Amboseli & Solio Creative Wildlife Photography
Join us on an extraordinary learning tour to Amboseli and Solio, a journey filled with unparalleled experiences.
About the Expedition
Key Biodiversity Highlights of Amboseli and Solio
This is not just a safari. It is a small-group, creativity-driven wildlife photography workshop designed for
photographers who want to move beyond typical tourist circuits and capture artistic, meaningful, and uniquely
powerful images.
What Makes It Exclusive:
• Ultra-small group of only 3 participants for unmatched space and personal attention
• Photographer-ready 4×4 Land Cruiser modified for stability, comfort, and multiple shooting angles
• Creative-focused methodology including minimalism, silhouettes, motion concepts, storytelling, and
light-driven composition
• Low-crowd routes prioritizing quiet zones and mindful sightings
• Iconic, diverse locations including elephants beneath Kilimanjaro in Amboseli and rhinos with clean
backgrounds in Solio
• Flexible scheduling guided by wildlife behaviour, light, and atmosphere
• Continuous mentorship and on-field creative guidance
Amboseli is globally renowned for its large populations of African elephants, often seen against the dramatic backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro. Other main sightings include lions, cheetahs, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, and wildebeest, offering exceptional wildlife storytelling opportunities.
The ecosystem supports over 400 bird species, including flamingos, pelicans, crowned cranes, secretary birds, and a variety of raptors. Seasonal wetlands create a paradise for both migratory and resident birds.
Amboseli hosts a range of reptiles such as monitor lizards, geckos, and snakes, along with amphibians that thrive in marshy areas, particularly after rains.
The park features acacia woodlands, open savannah grasslands, and swamp vegetation fed by underground water from Kilimanjaro’s glaciers. These diverse plant communities sustain
the entire food web.
Photographers may encounter elusive species like caracal, serval cat, and hyena interactions.Amboseli is also known for “super tusker” elephants with exceptionally large ivory.
The landscape includes dry lake beds, wetlands, savannah plains, and acacia forests—creating contrasting textures ideal for cinematic compositions and visual storytelling.
Amboseli plays a crucial role in elephant conservation, supported by long-term research projects and community-driven conservation initiatives that balance wildlife protection with
local livelihoods.
The park’s open terrain allows easy wildlife spotting and clean compositions. Golden-hour lighting, dramatic dust trails, and Kilimanjaro backdrops make it a dream destination for photographers and filmmakers.
Amboseli is deeply connected with the Maasai community, whose traditional lifestyle and coexistence with wildlife add a powerful human narrative to the experience.
Inclusion
- Accommodation in Amboseli and Solio region
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- All game drives
- Private 4×4 photography Land Cruiser
- Professional safari guide
- Full photography mentorship throughout the workshop
- All park, conservancy, and permit fees
- Bottled drinking water
- Airport pick-up and drop-off in Nairobi
Exclusion
- International Flights(From/to home)
- Visa fees
- Tips and Gratitude’s
- Travel Insurance
- Night Photography Fee
- Personal expenses including laundry, snacks, and extra beverages
Travel Date
- 25-30th July 2027
Things to Carry
Camera
Lenses
Memory Cards
Batteries & Charger
Bean bag
Binocular
Winter Jacket
Valid Passport
Flight Tickets & Booking Receipts
Sun Glasses
Visa
Emergency Contact List
Sunscreen
Vaccination Certificate
ID Proof & Passport Photocopies
Travelling
Jomo - By Road
Route
Nairobi to Nairobi
Start Point
Nairobi Airport
End Point
Nairobi Airport
Duration
6 Days /5 Nights
Equipment recommendations
Camera Bodies - Full-Frame DSLR or Mirrorless.
These cameras perform well in low light and provide excellent image quality and dynamic range.
Suggested Models:
● Canon EOS R5, R6, R3 or Full frame DSLRs
● Nikon Z9,Z8,Z7 II, Z6 III, or Full frame DSLRs
● Sony A7R IV, A1, A9
Lenses - Telephoto Zoom Lenses (for distant wildlife/Birds)
Essential for shooting animals or birds at a distance while maintaining detail and sharpness.
Suggested Options:
● Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM.
● Nikon 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 ED VR.
● Sony 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS.
● Sigma or Tamron 150-600mm f/5-6.3 (for Canon, Nikon, and Sony).
Lenses - Prime Telephoto Lenses (for sharper images and faster aperture)
Ideal for low-light conditions or when you need a fast shutter speed.
Suggested Options:
Canon, Nikon, Sony 400mm f/2.8L
Lenses - For landscapes and environmental wildlife shots
For capturing the broader scene or large animals in their environment.
Suggested Options:
● Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM - Nikon Z 14-30mm f/4 S
● Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 GM
● 70-200mm f/2.8
Additional Accessories
1. Beanbags – For stability when using heavy telephoto lenses.
2. Rain Covers – For camera and lens protection in unpredictable weather.
3. Lens Cleaning Kits – To maintain clarity in outdoor environments.
4. Extra Batteries and Memory Cards
Itinerary
• Nairobi → Amboseli National Park
• Pick-up from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO)
• Drive to Amboseli (approximately 4 hours)
• Check-in at Amboseli Discovery Camp
• Afternoon game drive
• Dinner and overnight stay
• Focus: Orientation, light shooting, and introduction to creative photographic
Techniques
Amboseli – Full Creative Immersion
Guests may choose between a full-day game drive or split morning and afternoon drives.
Training and sessions include:
• Composition using Mount Kilimanjaro
• Techniques for dust-filled scenes
• Silhouette creation
• Night photography
• Creative approaches to elephants, landscapes, and environmental storytelling
• Overnight at Amboseli Discovery Camp.
Amboseli to Solio Game Reserve
• Early morning sunrise game drive
• Breakfast, checkout
• Drive to Solio (approximately 7 hours)
• Check-in at Glamping Mt Kenya Lodge
• Relaxed evening creative session
• Dinner and overnight stay
• Focus: Transitioning from elephants and dramatic landscapes to rhinos and clean,
open plains.
Solio – Rhinos and Plains Photography
• Early morning game drive
• Emphasis on rhinos, lions, golden plains, and clean backgrounds
• Evening session exploring creative lighting techniques
Solio – Full Creative Day
Options include:
• Long morning session with mid-day rest
OR
• Classic morning and sunset drives
• Afternoon game drive in soft golden light
• Optional night photography session at an additional cost of USD 150 per person
• Overnight at Glamping Mt Kenya Lodge.
Solio to Nairobi
• Early morning game drive
• Breakfast
• Drive back to Nairobi (approximately 4 hours)
• Drop-off and end of safari experience
Learning during Wildlife Photography Workshops
As a wildlife photographer and mentor, I aim to provide a comprehensive, hands-on learning experience during my workshops.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the key field learning opportunities participants can expect:
– Optimal use of manual modes for wildlife photography in varying light conditions.
– Techniques to freeze or blur motion effectively (e.g., capturing birds in flight).
– Balancing ISO, aperture, and shutter speed for sharp and detailed images.
– Rule of thirds, leading lines, and creative framing for impactful shots.
– Utilizing foreground, background, and negative space to create depth.
– Approaches to storytelling through composition, focusing on emotions and actions.
– Best practices for shooting during golden and blue hours.
– Managing harsh sunlight, shadows, and contrast in outdoor settings.
– Tips for safely handling cameras and lenses in rugged terrains.
– Cleaning and protecting equipment from dust, moisture, and unexpected weather.
– Proper use of tripods, monopods, and beanbags for stability.
– Techniques for capturing birds in flight or perched in dynamic poses.
– Using high shutter speeds and continuous autofocus for action shots.
– Identifying ideal habitats for rare and exotic bird species.
– Editing techniques using various apps like Photoshop & Lightroom.
– Understanding RAW image workflows and their importance in wildlife photography.
– Enhancing colors, contrasts, and clarity while maintaining authenticity.
Understanding Animal Behavior
– Learn to anticipate animal movements by observing body language, habitats, and behavioral patterns.
Our Camp
- Tours are non-refundable once booked
- Payment in USD only
- Our expert drivers and guides will take care of you inside the park
- Advance payment required to reserve spot
- Don't forget original ID cards for entry
- Follow forest officials' route instructions
- Keep noise levels down, no loud equipment allowed
Note:
● Valid Passport (6+ months validity)
● Visa approval (if needed)
● Travel & Medical Insurance (incl. emergency evacuation)
Workshop Cost
- $4146
Per Participant
Note:
● Cost allocated based on 4 participants in a land Cruiser
● Costing is based on the availability of Resorts & tariffs.
● Costing may vary in case there is any mid term price change either by Resort/Park
- 50% as booking amount
- 50% before 30 days of the Expedition.
Personalized Mentorship
Tailored guidance based on each participant's skill level and gear.
Exclusive Experiences
Access to unique wildlife destinations and rare opportunities for sightings.
Lifelong Learning
Practical skills that extend beyond the workshop into independent ventures
Embark on a visual journey with me, Gyana Mohanty, where every image is a doorway to the extraordinary. Let the magic of the wild unfold before your eyes!
