Please turn your volume up. The music is nice.
Video with thanks to one of my guests, Amy Sender, who filmed all the scenes using just an iPhone
Join me for an experience of a lifetime
***Now taking bookings for March, June and October 2024***
The quality of animal sightings and the photographic opportunities in the Maasai Mara are second to none. This is because of both the abundance of animals in the Mara and, with the appropriate guides and permits, the ability to go “off-road”. As such, a Maasai Mara Safari will ensure that you are always up close and personal with the animals, no matter where they are. This is unlike most other national parks in Africa where you have to stick to the roads.
A Maasai Mara Safari is certainly an experience that you will never forget.
I am a passionate wildlife lover and a competent, award winning wildlife photographer. I regularly arrange small groups of both photographers and non-photographers to accompany me on a guided Safari in the Mara staying at the Oltepesi Tented Safari Camp. Typically these groups are a maximum of 4 people, including myself. However, larger groups of families and friends travelling together are also possible.
My aim is to arrange groups of fellow wildlife and/or photography enthusiasts to accompany me on a hosted Safari in the Mara, as often as possible. It’s a great experience and I love sharing it with others. I will assist you with all the logistics related to the trip and ensure that your stay in the Mara is a memorable one.
So, if you are looking for a personal, full-on, dawn to dusk Maasai Mara experience, then this Safari is for you!
If, however, you are looking for an experience that is more luxurious and relaxing, perhaps with multiple destinations in Africa, please see my African Safari Adventures page.
Oltepesi Tented Safari Camp
There are many camps to stay at in the Maasai Mara, ranging from very basic tent accommodation to luxurious lodges with pools.
I choose to stay at the Oltepesi Tented Safari Camp and all the images on this website were taken while on Safari with Oltepesi.
Oltepesi Tented Safari Camp is a specialist photographic safari camp in the Maasai Mara, founded in 2017 by award winning Norwegian wildlife Photographer Arnfinn Johansen, together with his Maasai partner John Siololo.
The camp is impeccably clean and comfortable but has no frills like swimming pools or lounges overlooking a river. This is because at Oltepesi, you are out all day on Safari!
The accommodation is in the form of large tents, each with two double beds as well as its own private bathroom and shower facility. There is a communal dining room and lounge.
The food, particularly dinner which is typically the only meal eaten in the camp, is outstanding ! Breakfast and lunch is picnic style and is enjoyed in the bush.
The Oltepesi experience is designed to meet the needs of professional wildlife photographers, nature photo enthusiasts and wildlife lovers.
Oltepesi offers the very best guides in the Maasai Mara who all have many years experience working with nature photographers.
With the abundance of Maasai Mara wildlife and photographic opportunities, the best guides to get you into position, off-road permits (optional but very highly recommended) and specially modified vehicles for low-angle photography, Oltepesi clients have taken many award winning images.
For the best possible experience, the camp offers full-day game drives to ensure that you are always out in the very best light.
The Cost
On the assumption that there are at least 2 guests, plus myself, the cost for 7 nights/8 days is around US$3,850 per person. This price includes :
- Transfers between Mara Olkiombo Airstrip and the camp
- Accommodation in your own safari tent with ensuite bathroom at Oltepesi Tented Safari Camp
- Food and drinks, full board (alcohol is extra)
- Private safari vehicle specially modified for photography and for your exclusive use
- Full day safaris. Returning to camp during the day would only be if you want to
- Professional and highly skilled Maasai guide
- Reserve fee for Maasai Mara National Reserve
- Off-road permit
- Photographic tuition and Adobe Lightroom workshops, if required
- Assistance and advice on local flights to/from the Mara and pre/post safari accommodation and travel planning
- A guaranteed great time
This price does not include :
- International flight to Nairobi and domestic flight to Mara Olkiombo Airstrip
- Taxi/Transportation in Nairobi (can be arranged)
- Hotel in Nairobi (if needed)
- Travel insurance and cancellation insurance
- Any costs of personal matters, tips and gratuities and other expenses not specified as included
To help you with some planning, please see this suggested 8 day/7 night Safari itinerary.
For more information about Oltepesi and to request a very detailed brochure, please get in touch.
Planned Trips
For remainder of 2023, I have the following Safaris planned :
Sept 25th to October 2 – Fully Booked
Oct 3rd to Oct 10 – Fully Booked
Oct 11th to Oct 18th – Fully Booked
For 2024, I have the following Safaris planned :
Feb/Mar 2024 – Room for 1 person between 19th Feb and 4th Mar and for 2 people between 5th and 12th Mar
I am holding tents from Jun 7th to 30th 2024 – lots of availability at this stage.
I am holding tents from Oct 1st to 30th 2024 – lots of availability at this stage.
Please contact me if you are interested in joining and I will send you all the information.
