By Marius Coetzee, ORYX Photo Tours
Few places on Earth stir the soul like Kenya. It’s a land where vast savannas meet dramatic skies, where wildlife roams in harmony with communities, and where photography becomes not just a creative pursuit, but a celebration of life itself.
In October 2025, I had the privilege of leading another ORYX photographic safari through some of Kenya’s most remarkable conservation areas — a journey that reminded me once again why this country holds such a special place in my heart.
The Mara – A Dance of Life
Our adventure began at the Four Points Sheraton in Nairobi, a comfortable base to recover from international flights before heading into the wild. From there, we boarded our flight to the Mara Naboisho Conservancy, where our home for the next few days, Mara Nyika Camp, offered us front-row access to one of Africa’s richest wildlife areas.
Morning and afternoon game drives unfolded into scenes of pure drama — lions on the hunt, cheetahs in golden light, and elephants threading through the tall grass. Yet beyond the thrill of the sightings, what makes Naboisho truly special is its story: a successful partnership between private landowners and conservationists that ensures both wildlife and local Maasai communities thrive side by side.
Our journey then took us deeper into the Olare Motorogi Conservancy, where we stayed at the legendary Mara Plains Camp. Here, the photographic opportunities were endless — from playful lion cubs rolling in the dust to leopards draped elegantly across ancient fig trees. The light, the landscape, and the sheer abundance of wildlife make this a dream for any photographer.
Tsavo West – A Wilderness of Texture and Spirit
From the Mara, we flew east to Tsavo West National Park, where ol Donyo Camp rests at the foot of the Chyulu Hills. This is a landscape of lava fields, acacia woodland, and distant views of Mount Kilimanjaro. What makes ol Donyo truly remarkable is its deep-rooted conservation ethos. The camp’s presence supports anti-poaching initiatives, habitat restoration, and sustainable partnerships with the local Maasai communities.
Evenings were spent on the deck overlooking the camp’s waterhole, watching herds of elephants emerge from the shadows — a timeless reminder of the delicate balance we strive to protect.
Amboseli – The Land of Giants
Our final stop was Tortilis Camp, perfectly positioned in Amboseli with breathtaking views of Kilimanjaro. Amboseli is famous for its great elephant herds, and it’s here that we encountered some of the last remaining big tuskers, including the legendary Craig. To stand in the presence of these ancient, wise creatures — living symbols of survival — is profoundly moving. Their protection is a testament to the dedication of conservation organisations and the cooperation of local communities who now see elephants as allies rather than adversaries.
Reflections
As this safari came to an end, I felt a deep sense of gratitude — for Kenya’s wild beauty, for the people who protect it, and for the guests who joined this photographic journey with such passion and purpose.
A heartfelt thank you to the incredible ORYX Photo Tours team working tirelessly behind the scenes — from our logistics coordinators to our local partners — for ensuring that every moment flowed seamlessly. A photographic safari of this calibre is never the work of one person; it’s a symphony of collaboration, vision, and shared love for the natural world.
Kenya continues to inspire — not only through its breathtaking wildlife but through the communities and conservancies that are shaping a sustainable future. To travel here with ORYX is to be part of something larger — a journey of discovery, connection, and hope.
