Samburu Photo Safari

Photograph Wildlife in Samburu Kenya – Samburu Photo Safari

Samburu Photo Safari

Scheduled Dates:

15th May – 25th May 2027 – FULL
6th May – 16th May 2028 – FULL
28th April – 8th May 2029 – 6 Spaces
 
April and May are among the most rewarding months to visit Samburu National Reserve, offering wildlife photographers a rare combination of dramatic landscapes, vibrant colours, and exceptional wildlife encounters. Following the long rains, the reserve transforms into a lush wilderness, with fresh green vegetation contrasting beautifully against the rich red soils and rugged hills of northern Kenya. The softer light, moody skies, and occasional rain clouds create atmospheric conditions that can elevate wildlife images from simple records to powerful works of art.

Samburu is renowned for its unique collection of northern Kenya’s special wildlife species, often referred to as the “Samburu Special Five” which includes the Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, Beisa oryx, and gerenuk. These remarkable animals are far less common elsewhere in Africa, making Samburu a must-visit destination for photographers seeking distinctive subjects. During April and May, the fresh vegetation and plentiful water sources encourage wildlife activity throughout the reserve, creating excellent opportunities for natural and behavioural photography.

The Ewaso Nyiro River, which winds through the reserve, serves as a lifeline for wildlife and a focal point for photographic opportunities. Elephants gather along its banks, crocodiles bask on exposed sandbars, and a wide variety of birds thrive in the riverine forest. The green season enhances these scenes with richer colours and reflections, while dramatic storm clouds often provide stunning backdrops that add depth and emotion to photographs. The combination of wildlife, water, and changing weather conditions allows photographers to capture images that tell powerful stories of life in the African wilderness.

Predator photography can be particularly rewarding during these months. Samburu is famous for its leopard sightings, with several well-known individuals regularly observed along the riverine habitats. Lions and cheetahs are also frequently encountered, and the softer, diffused light created by cloud cover is ideal for capturing eye-catching portraits. Photographers often find that the green season offers a greater variety of photographic styles, from intimate portraits to dramatic environmental images that showcase animals within their habitat.

Another significant advantage of visiting Samburu in April and May is the reduced number of visitors. With fewer safari vehicles in the reserve, photographers can enjoy more exclusive wildlife encounters and greater flexibility in positioning for the best light and composition. This quieter atmosphere allows guides to spend more time with individual sightings, increasing the chances of capturing unique behaviours and creative perspectives.

For wildlife photographers looking to create a portfolio that stands apart from traditional East African safari imagery, Samburu National Reserve in April and May delivers an unforgettable experience. The combination of rare wildlife, vibrant landscapes, dramatic skies, outstanding predator sightings, and peaceful game viewing conditions makes this extraordinary corner of Kenya one of Africa’s finest photographic destinations during the green season.

Lake Nakuru National Park is one of Kenya’s most rewarding wildlife photography destinations, offering an incredible diversity of subjects within a compact and easily accessible reserve. Famous for its picturesque alkaline lake, dramatic acacia woodlands, and sweeping escarpment views, the park provides stunning backdrops for photography throughout the year. It is particularly celebrated for its healthy populations of both black and white rhinos, giving photographers excellent opportunities to capture these endangered giants in beautiful natural settings. The park is also home to lions, leopards, Rothschild’s giraffes, buffalo, and an abundance of birdlife, including pelicans, flamingos, fish eagles, and kingfishers. With its varied habitats, and reliable wildlife sightings, Lake Nakuru allows photographers to create a diverse portfolio that ranges from interesting wildlife portraits to dramatic landscape and bird photography, all within a single safari destination.

Lake Naivasha is a hidden gem for wildlife photographers, offering exceptional opportunities to photograph two of Kenya’s most charismatic species: the African Fish Eagle and the striking black-and-white Colobus Monkey. The lake’s calm waters provide the perfect setting to capture African Fish Eagles as they soar overhead, perch dramatically in lakeside trees, or dive to snatch fish from the water’s surface, creating thrilling action shots and beautiful reflections. Along the forested shores, photographers can also find Colobus Monkeys gracefully leaping through the canopy, their long white tails flowing behind them and providing endless opportunities for dynamic behavioural images. Combined with the lake’s scenic beauty, golden morning light, abundant birdlife, and tranquil atmosphere, Lake Naivasha offers photographers a unique blend of avian, primate, and landscape photography that is unlike anywhere else in Kenya.

My small group photo safari to Samburu, Lake Naivasha, and Lake Nakuru in April or May offers wildlife photographers an exceptional blend of diversity, exclusivity, and creative opportunity. With fewer guests, you’ll enjoy more space in the vehicle, greater flexibility to position for the best light and backgrounds, and more time to focus on individual photographic goals. April and May bring lush green landscapes, dramatic skies, and beautiful soft light that can transform ordinary wildlife encounters into stunning images. From Samburu’s unique northern species and predators, to the African Fish Eagles and Colobus Monkeys of Lake Naivasha, and the rhinos, flamingos, and diverse birdlife of Lake Nakuru, this safari provides an incredible variety of subjects in a relatively short journey. The smaller group size also allows for a more relaxed, personalized experience, giving you the freedom to fully immerse yourself in both the wildlife and the art of photography.

Group Size 6

Photography Ability Level: All Levels – especially suitable for beginners or those that want to learn new techniques
Physical Requirements: Low. Most activities will be from a 4×4 landcruiser
Price Includes:

• 2 nights accommodation in Nairobi. Bed and Breakfast.
• 1 nights accommodation in Lake Nakuru Lodge. Lake Nakuru. Full Board
• 6 nights accommodation in Sopa Lodge. Samburu. Full Board
• 1 nights accommodation in Elsamere Conservation Centre. Lake Naivasha. Full Board.
• All excursions and game drives as described in the itinerary
• Transport in 4×4 Landcruiser with pop up roof and large opening windows
• All park fees and government taxes.
• Services of a driver guide throughout.
• Services of photographic guide throughout.
• Airport Transfers.
• No single supplement

Itinerary at a glance:

Testimonials

The tour was expertly led by Paul and his very knowledgeable team in Kenya. We had many opportunities to photograph the wildlife throughout the day. Accommodation and food was excellent. If anyone is considering a trip to Kenya I would recommend that they get in touch with Paul.
Iain UK

I went to Kenya as an experienced portrait photographer and returned home as a storyteller. Paul has a unique ability to teach photography to persons at any stage. His gentle guidance brought my photography to a higher level. The trip was phenomenal and the team of people he works with are the best in their fields.
Susan USA

Paul and his chosen Kenyan guide and both our drivers were absolutely brilliant, their knowledge and ability to spot our subjects was quite mind-blowing. Their ability to read the animal behaviour and predict what was going to happen next was outstanding and 9 times out of 10 they were right. Paul himself was brilliant at keeping us right with camera settings and always had us in the right position to capture our subjects in the best light. I would highly recommend Touch the Wild to everyone.
Kenny UK

Paul was an expert tour guide and his photographic guidance was excellent helping and supporting me to get the best out of my camera.
Margaret UK