Best of Africa 2025
The Great Migration & More
Workshop Information Packet
Contents:
I. General Information
II. To Do Checklist
III. Daily Itinerary
IV. FAQ’s
Best of Africa 2025
General Information
Welcome!
Thanks again for joining our Best of Africa: The Great Migration & More Photography Adventure. I’m sure you are as excited for your trip as we are! This document contains important information to help you prepare for your travels. Please take some time to review it carefully and don’t hesitate to contact us if you have questions.
Workshop Overview
Dates & Locations:
Best of Africa (Kenya & Tanzania): February 8–21, 2025
Begins Nairobi, Kenya, Ends Arusha, Tanzania
Uganda Mountain Gorillas Optional Pre-trip Extension: Feb 4–7, 2025
Begins & Ends Kigali, Rwanda
Instructors/Leaders: Ken Lee & Randall Ball
Best of Africa (Kenya & Tanzania) Feb 8–21, 2025
The workshop begins when our representative meets you at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (Airport code: NBO) in Nairobi, Kenya on Feb 8, 2025 (or before) and ends upon our arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (Airport code: JRO) on February 21, 2025.
In between, we will travel in 4-wheel drive safari vehicles through southern Kenya and northern Tanzania, visiting 5 of the most wildlife rich conservation areas in Africa and photographing their abundant wildlife on multiple game drives in each park. There are two internal fights on our itinerary, both of which are included in the workshop fees and will be booked on your behalf.
Formal and informal instruction/coaching on wildlife photography techniques, developing your Photographer’s Eye, image management and post processing are also part of our agenda. On the final day of the workshop (Feb 21) we will catch a morning flight from Serengeti National Park to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) in Arusha, Tanzania, arriving in time to check in for your homeward flight.
Please take a look at the Daily Itinerary in this packet or on the workshop page of our website for more details about the locations we will visit and the things we can expect to see and photograph throughout our journey.
Uganda Mountain Gorillas Optional Pre-trip Extension Feb 4–7, 2025
This optional pre-trip extension technically begins and ends in Kigali, Rwanda but in practice, most participants will fly into Nairobi (NBO) on Feb 3 (or earlier) and we will fly as a group to Kigali (KGL), Rwanda and return to Nairobi together on Feb 7. See the travel Logistics section of this document for detailed guidance on booking your flights.
Upon landing, we will provide ground transport to Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, crossing the border into Uganda on the way. During our stay, we will do two ranger-led ‘gorilla treks’ in two national parks. The distance and difficulty of each trek varies widely depending on the location of the gorilla families on the day of our trek. If we’re lucky, the family we are assigned may be just a few hundred meters away, but there is a very real potential for a multi-hour hike in hot & humid conditions.
Fair Warning: Participants should be in good physical condition. Having said that, the reality is most people doing these treks are ‘normal’ humans of retirement age. Porters are also available for hire to help carry your gear.
Balance of Fees
Your initial deposit payment of $1500 secured your reservation for this workshop. You will receive invoices by email approximately 30 days before the due dates for the following additional payments:
July 4, 2025
Best of Africa Payment #2: $3000
Gorillas Extension Payment #2: $2000
Oct 4, 2025
Remaining Balance. The amount of this payment will vary for each participant based on the options chosen such as the Gorillas extension, Single Lodging, Balloon safari, and additional hotel nights.
All payments can be made online by credit/debit card. Please contact us if you wish to make a payment by another method. Your on-time payments are greatly appreciated.
Travel Logistics & Documents
Passport – make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond our return date and have several blank pages for visa stamps. Please send us a copy/photo of the picture page of your passport.
International Flights
Best of Africa Feb 8–21
Arrival – book your flights to arrive in Nairobi, Kenya (Airport code: NBO) no later than 1pm on February 8 (our first group activity is at 4pm).
Departure – Book your homeward flight to depart from Arusha, Tanzania (Airport code: JRO) after 7pm on Feb 21. Most US-bound flights depart in the evening. Note: Arusha has another airport (code:ARK ) Do NOT book your outbound flight from ARK
Uganda Gorillas Extension Feb 4–7
For those participating in the pre-trip extension, we recommend booking your international flights to arrive in Nairobi (NBO) on Feb 3 or earlier and depart from Arusha (JRO) on Feb 21 or 22.
In addition, book a roundtrip flight from Nairobi (NBO) to Kigali (KGL):
Feb 4 Outbound: NBO-KGL morning flight
Feb 7 Return: KGL-NBO late afternoon flight
We recommend booking with Kenya Airways. We will provide specific flight numbers (and booking links) at a later date.
Let us know if you need any assistance with your travel arrangements.
Extra hotel nights - if you plan to arrive early or extend your stay after the workshop ends, send us your itinerary details and we will book extra hotel nights for you as needed. Costs are:
Nairobi: Singles $230/night, Couples $260 per night – includes breakfast
Arusha: Singles $160 per night, Couples $220 per night – includes breakfast
Visas
Kenya – has replaced their visa requirement with an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) which amounts to the same thing. Apply online at: https://www.etakenya.go.ke/en
The application process is routine, but you will need:
A photo/scan of your passport
A passport style photo (headshot) in .jpg format
Your international flights itinerary
Credit card to pay the $34 application fee
For Address in Kenya enter the following:
Tamarind Tree Hotel
Langata Link Rd
Nairobi, Kenya
Phone: +254 709 240 000
Email: reservations@tth.tamarind.co.keHotel Reservation in .jpg format - we will provide this in a future email.
Application processing time is approximately 3 days. You should receive your eTA approval by email, but keep your login credentials handy in case you need to check status. Print your eTA and keep it with your travel documents. You may need to show your eTA when you check in for your USA-Kenya flight and upon arrival in Kenya.
Tanzania - apply online at: https://eservices.immigration.go.tz/visa/ Obtain your visa online in advance – the Visa on Arrival option is NOT available at the border crossing we use. There is a non-refundable application fee of $100
You will need the following to complete the application:
a photo/scan of the picture page of your passport (.jpg or .png format – 300Kb max file size)
your passport photo (.jpg or .png format – 300Kb max file size)
your return flight ticket/itinerary (.pdf format – 1MB max)
For Are you traveling as part of a group?, select “No” (we are not all flying in/out on same flight)
For Host, select “Self”
For Port of entry, select Namanga
For Accommodation, select Hotel and enter:
Planet Lodge Kilimanjaro Airport
Plot 109 Malula Village, King 23316, Tanzania
+255 766 321 108
Application processing usually takes about 1 week. You will receive your visa by email – typically a multiple entry visa valid for one year. Print your visa and keep it with your travel documents. You will need to show your visa when we cross Kenya-Tanzania border and when leaving Tanzania.
Uganda/Rwanda – apply for the East Africa tourist visa which covers Kenya, Uganda & Rwanda. More details will be supplied in a future email. In the past, most visitors applied via Kenya’s online visa portal but it’s not clear if this is still an option since Kenya removed their visa requirement.
Travel Insurance – a policy which covers emergency medical evacuation is a requirement for participation on this workshop. Most policies also cover many other things like trip cancellation, lost luggage, theft/loss, etc. are widely available and reasonably priced.
Notify Banks & Credit Cards – notify your financial institutions about your travel plans to prevent problems using credit cards or ATM’s while traveling.
Mobile Phone Carrier – look into your phone carrier’s international roaming policies and rates BEFORE leaving home or you may return to an extremely expensive bill. You may want to pre-purchase a data plan from your carrier or limit your mobile phone usage to Wi-Fi only.
Health/Medical
Vaccinations – consult your physician or travel clinic for specific recommendations. In general, you will likely need:
Yellow Fever vaccination – required by Tanzania, Rwanda & Uganda. This is a once per lifetime injection.
Malaria prophylaxis – generally recommended for most of Africa. Several options, but usually tablets taken orally daily or weekly.
If your medical group doesn’t have a travel clinic, pharmacy chains like CVS & Walgreens offer this service at a reasonable cost.
Prescription Medications – make sure to pack an adequate supply of any prescription medications (also supplements, sleep aids, non-prescription pain relievers, etc.) you take, as they may not be available in the areas we will be traveling.
Allergies – please let us know about any allergies you have AND the severity of your reactions. It is your responsibility to carry appropriate medications (e.g. Epi Pen) in case of accidental exposure.
What to Pack
Weather Note – below are historical averages for temperatures in the areas we will be in February.
Location Avg High/Low Humidity
Nairobi 81˚F/59˚F 60%
Masai Mara 82˚F/54˚F 62%
Serengeti 86°F/60°F 60%
Uganda 79°F/59°F 74%
In general, the weather in Kenya & Tanzania will be mostly sunny and dry. Rain is a possibility but not likely - showers tend to be heavy and brief. Rain is much more likely in Uganda
Clothing – thin, cool and light are the order of the day for this trip. Long sleeves and pants are recommended for protection from the sun and insects. In addition, you should also bring:
Sneakers – other than Uganda, there is no hiking on this trip, but you want comfortable shoes with good traction. Slip-ons are handy for airports and
Light jacket or sweater
Rain jacket
Sports Bra – the roads can be quite bumpy
Brimmed hat
Sunglasses
Flip flops/sandals for around the lodge
Bandanna, buff or face mask – for dust protection
Bathing suit – several places we stay have pools
Notes:
Choose your clothing based on functionality and versatility. There are no ‘dress up’ occasions on this trip.
Same day laundry service is available at all our lodges/camps for a small fee. 3 or 4 changes of clothing is all you really need to pack.
Photo Gear – it’s tempting to bring everything you own, but that usually works against you. The following are what we consider to be the essentials. We’re happy to give more specific brand/model recommendations for specific items. Just ask.
Camera Body(s) – dSLR or mirrorless (full frame or crop sensor). ‘Bridge’ cameras with a long zoom (400mm+) are also an option.
Lenses – Everyone’s kit will be unique but here are some general recommendations:
Your longest lens(es) will be the workhorse of this trip. It should reach at least 400mm, preferably 500mm+ before adding teleconverters. Even with large animals you simply cannot have too much ‘reach’.
You will also want 1 or 2 shorter focal length lenses such as 24–105mm and/or 70–200mm.
A wide angle and/or your phone camera, especially if you are doing the Gorillas extension.
Filters
A polarizing filter is handy for cutting glare off water, foliage and animals’ skin/fur.
Clear/UV filters are helpful to protect expensive lenses but may also increase the likelihood of lens flare – it’s your call.
Batteries and Memory cards – you will be shooting a lot, maybe more than you ever have, easily in the thousands of images and hundreds of gigabytes total. Bring PLENTY of extra cards and batteries. You should NOT erase/overwrite any memory cards until you get home, even if you have downloaded the images to your laptop or hard drive.
Camera Battery Charger – do not forget! As a backup, you might consider purchasing USB powered battery charger. They are cheap and let you charge your camera batteries without a wall outlet. Google “(your camera model) USB charger”.
Card reader – if not built-in to your laptop.
Small towel and/or shower cap – to project your gear from dust while driving
Cleaning kit – nothing fancy, a small microfiber towel, lens cloth, lens cleaner and maybe a blower. A travel toothbrush is also very handy for cleaning around the buttons & dials of your camera.
Headlamp – MUCH better than a flashlight because it leaves both hands free.
Beanbag (optional) - bring unfilled, we will purchase rice or beans to fil bags locally.
Monopod & remote release (optional) – for very low angle shots. Note: this is an advanced technique, not recommended for beginners. More information about this technique will be provided in a future email.
Small camera bag/daypack – besides your camera and a lens or two, all you need to bring for most game drives is a few spare batteries and some personal items (chapstick, etc). Leave the huge camera bag in camp.
Camera rain protection – these cheap Rainsleeves by O/P Tech are the best camera rain protection we’ve found including the ones that cost hundreds of dollars. Make sure to the correct size(es) for your lens(es). Highly recommended for Uganda extension participants.
Other Things to Pack
Laptop or tablet – highly recommended. Your photography will improve if you review your images daily. Doing preliminary selects and ratings also makes the mountain of images more manageable when you get home. We will also have several sessions on post processing and image management.
Portable hard drive - for image storage and backup. Do NOT try to store your images on your laptop’s internal hard drive. SSD (solid state drive) models are faster and more reliable than traditional spinning disk types. Most SSD’s are also “bus powered” – meaning they gets their power from the USB cable and do not require a separate power cord.
Chargers and cables for your mobile phone and other electronics
Power bank – extremely handy for charging phones and other electronics while traveling.
Phone Leash - to prevent dropping your phone into a literal lion’s den.
Sunscreen & Insect Repellent
WhatsApp – we will be using this free mobile phone (texting) app for inter-group communications throughout the trip. Please install and set up BEFORE arrival in Kenya.
Travel Plug Converter(s)
Kenya uses 240 volt electricity and Type G (aka UK) electrical outlets. A simple travel plug adapter like this one is all you need for most electronics. Some models also include one or more USB ports which is handy.
A small power strip is very handy to charge multiple devices simultaneously. Make sure your power strip is rated for up to 240 volts.
How to Pack
Luggage – Aim for a maximum of 15 kg/33lbs in ONE SOFT BAG for your clothing and personal items. Do Not Overpack, Do NOT bring hard-sided luggage. Laundry service is available at our lodges for a small fee.
Photo Gear –A soft-sided photo backpack/bag in the 20–40 liter capacity range is ideal for most of your photo gear. If you are bringing the monster 600mm f/4, you may need an additional case.
We purchase an extra cargo seat on our internal flights to account for excess weight, but we still need everyone to be reasonable. Don’t stress, but do your best to minimize your overall baggage weight.
A Word About Gratuities - Like many service businesses, our local guides rely on gratuities for a substantial portion of their income. I think you will find them to be outstanding at what they do. If you feel you received good service, a token of your appreciation is greatly appreciated. The amount you choose to give is entirely up to you but we are always asked for guidance so ‘typical’ ranges (in USD) are listed below:
Driver-Guides - $15–$25/day per guest for entire driver-guide crew
Balloon safari crew - ~$20
Misc (lodge/camp staff, etc): $1–$2/day or occasion
US Dollars are widely accepted in both countries. It’s handy to bring a supply of dollar bills for small purchases & tips. If you wish, you can also convert a small amount of currency to Kenyan shillings at the airport or at our hotel in Nairobi. Do not count on ATM’s being available. Credit/debit cards are only accepted at hotels and larger tourist gift shops.
If we’ve missed anything or you have questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch by phone, text or email. Thanks again, we look forward to seeing you in Nairobi!
Ken Lee
+1 949-282-9660
Best of Africa 2025
To Do Checklist
___ Book international flights and send a copy of your flight itinerary to Ken
___ Appy for Kenya eTA & Tanzania Visas online
___ Send Ken a photo/copy of the picture page of your passport. A cell phone snap is all we need.
___ Let us know if you need extra hotel nights before or after the workshop
___ Purchase Travel Insurance
___ Notify Banks & Credit Cards of your travel plans
___ Check mobile phone carrier’s international roaming policies and plans
___ Make a personal packing checklist. Click here for a generic Photo Trip Packing List template you can download and customize to your needs.
Ken’s email: ken@artofseeing.com
Best of Africa 2025
Daily Itinerary
| Day | Date | Itinerary Summary | Overnight | Included Meals |
| 1 | 08-Feb | Nairobi - Welcome to Kenya! Our Concierge Service includes greeting upon arrival, escort through Immigration/Customs and transport to our hotel. Relax until 4pm when we gather for introductions, workshop overview and a crash course of wildlife photography fundamentals. | Nairobi Hotel | D |
| 2 | 09-Feb | Nairobi – Half Day Game Drive in Nairobi National Park starting pre-dawn. A great opportunity to dial in your settings, ask questions and work out any kinks in this excellent wildlife park inhabited by rhinos, lions, hippos, giraffe and more on the outskirts of Kenya's busy capital. Lightroom Importing & Organization discussion in the evening. | Nairobi Hotel | B |
| 3 | 10-Feb | Nairobi–Masai Mara National Reserve – Depart Nairobi after breakfast & drive to Masai Mara National Park, Kenya's richest game reserve. Lions, leopards, cheetah, elephants, giraffe and countless other species call the Mara home but this reserve is particularly famous for its abundance of big cats. Afternoon/sunset game drive followed by dinner. | Masai Mara Safari Camp | B,L,D |
| 4-6 | 11-13 - Feb | Masai Mara – Our schedule is the same for the next 3 days starting with an early morning game drive. We can have a very early meal before we leave or enjoy a bush breakfast in the field. Return to camp late morning for some down time or download & review images. Lunch in camp followed by Lightroom image processing session, discussions/demos on various topics. We head out again late afternoon for another game drive. Return to camp after sunset for dinner. | Masai Mara Safari Camp | B,L,D |
| 7 | 14-Feb | Masai Mara - One last early morning game drive in the Mara followed by breakfast at our camp. Then we board our small plane flight to Amboseli National Park. Near Kenya's southern border, Amboseli boasts stunning views of Mt. Kilimanjaro in neighboring Tanzania and is also renowned for its large elephant population including some of the biggest tuskers in Africa. | Amboseli Lodge | B,L,D |
| 8 | 15-Feb | Amboseli NP – Early game drive. Return to lodge for breakfast. Relax, work on images by yourself or get Randall or Ken's input. Lunch at lodge followed by afternoon/sunset game drive. Overnight at Amboseli Lodge. | Amboseli Lodge | B,L,D |
| 9 | 16-Feb | Amboseli NP – Ngorongoro Crater National Park – Early game drive followed by breakfast at lodge. Then we travel by car to the border where we will cross into Tanzania and meet our Tanzanian guides. Afterward, we continue on to our lodge near Ngoronoro Crater. Remainder of the day at your leisure. | Ngorongoro Camp | B,L,D |
| 10 | 17-Feb | Ngorongoro Crater NP – We descend into the crater for an all-day game drive with packed breakfast and lunch. Naturally isolated by its steep walls, the crater is inhabited by the descendants of creatures who wandered in and never left because this unique ecosystem contains everything necessary for wildlife to flourish. An awe-inspiring real-life lost world, Ngorongoro at one time boasted the highest density of lions in all of Africa. | Ngorongoro Camp | B,L,D |
| 11 | 18-Feb | Amboseli NP – Ngorongoro NP–Serengeti NP After breakfast depart for Serengeti National Park with a stop at a Masai village to experience a bit of the culture of the local inhabitants. Our base is in Ndutu, near the border of Serengeti and Ngorongoro reserves, where the Great Migration of over 1 million wildebeest, zebra, gazelle pauses in February to graze the green grass and birth their offspring. Predators follow. Afternoon/sunset game drive followed by dinner at camp | Nudutu Migration Camp | B,L,D |
| 12 | 19-Feb | Serengeti – Begin this day with a magical experience, a sunrise hot air balloon safari over the Serengeti plains followed by a gourmet bush breakfast. If we are lucky, we may observe and photograph some of the migratory herds from this unique perspective. A highly recommended but optional (extra cost) excursion. Return to camp for lunch and a bit of downtime followed by our late afternoon game drive. Return to camp for dinner. | Nudutu Migration Camp | B,L,D |
| 13 | 20-Feb | Serengeti NP – Early morning game drive followed by breakfast at camp. Use the middle of the day to get some rest or work on images. Ken & Randall will be available for individual coaching. Head out again late afternoon for our game drive followed by dinner at camp | Nudutu Migration Camp | B,L,D |
| 14 | 21-Feb | Serengeti NP-Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) – A final early morning game drive followed by breakfast at camp. Then we drive to Ndutu airstrip where a scheduled flight will transport us to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) in Arusha, TZ where you can check in for your homeward flight. End of Service. | - | B,L |
| Optional Pre-Trip Uganda Mountain Gorillas Extension Feb 4–7 | ||||
| 1 | 4-Feb | Kigali, Rwanda-Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, Uganda – arrive Kigali airport (KGL), Rwanda. Transfer by car to Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge in Uganda | Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge | D |
| 2 | 5-Feb | Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge – Depart hotel after breakfast and drive to Mgahinga NP. Gorilla trek with professional tracker/guide. We’ll spend 1 hour with a gorilla family, but total trek time depends on location of gorilla families. Return to lodge with stop at Batwa cultural village. Dinner & overnight at lodge. | Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge | B,L,D |
| 3 | 6-Feb | Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge – Depart hotel after breakfast and drive to Bwinidi Impenetrable Forest NP. Gorilla trek with professional tracker/guide. We’ll spend 1 hour with a gorilla family, but total trek time depends on location of gorilla families. Dinner & overnight at lodge. | Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge | B,L,D |
| 4 | 7-Feb | Ichumbi Lodge - Kigali – Depart hotel after breakfast and drive to Kigali, Rwanda. Lunch in Kigali with optional Kigali city tour. Transfer to airport for your flight to Nairobi. End of Service. | B,L |
Best of Africa FAQ’S
Q: What makes this trip different or better than other African safaris?
Locations & timing – we’ve chosen the very best parks at the best time of year including The Great Migration in the Serengeti at the height of wildebeest calving season.
100% Photography focused - everything from our itinerary, choice of lodging and daily schedule is designed around maximizing opportunities to produce portfolio-worthy images of African wildlife.
Every guest gets their own row in our safari vehicles -shoot out both sides with plenty of room for your gear. Note 1 guest occupies the front “shotgun” seat in one of our vehicles on a rotating basis. Extra photo gear can be stored in the back rows.
Individualized instruction – a maximum 5:1 instructor to student ratio ensures plenty of personal attention to help you raise your wildlife photography skills to the next level.
Top notch logistics & support – we partner with top notch lodges, camps and safari outfitters to ensure a safe and glitch-free experience for our guests.
Q: How should I make my travel arrangements?
A: Book your international flights to arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (airport code: NBO) in Nairobi, Kenya and depart from Kilimanjaro International Airport (airport code: JRO). Additional information to help you plan your travels will be provided to registered participants
Q: Do I need a tourist visa to enter Kenya, Tanzania or Uganda?
A: If you are an American citizen, a tourist visa is required to enter Tanzania and Uganda. You can obtain both visas easily online. Detailed instructions will be provided to registered participants
Q: What if I want to arrive early or stay after the workshop dates?
A: No problem, let us know your arrival/departure details and we will book the additional hotel nights on your behalf (additional cost).
Q: Which parks/reserves will we visit?
A: The parks we will visit include Nairobi NP, Masa Mara NR, Amboseli NP in Kenya & Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti national parks in Tanzania. See the Daily Itinerary for more details.
Q: What species of wildlife will we encounter?
A: Typical species in the locations and times we will be visiting include: lions, cheetah, leopards, hyena, elephants, rhinos, Cape buffalo, hippos, giraffe, wildebeest, zebra and many more.
Q: What’s a Game Drive?
A: Game drive is the term we use for a photography excursion in our safari vehicles (modified 4X$4 Landcruisers with pop-up roofs).
Q: What’s the difference between a Lodge and a Camp?
A: Lodges are permanent hard-sided accommodations while camps use temporary tents for lodging. Glamping is an understatement for these tents however, which include electricity, hot showers, flush toilets, real beds and furniture.
Q: What’s the food like?
A: Most meals are served buffet style. The cuisine is mostly western and the selections are comparable to what you would expect at a nice resort hotel.
Q: Can my non-photographer friend/partner attend?
A: Absolutely, travel partners who may not share your passion for photography are very welcome. Just make sure they can handle being part of a group that wants to do nothing but eat, sleep and talk about photography. Unfortunately, due to limited space, we cannot offer a discount for non-photographer partners.
Q: What is the fitness level required for this trip?
A: Best of Africa (Kenya-Tanzania) is Easy from a physical fitness perspective. No hiking or long walks are planned but lots of riding around in safari vehicles on ‘roads’ that can be a quite bumpy. If you are pregnant or have back issues, please contact us for more details.
Uganda Gorilla Trekking is (potentially) Strenuous – Trekking duration and difficulty varies widely depending on the location of the gorilla families assigned to us and weather/trail conditions. Porters are available for hire to carry equipment, but participants should be physically fit and able to hike for up to several hours in your own expense.