KENYA: TRUE WILDLIFE

How many countries leave you at a loss for words? Rest assured that Kenya will be one of them.

Kenya epitomizes what Africa is all about – that lone acacia tree against an endless horizon, harsh deserts, snow-capped mountains, dense forests and beaches lined with palm trees. Kenya is a country of epic landforms and of the incredible wildlife that will satisfy all of your photographic desires.

Experience true wildlife in Maasai Mara with Tom D. Jones, who’s spent the past eight years documenting and researching his newly premiered exhibitions and book of the same name, True Wildlife.

The Maasai Mara is one of Africa’s National Reserves, sharing this distinction with other parks such as Etosha National Park, Kruger National Park and the Serengeti, to name a few.
Famous for hosting the annual Wildebeest migration, where more than 1.5 million wildebeest travel through the Reserve, the Mara is absolutely teeming with wildlife and offers a unique chance to get up close and personal with said animals, including the famous Big Five: lion, rhinoceros, leopard, African buffalo and African elephant.
So named as they were considered the most difficult game to hunt on foot, this workshop sees you hunt them with your cameras and capture breathtaking imagery sure to leave a lasting impression on both you and whoever you show the images to.

    Highlights

    • Capture the Big Five in their natural habitat
    • Private 4×4 during your photography excursions
    • Capture the great landscape of the eponymous Maasai Mara Savannah
    • Completely unique wildlife photography at the best locations in Kenya
    • Take your photography skills to the next level with Better Moments and Tom D. Jones

Expert TOM D. JONES

More about Tom D. Jones

Tom D. Jones is famous for his fine art photography, for which he has received numerous awards such as  the European Fine Art Photographer Of The Year 2009.
He’s part of the prestigious association Master Qualified European Photographer, and in 2012 he distinguished himself with the well deserved Hasselblad Master Award 2012 in Landscape/Nature.

The True Wildlife workshop is a result of several years of painstaking research and travel in Kenya, which culminated in the exhibition of the same name launching in Belgium in September of 2023.

BEHIND THE SCENES WITH TOM D. JONES

EXPAND WITH PASSION

On Location

  • Learn about wildlife photography techniques in the beautifully remote surroundings of the Kenyan wilderness.
  • Work in different lighting and with short/long exposure and aperture.
  • How to handle equipment with care on location.
  • Private hands-on lessons that can help to take your photography skills to the next level.
  • The secret behind wildlife photography.

In Classroom

  • Expert review and constructive criticism/feedback of the images taken during the day.
  • Portfolio review.
  • Editing workflow.
  • A Better Moments Certified Photo Instructor is available during the entire workshop to offer assistance with camera settings, the basics of composition, guide and help in general.

ITINERARY

 

Day 1: Nairobi – Embarking on a Wildlife Odyssey

GET READY FOR ADVENTURE
Touch down in Nairobi, Kenya’s vibrant capital. After settling in, prepare yourself for an enlightening evening. Post-dinner, delve into the art of wildlife photography with a lecture by the acclaimed Tom D. Jones.

 

Day 2: Into the Heart of the Wild

Begin your journey at dawn, heading to our camp in the Maasai Mara.

Refuel with a hearty lunch at our camp and off at depart at 4 PM for on an evening of wildlife photography in our private 4×4 vehicles.

Following this, enrich your evening with Tom’s presentation on his renowned wildlife series, ‘True Wild Life’.

 

Day 3: In Pursuit of the Big Five

Carry breakfast with you as you depart in the soft morning light, setting out to potentially witness families of elephants or rhinos roaming the savanna.

Return for lunch in our camp, followed by a session of image processing and a review by Tom.
The afternoon promises more exploration, possibly catching glimpses of lions and leopards in the golden sunset.

After dinner, present your images taken so far for constructive image feedback by Tom.

 

Day 4: Reflections of the Wild

The morning is dedicated to photographing predators around watering holes and capturing mesmerizing reflections of zebras as they drink.

After lunch, Tom, with a Better Moments assistant, provides hands-on guidance on optimizing image processing.
As evening descends, you may just spot a leopard silhouette against the blazing African sky.

Nightfall at our camp is marked by local entertainment, with the proud Maasai warriors showcasing their traditions.

Day 5: Marvelling at the Maasai Mara

A full day, with only a short lunch break in our camp, dedicated to blending the breathtaking wild landscapes with wildlife photography.

Our private drivers and guides, along with Tom, will lead us to the locations that he frequently exploits for his unique shots.
Dinner is followed by a lecture from Tom, focusing on the photographs taken during the preceding days.

Day 6: Another Day in Paradise

Embrace the morning by capturing the diverse game of the plains. As you enjoy breakfast on-the-go, relish in the optimal light conditions for photography.

After lunch, we embark on a journey to the iconic Maasai Mara National Reserve. The vast Mara plains await exploration in the afternoon, promising encounters with herds of wildebeest, zebras, and potentially, the elusive leopard.

The day culminates with Tom unveiling his unique post-production techniques, and sharing how he perfects his images.

 

Day 7: Passionate Explorations

Start your morning with a purpose, focusing on locations either yet to be explored or ones we’re drawn back to.
If the morning light is on our side, it’s the perfect setting to capture the area’s abundant birdlife in all its glory.

Lunchtime isn’t just about savoring local delicacies – it’s also a golden opportunity to discuss photo workflows and gain insights on the best photo-editing tools.

In the afternoon, immerse yourself in a balanced blend of wildlife photography and capture the mesmerizing landscapes bathed in the sun’s final radiant hues.
With a little luck, we might spot some of the larger cats perched up in the trees.
After dinner, enjoy an enlightening lecture by Tom as he shares preparations for his upcoming exhibition and introduces his masterpiece, True Wildlife.

Day 8: Farewell to the Wild

Embark on a magical dawn departure from our camp, as we set out in search of majestic Rhinos and Elephants – capturing their morning rituals, whether they are journeying to watering holes or roaming the breathtaking savannah.
This final morning is dedicated to capturing those last, unforgettable moments with our cameras.
As we journey towards Nairobi, savor a delightful lunch at a charming local restaurant.
And as the perfect ending to our adventure, join us for a farewell dinner followed by a special diploma presentation and an evening of camaraderie.

Day 9: Parting is such sweet sorrow

In the morning, departure from Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, carrying memories of a lifetime.

Get Inspiration

Download our Kenya Catalogue!

Including Workshop intinerary, expert interview, quick tips and equipment list

TRAVEL FACTS

Thanks for choosing Better Moments for your workshop.

Facts

  • October 28th – November 5th 2024
  • 9 Days
  • Number of guests: 6-12
Included
  • Specialized 4×4 Safari Vehicle customized for wildlife photography
  • Accommodation in luxury tents and the best hotels
  • All meals
Not included
  • Travel to and from the workshop destination
  • Visa and taxes
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Travel insurance

 

Ask Us

Do you have any questions about the workshop or would you like to go on a private customized tour? Send us an email.

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Price

    • € 9.595 in shared double room.
    • € 9.950  in single room.
    • All prices are per person.
    • INVITE A FRIEND
      Experience the joy of photography with our INVITE A FRIEND initiative! Bring a friend or a special someone along without enrolling them in our workshops and enjoy savings on the total rate, subject to availability.

 

Better Moments is a member of the Travel Guarantee Fund, your guarantee that traveling with Better Moments is a safe experience.

Overview

QUICK GUIDE GETTING THERE

GETTING THERE

Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is Kenya’s largest aviation facility, and the busiest airport in East Africa. It is advised to arrive a day before the workshop to make sure you are well rested for the drive to the camp.

Better Moments will arrange one pickup transfer and one return transfer to the airport on the arrival- and the departure day.

VISA

Single entry visa are issued to persons whose nationalities require visa to enter Kenya as a tourist. For a complete list of visa exemptions, as well as up-to-date information regarding visa fees and requirements, visit: http://evisa.go.ke/single-entry-visa.html

WEATHER

In August/September, the average temperature in Masai Mara ranges from 8 – 25 degrees Celsius. During the Dry season (June-October), the sky is clear and days are sunny. It is advisable to pack warm clothing, as morning game drives in open vehicles will be cold. There is very little rain in most of the country, so these are the least humid months.

LANGUAGE

Kenya is a multilingual country. The Bantu Swahili language and English are widely spoken as lingua franca.

HEALTH

At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the latest country-specific health advice and make sure you have all required vaccinations.

Cholera, malaria, dengue fever and other insect-borne infections occur in Kenya. You should take precautions to avoid being bitten by insects.

CURRENCY

Kenia-Schilling (KES)

QUICK GUIDE

Kenya offers a plethora of activities and experiences for visitors. From thrilling ATV rides along the rugged coast, to star gazing in the desolate wilderness. While much of the country is less developed, urban centres such as the seaside city of Swakopmund provide some great culinary experiences, with antelope and game being a particular highlight.

LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS

Smoking in any public place is prohibited throughout Kenya, except in designated smoking areas. Offenders can face a fine or imprisonment. If in doubt, don’t light up.

Taking photographs of official buildings, including Embassies, can lead to detention. If in any doubt, don’t photograph or film around them. Photography is also prohibited at airports.

You must carry a form of ID with you at all times. A copy of your passport is normally acceptable, but recently some police officers have been insisting on the original document.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
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