Kenya: A Photography Safari

September 11-21, 2027 - 7 spots left


There is something about safari life that makes you forget all your sorrows and feel as if you had drunk half a bottle of champagne — bubbling over with heartfelt gratitude for being alive.
— Karen Blixen

About This Tour

Join us in Kenya for an intimate, small-group photography safari designed for photographers and travelers who want to experience the incredible wildlife, landscapes, and culture of Kenya.

We'll travel through some of Kenya's most incredible landscapes - photographing wildlife beneath Mount Kilimanjaro in Amboseli, experiencing an early morning boat safari at Lake Nakuru, and spending three nights in the Maasai Mara during the Great Migration season.

There is no scheduled classroom time on this trip. For those interested in photography, Mindy will check in with the group each day and be available during free time for individual help - whether you want to work on camera settings, composition, look through your images together or talk through something you've been struggling with. She'll also be photographing alongside the group and available to help as situations unfold during the game drives and activities.

Photographers and non-photographers are welcome. Cameras and smartphones can be used.

Itinerary:

Day 1 - Saturday, September 11

Welcome to Nairobi, Kenya!

Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, you'll be met and transferred to our hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to settle in, relax and recover from your journey.

Meals included: None

Day 2 - Sunday, September 12

After breakfast, we'll spend the day exploring Nairobi, beginning with the Giraffe Centre followed by a visit to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, where we'll see the orphaned elephants during their morning feeding.

We'll have lunch at the Karen Blixen Coffee Garden before visiting Kazuri Beads, where local women create colorful handmade ceramic beads and pottery.

The evening is yours to relax before we head to Amboseli the following morning.

Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 3 - Monday, September 13

After breakfast, our safari begins as we leave Nairobi and drive to Amboseli National Park.

We'll arrive in time for lunch and have some time to settle in before heading out on our first afternoon game drive.

Amboseli is known for its open landscapes, abundant wildlife and views of Mount Kilimanjaro, creating wonderful opportunities for photography.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4 - Tuesday, September 14

We'll start the day with an early morning game drive, when the light is beautiful and wildlife is most active.

After breakfast, we'll have time to relax at our camp before heading out again for an afternoon game drive. There will be time to review or edit photos, journal, read or take a dip in the pool.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5 - Wednesday, September 15

We'll have another full day in Amboseli with morning and afternoon game drives, giving us more time to explore and photograph the landscape and wildlife.

Between game drives, there will be time to relax, enjoy the camp, look through photographs or simply take in the surroundings.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6 - Thursday, September 16

After breakfast, we'll leave Amboseli and fly via Nairobi to Lake Nakuru.

After arriving and settling in, we'll have lunch before heading out for an afternoon game drive.

Part of the UNESCO listed Kenya Lake System in the Great Rift Valley, Lake Nakuru is known for its extraordinary birdlife and important rhino sanctuary. The lake and surrounding park offer a completely different landscape from Amboseli, with opportunities to see rhinos, giraffes, buffalo and many other species.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7 - Friday, September 17

We'll begin the day with an early morning boat safari on Lake Nakuru, giving us a completely different perspective from the water and opportunities to experience the lake's incredible birdlife, wildlife and surrounding landscape.

We'll enjoy a packed breakfast during our morning excursion before returning to camp in the mid-morning. There will be plenty of time to relax, read, look through photos, take a dip in the pool, book a spa treatment or simply enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

At around 3:00 PM, we'll head out for an afternoon game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 8 - Saturday, September 18

After breakfast, we'll leave Lake Nakuru and make our way to the Maasai Mara, enjoying the changing landscapes along the way.

We'll arrive in time for lunch before heading out for our first afternoon game drive in the Mara.

We'll spend the next three nights here during Great Migration season.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 9 - Sunday, September 19

We'll start early with a morning game drive before returning for breakfast.

We'll also spend time with the Maasai people, learning about their culture and way of life, with opportunities for photography and portraits.

Later in the afternoon, we'll head back out for another game drive.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 10 - Monday, September 20

Our final full day in the Maasai Mara gives us another opportunity for morning and afternoon game drives.

No two game drives are ever the same, and we'll have time to photograph, observe and enjoy our final day in this remarkable part of Kenya.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 11 - Tuesday, September 21

After breakfast, we'll say goodbye to the Maasai Mara and begin our journey back to Nairobi.

We'll stop for lunch before transferring to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for our flights back home.

Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch

While we plan to follow the itinerary above, activities and timing may change due to weather, road conditions, wildlife movements or other circumstances beyond our control.

What's Included

  • 10 nights of carefully selected upscale accommodations and safari camps, including stays overlooking Lake Nakuru and along the Mara River

  • Two private 4x4 Land Cruisers with a window seat for every guest

  • All meals as indicated in the itinerary

  • Bottled drinking water during safari game drives

  • Private airport transfers in Nairobi

  • Experienced English speaking driver guides

  • All game drives and activities included in the itinerary

  • Early morning boat safari on Lake Nakuru

  • Domestic flights from Amboseli to Lake Nakuru via Nairobi

  • All national park and conservancy entrance fees

  • Flying Doctors emergency evacuation coverage

  • Individual photography guidance with Mindy throughout the safari.

What's Not Included

  • International airfare to and from Kenya

  • Kenya entry requirements/fees

  • Travel insurance

  • Gratuities for driver guides, lodge staff and porters

  • Alcoholic beverages and other drinks not included with meals

  • Laundry, spa treatments and personal expenses

  • Optional activities, including a hot-air balloon safari

  • Any meals or activities not specified in the itinerary

Optional Experience

For those who would like to experience the Maasai Mara from above, an optional early morning hot-air balloon safari will be available.

Hot-air balloon safari: $500 per person

Your Investment

$12,495 per person, based on double occupancy

Group size: Minimum 9, maximum 10 students

Single room fee: $4,050. We have two single rooms available. 1 room left

A deposit of $4,250 is required to reserve your spot. The remaining balance is due June 1, 2027.

If you'd prefer a payment plan, just let us know and we can set that up.

Once the minimum group size of 9 has been reached and the trip is confirmed, the deposit becomes non-refundable. If the minimum is not reached, your deposit will be refunded in full.

Activity Level

Level 2 - Moderate

This trip is appropriate for travelers with a moderate level of fitness and mobility. You should be comfortable getting in and out of safari vehicles, walking on uneven terrain and spending time traveling on sometimes bumpy roads. Some days will also include longer drives between safari areas.

Meet Your Instructor

Mindy Véissid

Mindy Véissid is an award-winning fine art photographer, author and founder of Art of Intuitive Photography. She has been teaching photography for more than 16 years, helping students move beyond the technical side of photography and develop their own way of seeing.

Throughout the Kenya safari, Mindy will be photographing alongside you and available to help with camera settings, composition and creative choices as situations unfold.

Photos: Mindy Veissid

I’m so happy I joined Mindy for an African safari in Kenya. The 10 day trip was so well planned and included some special surprises. We were 5 people and everyone was so helpful… now good friends! Our guide was amazing and our accommodations were great. We shared so much information about our pictures and Mindy was always there to point out ways to make them better. Safari photography was new to all of us and takes special skills. I learned so much and have some great shots. More important Mindy made the trip flow beautifully and I have such warm, colorful memories. Trip of a lifetime for me! Thanks Mindy and everyone in the jeep with me! Miss you all.
— Rhona
This is a HUGE thank you from my heart and soul for leading the amazing Safari in Kenya. I feel so lucky and grateful that I joined the trip which was a highlight of my travel experiences
— Karen

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be a photographer to join?
Not at all. Photographers and non-photographers are welcome. Some guests may come primarily for the safari experience, while others may want to focus more on their photography.

What kind of camera do I need?
You can bring a DSLR, mirrorless camera or smartphone. For those interested in photography, Mindy will be available throughout the trip to help with camera settings, composition and creative choices, and we'll have opportunities to review images together.

What does the photography instruction look like?

Mindy will be alternating between the two vehicles, so she's out on the drives with each group. Safari light changes fast, and the settings that worked at sunrise won't work at midday - she'll be there to help you adjust as the situation unfolds. If you're photographing with a smartphone, she'll have tips for getting the most out of it.

There are no classroom sessions. Between drives, Mindy will check in to see what everyone needs - looking through images together, answering questions, or offering editing suggestions for anyone who brings an iPad or laptop.

What airport should I fly into?
You should fly into and out of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Nairobi. Our safari begins on September 11 and ends on September 21, 2027. If you are flying out of the US, the flight needs to depart on September 10th.

What are the accommodations like?
We'll stay in carefully selected upscale hotels and safari camps throughout the trip. Our safari accommodations have been chosen for both comfort and location, including stays overlooking Lake Nakuru and directly along the Mara River.

Will I have a window seat during the game drives?
Yes. We'll travel in two private 4x4 safari Land Cruisers, with a window seat for every guest.

Are any vaccinations or medications recommended for Kenya?
Yes. Travelers should consult their doctor or a travel medicine specialist well before departure about recommended vaccinations and malaria prevention for Kenya. Malaria medication is recommended for the safari areas we'll be visiting, and mosquito precautions such as insect repellent and long sleeves are also recommended. Vaccination and entry requirements can change, so we'll provide updated information before the trip, but each traveler is responsible for consulting their healthcare provider and meeting the current health requirements for travel to Kenya.

Are there luggage restrictions?
Yes. Our internal flights use light aircraft, which have a maximum baggage allowance of 15 kg (33 lbs) per person, including hand luggage. Soft-sided luggage or duffel bags are recommended, as large hard sided suitcases cannot be accommodated in the safari vehicles or on the light aircraft.

Is travel insurance required?
We require all participants to purchase comprehensive travel insurance that includes trip cancellation, medical coverage and emergency assistance. Our safari includes AMREF Flying Doctors emergency evacuation coverage, which provides emergency air evacuation to Nairobi if medically necessary. It does not cover hospital or medical expenses. Travel-insurance details must be provided before the trip for the Flying Doctors coverage.

Do I need a visa for Kenya?
Kenya's entry requirements can change, so we'll provide current information to participants before departure. Each traveler is responsible for obtaining the necessary entry authorization and ensuring their passport meets Kenya's requirements.

Can I come by myself?
Absolutely. You don't need a travel companion to join the group. If you're traveling solo, we'll do our best to pair you with another solo traveler, or you can reserve one of the limited single rooms for an additional fee.

Can I bring a spouse or partner who isn't interested in photography?
Absolutely. Non-photographers are welcome to join the safari. If your spouse or partner won't be participating in the photography instruction during free time, please contact us about our non-photographer companion rate.

Are gratuities included?
No. Gratuities for driver-guides, lodge staff and porters are not included. We'll provide suggested tipping guidelines before the trip.

What is the cancellation policy?
This safari requires a minimum of 9 participants. Your $4,250 deposit reserves your spot. Once the minimum of 9 participants has been reached and the safari is confirmed, your deposit becomes non-refundable. If the minimum is not reached and the trip cannot operate, all deposits paid to Art of Intuitive Photography will be refunded in full.

The full balance is due by June 1, 2027. If you are not paid in full by then, we reserve the right to offer your spot to our waiting list or the public, and to retain your deposit.

If you need to cancel after your full balance has been paid, you will not be refunded. You may transfer your spot to another participant with our approval. If we have a waiting list, we will also try to fill your spot with someone from that list.