LAIKIPIA OVERVIEW
Based in the Ewaso Ecosystem in Laikipia County of Kenya, Laikipia Wilderness Camp offers a truly unique experience when compared to the touristy Maasai Mara. The camp does not fall within a national park or reserve, but rather within a ranch. Humans, livestock and wild animals live alongside each other, as they would have many decades ago.
With stunning landscapes encompassing rocky outcrops, valleys and mountains, as well as waterfalls, the concession provides the ultimate place to kick back and relax while enjoying snapping away at the many species of mammals and birds.
HIGHLIGHTS
🐾 Chance of seeing a black (melanistic) Leopard.
🐾 Home to species such as; Grévy's Zebra, Reticulated Giraffe, Striped Hyaena, and Vulturine Guineafowl.
🐾 Extended game drives which can go well into the night.
🐾 Limited safari vehicles on a large traverse.
🐾 Being able to exit the vehicle for low angles for certain species when it is safe to do so.
— LAIKIPIA —
OVERVIEW
Covering 13 300 hectares (33 000 acres), MalaMala Game Reserve shares an unfenced boundary with the world renowned Kruger National Park, the Sabi Sand Nature Reserve and the Sabie Game Reserve. The unfenced borders allows for the free movement of animals between the areas, and their 20 kilometre (13 mile) Sand River frontage attracts animals of every variety throughout the year.
MalaMala is well known as the pioneer of the photographic safari, and is one of Africa’s best places to photograph the Big 5 and other iconic species such as Cheetahs, African Wild Dogs, Giraffes and much more. It’s no wonder so many photographers and wildlife film-makers flock to MalaMala. There’s no peak wildlife season at MalaMala, as every season brings about an abundance of animals.
HIGHLIGHTS
🐾 One of Africa’s best places to photograph Leopards and Lions.
🐾 No shared traversing on 70% of the property.
🐾 20 km (13 mi) of prime river (Sand River) frontage.
🐾 Not restricted to the usual limit of 3 hour game drives.
🐾 Off-roading for certain species to get closer to the action.
CAMP OPTIONS
MalaMala has 3 camps; MalaMala Camp, Sable Camp, and Rattray’s Camp. Click here to learn more about each of the 3 camps and what they have to offer.
Accommodation
The camp is situated on a small hill with a great view of the surrounding landscapes. The tents and facilities are basic yet comfortable, and provides guests with an authentic African experience.
Click here to learn more about the accommodation at Laikipia Wilderness Camp.
With a bit of luck, a free upgrade (depending on availability) to the more exclusive camp is given. This camp is more private and is situated on the banks of the Ewaso Narok River.
Click here to learn more about River Camp.
UPCOMING SCHEDULED DEPARTURES
There are no upcoming scheduled safaris to MalaMala.
To book a private safari to MalaMala, click on the button below.
Includes:
🐾 Accommodation
🐾 Meals
🐾 Drinks (excluding premium brands)
🐾 Game drives
🐾 Photographic guide & tutoring
🐾 Conservation fees
Excludes:
🐾 Travel costs
🐾 Visas
🐾 Entrance fees
🐾 Gratuities
🐾 Items of personal nature
In collaboration with Legend Safaris
ITINERARY
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Arrive at MalaMala at around midday, at which time you will be checked-in and will be given an orientation of the lodge.
High tea is served before you depart on your first afternoon game drive.
Once you return from the game drive, you will have time to freshen up before heading over to the bar for a drink or straight for dinner.
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Early morning wake up call followed by some morning tea or coffee and a bite to eat before departing on the morning safari.
Brunch is served once you arrive from the morning safari.
Photographic tutoring or Lightroom session between the morning safari and afternoon safari. Alternatively, use this as your downtime to relax in the room or at the pool, use the gym or spa facilities.
High tea is served followed by the afternoon safari.
Once you return from the game drive, you will have time to freshen up before heading over to the bar for a drink or straight for dinner.
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Early morning wake up call followed by some morning tea or coffee and a bite to eat before departing on the morning safari.
Brunch is served once you arrive from the morning safari.
Checkout at roughly 11am.
ITINERARY
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Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (Nairobi), from which you will be picked up and transported to your hotel (Weston Hotel or similar) in Nairobi where you will spend the night.
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Enjoy a breakfast at the hotel before departing to Laikpia Wilderness Campo by road. The drive to the camp is approximately 6 hours long.
Arrive at Laikpia Wilderness Camp for lunch.
After lunch and a bit of rest, it will be time for the first afternoon game drive.
Return to the camp for dinner.
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Morning safari times are flexible, and will be discussed with the safari guide. Drives usually depart before sunrise and last between 3 - 5 hours long. Morning tea and coffee is served just before the game drive.
Return back to camp for breakfast. A midday game drive can be organised, or alternatively, use the time to rest, backup photos, or receive private photographic and photo editing tuition.
Lunch is served.
Depart on the afternoon game drive, which can go well into the night depending on sightings. Return back to camp for dinner with the option of heading back out on drive after the meal if there’s potential of action out in the bush.
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Depart camp for a shortened morning safari before returning back for breakfast.
Checkout after breakfast.
Depart Laikipia Wilderness Camp by road back to Nairobi.
Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (Nairobi).
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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Absolutely not! You may join as a non-photographer, but don’t be surprised if you leave with the intention of becoming one.
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The photographic tutoring is designed to accommodate all levels of photographers, no matter what experience you have. One-on-one sessions for photo editing or general tutoring can be organised during downtime (time between the morning and afternoon safari).
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My recommendations:
A wide angle to capture the stunning scenes along the Sand River and the general landscapes.
A 70-200mm, which is probably the most versatile lens out there. If I had to choose just one lens for MalaMala, this would be it.
For those epic portraits of the big cats, a 300mm or a 400mm.
If you are into birding, a longer focal length such as a 500mm or larger is recommended. Alternatively, using a teleconverter on shorter focal length lenses can also be used for birding when needed.
Lenses with a large aperture such as f/2.8 or f/4.0 is recommended, especially as you will be photographing animals such as lions and leopards at night time. Large aperture lenses are also faster and allows you to shoot with a shallower depth of field. Too confusing? Contact me and I’ll explain further.
A lens which covers a lot of bases and is much more affordable is a 150-600mm (or similar). Third party manufactures such as Sigma and Tamron produce brand specific versions.
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By air:
MalaMala has their own private airstrip which has daily flights coming in with Federal Air from Johannesburg. Alternatively, Skukuza Airport can also be used with Airlink’s daily flights from Johannesburg and Cape Town. Other options include Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport and Eastgate Airport, albeit you having to hire a vehicle and drive to MalaMala or organise a transfer company to shuttle you to MalaMala.
By road:
MalaMala is about a 6 hour drive from Johannesburg, a 2 hour drive from Mbombela (Nelspruit), and a 2 hour 15 minute drive from Hoedspruit. Access to MalaMala is via the Sabi Sand Nature Reserve’s Shaws Gate.
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MalaMala and its surrounds is regarded as a Moderate Risk Malaria Area, and it is advisable for travellers to take antimalarial drugs from September to May.
Please consult with your local travel doctor for more information.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
-
Absolutely not! You may join as a non-photographer, but don’t be surprised if you leave with the intention of becoming one.
-
The photographic tutoring is designed to accommodate all levels of photographers, no matter what experience you have. One-on-one sessions for photo editing or general tutoring can be organised during downtime (time between the morning and afternoon safari).
-
My recommendations:
A wide angle to capture the stunning scenes along the Sand River and the general landscapes.
A 70-200mm, which is probably the most versatile lens out there. If I had to choose just one lens for MalaMala, this would be it.
For those epic portraits of the big cats, a 300mm or a 400mm.
If you are into birding, a longer focal length such as a 500mm or larger is recommended. Alternatively, using a teleconverter on shorter focal length lenses can also be used for birding when needed.
Lenses with a large aperture such as f/2.8 or f/4.0 is recommended, especially as you will be photographing animals such as lions and leopards at night time. Large aperture lenses are also faster and allows you to shoot with a shallower depth of field. Too confusing? Contact me and I’ll explain further.
A lens which covers a lot of bases and is much more affordable is a 150-600mm (or similar). Third party manufactures such as Sigma and Tamron produce brand specific versions.
-
By air:
MalaMala has their own private airstrip which has daily flights coming in with Federal Air from Johannesburg. Alternatively, Skukuza Airport can also be used with Airlink’s daily flights from Johannesburg and Cape Town. Other options include Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport and Eastgate Airport, albeit you having to hire a vehicle and drive to MalaMala or organise a transfer company to shuttle you to MalaMala.
By road:
MalaMala is about a 6 hour drive from Johannesburg, a 2 hour drive from Mbombela (Nelspruit), and a 2 hour 15 minute drive from Hoedspruit. Access to MalaMala is via the Sabi Sand Nature Reserve’s Shaws Gate.
-
MalaMala and its surrounds is regarded as a Moderate Risk Malaria Area, and it is advisable for travellers to take antimalarial drugs from September to May.
Please consult with your local travel doctor for more information.
COMBINE LAIKIPIA WITH
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