Photography Experience
Make a difference for the wildlife in the Maasai Mara, Kenya
Volunteering on the Photography project
Kenya’s Maasai Mara is an enchanting wildlife paradise that presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to embellish your wildlife portfolio with matchless photography opportunities. Picture a quintessential African vista of rolling hills dotted with acacia trees, and populated with lions, leopards, elephants, and giraffes – and you’re there.
As a wildlife photographer in this program, you will spend your time shooting, editing, critiquing and showcasing under the guidance of our experienced photography instructors and in the company of equally enthusiastic peers. You’ll also contribute to local wildlife conservation efforts in a tangible way.
You’ll leave Kenya having grown as a photographer, enriched your intercultural competence, and armed with an incredible portfolio.
Overview of the Photography Experience in the Maasai Mara
Spend your time exploring and photographing the Pardam at Conservation Area (PCA). One of fifteen conservancies that span over 300,000 acres providing critical wildlife corridors between the Maasai Mara and Serengeti ecosystems.
As is the way in Kenya, many wildlife areas are shared by the local Maasai people who coexist with some of Africa’s most dangerous animals. These conservancies have been established with a dual mandate of wildlife conservation preservation as well as the protection, empowerment and improvement of the local Maasai communities. You will therefore be playing an important role in habituating the wildlife in these newly established conservation areas.
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The Maasai Mara is World Renowned for its wildlife, and that’s exactly why we have established the Wildlife Photography Experience in this haven for nature. With purpose-built photography drives, walks and activities, this is one of the best destinations to truly put your camera skills to the test.
This experience caters for all levels of photographers. Under the guidance of our expert leaders, who are there to help you improve your photography, no matter your level. For those more experienced, this offers unparalleled photography opportunities, in a more cost-effective way than your traditional safari. What’s more, you are helping to spread awareness of the great work being done for conservation in the area.
Project Highlights
- Enjoy daily game drives accompanied by one of our Photography Project Leaders, where you can capture the abundance of wildlife that call this area home. With your keen eye you may even capture the most elusive residents.
- Participate in assignments and classes designed by our Photography Project Leader to improve your photography and editing skills, while exchanging ideas with your fellow photographers.
- Incredible wildlife photography opportunities (some of the very best in Africa!)
- Have an opportunity to photograph the Great Migration
- Professional tutoring by wildlife photographers
- A chance to support wildlife conservation efforts
- An opportunity to experience exclusive game reserves without paying luxury prices
- Flexibility of joining for 2 to 6 weeks.
About the Location & Accommodation
Location
You’ll be visiting and lodging at some of the Mara’s most exclusive, authentic, and immersive locations. Most of our photography expeditions and game drives will be organized through the Wildlife Tourism College – an educational facility situated in the heart of the Pardamat Conservation Area in the greater Maasai Mara ecosystem. The college provides an unmatched environment for wildlife conservation training, and of course wildlife tracking.
Basecamp Maasai Mara is an eco-camp nestled along the Talek River, a key tributary of the famous Mara River, and a hotspot of all the iconic wildlife making it a remarkable vantage point for wildlife sighting and photography. And perched atop a natural hilltop, Eagle View is a gorgeous eco-camp located within Naboisho Conservancy – a highly acclaimed model for eco-tourism and nature conservation
Accommodation
At Wildlife Tourism College you will be staying in a comfortable, permanent safari tent. Not only will you be sharing the camp with other fellow photographers and research volunteers, but you will also be sharing with local Maasai students. With no fences around the campus, it is possible that animals venture through camp and therefore you will be escorted to bed by our Maasai Warriors (Askaris), after dark.
Meals are prepared by a local chef employed from the community and there is a common area where you can eat and socialise with others on campus. Three meals and drinking water are provided daily. Breakfast is continental style. Lunch and dinner are normally a hot meal, with a varied menu that incorporates local and international cuisines. We can accommodate most dietary requirements if notified before your arrival. WiFi is available at the campus common areas such as the library and classrooms.
Pricing & Start Dates
We can’t wait to meet you! All volunteers are required to arrive on a Monday to begin their projects.
Please verify specific dates with your sales agent.
Additionally, ensure you check with your sales agent regarding the recommended airport for your transfers.
And There’s More
Explore the Maasai Mara on weekend safaris!
- Go across to a neighbouring safari camp for a drink or to just sit back and watch the resident wildlife visit the camp watering hole.
- Arrive early, or depart later and visit the famous Sheldrick Elephant & Rhino Orphanage, a rescue and rehab centre for orphaned elephants and rhinos based in Nairobi.
- Witness the Maasai Mara from the sky, on a hot air balloon safari!
- Head to the coast and enjoy the beach and warm waters of the Indian Ocean at Mombasa Beach, Watamu Beach, and Diani Beach. Mombasa Beach is excellent for swimming and feasting on fresh seafood at the seafood beach shacks, while Watamu Beach offers incredible snorkelling and scuba diving expeditions.
Apply for this volunteering project
Pricing Starts
From $3995 for 2 weeks. Your weekly cost will be reduced if you stay for longer than 2 weeks, book with a friend or are a return volunteer.
Quick Facts
Maasai Mara, Kenya
Starts Every Monday
2 weeks – 12 weeks
Focus: Photography
Project Includes:
The project includes volunteer accommodation and full meals provided 7 days a week.
Airport transfers are available from a specific airport (please confirm with your sales agent).
All project-related transport, equipment, WIFI, and resources are included, along with support from our experienced 24-hour team.
Project Excludes:
The project package does not cover the following items: flights to the designated location, expenses related to obtaining a visa, insurance costs, optional additional excursions, and any personal expenses you may incur during your participation.
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