Amboseli Photo Safari | RAW Photographic

PHOTOGRAPHIC SAFARI

AMBOSELI

ABOUT AMBOSELI

Amboseli National Park (formerly Maasai Amboseli Game Reserve), is a National Park in Kajiado County, Kenya. The name "Amboseli comes from a Maasai word Empusel meaning "salty dust place", and it is one of the best places in Africa to view large herds of elephants. To the south of the Amboseli basin the land rises sharply towards Mount Kilimanjaro and the Kenya-Tanzanian border, while wetlands dot the landscape on an east-west transverse, giving an outstanding scenic beauty.

Amboseli national park is a prominent home for wildlife, the park is more recognized for having the largest population of elephants, which is why it's referred to as the home for elephants, and is the best place to see them in Kenya in large numbers.

Wildlife in Amboseli national park is concentrated in five specific areas/ habitants that is dried up bed of Lake Amboseli, Sulphur spring wetlands, savannah vegetation cover, open plains and woodlands, wildlife hosted in the park include giraffe, spotted hyena, zebra, buffalo, blue wildebeest, cheetah, elephant, giraffe, hippopotamus, Thomson’s gazelle, impala, lion, cape

buffalo and many more.

These numerous wildlife species offer spectacular game drive and the best time to enjoy the game drive and see animals in during dry season, dry season happens in the period of June to October. The most fascinating part of visiting the park in dry season for animal viewing is that when large herds of animals are crossing the sandy plains they kick up a lot of dust thus offering a great opportunity for photography.

WHAT WE HOPE TO SEE

Amboseli National Park is one of the best wildlife-viewing destinations in the world with 400 species of birds including water birds like pelicans, kingfishers, crakes, hamerkop and 47 raptor species. It is an Important Bird Area (IBA) and hosts endangered species such as Malagasy pond heron. The large mammal community comprises a broad spectrum of herbivores and carnivores. Infact, it is referred to as the “Land of Giants” for its large herds of elephants, which include those with impressively huge tusks.

The Park has a rich herbivores population of African bush elephant, Cape buffalo, impala, Maasai giraffe, gerenuks, lesser kudus, Grant's zebra, gazelles and wildebeest that migrate to the landscape in search of water and pasture during the dry season. The Park has a high elephant population of about 1,800, making a suitable habitat for this iconic species. It is also home to large carnivores such as lion, leopard, cheetah, spotted hyena, jackal and civet.

PHOTOGRAPHY

Amboseli is a dream for any wildlife photographer - with its sprawling landscapes, dotted with large herds of elephants, swarmed by various bird species and crowned by Mt. Kilimanjaro. Going at the end of October / beginning of November at the very end of the dry season and when the rains are beginning to trickle in is in an exciting time. The vast skies filled with endlessly shifting clouds of different shades and colours, it adds such drama to the landscapes that an otherwise boring blu sky would fail at. Learning to photograph landscapes and distances with a telephoto lens, as well as the conventional wide-angle, is a fun and peculiar concept as we try to do justice to the size and scope of Amboseli as well as bring in the intimacy of its wildlife.

We will be departing with the sun rise, to make the most use of the best light and to find animals more active before the heat becomes too much. Mornings are a longer affair, with us taking a packed-breakfast to eat whilst on drive - we won't be getting back to the lodge until late morning.

Afternoons are shorter, as we're predominantly out for the sunset and what beautiful colours and skies can erupt during this time. Heading out in the mid-afternoon and arriving back before it gets too dark, allowing a more relaxed evening to dine and enjoy eachothers company whilst still affording time to manage photos.

We will be utilising a private 4x4 landcruiser and field guide, meaning we have complete control and maximum flexibility to get the best photographs possible. Our photographic group will comprise a maximum of four guests, to ensure extra space and comfort whilst on game drive. A smaller group also means that more attentive and focused photographic guidance and tuition is possible. This includes in-the-field guidance and support, making sure you not only don’t miss a beat, but also discover new creative skills and techniques to elevate your photography.

Back at the lodge between drives is the perfect time and location to look at photo cataloging and processing. Open up your laptop and we can look for ways to further improve and streamline your editing skills in Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop.... or alternatively we can go over photography basics such as creative composition, the exposure triangle and freezing the action depending on your needs and wants. Your game drives will be conducted by one of the local field guides with plenty of experience and knowledge of the flora and fauna of the area. They will be the one sharing animal information to help build your knowledge and appreciation of everything you come across. This, plus photographic guidance, means you get the best of both worlds for an unparalleled photographic safari experience.

ABOUT YOUR HOST

Behind the banner of RAW Photographic is Samuel Cox, a professional wildlife photographer who spent many years in the field living in South Africa and teaching wildlife and conservation photography to international guests, volunteers and interns alike.

This gave him not only unparalleled access to the wildlife on his doorstep, but more importantly - the skills and years of experiences in teaching the specifics of ethical wildlife photography. This wealth of diverse, yet powerfully coupled traits, makes Sam unique amongst the crowd.

With RAW photographic safaris, Sam insist on delivering nothing but the best experience possible for his guests. Not only does he want to ensure a fun, educational and meaningful experience - it’s also important that we do so in a way that’s driven by authenticity and ethics.

A lot of research and effort goes into designing and building the products on offer and Sam only partners with those who mirror his ambitions in delivering great experiences whilst also remaining respectful to the land, wildlife and cultures we’re visiting.

For more about Sam and his photography, check out his website and socials via the icons below

ACCOMMODATION

Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge is located within Amboseli National Park, which lies approximately 250 kilometers from Nairobi and close to the Tanzanian border. Set against the magnificent backdrop of Africa’s highest mountain, the glittering Mount Kilimanjaro, Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge enjoys a uniquely privileged position at the heart of this world-famous national park.

Secluded within a grove of acacia trees, the lodge looks out over the golden savannah plains, with uninterrupted views of the mountain itself. Close by are a series of emerald green swamps, which are fed by the melting snows of Kilimanjaro.

With amenities to rival the best safari lodges in Kenya, Amboseli Serena has 92 rooms and one suite feature complimentary wireless Internet, 24-hour room service and private balconies. For the comfort and convenience of families and groups, the lodge offer nine sets of interconnecting rooms. Each tastefully-appointed room features a Maasai inspired, hand-painted, wall fresco, king-sized bed or luxurious twins, lavish all-encompassing mosquito-curtaining, bathroom (with walk-in shower), writing/vanity unit, and private veranda.

The central dining area is reached by an internal timbered bridge over a melt-water stream, and is flanked by water gardens. The walls feature hand-painted wildlife murals while the décor reflects the traditional artifacts of the Maasai people.

The spacious lounge and bar feature a broad terrace and a blazing fire-pit where evening cocktails can be enjoyed.

The menus feature a salad buffet, soup, entrée, pudding, cheese and biscuits and tea or coffee. Vegetarian options are always available.

1/8

ITINERARY

DAY 1

Upon arriving in Nairobi you will be met at arrivals area just outside the main airport building. You will get taken to a local Hotel where you will meet Sam and get to know everybody in your small group. Take the time to relax after your long flight before getting a good night sleep. * Breakfast is included - but drinks, lunch and dinner is not included in the price.

DAY 2

After a relaxed start to the day and and a hearty breakfast, we will then start the journey to Amboseli. We will depart for the airport and proceed to fly to Amboseli, arriving mid-late morning. We will immediately be picked up by our guide in a 4x4 Landcruisers, and taken to our camp. It’s best to have cameas ready, as we’re now in the wild and anything could be seen whilst simply going to camp.

Upon arriving at our lodge, you will have time to relax and freshen up before having some lunch and then departing on your first official game drive in the mid-afternoon. Upon returning back to camp after sunset, dinner is served.

DAY 3 - 7

Game drives start early in Africa. We’ll head out around sunrise to take advantage of first light and the ensuing morning golden hour. Our focus will be on finding the best photographic subjects and wildlife experiences we can get. Having a private vehicles means the world is our oyster and the utmost comfort and space and we’ll decide as a group what’s the best focus for each game drive. After a breakfast stop in the bush, we’ll get back to camp in the late morning for some time to relax.

This is also the perfect time to work with Sam on your photography and editing skills. This is your time away, so whether you wish to work on photography or simply relax - it’s down to you!

Our second daily game drive will see us following up any sightings or information from previous drives. Dinner will follow as usual later in the evening upon return back to camp

DAY 8

We’ll head out for our final game drive and exploration of Amboseli and then head directly to the airstrip to catch our flight back to Nairobi. For those flying out late that night, there will be day-rooms organised at the local hotel so you can spend your final hours relaxed with the possibility of a spot of local shopping. We’ll head out to the aiport after a bit of an early dinner and say our goodbyes at the airport.

PRICING AND BOOKING

Safari Costs:

GBP £4,500.00 per person on shared basis

(2x per room)

Single Supplement available with a surcharge of GBP £1,000

A deposit of GBP £1,500 is required to secure your space on this safari, paid within 14 days of receiving the invoice. The remaining amount is to be paid no later than 10 weeks prior to departure

Included In The Price:

+ Airport pickup and drop-off

+ 1x night bed and breakfast accommodation in Nairobi

+ Return domestic flights to and from Amboseli

+ Additional weight allowance for flights

+ 6x nights accommodation in Amboseli National Park

+ All meals in Amboseli

+ Twice daily game drives with private vehicle & guide

+ Photographic tuition and guidance throughout

+ All conservation and park fees

Excluded In The Price:

- Any accommodation or transfers not specified in the itinerary

- Drinks

- Any visa related costs

- Tips and gratuities

- Laundry

- Travel Insurance

- Any items of a personal nature