Revel in an exciting Kenya photo safari in search of leopards, while staying at a delightful small lodge in the heart of the arid landscapes of the Laikipia Plateau.
Laikipia is one of Kenya’s best kept secrets, but in recent years it has become renowned for its population of leopards. In fact, there's one particular leopard, a melanistic cat, which has caused quite a stir. With this in mind, we're delighted to offer this dedicated photography safari focussing on these big cats. Ol Gaboli Lodge is a small and intimate property, making it the perfect place to base ourselves for twice-daily game drives to maximise photographic opportunities.
The black leopard requires specialist permits, and we're pleased to be offering this safari with six game drives (three mornings and three afternoons) in her territory, while the remaining game drives are in search of the region's plethora of other sought-after species.
Alongside leopards, the area's well known for an incredible diversity of other species. For those of you that have enjoyed a previous African wildlife safari, there are many familiar mammals including African elephant, buffalo, warthog, hippo, spotted hyena and lion, and a number of antelope species, but it's the local specialities that make this area particularly special. We hope to spend time photographing reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, and the semi-desert-adapted Grevy’s zebra.
This unique trip has been timed to coincide with the end of the dry season, meaning vegetation is at its thinnest, allowing for the best chances to find and photograph the wildlife. If we're particularly lucky, as well as those species already mentioned, there are sometimes opportunities to see African wild dog, striped hyena and even aardwolf, while the magnificent birdlife only adds further chances to build on an already impressive portfolio.
Typical Itinerary
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Day 1:
Fly to Nairobi
Today, we fly to Nairobi arriving in the evening. We're met at the airport and transferred to our nearby accommodation.
Accommodation: Airport Hotel, 1-night
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Day 2:
Transfer to Laikipia & Arrive at Ol Gaboli Lodge
This morning after breakfast, we're met and transferred overland to Ol Gaboli Lodge on the Laikipia Plateau. We've opted for a vehicle transfer to guarantee that everyone has the ability to bring all the camera gear they need, ensuring there are no limitations as per a light aircraft flight.
Upon our arrival at the lodge, there's the chance to relax and unpack before dinner, enjoying our first meal in the stunning surrounds of Laikipia.
Accomodation: Ol Gaboli Lodge, 7-nights
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Days 3-8
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Laikipia Plateau
We have six full days to explore and photograph the wildlife of Laikipia. As typical with an African safari, we enjoy two game drives a day as we go in search of the region’s exceptional wildlife.
Each morning, rising before dawn, we enjoy tea and coffee (as well as a light bite) before heading out on our first game drive of the day. For many, the highlight of visiting the area is the resident black leopard, for which the area has become well known. With this in mind, we enjoy six dedicated game drives in search of this big cat - three morning and three afternoon safaris.
The Laikipia Plateau is home to an incredible wealth of Kenya's wildlife beyond the black leopard. Many familiar species including elephant, buffalo, spotted hyena, plains zebra, lion and hippo can be seen with relative ease, while there are also regional specialities. We endeavour to find and photograph the rare Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe and Beisa oryx. Our photography expert Bret Charman is on hand throughout to work with the local guides, but also help you to get the most out of the wildlife sightings. Our local guides have a wealth of knowledge of the local wildlife, and will endeavour to share their unrivalled expertise.
Leaving in the afternoon, as the heat of the day dies away, we enjoy our second game drive of the day. Making the most of the exceptional evening light, we maximise the photographic opportunities afforded to us, particularly of the large mammals. However, there's an array of fabulous birdlife in the area, so as chances arise, we can spend time adding to our portfolio.
As we return to the lodge, there may also be the opportunity to search for nocturnal wildlife such as striped hyena, the charming zorilla, and if we're extremely lucky, aardvark and aardwolf.
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Day 9:
Depart Laikipia Plateau & Return to Nairobi for Departure
After one last morning drive in the Laikipia Plateau, we return to Nairobi and transfer to the airport. On arrival, we check-in for our return international flight back to the UK.
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Day 10:
Arrive in the UK
