When I was asked to write a few words about my recent experience with Wild-Eye on the Hides and Helicopters tour I jumped at the chance to share my amazing experience in Kenya. This tour allows guests to experience the Wild-Eye Mara Camp as well as visit Lentorre Lodge for amazing hide photography as well as doors off helicopter photography! The ability on this trip to take such a variety of photos is wonderful – night photography, aerial photography, portrait photography, animal in environment photography and the list goes on!!
The tour began in the Masai Mara at the very special Wild-Eye Mara camp. I say special because this was my sixth trip to the Mara but my stay at this camp was unique. The atmosphere at the camp was unlike any other camp I had stayed at…it feels like family – both amongst the Masai managing the camp as well as amongst your fellow traveler's. The time spent in the media tent throughout the day (charging batteries, processing photos, pre-dinner drinks, post-dinner drinks) is fun, entertaining, educational and a chance to make new friends! The experience at the camp itself was one of the top highlights of my trip.
When our six nights at the Wild-Eye Mara Camp were over we took a quick charter flight to Lentorre Lodge to begin our four nights in the overnight hide. The photographic opportunities here are remarkable! A diversity of animals arrive nightly to drink from the waterhole and we simply get to take it in and snap photos! It’s such a privilege to spy on these critters throughout the night when they have no idea you’re there as they go about their business! During our stay we had Impala, Striped Hyena, Leopard, Caracal, Porcupine, Dik Dik, African Wild Cat, African Hare, Cape Buffalo, Waterbuck, plus many different bird species. Another highlight of my trip was to take flight in a helicopter to photograph both wildlife and the amazing lakes of Natron and Magadi! The colors and patterns these lakes create are simply amazing! With the expert guidance of our Wild-Eye guide (Andrew Beck) I was thrilled with the photos I came away with.
Overall I have to say that this was one of my favourite trips I’ve been on and wouldn’t hesitate to book this trip again and again!
Join our next Migration + Hides + Heli's Safari
A one of a kind experience combining Kenya's Great Migration, low level photographic hides and scenic aerial photography over Lake Natron and Lake Magadi to photograph vast flocks of flamingo and other wildlife.
Deep in the heart of the Great Rift Valley, beyond the volcanic lunar landscape surrounding the soda lakes of Magadi and Natron, within the Olkirimatian Conservancy, lies the oasis of Lentorre. We will enjoy exclusive use of the lodge and have exclusive access for 4 nights to the underground photographic hide which attracts a wide variety of wildlife including Leopard and Striped Hyena.
Enjoy a 3 Hour Scenic Flight out of Nairobi
Take to the skies and enjoy a 3 hour doors off scenic flight out of Nairobi to explore the Soda Lakes of the Kenya's South Rift Valley. A Roughly 40 minute taxi will see you exploring Lake Magadi before working your way further South to Lake Natron before finally making your way back to Nairobi.
This activity is the ideal way to spend any down time that you might have in Nairobi before or after your scheduled safari and is most economical when enjoyed by two guests, both seated on the left hand side of the chopper.
