Overview
When you only have a relatively short time in Kenya it is essential to maximize it in the conservancies and not waste time travelling all over the...read more country. Exodus' awarding winning resident photographer Paul Goldstein has his own brand of safari. His mantra is simple, do the time at the coal face and the rewards will follow, so be prepared for early starts, long days and plenty of advice and enthusiasm. Any wilderness fan or photographer will be particularly attracted by this safari.
Paul Goldstein - Paul, as many of you know, is a pretty decent photographer and a good teacher. If you are over-sensitive, shrewish or have an egg-shell personality you are probably best to avoid this safari. He has guided and photographed all over the world, has won a decent armoury of awards and although fairly old fashioned is finally getting over his digital hang-ups (with counselling and medication). However his most important attribute is his palpable love of the wilderness, Spitsbergen, Antarctica and India are his great loves but his abiding passion is for the Mara.
He is not going to get bogged down in intricate details, nor is he going to spend hours round the fire talking about photoshop, masking or cloning (or other cheating terms) - however, he is massively keen for you to get the best pictures possible. So are his guides and this is priceless; even if you feel exhausted after yet another long day, he will be champing at the bit at five the next morning to get you into that perfect position to compose another shot for your wall.
He always says 'if I can get you half a dozen blinding images for your house I will have done my job' - but believe it, that is only half the story. African bush tales, a seemingly limitless supply of jokes and an almost religious territorial nature over the Mara make him quite a travelling companion. You have been well and truly warned.
Itinerary
Game drives start right from the camp, as it is not uncommon to have wildlife wandering through at some stages of the day. Drives are very much a moveable feast. Some days, the drives will be long, (13 hours or so although not driving all the time) whilst others are much shorter, depending on the movement of the game and tips from the bush telegraph. Paul and his team will try to make good calls when it comes to viewing but they cannot always get it right. They will however be trying their hardest to ensure that photographic opportunities are frequent, but will not be dashing around ticking off species like other mainstream safari companies.
Early, very early, starts are the order of the day, though we normally find some shade for lunch in a beautiful spot and to relax a bit. Unless, that is, we come across a migration crossing or hunting cheetah! These drives are not endurance tests but a full day out on the plains can be quite tiring. They also will involve patience, as a hungry cheetah will often wait many hours before making her move. Meal times are a delight under the stars in the evening or in the mess tent in bad weather.
During time off you can relax in your tents however, it is the game and scenery that make this area so incredible: huge prides of predators feasting on an abundance of plains game. The camp often has a pride of lion's close-by and their call accompanied by the cackle of the hyena is an occasional nigh time companion. The property is very relaxing for those hours in the middle of the day (when you are there) and the haute cuisine and hot showers are a big bonus, but these luxurious trappings sometimes belie the fact that the camp is right in the heart of the most prolific savannah on earth and this should be respected. Stay: Kicheche Tented CampLuxury Tented Camp.
Trip Inclusions
- Special Photographic Safari guided by Paul Goldstein
- Comfortable safari at intimate tented camp with walk in tents and en suite facilities
- Prolific wildlife of the Masai Mara including lion, elephant, hippo, and giraffe
- Game drives geared towards ensuring good quality and frequent photographic opportunities
- 6 nights tented camp
- Travel is by internal flights; open-topped and open-sided 4-wheel-drive vehicles in the Mara
- Photographic coaching from Paul Goldstein
- All breakfasts, 6 lunches and 6 dinners
- All accommodation
- All transport and listed activities
- Tour leader throughout
Enjoy thrilling animal encounters from the isles of the Galapagos to the plains of Africa. Read more
Exodus chooses their Leaders carefully. Professional, dedicated and are passionate about sharing their home countries. Read more
Wherever possible, Exodus chooses properties that are locally owned and that reflect the area you are visiting. Read more
Availability
Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. We guarantee the lowest price in Australia. T&C’s apply.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Exodus.
