OVERVIEW

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The Masai Mara is famous for its big cats. Lions, cheetahs and leopards and are all seen regularly here. This is a must for big cat lovers! Big cats continue to fascinate and this photographic safari allows for in-depth photographing of lions, leopards, and cheetah. Predator viewing is exceptional in the Masai Mara like nowhere else. It is globally recognized as prime habitat for lion, leopard, and cheetah. There is a reason why Disney filmed “African Cats” in the Mara and the BBC comes back every year to film “Big Cats Diary.” The Mara is a good all year safari destination, the big cats are always present. You’ll see more than cats, too. The Big 5 can be seen here, as can giraffe, hippo, gazelle, impala, and of course, wildebeest.  You really are in for a treat. 

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Join professional photographer Randall Ball on this exclusive safari for just four guests in a luxurious tented camp right on the Mara River next to the famous Masai Mara in Kenya, with daily game drives into the park itself.   You will be staying at the Sentinel Mara Camp, a secluded luxury tented eco-camp, that is set up in an exceptional location in a forest on the banks of the Mara River.  This ensures that guests derive maximum pleasure from their natural surroundings and the abundance of wildlife. Spacious private tents with en suite porcelain toilets and hot showers are tucked away in the forest.  Each tent along the river is tastefully furnished with campaign furniture to capture the romance and adventure of a bygone era. Wi-Fi as well as charging facilities are available in the lounge tents. Your small team will enjoy the use of a specially photographic vehicle.  

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A little-known secret about the Mara is that the best time to see and photograph the big cats is during the so called ‘Secret Season’, when you get to see the cats without the crowds of tourists that follow the migration. Our October 2021 safari with Randall is timed to avoid the crowds and stand the best chance of taking epic pictures to improve your portfolio of images.

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Randall will ensure that you get up close and personal with Mara’s amazing wildlife, and find those unique angles and light conditions that make the difference between good photos and truly amazing photos.  With over 35 years as a professional photographer and over 20 years as a adjunct faculty certified instructor, you are sure to get the individual personal training to help you improve your photography skills.  From tips on exposure and camera settings to composition and framing whilst out on game drive, you are guaranteed to improve your photography skillset. Once back in camp further insight will be given on editing and post processing of your images in Adobe Lightroom.  Your images will be reviewed and given solid direction on how to improve your photographic and editing skills.  You will come here taking pictures but leave here creating images!

 

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ITINERARY

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Oct 15th - Arrival in Nairobi

On arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport you are met and transferred to Tamarind Tree Hotel in Nairobi. Overnight at Tamarind Tree Hotel.

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Oct 16th - Air Transfer to Sentinel Mara Tented Camp and first game drive

We will meet for breakfast and then be transferred to Wilson Airport (Nairobi’s domestic airport).  From there it is a one-hour flight to Mara Musiara Airstrip in the middle of the Masai Mara.  Your adventure starts as soon as you land, so have your camera ready because you will encounter plenty of wildlife during the drive to camp.  Lunch will be served on arrival in camp, followed by your first outing in the private game drive vehicle that will take you to all corners of this vast wilderness during the coming week. Dinner that night will be in camp, under a million stars.

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Oct 17th through Oct 22nd - Photographic Game Drives

Your days will be spent exploring Masai Mara’s vast open plains and forested river banks, with the help of a highly skilled and experienced Masai guide and driver.  Professional photographer Randall Ball will be on hand to provide photographic tuition and assistance, and there will be ample time to learn from his vast experience.  To take advantage of the light and the best possible photo opportunities, each day starts before sunrise and ends after sunset.  With over 100 mammal species and 570 bird species, the photo opportunities are endless.   Your group will have option of packed breakfast and lunch, which will be enjoyed out on the savannah or return to camp for midday for lunch and image review, then back on game drive for afternoon. Back at the camp in the evenings you will enjoy cold drinks at the campfire while discussing that day’s photographic adventures, before a wholesome dinner in the dining tent.

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Oct 23rd - Last Game Drive and Departure

Your group will again start the day early, as you search for your last special encounters in the best morning light.  After another amazing morning you will return to camp for lunch, followed by a leisurely game drive transfer to airstrip in the park, for your 15h45 flight back to Nairobi.  On arrival transportation will meet you at Wilson airport and transfer you to JKIA for your outbound flight.  Should you wish to stay in NBO that night, please let us know and we will arrange alternative transfer arrangements.

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Price - $5500 USD per person sharing

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Dates - October 15 - 23, 2021

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Price Includes -

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Transfer to hotel in Nairobi on day one.  Overnight in Nairobi at Tamarind Tree Hotel and transfer to Wilson airport for Mara flight. Return flights from Nairobi Wilson Airport to Musiara Airstrip, extra baggage allowance (30 kg / 66 lbs per person checked in baggage and hand luggage), return transfers between the camp and Musiara Airstrip, accommodation in private safari tents as described, all meals and drinks starting with lunch on arrival day, and ending with lunch on departure day and laundry included at Sentinel Mara camp.  All game drives by Masai Field Guides, all entry into and transport in the Masai Mara National Reserve, and daily use of private safari vehicle for wildlife photography.

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Price Excludes - 

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International flights to Nairobi, travel insurance and cancellation insurance (recommended), tips and gratuities (recommended 10 USD per guest/day to the Masai guide and 5 USD per guest/day to the camp staff). Meals and drinks on first night in Nairobi at hotel. Any costs of a personal nature and other costs not specified as included, visas (should your country require one), and excess baggage charges.

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Terms and Conditions

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