Dreaming of Africa’s Iconic Kenya

If you were to hear someone utter “safari”, we would bet our bottom dollar that your first association with this word would be Kenya.

Kenya is an equatorial nation that is regarded as the home of the safari, and undoubtedly sports some of Africa’s most scenically beautiful safari landscapes – from the alluring tree dotted grasslands of the Masai Mara flanked by the sheer Oloololo Escarpment, to the dry lakebed of Amboseli watched over by the most iconic of all Africa’s mountains, Kilimanjaro (the mountain resides in Tanzania, but is best seen in Kenya!).

People in their Environment, Lake Turkana
By Kirsten Frost
Exposure: 1/2500sec | f/9 | ISO: 400 | EV: -1

Safari is a word that conjures up thoughts of romance, adventure and freedom. Of charismatic megafauna on an African plain, burning sunsets and the addictive feeling of unease caused by the predatory vocalisations of hyaena and lion cutting through the inky darkness of night. It is the sweet scent of a flowering Acacia wafting through the windstill hours of dawn and dusk, crushed grass and herbs drifting up from the edges of a grassy track, and the acrid aroma of fresh elephant dung. Is the blood-red colouration of a Masai shuka contrasting with the blue sky, the resilience of a Turkana man herding his camels in a blistering desert. It is talking to friends around a campfire at night.

A Lion eyes its prey
By Kirsten Frost
Exposure: 1/400 sec | Aperture: f/5.6 | ISO: 1600

Although the word safari actually means “journey” in kiSwahili, it is generally nowadays used to describe a holiday to the African bush. Kenya is justifiably famous in this regard, sporting the scenery, game, warm welcoming people and accommodation that bring visitors back repeatedly to its enchanted shores. Kenya distinguishes itself time and again with its brilliant wildlife photographic opportunities, the Masai Mara being top of the global list for many experienced photographers. But is has so much more than this, and lesser-known areas in central Kenya also offer wonderful wildlife options. It is a nation that is significantly underrated for cultural photography, and the wild, inhospitable and captivating far north is home to the indomitable Turkana people.

ORYX offers a range of excellent value scheduled photo tour options to Kenya that boast superb photographic opportunities for wildlife and culture, comfortable accommodations and smooth logistics that come from hard-won experience.

Wildebeest & Zebra crossing the Mara River
By Marius Coetzee
Exposure: 1/2000sec | Aperture: f/8 | ISO: 800 | EV: +0,33

For those that do not have the flexibility to embark on a scheduled African photo safari, ORYX has significant know-how in arranging tailor-made safaris (custom safaris) for friends and families, both with tuition from an ORYX photo tour leader and unguided. ORYX has been designing and leading high-end safaris to this wonderful nation for a decade, and these in fact represent the bulk of our East African safaris. So whether it is a safari that caters specifically for dedicated photographers or one for wildlife in general, we can turn your safari dream into reality.

As Karen Blixen, celebrated author and former Kenyan resident said: “There is something about safari life that makes you forget all your sorrows and feel as if you had drunk half a bottle of champagne — bubbling over with heartfelt gratitude for being alive.”

Majestic Elephant of Amboseli
By Marius Coetzee
Exposure: 1/1250sec | Aperture: f/8 | ISO: 640

Hot air balloons over the savanna
By Dale Morris
Exposure: 1/1600sec | f/2.8 | ISO: 100

Handsome male Lion
By Penny Robartes
Exposure: 1/2500 sec | Aperture: f/4 | ISO: 2000

The camel herdsman of Lake Turkana
By Kirsten Frost
Exposure: 1/2000sec | Aperture: f/16 | ISO: 500

Cheetah in pursuit
By Marius Coetzee
Exposure: 1/1250sec | Aperture: f/4 | ISO: 2000 | EV: +2/3

Duelling Topi in the grasslands
By Penny Robartes
Exposure: 1/2500sec | Aperture: f/5.6 | ISO: 3200

By Kirsten Frost
Exposure: 1/1250sec | Aperture: f/6,3 | ISO: 400

Eye of the Cheetah
By Penny Robartes
Exposure: 1/2500sec | Aperture: f/2.8 | ISO: 200