The Maasai Mara Photography Green Season Experience

Famed by countless BBC and National Geographic documentaries, the Mara is a stage for some of the most remarkable wildlife encounters on Earth. Lions patrol the vast open plains and elephants wander through lush grasslands. Leopards make their home among the trees and overhead, hundreds of incredible bird species fill the skies, from eagles and vultures to the dazzling lilac-breasted rollers and superb starlings.

Here you will find all of the Big Five – lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and Cape buffalo. Plus an endless cast of other incredible creatures: cheetahs, giraffes, gazelles, crocodiles, hippos, zebra, storks, vultures, kingfishers, and more. It is a paradise for wildlife photographers, and we will be right at the heart of it.

There is nowhere quite like the Mara. The sheer variety and abundance of wildlife is breathtaking, and every turn of the track offers something remarkable for your lens. The fresh season brings new life to the plains, vibrant greenery, and dramatic skies that make every shot unforgettable.

We work with our brilliant, highly experienced Maasai guides whose knowledge of the land and its animals is unmatched. Rather than following the crowds, we base ourselves in the peaceful private conservancies. Quieter, wilder areas that often feel as though the savannah is ours alone, ideal for capturing extraordinary wildlife photographs.

This trip is perfectly timed for the lush green season when the plains come alive with newborns, active predators, and dramatic scenery.

Karibu Mattikoko…

…. place of wild beauty, warm hospitality, and unforgettable photography safaris.

Tucked away in the heart of Kenya’s Maasai Mara, Mattikoko Safari Camp offers a peaceful, family-run retreat. Moreover, it sits within the wildlife-rich private Lemek Conservancy. You can hear the dawn chorus of birds, enjoy coffee as the plains wake, and photograph lions only minutes later. At night, you will drift off to the sounds of the African bush, with hyenas whooping in the distance. Occasionally, a lion will remind everyone who’s in charge. However, don’t worry — they’re not that close. Meanwhile, our brilliant Maasai guides and welcoming camp team ensure every game drive, meal, and moment becomes something to remember.

You’ll stay in spacious, glamping-style safari tents with hot showers, flushing toilets, electricity, and comfortable beds. Everything you need to feel at home in the wild! Wildlife is often spotted near camp, adding to the magic of the setting.

Meals are freshly prepared each day, beginning with breakfast on the savannah. Then, we enjoy lunch back at camp or a packed lunch in the wild during longer adventures. We enjoy sundowner drinks out on the the savannah as night falls then gather around the fire back at camp. After a warm meal in the boma, it’s time to settle down for the night. Throughout it all, great meals, lively conversations, and a safari cocktail in hand help the evening blend with the crackle of the fire and the clink of glasses.

Karibu Maasai Mara Photography Safari at Mattikoko!

The Conservancy Advantage – Ethical and Sustainable

Most of our photo safaris take place in the Lemek and Ol Chorro Conservancies, beautiful, wildlife-rich areas in the Maasai Mara eco-system. These conservancies were created to protect vital habitats and wildlife corridors, while also supporting the local Maasai communities who own the land.

Conservancies are a dream for wildlife photographers. Unlike the National Reserve, there are fewer vehicles, no jostling at sightings, and we enjoy the ability to responsibly go off-road. Our guides are well connected too, always in touch with fellow guides and rangers to help track down the best action.

Conservancies are also doing crucial work behind the scenes, keeping the Mara–Serengeti ecosystem healthy while bringing income and opportunity to the Maasai people. Part of the cost of your safari goes straight back into these conservancies, helping to fund community projects, protect wildlife, and keep the wild feeling truly wild.