Luxury Photography Safari

Nairobi, Samburu, Shompole
DAYS
8
PRICE FROM
7,101

Safari Summary

 

Luxury Photography Safari

Luxury Photography Safaris with Photo Hide experience is meticulously crafted for you to transcend the traditional safari. Here, the raw thrill of untamed Africa is seamlessly woven with the refined artistry of curated travel, creating a journey that feels both deeply personal and profoundly cinematic.

This is not merely a trip, it is an immersion into landscapes that awaken something elemental within you. From the stillness of early morning hides to sweeping aerial perspectives and intimate wildlife encounters, every moment is designed to stir wonder, evoke belonging, and reveal the timeless beauty of Africa in its most authentic form.

In Samburu, the landscape is unapologetically bold, an untamed tapestry of sun-baked earth, acacia-dotted horizons, and the winding life-giving waters of the Ewaso Ng’iro River. Here, wildlife moves with a striking sense of freedom. Elephant herds traverse ancient pathways, rare northern species such as Grevy’s zebra and reticulated giraffe bring unique character to the terrain, and predators drift through the golden grasses with effortless command. Yet beyond the wildlife spectacle lies an atmosphere of refined intimacy, an exclusive camp and curated experiences that allow you to witness this wilderness in its purest, most personal form.

Further south, Shompole Conservancy reveals a different kind of magic, sacred, secluded, and profoundly serene. Tucked along the edge of the Great Rift Valley, this community-owned sanctuary is where wilderness and culture exist in graceful harmony. The landscape softens into sweeping plains, volcanic formations, and shimmering waterways, offering a sanctuary for both wildlife and the soul. It is here that luxury takes on a quieter voice, canoeing along the Ewaso Ng’iro, walking with local Maasai guides, and witnessing wildlife at close range from thoughtfully designed photographic hides.

Together, Samburu and Shompole form a journey of contrasts and connection, where the thrill of untamed Africa meets the artistry of curated travel. It is not simply a safari, but an immersion into landscapes that stir something deeper: a sense of wonder, belonging, and timeless beauty.

Tour Map

1
Nairobi 1 night
2
Samburu National Reserve 3 nights
3
Shompole Wilderness 3 nights
4
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport

Highlights

  • Photo hide for immersive and intimate experience
  • The Samburu Special Five
  • Shompole Conservancy; a unique realm of beauty.
  • Day and Night game drives

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi - The safari capital

Karibu Kenya!

Nairobi, Kenya’s vibrant capital, is a place of beautiful contrasts, where refined city living gently meets the edge of the wild. Your African odyssey begins the moment you arrive, welcomed with quiet warmth by a dedicated concierge who effortlessly guides you through the formalities, allowing you to simply breathe and take it all in, while your luggage is discreetly taken care of.

A private transfer then whisks you through the rhythm of the city to Sarova Panafric, an elegant retreat just 25 minutes from the airport. Here, everything feels calm, considered, and seamless. Check-in flows with ease, and the tranquil surroundings offer a gentle pause, an invitation to unwind, settle in, and slowly shift into the rhythm of the journey ahead.

It’s a soft, graceful beginning… before the extraordinary adventure truly unfolds.

 

Breakfast Dinner
Day 2 - 4: Nairobi to Samburu National Reserve -The land of the special five

Begin your day with a refined early breakfast, before being chauffeured to the airstrip for a scenic flight north. As Kenya’s landscapes unfold beneath you, the lush plains give way to the striking, semi-arid beauty of Samburu, raw, remote, and captivating.

On arrival, your private guide offers a warm welcome, setting the tone for the personalized safari experiences ahead. A seamless transfer brings you to Soroi Larsens Camp, where an authentic African welcome and understated luxury await. Settle into your elegant tented suite, enjoy a chef-crafted lunch, and unwind at leisure, perhaps with a refreshing swim overlooking the wilderness.

In the late afternoon, depart at 4:00 pm for a photographic game drive, when the golden light reveals Samburu at its most enchanting. Return to camp at dusk for a refined dinner and a tranquil overnight stay beneath the African sky.

Day 3 & 4:

Rise before dawn, when the African wilderness stirs in hushed anticipation and the first light of day paints the landscape in soft, golden hues. This is the hour photographers dream of, when wildlife moves gracefully through the cool morning air, and every frame is bathed in a warm, ethereal glow. With a freshly brewed cup of Kenya’s finest coffee and a light snack in hand, set out on an early morning game drive, guided through a world awakening in quiet splendor.

As the sun climbs higher, return to the refined comfort of Soroi Larsens Camp, where a leisurely, chef-prepared breakfast awaits. The morning unfolds at your own pace, venture out for another drive in search of rare and remarkable sightings, or retreat to the camp’s photographic hide, where intimate wildlife moments unfold effortlessly at the nearby waterhole.

In the afternoon, as the heat softens and the light turns golden once more, head out for another immersive game drive. This is Samburu at its most captivating; textures deepen, colors intensify, and every encounter becomes a masterpiece in motion. Return to camp as dusk settles, carrying with you a collection of unforgettable moments captured in the wild.

Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 5 - 7: Samburu Reserve to Shompole Conservancy - “Walking with baboons”

Awaken to the gentle chorus of birdsong and the crisp morning air, as a sumptuous breakfast is served in serene surroundings. Soon after, you are chauffeured to the airstrip for a scenic flight south to the exclusive, community-owned Shompole Conservancy, the South Rift of Kenya in the Great Rift Valley, where vast, untouched landscapes unfold beneath you.

On arrival, your private guide extends a warm welcome before a seamless transfer to Shompole Wilderness Camp. Here, understated luxury meets the wild. Settle into your elegant canvas suite, enjoy a refined, chef-crafted lunch, and unwind at leisure, perhaps with a refreshing swim overlooking the sweeping plains.

As the afternoon softens into golden light, choose between a tranquil canoeing experience along the Ewaso Ng’iro River, gliding past wildlife and vibrant birdlife or retreat to the camp’s photo hide for intimate, close-up encounters at the waterhole. As dusk falls, the day gently fades, leaving you with a collection of quiet, unforgettable moments in the heart of the wild.

Day 6:

Awake up to the choruses of birds, grab a cup of freshly brewed Kenyan coffee and set out for an early morning game drive, capturing the best scenes when the light is still gentle to your eyes and bringing out the natural light effect on your subjects. After an exhilarating adventure return to the camp for a delightful breakfast and later make use of the photo hide at leisure.

As the temperature cools down, embark on another adventure driving to lake Natron Lake Natron, a kaleidoscope of red, orange, and green, created by algae and mineral deposits. This extraordinary setting is a photographer’s dream, and the chance to witness the mass gatherings of flamingos. Later, drive back to the camp and relax. Choose to use the photo hide for the night.

Day 7: Walking with baboons

To capture the true art of photography, the day begins before sunrise with a return to the photographic hide, where the stillness of dawn and the soft, ambient light create the perfect canvas for extraordinary wildlife imagery. After breakfast, set out on a rare and immersive guided walk, following a habituated troop of baboons alongside experts from the Lale’enok Resource Centre. This intimate encounter offers a deeper understanding of their behavior, movements, and social dynamics in the wild.

Later, retreat once more to the expertly designed photographic hide, created in collaboration with renowned wildlife photographer Will Burrard-Lucas. Positioned at ground level, it offers a unique, low-angle perspective, capturing wildlife in dramatic detail as they gather at the waterhole. In the drier months, the scene becomes especially captivating, with golden dust, mirrored reflections, and a steady procession of plains game, predators, and vibrant birdlife. For the truly dedicated, the hide even offers overnight stays, allowing you to witness and photograph the magic of nocturnal activity.

As the day draws to a close, ascend to a scenic ridge overlooking the vast Great Rift Valley. Here, experience a sundowner, watching the sky transform into a masterpiece of color. The evening culminates in an elegant dinner beneath a canopy of stars, an unforgettable finale to a day steeped in beauty, discovery, and quiet luxury.

Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 8: Shompole Conservancy to Nairobi. - Bid farewell to Africa

Awaken to the gentle melodies of birdsong, as the African wilderness is slowly revealed in the golden glow of sunrise. This is a moment of quiet magic,perfect for capturing evocative images from the photographic hide, where wildlife gathers in the soft morning light, or for heading out on an early game drive as the landscape stirs to life.

Upon your return, the rich aroma of freshly brewed Kenyan coffee draws you in for a leisurely breakfast, served against a backdrop of untamed beauty. Soon after, you are transferred to the airstrip for your scenic flight back to Nairobi, offering a final, sweeping perspective of the landscapes you’ve come to know so intimately.

On arrival, a dedicated representative welcomes you and escorts you to Crowne Plaza Nairobi Airport, where an elegant day room awaits. Here, in refined comfort, take time to unwind and reflect, revisiting the unforgettable moments of your journey, from thrilling wildlife encounters to the vast, soul-stirring beauty of the African wild.

Breakfast Lunch

Season & Rates

Season 2 Guests 4 Guests
7TH APRIL - 31ST MAY $7,882 $7,299
1ST JUNE - 30TH JUNE $9,031 $8,367
1ST JULY - 30TH SEPT $9,331 $8,668
1ST OCT - 14TH DEC $8,329 $7,665
15TH DEC- 15TH JAN 2027 $9,557 $8,893

Rates are per person sharing based on number of guests

Inclusions & Exclusions

✓ Inclusions

  • Pre-night accommodation on Half Board
  • Full Board accommodation during safari.
  • All park entry fees.
  • Private Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof in Samburu.
  • Shared game drive in Shompole.
  • Domestic flights.
  • Pick up and drop off at the airport or hotel.
  • Selected beers and soft drinks.
  • Drinking water on board.
  • AMREF Emergency flight evacuation cover.
  • Services of a professional safari guide/driver.

✗ Exclusions

  • International flight and visa fees.
  • Comprehensive travel and health insurance cover (Mandatory).
  • Tips and gratuities.
  • All expenses of a personal nature, for example, spa treatments.
  • Premium drinks
  • All that is not mentioned in the inclusions.
  • Private vehicle option available at supplement at Shompole

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