Black Leopard Safari Photo Workshop
- 11 Days
From $14,995 - Interests
- Wildlife
- Activity Level
- Easy
- Group Size
- Max 7
Black leopards, big cats, and prolific wildlife in Kenya’s Laikipia and Masai Mara
Laikipia has become famous for sightings of black leopards; the female melanistic leopard is frequently seen and fairly habituated to human presence, thus offering fantastic photography opportunities. Additionally, the area is home to over 70% of the world’s remaining Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffes, beisa oryx, zorilla, striped hyena, and aardwolf also call the area home. In addition, Laikipia is famous for incredible sightings of the painted wild dog packs, and the most frequently seen is the large “Phoenix Pack.”
Across the plains, the Masai Mara always delivers – from huge lion prides to buffalo, wildebeest, leopard, zebra, and massive elephants, it’s a photographer’s paradise. With off-road permits, we go where we need to for the best wildlife photography opportunities.
Black leopards are elusive by nature. We’ll put in extra time and effort to track these leopards and use the knowledge and experience of our local guides to give us the best chance for sightings. But as with all wildlife adventures, the animals are wild, and sightings cannot be guaranteed.
Highlights
- Five nights in a private conservancy located in the Laikipia Plains, where we will focus on the black leopard and wild dogs.
- Our safari camps are exclusive to our group.
- Private vehicles at both locations.
- Four nights in Mara, where we will search for massive lion prides, resident cats, and elephants.
- Off-road permits allow us to travel close to the animals.
- Professional guide with nearly 20 years of experience leading photographers in Kenya.
Your Guides
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Randy Hanna
Feb 26–Mar 8, 2025 -
Emily McCulliss
Feb 26–Mar 8, 2025
Activity Level
You should be able to get in and out of the safari vehicle with your camera gear.
This tour has an activity level of Easy. Read more about the Activity Levels for our trips.
Itinerary
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This tour offers opportunities to photograph wildlife. We'll maximize our chances of encountering wildlife, but we want to remind you that we don't control wildlife and cannot guarantee encounters with particular species. Itineraries for wildlife trips are subject to change based on wildlife activity.
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Day 1: Arrive in Nairobi
Airport transfer is included on arrival.
Arrive at Nairobi International Airport (NBO). You will be met at the airport and transported to our hotel.
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Day 2–5: Masai Mara
Fly early this morning via a scheduled bush flight to our camp in the Masai Mara, home to the Big Cat Diaries. Armed with off-road permits, we come and go as we please, making the best of the weather and wildlife. We will photograph large prides of lions, cheetahs, giant elephants, wildebeest, buffalo, and numerous species native to the Mara ecosystem. Our routine will be simple but will often entail long days. We’ll be out early each morning with a packed breakfast, returning in time for lunch and a short rest break, followed by an early afternoon departure to the field.
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Day 6–10: Laikipia Plateau
We bid farewell to our camp in the Mara, and it’s off to our new camp in the Laikipia Plateau. In Laikipia, we will search for the black leopard and other unique animal species that inhabit the area. Returning for lunch and a short respite, we are off for more safari photography. After a long afternoon on safari, we return nightly to our private camp by the river’s edge for downloading, battery charging, and a quick shower before our nightly meal. We will repeat this sequence to maximize our opportunities with the black leopard.
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Day 11: Departure
We bid farewell to our safari partners and the Mara and fly back to Nairobi. You will check into your day room for a repack and fresh shower, then be transported to the airport to catch your flight.
Book your departing flight no earlier than 8:00 PM on this day. Airport transfer is included on departure.
Accommodations
Our safari camps offer an authentic, private, and comfortable experience in a small-group setting. In Laikipia, we’ll stay in thatched cottages with all amenities, verandas, and ensuite open-air bathrooms. In the Mara, we’ll be in well-appointed luxury safari tents. Each tent has a veranda, sitting room, bedroom, and shower room with hot and cold running water.
Why Travel With Us
Our small-group trips are designed for photographers, with guides who know the best locations and offer instruction to help improve your photography. Read more about why you should travel with us.
Dates & Prices
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Feb 26–Mar 8, 2025$14,995 USD Per PersonDouble Occupancy$2,000 USDSingle SupplementWaitlistSold OutGuides: Randy Hanna, Emily McCullissPayment Terms: Deposit: $5,000 USDRemainder Due: Oct 29, 2024
All of our standard Terms & Conditions apply. Be sure to read our Cancellation Policy.
What's Included
- Double occupancy lodging. Single lodging is available with payment of a single supplement fee.
- Single lodging at our safari camps is limited to two guests.
- All transportation during the tour, including internal flights.
- Airport transfers at arrival/departure and during the tour.
- All meals, soft drinks, water, and snacks during the tour.
- English-speaking local guides.
- All permits and entry fees.
- Instruction, guidance, and image reviews from our expert photography guides.
- Personal pre-trip phone consultation.
What's Not Included
- Airfare to and from destination, airport taxes, and excess baggage fees.
- Passport and visa fees, if applicable.
- Travel medical & evacuation insurance (required).
- Trip cancellation insurance (optional but recommended).
- Gratuities for local guides & crew.
- Alcoholic beverages.
- Any accommodations or meals before or after the tour dates.
- Items of a personal nature.