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The trip was advertised as a wildlife photographic trip. To me that means ALL wildlife. This trip was mainly about big cats and wilderbeast migration. I had hoped to be able to photograph more of the avian wildlife, and the other animals, but these were rather ‘off the agenda’. I think the trip dossiers should be more specific.
Seeing some of the large birds of prey.
Best I don't say really. Not my kind of guy. May be a good photographer, but a bit too bossy. Intolerant. Needs to hone his man management skills.
Go with your own agenda, and try to get part of it incorprated into the trip
I have always dreamed that I would go to Kenya and the Mara "one day", and to be very honest this trip more than fulfilled my dreams and I feel loathed to book any other kind of African safari other than this one as I fear it could never match up. It feels like we saw and experienced much more than people will do in a lifetime of safaris. I am officially addicted to this trip and so wanting to book another.
The feeling of anticipation of what the day might bring as you climb into the vehicles while it is still dark but the stars and moon are shining bright. That sense of relief when the cheetah that you have been watching for 14 hours over 3 days finally makes that all important kill for her and her two hungry cubs. Being told that there is only a 25% chance of seeing a leopard to be presented with a beautiful female with 3 stunning young ones, and spending precious time with them as they are not bothered by you at all. The breath stopping moment when three 2/3 week old cheetah cubs look straight down your camera lens before going back to snuggle with their wonderfully attentive mother. Very young lion cubs feeding from mum then yawning with all the effort it takes to be so young. A stand off by "teenage" lions against grumpy buffalo. Wildebeest in the red sunrise going to cross the river. A welcome sun-downer as the sun sets while celebrating another amazing day. Watching the lightening making the night sky like daylight whilst sitting around the warming camp fire. A male lion in the early morning golden sunlight surveying his kingdom. Seeing the breath of the lions in the morning sun. Looking down from the vehicle to see a lioness or a cheetah looking straight back up at you only a few feet away.
Paul is a force of nature....end of. With an endless supply of crude (but very funny) jokes, he may shout and accuse you of "mincing" but that is just because he wants you to be in the right place at the right time for "that shot". His enthusiasm and that of the guides (The wonderful James, Patrick and Charles) is priceless.
Only take "brand name" sweets for Paul and the guides or go on the black list!! Take plenty of memory cards, a spare battery, there are great charging facilities at camp so don't worry about adaptors. Dress in layers, it can be very chilly in the mornings and the evenings but you will soon be shedding clothes when the sun comes up. Take a hat and plenty of sun protection. If you have room take two camera bodies, as it is so much easier than trying to swap lenses when you are hurtling along or the beautiful cats are so close the vehicle. Be prepared for early starts (4.30-5.00am) and be prepared to be patient as you might be waiting for that moment for a while but the rewards are just pure gold.
I can not imagine a safari where I would be given better opportunities for photography. From dawn till dusk we were presented with all those things photographers want most: best light, ideal landscape shots, unhurried time to make the most of special opportunities with cheetah and leopards. And then the excellent camp with its brilliant accomadation and food.
The reward of finally capturing a kill from a perfectly positioned vehicle, after spending hours following the hungry cheetah, till finally the chase was on. No other safari I have been on has included that sense of determination and focus.
No one could have worked harder to give us the best chance of getting the best photos we were capable of.Again and again we were presented with the great lighting and vehicles well positioned for photographs.Personally, Pauls totally obvious passion for wanting us (and himself) to get the best possible shots is the reason I hope to go on many more such photographic trips. Against all these positives -the need to wear a tin hat now and then, is a tiny price that is well worth paying.
Take the best kit you can, and high factor sun block. Going a bit out of season has some distinct advantages.Often there were no other vehicles . Go and listen to one of Pauls presentations and that will give you a good idea of the safari.
This was hands down one of the best trips I have ever taken – guided or not. Paul and our three Kicheche Camp guides (James, Patrick and Charles) definitely put us through our paces – 4:30am starts, 14 hour days in the land rover and some serious miles on that road, but we were delighted. We probably managed to see more of what the Mara has to offer in that one week than most people see in a lifetime (and all in amazing, gold, sunrise/sunset light). The whole team was super dedicated to making the absolute most of every hour, and were extremely knowledgeable about the area and its animals and completely understanding of the need for just the right angle on that back-lit cheetah. Meanwhile, Kennedy, Abe and the team back at camp made sure that when we returned bruised, battered, and exhilirated, there was always a hot shower and a cold Stoney to welcome us. I cannot imagine doing the Mara in any other other way or with any other tour – as can be attested by the fact that all our most memorable sights (10 day old cheetah cubs, leopard with 3 cubs, cheetah taking down an impala) were pretty much witnessed only by our three vehicles. Truly amazing!
First glimple of the leopard and her cubs at 6:48am after a 4:30am wake up. We didn't think we had a particularly great shot at finding them (Paul put it at 25%) and yet somehow there they were - ready to be photographed just as a the sun came up.
As everyone will tell you, Paul is quite the character and being picked to be one of the three in his car on a game drive was probably one of the more daunting aspects of the trip. But he's incredibly passionate about the Mara and photography (also cricket, cycling and the Shawshank Redemption) and very committed to giving you as much (or as little) help and tips with your photography as you want. He also goes completely out of his way to make sure you have an amazing trip so you always feel amazingly well taken care of, even though he's not afraid to push the group through some pretty grueling days.
If you don't have excellent gear going on this trip, rent some. You will see some pretty incredible things, but you're not coming back with much if you don't have a very good telephoto lens - while the occassional lioness does walk 2 feet away from the land rover, most of the action is a sizable distance away.
Memories of 7 days/6 nights spent in Kenya will keep me going through the dark cold days of the British winter.Magical starry skies at night and the warmth of the sun by day…and of course the wildlife.
There were so may that it's difficult to pick on one. Seeing a very hungry cheetah with 2 cubs make a successful kill . Watching a beautiful lioness move her two tiny 3 week old cubs by picking them up in her mouth. Spending precious time with a leopard who had 3 cubs..and our 3 vehicles were the only ones there...on two out of two occasions!!! Serval cats , mother and kitten, giving us time in perfect morning sunshine. Giraffes aginst a dark stormy sky. Lions and buffalo "arguing" over who should remain in the area.
There was nothing new. We have travelled with Paul many times before. As always, he worked very hard to ensure that we had the best experience..and we did!! There were times!!!...but then we all have those. Would we travel with him again...yes.
Make sure you take adequate sun protection. In December , early mornings are cold but the sun soon warms everything up. Drink plenty of water. Be aware that although the UK allows you to take a penknife out with blades less than 6cm, Kenya will take it off you on your return..the voice of experience!!
Great sightings of wildlife in general and the big african cats in particular – based at the wonderful Kicheche Bush Camp.
We spent a long time observing a female cheetah (plus cubs) waiting for her to chase prey. Our patience was rewarded when she chased down a big female impala.Seeing and photographing three different families of cheetahs and a beautiful leopard female (with no less than three cubs) were experiences well above my expectation.
Unique (in my experience) in getting you to the right places to maximise photographic opportunities.
Go to see one of Paul Goldstein's slide lectures - advertised on the Exodus website.
Anthropomorphic anecdotes from Hammond and Bradbury? Thankfully not; this safari is strictly for the adults. If you have a penchant for predatory pussies or a fervent feline fetish this is the trip for you.
It was a long shot and if Paul secretly thought he'd made a bad call he didn't show it. Nightjars winged across the bonnet of the Land Cruiser like falling Sycamores, whilst Scrub Hares stared bedazzled into the headlights. To say that we saw a rosetted male feline walking nonchalantly through the grassy plains before we'd had breakfast would just be smug. To say that we saw a leopardess with three small dappled cubs post muesli, well! that's just indescribable.Permit me one more inspirational indulgence. Preceded by the nights rain, the early morning mist; lions emerge, their breaths condensing in a saffron hue.
The lion may well be the King of the African plains but Paul is most certainly Kicheche's King of the "Profanisaurus Rex".
The Mara offers some of the best predator viewing in Africa but don't ignore the "not so sexy" species. Take every opportunity to look at as many different species as possible and not just through a lens.
An outstanding trip, amazing bush camp, stunning scenery, masses of wildlife, great staff, out of this world guides…perfect!
Seeing a female leopard with her 3 cubs....so very rare, and I feel so privileged to have seen this. Simply stunning!
Paul Goldstein has bounds of energy, and works very hard to ensure that everyone gets some stunning photos. He is direct, critical and takes no prisoners, but you do end up with some stunning photos.
Take plenty of memory cards...you will need them, along with a back up device. Travel light, as the camp laundry is excellent.
An utterly amazing week of wildlife viewing and photographic opportunities
Without a doubt it was seeing a female leopard with 3 young cubs climb a tree; I feel incredibly lucky to have witnessed this.
Paul seems to have endless energy and enthusiasm on these trips! His simple mantra of getting up early and doing time on the plains of the Mara well and truly reaps rewards. I personally wouldn't do a safari any other way.
Take a laptop and external hard drive to download pictures.Pack light - there is an excellent laundry service at the camp.
Wow wow wow. The Mara is a truly amazing, Kicheche is the icing on the cake of an amazing trip. ‘I’ve been to Africa eight times and saw no Leopards. I came to Kicheche and saw Nine..’ Nothing more to say really, its Leopard Heaven.
So many moments on this trip, its hard to summarise but 3 that stand out. Seeing my first Leopard, simply jaw dropping beauty. I couldn't believe this was on my first game drive and i had a full week ahead. I knew this was going to be a special trip.The time we spent with the female Leopard and her 3 eleven week old cubs. An amazing experience seen by so few. The early mornings spent with the lions and the morning rolling mist. Photography heaven..
Well what is there to say about Paul Goldstein. EnergeticCharismaticStraight Talking Just a mere 3 things that might give someone an idea about his character.
Be prepared: Early Starts / Long daysFantastic wildlifeAmazing campSuperb hospitalityStupendous guides This trip will result in a complete imagefest, bring many many cards. You have been warned.