L Panos Laskarakis Masai Mara The Great Migration Private Luxurious Photo safari August 2018, Kenya 24/08/2018 to 31/08/2018
Masai Mara The Great Migration
Panos Laskarakis Photographer and Leader I am a professional outdoor nature photographer who understands local culture and ethics wherever I conduct tours. I have won many awards for excellence. I also specialize in organizing workshops and outdoor photography tours a learning experience for the amateurs and would-be lens men. Being awe stricken by east Africa and its wild heritage I began to organize wildlife photo tours and soon mastered the endeavour. Please meet me on www.panoslaskarakis.com -3-
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The Great crossing About this trip This is the most passionate, spectacular and above all tailored to your dreams photographic safari directly into wild Africa! Experience big cats, the great migration, luxury accommodation and wilderness that surpasses expectations. Feel the unique African atmosphere, be surrounded by the dust of the great migratory chaos, admire the crocodiles attacking through the Masai Mara river, absorb the wild sounds of Savannah and become the witness of the huge sun above the gold continent! Unlimited safari of big cats and the big five in the core of Maasai Mara National park, which is undeniably the most famous National park in the world, where you can see the Great Migration of the wildebeests and zebras. I will lead you as a private group of nature lovers and photographers into the wild wonders of Africa and I will focus strictly on your improvement as far as wildlife photography is concerned as well as your needs, your demands and your relaxation! As a guest, your only 'job' is enjoying the experience of being in the bush and soaking up the magical atmosphere created by fascinating animal encounters, showering under the stars, late-night conversations around a crackling campfire, and the soft glow of paraffin lanterns. Just enjoy your lifetime experience! It's about being right in the hub of one of the most famous wildlife reserves in the world and part of a quintessential Kenya Safari Experience. The savage kingdom is waiting for you. Are you ready? So, take your passion and make it happen! -5-
Professional wildlife photo tutorial fest by Panos Laskarakis The tutorial includes two major parts. The first concerns the outdoor wildlife photography, when I am planning to show you my new skills, techniques and my photographic behavior in the wild. The second is about the seminars in our lodge's area, during which I will share my knowledge with you on your preparation before the safari and your future wildlife photography as well. We will spend most of our time and effort on safari with new photographic activities and get qualitative images. I will make a much more enjoyable and in depth wildlife photographic experience for you. Participation- Let's go Participation applies to passionate wildlife photographers of every skill level BUT also to every traveler, who has true passion for nature and adventure. Safari is a unique activity for everyone and of every age! After your first safari you won't help falling in love with nature and wildlife as well! -6-
Highlights Award winning Professional Photographer & personal Guide Panos Laskarakis Our driver Mr.Onesmus Ole Irungu,who has won the Gold Level Guide status with Kpsga- Kenya Professional Safari Guides Association as the best driver guide of Kenya and Ecotourism Guide of the year in Kenya year 2014. Luxurious lodges-tents at the best locations, right in the middle of the very best gameviewing, getting the advantage for the best sunlight on sunset and sunrise as well! Unlimited full day safari (From morning to evening) without restrictions and delays, which has been designed to maximize success at the best points of Maasai Mara National park, which is the best sightings for the Big cats in the world. Three jewels of Kenya Private big luxurious 7 seater 4x4 Land cruiser, with open wide sides (not only the roof), throughout the entire safari. Hence enough space for movement in all direction besides comfort and room for equipment. You're guaranteed a window seat in the open 4x4 for unimpeded camera access and viewing! With all travel needs and necessities taken care of in advance you just shoot with the camera in extreme comfort. Private road transfers between all stops throughout the trip Exclusive participation only for max 6 persons as a private photo safari. The Best Location at the Right Season viewing the chaos of the Great Migration Exploring East and West Triangle Masai Mara
HOTELS: Accommodations THE GLAMOUR OF THE AFRICAN SAFARI AT THE HEART OF THE MASAI MARA Legends Camp Mara Located at the banks of Olare Orok Ïur Lodge - Camps River, inside the Masai Mara Game Reserve, the Legend's Mara Camp is an exquisite camp that allows you to experience the uniqueness of an African Safari in style. With 5 spacious and luxurious en-suite tents, the -8-
camp is an exclusive and intimate setting with personalized services to boot! Our visitors enjoy close proximity to the great wildebeest migration, and the magnificent view of the Mara. The luxurious dining room is well furnished for classic dining experience in the bush. Nightfall at the camp comes with a romantic glow, thanks to the classic lanterns which provide a superb lighting along the runway. -9-
Accommodations Mara Serena Safari Lodge The breathtaking landscapes of Masai Mara National Reserve, uninterrupted views of the Mara River and a design inspired by a traditional Maasai Manyatta set Mara Serena Safari Lodge as an unforgettable destination for safari holidays. Our 74 guest rooms and one suite have been inspired by the local Maasai heritage and surrounding natural splendour, welcoming guests to experience the allure of the only lodge located within the famed Mara Triangle. A merger of Africa's untamed beauty and modern sophistication, our accommodations are arranged with one slightly in front of its neighbour, allowing for sweeping river and savannah views. Adorned in swirling patterns that reflect the colours and shapes of the bush, rooms -10-
feature Maasai-inspired design-motifs, King or twin beds, lavish, all-encompassing mosquito-curtaining and marble bathrooms with walk-in showers. Contemporary amenities like complimentary Internet and television with satellite channels along with personalised touches like ceiling fans to enhance the guest experience. -11-
Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge Located on a range of hills that form the western limits of Africa's Great Rift Valley, the lodge offers spectacular views over the vastness of Africa. The lodge also overlooks Lake Nakuru and its surrounding National Park, one that is a paradise for bird watchers and wildlife lovers alike. Lake Nakuru National Park is mainly a wooded and bushy grassland with a wide ecological diversity and characteristic habitats that range from the lake waters to the escarpment and ridges. -12-
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Leader: Panos Laskarakis Target: Magnificent pictures of Big five, Migration's action, birds and culture as well Locations: Lake Nakuru - Lake Bogoria-Lake Baringo- Maasai Mara National Reserve-Nairobi Duration: 8 days Dates: 24/08/2018 to 31/08/2018 International main airport: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, Kenya Group size: Max 6 persons Entry level: Very easy Arrival & Departure: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, Kenya Transportation: Private road transfers between all stops throughout the trip with 4x4 Land cruiser for all transfers & sightseeing. Trip details Be ready Climate Dry season but sometimes thunderstorms! The temperature touches the high of around 27-30 C and the low 15 C Weather on https://www.yr.no/place/kenya/rift_valley/maasai_mara_game_reserve/long.html Camera Gear Must have telephoto Lens mostly but you need lens from 16 to up 1000mm with converters! If you have 2 camera bodies is better. One crop and one full fame with High shutter speed and high ISO. About compact camera I recommend big zoom and High shutter speed as well. Except the tripod, I highly suggest monopod and bean bags. Backpack This should be able to carry all of your camera gear Do not forget your Laptop Clothes: Early morning and at night, I recommend you bring a jacket or warm fleece. The rest of clothing must be very light, short and white, durable in dust, in UV rays and absorbent in sweating. I suggest very light not open shoes or light boots! Summer hat and sun glasses are necessary as well as swimwear for the pool!! For the night you will need very warm pajamas and anti- mosquito cream! -14-
TRAVEL DATES: 24TH-31ST August 2018 th 24 August: Lake Nakuru National park On arrival, we shall pick you up from the Itinerary airport and embark on the morning safari to Lake Nakuru. The big goal in this lake is that we have the greatest possibilities to see Rhinoceros than anywhere else in Kenya. Also the sightings of leopards are perfectly combined with a unique environment around the lake! Breakfast will be taken around the area of the lake. Check-in for Lunch at the Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge. After the lunch and relaxing! We will have a sunset safari before our dinner to the lodge. Full board th 25 August: Lake Bogoria National Reserve-Lake Nakuru Early Morning will head to the lake Bogoria reserve to capture the millions of the flamingoes at the sunset! Breakfast will be taken nearby the lake. Next we will take our lunch during our visiting the Lake Baringo for a boat ride, which is about 30minutes away from Bogoria. Safari at the sunset in Lake Bogoria. Dinner and overnight stay at Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge Full board -15-
th 26 August: Lake Nakuru to East Maasai Mara Today we will have one more unique morning safari in Nakuru National park and Breakfast.After breakfast embark on a journey to Maasai Mara National Reserve. Check-in for lunch at the Legend's Mara Camp. Evening game drive follows. Dinner and overnight stay at Legend's Mara Camp Full Board th th 27-28 August: East Maasai Mara National Reserve full days safari. This is the day, where the real safari concept began! During this period, we shall spend our time exploring the Maasai Mara national reserve. The reserve is famous for great wildebeest migration where hundreds of thousands of ungulates migrate from Serengeti into the Maasai Mara in search for green pastures. Maasai Mara is an also a haven where nearly all wildlife can be spotted including the big game and different species of cats. Game drive timing will be early morning and evening game drive with some days having full day game drives to ensure we capture the best of Maasai Mara. All meals and accommodation at Legend's Mara Camp Full Board -16-
th rd 29-30 August: East Maasai Mara National Reserve to West Triangle Maasai Mara National Reserve After breakfast embark on a journey to West Maasai Mara National Reserve. Check-in for lunch at the Mara Serena Safari Lodge Mara west combines luxury accommodations with the breathtaking adventures of an unforgettable African safari as well. Two days unlimited safari.full board st 31 August:: Maasai Mara to Nairobi Early Morning game drive, and return to the camp mid-morning for check-out. We shall enjoy lunch at the camp and transfer to Nairobi. On arrival our guide will transfer you to the airport for your international flight based on your schedule. -17-
The Masai Mara is home to some of the most impressive Unlimited photographic Game drive in Maasai Mara National Reserve wildlife spectacles on the face of planet Earth. Offering superb plains scenery, unmatched safari activities and diverse wildlife, Masai Mara National Reserve is considered Kenya's best park and one of Africa's highest wildlife density region for predators. The reserve covers 1000 square miles of outstanding wilderness in southwest Kenya. The location, wildlife, activities and comfortable moderate climate puts Mara at the top of the list. Opportunities for first-timers to Africa to view the 'Big Five' and the big cats remain some of the best on the African continent. The park is also center stage for one of the world's greatest animal spectacles, the Great Migration, where wildebeest, zebra, buffalo, gazelle and more begin their epic journey from the Serengeti plains to the lush grasslands of the Mara, under the watchful eye of hungry predators, from crocodiles to lions. This is a sight to behold for any safari-goer, seasoned or not, as these wild animals sprawl the plains and cross dangerous rivers on their 500km round trip between the Southern Serengeti and north edge of the Masai Mara. The Great Wildebeest Migration in the plains of East Africa is one of the world's most thrilling, intriguing and spectacular displays of wildlife behavior. -18-
Masai Mara is the most noted location of the wildebeest migration due to its famed Mara River crossings. The migration is an ongoing movement of animals that takes place throughout the year and occurs within an area that is known as the Serengeti ecosystem. The migration is not a singular, isolated event. Instead, the phrase describes the constant movement of over 2.5 million wildebeests and hundreds of thousands of zebras, as well as elands and gazelles. As with other wildlife, the purpose of the movement is the search for pasture and water. When supplies of these vital resources are depleted in one area, the animals move to another area where water, grasses and other food sources are plentiful. -19-
Elephant Common Giraffe Common Hippo Common White Rhino None Black Rhino Rare wildlife of Masai Mara Buffalo Common Zebra Abundant Lion Common Wildebeest Abundant Leopard Occasional Wild Dog Very Rare Cheetah Common Hyena Common
Lake Bogoria The pink carpet! Three jewels of Kenya Lake Bogoria Reserve popularly known for the bubbling hot springs and steaming geysers. It has the largest number of geysers in Africa as well. Admire the million pink and white swathes of flamingos on the soda lake. The Reserve also plays host to the greater shy kudu, an antelope with spiraling horns as well as impalas, grant gazelles, cheetahs, zebras and water bucks. The lake is mainly surrounded by thorny bush land and thicket merging into wooded grasslands. Dense riverine forests of doom and raffia palm occur along watercourses, with various sedges in riverine swamps. It has significant ornithological interest with 135 species of birds have been recorded. -21-
Lake Nakuru A National park flourishing with life, Lake Nakuru provides a haven for birds and birdlovers from across the globe. Discover the diverse beauty scattered around on the Rift Valley's great soda lake, with waterfalls, caves, and forest all providing pockets of varying wildlife, including tree-climbing lions, Rothschild giraffes, and endangered black rhinos. This lake is one of the best places in Kenya to see Leopards.During our safari through some unique viewpoints, you will have spectacular vistas of wild nature. Lake Baringo A small paradise Lake Baringo is a renowned birding location in Kenya, boasting over 500 species of bird, occasionally including migrating flamingos It is one of only 2 fresh water lakes in the Rift Valley system, therefore attracting different wildlife and holding fast as a unique destination. Highlights include crossing the equator, some fabulous birding and visits to authentic Pokot villages. The area is a habitat for many species of animals, including, hippo, crocodile, and many other mammals, amphibians, reptiles and the invertebrates. -22-
Except from the best location of the lodges-camps, in order to have a very successful game drive, the guiding from an expert is a must! That's why I take pride in hiring the best driver of Kenya, for an effective photo safari! Our driver Mr.Onesmus Ole Irungu has won the Gold Level Guide status with Kpsga- Kenya Professional Safari Guides Association and the Ecotourism Guide of the year in Kenya year 2014. He has been at the forefront of wildlife tourism and photographic endeavors. Through constant efforts and involvement in the field he has gained expertise that has ultimately led to great success. The momentum generated has also made him excel in Photographic safari with Gold Level Guide status organizing dream photographic journeys. The trips are simply spectacular with an admixture of extreme competence, skills, luxury and learning for amateurs and professionals alike. Mr. Onesmus is worldwide famous for his skills as far as quick search and locate technique are concerned, for faster results to maximize shoots accuracy. He is passionate, knowledgeable and more important, respects people and wildlife. He is an entertainer as well. The years of training and acclimatization will reward you with the most successful photographic tour ever. -23-
Cost: 3995 EUR per person sharing (GROUP OF 4 PERSONS) 3695 EUR per person sharing (GROUP OF 6 PERSONS) Cost and payments Single room Supplement is EURO 480 per person Notes: Child Rate: 3-11years 60% of the adult rate sharing the same room with two adults and 80% of the adult rate when in their own room. Children above 11years pay full adult rate Deposit : 1500 EUR per person sharing Please notice! The deposit is not refundable! Please notice! The outstanding balance will be requested 120 days before the trip If you are a single person who wants to share the room with someone else (in order to have the sharing price) please let me know. But in case that someone else takes your place after you cancel your workshop booking, I will be complacent to fully refund your money! Exceptional Value for Your Travel Get the most out of your trip thrills, frills and adventures bespoken While we are coming at the optimal time to see african wild life, this is otherwise an off-peak trip, meaning your cost is lower than for most tours in Kenya. Take advantage of great value pricing for an exceptionally high-quality small-group trip when tiger sightings are best! There is limited space available for this workshop only 6 persons, so if you are excited of becoming a witness of this amazing trip you have to hurry!!! -24-
Full days safari in Maasai Mara NP 2Extra Passenger seats on plane for camera equipment Transport in luxurious 7 seater 4x4 Land cruiser,with open wide sides at the Maasai Mara and closed Safari Land cruiser with an open roof for Lake Bogoria and Lake Nakuru Accommodation Full Board as per the Itinerary Park and conservation fees Boat ride at Lake Baringo All ground transfers Complimentary bottle of drinking water Included Services of Driver and Photography Guide Complimentary trip for the team leader Drinks and refreshments Extra meals Tips and gratitude Laundry Visa fees Excluded International Flight ticket Personal Insurance Cultural tour$25per person Hot Air Balloon safari $450 per person -25-
Very important info I highly recommend you to have travel insurance and cancelation insurance as well. Please let me know about your international flight details Your passport must be valid at least for 6 months after the 23/08/2018( departure day!) Should be useful while your arrival at the Airport of Nairobi to convert some money. -26-
When you are involved in a responsible photo tour you are empowering the locals, their economy and the inheritance. These are the vital aspects of conservation anywhere in the Responsible Tourism Local Communities World. From a precarious downfall to a steady rise of the wild animals population in Kenya has been an encouraging development and will lead to a permanent conservation of the species. The biggest percent of these big cats in the wild are found in Kenya. By participatin g you will be auguring much needed conservation practice that will set a stunning example for the rest of the World. Responsible tourism leads to responsible attitude that saves energy, sustains resources and augurs best practices to make a carbon footprint free world. As tour operator a great emphasis is accorded to green eco-friendly practices. Join Panos in his endeavors. -27-
Contact Please do not hesitate to contact with me Men in charge: Panos laskarakis Mobile phone Only for Kenya +372 54072874 Email : laskaraki77@yahoo.gr or info@panoslaskarakis.com Come join me to explore an extraordinary wildlife photographic safari, as well as the hidden treasures of East Africa! -28-