Itinerary Expand all Depart London.Depart London. Morning flight to Masai Mara.Welcome to Kenya! We have an early morning flight from Wilson Airport to take us directly to the heart of the Mara Conservancies. Land only customers are advised to book accommodation in Nairobi the night before the tour starts, to allow for easy meeting at Wilson Airport this morning. The 45 minute flight to the Mara provides some great scenery to start our Kenyan adventure. At the airstrip, we’ll be picked up by custom built four-wheel drives for the short transfer to Kicheche Camp. The crew at Kicheche will be waiting to welcome you and help you settle into camp. After lunch, we’ll take our first afternoon game drive in the exclusive Mara conservancies to discover some of the prolific wildlife that inhabits this area. Your first game drive will end with sundowners looking across the plains.Premium accommodation: Kicheche Tented Camp Meals included: Lunch Dinner Day 1 Start Nairobi; morning flight to Masai Mara.Welcome to Kenya! We have an early morning flight from Wilson Airport to take us directly to the heart of the Mara Conservancies. Land only customers are advised to book accommodation in Nairobi the night before the tour starts, to allow for easy meeting at Wilson Airport this morning. The 45 minute flight to the Mara provides some great scenery to start our Kenyan adventure. At the airstrip, we’ll be picked up by custom built four-wheel drives for the short transfer to Kicheche Camp. The crew at Kicheche will be waiting to welcome you and help you settle into camp. After lunch, we’ll take our first afternoon game drive in the exclusive Mara conservancies to discover some of the prolific wildlife that inhabits this area. Your first game drive will end with sundowners looking across the plains.Premium accommodation: Kicheche Tented Camp Meals included: Lunch Dinner Days 2-6 Sharpen your photography skills on the vast plains of the Masai Mara.Our days at Kicheche usually start early, with camp staff bringing tea, coffee, hot water and biscuits to the tent around 5am. One of the huge benefits of staying within the conservancies is that game drives start right from camp and we can be in position on the plains by first light. For photographers, this means the all-important ‘golden hour’ is always maximised. Depending on movement of the game and tips from the bush telegraph, drives can be a moveable feast. Some days we may find ourselves on a full-day safari (approx. 13 hours) whilst other days might be broken down into morning and afternoon drives. Paul and his team will try to make good calls when it comes to sightings and will always aim to be in the best position for viewing. They will be trying their hardest to ensure that photographic opportunities are frequent, but they will not be dashing around ticking off species like mainstream safari companies. Early starts are the order of the day, and we normally find some shade for lunch in a beautiful spot and to relax. Unless, that is, we come across a migration crossing or hunting cheetah! These drives are not endurance tests but a full day out on the plains can be quite tiring. They also will involve patience, as a hungry cheetah will often wait many hours before making their move.Meal times are a delight under the stars or in the mess tent if there is bad weather. It is the game and scenery that make this area so incredible. Camp can often have a pride of lion's close-by, and their call accompanied by the cackle of the hyena is an occasional night time companion. The property is very relaxing for those hours in the middle of the day between game drives and the haute cuisine and hot showers are a big bonus. These luxurious trappings sometimes belie the fact that the camp is right in the heart of the most prolific savannah on Earth!Premium accommodation: Kicheche Tented Camp Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 7 Morning game drive; afternoon flight to Nairobi; depart Nairobi.This morning, we enjoy a final game drive in the wilderness followed by brunch back at camp, before packing up and taking a late afternoon flight back to Nairobi where the trip ends.Please speak to your Sales Consultant regarding the timings of internal flights. They can book additional post-tour accommodation in Nairobi if required. Meals included: Breakfast Arrive London.Arrive London.
KenyaMost nationalities do now require a visa for Kenya, including Britons, most EU nationals, Australians, New Zealanders, Americans and Canadians. From the 1st January 2021 Kenyan entry visas will be exclusively issued electronically, with passengers required to obtain their e-visas before departure. For the latest information please contact your local Kenyan High Commission or Consulate. For information about the online application process please visit http://evisa.go.ke/evisa.html.The cost of the visa is US$50 for a single entry visa and US$100 for an East Africa visa (valid to travel in Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda).You will need to first register to the ecitizens website (including needing a photo 500px x 500px) before you can start applying. For the application process itself you will need details of the accommodation used (which we will send you) and itinerary as well as a photo 5.5cm x 5.5cm and a scanned or photographed copy of your passport’s bio/photo page. If after visiting Kenya you will also travel to Uganda and Rwanda, you may apply for East African Visa that will cover all three countries. Please contact the Kenyan High Commission to obtain more information about the combined visa from Kenya.
KenyaThere are no mandatory vaccination requirements. Recommended vaccinations are: Polio, Tetanus, Diphtheria, Typhoid, Hepatitis A. Malaria prophylaxis is essential and we suggest that you seek advice from your GP or travel health clinic about which malaria tablets to take. Dengue fever is a known risk in places visited. It is a tropical viral disease spread by daytime biting mosquitoes. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available for Dengue, and therefore the best form of prevention is to avoid being bitten. We recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
Premium Tented Camp This photography holiday stays at Kicheche Camps.June 2022: You will spend 6 nights at Kicheche Bush Camp.Early November 2022: You will spend 3 nights at Kicheche Valley Camp and 3 nights at Kicheche Bush Camp.Kicheche Bush CampLocated in the Olare Motorogi Conservancy.6 stylish tents spread out under Acacia trees.Spacious en-suite bathrooms with hot water.Elegant common area for relaxing, having tea or dining.Lighting is supplied 24 hours with charging facilities and Wi-Fi in each tent.Kicheche Mara CampLocated in the Mara North Conservancy.9 tents overlooking the Olare Orok stream and the western escarpment of the valley.Spacious en-suite bathroom with hot water.Lounge with comfortable seating, a library and Wi-Fi.Lighting is supplied 24 hours with charging facilities in each tent.Kicheche Valley CampLocated in the Naboisho Conservancy.6 large tents, set on wooden platforms.En-suite bathroom with running solar heated water. Central dining and lounge area with stunning views as well as Wi-Fi.Lighting is supplied 24 hours with charging facilities in each tent.The accommodation shown has been booked and agreed in advance, however we may need to make changes to a property of similar or higher standard after you have booked. While we will endeavour to inform you of any changes in advance which could, on rare occasions, be at late notice.
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Reviewed March 2022 Leslie HolmesAll expectations exceeded and some This was a much anticipated trip - 4th time lucky and it was absolutely worth waiting for. Kicheche camps, the guides James, Dickson, Sarumi, Johnson, Bernard and Eliud were all excellent. They found us elusive leopards and cheetahs and got the vehicles into the best positions for photographs. Paul was an inspirational lead - pushing us to go for something different in our pictures and ensuring we had the basic camera settings correct. Just don't ask him what ISO to use or wax lyrical about the stunning vista. Kicheche camps and the conservancies are something special - they're very connected with local communities, the wildlife aren't "hassled" by lots of vehicles crammed full of people. As a guest Kicheche felt very respectful of the local area and we were also wonderfully looked after - amazing food from game drive breakfasts, delicious lunches and dinners at the camp and sundowners in the bush, comfortable tents and communal areas all with stunning views and the odd elephant just walking by. It was my first safari but some people in my group of 7 guests had been many times and I can see why.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The game drives - seeing leopards and cheetahs close up - unphased by the vehicles and just going about their business. I thought we had been incredibly lucky with the drives we had and what we saw but no the guides really are excellent at finding even the most elusive of animals. Inspirational moments include cheetah cubs playing under our vehicles, a leopard and her cub coming down from a tree with their kill and a cheetah fending off a lioness to protect her cubs. For me the photography coaching - learning how to take photographs of weaver birds for example was a huge highlight of the trip and not something you would get on any other safari.What did you think of your group leader? All of the guides and Paul Goldstein were excellent. Paul knows what he is doing and will push you to get the most out of the experience and your photographs which is exactly what you want from a trip like this. Paul, the guides and camp staff all work incredibly hard to make this the most amazing experience - you can immerse yourself in the safari and know that all the fiddly bits and pieces like PCR tests, early pick ups etc are all being sorted.Do you have any advice for potential travellers? If you are keen to develop your photographic skills or want to experience a very special safari experience then this is the perfect trip. Be aware, though, it may ruin you for any other safari.Is there anything else you would like to add? I extended my trip with 5 nights in Zanzibar at Fumba Beach Lodge which was the perfect place for being indulgently lazy or having an explore. I was picked up from the airport by Kassim Mbonde (he worked with the local operators who liaise with Exodus) and he was happy to act as my guide whilst in Zanzibar. As a first time visitor and solo traveller I was very happy to take him up on this offer and two excellent days exploring the island - Stone Town, Spice Tour, Jozani forest for Red Colobus monkeys and Mnemba Island for snorkelling and swimming with dolphin (an amazing first time experience). I felt very safe with Kassim and looked out for and got to explore parts of the island I wouldn't have been able to otherwise. If you are able to I would definitely recommend a Zanzibar extension.
Reviewed October 2019 Janet HoptroffA Very Special Safari My first Safari, and every day a new magical experience… photographing wildlife. It really was exciting and a privilege to be in close proximity with so many different animals in this wild beautiful conservancy (and with few other tourists around).What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? To be allowed to share the home of these incredible animals in the company of Wildlife and Photography experts Paul Goldstein and Chris Packham really was ‘something very special’… and inspirational.What did you think of your group leader? Paul Goldstein and Chris Packham, our leaders, are Wildlife and Photography experts and inspired us to take brilliant photographs… They gave some great advice on achieving that ‘special’ shot.. They were delightful company, helpful and full of suggestions to help us improve our photographic skills. They made the holiday very special.Do you have any advice for potential travellers? If you love Wildlife and photography, this is the Safari for you! Go and experience this fantastic trip, the magic of the animals (there are so many to see) and the comfort and fantastic food of the Bush Camp.Is there anything else you would like to add? It really was exciting and a privilege to be in close proximity with so many different animals in this wild beautiful conservancy (and with few other tourists around).
Reviewed January 2019 Eric BradleyKenyan safari @ Kicheche This was an excellent trip, full of amazing wildlife and beautiful scenery. The accommodation, food and facilities were also top notch, as were all the staff. I cannot fault this trip.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? It was all good but watching cheetah, lion and leopard cubs playing (not together, I might add!) were definite highlights.What did you think of your group leader? The guides are amazing and know their environment supremely well. Paul, the group leader, was excellent as usual and needs no further plaudits from me.Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Be prepared to eat a lot of excellent food.
Reviewed January 2019 Robert OrdidgeInspired by the inspired. My latest trip to the Masai Mara was as good as all the others. Each trip and each day of every trip are different. New and different animals and birds to photograph and new situations and interactions.There is so much variety that you never know what is around the next corner.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Watching the big cats and their young ones interacting with each other. Yes good photographs but also memories of just watching them playing with each other in family groups and the affection shown by the mothers. I am describing lions, cheetahs and leopards. My impression was that the population of the big cats has increased since my last visit in 2016.What did you think of your group leader? Paul Goldstein is different from other leaders of wildlife photographers. Can be rude and charming at the same time, but never spiteful. He gets in the way when photographing but probably because he instinctively seems to know what is going to happen before it does happen. He also seems to get better pictures. You travel with him because of his passion and knowledge for photographing wildlife. However it is not just about Paul. He has a very, very good team supporting him, the drivers in particular. They know the country. I am pleased that Paul frequently asks for their advice.Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Wildlife photography demands being in the right place at the right time. This means that you need to know the ways and thoughts of your subject. Sometimes you need to sit and wait and watch. Always travel with a dedicated group of people and that applies to the other members of your group. If photography is your aim then go with fellow photographers.Is there anything else you would like to add? I will be going back to the Masai Mara.
Reviewed October 2018 alan wattsjonathan scott safari outstanding in every way. kicheche camp just superb - accommodation, service, friendliness and food all as good as it can get. hard work though getting up at 5.15 every day and being out till 6.30 in the evening. no issue though - that's what we signed up for. our drivers / guides were absolutely top notch and really great to be with.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? just all the wildlife, scenery, colour and open spaces. the maasai village part made the trip very special.What did you think of your group leader? brian from canon just greatDo you have any advice for potential travellers? not reallyIs there anything else you would like to add? yes. given the distance and cost, i think it would be great to offer optional 'add on' package(s) at the end, e.g. 2 days in nairobi or a beach just to relax / learn something more about the country. this trip is intensive and tiring and you need a bit of r&r before going straight home.
Reviewed July 2018 Christopher BruceKicheche Bush Camp Absolutely brilliant safari. Paul Goldstein and the local guides went out of their way to ensure we had the best experience. The camp itself was superb and the food was the best we've had on any trip. The camp managers, Darren & Emma, were very friendly and welcoming and added to the overall experience. We would happily go back tomorrow.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The number of big cat sightings, which was due to the spotting skills and patience of the guides.What did you think of your group leader? Paul Goldstein is a legend. Inspirational and great fun, you learn so much just from being with him.Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Get on the next plane out. You won't regret it.
Reviewed April 2018 Cheryl MorrisLeopards, leopards and yet more leopards - with cubs Another amazing week in the Masai Mara. Don't be afraid to go during the "rainy season". We had so many top quality sightings of leopards with cubs, lions with cubs, a cheetah kill and a new born elephant. Of course this cannot be guaranteed but we had very good fortune as well as maxing the time out searching for photographic opportunities. The guides were excellent and worked hard to get us into the best position for photos, whilst respecting the animals and ensuring they weren't disturbed by our presence. Lovely food and comfy tents - hot water bottles in our beds and in the jeeps were well-received.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Spending quality time with a new-born elephant who was learning to walk and suckle and very playful leopard cubsWhat did you think of your group leader? Paul Goldstein - you can read all about him in other reviews. Without doubt, you won't find a more hardworking guide, determined to maximise your experienceDo you have any advice for potential travellers? Brace yourself for getting up around 5am and not returning to camp until 19.30 - every day. This safari isn't for wimps.
Reviewed April 2018 Cheryl MorrisLeopards, leopards and yet more leopards - with cubs Another amazing week in the Masai Mara. Don't be afraid to go during the "rainy season". We had so many top quality sightings of leopards with cubs, lions with cubs, a cheetah kill and a new born elephant. Of course this cannot be guaranteed but we had very good fortune as well as maxing the time out searching for photographic opportunities. The guides were excellent and worked hard to get us into the best position for photos, whilst respecting the animals and ensuring they weren't disturbed by our presence. Lovely food and comfy tents - hot water bottles in our beds and in the jeeps were well-received.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Spending quality time with a new-born elephant who was learning to walk and suckle and very playful leopard cubsWhat did you think of your group leader? Paul Goldstein - you can read all about him in other reviews. Without doubt, you won't find a more hardworking guide, determined to maximise your experienceDo you have any advice for potential travellers? Brace yourself for getting up around 5am and not returning to camp until 19.30 - every day. This safari isn't for wimps.
Reviewed February 2018 Haydn AdamsAn unbeatable wildlife photographic experience ....................... I had done the same trip once before when I barely knew how to use my camera. Six years on I felt I could fare much better and I wanted to put myself to the test. This wildlife safari gave me every opportunity I needed to exercise my skills. Fantastic wildlife viewing under the tutelage of an internationally renown expert in a wonderful environment.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? There were several incredible wildlife experiences, one of which was to follow a leopard and her cub for nearly two entire days. But if I had to single out just one incident it was a stand-off between approximately twenty inquisitive giraffe and a completely unfazed cheetah. Paul, our leader, said that never before during his extensive career had he seen anything quite like it - and photographs of the event made into the UK national press.What did you think of your group leader? Paul is an expert in his field and he sets very high standards while constantly providing helpful advice and feedback. As I think the trip notes indicate, this is not a trip for the faint hearted. But Paul and his team of highly skilled drivers know how to get you into exactly the right place at the right time to capture those incredible wildlife moments. Paul is also an amazing raconteur. During quieter moments out in the field the time is filled with interesting anecdotes or amusing stories and it is exactly the same over lunch and dinner. Paul is an excellent group leader.Do you have any advice for potential travellers? This trip delivers exactly what is indicated in its title. This is a photographic safari and it is best suited to those fully familiar with their photographic equipment. If your main goal is to see as many animals as possible, stopping for every zebra, impala and other animal on the plain, you might prefer to look elsewhere. If you want the opportunity to take spectacular wildlife photographs then this is the trip for you. But patience is required. Long hours are spent out in the field and there are inevitably periods of relative inactivity, sitting in vehicles parked out in the African sun, waiting for that special moment. But, believe me, the results are well worth the time and the effort invested.
Reviewed November 2015 Jackie FreshfieldThe best safari yet! A fantastic, immersive safari experience that gets you close to the wildlife for some great photographic opportunities, with a five-star luxury camp to enjoy when not out on the Mara plains filling your memory cards. This is not a relaxing holiday, but it is the best way to get close to the incredible wildlife and to take your photography skills to the next level. It’s also lots of fun!What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? This is tough but I can narrow it down to three: First night, waiting for sundowners, Paul had tracked a cheetah and anticipated it would climb a Boscia tree. We positioned our vehicles so that the setting sun would be behind the tree and waited. Sure enough the cheetah climbed up and we were able to capture it as a silhouette against a stunning Mara sunset. Cheetah kill: we spent the morning waiting for Malaika and her 3 sub-adult cubs to hunt. They eyed-up some wildebeest in the distance and we positioned the vehicles for the best vantage point, but in so doing, we disturbed a hare that ran off at speed. The cheetahs spotted this ‘amuse bouche’ on legs, made chase and executed a perfect kill right in front of our vehicle. Adrenalin overload! Leopard with cubs: Bahati, a beautiful leopard, moved her 8-week-old cubs to a new den, carrying them one by one in her mouth. A very rare sight, and a privilege to watch. And then there’s the Scotch egg that also deserves mention: voted Top Mara breakfast!What did you think of your group leader? I’ve been on a few trips with Paul and know that he takes no prisoners. My two friends and I were called the ‘Sunshine Variety Club outing’ because we were so slow with our cameras; (which we thought hilarious). So if you’re too slow, or you don’t know how your camera works properly or you are not prepared to take risks with your photography then you may get an earful. However if you want to learn, then Paul will pass on hugely useful tips and advice so that you will never take just a plain old ‘record shot’ again (though of course we amateurs need at least one of those!). Paul is harder on himself than on his guests; if he calls it wrong (admittedly this is rare) or is himself too slow to get the correct lens on (it happens!), then the air will turn blue. His objective is for you to get the great shots, he works hard to make this happen and his good cop/bad cop approach pays dividends in the end. Wallflowers need not apply… But bring a thick skin with you, and throw a few filthy jokes into the mix and you’ll be fine, and what’s more, you’ll go home with a gallery of photographs that you will treasure.Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Get to know your camera – not just ‘auto’ but all the other buttons too. Bring the best lens you can, and hire one if the eye-watering prices for new glass are beyond you. You will regret not doing so once you are in situ: lens envy is not good. I had a Canon 7D and a 1D with a 100-400 lens but was v envious of the 500mm lenses. However, I got some great shots once I’d got all the various bells and whistles on my camera sorted – and used the bean bag for stability (they are in all vehicles). Bring a wide lens too as the Mara skies are simply stunning. One of my favourite shots has no animals in it at all. In addition to your usual pro-style camera bag for taking as hand-luggage, bring a softer day pack for using in the vehicles: these will get dusty and need to be crammed under the seat - big camera bags will be too bulky. Bring enough memory cards or a laptop/hard drive to download – you will take many more photographs than you could ever imagine. A laptop/tablet is also useful so you can review your photos at the end of each day; there are plenty of UK plug sockets in the mess tent for recharging but no sockets in the tents which are solar powered (no hairdryers required!). Take note of the luggage weight limit and pack accordingly (though our luggage was not weighed for the internal flight). Ballgowns and tiaras not required as it is v casual in camp. Pack light and take advantage of the awesome laundry system (taken in the morning, washed and ironed by 5pm). Take a fleece for the early mornings as it is cold out before the sun rises, but the heat of the midday sun can be scorchio, so bring sunscreen. I stashed an energy/nutty bar in my day-pack each morning, as there can be a long wait until breakfast if you are on a stake-out!Is there anything else you would like to add? This is an expensive safari, but you get what you pay for. The brilliant guides at the Kicheche camps know every inch of the plains and can spot a big cat from a mile away. The vehicles are especially adapted for photographers and the guides are photographers themselves, so they know how to get you in the right place for the best shots. If you go on a trip with Paul, he will work you hard but your photography will improve and he is committed to finding the best wildlife, whatever it takes. Be prepared for long days, but they pay off. We stayed at Kicheche Bush Camp and were treated like royalty; the staff are fantastic and the food is amazing, but beware the scales when you get home!
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