The Ultimate Best of Kenya Safari: Above & Below the Equator
From the Mara’s Big Cats to the Rare Northern Giants of Lewa
Embark on a profound journey into the diverse soul of East Africa with our exclusive 2027 “Kenya: Above & Below the Equator” safari. This carefully crafted expedition, led personally by Sean and Laurie, transcends the typical mass-market safari experience. Specifically, we believe in providing an unhurried, collaborative environment encouraging you to lose yourself entirely in our surroundings and through your viewfinder. By focusing intentionally on two distinct ecosystems, we offer an intimate look at the legendary big cats of the south and the rare, specialized wildlife of the north. Join Sharp wildlife on this incredible adventure and let the wildlife we encounter bestow the magic of what Kenya has to offer in front of your lens.
DATES
24 Feb. - 05 March 2027
DURATION
10 Days
GROUP SIZE
6 Guests Maximum(1 Person Per Vehicle Row)
LEADERS
Sean Sharp & Laurie Feld
FITNESS LEVEL
Low Impact /Vehicle-Based Field Comfort
INVESTMENT
$12,850 pp (All-Inclusive, Based on Double Occupancy, Single-Supplement Available)
Capture the Heart of East Africa's Ultimate Photographic Beauty
To deliver a truly diverse portfolio, we have split this expedition across two contrasting geographical zones. Many commercial tours rush through open public parks, resulting in crowded sightings and rushed encounters. On the other hand, our journey utilizes elite private conservancies where the wildlife completely dictates our schedule. We manage every logistic behind the scenes, leaving you free to focus entirely on light, your photography compositions, and the world-class animal behavior.
Below the Equator: The Big Cat Kingdoms of the Mara North Conservancy
Our adventure begins below the equator in the legendary Mara North Conservancy. For four nights, we immerse our small group in a private, Maasai-hosted glamping experience tucked away in a pristine riverine forest. Because this is a private conservancy, we enjoy the unrestricted freedom to venture off-road. Consequently, our vehicles are driven by some of the most experienced Maasai warriors and educated guides in the region. This enables us to follow predator hunts as they unfold and position our custom vehicles for uninterrupted sightlines and perfect lighting angles.
Here, the focus is on fulfilling every photographer’s dream of capturing the raw sovereignty of the savannah: powerful lion prides patrolling their territory, cheetahs scanning the horizon, and the elusive leopard draped across a sausage tree. We operate from an experienced and respectful distance, ensuring we secure amazing, dream-worthy wildlife photos for each of our guests without causing stress to the animals. As a result, with whatever wildlife encounters the Mara decides to share with us, you are promised a position to witness these intimate moments in the absolute best available light.
Photos of our Mara North Accommodations:
Above the Equator: The Rare "Northern Special Five" on the Laikipia Plateau
As we transition to the second leg of our journey, we travel north of the equator to the prestigious Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, situated on the breathtaking geographical expanse of the Laikipia Plateau. Nestled against the majestic backdrop of Mount Kenya and the sacred volcanic peaks of Ol Lolokwe, Lewa offers a strikingly different landscape of yellow fever tree forests and rolling hills. Furthermore, this region is a globally renowned sanctuary for endangered species rarely seen elsewhere on the continent.
You will have the unique opportunity to photograph the iconic African Big Five—lions, leopards, elephants, cape buffalo, and rhinos—alongside the rare “Northern Special Five.” Specifically, our lenses will target both Black and White rhinos, the striking Reticulated giraffe, the elegant narrow-striped Grevy’s zebra, the Somali ostrich, and the Beisa oryx. When timing and tracking conditions align, we will also venture into higher altitudes to search for one of Sean’s favorite species: the remarkable, long-necked Gerenuk standing on its hind legs to feed. Ultimately, this dual-ecosystem approach yields an incredibly well-rounded African photography portfolio.
Our Custom Expedition Map & Travel Logistics
Our transportation logistics have been meticulously planned to eliminate long, exhausting overland drives. Instead, we utilize private bush flights to cross the equator seamlessly. For this reason, we transition from the southern savannahs to the northern highlands in a fraction of the time. As a result, your energy remains preserved for what truly matters: time in the field photographing Kenya’s amazing ecosystems during peak golden hours, ready to capture intimate wildlife moments.
An Exclusive Privilege: Our Partnership with Lewa House
Here at Sharp Wildlife our core philosophy leads us to always prioritize wildlife experience over commercial luxury. However, true wilderness expertise often unlocks extraordinary secondary rewards. Thanks to the deep, long-standing personal relationships that Sharp Wildlife maintains with the owners of Lewa House, our small group receives a phenomenal, exclusive invitation as direct friends of the property. For this reason, we are able to pass incredible destination access and savings directly down to our guests.
Our primary focus remains uncompromised: we will spend every morning and evening capturing Lewa’s rare species in the beginning and final drops of pristine golden light. But as an incredible bonus, you will get the special treat of staying in Lewa House’s signature “Earth Pods”—beautifully crafted, earth-walled cottages that blend seamlessly into the mountain landscape. The down-to-earth luxury beauty, the panoramic views of Mount Kenya, and the exquisite vibe of the property will absolutely blow your mind.
Furthermore, you will gain first-hand insight into an organization that represents the absolute gold standard of African wildlife conservation. Lewa’s pioneering anti-poaching frameworks and community-centric programs have successfully reversed extinction trends for the Black Rhino. Ultimately, you will return home with profound wildlife imagery paired with wonderful, intimate hospitality memories that define boutique travel at its finest.
Photos of Lewa House Accommodations:
Your 10-Day Deep Field Master Itinerary
To ensure your photographic success, we have limited this expedition to just six guests. Consequently, every photographer enjoys their own entire row in our custom safari vehicles. With Sean or Laurie in the front seat working directly with our world-class trackers, you are guaranteed expert guidance and a reassuring presence every step of the way. Whether we are tracking an active predator hunt or waiting for a Gerenuk to stand on its hind legs, our priority remains the same: maximizing your time in the field to capture the extraordinary.
Day 1: Touchdown in Nairobi & Reassuring Support
Welcome to Kenya! Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, where you’ll be greeted by our friendly team and whisked away to your comfortable accommodation. Relax and unwind after your journey, knowing the true adventure awaits tomorrow.
Day 2: Soaring Below the Equator to the Savannahs of the Masai Mara
Fuel up with a delicious breakfast before boarding a short flight to the heart of the Mara North Conservancy. Nestled in this exclusive haven, your private camp awaits, offering breathtaking views and the promise of unforgettable encounters. Embark on your first afternoon game drive, immersing yourself in the untamed beauty of the savannah as you search for iconic wildlife.
Days 3-5: The Big Cat Chronicles in the Mara North
Prepare for daily expeditions into the heart of the Masai Mara. Each sunrise and sunset paints the landscape in stunning hues, providing the perfect backdrop for capturing the majesty of lions, cheetahs, leopards, and a vibrant tapestry of other creatures. Our expert guides will strategically navigate diverse terrains, ensuring you witness the raw drama of the wild unfold before your lens. Meals are carefully timed to optimize your photography schedule, allowing you to seamlessly transition from breathtaking encounters to capturing them as timeless memories.
Day 6: Flight Above the Equator to Northern Kenya & The Laikipia Plateau
Enjoy one last exhilarating game drive in the Mara North Conservancy before embarking on a scenic flight to the Lewa Conservancy on the Laikipia Plateau. Here, the iconic backdrop of Mount Kenya sets the stage for your encounters with some of East Africa’s most rare species. Settle into your comfortable accommodations with our exclusive access to the Lewa House and gear up for your first evening game drive, where both the black & white rhinos, Grevy’s zebras, Reticulated giraffes, and the big cats of Lewa await.
Days 7-9: Rare and Specialized Wildlife of Lewa
Witness the awe-inspiring presence of the rare and specialized species Lewa has to offer and an abundance of other fascinating creatures as you continue your morning and evening game drives. With expert guidance and strategic positioning, you’ll have the opportunity to capture these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
Day 10: Farewell to the Land of Wonders
Embark on one final morning game drive, savoring the last moments in this captivating landscape. After breakfast, bid farewell to Lewa Conservancy and catch our flight back to Nairobi. Choose to extend your Kenyan adventure with an optional overnight stay in Nairobi (not included), or fly home, carrying a treasure trove of memories and incredible photographs.
Expedition Logistics, Inclusions, & FAQ's
Our trips are explicitly built for passionate international travelers who value authenticity over corporate showmanship. We manage every logistic with safe and certain execution, allowing you to lose yourself entirely in your viewfinders.
What's Included
- First night's hotel upon arrival to Nairobi
- All domestic transportation and bush flights throughout our safari
- Generous baggage allowance (45lbs/20.5 kgs)
- Daily game drives with one passenger per row
- Comfortable lodging selected for raw proximity to wildlife
- All food and premium beverages (from pre-dawn coffee to bush cocktails)
- All conservancy and national park fees
- Highly educated & experienced local game drivers
What's Not Included
- International travel to/from Nairobi, Kenya
- Personal travel insurance (highly recommended via our affiliate provider: World Nomads) Visit World Nomads for a Quote
- Gratuities for our dedicated safari drivers and lodging staff
Fitness Level & Field Impact
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This low-impact safari is designed specifically to prioritize your field endurance and physical comfort. Most of our tracking time is spent inside our custom-outfitted 4x4 vehicles, giving you a relaxing, stable base for photography. Daily activity involves standard entry and exit from vehicles, balanced by ample mid-day breaks for rest back at our lodging. While we emphasize early mornings to capture peak wildlife activity and as we enjoy the last remaining light on our evening game drives, the pacing remains entirely easygoing.EASY
Frequently Asked Expedition Questions
To help you prepare for your journey above and below the equator, we have gathered answers to the most common questions our guests ask regarding logistics, field gear, and comfort.
Originally coined by historic big-game hunters, the term “Big Five” refers to the five most formidable and dangerous African animals to track on foot: the African Elephant, the Black and White Rhino, the African Lion, the Leopard, and the Cape Buffalo. Today, the term represents the pinnacle of an African wildlife viewing experience. Because our 10-day itinerary crosses both the predator-dense Mara North Conservancy and the highly protected sanctuary of the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, you will have an exceptional opportunity to view and photograph all five of these legendary species in their natural, unhurried habitats.
The “Northern Special Five” is a celebrated collective of unique, visually striking species specifically adapted to the semi-arid, rugged ecosystems north of the equator. Because they are geographically isolated from the southern savannahs, you will not encounter them in places like the Maasai Mara or Serengeti. Spotting them all requires traveling to specialized northern reserves like the Laikipia Plateau, making them highly prized additions to any photographer’s portfolio.
The Northern Special Five consists of:
The Northern Special Five consists of:
- The Reticulated Giraffe: Famous for its striking, hand-painted geometric coat pattern of deep liver-red polygons separated by crisp white lines.
- Grevy’s Zebra: The largest and most endangered wild equine species, distinguished by incredibly narrow, tightly packed stripes, a solid white belly, and huge, rounded ears.
- The Gerenuk: One of Sean’s favorites from the Northern Special Five – a gerenuk is a remarkable “giraffe gazelle” with an elongated neck that stands completely upright on its hind legs to browse high acacia branches.
- The Beisa Oryx: An elegant desert warrior featuring sleek parallel markings and perfectly straight, rapier-like horns that can reach a meter in length.
- The Somali Ostrich: A distinct species where the males feature vivid, slate-blue skin on their necks and thighs, which turns an intense, bright red during mating season.
Because we utilize private conservancies that offer off-road tracking capabilities, we are often positioned remarkably close to the action. For this reason, we recommend bringing dual bodies if you have them, paired with a prime lens (400mm or 600mm) and/or a versatile zoom lens (such as a 100-400mm or 200-600mm) alongside a wider prime lens for the occasional landscape work and environmental portraits.
We are of course happy to discuss the best camera gear for you at any point. And whether you shoot with professional-tier setups or a lightweight mirrorless kit, Sean and Laurie provide hands-on field mentorship tailored directly to your gear ecosystem.
Your field comfort and clear sightlines are our absolute highest priority. Our custom-designed 4×4 safari vehicles feature three rows of passenger seating behind the driver. By strictly capping our group size at six guests, we ensure that exactly two vehicles are deployed on every tracking run. As a result, you are guaranteed your own entire row with unrestricted, 360-degree shooting angles out of both sides of the vehicle.
Absolutely. Both our hidden riverine camp in the Mara and the exquisite kitchen team at Lewa House cater completely to all dietary needs, including gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, and specific food allergies. Upon securing your row, we will send over a detailed guest profile form where you can list your preferences so our culinary partners are thoroughly prepared before you arrive.
To protect our intimate operational roots and ensure our guests enjoy a peaceful, uncrowded experience away from mass-market tourism, we do not publish the name of our private riverine hideaway online. This ensures copycat operators cannot crowd our tracking vectors. The exact name and beautiful imagery of this Maasai-hosted camp are shared directly during your personal pre-booking consultation.
Securing your vehicle row is simple and starts with a direct conversation. Because we strictly limit this expedition to just six guests to ensure an unhurried, intimate experience, spots fill exceptionally fast. Simply scroll down to our multi-step booking widget below to initiate a consultation or secure your pre-registration deposit. Once received, Sean or Laurie will personally reach out to welcome you to our community of our travel friends and family.
Absolutely. We warmly welcome anyone who wants to experience the magic of East Africa. Sharp Wildlife is built around a deep passion for the natural world, and we love sharing that wonder with non-photographers, partners, friends, and family members alike. While we place a strong emphasis on optimal lighting and tracking unhurried animal behavior, the privilege of witnessing these ecosystems from your own dedicated vehicle row is a world-class adventure for any travel enthusiast – and we would love to welcome you and your party!
Yes, you will have continuous access to electricity throughout the trip. Reliable power is available directly inside each guest’s luxury tented cabin at our Mara North camp, as well as within our premium Earth Pods at Lewa House. There are no restrictions or limitations on charging your camera batteries, laptops, power banks, or phones at either property, allowing you to keep your workflow fully fueled every day.
Complementary WiFi is available at both our hidden Mara North Eco Camp and Lewa House in the main guest lounges, allowing you to stay connected with family and friends back home. However, please note that WiFi upload speeds might not be fast enough for large image uploads (social media posts should be no problem).
When it comes to cellular networks, Kenya possesses surprisingly robust infrastructure, and you may find unexpected signals out in the bush. However, remote game drives take us all over; for this reason, we recommend not relying on consistent or seamless cell phone coverage once we depart from Nairobi.
As we get closer to our departure date, we will provide you with a comprehensive, professional packing list. In the meantime, the golden rule for safari comfort is to dress in layers. Mornings and late evenings on game drives can be quite brisk, while midday temperatures become beautifully warm. We recommend packing comfortable hiking pants or shorts, long-sleeve sun shirts, a fleece, a lightweight jacket, and a compact rain shell. Additionally, ensure you pack your required personal medications, sunblock, lip balm, a light hat, and US currency for gratuities and personal shopping at the small, handmade gift shops found at our lodges.
Yes, and for this reason, we highly recommend not over-packing! Both of our exceptional lodge locations offer premium, daily laundry services with a remarkably fast turnaround. Each accommodation provides a dedicated laundry basket in your room. Simply place your items inside each morning, and the lodge staff will typically return your freshly washed and dried garments directly to your bed while we are out on an evening drive or enjoying dinner.
This specific seasonal window is strategically selected for clear tracking conditions and excellent light. Below the equator in the Mara North, you can expect gorgeous, warm safari weather with average daytime highs reaching around 82°F to 84°F (28°C), dropping to a comfortable 55°F (13°C) under the stars. When we travel north of the equator to the Laikipia Plateau, the slightly higher altitude of the Lewa Conservancy shifts the climate beautifully. Daytime highs average a pleasant 78°F to 80°F (26°C), while the crisp mountain air brings refreshing evening lows around 52°F (11°C).
Yes. To protect our small-group operational logistics and ensure your absolute safety in remote environments, comprehensive personal travel insurance is strictly required for all Sharp Wildlife guests. Your policy must cover emergency medical evacuation, trip cancellation, and interruption. We highly recommend securing your coverage immediately upon booking to protect your investment. You can easily initiate your research with our trusted affiliate provider, World Nomads, using the link provided in our logistics section.
Because entry requirements and personal health factors vary significantly based on your individual medical history and country of origin, Sharp Wildlife cannot provide official medical advice. We strictly recommend scheduling a consultation with your personal physician or a specialized travel medicine clinic at least 60 days prior to departure. They will evaluate your health profile and cross-reference current international health directives to determine exactly which vaccinations or preventative measures are right for you.
Are You Ready to Experience Kenya’s Raw Beauty? Secure Your Row & Request a Personal Field Consultation
Join Sharp Wildlife for a world-class small-group expedition designed for those who prioritize authentic wildlife encounters. This is not just a safari; it is a deep dive into conservation-minded photography, supported by the quiet reassurance and steady, expert leadership that only seasoned guides can bring to an intense wilderness environment.
Our intimate group size of six guests guarantees:
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Total Immersion: Each guest has a dedicated row in the vehicle for 360-degree unobstructed shooting.
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Expert Mentorship: Direct access to Sean and Laurie’s experience on the ground & expertise in light, timing, and technical execution.
Immerse yourself in a carefully planned itinerary:
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Witness the magnificent Big Cats and a cornucopia of the savannah wildlife of the Masai Mara.
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Marvel at some of Northern Kenya's most rare and unique species with a backdrop of Mount Kenya
While the accommodations are delightful and the dining is world-class, the true luxury of a Sharp Wildlife expedition is the access. From the golden light of the Mara to the rugged beauty of the northern hills on the Laikipia Plateau, we handle every logistic so you can focus entirely on the viewfinder.
EXAMPLES OF POTENTIAL WILDLIFE EXPERIENCES
POTENTIAL EXPERIENCES
Kenya: Above & Below the Equator
Some of the various raw, unscripted wildlife moments waiting just beyond your lens. Every image below represents real encounters captured across our target conservancies—similar moments we will seek out together on this ultimate wildlife journey.
