KENYA -EXPLORER-

There is no doubt that when it comes to safari, Kenya is always on top of the list. Wonder why?. This country has some of the most wildlife-friendly habitats on the planet. From big cats such as lions, leopards and cheetahs, around 1100 recorded bird species, to the spectacular elephant herds of Amboseli, Kenya is full of magic and natural beauty.

John Quintero Expeditions is pleased to present Kenya Explorer -Photographic Expedition- an adventure designed exclusively for photographers of any level, who want to enjoy the best locations for wildlife photography, accompanied by expert Maasai guides, who know these lands better than anyone.

The expedition begins on November 22 and ends on December 1, 2024 (10 days, 9 nights)

Like all expeditions organized by us, John Quintero will accompany you throughout the trip, offering his advice and teaching, to ensure that you achieve spectacular photographs, not only of wildlife but of the Maasai communities that we will visit, to get to know their way up close. of life, its traditions and document the daily life of this ancient African culture.

We guarantee you a fascinating experience in a dream country. Discover why the word ‘safari’ was born in Kenya, and means ‘the journey’ in the language Swahili.

HIGHLIGHTS

We are convinced that this will be an unforgettable trip, full of emotions that will remain forever in memory. For us, these are the experiences worth highlighting:

• Expedition dedicated exclusively to providing the best wildlife sighting opportunities, on routes outside the demarcated routes, to see and photograph the animals more closely.
• Open vehicles, perfect for photography.
• Accommodation in luxurious camps, located in conservation areas, with all the comforts including a private bathroom and hot water.
• Photographer John Quintero as the expedition leader.
• Advice before, during and after the expedition regarding the photographic material captured.
• The opportunity to visit the locations at the perfect times for photography and to have the best safari experience. That is why this expedition is perfect, even for those who are not photographers.
• Visits to Maasai communities to experience their traditions up close, exclusively photograph their daily lives and capture the magic of this iconic African culture.
• Contribution to the conservation of wildlife and the well-being of Maasai communities. We only work with companies committed to sustainable tourism and conservation.
• International food with alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks included.

WHO IS THIS EXPEDITION FOR?

This expedition is for photographers of all levels and their non-photographer companions. 

• An itinerary designed by a photographer, for photographers, to make the most of the light, from sunrise until after sunset.
• 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 traveled with us as companions enjoy it much more, having access to locations with few or no tourists. We also don’t rush from location to location, which makes the trip more relaxed.

This expedition will be full of very exciting moments for any type of traveller and therefore we recommend that if you want to bring a companion, you do so.

FAQ

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

The expedition lasts 10 days, from November 22 to December 1, 2024.

Do I need a VISA for this expedition?

Yes. Most citizens of the world need a visa to enter Kenya, it costs around $51 USD and can be obtained online (e-visa). It is normally processed in less than 1 week.

The official website to obtain the visa is Visa to Kenya where it is also possible to process the visa for East Africa, which includes visas for Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda. Very useful in case you continue your trip to one of these countries.

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

What is included in the expedition?

• Airport – hotel – airport transfers 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 welcome dinner to breakfast on the last day
• All drinks, including water, soft drinks, beers, wines, gin & tonic, with lunch and dinner
• 1 night at the Nairobi Tented Camp, all-inclusive basis
• 3 Nights at Porini Amboseli Camp, all-inclusive basis
• 2 Nights at Porini Mara Camp, all-inclusive basis
• 2 nights at Eka Hotel, Nairobi
• Porini Mara Camp land portion to Porini Lion Camp
• 2 Nights at Porini Lion Camp, all-inclusive regime
• Entrances to the conservation areas of Naboisho and Ol Kinye
• Entrance tickets to Amboseli National Park
• Nairobi National Park Tickets
• Tickets to the Masai Mara National Reserve
• Day and night safaris in 4×4 vehicles with qualified Maasai guides
• Sundowners (sunset cocktails on all safaris)
• Field trip and walking safaris accompanied by Maasai rangers
• Permanent photography guidance throughout the expedition by John Quintero
• Advice on handling photographic equipment, composition and tricks to achieve your best photographs
• Advice before and after the expedition regarding your photographic material
• Night photography workshop (weather permitting)
• Portrait workshop with Maasai communities
• The expedition will be conducted in English and Spanish

The accommodation is double. If you want to add a single supplement, please enquire to us.

What is not included?

• Visas (51 US Dollars)
• International flights
• Travel insurance (mandatory)
• Tips for drivers, local guides and camps staff
• Drinks that are not on the all-inclusive menu 
• Personal expenses such as laundry
• Meals outside of the 3 meals a day
• Accommodation and food before November 22 and after December 1, the day our expedition ends
• Any activity/service not mentioned in ‘includes’

What payment methods are accepted?

We currently accept all credit cards through PayPal (credit card payments can be made with or without a Paypal account – a 5% surcharge is applied with this payment method)

You can also pay by bank transfer in the UK and Colombia. For any other payment method, please write to us.

What is the payment policy?

To reserve your place on the Kenya Expedition Photography Expedition, you must make a payment of $1500 USD as soon as possible. Your space will not be reserved until the moment of payment. Full payment must be made 30 days before starting the shipment. 

Is travel insurance included in the price of the Photography Expedition?

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

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

This particular expedition is perhaps the one that requires the least effort. All the time we will be in 4×4 vehicles and we will not have long walks. In the camps, our Maasai guides will help us with our luggage from the moment we land.

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

Do I need to speak English or Swahili to be part of this photography expedition?

No. The expedition will be conducted in Spanish and English.

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

At the moment we cannot guarantee that we will have new dates for an upcoming expedition to Kenya.

Can’t find the answer you’re looking for?
If you do not find the answer here, we invite you to contact us, we will be happy to respond.

SUGGESTED PHOTO EQUIPMENT

In all our expeditions we advise our participants regarding the suggested equipment according to the destination and type of photography 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. For point-and-shoot cameras, at least 200 mm zoom is advisable.

Lenses: we suggest lenses that cover a range between 24 and 200 mm, at least. Ideal up to 600 mm. This is thinking exclusively about wildlife photography.

Remember that this expedition is for photographers of all levels. If you’re just learning how to use your camera and don’t want to invest in expensive equipment, that’s okay.

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

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

As for clothing and other equipment suggestions, we will send you an expedition welcome pack in plenty of time before you travel, giving you more details and suggestions on what to bring.

Do I need to be an experienced or professional photographer to undertake this expedition?

This experience is for photographers of any level. We recommend downloading a PDF of your camera manual to your mobile phone. If you need any advice regarding equipment, or photography classes before the trip, do not hesitate to contact us.

ITINERARY

10 days, from November 22 to December 1, 2024. The expedition begins and ends in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya.

November 22, 2024 (Day 1)

All participants are expected to arrive this day in the morning. If for some reason your international flight arrives too late, we recommend arriving the day before.

Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport you will be greeted by a representative of John Quintero Expeditions to be transferred to the Eka Hotel to rest.

Welcome dinner

Accommodation at the Eka Hotel.

November 23, 2024 (Day 2)

Breakfast at the hotel

We will have the morning to visit the Giraffe Center, where we will have the first approach to wildlife and an opportunity to practice with our cameras, before heading to the African savanna.

Lunch at a restaurant in Nairobi.

In the afternoon, we will leave for Nairobi National Park, for our first safari! We will be in search of the black rhinoceros, in this park founded in 1889.

We will spend the night in a camp within the park.

Dinner and overnight at the Nairobi Tented Camp.

November 24, 2024 (Day 3)

We will have an early breakfast at the camp, before transferring to Wilson Airport to fly to Amboseli. Depending on weather conditions we will be able to see Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa, from the plane.

Transfer to the camp where we will stay for 2 nights.

Lunch

Afternoon safari in the Selenkay area, home to many species of animals, including big cats such as lions, leopards, cheetahs and the beautiful gazelle-giraffe!

Dinner and overnight at the camp.

November 25, 2024 (Day 4)

We will leave very early for a full-day tour of the beautiful Amboseli National Park, home to thousands of elephants, some of them the largest in all of Africa. From there we can photograph Mount Kilimanjaro. We will also be able to photograph many species of animals, including lions, giraffes, hyenas, zebras, baboons and many species of birds.

Lunch will be picnic style, inside the park.

We will return to our camp after sunset for a well-deserved dinner and rest.

November 26, 2024 (Day 5)

Breakfast at the camp, before heading out to the airstrip for our flight to Nairobi and then another flight to Maasai Mara National Park.

Transfer to the camp for lunch.

We will spend the afternoon visiting a Maasai community, to learn about their traditions and photograph their way of life, in addition to witnessing the Adumu, a traditional dance of the Maasai warriors.

Dinner and lodging at the camp.

November 27, 2024 (Day 6)

We will leave very early for the iconic Masai Mara National Park. Get ready to photograph the ‘Big Nine’ consisting of elephant, rhino, lion, buffalo, leopard, giraffe, cheetah, hippopotamus and zebra. This, within many other species of animals.

Picnic lunch at the Maasai Mara.

Dinner and overnight at the camp.

November 28, 2024 (Day 7)

Breakfast and transfer by road to Porini Lion Camp with safari en route. Lunch at the camp, followed by a photography safari in the afternoon and evening. This area is ideal for viewing and photographing felines, including lions and cheetahs.

Dinner and overnight at the camp.

November 29, 2024 (Day 8)

On the second day at the Porini Lion Camp we will go out to visit another area adjacent to the Maasai Mara National Park.

After breakfast, we will have the opportunity to go on a walking safari, guided by Maasai warriors.

In this area it will also be possible to have night safaris. A great opportunity to see nocturnal wildlife.

Dinner and rest at the camp.

November 30, 2024 (Day 9)

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.

Farewell dinner at a restaurant in the city.

Rest at the Eka Hotel.

December 1, 2024 (Day 10)

Breakfast at the hotel.

Transfer to the airport to take your international flights.

End of the expedition.

________

If you arrive in Nairobi before November 20 or leave the country after November 29 and require help with extra nights of accommodation, please contact us.

The itinerary is subject to change due to weather, local flight delays, wildlife viewing opportunities or for reasons not contemplated at the time of organizing this expedition.

WHY TRAVEL WITH US

• We have over 15 years of experience in travel photography and know what our clients want when they travel as part of a photography expedition.
• We create our own 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. Nothing is improvised. We are passionate about what we do and we want to make sure you have the time of your lives. 
• Our itineraries are created with light in mind at every hour of the day. This guarantees us optimal photographic performance on each expedition. 
• We work closely with Gamewatchers and Porini Camps, internationally recognized as leaders in supporting African wildlife conservation and local communities, with awards such as the 2023, 2019, and 2018 World Travel Awards (the “Oscars of the travel industry “) and National Geographic Top Ten Safari Outfitters awards.
• 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’s the best compliment we could have. 
• The camps where we stay are located in exclusive conservation areas, perfect for wildlife observation and photography, away from tourist areas.
• We are a company registered in England and Wales, based in London. This allows us to meet certain standards and establish benchmarks within the international tourism industry. 

TERMS & CONDITIONS

To know our terms and conditions for this expedition, please visit this page.

Any questions regarding our T&C, please email us at info@johnquintero.com