Best of Africa 2025 Photography Adventure
+ Mountain Gorillas Extension (Sold Out - Waitlist Available)

Randall Ball

Randall is an award-winning photographer based in Houston, TX who specializes in capturing stunning environmental portraits of wildlife. His journey in photography began as a combat photographer in the Marine Corps. Later, he pursued a formal education at the renowned Brooks Institute of Photography in Santa Barbara, CA. Randall's commercial work has been featured in worldwide in advertising campaigns and major magazines. In addition to his photography, Randall is passionate about teaching. As an Adjunct Faculty Photography Instructor, he has conducted organized classroom study and in-the-field workshops domestically and abroad. In 2021, he began leading workshops for Art of Seeing Photography Adventures and continues to lead many of our Photography Adventures. Read more about Randall and see a selection of his images.

Ken Lee

Ken Lee, the founder Art of Seeing Photography Adventures is as passionate about helping others grow as photographers as he is about creating his own images. Ken’s Whole Brain approach to teaching photography addresses both the Craft (gear, technique, post-processing) and Creative (Composition & the Photographer’s Eye) aspects of image-making – and the completely different approaches needed to master both. Click the links to read more about Ken Lee and The Art of Seeing, what you can expect from an Art of Seeing workshop, or to see examples of Ken’s photography.

Every aspect of this trip is designed for passionate photographers by passionate photographers:

Our days start early and end late because that’s when the best light happens and animals are most active. Long before other tour groups begin their breakfast, we’re firing frames in the field.

Moving beyond snapshots requires patience and perseverance. We put in the time necessary to produce portfolio-worthy images.

We choose our lodges for their proximity to the action rather than their amenities. However, we’re confident you will be pleasantly surprised by our accommodations.

Ken and Randall will always be close by to answer questions, provide tips on shooting techniques and offer insights about practical ways to expand your creative vision. Like most pursuits, good coaching and lots of practice are the keys to improving your wildlife photography game. You will get plenty of both on this photography-intensive adventure. Need a little help with camera settings and lens selection? Maybe some advice on composition and ways to move beyond the obvious animal portrait? Or perhaps a few tips on post-processing techniques or workflow might make the biggest difference?

Deposits are NOT refundable but may be transferrable to another Art of Seeing workshop for up to 24 months from date of cancellation in accordance with the following schedule:

Regardless of when you cancel, if we fill your spot*, you will receive a refund of all fees paid less your deposit and $150 processing fee. If we cannot fill your spot, the amount of your refund is based upon the cancellation date:

• Cancellation 120 days or more from workshop start date: 100% refund of fees paid less deposit and $150 processing fee. Deposit transferrable up to 24 mos.

• Cancellation 90 – 120 days from workshop start date: 50% refund of fees paid less deposit and $150 processing fee. Deposit forfeit.

• Cancellation less than 90 days from workshop start date: No refunds.

*canceled spots are filled after the workshop reaches full capacity

Click here to read our complete Terms & Conditions

Travel Insurance

A travel insurance policy which covers medical evacuation is a requirement for participation in this workshop. Such policies typically cover many other things like lost luggage or non-refundable payments if you need to cancel your trip.

Q: What makes this trip different or better than other African safaris?

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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: This trip is classified as 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.