Kenia

Kenia Explorer

November 20 - 29 2022

There is no doubt that when it comes to safari, Kenya is always one of the main destinations in Africa. This country has some of the most favourable habitats for wildlife on the planet; from big cats such as lions, leopards and cheetahs, thousands of species of birds, to the spectacular herds of elephants in Amboseli, Kenya is full of magic and natural beauty.

John Quintero Expeditions is pleased to present Kenya Explorer -Photographic Expedition, an adventure designed exclusively for photographers who want access to some of the best locations for wildlife photography, accompanied by expert Maasai guides, who know these lands better than anyone.

Like all the expeditions organized by us, John Quintero will accompany you throughout the tour, offering his advice and teaching, to ensure you achieve spectacular photographs, not only of wildlife but of the noble Maasai tribe during our exclusive encounters with the communities, to learn about their way of life, their traditions and to document the day-to-day life of this ancient African culture.

We guarantee you a fascinating experience in a dream country. Find out why the word ‘safari’ was born in Kenya, and why it means ‘the journey’ in the Swahili language.

Type of trip

Photo Tour

Duration

10 Days

Start / End in

Nairobi

Group size

8 – 11 people

Activity level

Easy

Service level

Premium

Highlights

The must do experiences that you can cross off your bucket list

Tours outside

Exclusive off-road access around the conservation areas for a more intimate experience with the wildlife.

Lodging in style

Our tented camps are strategically located in conservation areas and offer an authentic safari experience with all the amenities of a great hotel, including great food and drinks

A real Maasai Experience

Live traditions up close, and photograph their day-to-day in an exclusive way.

Accompanied and guided by JQ

For a one-to-one learning opportunity, advising each participant before, during and after each trip.

Do you want to be part of this expedition?

Reserve your spot

Itinerary

The arrival of all participants is expected this day in the morning. If for any reason your international flight arrives in Nairobi after 3 pm, we recommend arriving on October 3. Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, you will be greeted by a representative from John Quintero Expeditions to be transferred to Nairobi National Park, where our first camp is located. You will have time to rest, before going on our first safari!
Dinner and accommodation at the Nairobi Tented Camp

If you arrive in Nairobi before November 20 or leave the country after November 29 and require help with extra accommodation nights, please contact us.

The itinerary is subject to change due to weather conditions, delayed local flights, wildlife sighting opportunities, or reasons not considered at the time of organizing this expedition.

After early breakfast at the camp, transfer to Wilson Airport for the flight to Amboseli. Depending on the weather conditions we can see from the plane, Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa.
Transfer to the camp, lunch followed by a photographic safari during the afternoon. Dinner and accommodation at the Porini Amboseli Camp located in the Selenkay Conservation Area.

Depart early in the morning to take advantage of morning light. Hopefully, we will find felines still enjoying the hunt from the night before.

Lunch and rest in the camp before leaving for our first experience in a Maasai village, and learn more about this beautiful culture. We will document the well-known Adamu, a traditional dance where Maasai warriors jump as high as they can.

Dinner and overnight at Porini Amboseli camp in Selenkay.

After breakfast, we will spend the day touring the spectacular Amboseli National Park. This place is without a doubt one of the best places to see elephants in Africa. You have surely seen the iconic photographs of herds of elephants with Mount Kilimanjaro covered in snow in the background. No memory or battery will last that long!

Dinner and accommodation at Porini Amboseli Camp.

After breakfast we will fly to Nairobi, to connect with our flight to the Maasai Mara National Park.

Maasai guides will be waiting to take us to the camp in the Ol Kinyei and Naboisho conservation area.

Lunch at the camp, followed by a safari within the Ol Kinyei and Naboisho Conservation Area. This area is specially chosen for its great variety of cats, including cheetahs, lions and leopards. We will stay until after sunset to spot some of the amazing nocturnal animals.

Dinner and accommodation at Porini Mara Camp.

Early departure to tour the Naboisho and Ol Kinye conservation area, to photograph hippos. We will dedicate the afternoon to bird watching and photography. If we have a clear night, we will try to photograph the starry sky, from the camp.

Dinner and accommodation at the Porini Mara camp.

Breakfast and transfer by road to Porini Lion Camp with safari en route. Lunch at the camp, followed by a photographic safari during the afternoon and evening. If we have a clear night, we will try to photograph the starry sky, from the camp.

Dinner and accommodation at Dinner and accommodation at Porini Lion Camp.

After breakfast, depart to a safari in the Masai Mara National Reserve with a picnic lunch. In the afternoon we will visit a Maasai community, where we will again have the opportunity to take pictures of their daily life, including the Maasai herdsmen with their cattle back to the villages in the late afternoon.

Dinner and accommodation at Porini Lion Camp.

After breakfast, flight back to Nairobi. Upon arrival at Wilson airport, we will be greeted by our representatives, who will transfer us to the Eka Hotel. Lunch at the hotel.

We will dedicate the afternoon to reviewing the photographic material of the participants, with a feedback talk about the expedition. Optional: afternoon shopping in Nairobi.

Farewell dinner.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Transfer to the airport to take your international flights.

For those who continue with one of our extensions, everything will be arranged for their transfers depending on the destination.

End of the expedition.

Expedition Details

This expedition is for photographers of all levels. From those who have just bought their first camera and want to learn how to use it, to professional photographers who want to visit and photograph the best of Kenya as part of a group of like-minded people.

An itinerary designed by a photographer, for photographers, to make the most of the available light, from dawn until dusk.
For photographers interested in visiting exclusive locations in conservation areas, with the possibility of a better approach to wildlife.

Transfers

⊕ Airport Transfers.
⊕ Transfers to the camps on each of the local flights.
⊕ Land portion Porini Mara Camp to Porini Lion Camp.

Meals

⊕ Meals from the welcome dinner to breakfast on the last day.
⊕ Drinks, including water, soft drinks, beers, wines, gin & tonic, with lunch and dinner.
⊕ Sundowners (sunset cocktails on all safaris).

Accommodation

⊕ 1 night at the Nairobi Tented Camp, all inclusive regime.
⊕ 3 Nights at Porini Amboseli Camp, all inclusive regime.
⊕ 2 nights at Porini Mara Camp, all inclusive regime.
⊕ 1 night at Eka Hotel, Nairobi.
⊕ 2 nights at Porini Lion Camp, all inclusive regime.

Entrance Fee

⊕ Naboisho and Ol Kinye Conservation Areas.
⊕ Amboseli National Park.
⊕ Giraffe Center in Nairobi
⊕ Elephant Center and Orphanage in Nairobi.
⊕ Nairobi National Park.
⊕ Masai Mara National Reserve.

Local Flights

⊕ Nairobi – Amboseli.
⊕ Amboseli – Nairobi.
⊕ Nairobi – Maasai Mara.
⊕ Maasai Mara-Nairobi.

Experiences

⊕ Day and night safaris in 4×4 vehicles with qualified Maasai guides.
⊕ Field trip and walking safaris accompanied by Maasai rangers.
⊕ Permanent accompaniment throughout the trip by John Quintero – internationally awarded photographer.
⊕ Advice on handling photographic equipment, composition and tricks to achieve the best photographs of him.
⊕ Advice before, during and after the trip, with the possibility of organizing a group photographic exhibition after the photographic expedition.
⊕ Night photography workshop (weather permitting).
⊕ Portrait workshop with the Maasai communities.
⊕ The expedition will be conducted in English and Spanish.

Visas
Covid-19 tests
International flights
Inoculations and travel or life insurance
Tips
Drinks that are not on the ‘all inclusive’ menu
Personal expenses such as phone calls, laundry, souvenirs
Meals outside 3 daily meals
Accommodation and meals before November 20 and after November 29, the day our expedition ends
Any activity/service not mentioned in ‘includes’

PRICES
$7952 US Dollars in double or twin accommodation.
$953 US Dollars Single Supplement.
Deposit: $1500 US Dollars. Spots will not be reserved without payment of the deposit. Full payment must be made 30 days before the start of the expedition.

PAYMENT METHODS:
→ Visa, Mastercard, American Express
→ Paypal
→ Bank Transfer (HSBC)

FLEXIBLE RESERVATION CONDITIONS
Refund guarantee: Payment will be reimbursed (fewer commission fees for bank transfers, if there is any payment per transaction ) if we have to cancel the expedition for any reason.
Alternatively, we will offer you the option to reschedule your trip for a future date.
You can also transfer the payment for another expedition or photographic workshop with us.

In all our expeditions we advise our participants regarding the suggested equipment according to the destination and type of photography that we will take.

For Kenya, taking into account that most of the itinerary is focused on wildlife and nature, we suggest:

1 or 2 camera bodies, no matter the make or model. If it is a point-and-shoot camera that cannot be changed lenses, hopefully, it has a zoom of at least 200mm.

If you own a mirrorless or DSLR camera that support interchangeable lenses, we suggest lenses covering a range that cover a range of 24-200mm minimum. Ideal up to 600 mm.

Remember this expedition is for photographers of all levels. If you are just learning how to operate your camera and do not want to invest in expensive equipment, no problem.

We will meet virtually before the expeditions to answer all those questions you might have regarding equipment, what to expect and what to pack for the trip.

Passionate Testimonial

“I am so happy, my dear friend, so absorbed in the exquisite sense of mere tranquil existence, that I neglect my talents. I should be incapable of drawing a single stroke at the present moment; and yet I feel that I never was a greater artist than now.”
Mr. ThemeNectarPro Acrobat

“A wonderful serenity has taken possession of my entire soul, like these sweet mornings of spring. I am alone, and feel the charm of existence in this spot.”
Adam MartinPro Acrobat

“When, while the lovely valley teems with vapour around me, and the meridian sun strikes the upper surface of the impenetrable foliage of my trees, I throw myself down among the tall grass by the trickling stream.”
Kara JamesPro Acrobat

Accompanying expert photographer

John Quintero

Además trabaja como fotógrafo independiente y conferencista, conduciendo talleres y clases especializadas de narrativa visual y fotografía documental en diferentes países.

Su pasión por la fotografía documental y de viajes lo ha llevado a más de 45 países explorando las tradiciones y la diversidad cultural en el mundo. Sus retratos y series documentales lo han hecho merecedor de los más importantes premios internacionales como el Sony World Photography Awards, International Photography Awards IPA, Paris Photo Prize PX3, National Geographic Traveler UK entre muchos más.

Ready for a new experience

Reserve your spot today

Frequently asked questions

What are the dates of the Kenya -Explorer Photographic Expedition?

The expedition lasts for 10 days, from November 20 to 29, 2022. If you want to extend your trip, we have 3 extension options: Gorilla trekking in Uganda, Gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Diani Beach in Kenya. Please contact us for more information on extensions.

Do I need to be fit or in very good physical condition to join this expedition?

This particular expedition is perhaps the least effort required. All the time we will be in 4×4 vehicles and we will not have long walks. At the camps, our Maasai guides will help us with our luggage from the moment we land.
At no time will we have to climb steep mountains or difficult terrain.

Is travel insurance included in the price of the Photographic Expedition?

No. Participants must purchase their own international travel and medical insurance (recommended).

What is the payment policy?

To reserve your place on the Kenya Photography Expedition, you must make a payment of $1,500 USD as soon as possible. Your space will not be reserved until the moment of making the payment. Full payment must be made 30 days before the start of the expedition.

What forms of payment are accepted?

We currently accept all major credit cards through PayPal (credit card payments can be made with or without a Paypal account – there is a 3% surcharge with this payment method) and by bank transfer. For any other payment method, please write to us.

Do I need VISA for this expedition?

Yes. Most citizens of the world need a visa to enter Kenya, it costs around $51 USD and can be obtained online (e-visa). Normally it is processed in 3 days.
The official page to obtain the visa is Visa to Kenya where it is also possible to process the visa for East Africa, which includes a visa for Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda. Very useful in case you continue your trip with one of our extensions.
Obtaining this visa is too easy. If you need help with your application or have any questions please contact us at expeditions@johnquintero.com