Black Leopard - Photo by Piper Mackay
KENYA: BLACK LEOPARD WILDLIFE PHOTO SAFARI
Photography Tour by Wildside Nature Tours
DATES: Jan 21 - Jan 31, 2027
TRIP LEADERS: JENNIFER LEIGH WARNER
COST: $15,000 PP
GROUP SIZE: 3-6
Highlights of KENYA: BLACK LEOPARD WILDLIFE PHOTO SAFARI
Designed by photographers for photographers
Maximum of only 6 participants total
Only 3 participants per safari vehicle
Specialized safari vehicles designed for photographers
Drop-down doors to enable laying on the floor of the vehicle
Known as the top wildlife photography destination, immortalized by countless wildlife films, Kenya needs little to no introduction. Crafted to exceed a photographer’s wildest dream, this multiple-location safari not only takes you to the top wildlife reserves but also offers you the greatest photographic opportunities for low-angle photography, night photography, multiple species, and compelling ecosystems with stunning landscapes.
We will be taking a private charter to a special reserve that is host to Giza the most famous cat and black leopard. We continue to hope she will flourish, but this is nature, and anything can happen to her between now and then. However, the regular spotty leopard sightings are excellent. This conservancy is also ultra-exclusive with only one small main camp and even smaller sister camp. It is also located in the North, so it has all the exotic species of the north such as the grevy zebra, reticulated giraffe, oryx, gerenuk, vulturine guine fowl, and wild dogs.
Using our safari vehicles custom designed with photographers in mind, we’ve crafted this unforgettable photographic journey through the heart of Kenya.
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The renowned Maasai Mara needs little introduction because it is arguably the greatest wildlife reserve on the planet! The vast, open plains are home to a large pride of lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants, black Rhino, hippos, Maasai giraffes, common zebras, gnu, impala, Thompson’s and Grant’s gazelles, topi, hartebeest, black-backed jackals, spotted hyenas and more. It is the best reserve for the big cats, where BBC filmed Big Cat Diaries and where they continue to film regularly.
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Near the water’s edge lies a magnificent Euphorbia Forest, the largest in Africa. Imagine coming around the bend to discover a tower of beautiful Rothschild’s giraffes through the majestic yellow acacia trees, the only place in the country to see them. More intriguing is entering the lush forest, searching for the rare, tree-climbing lions, or finding the prized leopard lying on a branch in a stunning forest photographic background. Lake Nakuru is also a sanctuary for the White Rhino and the critically endangered Black Rhino. Often, you may see up to a dozen white rhinos gathered. The park is stunning year-round, from the rocky escarpments to the lush forest.
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The Laikipia Wilderness, set in Northern Kenya, is best known as the home of Giza, the world-famous black leopard whose striking beauty has captured global attention. This breathtaking reserve is a haven for exotic wildlife, hosting iconic species of the north such as Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, oryx, gerenuk, vulturine guinea fowl, and thriving packs of wild dogs. With its stunning landscapes and unique biodiversity, Laikipia Wilderness blends rare animal encounters with the awe-inspiring beauty of untamed Africa.
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11-Days/10-Nights
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Day 01: 21 January 2027 Arrival in Nairobi
• Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Nairobi.• A Mackay Africa representative will pick you up and transfer to the hotel
• Check in time 1400hrs
• Overnight: Macushla HouseDay 02: 22 January 2027 Drive To Maasai Mara
• Early Breakfast, drive to Maasai Mara (Approx. ~6hrs drive)
• Arrive in time for lunch; Check-in
• Afternoon game drive.
• Overnight at Olive Camp (B, L & D).
***Custom Photographic Safari Vehicle***Day 03: 23 January 2027 Maasai Mara
• Morning game drive with packed breakfast.
• Return to Camp for lunch
• Afternoon game drive
• Overnight at Olive Camp (B, L & D)
***Custom Photographic Safari Vehicle***Day 04: 24 January 2027 Maasai Mara
• Morning game drive with packed breakfast.
• Return to Camp for lunch
• Afternoon game drive
• Overnight at Olive Camp (B, L & D)
***Custom Photographic Safari Vehicle***
Day 05: 25 January 2027 Maasai Mara
• Morning game drive with packed breakfast.
• Return to Camp for lunch
• Afternoon game drive
• Overnight at Olive Camp (B, L & D)
***Custom Photographic Safari Vehicle***
Day 06: 26 January 2027 Drive to Nakuru
• Morning game drive
• Breakfast at the lodge, then drive to Lake Nakuru (Approx. ~ 4-4.5 hours’ drive)
• Lunch Enroute Nakuru
• Afternoon game drive.
• Check-in at the lodge.
Overnight at Sarova Lionhill (B, L & D)
***Custom Photographic Safari Vehicle***.
Day 07: 27 January 2027 Nakuru
• Morning game drive with packed breakfast.
• Return to camp for lunch.
• Afternoon game drive
Overnight at Sarova Lionhill (B, L & D).
***Custom Photographic Safari Vehicle***Day 08: 28 January 2027 Drive to Laikipia Wilderness
• Morning game drive,
• Breakfast at the lodge, Then drive to Laikipia Wilderness (Approx. ~4.5 hours’ drive).
• Arrive in time for lunch.
• Afternoon game drive
• Overnight at Laikipia Wilderness Camp (B, L, D).
***Black Leopard Private Vehicle***Day 09: 29 January 2027 Laikipia Wilderness
• Morning game drive with packed breakfast.
• Return to Camp for lunch
• Afternoon game drive
• Overnight at Laikipia Wilderness Camp (B, L & D)
***Black Leopard Private Vehicle***Day 10: 30 January 2027 Laikipia Wilderness
• Morning game drive with packed breakfast.
• Return to Camp for lunch
• Afternoon game drive
• Overnight at Laikipia Wilderness Camp (B, L & D)
***Black Leopard Private Vehicle***Day 11: 31 January 2027 Laikipia Wilderness → Nairobi
• Morning Game drive with packed breakfast
• Drive to Nairobi
• Lunch enroute
• Drop off at Fourpoints for your day rooms.
• Later, transfer to the international airport for your flight home. -
Cost
Cost is $15,000 per person, based upon double occupancy, from Nairobi, Kenya (Airport code NBO).
This trip ends in same as arrival city (Airport code ).Included
Rare Black Leopard photo opportunities
10 nights’ high quality accommodations
Private 4X4 land cruiser(s)
All meals
All National Parks fees, Game Reserve entrance fees, and taxes
Airport transfers
Bottled drinking water in the safari vehicles.
Evacuation insurance to a Nairobi hospital (cost of hospitalization not included)
Not Included
Travel Insurance (highly recommended)
International flights
Passport and Visa costs
Travel and Medical insurance
Personal purchases (including shopping, spirits, laundry, internet fees, Tips, phone calls, etc.)
Accommodations before or after the tour
Transportation before the arrival or departure date of the itinerary
Single Supplement
If a single room is preferred, or we are unable to find a suitable roommate for you, a single supplement fee of $1,600 will be assessed.
Deposit Requirements
A $3,000 deposit per person is required to hold each space on this tour. Deposit may be made online by clicking the "Book Your Trip Now" button and using any credit card. If you prefer, you may call us at 888-875-9453 to pay by phone. You may also mail us a check, however, remember that all space is held on a first come-first served basis as deposits are received.
Minimum Number
If fewer than the minimum number of required participants are registered, we may still be able to run the trip by adding a small-group supplement fee, per person, determined by the number of participants registered.
How to Book
In order to hold your space, click the "Book Your Trip Now" button above and complete the deposit process, including payment of the deposit through our Paypal portal using ANY CREDIT CARD. Upon completion of deposit, please visit our secure, online CLIENT INFORMATION FORM to complete your registration.
Final Payment
For all land-based tours: full payment by check is due 120 days prior to the departure date.
For all boat-based adventure cruises of 7-days or longer: full payment by check is required 180 days prior to departure.
NOTE: If you prefer to use credit card for final payment, a 3% fee may be added to cover the credit card merchant fees we incur.
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Fourpoints by Sheraton
Located by the Nairobi Airport, this high quality hotel has restaurants open 24/7.
Olive Bush Camp
Located in the heart of Maasai Mara National Reserve, along the iconic Mara river, thirty minutes’ drive from Olkiombo Airstrip. Currently, we have five luxury tents which are all situated along the mara river with a beautiful view of the river and a peaceful feel of privacy. A resident Hippo pool and crocodile point situated within our camp area add to a memorable experience for a wildlife enthusiast. The property is unfenced and wild animals frequently pass by during their grazing. It is a true wilderness experience in the middle of Masai Mara Reserve.
Sarova Lion Hill Lodge, Lake Nakuru National Park
At Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge, immerse yourself in the ultimate safari adventure and relaxation. Start your day with a refreshing swim in the pool, enjoy a jog along our scenic dedicated track, or gather friends for a fun board game session. In the evenings, experience the rich culture of the region with our vibrant cultural nights that celebrate local traditions.
Explore the wonders of Lake Nakuru National Park on game drives that promise thrilling wildlife encounters. Witness the iconic flocks of pink flamingos, a variety of bird species, and the park’s renowned rhinos—both the white and endangered black rhinos. Keep your eyes peeled for the rare tree-climbing lions and elusive leopards, as well as buffalo, zebra, and giraffes that roam the savannah.
For those searching for lodges in Lake Nakuru National Park or seeking an extraordinary safari in Kenya, Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge offers the perfect balance of adventure, relaxation, and awe-inspiring nature. Your next incredible escape awaits!LAKIPIA WILDERNESS [BLACK LEOPARD]
The Laikipia Wilderness, set in Northern Kenya, is best known as the home of Giza, the world-famous black leopard whose striking beauty has captured global attention. This breathtaking reserve is a haven for exotic wildlife, hosting iconic species of the north such as Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, oryx, gerenuk, vulturine guinea fowl, and thriving packs of wild dogs. With its stunning landscapes and unique biodiversity, Laikipia Wilderness blends rare animal encounters with the awe-inspiring beauty of untamed Africa.
