Classic Great Migration Safari
As the water rises the wildlife have a natural inclination to cross the river, sometimes more than once a day. The migration draws the wildebeest and zebra throughout the plains and this increase in prey draws the crowds of lions, cheetahs and leopards.
During our stay, we will have the opportunity to visit and learn from the ancient tribes of the Maasai Mara. We will visit a local village to learn their tradition and culture. Also, many of the staff at our Mara camps are authentic Maasai Mara villagers and warriors. Learning about and sharing time with the local tribes has always been one of the highlights of our safaris.
At JKPW, we believe that immersion is the best African Safari experience possible. Watching and photographing the big cats is an unforgettable experience. Getting to know the locals - how they live, along with their local historic dress and traditions - creates an experience that one can only live.
We are happy to announce our 2025 safari, located in the heart of Kenya. Amboselli National Park, the Maasai Mara, and Mara North Conservancy are the most sought after locations for wildlife photographing.
We begin our adventure in Amboseli National Park with large herds of elephants, big cats, and the Maasai giraffe, all with the backdrop of snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro, and then will explore the heart of the Mara Conservancy. This location is famous for the filming of National Geographic documentaries and the BBC Big Cat Diaries. We’ll round out our adventure with a stay in Maasai Mara, the heart of the great migration.
The Maasai Mara and Northern Mara have the largest population of wildlife for the yearly Great Migration. The migration hosts millions of animals - these animals follow the Mara River during their winter months (late July through September).
OVERVIEW
DATES: September 6-16, 2025
INSTRUCTOR: Jennifer King
COST: $14,400 USD
(lodging included, based on double occupancy - see details below)
GROUP SIZE: 8 Participants
EXPERIENCE: Beginner*, Intermediate & Advanced
FITNESS LEVEL: Easy (see details below)
*Beginners should have a good working knowledge of their camera & settings
PRIVATE JEEPS
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TRADITIONAL SAFARI CAMPS
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BIG 5 ANIMAL PHOTOGRAPHY
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WITNESS THE GREAT MIGRATION
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PRIVATE JEEPS 〰️ TRADITIONAL SAFARI CAMPS 〰️ BIG 5 ANIMAL PHOTOGRAPHY 〰️ WITNESS THE GREAT MIGRATION 〰️
ITINERARY
DAY 1: Sat, September 6
- Arrive in Nairobi, Kenya - NBO International Airport
- JKPW will meet you as you exit the airport. We transfer you to your lodging so that you can rest and acclimate to the time change.
- For those feeling up to it, we will meet for drinks and hors d’oeuvres in the evening.
- Lodging at Nairobi Hilton
DAY 2: Sun, September 7
- Breakfast
- Morning transfer to Nairobi Wilson Domestic Airport for transfer to Amboseli
- Flight to Amboseli National Park
- Arrival and lodging at Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge
- Lunch upon arrival
- Afternoon game drive
- Dinner
- Lunch, Dinner and Room included
DAY 3: Mon, September 8
- Breakfast (Breakfast can be before or during game drive)
- Morning Game Drive
- Lunch
- Afternoon game drive
- Dinner
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Room included
- Lodging: Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge
DAY 4: Tue, September 9
- Breakfast
- Morning Game Drive
- Lunch
- Afternoon game drive
- Dinner
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Room included
- Lodging: Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge
DAY 5: Wed, September 10
- Breakfast
- Check-out of Amboseli
- Flight to Maasai Mara
- Lunch
- Afternoon game drive
- Dinner
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Room included
- Lodging: Ashnil Mara Camp
DAY 6: Thu, September 11
- Breakfast
- Morning Game Drive
- Lunch
- Afternoon game drive
- Dinner
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Room included
- Lodging: Ashnil Mara Camp
DAY 7: Fri, September 12
- Breakfast
- Morning Game Drive
- Lunch
- Afternoon game drive
- Dinner
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Room included
- Lodging: Ashnil Mara Camp
DAY 8: Sat, September 13
- Breakfast
- Road Transfer to Mara North Conservancy with safari in route
- Lunch
- Afternoon game drive
- Dinner
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Room included
- Lodging: Mara Serena Safari Lodge
DAY 9: Sun, September 14
- Breakfast
- Morning Game Drive
- Lunch
- Afternoon game drive
- Dinner
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Room included
- Lodging: Mara Serena Safari Lodge
DAY 10: Mon, September 15
- Breakfast
- Full day game drive
- Picnic Lunch
- Dinner
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Room included
- Lodging: Mara Serena Safari Lodge
DAY 11: Tue, September 16
- Breakfast
- Check-out Mara Serena Safari Lodge
- Flight to Wilson Airport, Kenya
- Transfer to NBO Airport
- Lunch
- Depart for US after 5:00pm
Amboseli National Park - large herds of elephants, Maasai giraffes, lions and cheetahs - all with the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro!
The undeniable highlight of the Maasai Mara is the annual wildebeest migration traversing the vast plains.
INCLUDES
LODGING (10 NIGHTS) at quality camps and hotels
AIRPORT MEET & GREET
15 OPEN-AIR SAFARI DRIVES including one full day w/ picnic
LOCAL WILDLIFE GUIDES
PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY INSTRUCTOR
DAILY SAFARI DRIVES as noted above
MEALS - Breakfast, lunch and dinner included as noted above on itinerary, including water/coffee/tea during meals and bottled water during safari drives
CHARTERED FLIGHTS as noted on itinerary - one-way (Amboseli to Mara North and Maasai Mara to Nairobi)
GROUND TRANSFERS from Wilson Domestic Airport (NBO), Mara North Conservancy to Maasai Mara, Nairobi Wilson Domestic Airport (WIL)
TRANSPORTATION as noted above on itinerary, including airport transfers
PARK ADMISSIONS including Reserves, Conservation Areas & National Parks
ALL FIELD INSTRUCTION including photographing wildlife techniques
TIPS for guides, drivers, camp staff, dining staff. Tipping of these providers is expected, but to make it easy for participants, we’ve included the customary tip in your workshop fee so you do not need to exchange money
NOT INCLUDED
AIRFARE to NBO Nairobi International Airport, otherwise known as Jomo Kenyatta International Airport
VISAS Single entry tourist visa rate for 2024 was $32.50
TRIP INSURANCE - Please read our full Cancellation and Refund Policy prior to registration
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT- While lodging is included in your workshop fee, it is based on double occupancy. If you would like a private room, please let us know. The single supplement is $1500 USD. We will do our best to connect you with a roommate should you like to share a room, however, if we’re unable to pair you up, the single supplement will apply
ADDITIONAL NIGHTS IN NAIROBI for early arrivals or late departures
VACCINATIONS - Please contact your health care provider for recommended or required vaccines
LAUNDRY SERVICES - Laundry is available at our camps for a small fee, but not included in the workshop rate
ALCOHOLIC DRINKS - these are available for purchase
OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS - These include things like hot air balloon rides, spa services, etc.
INCIDENTALS & ITEMS OF A PERSONAL NATURE
Please review our full cancellation and refund policy specific to Africa safaris prior to registration as there are non-refundable and non-transferrable fees associated with each workshop.
Photo Safari vs Regular Safari
A photo safari is much different than a regular safari. While all game drives look for wildlife, a photo safari is dedicated to the photo, not just the sighting.
Our choice of camps is also based on less traffic, which makes our experiences with rare sightings much more enjoyable.
Our vehicles are not packed like a regular safari. Everyone has a window and extra space for equipment.
Guides are trained in wildlife behavior, tracking and angles - all of which help us to get the perfect shot.
Why take a safari with JKPW?
We have studied and traveled to South Africa, Botswana, Kenya and Tanzania so much over the past years and we have learned the difference between tourism and photography locations. Many safari trips cater to the number of wildlife sightings, and race to get you to a high count of cats and the Big 5. A trip geared toward wildlife photography is very different - we design them to get you to a high count of cats and Big 5 that are also photographable, not just seen through binoculars.
We have stayed at luxury locations, crappy locations and many in between places that lay claim to the best of all conditions. Please note that all locations and camps are not created equal. It takes hands-on-experience with locations and staff to bring you the best African Safari experience possible.
Safaris are more than just open jeep rides. The lodging location in relation to the photo spots and the Mara River are critical for spending more time in the field photographing (rather than driving several hours to a location).
Not all lodges / camps are created equal. In the US, our rating system is well understood. In African countries, it is somewhat different. A 5-star hotel may be hours away from the Mara River crossings. It may also be highly overrated. Experience and scouting helps us to choose locations closest to the action with high quality accommodations nearby.
We utilize Open Air Safari Land Cruisers because we are a photo safari - we double your space in the safari vehicle compared to most companies.
MORE IMPORTANT DETAILS
FLIGHTS & ARRIVAL
NBO - Nairobi Int’l
Most US departures arrive at Nairobi (NBO) Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in the morning, and would arrive in time for our Meet & Greet on September 6th at 7 pm.
However, with the recent state of travel and flight changes, arriving on time is a concern for many participants. Should you choose to arrive a day early, we can assist you in booking a room near the airport.
Please plan your return flight from Nairobi (NBO) Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on Sept 16th after 5:00pm. We will transfer. back to Nairobi on the day of the 16th, and you will miss your flight if it is any earlier. You are also welcome to stay the night and depart the next day.
WHAT IS A SAFARI CAMP?
Camping on safari in Africa is not like camping in other locations around the world. Camping, or rather Glamping in Nature would be a more appropriate term. Safari Camps are private camps situated throughout reserves and are private structures (tents) with one or two beds, private ensuite bathrooms, and all the amenities you would desire on any vacation. A safari camp allows you to stay in nature instead of a hotel building for a “connected to nature” experience like romantic days of safari.
They are safe, guarded, private and filled with amenities.
FITNESS LEVEL
EASY
You must be able to get in and out of safari vehicles, vans, and airplanes. You must also be able to hand-hold your camera, lens, and equipment you have on your person. You should be in general good health and able to walk short distances.
DINING
Our safari camps cater to dietary needs. JKPW will request dietary information and restrictions prior to the trip so that we can accommodate you. Vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free food diets, allergies and intolerances will be taken into account at each camp.
EQUIPMENT
While we recommend certain equipment for our workshop, it’s not necessary for you to participate. Check out what our trip leader’s suggest & plan ahead for rentals, borrowing, etc. Note that for safaris, there are a few additional equipment recommendations.
