Thanks for a fantastic week! I learned lots, I saw the most beautiful and memorable sights the Mara has to offer and met new friends. Oh, and captured much of this on “film”. Thanks to you both, I appreciate a tour like this requires a lot of planning, logistics and that you’re always on call. It was great!

For me, an unforgettable and rewarding experience. Champion! Thanks and safe travels!

My first trip with Alan, but not my last! He was keen to pass on his photographic knowledge without being condescending, suggesting different angles, techniques etc. What really impressed me was that he always put his clients needs first even if it meant missing his shot. All round a good egg!

We probably saw more species in the first hour than most people will be privileged to see in their life. They relate to me as a person, not as a customer. They look after my wellbeing which is why I am with them for the third time.

The best of any guides I’ve ever come across before.

The whole trip has felt really well organised. I felt re-assured by all of the information Alan and Kaleel sent in advance.

My trip to Lemek was awesome

My trip to Lemek was awesome, where I took many pictures and learned a lot about the area and the animals and people that live there, what would I of changed apart from Nairobi airport, nothing the trip was flawless. Accommodation, this is hard to put a star rating on, it was basic but fitted in perfectly with the camp and the whole ethos of living in the Mara for two weeks.

Food, lets start with the negative, no menu, and the positive was no menu, the home cooked food was superb, I can’t list dishes as I didn’t have a clue what was in them, but the taste, not once did I not clean my plate and the general opinion was the same with empty plate all round. Service, this perhaps the biggest shock, 500 miles from running water and hard roads and some of the best service I’ve come across, from taking bags to your tent to serving food and drinks all done with a smile and eagerness to shame many top hotels. Other guest’s, a very nice mix of people who where laid back and just wanted good pictures which we all got.

I went with Africa Photography Safaris who I would recommend, that’s not really fair, I went with Africa Photography Safaris and would not now go with any one else, I have viewed other company’s and have heard first hand of huge problems, we had none. Our guide’s which sat with us at all meals this including the two Maasai guide’s as well as the two English lads, their combined knowledge and bushcraft is what made this trip come alive and perhaps the over all friendliness which gave this trip it’s five star rating.

What stayed with me long after I left wasn’t just the photographs I brought home. It’s how they were made, with patience, respect, and a deep sense of connection to the landscape and the wildlife that shape it. Alan & Kaleel’s photography safaris didn’t just help me to take better photographs. They left me with incredible memories of an amazing experience, that I was truly within the habitats and ecosystem I photographed

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 Camp 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 requirements and I have lots of great images as memories of my safaris.

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.

I just wanted to say thank you for hosting such a great trip – I have so many lovely memories and I am re-living them now as I sort out my photos. The migration crossing was something that I have always wanted to see so it was fantastic to have such a wonderful view.

These guys provided a tour that was absolutely brilliant from before we started to after we’d finished. The advice on kit and pre tour prep was invaluable.

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.

And Marion’s food was delicious! It added to the whole experience.

Every element was thoughtfully delivered. If you’re considering this safari, don’t hesitate – it’s an unforgettable experience in every sense.

From the moment I booked the photography trip with Kaleel and Alan I was excited and thought this will be a ‘once in a lifetime adventure!’ The dreams I had going there made me so excited and they all became reality. Thinking back on this adventure brings back so many lovely memories and great sightings which enabled us to take wonderful images of the wildlife and the incredible landscapes and sundowners.

Every time when we went out we were rewarded with beautiful sightings, every day had its own big surprise.

A company with true respect for the animals.

I had a fantastic experience on a photo safari with African Photography Safaris to Mattikoko, Kenya. I chose this company due to their values. We were based on a conservancy where animal welfare is a priority. Vehicle numbers are restricted, and strict rules are applied to ensure animal safety. A much better experience in every way.

It is fair to say that every expectation has been exceeded. These are things that will be lifelong memories.

An exceptional company and an exceptional experience

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 improved 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.

There are many options to choose from when selecting a photo Safari but one of the attractions that led me to book with African Photography Safaris is the way in which they support the local community. Tourism is an important element in promoting conservation and I welcomed the opportunity to know that my holiday was directly supporting the local community’s conservation efforts. One of my other reasons for choosing this holiday was the high ethical standards of Alan and Kaleel and Moses and James our local guides. We are there to observe the animals and birds in their environment, not to disrupt their lives. We are guests in their world and we should behave as guests.

I would not hesitate to recommend African Photography Safaris.