LOCATION

Location
KENYA

Group Size
Max 3 (Min 3)

Single
No Additional Cost

Tour Leader
Victor Soares

Deposit
£1600

Summary
Mara North Conservancy is one of Kenya’s top wildlife destinations, located in the greater Maasai Mara ecosystem. Covering over 70,000 acres, it features open savannahs, rolling hills, acacia woodlands, and riverine forests, offering stunning landscapes and incredible backdrops for photography. Unlike the busy Maasai Mara National Reserve, Mara North is quieter and more exclusive, making it perfect for intimate wildlife encounters.
The conservancy is home to a wide range of animals. You’ll find big cats like lions, leopards, and cheetahs, along with elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, and various species of antelope. While rhinos are rare, the area is still considered part of the Big Five region. Bird lovers will enjoy spotting over 450 bird species, including eagles, rollers, hornbills, and the colorful lilac-breasted roller.
Mara North isn’t just about wildlife — it’s also a success story in community-led conservation. The land is leased from local Maasai families, providing them with income while protecting the natural habitat and wildlife. This partnership ensures both cultural preservation and sustainable tourism.
Day 1 - Travel to Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta Airport (NBO), Kenya
We depart on route to our initial destination in Kenya using whichever airport makes more sense for our trip. This is usually an overnight flight from the UK or from the USA.
From Europe:
Direct flights from major European hubs such as London, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, and Paris typically take 8 to 9 hours to reach Nairobi. Several airlines offer overnight flights, allowing you to rest and arrive ready to begin your adventure.
From North America:
Flights from the East Coast (e.g., New York or Washington, D.C.) to Nairobi usually involve a short layover in Europe or the Middle East, with total travel time averaging 13 to 18 hours. From the West Coast (e.g., Los Angeles or San Francisco), expect a journey of around 21 hours, depending on connections.
Day 2: Arrival in Kenya and Hotel Transfer
We’ll be met at Nairobi Airport by our friendly drivers and transferred directly to our hotel in Nairobi. This is a time for rest and preparation so we’ll settle in and rest, ready for a full introduction to our journey the next morning.
Accommodation: Hotel in Nairobi, single rooms
Day 3: Transfer to the Maasai Mara North Conservancy
We start the day with an early breakfast, meet the other participants and receive and a briefing from the Focused On Wildlife guide about the exciting journey ahead. Then we prepare for a short 15-minute transfer to Wilson Airport, where we board our chartered flight to the Maasai Mara North Conservancy. The direct flight takes just under an hour, delivering us straight into the heart of the wilderness.
Upon arrival at camp, we’re welcomed with a short introduction, followed by lunch and a bit of time to rest. In the afternoon, we head out for our first game drive, soaking in the golden light as the sun begins to set. As dusk gives way to night, we return to camp under the stars—just in time to freshen up, enjoy drinks, and gather for a well-earned dinner.
Accommodation: Luxury Lodge in Mara North, single room
Days 4-10: Safari, Photography, Adventure
Over the next seven days, we begin early everyday — setting out before sunrise to catch the magical transition from darkness to dawn. Our goal is to find compelling subjects to photograph in the soft, golden morning light.
Once we’ve made the most of the early light, we pause for a picnic-style bush breakfast, taking in the sights and sounds of the wilderness. Back at camp, there’s time to relax, freshen up, enjoy a leisurely lunch, and perhaps sip a refreshing drink. Later, we head out again for a late afternoon game drive, capturing the landscape and wildlife as the day fades into evening—returning to camp after sunset for a hearty dinner and drinks under the stars.
During any downtime, or when we arrange to, we will engage in collaborative group image reviews and editing presentations to help sharpen your skills both in photography and post-production..
Accommodation: Luxury Lodge in Mara North, single room
Day 11: Final Morning and Departure
On our final morning in the Mara, we’ll head out for one last game drive—once again making the most of the early light and any final photographic opportunities. Around midday, we’ll board our private chartered flight back to Nairobi for your onward flight home.
Day 12: Arrive home
After an overnight journey, we’ll arrive home—carrying with us the vivid memories of the magical Mara. The sights, sounds, and moments shared will remain etched in our minds, lasting long after the dust has settled and serving as a lasting reminder of an unforgettable adventure.
What To Expect
What to bring (this will not be provided by your host)
Your photographic equipment - check recommendations
Any medication you may need for the duration of the tour.
Binoculars
A torch
Walking during the trip
There may be some walking during walking safaris. Most of the trip is done in a safari vehicle so not much walking at all.
Transportation
All transfers are included as indicated. International flights not included. Regional flights are not included.
Food
Meals and drinks are included
Photographic Experience
Whatever your knowledge and experience, you are welcome! All levels of photography are catered for.
PLEASE NOTE:
Schedule flight times are subject to change depending on the routing of the aircraft - this is out of our control
Charter and schedule flights are subject to change and to fuel surcharges
We reserve the right to review quoted rates in the event of currency exchange rate fluctuation or increases in costs/taxes/park fees that are beyond our control
Please ensure that you travel with comprehensive holiday and medical insurance
Please ensure that your passport does not expire within 6 months from your travel date
IMPORTANT
Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance – it is a requirement when booking on any wildlife photography tour or workshop scheduled by Victor Soares Photography & Tours that you have adequate travel insurance, we suggest a policy from a reputable supplier which you may already be using.
Equipment Insurance
It is critical that your photographic equipment be adequately insured before you embark on any holiday where you take your equipment with you. Our tours are no different. These tours can sometimes involve venturing into remote, & sometimes unpredictable environments where accidents & unexpected incidents occur. We recommend insurance against theft, loss, or damage, ensuring your investment is safeguarded.
Wildlife photography involves capturing unique & irreplaceable moments, where any unforeseen mishap could result in significant monetary losses. By insuring your equipment, you can enjoy peace of mind, knowing that you’re covered in case of any unfortunate events, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring world of wildlife & capture stunning photographs without worry.
12 Days | £7990pp
Booking Details
Dates
31 May - 10 June 2026 - Available
Tour Leader: Victor Soares
Group Size: Max 3 (Min 3)
Cost: from £7990pp
Deposit: £1600
Single Suppliment: No Cost
Meeting: Jomo Kenyatta International (Kenya)
Highlights
Offbeat Mara Camp, nestled within Kenya’s exclusive Mara North Conservancy, offers an intimate and authentic safari experience that seamlessly blends rustic charm with exceptional wildlife encounters.
Only 3 people in the group, allowing for maximun comfort and attention
Exclusive use vehicle for our group—each person will have their own row
Dedicated attention and guidance from a UK based, Focused On Wildlife, professional wildlife photographer for the duration of your stay.
Single accommodation at no additional cost.
En-suite bathrooms feature traditional bucket showers, cedarwood beds, and private verandas overlooking the bush.
Guests can enjoy unlimited day and evening game drives and guided bush walks.
The camp’s unfenced design allows for close encounters with resident wildlife, including the renowned Offbeat Pride of lions .
Running with the Maasai (optional, included)
Hot air balloon safaris (optional, excluded)
Cultural visits to nearby Maasai villages and schools. (optional, excluded)
Included
JKIA Meet and assist
Transfer from JKIA to Hotel in Nairobi
1 Night’s accommodation at Nairobi Hotel
Transfer from Hotel to Wilson’s Airport
Flight from Wilson’s Airport to Mara North Airstrip
Mara North airstrip transfers
9 Night’s Full board accommodation at Off Beat Mara Camp
All drinks (except Champagne)
Exclusive use vehicle
Unlimited game drives
Bush breakfasts, picnic lunches, sundowners and bush dinners
Guided safari walks
Running with the Masai
Laundry
Flight from Mara North Airstrip to Wilson Airport
Transfer from Wilson Airport to JKIA
Excluded
Any flights (international, regional or local), unless specifically specified
Off-site accommodation before or after the tour
Personal travel insurance - recommended
Property insurance - recommended
Items of personal nature.
Staff gratuities.
Optional safari extensions.
Balloon Safaris (price on request)
Anything not specifically mentioned in the "included" section above.
Recommended
Your photographic equipment of choice
one or two camera bodies (personal choice)
a telephoto lens (300mm - 500mm) + a Teleconverter
a wide lens (24mm or less) - for landscape or astronomy (personal choice)
an intermediate lens (24-105 is perfect)
A tripod/beanbag (although it is not specifically necessary)
A rain cover for camera/lens
A pair of binoculars
A pair of comfortable walking boots (for bush walks)
Weatherproof clothing (just in case)
Travel insurance
Camera insurance
Downloads
Mara North Conservancy is one of Kenya’s top wildlife destinations, located in the greater Maasai Mara ecosystem. Covering over 70,000 acres, it features open savannahs, rolling hills, acacia woodlands, and riverine forests, offering stunning landscapes and incredible backdrops for photography. Unlike the busy Maasai Mara National Reserve, Mara North is quieter and more exclusive, making it perfect for intimate wildlife encounters.
The conservancy is home to a wide range of animals. You’ll find big cats like lions, leopards, and cheetahs, along with elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, and various species of antelope. While rhinos are rare, the area is still considered part of the Big Five region. Bird lovers will enjoy spotting over 450 bird species, including eagles, rollers, hornbills, and the colorful lilac-breasted roller.
Mara North isn’t just about wildlife — it’s also a success story in community-led conservation. The land is leased from local Maasai families, providing them with income while protecting the natural habitat and wildlife. This partnership ensures both cultural preservation and sustainable tourism.
O V E R V I E W
T O U R D A T E S
31 May - 11 June 2026

JKIA Meet and assist
Transfer from JKIA to Hotel in Nairobi
1 Night’s accommodation at Nairobi Hotel
Transfer from Hotel to Wilson’s Airport
Flight from Wilson’s Airport to Mara North Airstrip
Mara North airstrip transfers
9 Night’s Full board accommodation at Off Beat Mara Camp
All drinks (except Champagne)
Exclusive use vehicle
Unlimited game drives
Bush breakfasts, picnic lunches, sundowners and bush dinners
Guided safari walks
Running with the Masai
Laundry
Flight from Mara North Airstrip to Wilson Airport
Transfer from Wilson Airport to JKIA
DOWNLOADS
RECOMMENDED
INCLUDED
EXCLUDED
Any flights (international, regional or local), unless specifically specified
Off-site accommodation before or after the tour
Personal travel insurance - recommended
Property insurance - recommended
Items of personal nature.
Staff gratuities.
Optional safari extensions.
Balloon Safaris (price on request)
Anything not specifically mentioned in the "included" section above.
Your photographic equipment of choice
one or two camera bodies (personal choice)
a telephoto lens (300mm - 500mm) + a Teleconverter
a wide lens (24mm or less) - for landscape or astronomy (personal choice)
an intermediate lens (24-105 is perfect)
A tripod/beanbag (although it is not specifically necessary)
A rain cover for camera/lens
A pair of binoculars
A pair of comfortable walking boots (for bush walks)
Weatherproof clothing (just in case)
Travel insurance
Camera insurance