Come and join me, Roger "Mzungu" Moore, on this special invitational photo safari exploring the
Seventh Wonder of the New World.

This safari has been designed to give you a total immersion into the cultures of the Samburu and the Maasai tribes of Kenya, and to take you directly through the breath-taking beauty of the famous Rift Valley, into the heart of the Mara, where you will be surrounded by predators and prey executing their daily rituals of survival.

My personal experience in these regions allows me to design an extraordinary itinerary especially for photographers -- both amateur and professional. Instead of 'puddle-hopping' in small planes across Africa like a tourist, we will be escorted by professional native safari driver/guides in our own 4x4 Land Cruisers, which have been customized for photographers. Driving is far superior because we want to be up-close-and-personal with all the action. Everything looks the same from an airplane, but on the ground we will be surrounded, day and night, by natural beauty, tribal cultures, and animals of every size. From the excitement of the hunt to the calm of a camp dinner, your senses will sizzle with sights, sounds, and smells of Africa. You will feel her heartbeat.

More importantly, you may learn to make the most stunningly beautiful photographs of your life. My personal commitment is to help you learn how to see through the eyes of an artist.

You will learn how to use your digital camera equipment in new and different ways. You will come home with new knowledge, new photographic skills and the very finest photographs you have ever made. You will have earned your bragging rights.

The Mara of Kenya (The Mara in Kenya is the northern extension of the Serengeti in Tanzania), the Seventh Wonder of the New World, is known for its acacia-dotted savannahs, teeming with hundreds of species of wildlife. You will see awe inspiring escarpments and the flamingo-covered soda lakes of the Great Rift Valley. Under a limitless multi-colored sky you will experience the adventure. Elephant, giraffe, rhino, baboon, zebra, leopard, lion, cape buffalo and cheetah have evolved and adapted through the cycle of life in this ancient landscape, alongside more than one thousand colorful bird species and a multitude of other life forms.

You will experience the adventure of morning, afternoon Game Drives in the reserves of Samburu and Maasai Mara -- and in the Sekenani Mara, you will feel the excitement of Special Night Game Drives and Guided Bush Walks led by experienced Maasai trackers. An optional Hot Air Balloon Safari over the Mara is yours for the asking.

You will have the opportunity to see the Big Five animals of Africa (lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant, and rhino), as well as hundreds of other species of mammals, birds, reptiles and plants of breathtaking beauty. Experience the Adventure as you Focus on Kenya. Along with our carefully selected local professional safari guides, I will serve as your personal photographic guide, your mentor, and photographic tutor.

12-Day Invitational Photo Safari

US $8,600 per person*

Plus International Air from your home to Nairobi, Kenya and two internal air fares totaling
approximately $485.00. Prices & Terms subject to change without prior written notice.
*Double occupancy. Single supplement is US$990 per person.

A Maximum of 12 Explorers (minimum of 4),
which means plenty of personal attention

A Guarantee of no more than 4 photographers per vehicle,
which means plenty of room for you and your equipment and
the ability to move around to compose the best images

DATES

Safaris in 2010:
September 25 - October 6
October 6 - 17

NOTE:  THESE SAFARIS FILL FAST
GUARANTEE YOUR BOOKING,
CONTACT Mzungu NOW

WHAT IS THE NEXT STEP?

Step 1 Get all your questions answered now before all the spaces are taken. Simply contact me, Mzungu at:  roger@rogermoorephotography.com or call me at 972-333-6482.

For question regarding travel arrangements, contact  David Nguro with
Maniago Safaris, Nairobi Kenya at:  info@maniagotravel.com

Step 2  Complete this Reservation Application form (one per person please)

Submit the completed form to me in one of three ways:

1. The easiest - You can simply fill it out online (it is a fillable PDF Document) and email it to me.
2. Or, if you prefer to fill it out offline, just print the Registration Application form, fill it out and fax it to me at:  214-485-3310.
3. Or you can mail the fully executed form to me at:
   

ITINERARY

12-Day Invitational Photo Safari

Day 1: Journey to your new adventure
Depart from your home and begin the first leg of your adventure

Day 2: Arrive in Nairobi
Arrive Nairobi - Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, after Clearing Customs and Immigration formalities, proceed to the International arrival lounge where I will be waiting for you along with our driver/guide from Maniago Safaris. From here, we will take a short drive to the famous Sarova Stanley Hotel.

Overnight at The Sarova Stanley Hotel (Bed Only)

The history of this hotel goes back to the turn of the 20th century. The present Structure was erected in 1959 replacing the old one built in 1913. The Stanley has recently completed a refurbishment program and the architects have been successful in retaining the Victorian Theme while incorporating the latest technology available today. For all those years, The Sarova Stanley has hosted some of the world's most recognizable names of acclaimed actors, authors, world leaders on royal and state visits to Kenya. With its enhanced old charm and historic features, The Sarova Stanley remains a significant landmark in the center of Nairobi including Thorn Tree Café - the famous message tree. No other city center hotel has such a convenient position amongst the busy shopping and restaurant area of Nairobi. Nairobi is the largest city between Cairo and Johannesburg.  Though just south of the equator it enjoys a spring-like climate. It is a modern city, yet its main avenues blaze with color from tropical bushes and vines.  Less than 100 years ago, there was a river in an empty wilderness where Nairobi now stands.  Despite health hazards and the ever-present danger from wild animals, Nairobi became established by 1907 and quickly grew as a white farming community.  It also attracted world attention as the center of big-game safaris for the rich and famous.  Perhaps the most famous was the safari of Teddy Roosevelt, which needed 500 porters to carry supplies and returned with 500 trophies.

Days 3: Lake Nakuru National Park
This morning, after a delicious African breakfast at The Sarova Stanley Hotel, you will enjoy an orientation meeting where your cultural guide will review the upcoming safari, and I will present "Learning to See," a lecture and slide show to help prepare you for the photographic experience of your life. I will help you to understand that  great photographs are made between your ears and in your heart -- the camera only records them. And I will arm you with tested and proven fine art compositional concepts which you will learn to apply over the course of your safari. You should return home with the very finest photographs you have ever made in your entire life. A bold statement, eh? If you are like the vast majority of my past explorers, you look back on this safari experience and you will agree with that bold statement 100%.  I give you my African Guarantee -- "I absolutely Guarantee that it might happen."

Then we "head 'um up, and move 'um out", as Rowdy Yates (Clint Eastwood) used to say on the TV series, Raw Hide. We board our private Land Cruisers and charge into the African bush, through scenic country inhabited by the Kikuyu tribe, and en-route, you will make a stop over at Kimende view point for a panoramic bird’s ‘eye’ view of The Great Rift Valley & it’s Escarpment as you descend into the floor of the Great Rift Valley and continue to Lake Nakuru National Park. This is one of the more beautiful Great Rift Valley lakes. We will arrive here rejuvenated, check-in at our camp, have lunch and thereafter, enjoy an afternoon game viewing/bird watching drive.

Lake Nakuru National Park is unquestionably the “greatest ornithological spectacle on earth” with, at times, more than 2 million pink flamingos and well over 400 other bird species. In addition to the ornithological splendor, Lake Nakuru offers a wide variety of natural wildlife which includes the water buck, zebra, gazelle, wild dog, and buffalo. This location is unique because of our ability to view the Rothschild giraffe (considered to be an endangered species) and White Rhinos, and if we are truly fortunate, we may view both the White and the Black Rhino.

Lake Nakuru is a very shallow strongly alkaline lake 62 sq km in extent. It is set in a picturesque landscape of surrounding woodland and grassland next to Nakuru town. The landscape includes areas of marsh and grasslands alternating with rocky cliffs and outcrops, stretches of acacia woodland and rocky hillsides covered with a Euphorbia forest on the eastern perimeter.

The lake catchment is bounded by Menengai crater to the north, the Bahati hills to the north east, the lion hill ranges to the east, Eburu crater to the south and the Mau escarpment to the west. Three major rivers, the Njoro, Makalia and Enderit drain into the lake. 

Lake Nakuru was first gazetted as a bird sanctuary in 1960 and upgraded to National Park status in 1968. A northern extension was added to the park in 1974 and the lake was designated as a Ramsar site in 1990 (www.ramsar.org). The foundation of the parks food chains is the cyanophyte spirulina platensis which can support huge numbers of lesser flamingo. After sunset we will return back to our camp for a delicious and relaxing dinner. 

Flamingo Hill Camp or comparable (B, L ,D)  (http://www.flamingohillcamp.com/index.htm)

Small and exclusive, comprising 25 tents. The tents are furnished with the understated luxury required by the modern traveler. Decorated in calming safari tones, natural woods, wrought iron and crisp cottons each tent has been meticulously planned to maximise comfort. All tents have the following facilities: four poster beds & mosquito nets, en-suite with shower, WC and flush toilets, writing desk, a private verandah overlooking the plains, hot and cold running water & voltage at 240 volts

Days 4: Samburu/Shaba & Buffalo Springs Game Reserves
This morning, depart and drive through the former White highlands of Kenya and make a short stopover at Thompson Falls for a very photogenic waterfall. In addition, and at a small fee, you will also have an opportunity to be entertained by Kikuyu traditional dancers dressed in their traditional regalia. These costumes can be quite bazaar and could make a great photographic subject. Thereafter, proceed to Trout Tree for lunch. This restaurant is situated on the slopes of World’s third highest mountain & second in Africa Mt. Kenya. Here, we also cross the EQUATOR into less developed and more primitive territory as we continue into the Northern Frontier District.

Samburu is a semi-desert habitat and hosts unique species that are found nowhere else. As we begin our search for wildlife, keep your eyes open for reticulated giraffes, Somali Ostrich, Grevy’s zebra, long necked gerenuk and Beisa Oryx. There are many species of colorful birds this time of year - like jewels in the trees and overhead. But, perhaps the most exciting inhabitant of this area is the magnificent but elusive leopard. We will be exploring Samburu for two full days and you will want to study the giraffes and zebras with care because these are a different species than you will see later in the Mara. It seems that each region possess some uniqueness to its flora and fauna.

We cross the EQUATOR into less developed and more primitive territory as we continue into the Northern Frontier District. Samburu is a semi-desert habitat and hosts unique species that are found nowhere else. As we begin our search for wildlife, keep your eyes open for reticulated giraffes, Grevy’s zebra, long necked gerenuk and Beisa Oryx. There are many species of colorful birds this time of year - like jewels in the trees and overhead. But, perhaps the most exciting inhabitant of this area is the magnificent but elusive leopard. We will be exploring in Samburu for two days and you will want to study the giraffe and zebras with care because these are a different species than you will see later in the Mara. It seems that each region possess some uniqueness to its flora and fauna.

Samburu Serena lodge or comparable (B, L, D)
http://www.serenahotels.com/Kenya/samburu/home.asp

Welcome to the serene and scenic, Samburu Serena Safari Lodge.
Set in a landscape of endless skies, dust-red plains and palm-fringed rivers, this refreshingly rustic lodge is renowned for the timeless beauty of its landscape and the serene tranquillity of its setting. Nestled amidst the acacia groves that border the crocodile-filled reaches of the Uaso Nyiro River, the lodge stands centre-stage to miles of lion-stalked grasslands, elephant-studded plains and wildlife-teeming bush. It is also ideally placed for visits to the neighbouring parks of Buffalo Springs and Shaba National Reserve. Experience the serenity and tranquillity of Samburu at the Samburu Serena Safari Lodge.

Day 5 & 6: Samburu/Shaba & Buffalo Springs Game Reserves
Prepare yourself to be up before dawn each day as we eagerly head out on our morning game drives. We are, first and foremost, photographers in search of that once-in-lifetime magic image. The early morning not only allows us to view and photograph the rising sun, but this is the time of day when almost all the animals are most active. As the sun rises the terrain and the wildlife becomes bathed in a marvelous golden hue, a hue that lasts but fleeting moments, so we must be there and be ready. This is a wonderful time to make silhouette photographs of the big animals, like giraffes, and elephants and the long-necked gerenuk. This is also a great time for action photography because of the intensity of wildlife activity.

Every day is a living photography workshop as we begin to apply some of the compositional concepts I presented to you in the "Learning to See" orientation. And remember, I am available continuously, around the clock, to serve as your personal photographic guide and tutor. In fact, in each game drive, I will ride with a different group of explorers so I can give personal attention to personal needs. My first and foremost responsibility is to assist you in learning how to see and how to make better photographs than you ever have before.

We return to the camp midday to discuss this morning’s triumphs and challenges over lunch. Then after lunch, we rest and recharge our human batteries before we head back into the bush for more game viewing and more spectacular photographic opportunities.

During our stay here in Samburu, we will have the opportunity to interract with the Samburu people. The Samburu are herdsmen and you will discover that the rhythms and activities of their live is integrated with their cattle. Cow hides are used in hundreds of ways, and the handmade huts are made of cow dung, packed by hand. Your interraction opportunities will be limitless - warriors, women, &  children.

Samburu Serena lodge or comparable (B, L, D)
http://www.serenahotels.com/Kenya/samburu/home.asp

Samburu National Reserve
A place of endless skies, dust-red plains and palm-fringed rivers, Samburu National Reserve lies on the fringes of the vast and arid desert once known as the Northern Frontier District, whose heat-scorched scrublands extend all the way to the jade-green waters of Lake Turkana and beyond. Physically dramatic, the 104 sq kilometre landscape of the Reserve features rocky battlements, craggy scarps, dry river beds and fallen boulders rising out of the thorn scrub against a backdrop of the far-distant hills and the great red table mountain known as Lololokwi. As for wildlife, Samburu provides one of the few sanctuaries in Kenya for the endangered Grevy’s zebra, the rare beisa oryx and the blue-shanked Somali ostrich whilst large herds of elephant roam the gaunt hills during the day before returning to bathe on the banks of the river in the evening

Days 7: Maasai Mara Game Reserve (7th Wonder of the world)
After our typical early morning breakfast, we will load up all our gear and enjoy a short game viewing drive en-route to the airstrip. Fly on a scheduled flight that takes approximately one & half hour to the 7th Wonder of the world - ‘Maasai’ Mara Game Reserve. Almost mid-morning, arrive at the stunning Maasai Mara Game  Reserve. Here,  you will be met by your hosts and transfer to the camp for check-in and lunch. This will be followed by an afternoon game viewing drive.
Overnight at Leleshwa Camp or comparable (B, L, D)  (http://www.leleshwacamps.com/)

 

Deluxe Tent

Tent verandah

Community Conservation:
Leleshwa Camp is environmentally sensitive and takes responsibility to enhance the environment on a sustainable basis. A large part of that goal is improving the lives of the nearby community. Every guest who stays at Leleshwa Camp is making a direct contribution towards the local community initiatives.

Days 08 & 09 - Maasai Mara Game  Reserve:
What makes the Mara area so special?
The Mara is the northern extension of the SERENGETI PLAIN, and the heart of the Seventh Wonder of the World. Perhaps it is the limitless big skies, the open savannahs scattered with acacia trees, the red robed tall Maasai warriors or just the variety and density of game. But, if you ask those who have traveled before, they will all agree that it is truly the spirit of the place, a spirit that is hard to put in words…but just maybe you can capture a bit of this spirit not only in your heart but in your photographic images. Even though the timing of the migration can no longer be predicted, we know that tradition has it that 2 million wildebeest, zebra and other antelopes move across the open grasslands in search of fresh grazing. We will be guided by our expert guides who are masters at finding and tracking the cycle of life being enacted here in the Mara, The Maasai Mara is perhaps most famous for its lions, as well as the other members of the “Big Five” (Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Rhino, and Buffalo). Hippo (some say the most deadly animal to man in all of Africa) inhabit the Talek river and the Mara river. Cheetahs are plentiful, and elephants are found in great numbers. In one sweep of the binoculars one might see a 1000 animals. The Mara is full of wildebeest, zebra, topi, giraffe, hyena, and jackal. On my safari of November, 2006 we had the incredible opportunity to observe and photograph the matting of lions. In any event, one thing is certain. Every single game drive will be unique and will yield amazing visions and you will return home with hours, and hours of stories to tell, and if I do my job well, you will have the very best photographs you have ever made to document your stories.

Maasai Mara is a pristine wilderness of haunting beauty, it promises its visitors a profusion of wildlife, prolific bird life and the unprecedented opportunity of catching up with all the members of the 'Big Five' in one morning. As to scenery, the 1,800 sq kilometers of this veteran reserve offer the classic mix of African imagery; miles of lion-gold grasslands, shoals of lilac-misted hills, a meandering river, acres of thorn-bush and mile upon mile of undulating wilderness.

Leleshwa Camp:
This will be our base camp for this final phase of our safari . Leleshwa is in the style of the old traditional Hemingway safari, yet with all the comforts of home (almost). Well-appointed tents of 20 x 14 ft with an en-suite bathroom, flushing toilet and shower. Each tent is situated to ensure privacy where you will be able to relax on your private verandah, and enjoy the wild beauty of the Mara. In the evenings, in the private seclusion of our camp, you can relax around a campfire, sharing cocktails with your new friends. Then in the safety and seclusion of your own private tent, you may listen to the sounds of the African night and savor the day's experiences, just as the first hunters and explorers did over a century ago.

After lunch, we relax in the splendor of this beautiful camp.   Then something very special - Cultural Fusion.  You will be provided with intense and intimate cultural experiences with the Maasai people, and of course, this means more wonderful photographic opportunities.  Late afternoon, before sunset, you will be escorted to a local Maasai village where you will " settle-in" with the whole tribe.  You will build friendships. You will have total and complete freedom to make photographs of these warriors of the Mara and their families. You will go into their handmade, cow dung packed huts, to see how they live, and work, and sleep and prepare their meals and take care of their children ... you will photograph them as they go about the necessary duties of their daily lives. The intimacy of this inter-cultural experience is another special feature of this safari. The best way to explain richness of this very personal experience is to read the testimonial words of a former explorer:

"The most outstanding moment among my many trips to Africa was the special party my group threw for the Maasai people that live near Leleshwa. They opened their hearts, their home and shared their wonderful sense of humor. We never felt uncomfortable taking many pictures as they are such as proud people who enjoyed seeing themselves on digital screens. But, the great fun was when we showed them how to take our pictures and realized that photography bridges so many cultures and brings us together as one. We were so honored to be with the proud Maasai not just taking from them but also sharing an experience we knew they too enjoyed. Sundowner - from the Maasai village we go directly into the bush, where our Leleshwa staff will set up tables and chairs, complete with drinks and nibbles (or Bitings, as the Kenyans call it), where we will relax and enjoy the incredible African sunset.   We can get closer to the wildlife. And even more importantly, now we can go on a RARE NIGHT GAME DRIVE which was forbidden in the National Parks.  This NIGHT GAME DRIVE holds the potential for thrilling visions, and photographs, of predators at work: stalking, hunting, and the opportunity to photograph kills and feedings are not uncommon. Night game drives are a special feature of my safaris."

BUSH WALK.  Yes, that is right, you ... on foot ... in the Bush ... Right after a wonderful breakfast in our dining tent.  Once again due to the benefits of being on Private property, we will be able to go on this very special guided bush walk. Our professional Maasai safari guides and Maasai trackers will tell you about medicinal properties of plants, point out insect and bird species and teach you how to read different tracks and signs left by animals - things that you might miss from a moving vehicle.  After about four hours of morning walking and learning, we will discover that the Leleshwa staff will have delicious brunch set up for our dining pleasure.   Tables, Chairs, serving tables ... a complete buffet brunch right in the heart of this spectacular Kenyan savannah.

Now, back to work in camp.  This entire afternoon will be available to us for working together with our cameras, and our computers.  And I will be there to help you, one-on-one, personal attention.  This is a great learning session.  You will use this afternoon to review the images you have made during this safari and for you to select your MAGNIFICENT SEVEN. Your 'Magnificent Seven" images are the seven images that you like the most. These images are the basis of your participation in DEJA VU, the super-fun and educational slide show and critique which we will all enjoy tomorrow night, after our final dinner. Your Magnificent Seven images are also the images that I will use when I publish your work in our Adventure Book. So I think it is fair to say that this is a big deal, and you should take great pride in what your select. And I think you will discover that you really will feel good about the wonderful photographs you have made, and that your photographic skills will have skyrocketed to a new level of excellence. By then end of this afternoon, you will give to me your Magnificent Seven images so that I may build the slide show for Deja Vu.

Overnight at Leleshwa Camp or comparable (B, L, D) (http://www.leleshwacamps.com/)

Day 10: Deja Vu

HOT AIR BALLOON SAFARI
During you stay here in Mara, you will have an opportunity to enjoy an optional HOT AIR BALLOON SAFARI. If you choose this option (there is an additional charge of approximately US$450 per person), you will, at dawn, begin floating silently over the Seventh Wonder of the World. Flames from the hot air burners will light the darkness as the crews inflate your craft. Suspended in a basket beneath the rainbow-colored canopy, you're off for a game-viewing adventure with an entirely different perspective.

Apart from the hiss of the burners, elephants crashing through the bush, hippos splashing in the river, the flight above the Maasai Mara plains is magically silent. At the end of the flight, you will treated to a champagne breakfast in the bush, hosted by the local Maasai.

For those who do not choose the hot air balloon safari, a dawn game drive will be available, for more early morning predator watching.

After your game drive or optional hot air balloon safari, we will board our Land Cruisers and wind our way across the Maasai Mara onto the Siana Concession, near the Sekenani Mara Gate. This is very special because the Siana is an integral part of the Mara, but it is privately property. This is important because it means we will have it almost to ourselves. No crowds from other safaris. It means that we are free to drive and to explore without restrictions, so if we need to follow a lion, or lions, stalking a wildebeest, we can do it to our heart's content.

This is the last day of your safari before heading back to Nairobi, and it will be a full day, with another exciting lunch-in-the-Mara.   You will hop aboard our Land Cruisers for one last, intensive, game drive into the Maasai Mara. This offers new and different views and vistas, and animals.   It is a final opportunity to create those beautiful memories and to create beautiful photographs.  Just remember:  Memories last a lifetime.   Photographs last for generations. 

DEJA VU: This is the evening for DEJA VU. Just what we have been working toward.  Based upon the testimonials of many past explorers, DEJA VU is an exciting highlight of the entire safari, which everyone seems to love, Deja Vu is our opportunity to "re-live" the whole experience together. It is the slide show and critique in which we get to see through the eyes of our fellow explorers as we view and critique their Magnificent Seven Images. It is this Deja Vu show that will serve as the basis for your Adventure Book, which you will receive several weeks after you return to your home.

Leleshwa Camp or comparable (B, L, D)
Day 11: Nairobi
After our final hearty breakfast, check-out and enjoy a short game viewing drive en-route to the airstrip for a morning schedule flight to Nairobi. On arrival at Wilson Airport, you will be met and transfer to The Sarova Stanley Hotel – Day rooms reserved till 1800 hrs so that you may refresh yourself, repack, or do whatever you wish.  Your safari officially ends at this point. Now you will have the entire afternoon and evening to explore at leisure, on your own, the very special beauty of this melting-pot city called Nairobi. After your relaxing afternoon and evening, you will once again join our professional guides as they escort you to the Nairobi airport and assist you in boarding your flights home. Bon Voyage.........
Day room at The Sarova Stanley Hotel – (lunch and dinner at leisure)

Day 12: Sweet Journey Home

This is your day of travel as you relax and re-experience in your memory, the unique and special adventure you have just had.  And my guess is that you will be thinking of all your new friends and wonderful photographs you have made.

The below rates includes:

• Nairobi arrival & departure group airport transfers based on a 6 seater safari designed minibus
• Ground transport on safari based on a photographic 4 x 4 Landcruiser except at Leleshwa where it’s based on use of Leleshwa’s 4 x 4 Vehicle/driver guides
• Services of our English speaking driver guides except at Leleshwa
• Bottled mineral water in our vehicle/s • Accommodation in Nairobi on bed & breakfast on day one
• Day rooms in Nairobi on the last day
• Full board accommodation on safari
• Two extra lunches at Kentrout, Thompson Falls Lodge & Sarova Mara Camp
• Two cultural Visits i.e in Samburu & Maasai Mara (Leleshwa)
• Park entrances in Samburu Game Reserve, Lake Nakuru National Park & Maasai Mara Game Reserve
• Leleshwa rates also includes soft drinks, beer, house-wine, standard spirits, day & night game drives, guided bush walks, laundry, bush breakfast, dinner, picnic lunches if need be on request & Sundowner game drives (Weather permitting)
• Tips and gratuities to airport & hotel porters, driver guides, hotel staff e.t.c. but quoted separately
• And one way schedule flight Ex Maasai Mara/Nairobi. We have added a 10% increase to cover any increase in 2009 but should concerned airlines increase the rates by more than this margin, we will advise and charge for the additional supplements

Above rates excludes:

• International & Internal flights & applicable taxes not unless otherwise indicated
• All travel, baggage and medical insurance cover (Highly recommended)
• Visa fees current rate US$50 per person current rate & subject to change without notice and can be obtained in Nairobi
• Meals in Nairobi & drinks throughout the Itinerary not unless otherwise stated or indicated
• All telecommunications, laundry & beverages not unless again otherwise stated
• Optional extras quoted separately
• Any other activities not specified under inclusions above

WHAT MAKES THIS SAFARI UNIQUE?

1. Professional Explorer & Photographer: I am the only photography guide, world-wide, who is a working professional photographer, executing international commissioned assignments, who is a flag-carrying member of The Explorers Club, who is also an active member of The Adventurers Club of Chicago, and who teaches fine art photography through expeditions, safaris, workshops and personal tutoring on a global basis.
   
   
2. One-on-One Personal Attention: On this safari, I will not only conduct educational sessions, but I will be available to each of you, as your personal photographic tutor, around-the-clock, to help you develop and refine your photographic skills. In each Game Drive, I will accompany a different group of explorers to maximize the personal attention that you will receive.
   
   
3. Guaranteed Publication of Your Photographs: Yes, I said guaranteed publication of your photographs. After completion of the safari, you will become a published photographer. I will design and publish a hard-back, coffee table book containing your photographs. After I have personally signed and dated each one, it will then be delivered to your door at no additional cost to you.
   
   
4. Special Itinerary Designed for Photographers: My world-wide experience as an explorer, a commissioned assignment photographer, and as a teacher of photography, has provided me with the knowledge and ability to clearly understand the essential elements necessary to custom design this itinerary so that you will receive a stimulating photographic experience.

WHO SHOULD GO ON THIS SAFARI?

This is a tremendously important question. This Special Invitational Safari is designed specifically for photographic education. If you don't have the desire to improve your photographic skills and abilities, then DO NOT sign up. That does not mean that you must aspire to become a professional photographer. Many of my explorers are people who have gotten new digital cameras (often just a simple point-and-shoot model) and they have discovered that they really like making photographs. But they continue to be disappointed in the results they are getting. They cannot figure out how to use the features and functions on their new digital equipment. Their goal is no more than the desire to learn how to make photographs they will be proud to show to family and friends. This person SHOULD  come on this safari.

If you do not have the patience of Job, and the persistence of a 3 year-old child, then DO NOT sign up for this safari. There will be many times when we may stalk an animal for long periods of time, then sit, and sit and sit, just waiting for some extraordinary event to occur (and the truth is, it may, or may not occur). This Special Invitational Safari is not for "click-and-Run" tourists.  I do not believe in drive-by-shootings.  On this safari, we are people who love to feel the excitement of "being there" when Mother Nature chooses to show off .

Non-Photographers.  Some non-photographers are welcome and should come.   I can think of one of my explorers who's spouse acts as her Sherpa.   He carries her photographic equipment and serves as her assistant.   To my knowledge, he has never clicked a shutter, but he has the patience of Job and the persistence of a 3 year-old child, and he loves the excitement of being there when Mother Nature bursts forth with some rare and amazing event.   In another one of my photo expeditions, I had several naturalists/bird watchers.   All they brought was their binoculars, but their intentions were the same as our photographers.  As  we were photographing those amazing events, there were watching and making field notes.   A non-photographer who clearly understands how we will be operating our safari and who wants to play by those rules -- I WELCOME YOU.