Kenya Photo Safari Tours
A Kenya photo safari is an unmissable experience for capturing Africa’s most iconic wilderness landscapes and wildlife spectacles through the lens. Kenya offers a magical blend of untamed wilderness, diverse wildlife, and breathtaking safari parks, perfect for an unforgettable photographic safaris experience. Discover Kenya photographic journeys from the dust and wetlands of Amboseli National Park to the drama of the Great Wildebeest Migration River crossings in Masai Mara. Thoughtfully planned our guided Kenya photographic safaris are shaped to put you right in the heart of the action.
Kenya Photo Safari Packages
4 Days Masai Mara Private Safari
Discover the big five wildlife in style with our exclusive …
9 Days Luxury Kenya Safari
Join us on this luxury safari, visiting some of the most epic wildlife locations…
5 Days Private Kenya Safari
Discover Kenya’s iconic destinations in this epic adventure…
6 Days Kenya Safari Tour
An unchartered wilderness journey on a 4×4 in Kenya’s intimate…
Beginner Photographic Safaris In Kenya
Being a fantastic destination in its own right, Kenya in East Africa is well-known for its wildlife expeditions and lively cultural experiences – a great backdrop for safari photography enthusiasts.
With several wildlife photography safari in Kenya to choose from, it’s sometimes difficult to choose the right photo safari tour that matches your skill level. Many first-time travelers mistake these photographic journeys to be only for skilled photographers, something which is not the case. For us at A Kenya Safari, we welcome photographers of all levels of experience from complete beginners to the seasoned professional wildlife photographers. All our private photography trips are tailor-made to suit all travelers’ budget, interest and accommodation choices. We give great recommendations on the best safari lodges / hotel accommodations to stay at because the location matters most to capitalize on early morning light and best game sightings.
In this post article, we will detail what you should be looking for – the destinations and highlights when choosing photography tours in Kenya if you are a beginner wildlife photographer.
Why Go On African Photographic Safaris
A photo safari expedition is more than just a wildlife tour with a camera in hand. It is a guided safari designed around photography, for photographers of all skill levels who want to capture stunning wildlife, landscapes, and cultural moments.
Unlike the regular safaris, photographic trips to Africa prioritises photography where the pace, guiding, timing, and overall experience are shaped to help you create professional images while enjoying a more immersive connection to the places you visit. Here are four reasons to go on African photo safaris to Kenya:
Wildlife Photography Safari
In Kenya, you can achieve excellent wildlife photography, with fewer visitors in the Masai Mara private conservancies, Amboseli Park, Samburu & Lake Nakuru. Many travelers will visit for the love of Big Five safari tours, and the desire to photograph these iconic animals makes it one of the reasons to visit Africa for photo expeditions. This is not limited to sightings of chimpanzees at Ol Pejeta. Experience the world-famous Great Migration for breathtaking scenes. This event sees millions of wildebeests as well as zebras and gazelles travel across the plains.
Birding Photography Safari
Bird photography is no doubt one of the most popular themes amongst nature photographers, with most travelers saying it’s the best way to appreciate the wonders of birdlife – through photography. In Kenya, Masai Mara Park offers exceptional dry-season bird photography as does Samburu Park, Lake Naivasha Area, Amboseli, Arabuko Sokoke Forest, Lake Bogoria and Kakamega Forest.
Landscape Photography Safaris
Landscape photographers are known for chasing some of nature’s impressive scenes. Towering mountains, panoramic seascapes, grand wildlife portraits. As we speak, landscape photography plays a role in wildlife conservation and land conservation efforts – bringing attention to the very landscapes that need our protection. Kenya is home to extraordinarily beautiful landscapes. Amboseli National Park, Lake Nakuru National Park, Lake Bogoria, Tsavo East, Samburu & Masai Mara. As does Mount Kenya areas – the second tallest mountain in Africa, not forgetting the Kenyan beaches – Lamu and Mombasa.
Urban Photography Safaris
There’s always something to photograph. Urban photo tours are themed at harnessing the power of visual storytelling to evoke change. On these Kenya photographic safari, prepare to capture not only some of Kenya’s incredible wildlife and landscapes but also a strong focus on people, culture & community. Kenya has a complex history due to the trade of enslaved people, ivory, and spices. In Mombasa City, you can see remnants of this history everywhere. The warm light cast on unique arab-influenced stone buildings contrasts with the deep colours of Kenyan clothings to create exceptional urban photography.
Cultural Photographic Safaris
Explore incredible and vast wildernesses, iconic wildlife and unique, endangered species through the lens, beyond the naked eye. Capture the authentic, vibrant diversity of the colourful communities on a cultural photo tour.
Best Kenya Wildlife Photography Hides
Discover beyond game drives. Explore secret underground wildlife photography designed to bring you up-close, eye-level, and without distraction – a chance to push beyond your photography creativity. Our wildlife photography hides offer a low-impact way to photograph animals at close range while allowing them to behave naturally.
1. Underwater Photography Safaris
Underwater photography is superb at Watamu and Malindi Marine Parks, both belonging to a UNESCO-recognised biosphere.
2.Wildlife Photographic Hide
Inside a private conservancy bordering Tsavo West Park. Discover remarkable photo hideout opportunities and exclusive game viewing as well as a fully setup photographic hide. At Tsavo West National Park, you can enter the underwater room at Mzima Springs to capture photos of hippos and crocodiles underwater with some luck.
Samburu National Reserve – Furthermore, there is another photographic hide at Samburu offering exclusive photo opportunities.
8 Best Photo Safari Destinations In Kenya
In East Africa, a Kenya wildlife photography is good all year-round with several world-class game reserves most notably Masai Mara National Reserve. Kenya safari photography is not just about the annual wildebeest migration and there are plenty of other amazing destinations and times of the year to visit, offering amazing cultural photographic tours.
Whether it’s watching lions, leopards and cheetahs in Masai Mara, watching the great migration river crossings, photographing Amboseli Park or filming cultural moments, listed below are some of Kenya touristic destinations which offers a perfect blend of Africa photo trips.
1. Masai Mara Photography Safaris
On top on the list is Masai Mara Game Reserve, delivering all year round Big Five safaris, alongside the drama of the Wildebeest Migration safaris, not forgetting the long list of award-winning Masai Mara high-end safari lodges available to make your holiday extraordinary.
Why go on a these Masai Mara photo safaris? Excellent wildlife sightings, and an uninterrupted romantic bliss with plenty of adrenaline filled activities to keep you busy during the trip – in fact you should add on the magic of Masai Mara balloon safaris, a rare, uninterrupted perspective of the natural wonders, often described as one of the most dramatic wildlife events on Earth.
2. Amboseli Photography Safaris
Amboseli National Park comes second on the list boasting not only a stunning scenery but also big game sightings. This not only makes Amboseli a bucket-list photo safari destination, but also a photographers must-visit tourist sight.
Why photographic tours at Amboseli? A wildlife haven with good big five game, wonderful views and landscape, some of the best luxury lodges in Kenya, and excellent sightings of the tallest Mountain in Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro serving as the background.
3. Samburu Photography Safaris
Not frequently mentioned when talking about Kenya safari tours, Samburu Park lies in the North of Kenya. Being the best park to see the 5 rare Kenya safari animals, and due to its low visitor numbers, a safari here feels more private and off the beaten track.
Reasons to go on Samburu photo tours; low tourist numbers offering exclusivity and a true wilderness experience for those seeking off-the-beaten track adventure. Discover on foot – Samburu offers some of the best walking safaris in Kenya, including guided camel tours. As the sun sets, experience the charm of a bush sundowner experience with some of the best views of Kenyan Wilderness Park.
4. Ol Pejeta Photo Safaris
No Kenya safari holiday is complete without a mention of Ol Pejeta add on to the list. This is just one of those quiet hot spots for luxury Kenya honeymoon safaris take your proposals at breathtaking sundowner spots overlooking the second highest mountain in Africa, Mount Kenya, go on private bush breakfasts, and dawn game drives when the light over the conservancy does something nobody can quite describe, or discover on night safari drives. We’ve never had one go wrong.
Why plan a photo safari at Ol Pejeta, Laikipia? Laikipia is a vast wilderness home to private conservancies like Ol Pejeta and Lewa. Here you can head out on walking safaris, horseback rides and enjoy sundowners overlooking Mount Kenya.
5. Lake Nakuru Photographic Safaris
Why go on a Lake Nakuru photo safari tour? Over 50 mammal species call Lake Nakuru home, and the adjoining Lake Nakuru National Park is a great destination to see black and white rhinos, as well as Cape buffalo, zebra, eland, waterbuck, and lion. The large frequency of leopard sightings and the rare Rothschild’s giraffe have made Nakuru famous in recent years.
Baboons, Impalas, colobus monkeys, hyenas, zebras, gazelles, and pythons are also among the abundance of wildlife here. The guaranteed close-up wildlife encounters are just one of the reasons why nature lovers visit Kenya and choose Lake Nakuru National Park.
6. Tsavo National Parks
Why plan on a Tsavo photographic tour? Combined, Tsavo East and West form one of Kenya’s largest wildlife sanctuaries, known for its red-dusted elephants and striking landscapes. Head to crystal-clear pools of water to see hippos and other animals that come to drink and play in the water. The landscapes of this region are also fascinating, with massive lava flows. Birders will enjoy one of the world’s busiest avian migration routes, where many species can be spotted during the wet season.
7. Lake Bogoria
The vast swathes of flamingos found here have made Lake Bogoria a prime photographic destination while on safari in Kenya. Due to the lake’s alkalinity, blue-green algae grows well here, which attracts the world’s largest populations of lesser flamingoes. Hot springs and geothermal activity add to the uniqueness of this region, further making it a must-visit during a Kenya safari.
8. Diani Beach & Lamu
Capture culture, history and landscapes. A tip when planning for Kenya beach tours, explore the historic Mombasa, where you can overhear exotic languages, taste delicious cuisines, admire the architecture of the former trading port, and visit Lamu Island.
Choosing Kenya’s beaches also saves time: it’s just a two-hour afternoon flight straight from the Masai Mara, and a short 45 minutes from Nairobi City. The areas we recommend visiting at the end of your honeymoon trip is Diani Beach. There’s plenty of choice when it comes down to Kenya boutique beach resorts, yet it still feels peaceful.
Other Kenya beach honeymoon spots include – Watamu – quieter than Diani Beach to the south, with a beautiful marine park, excellent snorkelling and cosy, boutique properties. Lamu Island is more remote and culturally rich — a UNESCO World Heritage Site with narrow Swahili streets, dhow trips at sunset and one of the most atmospheric places in East Africa. Both are an easy connecting flight from Nairobi.
Highlights Of A Photo Safari In Kenya
Learn how best to work with movement and light as you frame dazzling herds of zebra, lolling lions, and a colorful variety of birdlife.
Spend time with the Maasai community in their villages and enjoy a rare chance to shoot portraits and photograph the traditional way of life of these iconic pastoralists.
Head out on safaris, walks, and other activities designed to maximize wildlife photographic opportunities.
Go on a photo shoot at a coffee plantation, and fill your lens with scenes of lush fields, bright coffee beans, and local culture.
When To Go On A Kenya Photo Safari Tour
The best time for visiting Kenya for photo safari tours (and the best months for wildlife viewing) is during the Dry season from June to October. The wildebeest migration usually reaches the Masai Mara Park in July or August and remains in Kenya throughout September. It starts marching back to Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park around October. Wildlife viewing is good year-round. January and February are also a great time to visit Kenya. That said, Masai Mara offers great wildlife viewing throughout the year as the dry months offering quality wildlife viewing throughout Kenya.
Things To Do On An African Photography Safari
Let’s explore some of the best safari activities during a photo safari – things that maximise your safari experience.
1. Balloon Safaris Kenya
Journey with us on unforgettable Kenya balloon safaris, quietly marvelling at the wildlife from aloft. Don’t let this unique adventure float away without you!
2. Game Drives and Guided Walking Safaris
Enjoy private game drives with your guide as they reveal the magnificence of Africa’s unique wildlife, bringing you closer to nature. Later on, experience the thrill of Africa’s glorious wildlife on foot while walking through its breathtaking landscapes on a walking safari.
3. Romantic Bush Dinners & Sundowners
Enjoy private bush dinners under the stars. Features setting up a camp fire within the camp grounds, to create an exclusive restaurant, under the stars. Served directly from the restaurant and surrounded by an array of hurricane lanterns, this is private dining in a place like no other.
As the day ends, it’s time to sit back, sip a cocktail and watch the sun set behind from the spectacular vantage point. Safari sundowners are an essential part of any safari experience
4. Spa on Safari
On your luxury trips in Kenya, indulge in a sublime Spa on safari and let our professional therapists pamper you with lotions and aromas inspired by Africa.
Kenya Photo Expeditions
Browse our collection of private photo safari tours, which coupled with world class accommodation and proper logistics, can be customized to deliver unique safari experiences. Browse our recommended photography safaris below, or get in touch with one of our Kenya safari experts to help you tailor-make an itinerary based on your travel wishes:
Ready To Plan Your Photo Safari In Kenya?
Browse our selection of Kenya photo safari packages above, or get in touch with one of our African safari experts to help tailor-make the best itinerary for you.