African Photography Safaris Reviews 

We have travelled with African Photography Safaris on two occasions to Mattikoko and both times first class from start to finish.
An outstanding experience in a beautiful setting with amazing guiding, great accommodation, superb food and of course the expert photography advice from Alan and Kaleel, always approachable and knowledgeable both in photography, the area and the wildlife.
We wouldn’t hesitate to recommend African Photography Safaris for a memorable safari experience

An outstanding safari experience from booking to finish. The photography and wildlife guiding was top notch, knowledgeable and respectful with a strong emphasis on ethical wildlife encounters. The photography tuition was always clear, practical, and tailored to different ability levels throughout the group. Mattikoko safari camp is an incredible base for trips like this, right in the middle of the conservancy, designed and managed to fit in to the environment. Alan and Kaleel and the Mattikoko team have a genuinely thoughtful safari for anyone who wants to come away with both great images and a deeper understanding of the ecosystem.

I had a fantastic experience on a photo safari with African Photography Safaris to Mattikoko, Kenya. I chose this company due to their values. We were based on a conservancy where animal welfare is a priority. Vehicle numbers are restricted, and strict rules are applied to ensure animal safety. A much better experience in every way.

These guys provided a tour that was absolutely brilliant from before we started to after we’d finished. The advice on kit and pre tour prep was invaluable.

The photography leaders Alan and Kaleel were exceptional: knowledgeable, approachable, and incredibly generous with their time and expertise. They struck the perfect balance between guidance and encouragement, helping everyone improve while keeping the whole experience relaxed and enjoyable. I came away with the best photos I have ever taken.

The local guides were equally impressive. Their bushcraft knowledge was outstanding, and it was clear how deeply they understood the landscape and wildlife. Because of their skill and instinct, we were able to capture images you’d only ever hope for – moments I’ll treasure (and have framed!) forever.

The camp itself was wonderful. The staff were warm, welcoming, and genuinely hospitable, creating an atmosphere that felt both professional and personal. Nothing was too much trouble. The attention to detail throughout the entire trip was exception.

And Marion’s food was delicious! It added to the whole experience.

Every element was thoughtfully delivered. If you’re considering this safari, don’t hesitate – it’s an unforgettable experience in every sense.

From my first contact with Kaleel and Alan, I had a good feeling about booking with African Photography Safaris. That first impression gained strength throughout the planning process and the subsequent trip. The comprehensive briefing notes that they provided undoubtedly smoothed the preparation for the visit. Mattikoko Safari Camp was the base for the trip and it was an outstanding location and accommodation. Although I had some experience as a photographer, the help and guidance of Kaleel and Alan during the trip certainly improve my skills and confidence. I particularly like the way in which they both would offer suggestions and advice when we were out in the field.

There are many options to choose from when selecting a photo Safari but one of the attractions that led me to book with African Photography Safaris is the way in which they support the local community. Tourism is an important element in promoting conservation and I welcomed the opportunity to know that my holiday was directly supporting the local community’s conservation efforts. One of my other reasons for choosing this holiday was the high ethical standards of Alan and Kaleel and Moses and James our local guides. We are there to observe the animals and birds in their environment, not to disrupt their lives. We are guests in their world and we should behave as guests.

I would not hesitate to recommend African Photography Safaris.

I have had 3 wonderful photography safaris to the Lemek Conservancy in the Masai Mara with African Photography Safaris. The wildlife viewing is without equal and was very different on each trip - excellent considerate guiding is a feature.
Accommodation at Mattikoko Csmp was great - a small Masai owned and run camp with well appointed tents, wonderful food and service with a smile. Photography tuition was tailored to each visitors requirementsand I have lots of great images as memories of my safaris.

My trip to Lemek was awesome, where I took many pictures and learned a lot about the area and the animals and people that live there, what would I of changed apart from Nairobi airport, nothing the trip was flawless. Accommodation, this is hard to put a star rating on, it was basic but fitted in perfectly with the camp and the whole ethos of living in the Mara for two weeks. Food, lets start with the negative, no menu, and the positive was no menu, the home cooked food was superb, I can't list dishes as I didn't have a clue what was in them, but the taste, not once did I not clean my plate and the general opinion was the same with empty plate all round. Service, this perhaps the biggest shock, 500 miles from running water and hard roads and some of the best service I've come across, from taking bags to your tent to serving food and drinks all done with a smile and eagerness to shame many top hotels. Other guest's, a very nice mix of people who where laid back and just wanted good pictures which we all got. I went with Africa Photography Safaris who I would recommend, that's not really fair, I went with Africa Photography Safaris and would not now go with any one else, I have viewed other company's and have heard first hand of huge problems, we had none. Our guide's which sat with us at all meals this including the two Maasai guide's as well as the two English lads, their combined knowledge and bushcraft is what made this trip come alive and perhaps the over all friendliness which gave this trip it's five star rating.

Joining your 2025 Photography Safari for 11 nights at the Mattikoko Camp (26 Aug - 7 Sept) was a "bucket list” experience for me. Literally everything about the Safari met or exceeded my expectations. The information and email assistance you provided prior to the safari was detailed and accurate. Health and safety was managed professionally. Everything was as you had presented it. This was really appreciated as it gave me confidence on what was my first travel experience in Africa.

The Mattikoko Camp and its staff were outstanding. The warmth of their welcome and the way they looked after everyone during our stay was in itself a highlight, as were the meal times and the food.

Every game drive seemed to bring at least one wildlife encounter that made us feel “how lucky were we to see that”! The knowledge and experience of our guides, Moses and James was terrific.

As a photography experience it was excellent. Alan and Kaleel were always ready and interested in assisting with their knowledge and experience when asked no matter your level of photography experience. The informal workshop sessions during the day were very helpful and enjoyable.

I really enjoyed sharing the experience with the other guests on the safari and learned much from them as well. What a great group we had.