kenya`s rare species photo safari

KENYA’S RARE SPECIES PHOTO SAFARI
Join wildlife photographer Margot Raggett on a seven night
photographic safari to beautiful Laikipia to photograph wild
dogs and other rare northern species
February 2nd - 9th Feb 2016.
This is a safari designed for photographers who have already photographed
the big game in the most popular parks and are now looking to build their
portfolio with pictures of the less common species. Forget ticking off the big
five in each drive but instead enjoy the luxury of investing time in getting better
shots – quality not quantity is what we’ll be aiming for. In addition we’ll enjoy
the peace and solitude that the African road less travelled will afford us. This
small group trip will be led by British wildlife photographer Margot Raggett
who spends up to three months a year in Kenya teaching guests how to
improve their photography and her aim will be for you to come away with
pictures that exceed your expectations.
Itinerary
Our trip starts in Nairobi on February 2nd 2016 with a night at the luxury
Fairview Hotel where you will meet Margot and the group and be briefed for
the safari ahead. The Fairview is situated in lush gardens in the centre of
Nairobi and here you can enjoy facilities such as the gym, spa, swimming pool
and a selection of fine restaurants.
The following morning we transfer by road to Ol Pejeta in time for lunch
(approximately three hours), where we will be staying in the newly opened Ol
Pejeta Safari Cottages (http://www.thesafaricottages.com). The Safari
Cottages are nestled in amongst the towering yellow bark acacia trees deep in
the heart of Ol Pejeta’s wilderness area near the Southern boundary. They
enjoy uninterrupted views across a peaceful river valley to the plains beyond.
Here we will have our own private chef and guides as well as two safari
vehicles at our disposal, meaning we can make our drives as long as we
want, including night drives if we wish.
Overlooked by Mount Kenya, Ol Pejeta is famous for its rhinos (both black
and white) and for breeds of giraffe (reticulated) and zebra (grevy’s) not found
in many other parks. The area also has lions, leopard, hyena, elephants and
from time to time wild dog.
A reticulated giraffe in the shadow of Mount Kenya
Grevy’s zebra
Black rhino
Kori bustard
We will set our own timetable here, rising early to catch the golden hour and
spending as much or as little time as we wish at each sighting. Our opensided vehicles and a row per person will allow us to position ourselves for the
best photographic opportunity for each guest.
While in Ol Pejeta we also have the opportunity to visit the Endangered
Species Boma one afternoon. This is where the last four remaining Northern
White rhinos in the world live, as well as Grevy’s Zebra and Kongoni.
Northern White Rhino, photo credit Kat Webb
Following two nights at Ol Pejeta, after breakfast we will transfer by road
(approximately three hours) to the beautiful Laikipia Wilderness Camp
(http://www.laikipia-wilderness.com).
Here we will be concentrating on wild dogs as much as we can, tracking the
local wild dog pack with Steve “the dog whisperer” Carey and his team. Steve
has been following this pack of wild dogs for ten years and knows them better
than anyone. You may even have the opportunity to get out of the vehicle and
photograph them from the ground, offering you a unique angle and up close
experience you will not get anywhere else in Kenya.
Wild dogs are one of the most challenging wildlife subjects to find and
photograph, as you’ll discover, hence the investment in four nights in this
wonderful camp. This is Africa and nothing is guaranteed of course but this we
believe this is the best place to try and find and photograph these amazing
animals in Kenya and we will do our utmost to show them to you.
We’ll also of course though be keeping an eye out for Kenya’s rare northern
species such as reticulated giraffe, grevy’s zebra and gerenuk. Leopard, lion
and nocturnal species such as aardwolf also thrive here as well as many
elephant.
Once again we will have two open-sided vehicles at our disposal and will be
able to enjoy night drives and bush dinners during our four night stay.
On our final morning of 9th February after breakfast we will depart by road
back to Nairobi, where African Experts can help you with your onward travel
arrangements if you wish.
In summary:
With superb photography as our goal, this is a trip off the more beaten track in
Kenya, allowing seasoned safari goers to enjoy a wilderness experience not
possible elsewhere that includes night drives and sightings of rare species, at
a pace tailored for photographers. Four – six guests maximum with a row per
person in the vehicles.
About Margot Raggett
Originally from the UK, Margot Raggett fell in love with Africa and safaris over
a decade ago. But it was in 2010 after a visit to the Maasai Mara that she
decided to change her life and pursue wildlife photography as a career. She
now is a regular ‘Photographer in Residence’ at Entim Camp in the Mara
where she teaches wildlife photography to guests. Over the course of 2014/15
she has visited the Laikipia area three times in order to prepare to lead guests
on this photographic safari and all wildlife images in this brochure were taken
by her there.
PRICE BREAK DOWN
Total trip cost: USD 4,950 per person sharing**
Includes: 7 nights accommodation as outlined in this itinerary, all meals and
drinks except those stated, park entry fees, road transfers including pick up
from and drop off to JKIA. The price also includes photographic mentoring by
Margot Raggett including a Lightroom processing workshop and regular
image reviews.
Not included: international flights, health and travel insurance, tips, personal
expenses, visas, transfers other than those outlined in this itinerary
**This price is per person sharing. A single supplement of $695 will apply for
clients who would like private accommodation.
ACCOMODATION BREAKDOWN
Fairview Hotel (1 night)
Includes: bed and breakfast, wifi, all taxes
Not included: drinks, lunch, dinner, laundry, tips
Ol Pejeta Safari Cottages (2 nights)
Includes: accommodation, conservation fee, all meals, drinks, activities,
laundry and all taxes
Not included: staff tips and personal purchases
Laikipia Wilderness Camp (4 nights)
Includes: accommodation, conservation fee, all meals, drinks, activities,
laundry and all taxes
Not included: staff tips and personal purchases
**All accommodation is subject to availability
Bookings will be taken via African Experts (www.african-experts.net) with a
deposit of 20% securing your place. The balance will be due eight weeks
before departure. To make a booking and for any enquiries in the first
instance contact Margot on margot@margotraggettphotography.com
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