KENYA / EXPLORER

Esta expedición será conducida en Español e Inglés. Para Español, presione aquí

INTRODUCTION

When it comes to booking a safari, Kenya is indisputable, one of the top destination choices in Africa.  Full of magic and natural beauty, it has some of the most favourable habitats for wildlife on the planet, from big cats such as lions, leopards and cheetahs, spectacular herds of elephants and thousands of species of birds.

John Quintero Expeditions is pleased to present the ‘Kenya Explorer – Photographic Expedition’, an adventure designed exclusively for photographers who want access to some of the lesser-known locations for wildlife photography in the land of the noble Maasai.

Your tour will be lead by award-winning photographer John Quintero, who will provide you with advice and teaching to ensure you achieve spectacular photographs.  Accompanied by expert Maasai guides, who know these lands better than anyone, you will experience exclusive encounters with not only the wildlife but also the communities, to learn about their way of life and the traditions of this ancient African culture.

We guarantee you a fascinating experience in a dream destination. Join us to find out why the word ‘safari’ was born in Kenya, and why it means ‘the journey’ in the Swahili language.

WHAT MAKES THIS EXPEDITION EXTRAORDINARY

We are convinced this will be an unforgettable trip, full of emotions that will remain forever in your memory. However, these are, for us, some of the aspects worth highlighting:

• An expedition dedicated exclusively to providing the best wildlife sighting opportunities on off-road routes, to see and photograph the animals more closely.
• Open vehicles, perfect for photography and exclusive for our group.
• As international travel has still not fully recovered, this may be the only time you will ever have to witness the best of the African wildlife without the masses of tourists.
• Accommodation in Porini traditional bushcamps, located in conservation areas, with all the comforts including private bathroom, hot showers and excellent international food and drinks, including alcohol.
• The opportunity to visit the locations at the perfect times to maximise available light for stunning photography.
• Visits to Maasai communities to experience their traditions and witness the magic of this iconic African culture.
• Contribution to the conservation of wildlife and the well-being of the Maasai communities. We only work with companies committed to sustainable and conservation tourism.
• Advice before, during and after the expedition regarding equipment, setting, tips and the photographic material captured.
• Having an expert photographer by your side during the whole trip, guiding you and ensuring you capture the best photographs.

WHY IN OCTOBER 2021?

We consider that this year is perfect to visit Kenya, taking into account that international tourism is not 100% developed, which will make the number of tourists considerably low, knowing that this country is one of the main tourist destinations in Africa. Fewer tourists mean fewer vehicles, allowing a better sighting of wildlife and therefore better photographs.

Another great reason is that this year the great migration, known as the Greatest Natural Show on Earth, is a little late and we will surely be able to witness it during our expedition.

On the other hand, the staff we work with have received their Covid-19 vaccine. In addition, the country is not going through a health crisis due to the virus, which makes it one of the safest destinations in Africa.

Regarding the weather, October temperatures range between 14.0 ° C and 25.0 ° C, with exceptional peaks of 7 ° C to 31 ° C. October has an average of 8 rainy days. All of this makes this month an excellent time for safaris.

Finally, with tourism so reduced, the conservation of wildlife and the communities that live off tourism have been seriously affected. With our visit, we will keep the rangers protecting the animals while contributing to the livelihood of many families.

WHO IS THIS EXPEDITION FOR

This expedition is for photographers of all levels. From those who have just bought their first camera and want to learn how to use it, to professional photographers who want to visit and photograph the best of Kenya as part of a group of like-minded people.

• An itinerary designed by a photographer, for photographers, to make the most of the available light, from dawn until dusk. 
• To photographers interested in visiting exclusive locations in conservation areas, with the possibility of a better approach to wildlife.

Do you want to travel with a non-photographer companion? 

Many believe that travelling with a group of photographers is boring. The reality is that those who have travelled with us as companions enjoy it, even more, having access to locations with few or no tourists and exploring locations that normal tours often miss. We don’t run from location to location just to tick boxes; we take the time to explore and enjoy our experience, which makes the tour more relaxed.

FREQUENT ASKED QUESTIONS

What are the dates of the Kenya Photographic Expedition -Explorer?

The expedition lasts 10 days, from October 04 to 13, 2021. If you want to extend your trip, we have 3 extension options: Gorilla trekking in Uganda, Gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Beach extension in Kenya.

Do I need a VISA for this expedition?

Yes. Most citizens of the world need a visa to enter Kenya, it costs around $ 50 USD and can be obtained online (e-visa). It is normally processed in 3 days.

The official page to obtain the visa is this one where it is also possible to process the visa for East Africa, which includes a visa for Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda. Very useful if you continue your trip with one of our extensions.

Obtaining this visa is a simple process. If you need help with your application or have any questions please contact us at info@johnquintero.com.

INCLUDED:

• Permanent accompaniment and throughout the trip by photographer, John Quintero
• Transfers airport – hotel – airport in Nairobi
• 4 local flights: Nairobi – Amboseli, Amboseli – Nairobi, Nairobi – Maasai Mara, Maasai Mara-Nairobi
• Transfers to the camps on each of the local flights
• All meals from the dinner from October 4 to breakfast on October 13
• All drinks, including water, soft drinks, beers, wines, gin & tonic, with lunch and dinner
• 1 night at the Nairobi Tented Camp, all-inclusive
• 3 Nights at Porini Amboseli Camp, all-inclusive regime
• 2 nights at Porini Mara Camp, all-inclusive regime
• 1 night at Eka Hotel, Nairobi
• Land portion Porini Mara Camp to Porini Lion Camp
• 2 nights at Porini Lion Camp, all-inclusive regime
• Entrance fees to the Naboisho and Ol Kinye conservation areas
• Tickets to Amboseli National Park
• Tickets to Nairobi National Park
• Tickets to Masai Mara National Reserve
• Day and night safaris in 4×4 vehicles with qualified Maasai guides
• Sundowners (sunset cocktails at all safaris)
• Field and walking safaris accompanied by Maasai rangers trip
• Advice on handling photographic equipment, composition and tricks to achieve his best photographs
• Advice before and after the trip, with the possibility of organizing a group photographic exhibition after the photographic expedition
• Night photography workshop (weather permitting)
• Portrait workshop with the Maasai communities
• The expedition will be conducted in English and Spanish

NOT INCLUDED

• Visas 
• Covid-19 Tests
• International flights
• Inoculations and travel insurance and/or life insurance
• Tips
• Drinks that are not on the ‘all inclusive’ menu 
• Personal expenses such as phone calls, laundry, souvenirs
• Meals outside 3 daily meals
• Accommodation and meals before October 4 and after October 13, the day our expedition ends
• Any activity/service not mentioned in ‘includes’

What forms of payments are accepted?

We currently accept payments via PayPal (credit card payments can be made with or without a Paypal account) and via bank transfer in the UK. For any other payment method, please contact us.

How can I reserve a space for this expedition?

The minimum payment to reserve your place for the Kenya Explorer -Photographic Expedition- is $ 1000 USD. Your space will not be guaranteed without payment.

Is travel insurance included in the price of the photographic expedition?

No. Participants must purchase their own international travel and medical insurance (recommended)

Do I need to be fit or in very good physical condition to join this expedition?

No. This particular expedition is perhaps one of the easiest ones, with comfortables vehicles and no long walks. At the camps, our Maasai guides will help us with our luggage from the moment we land.

At no point will we have to climb steep mountains or difficult terrain.

Which languages will this expedition be conducted in?

The expedition will be conducted in English and Spanish. Our professional guides speak excellent English. 

Will there be an opportunity to take this photographic expedition to Kenya on another date?

Possibly but at the moment we cannot guarantee new dates for an upcoming expedition to Kenya.

Can’t find the answer you are looking for?

If you do not find the answers to your questions here, please contact us.

ITINERARY

10 days, from October 4 to 13, 2021 

October 4 (Day 1) Nairobi

Participants need to arrive in the morning. If for any reason your international flight arrives in Nairobi after 3 pm, we recommend arriving on October 3.

Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, you will be greeted by a representative from John Quintero Expeditions to be transferred to Nairobi National Park, where our first camp is located. You will have time to rest, before going on our first evening safari! (what time is this – ie evening?)

Dinner and accommodation at the Nairobi Tented Camp, situated deep within a riverine forest for a true wilderness experience on your first night in Kenya!.  This is the only camp in the Nairobi National Park.

October 5 (Day 2) Selenkay Conservancy

After an early breakfast at the camp, transfer to Wilson Airport for the flight to Amboseli. Depending on the weather conditions you may be able to see Mount Kilimanjaro from the plane, the highest mountain in Africa.

Transfer to the camp for lunch followed by a photographic safari during the afternoon. Dinner and accommodation at the Porini Amboseli Camp located in the Selenkay Conservation Area.

October 6 (Day 3) Selenkay Conservancy

Depart early in the morning to take advantage of morning light. Hopefully, we will find felines still enjoying the hunt from the night before.

Lunch and rest in the camp before leaving for our first experience in a Maasai village, and to learn more about this beautiful culture. We will document the well-known Adamu, the traditional dance where Maasai warriors jump as high as they can.

Dinner and overnight at Porini Amboseli camp in Selenkay.

October 7 (Day 4) Amboseli National Park

After breakfast, we will spend the day touring the spectacular Amboseli National Park. This place is without a doubt one of the best places to see elephants in Africa. You have surely seen the iconic photographs of herds of elephants with Mount Kilimanjaro covered in snow in the background. No memory or battery will last that long!

Dinner and accommodation at Porini Amboseli Camp.

October 8 (Day 5) Nairobi/ Maasai Mara / Ol Kinyei Conservancy

After breakfast we will fly to Nairobi, to connect with our flight to the Maasai Mara National Park.

Maasai guides will be waiting to take us to the camp in the Ol Kinyei and Naboisho conservation area.

Lunch at the camp, followed by a safari within the Ol Kinyei and Naboisho Conservation Area. This area is specially chosen for its great variety of cats, including cheetahs, lions and leopards. We will stay until after sunset to spot some of the amazing nocturnal animals. 

Dinner and accommodation at Porini Mara Camp.

October 9 (Day 6)  Maasai Mara / Naboisho and Ol Kinyei Conservancies

We will leave our camp early to photograph birds and hippos in the morning.

If we are lucky, we will spot herds of wildebeest migrating while we are in the Maasai Mara. Called ‘The Greatest Show on Earth’ the big migration starts around July/August and lasts until the end of October. Dinner and accommodation at Porini Mara Camp.

October 10 (Day 7) Maasai Mara / Olare Motorogi Conservancy 

Breakfast and transfer by road to Porini Lion Camp with safari en route. Lunch at the camp, followed by a photographic safari during the afternoon and evening. If we have a clear night, we will try some astrophotography and photograph the starry sky, from the camp. Dinner and accommodation at Porini Lion Camp.

October 11 (Day 8) Maasai Mara / Olare Motorogi Conservancy

After breakfast, depart for a safari in the Masai Mara National Reserve with a picnic lunch. In the afternoon we will visit a Maasai community, where we will again have the opportunity to take pictures of their daily life, including the Maasai herdsmen bringing their cattle back to the villages in the late afternoon.

Dinner and accommodation at Porini Lion Camp.

October 12 (Day 9) Nairobi

After breakfast, flight back to Nairobi. Upon arrival at Wilson airport, we will be greeted by our representatives, who will transfer us to the Eka Hotel. Lunch at the hotel.

We will dedicate the afternoon to reviewing the photographic material of the participants, with a feedback talk about the expedition. Optional: afternoon shopping in Nairobi.

Farewell dinner. 

October 13 (Day 10) Nairobi

Breakfast at the hotel. 

Transfer to the airport to take your international flights.

For those who continue with one of our extensions, everything will be arranged for their transfers depending on the destination.

End of the expedition.

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If you arrive in Nairobi before October 4 or leave the country after October 13 and require help with extra accommodation nights, please contact us.

The itinerary is subject to change due to weather conditions, delayed local flights, wildlife sighting opportunities, or reasons not considered at the time of organizing this expedition.

EXTENSIONS

If you want to continue your trip with one of our gorilla tracking extensions in Uganda or Rwanda or if you prefer to rest at one of the beautiful beaches on the west coast of Kenya, please contact us, we have great options to choose from.

SUGGESTED PHOTOGRAPHIC EQUIPMENT

In all our expeditions we advise our participants regarding the suggested equipment according to the destination and type of photography that we will take.

For Kenya, taking into account that most of the itinerary is focused on wildlife and nature, we suggest:

• 1 or 2 camera bodies, no matter the make or model. If it is a point-and-shoot camera that cannot be changed lenses, hopefully, it has a zoom of at least 200mm.
• If your camera is mirrorless or DSLR that can be exchanged for lenses, we suggest lenses that cover a range of 24-200mm minimum. Ideal up to 600 mm.
• Remember that this expedition is for photographers of all levels. If you are just learning how to operate your camera and do not want to invest in expensive equipment, there is no problem.

Before our trip, we will be holding an online meeting, to clarify doubts and answer all the questions you have.

We are willing to advise you on everything related to photography, including equipment if you require it.

WHY TRAVEL WITH US

• We have over 15 years of experience in travel photography and we know what our clients want when they travel as part of a photography expedition.
• We create our expeditions; organizing everything in detail and travelling extensively to each of the locations, to develop itineraries based on our own experiences. 
• We know and evaluate each of the services we offer you. Nothing is improvised. We are passionate about what we do and we want to make sure they have the best time of their lives. 
• Our itineraries are created with light in mind at every hour of the day. This guarantees us an optimal photographic performance on each expedition. 
• We work together with Gamewatchers and Porini Camps, internationally recognized as leaders in supporting the conservation of wildlife in Africa and local communities, with awards such as National Geographic Top Ten Safari Outfitters and “Africa’s Responsible Tourism Award 2018” in the World Travel Awards 2018.
• The best support we have for our expeditions is the feedback we receive from satisfied photographers who travel with us and recommend us to their friends and colleagues. That is the best compliment we could have. 
• The camps where we will stay are located in exclusive conservation areas, perfect for wildlife observation and photography, away from tourist areas.
• We are an England and Wales registered company based in London. This allows us to meet certain standards and establish benchmarks within the international tourism industry. 

COVID-19 IN KENYA

We have decided to carry out this expedition on the indicated dates after consulting with local authorities in Kenya, taking into account the current situation regarding Covid-19.

International flights are arriving in Nairobi without any problem.

Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda have been awarded the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) “Safe Travel Seal” after adopting their global health and hygiene protocols. 

All the camps where we will be staying are open and our staff have completed training on “Covid-19 Awareness” with the Kenya Red Cross Training Institute.

To ensure the health and safety of our group, team members and business partners, we have taken various steps to prevent the spread of the coronavirus according to the protocols recommended by the WHO and the Government of Kenya. These include social distancing, regular deep cleaning of all areas of the campgrounds and vehicles, strict rules on staff hygiene, regular staff temperature checks, and temperature checks on arrival for all guests.

Kenya has been fortunate to have experienced a relatively low level of deaths compared to most other countries in the world to date. This is attributed to the fact that Kenya has a relatively young population, 95% are under the age of 60, and to the effectiveness of the containment measures that have been applied in recent months. With a Covid-19 death rate of 3 per million people, Kenya is below 140 other countries that have much higher rates.

In the event your travel plans are adversely affected by COVID-19, we reschedule our expedition. However, we believe that this will not be necessary, considering Kenya as a safe destination.

Any concerns, please contact us.

The Kenia Explorer Photography Expedition is done in partnership with Sariri Terra