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Shoot the Mara like a pro – lions, leopards, and the Great Migration await.

The Maasai Mara is Africa at its best. With its vast stretches of rolling grasslands, plenitude of wildlife, and its colorful people, this part of Kenya offers incredibly rich photographic experiences. We invite you to join us here for our Maasai Mara photo safari – an exclusive wilderness experience that’s guided by two professional wildlife photographers.

Wildlife photography here is an absolute dream; the Maasai Mara is densely populated with a wealth of animals, so expect to photograph lions, rhinos, elephants, buffalos, and much more. The Maasai Mara is also the stage for the famous Great Migration; an annual spectacle of millions of wildebeest and zebras crossing the plains. While the timing of this epic display is not entirely predictable, our photo safari runs in the right season, so we might get lucky enough to witness and photograph some of it. 

This photo safari is guided by wildlife photographers Alan Hewitt and Kaleel Zibe, who will share their expertise throughout the trip. It’s a wonderful way to experience the magic of the Maasai Mara for keen photographers of any level. 

Quick Facts

Maasai Mara, Kenya

March 11, 2026 (7 or 11 nights)

August 26, 2026 (7 or 11 nights)

Wildlife Photography
Photography Guides: Alan Hewitt & Kaleel Zibe
Group Size: Max 12
All Photography Levels

Tour & Destination Highlights

  • Enjoy some of the best wildlife photography opportunities on the African continent 
  • Photograph big cats, elephants, buffalo, huge herds of zebras and wildebeest, as well as a wealth of smaller mammals, reptiles, and birds 
  • Enjoy tutoring by two professional wildlife photographers, as well as guidance by expert local guides and trackers 
  • Have an opportunity to photograph the epic Great Migration 
  • Stay at a lodge within a game reserve, and find yourself totally immersed in the African wilderness

Quick Facts

Maasai Mara, Kenya

March 11, 2026 (7 or 11 nights)

August 26, 2026 (7 or 11 nights)

Wildlife Photography
Photography Guides: Alan Hewitt & Kaleel Zibe
Group Size: Max 12

PRICING OVERVIEW

From USD $7,595GBP £EUR €ZAR RAUD $
USDGBPEURZARAUD

At the current exchange rate. Please note final quote might vary slightly


per person sharing

INCLUDING

  • Accommodation
  • All meals
  • Internal flights transfer from Nairobi
  • All transportation & airport transfers
  • Photographic tutoring
  • All activities as per the itinerary

EXCLUDING

  • International flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Visas
EXPLORE

Photography in Kenya

Your front-row seat to Africa’s wildest spectacle.

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WHAT TO EXPECT ON THIS PHOTO SAFARI

Your Photographic Experience

Made famous by multiple BBC and National Geographic TV series, the Maasai Mara is wildlife photography heaven. This is the land of the iconic African Big Five – lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and Cape buffalo – and home to the world-famous Great Migration, when millions of wildebeest and zebra cross the plains in search of fresh grazing. Cheetahs, hippos, crocodiles, hyenas, giraffes, and countless antelope species thrive here, along with a dazzling array of birdlife, from the lilac-breasted roller and kingfishers to vultures, storks, hawks, and eagles. The Mara offers endless photographic possibilities at every turn. During this photo safari, we’ll make the most of those opportunities with daily game drives designed to maximize your shooting time. Everyone will have a window seat in the spacious safari vehicles, ensuring comfort and room for gear. Kaleel and Alan will rotate between vehicles, offering tailored guidance and helping you capture the best possible images. Their tuition will be adapted to each participant’s experience level and may include camera settings, exposure control, creative techniques, and post-processing. Instruction will take place both during drives and back at the lodge, in a flexible, supportive environment that ensures you get as much or as little guidance as you’d like.

What our guests say

“Thank you, Alan and Kaleel, for another unforgettable experience. I didn’t think it could get any better than last year, yes it did! I learned new photographic techniques and gained more knowledge about wildlife. I would have no hesitation in recommending this safari to any wildlife photographer and those who also combine it with wildlife conservation. To all those thinking about this kind of safari I would say ‘go for it’. You will not regret making that decision!”

Sue Veal

YOUR ACCOMMODATION

Mattikoko Safari Camp

During this Maasai Mara photo safari, you will be staying at Mattikoko Safari Camp, a charming lodge with a perfect setting. Nestled in the heart of a private conservancy (Lemek), Mattikoko will give you a true wilderness experience – with wildlife frequent roaming around camp. The lodge also offers great comfort and service. You’ll have comfortable beds, warm showers, and electricity. Delicious meals will be prepared for you in the boma in a friendly setting, where you’ll chat with the rest of the group, tutors and guides. Breakfasts and lunches will either be tasty, pre-cooked meals taken out with us on a game drive and eaten under a tree, or freshly cooked and eaten back in the boma. Mattikoko is Maasai-owned and run and offers an authentic and welcoming experience at an absolute prime location. We take over the full camp during photo safaris, which add to a flexible and exclusive experience.

WORKSHOP LEADER

Alan Hewitt

Alan Hewitt

WORKSHOP LEADER

Alan Hewitt

Alan Hewitt is a wildlife and conservation photographer, writer, and workshop leader. Mainly driven by his appreciation for and fascination of wildlife, Alan’s aim with his photography is to document our natural world and use this as a tool for conservation. His work has been used to support wildlife conservation organisations in Kenya, as well as ones closer to his home in the UK, including campaigns to save nature reserves that are home to iconic and endangered species. Alan is an official UK ambassador for FUJIFILM.

EXPERIENCE

Your Photo Tour Itinerary

Day 1Arrival

Arrive in Nairobi by 6am to meet and transfer to Wilson Airport for short internal flights to Mara North airstrip in the Maasai Mara and short road transfer to Mattikoko. After settling in and enjoying refreshments at Mattikoko we’ll be ready to head out for our first afternoon / evening photo safari.

Day 2 - 7Game Drives

Morning and afternoon / evening or full day photo safaris in one or more of the following each day: Lemek Conservancy, Ol Chorro Conservancy, Enonkishu Conservancy, Mara Triangle Conservancy, Maasai Mara National Reserve. We’ll also be meeting up with the Mara Predator Project and visiting a Rhino Conservancy.

Day 8Departure

Morning photo safari then afternoon flight back to Wilson Airport and transfer to Jomo Kenyatta for international flights or Nairobi hotels.

Maasai Mara Photo Safari

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Maasai Mara photo safari

Maasai Mara Photo Safari FAQs

Where is the trip based?

The workshop takes place in Kenya’s Maasai Mara, one of Africa’s most iconic wildlife destinations. You’ll stay in a private conservancy with abundant wildlife and fewer crowds.

How many people are on the trip?

Group sizes are small, typically 6 to 8 participants, allowing for personalized instruction and flexible shooting opportunities

What will we photograph?

Expect to photograph lions, elephants, cheetahs, giraffes, and (if timed right) the Great Migration of wildebeest and zebras. Landscapes, golden light, and intimate wildlife moments round out your portfolio.

What level of experience is needed?

The workshop welcomes photographers of all levels, from beginners to professionals. Expert guidance ensures everyone grows their skills in the field.

When is the best time to go the Maasai Mara?

The trip is timed to coincide with peak wildlife activity, including the Great Migration. Dry season months offer excellent visibility and dramatic light

a group of photo standing outdoors near a stone structure

At Penda, we're all about creating incredible photographic opportunities.

Our photo tours and safaris will take you to the right place, at the right time, to get that epic shot. You'll be guided by a professional photographer, who will help you take your photography to the next level, and we keep our trips exclusive by traveling in small groups. Whether it's in Kenya's sprawling savannahs, Yellowstone's snowy interior, or the jungles of India, your journey will be filled with photography magic.

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