Kenya Samburuland Portraits Masterclass
In October 2027 we have a very unique safari experience lined up, which will be a cultural photography trip to northern Kenya and home to the Samburu. This trip combines a heavy dose of instruction, as well as setting up photographic scenarios. The Samburu are a beautiful semi nomadic tribe, similar to the Maasai, who live in some of the most beautiful and remote landscapes on the African continent. We will split our time between two different camps, which are remote, yet authentically luxurious in a timeless way. Our days will be filled with cultural immersion, taking photographs as bystanders, as well as inviting those we meet along the way to do some formal sit-down portraits in any place that is photographically rich. One day it may be on top of a hill at sunset and another day it may be an impromptu backdrop at camp and we have Samburu warriors drop by to have their portraits taken with natural or artificial light. The goal is to have a great time and to have unique moments with new friends that we meet along the way. And of course going home with photographs that go along side these wonderful memories. This is a once in a lifetime experience. This trip is visiting areas that we know well and have experience working in.
Guest instructor Michael Clark will be joining us, making this a teaching workshop for those who want to learn flash photography. We are bringing along studio lighting equipment, so you only need to bring your cameras and lenses. We will be teaching studio lighting for two days at the beginning of the trip, so show up and learn in a controlled environment before we head into the field.
SAFARI HIGHLIGHTS
We will visit two camps in different regions of Samburuland
A two-day hands-on Portrait Lighting class at the beginning of the trip
Informal and formal portrait opportunities
This itinerary focuses on a real cultural experience in very remote areas
The camps visited are a balance between luxurious, yet rustic accommodation
The Schedule
October 15, 2027
HAMILTON HOUSE - Nairobi, Kenya
On your arrival in Nairobi, you will be met by our local representative, who will assist you as you exit your airplane, and will escort you through immigration and with your luggage and to your driver. We will then drive you to our private residence, which will take 20 minutes.
Hamilton House is our home in Nairobi for the next three nights, so get settled in and get ready for our adventure. The house is a 6-bedroom house, with plenty of space to spread out and to retreat to your own suite. Our time will be fully catered by our private chef, who will be looking after us and will be an integral part of our time at the house.
October 16 and 17, 2027
HAMILTON HOUSE - Nairobi, Kenya- Nairobi, Kenya
We are going to host a two-day class in studio lighting, based at the house. These two days will be filled with lighting basics, as well as advanced techniques and we will be putting them into practice. The goal of these two days is to give you the tools that you need in order to come home with amazing photographs. There will be plenty of lighting gear on the trip, including different light shaping tools and perhaps background. We will take breaks throughout the days and may go out for either lunch or dinner and all other meals will be at the house.
October 18, 20227
OL MALO - Laikipia Plateau, Kenya
Today we will fly from Nairobi to the the high plateau of Laikipia in Northern Kenya, departing in the mid morning and arriving by lunchtime. Our first camp on our trip is on the extra northern edge of the Laikipia plateau, straddling civilization and the more remote areas of Samburuland, where cow and goat herders have occupied for centuries. We will begin our trip in an area where we can mix and mingle in local Samburu villages, taking photographs of daily life and ceremonies, as well as asking morani (warriors) to take more formal portraits.
Spending time amongst the Samburu will take up our late afternoon and we will come back to Ol Malo to clean up, have a wonderful dinner and get ready for tomorrow.
We will spend four nights at Ol Malo
October 19, 2027
This morning we will spend on the land, likely walking into Samburu villages to meet and arrange for subjects to photograph this evening. We envision inviting 3-5 warriors to come and be models on top of a commanding viewpoint that overlooks the valley below. When we get back to camp we can do a game drive, ride horses around on the property and relax by the swimming pool in the middle of the day. When you are at Ol Malo time stands still, but we always have many things we can do.
Samburu Warrior at Sunset
Tonight we will meet some of our Samburu warriors and will spend time taking group and individual portraits when the light is favorable. Don’t fret if you haven't done this style of photography before, as we are helping with this at every step. These will be arranged shoots, leaving you to take photos and we will help you set up everything for you.
October 20 and 21, 2027
Two more complete days of portrait photography in the northern Laikipia region
October 22, 2027 (3 nights)
KALEPO CAMP - Northern Kenya
We will spend the next three days at one of the most remote properties in the country, yet in style and luxury. Kalepo Camp will be our home base, where we will photograph the wonderful staff and local villagers. We will set up a few strobes and in different areas around the common areas of camp, invite staff to come and sit and have a fun time with portrait photography. When we aren’t in camp we will be walking in and amongst villages, saying hello and grabbing photos along the way. Two of the highlights at this location will be the Samburu warrior games and the singing wells. We can organize a fun set of warrior games when the sun fades, which is fun for all of the young men to compete and have fun. We are there to watch, participate and enjoy ourselves. And singing wells are locations where the herders bring their livestock to water and the owners sing to their cows as they hoist water up from the well. It does feel like you have stepped back in time and is a unique experience that you do not want to miss.
October 23 and 24, 2027
Two more complete days of cultural photography and in a remote location in Kenya. More situations, more photographs, more portraits, more amazing experiences.
October 25, 2027
Fly To Nairobi and Onward Home
This morning we will finish our time in Samburuland and will fly back to Nairobi, transfer to Four Points by Sheraton next to the airport and get relaxed and ready for our return flight back home. We know you will be going home with memories and photographs that you will always remember. This is our most unique cultural trip, built around our past experiences to the area.
The Cost
The cost of this all-inclusive safari is $15,950 per person. This fee includes all in-country ground and air transportation as well as hotel accommodation (double occupancy) and all meals.
Due to the limited number of spaces available, if a solo guest is willing to share a room and we can match with another guest of the same gender, we will do so. If a solo guest is unwilling to share, then a single supplement will be charged $1,800 (please contact us if you would like to have your own accommodation as we have a very limited number of single slots available).
Please note: We will attempt to adhere to this itinerary as much as possible. However, certain conditions (political, climatic, environmental, cultural, or wildlife migrations) may necessitate changes in the itinerary. We reserve the right to alter any itinerary at any time, if necessary. We will attempt to notify travelers of changes, if they occur, as far in advance as possible. Costs incurred by such changes will be the responsibility of the participant.
What Do I Do Next?
This group will be super small so space is limited. If this exciting trip has your name on it; if you're excited by the thought of becoming a member of this trip, then now is the time to register. Remember, there will be limited space available for this workshop. When they're spoken for, that's it. If you have any questions before registering, send us an e-mail with any inquiries to hello@andybiggs.com.
Trip Details
Safari Leaders: Andy Biggs and Michael Clark
Dates: October 15-25, 2027
Cost: $15,950
Single Supplement: $1,800
What's Included?
•Accommodation on a shared basis (single rooms in Nairobi).
•Private safari vehicles
•Luggage allowance of 50 pounds.
•All safari activities and transfers to/from the airports and the hotels.
•Daily laundry.
•Meet & Assist service on arrival in Nairobi.
•All meals and drinks at camp.
•The current Tourism Levies and all relevant Value Added Tax or Government Sales Tax
What is Not Included?
•International airfare and/or other transportation between your home and Nairobi.
•Visas
•Travel Insurance (required)
•Personal purchases (including curios, spirit liquors, telephone calls etc.)
•Gratuities for guides and hotel staff (assume $40 per day)
•Pre- and post- safari tours - we are running a photo safari at the conclusion of this trip. Please inquire for details.