Culture and Nature of Kenya Photo Tour - Ugo Cei Photography Tours

“In the highlands you woke up in the morning and thought: Here I am, where I ought to be, because here I belong.”

Karen Blixen

Kenya, April 2023

Africa pulsates with a lifeforce that is primordial and powerful. It’s rooted in the land you walk on and penetrates every part of your being. You can feel it transpiring from your pores, filling you from within: mighty, inscrutable, ancient. Africa is the cradle of humanity and Kenya is a world known archaeological heaven where many of the most ancient remains of humans have been found. Here you can sense evolution and life itself at its best.

When people think of Kenya, there are usually two images that pop into their minds.

One is of the Masai Mara and of its great wildlife.
The other one is of white sandy beaches on the Indian Ocean.

Truly, Kenya is all of that, but it's also much more.

What we are offering you with this tour is something that goes beneath the surface of a country that is bigger than California and has an amazing variety of natural landscapes and wildlife, of course, but also a diverse and rich cultural history.

During our tour, we will walk the footsteps of all those who had the privilege of knowing Kenya when it was still pristine and uncontaminated. We will try to capture the spirit of a bygone era when hunters wore khaki and safaris were a grand operation of mobile camps, wicker baskets, metal crockery, tartan blankets and Stanley flasks.

We will visit and discover the places the first settlers and visitors to the country explored, wrote passionately about and decided to make their home; the land they chose to farm, growing coffee, tea and flowers, pineapples and green vegetables; the sceneries and views they learnt to love.

Who This Is For

Do you have a keen passion for travel and photography, but don't like being a tourist and doing the things that tourists do?
Are you looking for a safe and effective way to enjoy your well-deserved holidays with like minded people and a guide that can help you make the most of your time and show you places you wouldn’t dare to visit on your own?
Do you like to be taken care of and pampered and not having to worry about booking accommodations and transfers?
Are you wary of tours that try to cram as many sights in a single day as possible? Are you longing for something that is slower-paced and that would give you time to experience a country with all your senses?
Do you want to improve your travel photography, expand your boundaries, and see the world in a different light?
Have you already been on a safari? Are you feeling a longing for Africa, but would like to do more than just chase animals all day long? And if you've never been on a safari, would you like a taste of the experience, without committing all of your vacation to it?
Were you fascinated by the books of Karen Blixen and Kuki Gallmann and would like to walk in their literary footsteps?
Are you passionate about conservation and the preservation of natural habitats?

If you answered yes to most of the questions above, then this tour is for you.

Susan Higgins Flickinger Verona, WI

My husband and I were fortunate to travel on Ugo Cei's photography trip to Oman. The country itself is an undiscovered treasure, filled with nature and welcoming people. Traveling with Ugo was a pure pleasure. He offered us a thoroughly researched itinerary and lots of photographic guidance. We shot portraits, landscapes, markets and all manner of subjects and Ugo was always there to offer tips. Do yourself a favor and try out one of his workshops!

Why Kenya?

Kenya is synonymous with stunning landscapes and the safari experience here still has such an authentic feel to it, compared to the sanitised ones proposed in other African countries. The “wild nature” as found only in Africa, “is… mysterious, fantastic and savage”, Henry M. Stanley wrote during his exploration years and Kenya is still undeniably under the spell of the great explorers and safari guides of the early 1900’s.
The wildlife is exceptional, with the annual wildebeests migration in the Mara and the big five roaming the national parks in good numbers. Yet the country is also home to several endangered species, from Gravy’s zebras to Rothschild’s giraffes, from Duiker and Kudus antelopes to wild dogs, one of the biggest world population of wild black rhinos, and an extraordinary marine and water birdlife, thanks to the Indian Ocean and the many lakes, among which lake Naivasha and lake Nakuru, world famous for its show of pink flamingos.
In parts of the country like Laikipia, tourism has a different face. Everywhere feels private and real. Like in a time capsule, you are catapulted back into a glorious past that has built the unmatched safari reputation of the country for the past 150 years.
The sweeping plains of the vast highlands, the rolling hills of the Masai Mara, the snowy peaks of Mount Kenya, the open grassland and dry forest of the Great Rift Valley, the red soil of Tsavo, the hot dusty environment of Kenya’s northern frontier and the lunar landscape of Lake Turkana, the lush tropical forest of the coastal area where the Arab Muslims settlements and villages project you elsewhere in stunning contrast with the colonial houses of Nairobi and the white settlers farms, reminiscent of England and the imperial times. The immense variety of landscapes and sceneries never fails to bewitch even the most seasoned visitor, no matter how many times you have visited the country.
Kenya has 43 different tribes and body and facial traits vary greatly from one to another, providing exceptional opportunities to capture on camera the extraordinary African beauty of men and women, often seemingly sculpted in stone by God’s hands.
The tall figure of a young Samburu man standing against the sun on a barren plain where no trees or bushes populate the landscape. A young Masai warrior, standing on one leg in the typical position of guard and wait, adorned with beads and draped in the characteristic red blanket, overlooking the cattle that he is guarding from predators, his Nilotic descent visible in the gentle traits of his face, nose and lips. The sinewy elongated bodies of the coastal women draped in colourful kangas and kikois, their Arab ancestry, still recognisable in their magnetic eyes, glancing shyly at you while walking past, so effortlessly graceful. These are the everyday scenes the country gifts you with in a continual visual feast that fills your mind with indelible memories.
When you photograph here, in the words of the African Italian photographer Mirella Ricciardi, “I felt like a painter in front of an empty canvas and had no idea where to put the first brush stroke. Africa lay around me in all her magnificence… I seemed so small and insignificant in my task of capturing her magic”.

The Experience

Watching the night African sky crowded with stars while sitting around the roaring campfire while sipping a glass of wine or whiskey and listening to the sounds of the night: the lion roaring in the distance, a hyena barking, the rumbling of the elephants’ stomachs and the sweeping sound of their feet just slightly lifted from the dusty ground when they walk, it’s an incredible surreal experience you have to live at least once.
Discovering the African savannah onboard a 4x4 land cruiser or on a bush walk accompanied by highly qualified guides. Feeling the early morning cool and crispy air on your face while you drive in the open car.
Observing the light changing throughout the day. Losing yourself among the scudded clouds in the immaculate blue sky. The light is finer and harder here providing a sharper eyesight where things near and far teem with details.
Enjoying a surprise breakfast in the bush under the shade of an acacia tree or a romantic sundowner on a hill overlooking the endless space below you, where herds of elephants and buffalos walk unhurried ancient routes to the water holes, giraffes graze on the tall thorny trees, and antelope herds graze peacefully, waiting for the night to fall.
Sleeping in a typical safari camp, with thatched roofs, open verandas, a bath with a view and open-air showers. Gazing across the plains from an infinity pool and dining under the vast skies.
Exploring the authentic Swahili feel of the Lamu Archipelago, with its laidback lifestyle and stunning villas, empty creamy beaches and slow paced rhythms governed by tides and seasons. Exploring the Moresque architecture in Lamu Town, with palm-cooled courtyards, shady verandas, frangipani scented gardens and roof terraces to sip a late afternoon cocktail or sunbathe. Relaxing on a four-posters wooden pili pili bed swathed in net and decorated with freshly picked hibiscus laid on the white sheets by caring hand, in a high ceiling room open to the elements and the sea breeze, sparsely furnished with Swahili antiques and walls with intricate carvings.
Cruising the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean on a day-long cruise on a private, ancient restored dhow.
Enjoying ultimate luxury in the most exclusive hotels and lodges.

Introducing My Tour Co-Leader

About

Stefania Boglioli

Stefania is a blogger, visual story teller and travel companion with a passion for sharing her journeys and her perspective with fellow curious travellers. Her trips are infused with culture, beauty and the unexpected thanks to her passion for literature, the arts and esotericism.

In 2003 she left Italy for Africa as a young journalist, armed with a tiny suitcase and a three month return ticket, determined to take the sabbatical year she had missed in her youth and to discover a country that had been bewitching her for years, beyond explanation or reason. She ended up spending 12 years of her life in Kenya.

In her own words...

From my comfortable flat in downtown Milan, I dreamt of open spaces where my eyes could wander, of wildernesses to discover, of a land where nature was still sovereign and life would be different, a place of new beginnings, of awaiting adventure, a place to find myself.

From the moment I landed in Kenya, I knew I had found my promised land. From that day, many adventures unfolded: I met the man who became my husband and explored with him the wilderness of the African savannah for days in search of a place we could call our own. Together we renovated a historic camp just outside Tsavo East National Park and ran it for four years, living and growing our young family between the bush of Voi and the North Coast where we had our base in Mombasa. In 2008 we moved to Nairobi with our two children and a storm of dogs.

I spent 12 years in Kenya. I met the most eclectic, eccentric and incredible people, saw life through many different lenses, learnt the happiness hidden in a simpler and closer-to-nature way of living. I travelled the country in and out to share its beauty with the many visitors who stayed with us at the camp, with friends and family who came to visit us from Europe. We sailed the Indian Ocean on a dhow to go to Zanzibar and Pemba Islands, we camped from the Highlands to the northern frontier of Isiolo, cooked simple meals in the bush, explored the rivers and the lakes, scouted the Kenyan coast from Shimoni to Lamu, flew over plains and rolling hills on small aircrafts. Never one trip was the same as another. I never tired and never lost the wonder for this incredible land.

Today, I dream of Africa every day. I search for the African sun from my windows in the morning and for the starry skies from my veranda at night. I long for the sound of the absolute silence when nature rests, broken only by the call of the lion in the distance or the muffled steps of a nocturnal animal passing by your tent. I miss the wide and spontaneous smile of the people, their industriousness and creativity, their joy for life and absence of judgment. But more than anything, I long for the distance my eyes could stretch upon, the infinity horizon and the magical light, now that I have become a professional photographer I crave even more.

Style for Wanderlust

Highlights

We are still in the process of designing and planning this tour, so many details are still undefined, but if you are interested, here are some of the details (subject to change).

Dates will be likely between April 17 and 26, 2023.
Duration will be 10 days, with the possibility of extensions.
Highlights of the tour will include:
- Nairobi, The Giraffe Manor
- Davis Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (Elephant Orphanage)
- Karen Blixen Museum
- Lake Magadi
- Coffee and tea plantations
- Lake Naivasha with Crescent Island, where Out of Africa was filmed in part
- Masai Mara
- Lamu archipelago, including a private cruise on the Tusitiri dhow.
Very small group size.
Assistance of two professional photographers.
The best local guides and drivers with private vehicles.
The best accommodations available in the country, including:
Private charter flight between Masai Mara and Lamu.

Kerri Clark Canberra, Australia

After two photo tours with Ugo in Italy, I cannot recommend the experience highly enough – the local knowledge of Italy, partnered with photographic expertise and guidance made for an extremely rewarding photo tour! Ugo guides and mentors you according to your skills, regardless of whether you are a beginner or experienced enthusiast. I have come away with greater understanding of the craft and confidence to build my skill set. I am inspired to continue my learning journey to create beautiful images. Thank you Ugo!!!

Itinerary

The one outlined below is a tentative itinerary and subject to change.

Day 1 – Arrival in Nairobi

Day 2 – Nairobi

Day 3 – Kiambethu Tea Farm Visit

Day 4 –Lake Naivasha

Day 5 –Masai Mara

Day 6 –Masai Mara

Located in the heartland of the Masai in southwest Kenya the Masai Mara National Park, covering over 1,000 square miles, is undoubtedly one of the world’s greatest and most infamous reserves, offering great concentration of wild game. 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 herds of in excess of 1.5 million 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 tribal culture of the Masai is another highlight of a Kenya safari. Mainly situated in the southwest of the country, the Masai are characterised by their distinctive red robe costume, jewellery and beading. Their traditional life as nomadic cattle herders, who shun the modern world and live a much more primal existence, is a fascinating insight to any inquisitive traveller. Relying on animals for food, the men herd cattle whilst the women are responsible for cooking, collecting sticks for the fire and building the home. They are traditionally a proud and independent tribe and the sense of community and togetherness you feel when around them is awe-inspiring to say the least. Joining in with their dances and singing is a privilege and not to be missed by anyone with an interest in other cultures and lifestyles.
The drives are usually arranged early in the morning and late in the evening to capture the animals at their busiest. You can book a bush breakfast or lunch and head further into the Mara to find the wildlife in the most remote corners of the National Park. Back at the Camp, you can take local walks, simply relax and enjoy the view from outside your tent. Evening drives accompanied by sun-downers ends a perfect day.
Overnight at Cottar’s Camp / Mara Bush Camp Private Wing.

Day 7 –Masai Mara to Lamu

Day 8 –Lamu

Day 9 –Lamu

Day 10 –Lamu to Nairobi

Diana Hatfield Denver, CO

I have done 3 photo tours with 3 different guides and locations, this has been the best of the three. Ugo was definitely the best of the three guides. His attention to detail with setting the scene and location with models, suggestions on camera settings were helpful for me, a novice with portrait photography. I would definitely recommend any tour with Ugo, he is an excellent photographer willing to share his knowledge, experience and secrets of special places he knows to make the entire photography experience a lifetime memory.

We Have A Very Special Offer For You

By paying a small, entirely refundable deposit, you can reserve an option for a seat before everyone else and before the official announcement of dates and prices.

By doing so, you not only have the guarantee of a spot, but will also benefit of a €400 discount over the tour's price.

This offer is completely risk-free. When we announce the final dates and times, you will be asked if you want to confirm your option. In this case, you get a €400 discount on the full price.

This is the only discount we will offer on this tour!

If you decide that you can't join us, for whatever reason, your initial deposit will be refunded 100%, no questions asked.

You have nothing to lose by signing up for this pre-sale campaign. If the dates, prices, and final program are to your liking, you get a hefty discount. If they aren't, you haven't lost anything.

Tour seats are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis and only the first 8 people to sign up for it are guaranteed of a seat. So, if you think you might possibly want to visit Kenya with us, but aren't 100% sure about it, it's worthwhile to sign up now, or you might have to regret it later.

Not sure about this works? Contact me now. We'll set up a call and I will answer all of your questions.

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