An extraordinary alternative to traditional safaris in one of Africa's premier destinations: Kenya. Immerse yourself in the heart of East African conservation with exclusive access provided by our esteemed partner, Tsavo Trust. Capture breathtaking photographs and observe countless herds of elephants and diverse wildlife in Amboseli National Park. This expedition offers a unique opportunity to gain a profound understanding of conservation efforts while witnessing Kenya's natural wonders.
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When?
- February 10 - 18, 2025 (9 days, 8 nights)
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Where?
- Nairobi (1x night)
- Tsavo Conservation Area (Tsavo Trust HQ - 2x nights)
- Amboseli National Park (Elewana Tortilis Camp - 5x nights) -
Group Size?
Maximum of 6 guests.
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Costs?
8950€ per person.
“During our time in Kenya, we felt a deep connection with nature in Amboseli National Park. Kenya's exemplary conservation efforts are vividly apparent here, with elephants roaming against the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro. This harmonious blend of wildlife and community conservation is what we aim to share with our guests.
-Donal Boyd & Emma Romeijn (Founders Atlas 1 Expeditions)
Expedition Overview
Your expedition begins in the capital of Kenya, Nairobi, where we’ll meet for a welcome dinner and spend the first night before transferring to Tsavo the next morning.
Next, we’ll spend 2 nights in the Tsavo Conservation Area with our conservation partner Tsavo Trust. Through exclusive access, you'll have the opportunity to learn about the Big Tuskers elephant conservation project and their approach to monitoring these “Last Giants of the Elephant World”. We’ll also get a truly behind-the-scenes look at their Community Conservancy work.
We’ll spend two nights at the brand-new Tsavo Trust community lodging facilities. Simple, but comfortable and the community directly benefits from our stay.
Throughout our educational stay in Tsavo there will also be ample opportunity for photography and to get warmed up creatively for the next portion of the expedition.
Then, we’ll venture into the bush with a 5-night stay at Elewana Tortilis Camp Amboseli. Amboseli National Park is one of the best places in the world to observe and photograph elephants, to experience the diverse landscapes and wildlife of Kenya, to connect with Maasai culture and to learn and understand about the realities of wildlife conservation in East-Africa.
Tsavo
Conservation
Area
The Tsavo Ecosystem, consisting of Tsavo West, Tsavo East National Parks and bordering community lands, is a vast region and an essential part of the trans-border migration route from East to South Africa. Due to the available space the potential for wildlife to thrive and flourish is enormous. However, as the human population grows, the need for community conservation efforts increases. Here’s where Tsavo Trust comes in, with strong ties in the community, they are a true field-based organisation looking after the welfare of Tsavo and its inhabitants, people and wildlife alike.
Amboseli
National
Park
Amboseli National Park is not only photographer’s paradise (wide open spaces allowing for optimal sightings and photographic opportunities), it is also a prime example of Kenya’s advanced conservation efforts. Without fences separating the National Park, Amboseli’s wildlife roam freely between the protected areas and surrounding privately owned land. To ensure wildlife protection among these communities, it is increasingly recognised that they should receive tangible long term benefits from wildlife-based tourism. Lodges such as Elewana Tortilis Camp work closely with non-profit organisations to ensure holistic co-existence between animals and wildlife. Understanding this context of Amboseli National Park will truly enrich your wildlife encounters and add so much depth to your experience.
During your time in Kenya, you will:
Photograph the impressive elephants of Amboseli, capturing their beauty and behaviour in their natural habitat.
Observe and photograph a large variety of African animals besides elephants, amongst which lion, zebra, giraffe, wildebeest, buffalo, impala & many more.
Discover new perspectives and techniques in wildlife photography.
Learn the art of storytelling through photography, capturing the essence of Kenya’s wildlife and landscapes.
Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the African bush.
Gain a true understanding of conservation in East-Africa and peak behind the scenes through our partnership with Tsavo Trust.
Gain a deeper understanding of conservation efforts in Amboseli National Park and the role of eco-tourism in protecting Kenya’s natural and cultural heritage.
Connect with Maasai culture and learn about their way of living alongside wildlife.
Indulge in plant-based meals and the comforts of Elewana’s luxurious accommodations.
Joining a small group of like-minded travelers, you'll forge connections that transcend borders and create memories that will last a lifetime. With a maximum of 6 guests, this intimate journey promises to be a truly immersive and unforgettable experience in the heart of Africa.
Your Guides
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Photographer, conservationist, filmmaker and co-founder Atlas 1 Studio
Hey everyone, Donal here! I'm thrilled to invite you on an unforgettable journey to Kenya, a destination that has long captured my imagination.
Amboseli National Park is particularly special to me, renowned for its incredible elephant herds roaming beneath the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro. Get ready to be amazed by the sheer number of elephants, alongside awe-inspiring sightings of lions and other diverse wildlife.
The highlight of this trip is our exclusive access to Tsavo Trust, where we’ll gain a unique perspective on conservation efforts. A few years ago I formed a bond with the passionate team at Tsavo Trust and had the honor of documenting their vital work. This visit will provide us with a behind-the-scenes look at conservation in action—an experience not available to the average traveler.
Join us for an extraordinary adventure into the heart of Kenya’s wildlife and conservation initiatives!
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Producer, editor and co-founder Atlas 1 Studio
Hey everyone, Emma here! My first time in Kenya was a life-changing experience. I understood immediately why it's at the top of everyone's safari bucket list.
The wildlife in both Tsavo and Amboseli is truly awe-inspiring. Tsavo's vast landscapes and Amboseli's iconic views of Mount Kilimanjaro create unforgettable backdrops for encountering some of Africa's most iconic animals.
It's a privilege to witness them thriving in their natural habitats, a reminder of the importance of conservation efforts in preserving Kenya's rich biodiversity.
Our time at Tsavo Trust will open your eyes to the importance of protecting and restoring the Kenya/Tanzania border region and offer profound insight into the workings of eco-tourism and community conservation in East-Africa.
Time of the Year
February is an excellent time to visit Kenya, particularly Tsavo and Amboseli National Parks, due to the favorable weather conditions and exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities. During this period, the climate is warm and dry, making it ideal for game drives and photography. The sparse vegetation and limited water sources draw a wide variety of animals to the remaining waterholes, providing incredible sightings of elephants, lions, zebras, and more. Additionally, the clear skies offer stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro from Amboseli, enhancing the overall safari experience.
February is typically less busy than the peak tourist season in Kenya, which generally occurs from July to October during the Great Migration. Visiting in February allows you to enjoy the stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife of Tsavo and Amboseli National Park with fewer crowds. This means more intimate and uninterrupted wildlife encounters and a quieter atmosphere. The combination of favorable weather, excellent wildlife viewing, and fewer tourists makes February an ideal time for a more relaxed and immersive safari experience in Kenya.
Accommodation
Nairobi:
We’ll spend the first night Nairobi. Hotel information will be provided closer to departure, but you can expect a comfortable stay.
Tsavo Conservation Area:
We’ll stay at the Tsavo Trust Community Lodging. A simple, yet comfortable bush guesthouse which ensures we’re as close as possible to the project sites of Tsavo Trust and offer ample opportunity to directly engage with the community operating the lodge. The lodge is operated by the community and thus our stay directly benefits them. Additionally, the lodge features a common living room and bar, and all meals will be catered by a private chef.
Amboseli National Park:
For the remainder of the Expedition we’ll base ourselves at Elewana Tortilis Camp, a beacon of luxury and wilderness immersion.
Elewana Tortilis Camp is an exceptional choice for accommodation in Amboseli, offering an unparalleled blend of aesthetic, conservation, and breathtaking natural beauty. Nestled within a private conservancy on the edge of Amboseli National Park, the camp provides exclusive access to pristine wildlife viewing areas, ensuring a more intimate and tranquil safari experience away from the crowds.
This strategic location not only enhances the quality of wildlife encounters but also supports conservation efforts, as the conservancy model plays a crucial role in protecting the delicate ecosystem and its inhabitants. We have chosen Elewana Tortilis Camp for its steadfast commitment to sustainable tourism and conservation, aligning perfectly with our values and mission.
Guests at Elewana Tortilis Camp can expect an elegant and comfortable stay, with accommodations that epitomise the best of safari luxury. The camp features beautifully designed tents with en-suite bathrooms, king-sized beds, and private verandas offering stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro. Additionally, the camp offers exceptional amenities, including a swimming pool, gourmet dining experiences, and warm, personalized service, ensuring an unforgettable stay in the heart of Amboseli.
Double/twin rooms allocated based on friends or couples sharing, or by gender for solo travellers. (Single rooms are subject to availability, and a supplement applies; please inquire for pricing details.)
Photography & Editing
This trip is about helping you to elevate your connection to nature and to hone your visual skills. For us, we do photographic trips because we want to inspire our guests to look at the world in a different way and to encourage you to share your own vision for telling stories of nature through photography.
As instructors our style is very much participatory and curated for each individual student. We'll teach you our distinct methodology for creating aesthetic and artistic portraits of animals that tell a story and connect to important topics like conservation and protecting nature.
You don't have to be a professional photographer and you don't need any real photography experience. You can come to learn from the start if you like and we'll be sure to spend the extra time with you to ensure you can enjoy each wildlife encounter, but also be able to capture incredible portraits with your camera as well.
Daily editing sessions and lessons will enable you to transform your photos into images with impact, whether you’re editing for artistic or documentary purposes, we’ll teach you our approach to post-processing.
There's no better way to learn than by doing and we’re excited to be your coach out in the field.
What you’ll learn:
The best approaches for setting your camera and optimizing your workflow to capture wildlife and conservation portraits.
Best practices for many different lighting scenarios and specifically how to get the most out of your camera in low light.
How to read animal behaviour and anticipate movements in order to create striking compositions across various landscapes and terrain.
How to see differently in order to capture unique compositions and portraits of subjects that truly help you connect with the essence of their character. This is especially important with large savannah animals, which you will experience firsthand.
Mastery of post-processing techniques for creating balance and consistency across your entire portfolio. Going beyond just editing, we'll go through our entire outlook on visual advocacy and the power of editing to bring out the character or any subject. We'll take a deep dive into the power of editing and we'll help you develop your own approach.
You'll learn how to experience nature through photography. An immersion into the bush.
What is the vibe?
You can expect the atmosphere to be a balance of light-hearted moments and outbursts of laughter mixed with intimate and often emotional connectivity with nature, shared and experienced with a group of like-minded people who you will soon call your friends.
Every trip we've ever hosted has resulted in connections that go far beyond the time we spend together. I mean, hey, we all love animals and nature, so of course, we're going to get along!
Conservation Partner
This trip is not only about photography of the wildlife - it's about understanding and giving back. We connected with Tsavo Trust in 2018 and were immediately impressed by their ties to the local communities and field-based approach.
These folks are truly making a difference.
A key component of the expedition will be spending two days with our friends at Tsavo Trust learning about their conservation practices, community program, and Big Tusker project across the Tsavo Conservation Area.
Closed to the public, our visit to their project site is a truly unique, behind the scenes, experience.
During these two days at the start of the workshop, you'll cultivate a deeper respect for the bush, which will make the trip overall so much more meaningful.
Costs
The total price for the 9 day / 8 night trip is
€8950 per person
50% deposit is required to secure your place. Final payment is due 60 days before departure.
Payment plans are available, please inquire.
Included:
Pick up at the airport or you hotel on day 1.
All meals (fully plant-based) and accommodation for the duration of the expedition - 1 night in Nairobi, 2 nights in Tsavo and 5 nights at Elewana Tortilis Camp.
All road transfers between locations.
Conservation fees Tsavo & Amboseli National Park.
Donation & staff tips Tsavo Trust.
Drop off at the airport or your hotel on the last day.
Excluded:
Airfare to/from Nairobi Airport.
Travel insurance (required).
Alcoholic beverages.
Tips at Elewana (suggested $300).
Itinerary
Each day we'll adjust the schedule depending on wildlife opportunities that we become aware of, the weather, and the desires of the group to explore the landscape.
Our usual schedule will involve taking advantage of the early morning and late afternoon to photograph the wildlife in the best light. During the heat of the day, we’ll either spend time inside reviewing and editing our photos, or you’re free to relax by the pool, in your room etc.
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Day 1: You should plan to arrive to Nairobi on day 1 of the trip or any day beforehand. We’re happy to suggest hotels if you plan to arrive the day before or earlier. If you arrive on day 1, please arrive before 5pm so you can join the welcome dinner.
The journey begins when we meet at our hotel accommodation on the first day in Nairobi. We'll get the chance to meet as a group, get together for dinner, and speak about our plan for the exciting days ahead! (Hotel details provided in pre-trip briefing.)
Day 2: We’ll depart Nairobi early and transfer by road to Tsavo Trust. We’ll arrive around mid-day. We’ll settle into our accommodations before being welcomed for lunch. After lunch, our hosts will properly introduce themselves and give us an introduction into their operations. In the late afternoon we’ll go out for a game drive and sundowner to get to know each other better.
Day 3: We’ll spend the whole day with the Tsavo Trust team, we’ll be introduced to the rangers protecting the Tsavo Ecosystem and we’ll speak firsthand to the communities that call the region home. We’ll gain a true understanding of the dynamics at play in the Tsavo Conservation Area and we’ll learn all about human and wildlife coexistence.
Day 4: After breakfast we’ll transfer by road to Elewana Tortilis Camp, in the heart of Amboseli National Park. We’ll get there just in time for lunch and afterwards we’ll settle into our accommodations. We’ll have a little bit of time to relax before setting out on our first game drive. Upon return, dinner will be served.
Day 5-8: Each day we’ll head out into the bush, mainly by car, but occasionally on foot. We’ll play it by ear depending on wildlife sightings, weather and the overall vibe of the group. We’ll either head out in both the morning in afternoon, or we’ll pack lunch and spend the whole day out. Daily editing lessons/sessions will be either between game drives of after dinner. There will be plenty of time also the relax by the pool or take a cheeky nap in your room.
Day 9: We’ll head out for a final (short) game drive before being transferred back to Nairobi. We’ll drop you at either the airport or your next hotel. Make sure not to book your flight out not too early, anytime 4pm onwards is fine.
Questions?
Check out our FAQ. If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, feel free to reach out and contact us on info@atlas1expeditions.com or via instagram @atlas1expeditions. We’re happy to help!
