KENYA WILD
Samburu National Reserve, Lake Nakuru National Park + Masai Mara Game Reserve
》TRIP INFO
LOCATION: KENYA
DATES: NOVEMBER 17-26, 2026
DURATION: 10 DAYS
INSTRUCTOR: KRIS ANDRES + COLLEEN GARA*
PHOTOGRAPHY LEVELS: ALL
PHYSICAL RATING: EASY
WHERE YOU’LL STAY: SAFARI LODGING + HOTELS
NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS: 13
COST: $15,500 CAD
A payment plan is available for this workshop. See below under “Price/Payment Schedule.”
Photo by Kris Andres.
Join OFFBEAT in Kenya —one of the world’s most magnificent and diverse wildlife populations! November in Kenya brings us optimal conditions. It’s not the peak of tourist season, but we get the tail end of the Great Migration as herds start to make their way back down to the Serengeti.
Migratory birds move in, as well as the newborn animals. As we travel across the landscapes of Samburu National Reserve, Lake Nakuru National Park and the Masai Mara Game Reserve, we'll have the opportunity to capture images of the five big game animals, as well as migratory wildlife as it passes through.
All locations on this photo adventure have been selected by local safari experts and wildlife trackers to ensure we can maximize opportunities for unique encounters.
Your home base for this safari trip will be a mix of hotels and unique luxury tented camps with incredible meals to refuel each day. You’ll be instructed by world class leaders Kris Andres and Colleen Gara.
》WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
1. How to anticipate and photograph wildlife in various conditions.
2. How to develop your vision as a landscape and wildlife photographer.
3. What to look for when photographing wildlife / capturing the personality.
4. How to assess a scene in order to capture both the wide, epic photographs as well as the small, intimate ones.
5. Telling a story through your photography.
》YOUR OFFBEAT INSTRUCTORS*
KRIS ANDRES // LEADER
Based at the doorstep of the Canadian Rockies in Calgary, Alberta, Kristopher considers the mountains (along with everywhere he travels) to be his second home. Kris is always up for endless adventures with a smile—no matter how "atmospheric" the conditions are. He will be overly excited in almost everything he does in life, capturing each story with the click of a shutter, in any and all genres—from adventure to landscapes to portraiture to food and more! When he’s not out creating, Kris is a full-time yogi working to refine himself every day. [Bio Photo by Paul Zizka]
COLLEEN GARA // LEADER
Colleen is a wildlife photographer, writer and educator based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Her focus is on Canadian wildlife and she is passionate about photographing animals in their natural surroundings, from the Rocky Mountains to the prairies.
Colleen’s photographs have been featured in publications worldwide, including Audubon, Photo Life, Canadian Geographic, Wild Planet Photo and Nature’s Best.
[Bio Photo by Dave Brosha]
* As per our Terms and Conditions, OFFBEAT reserves the right to change, at any time, the tour leader of any workshop.
》INS AND OUTS
What’s Included:
Daily instructions/mentorship with Kris Andres and Colleen Gara.
Domestic flight from Nairobi to Samburu and Masai Mara to Nairobi Airport, and transfers.
All Meals except for Nairobi (breakfast only).
All Safari transport and game drives.
All Park Entrance Fees.
Location itinerary planned by OFFBEAT instructors.
Lifetime membership to OFFBEAT Community.
What’s Not Included:
International flights.
Visa, vaccinations, passport fees.
Optional Balloon Safari.
Travel Insurance.
Gratuities & tips for guides, servers, staff, etc.
Personal expenses including alcohol and souvenirs.
》ITINERARY
The itinerary is subject to change.
Day 1: Welcome to Nairobi
Touch down in Nairobi at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, where our amazing local guides will meet you for a private transfer to the Tamarind Tree Hotel.
Settle in and relax after your journey—today is all about landing gently into Africa’s rhythm. In the evening, we'll gather for a warm welcome, meet your fellow travelers and guides, and preview the unforgettable photographic adventure ahead.
Day 2: Journey to Samburu – The Wild North
After breakfast, transfer to Wilson Airport for a short scenic flight north to Samburu National Reserve, where a land of raw, rugged beauty awaits.
We will check into the Ashnil Samburu Camp and enjoy lunch with panoramic views before heading out for your first game drive. Samburu is home to unique northern species rarely seen elsewhere—reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, Beisa oryx, Somali ostrich, and the elegant gerenuk.
Day 3: Exploring Samburu National reserve.
Enjoy breakfast each morning among the local elephants.
Morning and afternoon game drives to see more of Samburu typically northern species like the vulturine guinea fowl and the Somali ostrich. The park's vivid colours and sharp contrasts between sky, bush, and sand make Samburu a photographer’s paradise.
Day 4: Samburu Continued
Another full day in Samburu to track wildlife and deepen your connection with this striking landscape. Whether you focus on portraits of the charismatic Grevy’s zebra or wide scenes of elephants crossing the Ewaso Ng’iro River the day is adjustable to find the best wildlife.
Day 5: From Samburu to Lake Nakuru – Rift Valley Magic
After breakfast, we hit the road for Lake Nakuru National Park (approx. 6 hrs). We'll break the journey at the dramatic Thompson Falls—a chance to stretch, take photos, and absorb the highland scenery.
Arrive at Lion Hill Lodge in time for lunch, followed by an afternoon game drive through Nakuru’s acacia-draped woodlands and lakeshore. This birdwatcher’s paradise features over 500 species including flamingos, pelicans, and spoonbills, as well as rare black and white rhinos.
Day 6: Lake Nakuru – Birds, Rhinos & Golden Light
Morning and afternoon game drives showcase Nakuru’s treasures. Photograph endangered Rothschild giraffes, prowling lions, elusive leopards, and buffalo moving through golden grasslands. The lakeshore at sunrise offers magical mist and birds in flight—dream conditions for photographers.
Day 7: Into the Heart of the Mara
After breakfast, drive south to the world-renowned Maasai Mara Game Reserve (approx. 5.5 hrs). As we enter the park, cameras ready as we never know what we will see.
We will check in at the exclusive Entim Camp for lunch and a three-night stay immersed in big cat country. We head out on our first game drive shortly after we check in and this sets the tone for this wildlife-rich region—lions, elephants, cheetahs, giraffes, and dramatic light await in every direction.
Day 8: Big Cats & Endless Horizons
Enjoy both morning and afternoon game drives through the Mara’s vast savannahs and riverbanks.
Today we explore the Mara River in search of basking crocodiles, hippos, and dramatic river crossings. The Mara is a haven for predators, and you'll have incredible chances to photograph lions on the hunt, cheetahs on the prowl, and maybe even a leopard draped in an acacia tree.
Optional: Soar above the Mara at sunrise on a balloon safari – an unforgettable aerial photography experience (additional cost: $450 USD per person).
Day 9: Mara Magic Continued
Another day to chase extraordinary wildlife moments through the Mara’s varied terrain—open plains, dense thickets, and rolling hills. This is your chance to refine your photographic vision with guidance and any assistance needed by us, capturing powerful animal behavior and classic African scenes in the best light.
Day 10: Return to Nairobi – A Fond Farewell
After a final breakfast in the wild, transfer to the Mara airstrip for your scheduled flight back to Nairobi (11:15–13:00 hrs).
You'll have access to a comfortable day room at Ole Sereni Hotel, perfectly placed near Nairobi National Park. Relax, reflect, and review your images before your international flight home. Airport transfer included.
Ashnil Samburu Camp
Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge
Entim Camp, Masai Mara Game Reserve
》PRICE/PAYMENT SCHEDULE
Cost: $15,500 CAD
Payment options: Full payment or $1,500 non-refundable deposit to secure a space with remaining four payments as listed below.
Non-Refundable Deposit: $1,500 CAD
Payment #1 $3,500 CAD - October 17, 2025
Payment #2: $3,500 CAD - January 17, 2026
Payment #3: $3,500 CAD - April 17, 2026
Payment #4: $3,500 CAD - July 17,2026
Note: Failure to pay by due dates means forfeiting the deposit and the spot will be freed up and potentially sold to another interested participant (see more in the cancellation policy below).
If unforeseen circumstances arise, participants are welcome to transfer/sell their space to another interested participant. In such case, participants are responsible for handling payment for the transfer.
WHAT OUR PARTICIPANTS HAVE TO SAY
ABOUT OFFBEAT WORKSHOPS
”
“Curiosity, kindness, and light. What more could you want from your guides and other members of your community? Our trip was incredible: people, places, and personalities. From chasing the light in a ditch off the side of the road, to finding horses to rub noses with, even the most seemingly insignificant moments were memorable. And that's the beauty of Offbeat, in a nutshell: finding the impossible in the most improbable places.”
-Dave G.
“The workshop was amazing - great instruction and professionalism by the instructors. They did a great job handling the group's variety of experience and took time to help each one of us individually. They prepared well for a variety of conditions and had great locations scouted out before we arrived. Kris and Paul are excellent instructors and loads of fun!”
- Tracy B.
“I have attended a number of OFFBEAT Workshops and have loved them all. The co-founders are two of the most genuine people I have met and they are both so enthusiastic and passionate about what they do. They always ensure that you have the best time and are always willing to share their time and experience with you. My photography has definitely improved since learning from these two. I have also only meet decent and friendly people on these workshops. Everybody is there for the common goal - photography and everybody has such fun. I can not recommend Offbeat highly enough.”
— Claire C.
“I felt the level of collaboration and support among the participants in this one was exceptional and so was the size of the group. It is easier to hide in bigger groups when I feel insecure with my skills and talent. The content was timely, appropriate and exceedingly well organized. The facilitators’ presentation skills were exceptional. I came away with a little more confidence and a lot more knowledge. Thanks, Dave and Paul!!!”
-Jan L.
》IMPORTANT INFO
Please visit our FAQs for more information on What to Bring, our Physical Ratings and Photography Levels.
IS THIS WORKSHOP FOR YOU?
Physical Rating (Easy): Most locations will be readily accessible form the road, although we may hike short distances on occasion.
Physical Rating (Easy)
Hiking experience // None necessary.
Pace // Slow.
Distance/Description // <5km/day (3 miles) on well-defined trails, with slight noticeable elevation change, and perhaps slightly uneven terrain.
Footwear // Light hiking shoes or sneakers.
Photography Level (All): This workshop is open to both amateur and professional photographers.
INSURANCE POLICY
It is not only advised but required that participants have trip cancellation/interruption insurance, as well as emergency medical/illness insurance and rescue coverage (proof required within 4 months of departure).
Weather and other unforeseen factors can cause delays in travel, particularly from some of our more remote locations. It is the participant’s responsibility to cover any costs in the case of a travel delay of any length. Please ensure your trip cancellation/interruption insurance accommodates this possibility.
By purchasing a spot you are acknowledging that you accept these conditions.
Please see our Insurance page for more information about our insurance partner, World Nomads.
》OFFBEAT TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Please take the time to review OFFBEAT’s Terms and Conditions, including our Cancellation Policies. You are required to agree to these in order to confirm your registration. Effective June 16, 2022.