African Vision Safari
Overview
INCLUDES PRIVATE CHARTER FLIGHTS BETWEEN SAFARI CAMPS, AND LUXURY ACCOMMODATIONS THROUGHOUT
TESTIMONIALS:
“My Kenyan safari with Justin and Karine was absolutely extraordinary. Every detail was seamlessly organized, and their expertise shone through in the way they guided us. They have a gift for teaching without ever preaching — inviting us to see differently, experiment with new angles, and discover fresh ideas that transformed my photography. Thanks to them, the images I brought home are dramatically better. For anyone seeking a safari that blends adventure, artistry, and true professionalism, Justin and Karine are unmatched. Highly recommended!” –Julie S., Dec. 2024 African Vision Safari participant
“This safari was one of my most memorable experiences: giant elephant herds at Amboseli communicating to one other through the ground; encountering the impressive variety of big game in the Mara Conservancy; following rhino families, and the struggles of a lioness raising her cubs at Lewa Downs. This is the ultimate luxury safari experience, with beautiful camps and great service.” –Arjun K., Dec. 2024 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 one of the best times of year for photographing wildlife activity, but with low tourist traffic: Amboseli, beneath snow-covered Mount Kilimanjaro (19,300ft.); the Mara Triangle on the Mara River with the basaltic wall of the Oloololo Escarpment providing a wonderful backdrop for the action on the plains; and Lewa Downs, beneath the dramatic peak of Mount Kenya (17,000ft.). We are visiting during the peak of predator activity, calving of newborn wildebeest and zebras, and seasonal bird migration (this is the best time of year for bird photography in East Africa).
This package is designed to deliver a superb overall experience, and includes first-rate, perfectly positioned lodging, all meals, beverages (including fine wines, cocktails, and beer at dinners), expert local wildlife guides, photographic instruction, park entry fees, ground transfers, and internal private charter 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 predator activity, with the predators spending more time each day active and hunting as the great migration has come to an end. In December, Amboseli’s short rains leave the landscape lush and green, creating striking contrasts with the snowcapped summit of Kilimanjaro. Wildlife photography is exceptional, with large elephant herds moving across the open plains against dramatic skies. Migratory birds also arrive, adding diversity and color.
The private Mara Conservancy (far less busy than the over-crowded main Maasai Mara National Reserve on the other side of the river) is famous for its year-round abundance of classic African wildlife: lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants, giraffes, wildebeest, zebras, African buffalos, Thompson’s gazelles, Martial Eagles, Lilac-Breasted Rollers, African Crested Cranes, and more.
At the Lewa Conservancy you will find a surprising abundance of endangered black and white rhinos, the beautiful giraffe-necked gerenuk antelope, and the world’s largest population of Grevy’s zebra. The Conservancy is also home to herds of elephants and cape buffalo, giraffes, lions, leopards, 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
December 2-12, 2026
December 2nd: 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 so 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 (12/2), BED & BREAKFAST (12/3)
ROOM TYPE: FAIRMONT ROOM
December 3rd: 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 the group will be picked up for transfer to the lodge. Ensure that you have your cameras ready as wildlife will be present along the route. 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 photograph such herds. It is home to many other species such as Cape buffalo, Impala, Lion, Cheetah, Spotted hyena, Maasai giraffe, Zebra, and Blue wildebeest among other African animals. Birdlife is also abundant, particularly at this time of year as it is the peak of migratory bird traffic. Amboseli 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. As we arrive at Tortilis Camp, we will be greeted by our good friends Graeme and Candy Smith, our wonderful camp managers.
OVERNIGHT: TORTILIS CAMP
MEAL PLAN: ALL-INCLUSIVE
ROOM TYPE: LUXURY SAFARI TENTS
December 4th & 5th: AMBOSELI NATIONAL RESERVE
After breakfast each morning, join our expert guide in the Landcruiser and set out 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 seek out great opportunities to photograph maneless lions, Mount Kilimanjaro, and large elephant herds, and then see what other delights we can find. If we are lucky on this day, you can observe elephants 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: LUXURY SAFARI TENTS
December 6th: AMBOSELI – MAASAI MARA (MARA TRIANGLE)
1000hrs: After breakfast this morning you will be transferred to the airstrip for our private-charter flight to the Mara Conservancy.
1200hrs: Upon arrival‚ a driver/guide will meet us for our onward transfer to the luxurious Bateleur Camp with an en-route game drive.
After check-in‚ lunch will be ready.
After lunch‚ enjoy an afternoon of game-viewing throughout the Mara Conservancy in a customized open-sided safari vehicle. Afterward‚ return to the camp for freshening up, a cocktail, and dinner.
Maasai 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. The Mara Triangle, where our safari camp is located, is positioned between the Oloololo Escarpment and the Mara River, and is a private concession accessible only to guests staying at one of the fewer safari camps there. It features the same wildlife as the main Mara, but far fewer visitors. This place is a unique wildlife conservation haven, famous for its spectacular natural diversity of wildlife and happens to be a premier safari location in East Africa, offering visitors many reasons to visit this wildlife 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: BATELEUR LUXURY CAMP
MEAL PLAN: ALL-INCLUSIVE
ROOM TYPE: LUXURY SAFARI TENTS
December 7th & 8th: MAASAI MARA (MARA TRIANGLE)
Each morning, after breakfast we head out on a rewarding game drive in search of the elusive leopard, the most stealthy of the 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 millennia. As the morning progresses, your guides’ deep knowledge of the land becomes apparent as they lead 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 return to camp for a delicious lunch and a bit of down time to either rest and enjoy the camp’s luxury amenities, or download and review images with your instructors, who will provide useful feedback on technique and composition, to ensure you go home with images to be proud of. In the afternoon, we will head out again for a game drive, making the most of the afternoon light leading into a glorious sunset. After stopping on the way back for a “sundowner” – classic gin and tonic or glass of wine, we will arrive back at the lodge at dusk, pleasantly tired after an exhilarating day.
After a well-deserved shower or bath, we head to the dining room for dinner. Take your after-dinner refreshment on your veranda 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: BATELEUR LUXURY CAMP
MEAL PLAN: ALL-INCLUSIVE
ROOM TYPE: LUXURY SAFARI TENTS
OPTIONAL: EXPERIENCE A SAFARI FROM THE SKY ($550 per person)
A truly ‘once in a lifetime experience, flying in a hot air balloon over the Maasai 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.
Enjoy the rest of the day’s game drives as you return to your lodge for lunch dinner and overnight.
December 9th: MAASAI MARA – LEWA DOWNS (LEWA CONSERVANCY)
0930hrs: After a sunrise game drive and breakfast, a private transfer from the camp to the airstrip at Empuseli Gate is provided.
1000hrs: We’ll board our flight to Lewa Downs.
1100hrs: A representative from Lewa Wilderness Lodge will pick us up and transfer us to the Lodge.
Lunch, afternoon game drive, and dinner at Lewa Wilderness. Lewa Wildlife Conservancy is home to well-protected populations of severely endangered rhinoceros, both black and white, as well as the world’s largest population of Grevy’s zebra. Good leopard sightings are not uncommon, and rare species like gerenuk (giraffe-necked antelope) are surprisingly common. The local lion prides are very active at this time of year. Renowned as a pioneer and leader in responsible tourism, Lewa Wildlife Conservancy actively advances and develops community engagement and wildlife conservation.
OVERNIGHT: LEWA WILDERNESS LODGE
MEAL PLAN: ALL-INCLUSIVE
ROOM TYPE: ONE-BEDROOM COTTAGES
December 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 WILDERNESS
MEAL PLAN: ALL-INCLUSIVE
ROOM TYPE: ONE-BEDROOM COTTAGES
December 12th: LEWA DOWNS – BACK TO NAIROBI AND DEPARTURE
After an early morning game drive, we will return to camp for a full breakfast. Check out, followed by a transfer to the airstrip for your charter flight back to Nairobi where you will be connecting to your scheduled departure flight back home.
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
- All arrival and return Airport Transfers
- Four private charter flights NAIROBI-AMBOSELI-MARA CONSERVANCY-LEWA DOWNS-NAIROBI
- EXCLUSIVE USE of guided game drives vehicle in a 4×4 land cruiser vehicle (one person per row)
- All Inclusive Meal plan (soft drinks, house wines, well spirits, and, local beers)
- Emergency Medical Evacuation Insurance by Flying Doctors (within Kenya)
- All park entrance fees & Concessional fees
- All Kenyan government taxes and service charges
- International flights to / From the country of origin
- All additional guest experiences as otherwise listed
- Personal shopping
- Gratuities
- Laundry and phone calls
- Any other item not mentioned in the inclusions.
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 April 2, 2026
- 40% final payment due August 2, 2026
A 100% payment is due for registrations after August 2, 2026. 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 behavior and diversity, ecologically and geographically distinct locations, excellent seasonal conditions with low tourist traffic, superb lodging and meals, expert guiding and photographic instruction
- We will visit three of East Africas best wildlife safari destinations, with Mount Kilimanjaro, the Oloololo Escarpment, and Mount Kenya all 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.
- Maasai Mara during the “short rains,” green season, offering some of the best wildlife behavior 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 two professional photographer instructors, naturalist guides, and experienced safari drivers
- Private 4WD safari vehicles with one photographer per row
- First-rate lodging and dining included throughout
- Four private charter flights and all ground transfers included
Accommodations
Travel
