Mara Odyssey
Into the Heart of Africa -Wildlife Photography Expedition

Photography Workshop by Ratish Nair 21st March – 25th March 2024

Dear Fellow Photography Enthusiasts,
I am thrilled to invite you to an extraordinary wildlife photography expedition to the mesmerizing Masai Mara. Join me, Ratish Nair, on this unforgettable journey into the heart of Africa, where we will immerse ourselves in the captivating world of wildlife and photography.

Destination: Masai Mara

Prepare to be enchanted by the unparalleled beauty of the Masai Mara. With its breathtaking landscapes and rich wildlife diversity, this iconic destination offers a photographer’s paradise. From majestic lions to graceful cheetahs and awe-inspiring elephants, the Mara promises a canvas of incredible subjects in their natural habitat.

Photography Opportunities

In the Masai Mara, every moment is an opportunity to capture stunning images. The backdrop of sweeping landscapes and diverse wildlife ensures that each click of your camera will tell a unique story. Whether you’re an experienced photographer or just starting your journey, the Mara’s abundance of subjects will offer you frame-worthy shots at every turn.

Photography Mentor – Ratish Nair

I am honored to be your mentor on this expedition. With years of experience as a wildlife photographer and recognition as a Nikon creator, I am dedicated to helping you elevate your photography skills. From understanding wildlife behavior to mastering the art of composition, I will be there to guide you at every step, ensuring you capture the essence of Masai Mara’s wildlife like a professional.

Key Expedition Highlights:

Exclusive Accommodation: We will be staying right inside the Mara, providing us with invaluable extra time during dawn and dusk for wildlife activities.

Expert Guidance: You’ll have access to full-time expert guidance in the field and back at the camp. Whether it’s wildlife knowledge, photography techniques, or post-processing, we’ve got you covered. All our safari vehicles will be connected via walkie-talkies for seamless communication.

Efficient Travel: We’ll fly in and out of the Mara in a safari flight, saving you the time and energy of a 7-hour road journey. This means more time to explore and photograph the wonders of the Mara.

Spacious Vehicles: Our exploration of the savannah will be in 7- seater modified Land Cruisers, with just 4 passengers in each. This ensures ample space for you to move around, sight, and capture
that perfect shot.

Affordable Luxury: This fly-in, fly-out Mara expedition offers an incredible experience at an attractive price. It’s a steal you won’t want to miss.

Itinerary [Arrival to Departure]

Day 1 [Arrival]: 21st Mar 2024

• Arrive in Nairobi at 7 am and transfer to Wilson Airport for the 10:30 am safari flight.
• Land at Masai Mara airstrip by 11:10 am and transfer to the luxurious Ashnil Mara Camp.
• Check-in, relax, and reconvene for lunch at 1:30 pm.
• Following lunch, delve into a photography briefing to prepare for the upcoming wildlife encounters.

Day 2, 3, 4 [Game Drives]: 22nd Mar – 24th Mar’24

• Assemble in the lobby at 5 am for tea or coffee.
• Embark on dawn-to-dusk game drives with packed breakfast and lunch, maximizing your photography opportunities.
• Return from the game drives around 7 pm, freshen up, and convene at 8 pm for a discussion on your day’s experiences and image review.
• Enjoy a delightful dinner at 9 pm before retiring for the night in the comfort of Ashnil Mara Camp.

Day 5 [Departure]: 25th Mar’24

• Commence the day with a leisurely breakfast by 8 am.
• Check out from Ashnil Mara Camp and transfer to the airstrip for your flight back to Nairobi.
• From Nairobi, catch your return flight home, concluding your unforgettable wildlife photography expedition.

Inclusions:

• Nairobi Transfers.
• Round-trip domestic flights between Nairobi and Masai Mara.
• 4 Nights & 5 Days Twin sharing Full board luxury accommodation at Ashnil Mara Camp.
• Customized land cruisers equipped for photography (four guests per vehicle).
• Experienced Masai drivers to navigate the wildlife-rich terrain.

Exclusions:

• Airfare from your city of residence to Nairobi and back
• Visa charges
• Personal expenses, including laundry.
• Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages.
• Tips and gratuities.
• Any other expenses not explicitly mentioned in the inclusions.

Note:

Any future hikes in Government Taxes and Safari Fees levied by the Forest Department are not accounted for in the package but will be informed to you as and when communicated to us by the authorities.

Cost Per Person:

• USD 2850
• Tribe Members are entitled to a discount of 10%
• Children up to 5 years of age are complimentary, above 5 years would be charged as normal.

Payment Schedule:

• USD 600 of booking to block your seats
• USD 900 on or before 21st Jan 2024
• USD 1350 on 21st March 2024
• Payment Options: NEFT/ UPI/Credit cards/Debit cards

Cancellation:

• Cancellation made within 90-120 days of booking would be entitled to a 50% refund of the trip cost.
• Any cancellation thereafter would be strictly non-refundable.

Please Note:

• The above pricing is only for Indian Nationals.
• Anyone who has attended at least one expedition with EcoTrailz is entitled to a Tribe Discount.
• This expedition promises not just incredible wildlife encounters but also an opportunity to grow as a wildlife photographer under my mentorship. Let’s embark on this extraordinary journey and capture the untamed beauty of the Masai Mara together.