Conservation, Communities and Cameras - 7 - $9,319
Itinerary Map
Start from Naboisho Camp and end at Naboisho Camp
Landmarks potentially visited on Conservation, Communities and Cameras
Itinerary
Day 1: Mara Naboisho Conservancy
Arrive at Naboisho Conservancy early in the afternoon. Enjoy some lunch before settling into your tent and meeting your fellow adventurers and hosts. With your camera in hand, head out for your first game drive in an open-sided 4x4 before returning for your first dinner on safari.
Day 2: Lemek Conservancy
Enjoy a hearty breakfast before travelling to Lemek Conservancy to visit the Mara Elephant Project HQ. Spend the day with conservation experts learning about their amazing efforts in conserving one of Africa's most iconic species. After a picnic lunch, you'll travel to the Ol Chorro Rhino Sanctuary. Here, you will have the once in a lifetime chance to walk with white rhinos.
Return to camp to freshen up before a fascinating talk from Lara about her speciality: the black rhino. Before dinner, learn about camera trap deployment with George before tomorrow's activity.
Day 3: Photographic Safari
Set off early in the morning as the dawn breaks to set up camera traps, in the hopes of capturing some unaware species on film. Naboisho has a heavy population density of big cats, so there'll be plenty to photograph! Return to camp for lunch and begin editing images in the camp classroom or relax by the pool.
The afternoon holds a photography-focused game drive where you will identify and photograph elephants with Lara, using the information you learnt the day before.
Day 4: The Maa Trust
Another early morning and breakfast before beginning the big day ahead. Enjoy a morning photographic game drive before heading to The Maa Trust, a nonprofit organisation working toward a balance between conservation and sustainable human development in the Masai Mara.
In the afternoon, sit down with the lovely Maasai women and learn the traditional craft of beading. Learn about the history of this craft, about the women, and the other incredible projects the Trust implements.
Return to Naboisho to meet with a member of the Kenyan Wildlife Trust. Learn about their project the Mara Predator Conservation Program. Learn what goes into these conservation projects, how to identify big cats and the purposes of collaring lions.
Day 5: Lion Ambassadors
Set out early to meet the Lion Ambassadors of the Mara. Join them on their daily patrol on a long walk, and learn firsthand what it's like to be on the frontline of conservation. After this exhilarating morning, relax a while at the camp or edit any pictures you've taken. In the afternoon, capture the big cats on camera as they come out to play. Finish the day with a classic Mara sundowner before embarking on a night drive to spot any nocturnal animals and a late dinner back at camp.
Day 6: Game Drive
Head out on a fun game drive, putting into practise everything you've learnt over the week, as well as collecting the camera traps you set earlier in the week. Have lunch back at camp, and sit down for a final editing session and looking through the results of the camera traps. After the final game drive, enjoy a farewell BBQ by the candlelit pool under the stars and share all the photos you've taken with one another.
Day 7: Heading Home
Enjoy a relaxed morning and breakfast at Naboisho Camp before saying your goodbyes to your campmates, George, and Lara, and heading off for your next big adventure.
Prices and Inclusions
Price is per person. The trip runs from the 15th to the 21st of November 2021 only.
Additional Notes
The trip is designed for photographers of all abilities, whether you’re just starting out or are an avid wildlife photographer.
Equipment-wise, you will need a DSLR and half-decent long lens — 300 mm and above is ideal. In addition, some wider-angle lenses such as the 70-200 mm and 24-70 mm may be beneficial. If you don’t already own these items, don't worry, there are plenty of lens shops that rent photography equipment, and George and Lara are happy to recommend a local outfitter.
Includes
- All planned excursions
- US$3,000 group donation split between MEP, The Maa Trust and MPCP
- US$120 donation to Ol Chorro Rhino Sanctuary
- Full board accommodation at Naboisho from lunch on day one to breakfast on day seven
- All house drinks (except premium wines and champagne)
- Transfers to/from Mara Ol Seki airstrip and Naboisho
- Limited laundry service
- Conservancy bednight fee
- Conservancy fee
- Asilia conservation fee
- Emergency Support Cover
Excludes
- International flights and visa fees
- Photography equipment
- Activities not mentioned or stated as optional in the itinerary
- Other personal expenses, souvenirs, tips and gratuities, etc.