Photography is a beautiful art in which we attempt to freeze little moments in time. When words are no longer enough, a photograph captures that which can only be understood by the heart. A skilled photographer knows how to store emotions and feelings within the frame of a well-timed picture. Just like the French photographer Bruno Barbey once said, “Photography is the only language that can be understood anywhere in the world.” So, when one encounters a country as rich and photogenic as Kenya, they tend to make the very best of it and even come back again and again.
Sumpton Safari Adventures recognizes just how attractive Kenya is to the naked eye and more so behind the lenses, with its beautiful landscapes, rolling hills, and breathtaking wildlife. Not to mention its beautiful people and varied cultures. We love sharing this little paradise of Africa with the world. That is why we have designed unique safari packages for photographers seeking to capture Kenya in all its splendor. In this blog post, we highlight a few notable places that any photographer worth their name would immediately fall in love with.
Nairobi City – Street Photography
There is something calming about Nairobi on a Sunday morning. There is usually barely any traffic as the city takes on a more relaxed tone. As you walk along the streets of Nairobi, you may meet a few people going out to enjoy their day. Most will be in churches, worshipping, only to emerge in the afternoon, filling up the city once again. The beautiful Uhuru Park offers the best green space in the city. It is equally a living symbol of the conservation efforts pioneered by the Nobel Laureate, the late Wangari Maathai. Some of the best shots of Nairobi have been taken from this park.
Nairobi is also home to some of the most colorful graffiti-decorated buses and matatus in the world. It is a beauty just to see them, now imagine what magic your camera could conjure up when you snap them up close. While the government of Kenya lifted licensing requirements for photography within the city, government buildings remain restricted. Not to worry though, once you book a photography safari with Sumpton Safaris, our expert tour guides will be with you every step of the way to ensure you are well-updated on such bylaws.
In addition, some of the most colorful markets in Africa are found in Nairobi. The famous Maasai Market hosts numerous vendors of traditional Kenyan jewelry, baskets, colorful beads, and paintings selling their items right within the city. Nairobi offers a unique blend of the Kenyan traditional way of life and the modern world of tech. It shouldn’t come as a surprise to capture a Maasai warrior in his traditional red shuka drinking a latte at Java or acrobatic dancers performing their craft at the roundabout of a major road within the city faces painted and all. You really need to see it to believe it.
The Breathtaking Wildlife
The beauty of the African savannah is famous worldwide for a good reason. Africa is stunning when seen on film and in all the nature documentaries that have since been made. But seeing the African elephant in person or the lion of the savannah at sunrise is something almost entirely otherworldly.
In the morning at the Mara, as the golden sun rays rise to light up the savannah, the game park seems to come alive. Our guides know the right time to spot a lone lion scouting for the perfect hunt. They have spent years in the Mara to understand this ecosystem and now use their knowledge for the benefit of our clients. The great migration that begins in June is also truly spectacular. So, if you are a photographer hoping to capture this magnificent moment, feel free to contact us anytime.
Amboseli, on the other hand, is an amazing destination for photographers looking for unique black-and-white shots. As the large herds of elephants walk on the salty dust of Amboseli, the dust rises, giving a dramatic misty effect that makes photographs taken here quite unique. This game reserve is also home to Africa’s last ‘super tuskers.’ Some of the elephants here have tusks weighing as much as 45 kg. This makes Amboseli the perfect place for photographers looking for the best elephant portraits. Not to mention the view of Kilimanjaro, which provides the most jaw-dropping backdrop for practically all pictures taken at Amboseli.
Birds of Kenya
Kenya is home to over 1,100 bird species, making it one of the best destinations for bird photography in Africa. Lakes Elementaita, Naivasha, Nakuru, and Bogoria are renowned for their spectacular pink displays of the common flamingo. Their population is estimated to be around 1.5 million, with the number rising every year.
Beyond the four lakes, Kenya also hosts more diverse habitats that are home to an incredible variety of other bird species. You can photograph majestic raptors like eagles, vultures, and hawks, as well as colorful birds such as African Jacanas, Lilac-breasted Rollers, Malachite Kingfishers, and various sunbird species. Other notable birds include ostriches, storks, cranes, and numerous waterfowl species.
To maximize your bird photography experience in Kenya, Sumpton Safari Adventure offers guided tours led by experienced birding experts. Our experts have extensive knowledge of this region, can identify bird species, and help you navigate the best spots for photography. We also give you extra tips, such as how to camouflage yourself, so you can take amazing pictures in a way that doesn’t disturb the birds. Call us today for this and many other safari options in Kenya and East Africa.
