KENYA S RARE SPECIES PHOTO SAFARI Join wildlife photographer Margot Raggett on a seven night photographic safari to beautiful Laikipia to photograph wild dogs and other rare northern species February 2 nd - 9th Feb 2016. This is a safari designed for photographers who have already photographed the big game in the most popular parks and are now looking to build their portfolio with pictures of the less common species. Forget ticking off the big five in each drive but instead enjoy the luxury of investing time in getting better shots quality not quantity is what we ll be aiming for. In addition we ll enjoy the peace and solitude that the African road less travelled will afford us. This small group trip will be led by British wildlife photographer Margot Raggett who spends up to three months a year in Kenya teaching guests how to
improve their photography and her aim will be for you to come away with pictures that exceed your expectations. Itinerary Our trip starts in Nairobi on February 2nd 2016 with a night at the luxury Fairview Hotel where you will meet Margot and the group and be briefed for the safari ahead. The Fairview is situated in lush gardens in the centre of Nairobi and here you can enjoy facilities such as the gym, spa, swimming pool and a selection of fine restaurants. The following morning we transfer by road to Ol Pejeta in time for lunch (approximately three hours), where we will be staying in the newly opened Ol Pejeta Safari Cottages (http://www.thesafaricottages.com). The Safari Cottages are nestled in amongst the towering yellow bark acacia trees deep in the heart of Ol Pejeta s wilderness area near the Southern boundary. They enjoy uninterrupted views across a peaceful river valley to the plains beyond. Here we will have our own private chef and guides as well as two safari vehicles at our disposal, meaning we can make our drives as long as we want, including night drives if we wish.
Overlooked by Mount Kenya, Ol Pejeta is famous for its rhinos (both black and white) and for breeds of giraffe (reticulated) and zebra (grevy s) not found in many other parks. The area also has lions, leopard, hyena, elephants and from time to time wild dog. A reticulated giraffe in the shadow of Mount Kenya Grevy s zebra
Black rhino Kori bustard We will set our own timetable here, rising early to catch the golden hour and spending as much or as little time as we wish at each sighting. Our opensided vehicles and a row per person will allow us to position ourselves for the best photographic opportunity for each guest.
While in Ol Pejeta we also have the opportunity to visit the Endangered Species Boma one afternoon. This is where the last four remaining Northern White rhinos in the world live, as well as Grevy s Zebra and Kongoni. Northern White Rhino, photo credit Kat Webb
Following two nights at Ol Pejeta, after breakfast we will transfer by road (approximately three hours) to the beautiful Laikipia Wilderness Camp (http://www.laikipia-wilderness.com).
Here we will be concentrating on wild dogs as much as we can, tracking the local wild dog pack with Steve the dog whisperer Carey and his team. Steve has been following this pack of wild dogs for ten years and knows them better than anyone. You may even have the opportunity to get out of the vehicle and photograph them from the ground, offering you a unique angle and up close experience you will not get anywhere else in Kenya.
Wild dogs are one of the most challenging wildlife subjects to find and photograph, as you ll discover, hence the investment in four nights in this wonderful camp. This is Africa and nothing is guaranteed of course but this we believe this is the best place to try and find and photograph these amazing animals in Kenya and we will do our utmost to show them to you. We ll also of course though be keeping an eye out for Kenya s rare northern species such as reticulated giraffe, grevy s zebra and gerenuk. Leopard, lion and nocturnal species such as aardwolf also thrive here as well as many elephant. Once again we will have two open-sided vehicles at our disposal and will be able to enjoy night drives and bush dinners during our four night stay. On our final morning of 9 th February after breakfast we will depart by road back to Nairobi, where African Experts can help you with your onward travel arrangements if you wish.
In summary: With superb photography as our goal, this is a trip off the more beaten track in Kenya, allowing seasoned safari goers to enjoy a wilderness experience not possible elsewhere that includes night drives and sightings of rare species, at a pace tailored for photographers. Four six guests maximum with a row per person in the vehicles. About Margot Raggett Originally from the UK, Margot Raggett fell in love with Africa and safaris over a decade ago. But it was in 2010 after a visit to the Maasai Mara that she decided to change her life and pursue wildlife photography as a career. She now is a regular Photographer in Residence at Entim Camp in the Mara where she teaches wildlife photography to guests. Over the course of 2014/15 she has visited the Laikipia area three times in order to prepare to lead guests on this photographic safari and all wildlife images in this brochure were taken by her there.
PRICE BREAK DOWN Total trip cost: USD 4,950 per person sharing** Includes: 7 nights accommodation as outlined in this itinerary, all meals and drinks except those stated, park entry fees, road transfers including pick up from and drop off to JKIA. The price also includes photographic mentoring by Margot Raggett including a Lightroom processing workshop and regular image reviews. Not included: international flights, health and travel insurance, tips, personal expenses, visas, transfers other than those outlined in this itinerary **This price is per person sharing. A single supplement of $695 will apply for clients who would like private accommodation. ACCOMODATION BREAKDOWN Fairview Hotel (1 night) Includes: bed and breakfast, wifi, all taxes Not included: drinks, lunch, dinner, laundry, tips Ol Pejeta Safari Cottages (2 nights) Includes: accommodation, conservation fee, all meals, drinks, activities, laundry and all taxes Not included: staff tips and personal purchases Laikipia Wilderness Camp (4 nights) Includes: accommodation, conservation fee, all meals, drinks, activities, laundry and all taxes Not included: staff tips and personal purchases **All accommodation is subject to availability
Bookings will be taken via African Experts (www.african-experts.net) with a deposit of 20% securing your place. The balance will be due eight weeks before departure. To make a booking and for any enquiries in the first instance contact Margot on margot@margotraggettphotography.com ----------------------------------------------------------------------