Rhinos & Big Cats Specialist Safaris
Join us in Kenya on a safari that has been designed especially for photographers or people who just enjoy taking photographs and would like to improve their technique.
Our photo safari focuses on Kenya’s finest wildlife areas, where you will have the rare opportunity to see and photograph rhino – including the World’s last two remaining Northern White Rhino – and can get off the beaten track to observe and photograph lions, leopards, cheetahs and much more where the animals are completely wild and free in their natural habitat.
This escorted photographic safari offers a great opportunity to view & photograph Africa’s iconic animals under expert guidance & tuition from award winning wildlife photographer Paolo Torch. He is also a Kenya Professional Safari Guide (KPSGA certificate Bronze level).
Paolo was the first monthly winner, of the Greatest Masai Mara Photographer of the year 2018.
The Porini Safari Experience
A Porini Safari is the ideal safari for the true wildlife enthusiast who wishes to get close to nature to enjoy an undisturbed personal adventure with a knowledgeable and qualified safari guide, using customised open-sided 4×4 safari vehicles and escorted nature walks in private Conservancy areas.
Accommodation on this safari is at Porini Rhino Camp, Porini Mara Camp and Porini Lion Camp which are small and authentic safari bush camps. Here you will escape from the crowds and experience the African wilderness with the personal attention of your Porini Guides and Paolo Torchio.
From the camps, you will be taken on day and night game drives in custom-built, open-sided 4×4 safari vehicles with a driver-guide and a spotter, allow for maximum visual coverage. They are 3 tier and are spacious and comfortable, with access to an open window for each photographer.
Transport from Nairobi is by scheduled flights to avoid a long journey over bumpy roads and to give more time to viewing the wildlife.
Spectacular Wilderness
The safari spends time in three exclusive wildlife conservancies, Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Ol Kinyei Conservancy & Olare Motorogi Conservancy in the Mara eco-system and the Masai Mara Reserve.
The Mara Conservancies have the highest density of free-roaming lions in Africa, as well as leopards, cheetahs, elephants and much more. The pristine, natural environment attracts many species and provides the ideal location for viewing Africa’s iconic wildlife.
The conservancies are formed of pristine wilderness with open savannah plains, riverine forest, springs, streams and rivers, rolling hills and spectacular views.
Conservancies allow for a maximum of 1 vehicle per 1,400 acreas, which offers the opportunity to view and photograph the wildlife in peace and without masses of other vehicles.
Prices are Fully Inclusive of:
- Small group for the safari, with each person guaranteed a “window” seat in the open-sided 4×4 safari vehicle under the guidance and tuition of Paolo Torchio.
- Sundowners at scenic spots where you can try to capture those postcard perfect African sunsets
- Game drives in the Selenkay Conservancy, Amboseli National Park, Ol Kinyei & Naboisho Conservancies and the Masai Mara National Reserve
- Off-road driving advantages get you closer to the wildlife and away from crowds
- The price includes scheduled domestic flights from / to Nairobi and between the camps. Luggage allowance is 15 kg per person, additional allowance of up to 75 kg per person can be arranged (supplement applies).
- Accommodation at Porini Rhino Camp, Porini Mara Camp and Porini Lion Camp, three small eco camps located in private Conservancy areas.
- Safari is fully inclusive of all meals, selected drinks, day & night game drives in custom-built 4×4 safari vehicles with expert guides, bush picnics and sundowners, conservancy and Mara park fees and all taxes.
This escorted photographic safari offers a great opportunity to view & photograph Africa’s iconic animals under expert guidance & tuition from award winning wildlife photographer Paolo Torch. He is also a Kenya Professional Safari Guide (KPSGA certificate Bronze level).
Paolo was the first monthly winner, of the Greatest Masai Mara Photographer of the year 2018.
The Porini Safari Experience
A Porini Safari is the ideal safari for the true wildlife enthusiast who wishes to get close to nature to enjoy an undisturbed personal adventure with a knowledgeable and qualified safari guide, using customised open-sided 4×4 safari vehicles and escorted nature walks in private Conservancy areas.
Accommodation on this safari is at Porini Rhino Camp, Porini Mara Camp and Porini Lion Camp which are small and authentic safari bush camps. Here you will escape from the crowds and experience the African wilderness with the personal attention of your Porini Guides and Paolo Torchio.
From the camps, you will be taken on day and night game drives in custom-built, open-sided 4×4 safari vehicles with a driver-guide and a spotter, allow for maximum visual coverage. They are 3 tier and are spacious and comfortable, with access to an open window for each photographer.
Transport from Nairobi is by scheduled flights to avoid a long journey over bumpy roads and to give more time to viewing the wildlife.
Spectacular Wilderness
The safari spends time in three exclusive wildlife conservancies, Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Ol Kinyei Conservancy & Olare Motorogi Conservancy in the Mara eco-system and the Masai Mara Reserve.
The Mara Conservancies have the highest density of free-roaming lions in Africa, as well as leopards, cheetahs, elephants and much more. The pristine, natural environment attracts many species and provides the ideal location for viewing Africa’s iconic wildlife.
The conservancies are formed of pristine wilderness with open savannah plains, riverine forest, springs, streams and rivers, rolling hills and spectacular views.
Conservancies allow for a maximum of 1 vehicle per 1,400 acreas, which offers the opportunity to view and photograph the wildlife in peace and without masses of other vehicles.
Prices are Fully Inclusive of:
- Small group for the safari, with each person guaranteed a “window” seat in the open-sided 4×4 safari vehicle under the guidance and tuition of Paolo Torchio.
- Sundowners at scenic spots where you can try to capture those postcard perfect African sunsets
- Game drives in the Selenkay Conservancy, Amboseli National Park, Ol Kinyei & Naboisho Conservancies and the Masai Mara National Reserve
- Off-road driving advantages get you closer to the wildlife and away from crowds
- The price includes scheduled domestic flights from / to Nairobi and between the camps. Luggage allowance is 15 kg per person, additional allowance of up to 75 kg per person can be arranged (supplement applies).
- Accommodation at Porini Rhino Camp, Porini Mara Camp and Porini Lion Camp, three small eco camps located in private Conservancy areas.
- Safari is fully inclusive of all meals, selected drinks, day & night game drives in custom-built 4×4 safari vehicles with expert guides, bush picnics and sundowners, conservancy and Mara park fees and all taxes.
A Taste of our Rhino & Big Cats Specialist Safari
Itinerary in Detail
DAY BY DAY
Day 1
Arrival into Kenya – Met on arrival at Nairobi International Airport by a Gamewatchers Safaris Representative, who will welcome you to Kenya and transfer you to The Eka Hotel, for 1 night on Bed & Breakfast.
Day 2
Photographic Safari – Porin Rhino Camp – An early pick up & transfer from The Eka Hotel to Nairobi’s Wilson Airport, where you will meet Paolo Torchio and check-in for the 10.20am flight to Ol Pejeta Conservancy. Met on arrival and transfer by 4×4 vehicle to Porini Rhino Camp, which will be your base for the next two nights. Settle in to camp and have lunch. Later take an afternoon game drive in the conservancy, the perfect time to capture some shots in the beautiful late afternoon light. Return to camp for dinner and overnight.
Day 3
Porini Rhino Camp – Today you will spend a day in the Ol Pejeta Conservancy, offering superb scenery and wildlife photographic opportunities. Return to Camp for a sundowner and dinner.
Day 4
Porini Mara Camp – After breakfast depart from Porini Rhino Camp and transfer to the airstrip for the 09.05am flight Naboisho (Masai Mara) via Nairobi. Met on arrival at 15:45hrs and transfer by 4×4 vehicle to Porini Mara Camp, with a game drive en route, for your first photographic opportunity in the Mara eco-system. Check in to camp and have afternoon tea before you depart on an afternoon game drive in the Ol Kinyei Conservancy with a sundowner and return to camp for dinner and overnight.
Day 5
Porini Mara Camp – An early morning game drive viewing the best of Ol Kinyei and Naboisho Conservancies, in the perfect morning light, with a picnic bush breakfast, allowing for more time for photography. Return to camp for lunch and the chance to review some of your morning photographs, before you take an afternoon game drive, stopping at a scenic point for a sundowner and the opportunity for those fabulous sunset shots. Night drive enroute back to camp. Dinner and overnight at Porini Mara Camp.
Day 6
Porini Lion Camp – Take an early morning walk in the Ol Kinyei Conservancy, giving a different view point for photography. After breakfast leave camp and drive through Ol Kinyei and Naboisho Conservancies, game-viewing & photographing as you go, and on to Olare Motorogi Conservancy arriving at Porini Lion Camp for lunch. Afternoon game drive in the exclusive Olare Motorogi Conservancy, away from the minibuses and tourist vehicles seen in the reserve, and with an excellent chance of sighting & photographing lions, cheetahs and leopards all of which are found in the conservancy. Sundowner and night game drive. Dinner and overnight Porini Lion Camp.
Day 7
Porini Lion Camp – An early departure from Camp this morning to spend the day in the Masai Mara National Reserve game-viewing & photographing the beauty of this wilderness area. Return to camp in the late afternoon, after a picnic lunch in the Reserve. Later, head out on an evening game drive within the Olare Motorogi Conservancy – stopping at a viewpoint for a sundowner. Continue on a night game drive looking for nocturnal animals. Dinner and overnight at Porini Lion Camp. *Optional Balloon Safari for a chance to take some stunning aerial shots of the Masai Mara Eco-system.
Day 8
Porini Lion Camp – An early morning game drive viewing the best of Olare Motorogi Conservancy, in the perfect morning light, with a picnic bush breakfast, allowing for more time for photography. Return to camp for lunch and the chance to review some of your morning photographs, before you take an afternoon game drive, stopping at a scenic point for a sundowner and the opportunity for those fabulous sunset shots. Night drive enroute back to camp. Dinner and overnight at Porini Lion Camp.
Day 9
Departure – Final early wildlife & photography drive in the Olare Motorogi Conservancy to capture the beauty of the early morning light, followed by breakfast at camp and then transfer to the airstrip to fly back on the 11.00am flight to Wilson Airport in Nairobi, arriving at around 12.20pm. Met on arrival and transfer to the international Airport or Nairobi Hotel, depending on your onward connection.
We can arrange an overnight stay in Nairobi (at a supplement) at the end of your safari depending on your international flight times.
Tour Experiences
Day 1
Arrival into Kenya – Met on arrival at Nairobi International Airport by a Gamewatchers Safaris Representative, who will welcome you to Kenya and transfer you to The Eka Hotel, for 1 night on Bed & Breakfast.
Day 2
Photographic Safari – Porin Rhino Camp – An early pick up & transfer from The Eka Hotel to Nairobi’s Wilson Airport, where you will meet Paolo Torchio and check-in for the 10.20am flight to Ol Pejeta Conservancy. Met on arrival and transfer by 4×4 vehicle to Porini Rhino Camp, which will be your base for the next two nights. Settle in to camp and have lunch. Later take an afternoon game drive in the conservancy, the perfect time to capture some shots in the beautiful late afternoon light. Return to camp for dinner and overnight.
Day 3
Porini Rhino Camp – Today you will spend a day in the Ol Pejeta Conservancy, offering superb scenery and wildlife photographic opportunities. Return to Camp for a sundowner and dinner.
Day 4
Porini Mara Camp – After breakfast depart from Porini Rhino Camp and transfer to the airstrip for the 09.05am flight Naboisho (Masai Mara) via Nairobi. Met on arrival at 15:45hrs and transfer by 4×4 vehicle to Porini Mara Camp, with a game drive en route, for your first photographic opportunity in the Mara eco-system. Check in to camp and have afternoon tea before you depart on an afternoon game drive in the Ol Kinyei Conservancy with a sundowner and return to camp for dinner and overnight.
Day 5
Porini Mara Camp – An early morning game drive viewing the best of Ol Kinyei and Naboisho Conservancies, in the perfect morning light, with a picnic bush breakfast, allowing for more time for photography. Return to camp for lunch and the chance to review some of your morning photographs, before you take an afternoon game drive, stopping at a scenic point for a sundowner and the opportunity for those fabulous sunset shots. Night drive enroute back to camp. Dinner and overnight at Porini Mara Camp.
Day 6
Porini Lion Camp – Take an early morning walk in the Ol Kinyei Conservancy, giving a different view point for photography. After breakfast leave camp and drive through Ol Kinyei and Naboisho Conservancies, game-viewing & photographing as you go, and on to Olare Motorogi Conservancy arriving at Porini Lion Camp for lunch. Afternoon game drive in the exclusive Olare Motorogi Conservancy, away from the minibuses and tourist vehicles seen in the reserve, and with an excellent chance of sighting & photographing lions, cheetahs and leopards all of which are found in the conservancy. Sundowner and night game drive. Dinner and overnight Porini Lion Camp.
Day 7
Porini Lion Camp – An early departure from Camp this morning to spend the day in the Masai Mara National Reserve game-viewing & photographing the beauty of this wilderness area. Return to camp in the late afternoon, after a picnic lunch in the Reserve. Later, head out on an evening game drive within the Olare Motorogi Conservancy – stopping at a viewpoint for a sundowner. Continue on a night game drive looking for nocturnal animals. Dinner and overnight at Porini Lion Camp. *Optional Balloon Safari for a chance to take some stunning aerial shots of the Masai Mara Eco-system.
Day 8
Porini Lion Camp – An early morning game drive viewing the best of Olare Motorogi Conservancy, in the perfect morning light, with a picnic bush breakfast, allowing for more time for photography. Return to camp for lunch and the chance to review some of your morning photographs, before you take an afternoon game drive, stopping at a scenic point for a sundowner and the opportunity for those fabulous sunset shots. Night drive enroute back to camp. Dinner and overnight at Porini Lion Camp.
Day 9
Departure – Final early wildlife & photography drive in the Olare Motorogi Conservancy to capture the beauty of the early morning light, followed by breakfast at camp and then transfer to the airstrip to fly back on the 11.00am flight to Wilson Airport in Nairobi, arriving at around 12.20pm. Met on arrival and transfer to the international Airport or Nairobi Hotel, depending on your onward connection.
We can arrange an overnight stay in Nairobi (at a supplement) at the end of your safari depending on your international flight times.
Talk to a Specialist
Choose a Safari Specialist in your time zone and start planning your tailor-made safari to Kenya.
Rick McIntyre
Rick McIntyre
Hello, I'm Rick, based in Ontario, Canada, with over 15 years in the travel industry and a passport filled with stamps from over 70 countries. My heart was captured by Africa during my first visit to Kenya, and since then, I've journeyed back repeatedly, exploring the diverse landscapes and wildlife of Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa. Whether you're dreaming of a "once in a lifetime" vacation or you're a seasoned safari traveler, I'm here to assist in planning your perfect African adventure.
You can contact me at rick@gamewatchers.com or give me a call at +1-877-710-3014, and together, we'll make your African dreams a reality.
Rachel Chambers
Rachel Chambers
Rachel resides on the vibrant West Coast of Canada, specifically on Vancouver Island. She has a profound love for travel, having explored nearly 30 countries. However, it was a solo journey to Africa that truly ignited her passion. Upon stepping foot in Botswana for the first time, Rachel was captivated and knew she needed to explore more of the continent. Since then, she has ventured solo to Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mauritius, South Africa, Uganda, and Kenya, where she traveled with Gamewatchers Safaris and Porini Camps.
It was during these experiences that Rachel realized her desire to be a part of the Gamewatchers team. More about Rachel
You can contact Rae at rae@gamewatchers.com or call +1-250-588-9112
Julie Roggow
Julie Roggow
Greetings, I'm Julie Roggow, and I come to you with over two decades of immersion in the world of travel. My journey into the heart of safari adventures began as I traversed Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, capturing the essence of these mesmerizing landscapes through my lens. Among these remarkable destinations, Kenya and the Porini safari camps hold a special place in my heart. Their unique blend of wilderness and conservation resonates deeply with me.
My passion for travel is matched only by my dedication to sharing that passion with others. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or embarking on your very first safari, I'm here to ensure that planning your safari vacation is an enjoyable and seamless experience.
Feel free to reach out to me by email at julie@gamewatchers.com or through our toll-free telephone line at +1-877-710-3014. Let's embark on an unforgettable safari journey together, where the wild beauty of Africa awaits to enchant and inspire you.
Brad Wierman
Brad Wierman
Hello there, I'm Brad, and my safari odyssey began with my first expedition to Kenya in 1984. Since then, I've had the privilege of guiding and exploring various African destinations, from Tanzania to Ethiopia, Rwanda to Zambia, and beyond. Yet, after 34 years, East Africa still captivates me like no other. My most recent adventure here was in June 2018. As an Environmental Conservation major in college, I found my perfect match in Gamewatchers and Porini Camps, whose groundbreaking conservation efforts in Kenya are unparalleled. The moment you witness an elephant in the wild for the first time, you're irrevocably hooked, just as I was. Whether you're embarking on your inaugural safari or your tenth, I'm here to curate the ideal experience tailored to your expertise level, accommodation preferences, and budget.
I'm based in Bend, Oregon, and you can reach me at brad@gamewatchers.com or by calling +1 224-558-1887. Let's make your safari dreams come true!
