I have just returned from a three week safari in Kenya. The adventure started off with one of my favourite safaris in the country. Hides and Helicopters in the South Rift Valley. This is a four night stay at Lentorre Lodge where my guests and I enjoyed nights photographing in the hide and days in the sky photographing from a helicopter.
This amazing stay was followed by an exciting week in our camp in the Masai Mara. Our newest guide, Daniel Greyvenstein, met me there and co-hosted that week with me. What a high energy and action packed week this was, and let's not forget about the daily belly cramping laughs. Thanks again to all the guests that join us and made this week one for the books.
This was only my second safari in Kenya this year, crazy I know! Non the less, the time spent there was a perfect reminder as to why I love this country so very much.
Apart from the crazy sightings each day, it is the people that really make it. Do you agree? Let me know in the comments.
That said, the two part video you'll see below is one in which I chat about the hides and helicopters portion of the tour and Daniel will tell you more about our week in the Masai Mara.
Pretty incredible experience right?
Daniel and I managed to capture some great moments in between assisting our guests with their photographs. Speaking of, Kenya is one of the most divers and prolific destinations for wildlife photography. What I always recommend gear wise is as follows.
- Two camera bodies (eliminate changing lenses in dusty environments).
- 70-200mm f/2.8 is the go to for hides & helicopters portion but is also the perfect all rounder on any trip to show off animals in their environment.
- 400mm or greater for a stay in the Masai Mara as animals can be quite a way off at times.
- A wide angle (at least 24-70mm) is always good to have in your bag for when moments with a big heard of elephant/giraffe/anything really, presents themselves close to you with the endless plains and massive cloudy mara skies as a back drop. Trust me, it really sucks when this happens and you cannot shoot wide.
That all said, lets look at a few magical moments captured.
Hides & Helicopters by Michael Laubscher
Great Migration by Daniel Greyvenstein
As I reflect on this unforgettable journey, witnessing the awe-inspiring Great Migration from every breathtaking angle, I am reminded of the beauty and raw power of nature in its purest form. The combination of close encounters at ground level from the hides and the sweeping aerial views from the helicopter made this safari a truly immersive experience as it had been for us many times in the past.
I always say "It will only truly understood once experience". I say this now because it's one thing to read about the migration, watch videos, see images, listen to stories etc. It's entirely different to live it, feeling the earth rumble beneath the hooves of thousands of wildebeest and seeing the vast plain covered with what looks like ants.
This adventure has left me, Daniel and our guests with memories that will last a lifetime, and I hope it inspires you to embark on your own wild journey into the heart of Africa.
Until then, Be blessed.
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