboseli – Lewa Conservancy
0700hrs: After breakfast, a private transfer from the camp to the Airstrip at Empuseli Gate is provided.
0815hrs: Settle in for a flight from Amboseli National Park via Nairobi Airstrip where you will connect your flight to Lewa Downs. The approximate flight duration is 1hr 55minutes.
1100hrs: A representative from your Lewa House will pick you up and transfer you between the airstrip and the Lodge.
Lunch and dinner at Lewa House. Lewa Wildlife Conservancy is home to the world’s largest population of Grevy’s zebra. Renowned as a pioneer and leader in responsible tourism, Lewa Wildlife Conservancy actively advances and develops community engagement and wildlife conservation.
Whether you set out early in the morning or late afternoon, an informative guide will take you in an open vehicle across the plains, through the bush
OVERNIGHT LEWA HOUSE
MEAL PLAN ALL-INCLUSIVE
ROOM TYPE FAMILY COTTAGES + ROOM
Flights as Follows: Amboseli-Wilson 0815-0930
Wilson –Lewa-1000-1100
August 10th and 11th: Lewa Conservancy
Morning and afternoon game drives, beneath the flanks of Mount Kenya. Lewa Wildlife Conservancy is home to the world’s largest population of Grevy’s zebra. Renowned as a pioneer and leader in responsible tourism, Lewa Wildlife Conservancy actively advances and develops community engagement and wildlife conservation.
Whether you set out early in the morning or late afternoon, an informative guide will take you in an open vehicle across the plains, through the bush
OVERNIGHT LEWA HOUSE
MEAL PLAN ALL-INCLUSIVE
ROOM TYPE FAMILY COTTAGES + ROOM
August 12th: Lewa – Masai Mara (Mara Triangle)
0900hrs: After breakfast this morning you will be transferred to Lewa Airstrip for your scheduled flight to Kichwa Tembo.
1200hrs: Upon arrival‚ a driver/guide will meet you for your onward transfer to your camp at the Masai Mara with an en-route game drive.
After check-in, ‚ lunch will be ready.
After lunch‚ enjoy an afternoon of game-viewing throughout the Masai Mara Game Reserve in a customized open-sided safari vehicle. Else‚ engage in any other activity planned by the Camp. Afterward‚ return to the Camp for freshening and later on‚ dinner.
Masai Mara National Reserve located in southwest Kenya is a vast scenic expanse of gently rolling African savannah plains measuring 1510 square kilometers in area and bordering the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania to the south. Masai Mara is a unique wildlife conservation haven, famous for its spectacular natural diversity of wildlife and happens to be a premier Kenya Safari location in East Africa, offering visitors many reasons to visit this animal paradise. Large numbers of Lions, Cheetah, Elephant, Rhino, African Buffalo, Wildebeest, Giraffe, Zebra, and many more animals are found in the park in their natural habitat, unconfined and free to roam the vast wilderness stretching for miles on end.
OVERNIGHT KICHWA TEMBO TENTED CAMP
MEAL PLAN ALL-INCLUSIVE
ROOM TYPE CLASSIC TENTS
Flight as follows: Lewa-Masai Mara 1035-1200hrs
August 13 & 14: The Mara Triangle
FULL-DAY GAME DRIVES
Each morning, after breakfast we head out on a rewarding game drive in search of the elusive leopard. The smallest of the four “big cats,”
Negotiating the roads and tracks down from the lodge, you are transported into a world of a timeless natural wonder; one where the sights, sounds, and pageantry of life continue on just as they have for thousands of years.
As the day progresses, your driver’s deep knowledge of the land becomes apparent as he leads you to one spot of outstanding beauty after the next, allowing you to observe the wildlife quietly and at your leisure. As the animals take refuge from the hot mid-day sun, we find a secluded spot to stop and enjoy a picnic lunch before pressing on. You arrive back at the lodge at dusk, pleasantly tired after an exhilarating day.
After a well-deserved hot shower, you head to the main lodge for dinner. Take your after-dinner drink on your verandah if you wish, watching the wildlife grazing nearby. The atmosphere is remarkably peaceful as night falls, leaving you with dreams of this diverse and wonderful country.
Overnight KICHWA TEMBO TENTED CAMP
Meal Plan ALL-INCLUSIVE
Room Type SUPERIOR TENTS
OPTIONAL: EXPERIENCE A SAFARI FROM THE SKY ($500 per person)
A truly ‘once in a lifetime experience, flying in a Hot Air Balloon over the Masai plains is an evocative experience that you have the chance to enjoy during any safari you take. The balloon takes off at the break of dawn, around 6 am, gliding silently during the ride over the savannah grasslands below where you may spot a variety of wildlife. The flight lasts an hour and concludes with a ”Champagne Bush Breakfast” at the balloon landing site in the wilderness. The balloon is flown by a fully qualified and experienced Pilot and the balloons themselves are most often made by Cameron, a specialist hot air balloon manufacturer in Great Britain. The basket sizes vary and it is best to book the ride in advance as space is typically limited to a maximum of 16 passengers per balloon, often less if flying with a smaller basket.
Experience a fantastic balloon safari over the Serengeti National Parks enjoying breathtaking scenery and uninterrupted views as you embark on an unbelievable journey.
You will be picked up very early in the morning from your Balloon ride followed by a champagne breakfast, rising with the sun and gently floating in whichever direction the winds of the morning take you. At times this balloon will be piloted at the treetop level offering unique perspectives of the wildlife and many great photo opportunities.
Nothing can quite compare to the feeling of soaring over the wide-open plains at sunrise before touching down for a champagne breakfast out amidst the wilderness.
A perfect way to finish with an amazing champagne breakfast.
Enjoy the rest of the day’s game drives as you return to your lodge for lunch dinner and overnight.
August 15th: Masai Mara – Nairobi and Departure
MASAI MARA-DEPART
Early morning game drives return to the Camp for a full breakfast. Check out, followed by a transfer to the airstrip for your flight back to Nairobi where you will be connecting to your scheduled departure flight back home.
Flight as follows: Masai Mara- Wilson 1115-1300hrs
Say goodbye to this wonderful country, for now. We know we’ll be back. Sadly, this adventure comes to an end, but the memories are forever.
Instructors
Justin Black
- JUSTIN BLACK is a photographer (www.justinblackphoto.com), writer, editor, expedition leader, photo workshops instructor, a Fellow ...
Karine Aigner
- Congratulations to Karine Aigner for her Grand Title Award at the 2022 Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition hosted by the Natural History Museum of London. Karine Aigner's ...
Gallery
Pricing
Single-Occupancy: $22,495.00
Double-Occupancy: $19,995.00 per person
Note: These rates are based on payment by check. Payment by credit card requires an additional processing fee of 3%.
Included:
- All arrival and return Airport Transfers
- EXCLUSIVE USE of guided game drives vehicle in a 4×4 land cruiser vehicle. [MIN 4 PAX IN A VEHICLE]
- All Inclusive Meal plan (soft drinks, House wines, well spirits, and, local beers)
- Emergency Medical Evacuation services by Flying Doctors.
- All park entrance fees & Concessional fees
- Flight NAIROBI- AMBOSELI/NAIROBI- LEWA/MARA NORTH-NAIROBI
- All Kenyan government taxes and service charges
Excluded:
- International flights to / From the country of origin
- All additional guest experiences as otherwise listed
- Safari Shop purchase and–Curios
- Gratuities
- Laundry and phone calls
- Any other item not mentioned in the inclusions.
A La Carte Add-Ons (at additional cost):
Extra Nights at Nairobi if needed per person sharing =US$ 170. Single Supplement = US$120
Cost for Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage visit per person=US$ 135 – Minimum number of 02 pax per vehicle
Cost for Daphne Sheldrick Orphanage visit per person=US$ 70 – Minimum number of 04 pax per vehicle
Giraffe center visit per person =US$ 135 – Minimum number of 02 pax per vehicle
Giraffe center visit per person =US$ 70 – Minimum number of 04 pax per vehicle
Extra Lunch in Nairobi =US$ 40
Full-day excursion (Daphne Sheldrick orphanage/Giraffe Centre + Lunch per person=US$ 190 – Minimum of 02 pax per vehicle
Full-day excursion (Daphne Sheldrick orphanage/Giraffe Centre + Lunch per person=US$ 140 – Minimum of 04 pax per vehicle
Day rooms at Nairobi on the Last Day if needed =US$ 128 Single room Supplement =US$ 90
All prices are per person.
PRICING AND OCCUPANCY
This workshop is priced for single-occupancy, with pro-rated double occupancy rates for couples or participants who have made arrangements to share a room with another participant. We are not able to pair individual travelers into double-occupancy accommodation.
PAYMENT SCHEDULE
- 30% deposit due at time of registration
- 30% payment due Jan 5, 2024
- 40% final payment due April 5, 2024
A 60% deposit is due for registrations after Jan 5, 2024. Contact us if you would like to discuss alternate payment arrangements for the deposit.
Click here to review our terms and conditions, including payment, cancellation and refund policies.
Highlights
- Unbeatable combination of wildlife density and diversity, ecologically and geographically distinct locations, perfect seasonal conditions, superb lodging and meals, expert guiding and photographic instruction
- We will visit three of East Africas best wildlife safari destinations, with Mt. Kilimanjaro, Mount Kenya, and the Oloololo Escarpment providing incredible scenic backdrops.
- Experienced leaders provide expert guidance and instruction throughout, and put you in the right place at the right time to capture peak-action animal behavior in the best light.
- Masai Mara during the peak of migration, offering some of the best wildlife action opportunities anywhere.
- We will be unrushed at each location, to let you get to know the place and make the most of the opportunities
- Small group of six participants with the attentive support of three professional photographer instructors, naturalist guides, and experienced safari drivers
- Private 4WD safari vehicles with only three photographers to a vehicle
- First-rate lodging and dining included throughout
- Four in-Africa flights and all ground transfers included
Accommodations
Travel
Fly into Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta Airport. Four internal bush flights are included.
All ground transfers are included. We will have exclusive use of two safari vehicles at each camp or lodge.
Physical demands of this trip are easy.
We will be on Kenya during the dry season, making wildlife sightings much easier than at wetter times of year. Expect temps between 85ºF and 48ºF, mostly sunny with chance of showers from time to time.
African Vision Safari
with Justin Black, Karine Aigner
