Kenya Photography Guide – Photogenic Experiences + Locations

Pictures Experiences and Areas in Kenya

Have you ever ever wished to {photograph} the Maasai Mara, expertise Kenyan tradition and dramatic landscapes the place elephants roam beneath the tallest peaks in Africa?

*All imagery provided by Laura Merz.

Let’s take a photogenic journey by means of Kenya with journey and wildlife photographer, Laura Merz. Calling Nairobi house for the previous three years, Laura’s insights are invaluable for anybody planning to go to Kenya with their digicam. Her work affords a vibrant peek on the potential experiences you might get pleasure from and {photograph} when exploring the landscapes, wildlife and tradition of this vibrant nation on the japanese coast of Africa.

From the second I set foot in Kenya three years in the past, I fell in love with the heat and vibrancy of the tradition. The juxtapositions of cultures and explosion of colors are a deal with for any artistic to expertise. The toughest a part of planning a visit right here is selecting which area to deal with first! The nation has a wealth of various experiences relying on the place you go and what you’d wish to see – any of those areas is usually a journey on it’s personal, or they are often blended into an extended expertise.

Photographers in search of the very best locations to go for unforgettable sights and artistic alternatives are going to wish to plan your journey in another way than the informal vacationer headed out on their first safari. With that in thoughts, I’ve compiled an inventory of my favourite areas and a few useful tricks to seize memorable photographs of your time in Kenya.

#1 Nairobi

Kenya’s capital is a mixture of cultures, an evolving experiment in retaining traditions alive within the trendy world. Round one nook you’ll discover a Maasai warrior sipping a latte, whereas on the following avenue you’ll discover Indian eating places with essentially the most scrumptious curries. On the Metropolis Market you’ll discover limitless stalls of baskets and handicrafts brings a daring dose of color into your photographs, whereas the butcher outlets and flower stands are at all times stuffed with motion. Town is alive with the hustle and bustle of enterprise and the boldly painted “matatus” (metropolis busses) that clog streets and pace by means of intersections. Simply outdoors of town, you’ll discover vibrant glass studios, bronze artisans, potters, and art work made from recycled supplies.

Whereas Nairobi is a superb place to follow avenue pictures, there are a number of vital “do and don’ts” when creating pictures within the metropolis. The federal government has lifted restrictions on pictures permits within the Central Enterprise District, however photographing authorities buildings continues to be prohibited. Click on to see map of Authorities Buildings the place pictures is prohibited. It’s additionally best to create pictures early on the weekends when enterprise is slower and you’ll stroll round with fewer crowds.

Personally, my favourite locations to {photograph} are roadside outlets stuffed with baskets and carved furnishings. You could find these alongside the primary roads within the Nairobi suburbs, reminiscent of Karen and Gigiri, the place you’ll be able to pull off the highway and store on foot. It’s at all times greatest to ask earlier than photographing, however you’ll discover most store homeowners are comfortable to permit pictures so long as you’re making a purchase order.

If town isn’t fairly your vibe, simply thirty minutes north in Tigoni you’ll be able to spend a day strolling by means of rolling inexperienced hills of tea plantations. Reserving a tea tour and lunch is an effective way to immerse your self on this space the place the air feels recent and clear and the tea pickers within the fields make for an fascinating picture topic. For those who’re fortunate, a colobus monkey will grace you with its presence!

Photograph Tip: It’s typically protected to follow pictures within the metropolis throughout the day, however like several large metropolis crimes of alternative are frequent. Be ready that some folks will wish to negotiate a value so that you can take their {photograph}, and the straightforward act of pulling out an costly digicam means you’ll be a goal for individuals who wish to promote you issues – or choose your pockets. Most individuals are very pleasant and useful however do your due diligence and examine along with your resort or tour operator for any current updates on areas to keep away from. Displaying high-value gadgets like cameras at night time is very discouraged, and also you’ll wish to journey with a information or pal after darkish.

African Elephants, Naboisho Conservancy. Maasai Mara, Kenya

#2 The Maasai Mara

For most individuals, the point out of “Kenya” will conjure up visions of the Maasai Mara. Because of the prolific sport viewing alternatives, distinctive Maasai tradition, and excessive charges of tourism to this space (which connects to the Tanzanian Serengeti) that is possible essentially the most well-known and publicised space in Kenya. An enormous oasis of savannah and bush supply limitless alternatives for distinctive animal sightings, vibrant sunrises, and dramatic landscapes. With the arrival of the seasonal rains in April and November, the colors throughout the Mara change drastically from dusty browns and yellows to vibrant greens punctuated by delicate flowers. The wildlife right here modifications too, with infants being born sometimes in January and grazers following the supply of meals all year long.

Planning your journey to this space, identified colloquially as “the Mara,” requires extra than simply choosing a camp to go to. Selecting to remain at a camp in a conservancy versus a location within the Nationwide Reserve will give you completely different photographic alternatives, particularly throughout peak journey seasons. The Nationwide Reserve boasts lovely lodges and lots of distinctive siting alternatives for the informal safari-goer. However relating to pictures, conservancies are virtually at all times the higher alternative. 

I used to be out with my information earlier than dawn, hoping to create a silhouette {photograph} with the morning mild, after we received a name a couple of male lion resting within the open. We raced to the placement, and noticed a number of automobiles forward of us positioned to the best of this picture. However my information knew I wished the dawn to return by means of as backlight and positioned the automotive completely. The lion had been in a pensive, resting state trying in the direction of the solar. However for a quick second he turned to take a look at me, allowed me to fireplace a number of photographs, after which received up and left – I had the one picture of this wonderful scene at this vantage level. This male and his brother had been seeking to broaden their territory and had been pushing dangerously near a rival delight. Inside per week, he could be killed in a territorial dispute. Naboisho Conservancy, Maasai Mara, Kenya. 2022.

Conservancies are a novel community of lands typically owned and managed by tribal and/or eco-conservation teams with the goal of defending wildlife whereas offering financial alternative for the native inhabitants. This implies whenever you keep on a conservancy, you’re not solely supporting animal conservation efforts, you might be paying a small nightly payment which helps to empower the indigenous communities that stay on these lands. That is all great after all, however what does this should do with pictures?

As a result of they’re regionally managed, conservancies set their very own guidelines for occupancy restrictions that means smaller crowds, they usually have strict guidelines about approaching wildlife in a respectful manner. Additionally they mean you can be out earlier within the morning and later at night time for sport drives. These small modifications make for an unlimited distinction within the kinds of pictures you’ll be able to create!

Maasai Mara, Kenya.

Getting your automotive into place properly earlier than dawn, or staying out previous darkish make it simpler to create epic dawn and silhouette photographs. You’ll additionally be capable of go off highway to see animals – not allowed within the Nationwide Reserve – for up shut encounters and distinctive vantage factors. Automobile restrictions imply you’ll by no means be with quite a lot of different automobiles, and the animals are usually extra comfy consequently. It is a enormous distinction from the crush of 30+ automobiles that may be discovered at prime sightings within the Reserve.

Whereas conservancies are my go-to advice for pictures, the exception is a go to to the well-known Wildebeest Migration, which occurs between July and September alongside the river between Kenya and Tanzania. A number of the greatest view factors are on the Nationwide Reserve, however many camps in conservancies can organize to take you to view the migration with superior planning.

Maasai Mara Nationwide Reserve, Kenya – The migration of wildebeest throughout the Mara river is a yearly phenomenon that’s incomparable. For those who can tune out the lots of of automobiles round you, the sight of the animals kicking up mud within the river is really breathtaking. It’s impactful and shifting to know the idea that these animals should face grave hazard as a way to discover sufficient meals to proceed their function within the ecosystem.

Photograph Tip: Cultural visits to rural villages supply an opportunity to see how some tribes of Kenya proceed to stay in response to their traditions. Whereas many have adopted western clothes types and trendy housing, the Samburu, Turkana and Maasai tribes are notable exceptions. These teams fluctuate broadly of their openness to outsiders and pictures. Your safari camp or tour firm will help you organize a go to for a day. Nevertheless, in case your pictures objectives are based round cultural documentation, you’ll wish to take into account becoming a member of a pictures tour that has the best connections for intimate portraits.

#3 Samburu

Samburu, a dry desert atmosphere in Northern Kenya, is house to a placing number of palm tree referred to as “Doum Palms.” The desolate environment and low grasses create pretty environmental wildlife portraits, showcasing the panorama these animals name house. The arid atmosphere creates a novel safari expertise because the solar drenches the rolling hills with gentle pastel sunsets and animals create criss-crossing tracks alongside the sandy roads. Many lodges right here even have pictures hides, which let you await the animals with out sitting out within the warmth of the day.

Samburu is notable additionally for its distinctive wildlife. Whereas many guests come to Kenya for the “Large 5” Samburu is house to a wide range of distinctive wildlife species that can not be present in most different elements of Kenya, such because the reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, Somali ostrich, Beisa Oryx, and the gerenuk. These animals are fascinating to {photograph} since they’ve completely different options than their extra well-known cousins, and supply a special perspective on the pure world.

The dry local weather of Samburu creates dramatic lighting situations which are excellent for pictures, notably throughout dawn and sundown. The nice and cozy, golden mild casts an attractive glow on the panorama, making a pastel impact within the mountains at sunset.

Giraffes Below the Doum Palm Samburu, Kenya – The drum palms are an immediately recognisable function within the dry arid panorama of Samburu. I used to be completely taken with their kind and the shelter they offered to the animals determined for a break from the desert solar. The form of the 2 reticulated giraffes appeared to echo the strains of the bushes and I desperately wished to create this picture – however I used to be too near the scene to make use of my prime lens successfully. I remembered a method I had tried as soon as earlier than, referred to as the Brenezier Technique, and I used to be capable of sew collectively eight photographs to create this picture.

Photograph tip: On safari, it’s price carrying a long-range lens (my go-to is the Sigma 150-600mm). You’ll additionally desire a shorter lens with a large aperture for low-light conditions and when animals determine to return proper close to your automotive. For early mornings and late evenings, I virtually at all times use my 24-70mm lens for large panorama photographs, utilizing a -2/3 publicity setting to essentially carry out the deep colors of the sky. Alternatively, taking pictures at +1/3 or +2/3 can provide you a softer morning glow feeling to your pictures.

For those who don’t wish to purchase a lens, take into account renting one for the time you’re touring – it’s definitely worth the expense to have the flexibleness to essentially focus in on the animals and create that dreamy bokeh on the similar time! Renting an additional digicam physique can also be a terrific funding, so that you don’t should be switching lenses and also you’re at all times prepared for “the shot!”

African Elephants, Samburu Nationwide Park, Kenya.

#4 Amboseli

Amboseli is one other favourite amongst guests to Kenya, with the placing backdrop of Kilimanjaro and seemingly limitless herds of elephants. The mud right here – for which Amboseli will get its title – kicks up because the animals stroll, giving a dramatic misty impact to black and white pictures. This area can also be house to lots of Africa’s final “tremendous tuskers” – these elephants have tusks weighing greater than 100 kilos – an actual deal with for anybody desirous to create the right elephant portrait.

With the placing backdrop of Kilimanjaro and the intensive wetlands, this space of Kenya is the right setting for reflection photographs and dramatic vistas of elephants and hippopotamus. The park additionally has a number of seasonal lakes that entice a wide range of hen species, offering photographers and birders with alternatives to expertise an enormous variety of hen species. Amboseli is well accessible from Nairobi, only some hours’ drive from town, making it a great location for photographers who’re quick on time or who wish to mix a go to to the park with different locations within the area.

Elephants below Kilimanjaro, Amboseli, Kenya – I desperately wished to create this shot, however as I realised how tough it could be, I may barely permit myself to hope it would work. For 2 days, we waited however the cloud cowl on Mount Kilimanjaro would fully obliterate the view. Every time the mountain briefly emerged, there have been no elephants to be discovered. When the elephants got here, the mountain would cover once more. Lastly, as we sat having our breakfast within the safari automotive, the weather all got here collectively – I held my sizzling espresso out the window as my driver sped towards the very best vantage level, hoping to not spill it on myself. Nevertheless it was definitely worth the wait when the shot all got here collectively, the elephants on their every day trek by means of this subject beneath Kilimanjaro. I waited to fireplace the shot till the group separated on this kind – with the small group beneath the smaller peak, and the bigger group below the bigger peak. The instructions of their actions and tusks demonstrating each their acquainted connection and but individuality that makes elephants such a captivating species.

I extremely suggest staying at Tawi Lodge, which is idyllic and set by itself watering gap – elephants and giraffe typically come to drink whilst you’re consuming lunch! Tawi can also be set in its personal conservancy the place a few of the largest tuskers roam, permitting you to rise up shut and private for the very best photographic angles of elephants. Don’t neglect to ask them to arrange a “Sundowner” expertise within the bush – some of the memorable experiences you’ll be able to have below Kilimanjaro.

Photograph tip: To create a dramatic shot of elephants, it’s greatest to shoot from a low angle and use a large angle lens. I used to be laying on the ground of my safari car with the door open, as a way to seize this picture of “Craig” from floor degree – he was simply 5 ft away at one level!

#5 The Rift Valley

This space of Kenya is usually ignored by guests, however is properly beloved by locals. A go to to this space leaves you relaxed with sweeping views of mountains, slot canyons, and alkaline lakes stuffed with pink flamingos. There’s even an opportunity to pursue the elusive black leopard. 

Stated to be the birthplace of human civilization – a few of the earliest human stays have been discovered right here – it’s onerous to not really feel the electrical energy of those area as in case your soul is someway related to the deep historical past of this space. The Rift Valley itself spans the complete nation and expands throughout the continent. It has been rising for millennia because the tectonic plates shift, and it may be seen from the highway as you drive to your vacation spot, however it’s most spectacular from the air – almost definitely worth the value of a flight to your vacation spot.Throughout the area, numerous alternatives exist for no matter your photographic needs could also be. Lake Elementaita lately has surpassed the bigger lakes — Nakuru and Naivasha — in recognition attributable to its monumental inhabitants of flamingos. Ol Pajeta is among the first conservancies in Kenya, and now’s house to the final two Northern White Rhinos – a go to to this park will certainly go away a deep impression on you as to how intertwined the lives and fates of human and animal populations actually are.

In Laikipia, black leopards have been re-identified within the final a number of years, and the wild canine inhabitants has returned from a catastrophic brush with canine distemper. Correct planning and a devoted pictures car are required to search out them, so it’s greatest to tell your safari lodge if that is your objective to allow them to advise you on timing and period of your safari!

#6 Diani

No go to to Kenya is full with no go to to the coast. With its historical Swahili tradition, fabulous coral reefs, and white sand seashores, the coast is enjoyable and photogenic for individuals who wish to pursue underwater adventures. Whether or not you wish to go to historical forts entangled with baobob bushes or expertise conventional Dhow boats and snorkel alongside the coral and mangrove bushes, there’s a metropolis on the coast that may meet your wants.

But when underwater pictures is your objective, Diani is a main alternative, providing a excessive density of sea life, fascinating rocky options alongside the shores, a swimmable shoreline with pristine clear waters – and no predators away because of it’s pure coral reef barrier.

Sometimes the seashores in Diani are freed from seaweed, and the water ranges fluctuate drastically all through the day, almost consuming the entire seaside at excessive tide, whereas leaving an unlimited expanse of white sand throughout low tide. Because of its eastern-facing course, the seashores listed below are gorgeous because the pink hues of the early morning bathe the shoreline in color. On particularly calm mornings, the reflections of the tide create a mirror-like impact that’s otherworldly towards the rising solar.

Photograph Tip: The glass-clear waters stay waist-high for a good distance from the shore earlier than you attain the coral reefs, or sandbars, so you might be strolling for a very long time to attempt to attain them by yourself. You possibly can constitution a glass-bottom boat experience from one of many corporations on the seaside to take you to the reefs for the very best snorkeling places. I beloved utilizing my Olympus TG-6, discovering all kinds of distinctive starfish and sea urchins.

This information can solely scrape the floor of all that Kenya has to supply, nevertheless it’s designed to be a launch level from which you’ll be able to create your personalised pictures journey. Kenya has a manner of constructing you fall in love with nature whether or not for the primary time, or once more – I can’t wait so that you can expertise this wonderful place for your self and create the pictures of your goals.

Need extra inspiration and pure magnificence from Laura? You possibly can comply with Laura’s adventures through Instagram @lauramerzphotography or buy any of the photographs shared inside this information or different gorgeous prints through her print retailer. With 10% of gross sales going to the African Parks Community.

American journey and wildlife photographer Laura Merz has been dwelling in Kenya since 2020, and has beforehand made her houses in Argentina and Germany. From a younger age she was concerned about conservation and the humanities, however didn’t know pursue both one professionally. After initially pursuing a “actual job” after college and discovering herself affected by burnout, she began her pictures enterprise and now makes use of her work to help wildlife conservation and empower indigenous populations. In her free time, Laura enjoys a great cup of espresso within the breeze, and travelling the world along with her husband and youngsters.

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