A Maasai Mara Photo Safari with a Difference

Insights from One of Our Photography Guides

This summer, we ventured to Kenya’s Maasai Mara for an incredible wildlife photography experience; a slightly different (dare we say better?) version of a photo safari. It was a wildlife photography workshop with an added element of conservation work, and a flexible length. (People can join for two to six weeks; whatever works for them.) The program is also unique in its price point; the Maasai Mara is an exclusive and very expensive destination that isn’t affordable to many. Our program offers great value for money that makes this incredible place accessible to more people.

And boy, did the Mara deliver! We were treated to an absolute wildlife photography feast. We asked photographer Sam Turley, Penda’s General Manager and one of the workshop’s photography leaders, to share his experiences, and elaborate on who should consider joining us next year. (Because yes, this will be an annual wildlife photography workshop!)

What’s Special About the Greater Maasai Mara?

It’s hard to put your finger on just one thing that makes the Greater Maasai Mara so special, however the sheer concentration of wildlife is something to behold. The masses of wildebeest and zebra (approximately 1.5 million individuals) that flood the Maasai Mara’s plains annually are proof of the area’s ecological significance and in turn, their arrival attracts a plethora of other species including big apex predators like lion, cheetah and leopard all the way down to the dung beetles who help to recycle the unfathomable amounts of vegetation being consumed.

For me, as a photographer, these types of interspecific interactions, particularly predator/prey, are what make the most interesting images and throughout my time in Africa I have never experienced anything quite like this.

Aside from the unrivaled wildlife viewing, the Greater Maasai Mara includes several private conservancies surrounding the main reserve which offer a more private safari experience. The majority of these conservancies implement unique conservation models and strategies that benefit both people and wildlife which is fascinating to learn about. There’s no better place to see and learn about practical real-life wildlife conservation.

The Maasai people, who have lived in harmony with the land and its wildlife for centuries, add a unique cultural dimension to the region and they offer a beautiful opportunity to engage with Maasai traditions and gain insights into their culture and deep connection with nature.

What Was the Photography Highlight on This Year’s Workshop?

It is very difficult to pick out just one highlight, as we were blessed with so many incredible sightings, including lions making a kill, multiple leopard sightings including a few with cubs, cheetahs hunting, big elephant herds, masses of buffalo, stunning sunsets and swathes of wildebeest. We were also lucky enough to experience multiple river crossings.

However, one river crossing in particular sticks in my mind. Thousands of wildebeest had gathered at the edge of a shallow section of the Mara River, the air thick with dust. The river, wide and murky, seemed deceptively calm, but tension crackled through the herd. Then, without warning, a few bold wildebeest plunged into the water, sparking a frantic chain reaction. The once orderly line dissolved into chaos as thousands followed, their hooves churning the muddy water into a frenzy. Splashing, jostling, and grunting, the wildebeest scrambled to keep their footing, some stumbling as the current tugged at their legs. Dust mixed with the spray as the panicked mass surged forward, each animal driven by instinct and the thundering pressure of the herd behind them. The air was alive with the noise of hooves pounding, water crashing, and the urgent bleats of the wildebeest as they fought their way across to the safety of the far bank, glistening and exhausted under the hot sun. An experience I’ll never forget.

Find Out More About Our Maasai Mara Wildlife Photography Workshop

What Makes This Wildlife Photography Workshop So Unique?

The two main points for me are the price and the diversity of the program. The Maasai Mara is at the top of a lot of people’s bucket list and for good reason however this also comes with a price tag, especially when the focus is photography. When designing this workshop, our main aim was to make the Maasai Mara affordable and therefore accessible to a wider audience – but without compromising on photographic opportunity. Although participants are based at the Wildlife Tourism College, we have included multiple excursions to neighboring conservancies as well as the Maasai Mara national park which allows you to experience much more of what the Greater Maasai Mara has to offer.

Who Should Consider Joining This Workshop?

It may sound cliche but literally anyone. If you’re a beginner, you’ll benefit from extended periods out in the field and expert tuition to help hone your skills, and if you’re a pro, you’ll benefit from not only being put into the right place at the right time, but also a wealth of animal behavior knowledge to help you to come away with stunning additions to your portfolio. It’s a truly magical experience for any level of photographer within any niche of photography.

How Long Should People Join for?

Chances are you should see everything you want to within two weeks (unfortunately there’s no guarantee with wildlife) but it simply doesn’t feel long enough. I think the sweet spot is three weeks which will also increase your chances of seeing a river crossing.

What Can People Expect to Learn?

It really depends on where you are on your photographic journey. I tailor my tuition to the individual, so my teachings always vary. However, participants can expect to learn about the basics of photography (ISO, aperture, shutter speed), composition, how to use different light, focus modes, metering, how to capture motion, post-processing, fieldcraft, animal behavior, ethics within wildlife photography, the art of storytelling and the business of photography. And on top of improving their photography skills, participants can also expect to leave with a wealth of knowledge relating to animal behavior and wildlife conservation.

Interested in Venturing to Kenya for a Photo Safari Yourself?

We can’t blame you! And we’d love to have you join. We’re now taking bookings for 2026, so have a look at the details of our wildlife photography workshop in Kenya, or get in touch with us to find out what’s involved in booking your space. See you there hopefully!

Images by Sam Turley