African safaris are much more about the experience than just the photos we capture. Trust me, the photos are coveted, but the true value in African safaris are in the intimate moments that we witness, the sights and sounds that we take in, the way our senses are immersed, the smell of the grasslands as the sun gently kisses them, the up-close encounters that we can feel in our souls… Join one of our professionally organized safaris and experience the magic for yourself. 

For most people, an African safari is the adventure of a lifetime. We will make sure that your experience is second to none. Whether you want a unique safari for friends or family, photography or other, we will design the right safari for you. Our ground team is made up of specialized guides and drivers with intimate knowledge of the best locations; their network of Maasai will insure a productive trip for all of our tours. From the moment you step foot in Africa until your last goodbyes, we will be there beside you to make sure everything goes smoothly.

The Mara delivers… I hear myself uttering those words after every visit to the Mara, it has become my mantra

The Maasai Mara National Reserve is renowned for its high concentration of lions, leopards, and cheetah, particularly during the Great Migration. On any given safari it is not unusual to have several good sightings of big cats. It’s imperative to have the right driver/guides. The Maasai make the best drivers/guides as they have grown up in the Mara, they know it like the back of their hand. Their instincts are second to none when it comes to finding predators and prey. 

On my last visit to Kenya, my Maasai guide quickly quieted the group on our way to camp from the airstrip. He heard monkeys calling (no one else heard a sound). He methodically scoured the scene and looked for the direction the monkeys were facing. It took him no time at all to find the leopard and then its cub. It was remarkable to witness. 

This type of awareness along with innate tendencies are what set the Maasai apart from the rest. I have learned over the years to rely on my guide’s inherent knowledge of the Mara and the animals that survive there.

In September, I will be celebrating my 10th year (24th safari) working very closely with the same Maasai guides. Our main guide, Simon, is considered an elder in his tribe even though he is just 42 years old. We are very much in synch and share a deep love and respect for the wildlife. We have a symbiotic relationship and have learned so much from each other.

All of our Maasai guides understand sun angle, lighting conditions, backgrounds, backlighting, high-key, action, intimacy, interaction, dust, rain and any other element that goes into creating captivating images. When working a photographic safari, it is paramount that our guides are on the same page as the leader— not a word has to be spoken, they just know. 

My co-leader for most of my Kenya safaris is Paul McKenzie. Paul is the one who first brought me to the Mara and showed me the beauty that is Africa. Paul was born in Kenya and has been working with our main guide for over 30 years. Paul’s ability in the field to assess a photographic situation is incredible. I have been inspired by Paul’s work since our first meeting in 2012 on a ship in the Southern Oceans. He showed me his aerial images of the East African soda lakes. I have been a fan ever since. 

My other co-leader Donna Bourdon has been visiting Africa far longer than I have. She attended my first or second safari to the Mara. Donna and I met about 12 years ago when she became a regular on my workshop tours. Her determination and grit quickly made her one of my stand-out students. Donna’s love for big cats is contagious. She is also an avid birder who enjoys flight photography and capturing the colorful birds of East Africa. 

I can’t think of a better team.

Denise

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