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Photo Safaris at Mattikoko

The Maasai Mara photo safaris at Mattikoko brings together world-class wildlife, small-group exclusivity and expert photographic guidance. From golden-hour big cat sightings to the drama of the Great Migration, every day is shaped around creating powerful images. You’re invited to a photography adventure!

group of wildlife photographers on a photo safari in Maasai Mara

group of photographers next to a giraffe in Lemek Conservancy, the Maasai Mara

photo safari in Lemek Conservancy in the Maasai Mara

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What is a photo safari?

A photo safari is a specialist safari designed entirely around photography. Instead of simply driving from sighting to sighting, the focus is on light, positioning, behaviour and time. On a traditional safari, vehicles often move on quickly. On a photography safari, you stay. You wait for the lion to lift its head into the light. You anticipate the cheetah’s movement. You position for clean backgrounds and golden-hour colour.

Plus, you’ll learn from professional photographers. Photo safaris at Mattikoko are run by Alan Hewitt and Kaleel Zibe, who aren’t just incredible wildlife photographers – they’re also experience tour leaders. Regardless of what level you’re at as a photographer, you’ll be able to sharpen your skills through personal tutoring.

Your photography guides

These Maasai Mara photo safari experiences are led by African Photography Safaris, under the expert guidance of Alan Hewitt and Kaleel Zibe.

Alan Hewitt is a wildlife and conservation photographer, writer and workshop leader whose work is driven by a deep commitment to protecting the natural world. Alan is also a UK Ambassador for FUJIFILM.

Kaleel Zibe is an award-winning wildlife photographer and film-maker whose work has gained international recognition in photographic competitions and film festivals. Together with Alan, he also hosts the African Photography Safaris Podcast.

Photography experience

A Maasai Mara photo safari will offer you incredible photographic opportunities – big cats, elephants, giraffes, dramatic predator interactions and, during migration months, the iconic river crossings that make this region world-famous.

Throughout the safari, tuition is hands-on and continuous. Expect real-time advice on camera settings, composition and working with natural light, as well as guidance on anticipating behaviour and capturing action. There is also time for optional image reviews and discussion, helping you refine both your technical skills and creative vision. Since there’s enough room for personal tutoring, photographers of all levels are welcome.

photographers photographing a rhino Maasai Mara

TESTIMONIALS

“

An outstanding safari experience from booking to finish. The photography and wildlife guiding was top notch, knowledgeable and respectful with a strong emphasis on ethical wildlife encounters. The photography tuition was always clear, practical, and tailored to different ability levels throughout the group. Mattikoko safari camp is an incredible base for trips like this, right in the middle of the conservancy, designed and managed to fit in to the environment. Alan and Kaleel and the Mattikoko team have a genuinely thoughtful safari for anyone who wants to come away with both great images and a deeper understanding of the ecosystem.
Vicky Clark

“

The photography leaders Alan and Kaleel were exceptional: knowledgeable, approachable, and incredibly generous with their time and expertise. They struck the perfect balance between guidance and encouragement, helping everyone improve while keeping the whole experience relaxed and enjoyable. I came away with the best photos I have ever taken.

The local guides were equally impressive. Their bushcraft knowledge was outstanding, and it was clear how deeply they understood the landscape and wildlife. Because of their skill and instinct, we were able to capture images you’d only ever hope for – moments I’ll treasure (and have framed!) forever.

The camp itself was wonderful. The staff were warm, welcoming, and genuinely hospitable, creating an atmosphere that felt both professional and personal. Nothing was too much trouble. The attention to detail throughout the entire trip was exception.
What stood out most was the care and authenticity in everything they did. There was never a moment that felt rushed; everything was designed to immerse us fully in the beauty and rhythm of the Mara. If you’re looking for a safari that blends comfort, authenticity, and world-class guiding, I can’t recommend Moses and Mattikoko Camp highly enough. This was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and I’m already dreaming about coming back.
Rachel Stead

“

I have had 3 wonderful photography safaris to the Lemek Conservancy in the Masai Mara with African Photography Safaris. The wildlife viewing is without equal and was very different on each trip - excellent considerate guiding is a feature.
Accommodation at Mattikoko Csmp was great - a small Masai owned and run camp with well appointed tents, wonderful food and service with a smile. Photography tuition was tailored to each visitors requirementsand I have lots of great images as memories of my safaris.The conservancy has very low vehicle numbers which means that at times you may be the only ones at a sighting. We saw lions on every game drive. Also present in the conservancy are elephants, cheetahs, many varieties of antelope and gazelles in addition to several resident leopards.
The food, whether in our packed breakfast hamper or back at camp, was excellent and too plentiful. The tents, while simple, were comfortable and provided everything we needed. This camp should definitely be on your "must visit list."
Linda GouldKenya

“

From my first contact with Kaleel and Alan, I had a good feeling about booking with African Photography Safaris. That first impression gained strength throughout the planning process and the subsequent trip. The comprehensive briefing notes that they provided undoubtedly smoothed the preparation for the visit. Mattikoko Safari Camp was the base for the trip and it was an outstanding location and accommodation. Although I had some experience as a photographer, the help and guidance of Kaleel and Alan during the trip certainly improve my skills and confidence. I particularly like the way in which they both would offer suggestions and advice when we were out in the field.
Tony Butler

Photographer Alan Hewitt at Mattikoko in the Maasai Mara

ON OUR BLOG: Alan Hewitt shares insights & stories

“We host guests who have a wide range of existing photography backgrounds. Complete beginners are very welcome and even the more advanced photographers have also enjoyed using new skills and thinking more about fieldcraft. It’s a wonderful opportunity to indulge in creativity, wildlife and feed off the enthusiasm of the whole group.”

Learn More

ON OUR BLOG: Wildlife Encounters you can expect in Lemek

At Mattikoko, we’re lucky enough to be based in the heart of Lemek Conservancy in the Greater Maasai Mara ecosystem. This means we’re surrounded by wildlife – and so will you if you join us. This blog offers insights into the wildlife encounters you can expect during game drives (or even just while you’re relaxing at camp.)