Conservation, Communities and Cameras
Trip Overview
Conservation, Communities and Cameras
Our trip with a difference is a collaboration between wildlife photographer George Benjamin, conservation biologist Lara Jackson and Asilia Africa, and was created to add a deeper dimension to a classic photographic safari. Spend a week combining the joy of safari, an education in photography and a series of insightful and meaningful Positive Impact experiences in the Mara Naboisho Conservancy in Kenya. This conservancy, bordering the Masai Mara National Reserve, beautifully showcases how wildlife conservation and community empowerment can go hand in hand with tourism and, over the course of the week, you will visit various initiatives to learn about this first-hand. Lara says “We are so excited to share the magic of Naboisho with you, and to shine a light on the incredible conservation projects that are making a difference to both the wildlife and members of local communities in the Mara.” This trip ensures each traveller’s participation truly gives back. As well as the Naboisho Conservancy fees and Asilia’s conservation fee, which goes towards preserving wildlife and supporting communities, we have also included a group donation of US$3,000 to the featured Positive Impact partners. Your hosts, George Benjamin and Lara Jackson are passionate about wildlife and will offer guests their expertise, guidance and endless enthusiasm for the natural world. As part of the Asilia family, please enjoy some of their past trips through our blogs and socials, as well follow their own channels and read their full biographies below. In George’s words: “I’m so excited to be co-leading this one-of-a-kind trip, incorporating the best of East Africa’s wildlife alongside experiencing its leading conservation programmes. Naboisho is my favourite place on Earth, offering stunning landscapes and incredible encounters; I truly couldn’t think of a better place for this adventure.”
Itinerary Details
In order to offer you as much itinerary flexibility as we can, we have not included any flights to and from Naboisho or any transfers in Nairobi. Asilia can help you plan any travel and accommodation before and after the trip as you need. Plan to arrive at Naboisho for lunch or early afternoon to settle into your tents and meet your hosts and fellow Asilia Adventurers. After afternoon tea and armed with your camera, you will head out for your first game drive in an open-sided four-wheel drive vehicle before returning for a welcome dinner.
Popular Activities
Photography
Walking safari
Night drives
Culture
Conservation
Good to Know
What Is Included In This Adventure?
Tour leaders George Benjamin and Lara Jackson and all planned excursions, US$3,000 group donation split between MEP, The Maa Trust and MPCP and US$120 donation to Ol Chorro Rhino Sanctuary, full board accommodation at Naboisho from lunch on day one to breakfast on day seven, all house drinks (except premium wines and champagne), transfers to/from Mara Ol Seki airstrip and Naboisho, limited laundry service, conservancy bednight fee, conservancy fee, Asilia conservation fee, and Emergency Support Cover.
Please note: Light aircraft flights from Nairobi to the Mara Naboisho Conservancy and Nairobi transfers between international and domestic airport are not included in the price, to allow flexibility in pre- or post-arrangements, so this cost will need to be added.
Photography
This trip is designed for photographers of all abilities, whether you’re just starting out or are an avid wildlife photographer. With two professional wildlife photographers on hand, you’ll receive the education and learning experience suited for your level. Whether that’s getting to grip with manual on your DSLR, or practising more advanced photography techniques, George and Lara will mould the photography portion of the trip to your needs. The same applies to the post-production and/or editing sessions as the pair will also host one-to-ones tailored to your level, regardless of your experience. In terms of equipment, you will need a DSLR and half-decent long lens — 300 mm and above is perfect. Alongside that, some wider-angle lenses such as the 70-200 mm and 24-70 mm. If you don’t already own the kit, not to worry; there are plenty of reputable lens shops that rent out photography equipment for just such occasion and George and Lara are happy to recommend a local outfitter in your country of residence.
About Lara Jackson (Instagram: @lara_wildlife)
Lara is a zoologist and conservation biologist whose research has taken her around the world. Although she specialises in black rhino feeding ecology, she has also been fortunate enough to study mouse lemurs in Madagascar and dolphins off the coast of Zanzibar. Lara is extremely passionate about preserving our world and is determined to ensure that there is a future for all species. She strongly believes that raising awareness, education and working closely with the local communities is the key to successful conservation efforts.
About George Benjamin (Instagram: @georgetheexplorer)
George is a UK-based wildlife photographer and photographic guide, spending most of his time in East Africa and beyond. His work has taken him from the rainforests of the Congo Basin, through to the northern climes of Canada photographing polar bears on foot. Following a brief stint as a creative in advertising, he has won a number of wildlife photography awards, as well as being widely published both nationally and internationall.
