Kenya Photographic Safari with Paul Goldstein - Premium Adventure

My husband and I joined this tour as novice photographers and first timers to Africa. The experience blew us away. The level of service from our drivers and camp staff was exceptional. Paul Goldstein is an amazing photographer and worked tirelessly to get us great photo opps. I can't think of a single negative thing to say about the accommodations, either. It was a memorable experience through and through, and we made new like-minded friends that we're excited to travel with in the future. We are already considering future trips with Paul.

This trip was advertised as a premium experience and it absolutely delivered. We loved everything about it -- the photographer, location, guides, accommodations, schedule, everything. We hope to book more trips with Paul Goldstein in the future.

This was a much anticipated trip - 4th time lucky and it was absolutely worth waiting for. Kicheche camps, the guides James, Dickson, Sarumi, Johnson, Bernard and Eliud were all excellent. They found us elusive leopards and cheetahs and got the vehicles into the best positions for photographs. Paul was an inspirational lead - pushing us to go for something different in our pictures and ensuring we had the basic camera settings correct. Just don't ask him what ISO to use or wax lyrical about the stunning vista. Kicheche camps and the conservancies are something special - they're very connected with local communities, the wildlife aren't "hassled" by lots of vehicles crammed full of people. As a guest Kicheche felt very respectful of the local area and we were also wonderfully looked after - amazing food from game drive breakfasts, delicious lunches and dinners at the camp and sundowners in the bush, comfortable tents and communal areas all with stunning views and the odd elephant just walking by. It was my first safari but some people in my group of 7 guests had been many times and I can see why.

My first Safari, and every day a new magical experience… photographing wildlife. It really was exciting and a privilege to be in close proximity with so many different animals in this wild beautiful conservancy (and with few other tourists around).

This was an excellent trip, full of amazing wildlife and beautiful scenery. The accommodation, food and facilities were also top notch, as were all the staff. I cannot fault this trip.

My latest trip to the Masai Mara was as good as all the others. Each trip and each day of every trip are different. New and different animals and birds to photograph and new situations and interactions.There is so much variety that you never know what is around the next corner.

outstanding in every way. kicheche camp just superb - accommodation, service, friendliness and food all as good as it can get. hard work though getting up at 5.15 every day and being out till 6.30 in the evening. no issue though - that's what we signed up for. our drivers / guides were absolutely top notch and really great to be with.

Absolutely brilliant safari. Paul Goldstein and the local guides went out of their way to ensure we had the best experience. The camp itself was superb and the food was the best we've had on any trip. The camp managers, Darren & Emma, were very friendly and welcoming and added to the overall experience. We would happily go back tomorrow.

Another amazing week in the Masai Mara. Don't be afraid to go during the "rainy season". We had so many top quality sightings of leopards with cubs, lions with cubs, a cheetah kill and a new born elephant. Of course this cannot be guaranteed but we had very good fortune as well as maxing the time out searching for photographic opportunities. The guides were excellent and worked hard to get us into the best position for photos, whilst respecting the animals and ensuring they weren't disturbed by our presence. Lovely food and comfy tents - hot water bottles in our beds and in the jeeps were well-received.

Another amazing week in the Masai Mara. Don't be afraid to go during the "rainy season". We had so many top quality sightings of leopards with cubs, lions with cubs, a cheetah kill and a new born elephant. Of course this cannot be guaranteed but we had very good fortune as well as maxing the time out searching for photographic opportunities. The guides were excellent and worked hard to get us into the best position for photos, whilst respecting the animals and ensuring they weren't disturbed by our presence. Lovely food and comfy tents - hot water bottles in our beds and in the jeeps were well-received.

I had done the same trip once before when I barely knew how to use my camera. Six years on I felt I could fare much better and I wanted to put myself to the test. This wildlife safari gave me every opportunity I needed to exercise my skills. Fantastic wildlife viewing under the tutelage of an internationally renown expert in a wonderful environment.

A fantastic, immersive safari experience that gets you close to the wildlife for some great photographic opportunities, with a five-star luxury camp to enjoy when not out on the Mara plains filling your memory cards. This is not a relaxing holiday, but it is the best way to get close to the incredible wildlife and to take your photography skills to the next level. Its also lots of fun!

Be prepared to hit the ground running and to keep going - Everything you may have read about his trips is true. Paul and the fantastic Kicheche guides work really hard to get you in the right place at the right time - leaving camp in the dark to be in the Mara when the sun comes up backlighting a cheetah and her four cubs, or watching the most amazing river crossings that even the National Geographic would be envious of. Even if, like me, you are a complete novice you will get lots of helpful advice. Just when you think you will practice photographing a bee eater in flight (thinking Paul is far enough away not to notice) the radio will crackle from three vehicles away and you will be told your shutter speed is too slow! But at the end of the day you will learn a lot and come home with some photographs you will be proud of and want to go again. This was my first trip with Paul and I have already booked another one - although I will have to try and master slow panning before then!

Where do I begin... if your objective is to come home with some gorgeous photographs of truly wild animals in one of the finest wilderness areas on the planet, this is the trip for you. But be under no illusion, it's hard work. If you're looking forward to your nutmeg pancakes (Paul's breakfast insult of choice, it seems!) before a leisurely morning, look elsewhere. If you want to be in the right place, right time, this is it. Lion cubs a-plenty, cheetah family at play - and on the hunt, a close encounter with a leopard, this had it all. And when we were back at camp, we couldn't have been in greater luxury.

This photographic safari was lead by Paul Goldstein who is a well known and highly rated wildlife photographer. The Masai Mara is a very special area in Kenya to go to in order to photograph wildlife in their own environment. The days start before daylight and end after darkness descends.