Kenya - Big Cats Photo Safari - Feb/Mar 2017

On your arrival in Nairobi, you will be met by our local representative, who will assist you across the terminal and to your Emakoko transfer vehicle.  The drive to your hotel will take you through Nairobi National Park, where the Emakoko is located.

The Emakoko allows guests to start their safari in the wildlife environment they have traveled so far to enjoy. Within 15 minutes of clearing customs they can be viewing game in Nairobi National park. The only “transfer” delays likely to be encountered en route to or from The Emakoko are the natural pauses to watch a pride of lions or waiting for a rhino or journey of giraffe to cross the road.

The beautifully appointed rooms look out over the game park so one can fall asleep to the sounds of Africa, a lion roaring or the cry of a lone hyena, an amazing contrast to the sounds of traffic, ambulances, fire engines and dogs barking, which are the normal sounds of any sleeping city. There are five rooms on the same level as the main areas and a further five rooms with the most spectacular views positioned on top of the cliff, overlooking the valley.

The Emakoko is situated on the Nairobi park boundary and they have direct access into the park. The Emakoko has 4 Toyota Land cruisers, converted especially for game viewing. The guides are also KPSGA qualified and have a huge amount of knowledge on the flora and fauna in the area. Nairobi National park is famous for its very healthy black Rhino population and is renowned for very close encounters with lions.

On the morning of the 28th, our group will be transferred to Wilson Airport, where we will board our scheduled SafariLink air charter to the Masai Mara and Mara Plains Camp.

Mara Toto opened in January 2013 just downstream from its sister camp, Mara Plains. Lying just inside the north-central border of the Masai Mara Game Reserve, it is an oasis surrounded by wildlife-rich savannahs and dense riverine forest. The camp is subtly placed, intended to be invisible to any passersby.

Drawing on the safari of yesteryear, Mara Toto incorporates contemporary functionality with authentic decor. The expansive main tent, consisting of draped light-colored canvas, is romantic and inviting, but also highly functional as a place to gather, offer photo workshops and dine. The adjacent library doubles as a place to learn, or a place to rest and relax. The spaces are adorned with handpicked pieces from African markets, adding to the rich environs. A main dining table graced with candelabras and chandeliers hosts breakfast and dinners on drizzly nights. It is a warm, yet refreshing space.  Just outside the tent, mere steps away, is our fire pit – place of many stories and lore.

The five custom-designed tents open on the horizontal for an indoor/outdoor living space, at ground level.  High ceilings, careful design and tasteful decor create a place that, while humble, befits royalty. The private veranda, dressing area and en-suite facilities provide ample space to unpack, unwind and soak in the magic of this special spot on the river’s edge.

Our first three days on safari will be spent inside the Mara Game Reserve, so we will take this opportunity to explore the various habitats here to search for lions, cheetahs and leopards, as well as the local clans of spotted hyenas that live here.  As mentioned above, the Reserve will be much less crowded during our visit, as the migration will have moved south into Tanzania and the Serengeti portion of the eco-system, allowing us to enjoy the Mara in relative exclusivity.

After our third night here, we will make the short transfer (5 minutes drive) north into the Olare Orok Private Concession and our next camp.

Mara Plains is located on the northern border of the Masai Mara Game Reserve in the Olare Motorogi Conservancy. Rarely a night passes without lion roaring nearby, while leopard are regularly found to wander through the camp and cheetah have established territories on the savannah off the main area.

The camp (newly rebuilt in late 2013) is a small, luxurious camp under canvas and on raised decks with sweeping views across Kenya’s notable savannahs. It is among the smallest and most personal camps in the Mara region. As one of just three camps currently operating within the Conservancy, which boasts the region’s lowest vehicle density, no mini-buses and only one guest room per 700 acres. It is possible to avoid the higher tourist density of the Masai Mara Game Reserve proper, if desired.

No other camp in the greater Masai Mara Game Reserve or Olare Motorogi Conservancy has the privilege of traversing opportunities of Mara Plains Camp. Guests are able to traverse three areas (Mara North Conservancy, Olare Motorogi Conservancy and Masai Mara Reserve) as part of their stay at Mara Plains.

Our plans are tailored around the whims of the day and as the wildlife dictates.

Typically we rise just before dawn, have a quick bite, and head out at first light to see what has happened overnight. We look for tracks and signs of nocturnal activity, perhaps heading in the direction of the lion calls and hyena laughs we heard from bed. The big cats are usually quite active in the early hours. As the sun begins to rise in the sky, and the heat mounts, we head back to our mid-day resting post, Mara Plains Camp for a brunch and a bit of a siesta. Or, if guests prefer, it’s a lovely time sit quietly and bird on the river. Our guides will introduce us to the abundant bird life and can help you identify trees and local plant species, or sharpen our wildlife tracking skills. Quite often we have hunting cheetahs near camp, and we often choose to have lunch brought out to us while we sit and watch for drama to unfold. This is the magic of Mara Plains; the ability to do what we want, to have many photographic opportunities close by and to enjoy the experience of taking photographs in one of Africa's best locations.

In the late afternoon, as the sun wanes, we are off again in search of wildlife. It’s a time to savor the African sunset with refreshing sundowner drinks and snacks before continuing our drive as nocturnal animals become more active with dusk. A hearty dinner awaits us back at camp whenever its time to return. We share stories of the day around the campfire and under the stars. So goes another blissful day in Africa.

We will also have the opportunity to visit a local Masai village (or "Enkang" in Maa) to learn more about the traditions and culture of the surrounding community and photograph the people and their village.

Hot air balloon safaris are also available. This is a very early morning activity, giving stunning views of the sunrise, the landscape and a sense of the sheer size of the Masai Mara region.