Kenya

Travel across Kenya’s legendary parks alongside National Geographic photographers, capturing lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, and breathtaking landscapes while developing your wildlife photography in one of the world’s greatest ecosystems.

Photograph the Wild Heart of Kenya

Lodging · Meals · Field transportation included

2028 Dates TBD | Nairobi, Kenya

Early bird tuition: $10,295 | tuition after July 1: $10,800
Deposit: $4,000

Deposit due upon registration, full tuition due 120 days before the workshop. Workshop limited to 10 participants. 

From the legendary plains of the Maasai Mara to misty mountain forests and thriving wildlife conservancies, Kenya is one of the most extraordinary places on Earth for wildlife photography. Home to iconic species like lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, cheetahs, and countless birds, it offers an incredible diversity of landscapes and photographic opportunities found nowhere else. Join Summit Workshops for an immersive photography expedition through Kenya’s most remarkable ecosystems, where you’ll travel alongside expert instructors, receive personalized guidance in the field, and return home with stronger images, new skills, and unforgettable experiences.

The Safari of a lifetime

From the moment you arrive in Kenya, every detail is designed to let you focus on what matters most: creating incredible photographs and experiencing one of the world’s greatest wildlife destinations. Your expedition includes premium lodging, expert instruction, transportation, and the essential elements needed for a seamless safari experience.

Expert Photography Instruction

Learn alongside Summit’s world-class instructors with daily guidance in the field, personalized feedback, and opportunities to refine your wildlife photography skills in real-world conditions.

Luxury Safari Accommodations

Stay in carefully selected lodges and camps chosen for their comfort, location, and access to incredible wildlife experiences.

Private Safari Vehicles & Local Guides

Travel through Kenya’s most iconic parks and conservancies with experienced local guides who know the landscape, wildlife patterns, and best photographic opportunities.

All Park Fees & Conservancy Access

Gain access to some of Kenya’s most remarkable wildlife areas, including protected parks and private conservancies where unforgettable encounters happen.

All Meals During the Expedition

Enjoy daily meals throughout your journey, allowing you to stay focused on photography, exploration, and the experience around you.

Domestic Transportation Within Kenya

All transportation during the expedition is included, from transfers between destinations to travel between Kenya’s diverse ecosystems.

Small Group Experience

With a limited group size, you’ll receive more individual instruction, more flexibility in the field, and more opportunities to photograph incredible moments without feeling rushed.

A Community of Fellow Photographers

Share this once-in-a-lifetime adventure with a passionate group of photographers who will inspire you, challenge you, and become part of your Summit community long after the expedition ends.

Packed with adventure

Kenya offers some of the world’s most incredible wildlife encounters, but photographing it with Summit takes the experience further. You’ll learn how to create more powerful images while exploring Kenya’s diverse ecosystems alongside expert photographers who know how to capture the beauty, behavior, and stories of the wild.

With a small group of just 10 photographers, you’ll receive personalized instruction, meaningful time in the field, and the flexibility to slow down and make the most of every encounter. From sunrise game drives to evening image reviews, every moment is designed to help you grow as a photographer while connecting with a community that shares your passion.

This isn’t just a safari, it’s a photography experience you’ll carry with you long after you return home.

topics we will cover

Wildlife photography

Wildlife photography

Travel photography

Travel photography

Conservation storytelling

Conservation storytelling

Landscape photography

Landscape photography

Adventure Is Better Together

The wildlife you’ll photograph in Kenya is unforgettable, but it’s often the people you travel with who make the experience truly special.

At Summit Workshops, every expedition is built around a small group of photographers who share a passion for learning, adventure, and storytelling. You’ll spend your days exploring Kenya’s incredible landscapes together, celebrating once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounters, exchanging ideas in the field, and sharing images over dinner each evening.

Many of our students return year after year—not just for the destinations, but for the friendships and community they’ve found along the way. 

Our Trip

This 14-day adventure takes you through some of Kenya’s most diverse and breathtaking landscapes—from lush mountain forests and wildlife conservancies to the legendary plains of the Maasai Mara. Each destination offers a unique photographic experience, with opportunities to capture iconic wildlife, dramatic landscapes, and the intimate moments that make Kenya unforgettable.

With expert guides and Summit instructors by your side, each day is designed around maximizing photographic opportunities while allowing time to slow down, explore, and experience the incredible places you visit.

Your adventure begins in Nairobi, where you’ll meet your fellow photographers and prepare for the journey ahead. After settling in, you’ll have the opportunity to review the expedition, discuss photography goals, and get ready for the incredible experiences ahead.

Travel north to Ol Pejeta Conservancy, one of Kenya’s most important wildlife areas and a leader in conservation efforts. Here, you’ll photograph some of Kenya’s most iconic species, including elephants, lions, rhinos, and other wildlife roaming across the open landscape.

Beyond the photography opportunities, Ol Pejeta offers a chance to learn about the critical work being done to protect endangered species and preserve Kenya’s natural heritage.

Journey into Kenya’s highlands and the lush forests of the Aberdare Mountains. This unique ecosystem offers a completely different perspective of Kenya, with mist-covered landscapes, vibrant birdlife, and the possibility of photographing elusive forest species.

Experience wildlife from a new perspective as you explore one of Kenya’s most distinctive environments.

Continue north to Samburu, a dramatic landscape of rugged mountains, dry riverbeds, and open savanna. Known for its unique wildlife and stunning scenery, this region offers opportunities to photograph species found nowhere else in Kenya, including Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, and gerenuk.

Spend your days on game drives, working with your instructors to capture powerful wildlife images in changing light and unforgettable settings.

No Kenya expedition would be complete without experiencing the legendary Maasai Mara. Famous for its incredible wildlife density and sweeping grasslands, the Mara provides endless photographic opportunities.

Spend several days exploring the reserve during early morning and evening game drives, searching for lions, cheetahs, elephants, leopards, and countless other species. With time to immerse yourself in this remarkable ecosystem, you'll have the opportunity to create compelling wildlife stories—not just individual images.


 

As your journey comes to an end, take in your final moments in Kenya with additional wildlife encounters and time to reflect on the incredible experiences and images you’ve created.

Return home with a deeper understanding of wildlife photography, a collection of unforgettable photographs, and memories from a journey shared with a community of passionate photographers.

Getting there & Travel Details

We recommend arriving in Nairobi at least one day before the expedition begins to allow time to rest, adjust to the time change, and ensure you’re ready for the adventure ahead. After meeting the group, Summit will handle the logistics within Kenya, including transportation between destinations, park access, and accommodations throughout the expedition.

Throughout the trip, you’ll travel by comfortable safari vehicles with experienced local guides who know the landscapes, wildlife patterns, and best locations for photography.

At the conclusion of the expedition, the group will return to Nairobi for departure. We recommend allowing extra time after the workshop if you’d like to extend your travels and experience more of Kenya or nearby destinations.

International Travel

  • Participants are responsible for flights to and from Nairobi, Kenya.
  • A valid passport is required with sufficient validity beyond your travel dates.
  • Participants should check current entry requirements, visa information, and recommended vaccinations before traveling.
  • Travel insurance, including coverage for trip interruption and medical emergencies, is strongly recommended.

Health & Fitness

This expedition is designed for photographers who are comfortable spending long days outdoors and traveling through a variety of environments. While you don’t need to be an athlete, a moderate level of fitness will help you fully enjoy the experience.

Days often begin before sunrise and may include extended time in safari vehicles, walking short distances on uneven terrain, and carrying your camera gear throughout the day. Wildlife photography requires patience, flexibility, and the ability to adapt to changing conditions as opportunities unfold.

Additional Information

Spouse and companion discounts are available for this workshop for non-photographers who would like to share in the experience. Please contact us for details. Pricing is based on double occupancy, with the option to inquire about a single supplement at an additional cost.

What to Pack

Packing for a Kenya safari is all about being prepared for changing environments while keeping your camera gear protected and accessible. You’ll experience a wide range of conditions, from cool mornings in the highlands to warm days on the savanna, so versatile layers and reliable photography equipment are essential.

The goal is to pack comfortably, protect your gear from dust and weather, and have everything you need to make the most of every photographic opportunity.

CLOTHING:

    • Lightweight, breathable shirts and pants
    • Long-sleeve shirts for sun and insect protection
    • Warm layers for cool mornings and evenings
    • Lightweight fleece or jacket
    • Waterproof or wind-resistant outer layer
    • Comfortable walking shoes or hiking shoes
    • Sandals or casual shoes for the lodge
    • Hat with sun protection
    • Buff or lightweight scarf for dust and sun protection

OTHER:

  • Camera backpack or padded camera bag
  • Rain cover or weather protection for your camera bag
  • Water bottle
  • Sunscreen and sunglasses
  • Personal medications and basic first aid items
  • Binoculars (optional)

PHOTOGRAPHY GEAR:

  • 2 camera bodies
  • Wide angle lens
  • Medium zoom lens
  • Telephoto lens (ideally 400mm–800mm range)
  • Tripod or monopod (optional, depending on preference)
  • Camera bag
  • Extra batteries and chargers
  • Laptop or tablet 
  • Memory cards
  • Hard drive
  • Camera cleaning supplies (blower, cloths, etc.)
  • Beanbag or support system for camera support

Sony Gear

We are proud to partner with Sony, giving students the unique opportunity to experience some of the latest professional camera bodies and lenses in the field during the workshop. Throughout the week, participants can check out Sony gear to test and use in real shooting conditions in the field. This hands-on access allows you to explore new equipment, refine your technique, and see how different tools can impact your creative results, all while receiving guidance from our instructors in real time.

Meet Your Instructors

Workshop Faculty / International Travel Provider

Ian Segebarth

Summit Instructor Matt Stirn
Faculty / Staff

Matt Stirn

Workshop Faculty / International Travel Provider

Ian Segebarth

The founder and owner of Rainshadow Expeditions, Ian has spent the past decade traveling and guiding in over 40 countries, covering every continent. He has a background in conservation biology and environmental science, which has fueled his passion for nature and exploration. Ian is a highly experienced scuba instructor and technical cave diver, and has completed thousands of dives all over the world, including the Philippines, Indonesia, Australia, Antarctica, and the Caribbean. He is also a contributing photographer for National Geographic Magazine, and his film work has appeared on Discovery Channel and BBC. In addition to guiding, Ian still has ongoing research and exploration in numerous locations around the world, and he will be happy to share his expertise on these topics.

Faculty / Staff

Matt Stirn

Matt is a photographer, writer, and archaeologist based between Boston and Jackson Hole, Wyoming. He holds a graduate degree in Environmental Archaeology and focuses on stories related to culture, history, and conservation. Matt is a Contributing Editor for Archaeology Magazine, a National Fellow at The Explorer’s Club and has written and photographed over three dozen feature stories for publications including Smithsonian Magazine, National Geographic, The New York Times, BBC Global News, and GEO.

Your African Photography Adventure Starts Here

Some places change the way you see the world. Kenya is one of them.

If you’re ready to experience Africa’s incredible wildlife, strengthen your photography, and create images you’ll be proud of for years to come, we’d love to have you join us.

Reserve your spot today and experience Kenya through the lens of Summit Workshops.

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