Masai Mara, in southwest Kenya, is the country most famous national park. These huge, stunningly beautiful grasslands are divided by the Mara and the Talek Rivers, which is why hundreds of species thrive here. Africa’s largest lion prides and elephant hers roam here, along with leopards, cheetahs. From the Jeep, you will encounter hyenas, jackals, giraffes, ibex, gazelles, to various antelope species, baboons, some 470 bird species and much more. In addition to the hippos and crocodiles that inhabit the rivers, you’ll see a wealth of wildlife drawn to the water’s edge.

LAIKIPIA

In northern Kenya in an area stretching from the slopes of Mount Kenya to the edge of the Great Rift Valley lies Laikipia. Through Laikipia flows northern Kenya’s largest river, the Ewaso Nyiro. The area is considered important in terms of preserving Kenya’s pristine wilderness. Laikipia is not a national park but consists of a number of private reserves and ranches that border each other largely without fencing. The area that we will visit, Ol Donyo Lomboro, is located in the central parts of Laikipia and here the landscape is as diverse as its wildlife. Here you can find everything from large herds of elephants to lions and wild dogs. It is also home to nearly half of Kenya’s black rhino population as well as a large number of unique Grévy’s zebras. In recent years, the area has also become famous for its Black Leopards, a rare animal that can be photographed here with a little bit of luck.

DAY 1, (MAR 8) – ARRIVAL & SAFARI
In the morning Tom Svensson and a host from Zoom Photo Expeditions will meet you at the airport in Nairobi. Our first stop is Samburu National Reserve. Along the way, we stop for lunch. During the last leg on our journey to our lodge we go through the park and with a little luck you can get a first glimpse of the wildlife that awaits us in the coming days. Arriving at Samburu Sopa Lodge, we check in and then head out on our first safari in Samburu’s beautiful and motif-rich surroundings. Perhaps you will get the opportunity to photograph an elephant up close with the red-coloured mountains at sunset as a background When the sun has gone down, we return to our lodge and share a welcome dinner. (L, D)

DAY 2-3, (MAR 9-10) – SAFARI IN SAMBURU 

During these days we will explore Samburu’s motif-rich surroundings under the guidance of Tom Svensson and knowledgeable guides. In addition to its large herds of elephants, Samburu is also known for the great chances of seeing leopards. Our recent trips have provided many fantastic photo opportunities of this beautiful animal, and it was during an afternoon safari in Samburu that ”picture of the year 2019” was taken on a leopard perched up in a tree. Maybe you’ll see some of the park’s lions sneak up on their prey through the tall grass. Back at the lodge we have breakfast, recharge our batteries, and maybe take a cooling dip in the pool before it’s time for the second safari of the day. During our safaris in Samburu, we will have the opportunity to leave the roads and drive into the bush, using our off-road permits, in order to get closer to the animals. (B, L, D)

DAY 4, (MAR  11) – TOWARDS LAIKIPIA WILDERNESS CAMP
After a final morning safari in Samburu, we set off for our next destination, Laikipia Wilderness Camp. Arriving at the lodge, we check in followed by a late lunch at this first-class lodge. Then we go on our first safari in Laikipia and search for the black leopard. Back at the lodge, dinner is served. (B, L, D)

 DAY 5-7 (MAR 12-14) – SAFARI IN LAIKIPIA
For three days we will explore the area of Laikipia and its wildlife. We move across a varied landscape with everything from wood debris on the Ewaso Nyiro River to grassy plains with a striking view. The wildlife is rich with everything from large herds of elephants and lions to leopards, hyenas, wild dogs and much more. In recent years it has also been possible to photograph black leopard which will be our main goal in Laikipia.

During these days we will even do a walk in the park under the guidance of a knowledgeable ranger. During this walk you have the opportunity to photograph many of Laikipia’s animals from a completely different angle than from the jeeps. Standing directly in front of a wild elephant creates unsuspected variations in images.

When we are not shooting, we will work with our pictures on our computers and during the trip we will also perform image criticism where you will receive feedback from Tom while we discuss the images together. If the weather is on our side, our lodge is also the perfect place for stargazing. On the last night of the trip, Tom will select “Picture of the trip”, which will automatically advance to the final of the “Image of the year 2024” competition and compete for great prizes. (B, L, D)

 Day 8 (MAR  15) – RETURN HOME
We do our last safari in Laikipia in the early morning. Back at the hotel we pack up and check out, after which we start the journey back to the airport in Nairobi for further transfer to Sweden on our own. (B, L)