Canonical URL: https://natureslens.co.uk/photography-holiday/kenya/african-wildlife-of-the-lemek-conservancy/ # The Mara, Without the Crowds [Photography Safari](https://natureslens.co.uk/join-a/wildlife-photography-safari/) 17th - 23rd Aug 2027 - £6499 [Africa](https://natureslens.co.uk/discover/africa/) - Guided By [Pui Hang Miles](https://natureslens.co.uk/about/pui-hang/) [![An African Leopard photographed in the Maasai Mara](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Kenya-Maasai-Mara-Leopard-2025-09-03.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Kenya-Maasai-Mara-Leopard-2025-09-03.jpg) Limited Places Reserve with a deposit of £1300 No payment is taken at enquiry stage. We confirm availability first, then send booking forms and deposit payment details. Please read our [booking conditions](https://natureslens.co.uk/wildlife-photography-holidays/about-us/booking-condtions/) and [financial protection information](https://natureslens.co.uk/wildlife-photography-holidays/about-us/financial-protection/) before paying a deposit. ## The Mara, Without the Crowds - 17th - 23rd Aug 2027 - £6499 - Single occupancy [Make A Booking Enquiry](https://natureslens.co.uk/book/african-wildlife-of-the-lemek-conservancy) No payment is taken at enquiry stage. We confirm availability first, then send booking forms and deposit payment details. Please read our [booking conditions](https://natureslens.co.uk/wildlife-photography-holidays/about-us/booking-condtions/) and [financial protection information](https://natureslens.co.uk/wildlife-photography-holidays/about-us/financial-protection/) before paying a deposit. [Make A Booking Enquiry](https://natureslens.co.uk/book/african-wildlife-of-the-lemek-conservancy) Set within a private conservancy area on the quieter side of the Maasai Mara, our [African Wildlife](https://natureslens.co.uk/holidays_to_photograph/wildlife-across-the-continent-of-africa/) of the [Lemek Conservancy](https://natureslens.co.uk/specific-location/lemek-conservancy/) photography safari is built around space, control & time with wildlife. Lemek offers the same rich ecosystem as the Mara itself, but without the vehicle pressure, allowing us to work scenes properly – positioning for light, waiting for behaviour, & returning to subjects as they develop. It is a setting that suits a more considered approach, where the aim is not simply to see wildlife, but to create strong, deliberate images. We stay at Spirit of Tembo, an intimate camp with just a handful of tented suites, positioned to look out across open savannah. Its small size shapes the entire experience. There is no sense of volume or rush – just a focused group, flexible plans, & the ability to respond to conditions as they unfold. The camp itself strikes a careful balance: comfortable & well-appointed, yet still very much part of the landscape it sits within. What makes this location particularly effective for photography is the freedom afforded by the conservancy. Off-road driving allows us to position precisely for composition & light, rather than accepting whatever angle the road dictates. Night drives open up a completely different dimension, from hunting predators to more elusive nocturnal species, while quieter conditions throughout the day mean we can spend extended time with key subjects without interruption. Wildlife in Lemek is both abundant & consistent. [Lions](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/african-lion/), [cheetahs](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/cheetah/) & [leopards](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/leopard/) are all present, alongside large herds of plains game that create constant opportunity. Rather than relying on seasonal events alone, the conservancy delivers throughout the year, making it possible to build a portfolio that reflects behaviour, interaction & atmosphere – not just fleeting encounters. The reduced number of vehicles further enhances this, allowing for more natural scenes & less disturbance. This holiday is designed for photographers who value depth over pace. With experienced guidance throughout, we focus on helping you refine your approach in the field – reading behaviour, anticipating moments, & making the most of each opportunity. You return not just with a collection of sightings, but with a body of work that reflects time, thought & intent – images that stand on their own. Curious what keeps photographers coming back to the [Maasai Mara](https://natureslens.co.uk/discover/africa/kenya/) conservancies? Read [why photographers keep returning to the Maasai Mara conservancies](https://natureslens.co.uk/why-photographers-keep-returning/why-photographers-keep-returning-to-the-maasai-mara-conservancies/). Read what previous guests say in our [client reviews of NaturesLens](https://natureslens.co.uk/wildlife-photography-holidays/client-reviews-of-natureslens/). This trip is one of our [wildlife photography holidays in Kenya](https://natureslens.co.uk/discover/africa/kenya/) & part of our programme of [African wildlife photography holidays](https://natureslens.co.uk/discover/africa/). [![A Black Backed Jackal photographed in the Maasai Mara](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Kenya-Maasai-Mara-Black-backed-Jackal-2025-09-01.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Kenya-Maasai-Mara-Black-backed-Jackal-2025-09-01.jpg) ## African Wildlife of the Lemek Conservancy Photography Holiday Itinerary The following is the proposed itinerary for this photography holiday, it should be considered provisional & subject to change. - Day 1 - Assemble in Nairobi; transfer to local hotel - overnight Nairobi - Day 2 - Transfer to Wilson Airport; flight to Maasai Mara - transfer to Lemek Conservancy - overnight Lemek Conservancy - Day 3 - Day 6 - Full-wildlife photography in the Lemek Conservancy - overnight Lemek Conservancy - Day 7 - Transfer to Wilson Airport, Nairobi for onward travel [![A giraffe at sunrise photographed in the Maasai Mara](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Kenya-Maasai-Mara-Giraffe-2025-09-01.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Kenya-Maasai-Mara-Giraffe-2025-09-01.jpg) ## African Wildlife of the Lemek Conservancy Photography Holiday Highlights We have taken care to refine the itinerary for this wildlife photography holiday; as such, we consider the following to be amongst the highlights of this tour. - Stay at an intimate camp in the Lemek Conservancy with just a handful of guests - Low vehicle density for uninterrupted time with wildlife - Off-road driving for precise positioning & stronger compositions - Night drives offering opportunities for nocturnal species & behaviour - Consistent predator encounters including lion, cheetah & leopard - Experienced guidance focused on improving your fieldcraft & results - Flexible, image-led approach rather than fixed safari schedules - Opportunity to work scenes over time, not just brief sightings - Access to both open savannah & riverine habitats - Return with a considered portfolio, not just a collection of encounters [![Male & Female Lions striding across the grasslands photographed in the Maasai Mara](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Kenya-Maasai-Mara-Lion-2025-09-01.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Kenya-Maasai-Mara-Lion-2025-09-01.jpg) ## What Do You Need To Bring With You? The items listed below are intended as guidance rather than requirements. They outline optional & recommended clothing & camera equipment to help you prepare for the conditions & photographic opportunities you may encounter. Clothing We Recommend Camera Equipment We Recommend Clothing suggestions for the conditions expected. Suggested camera equipment for the opportunities expected. [![Brown Hyena attempting to cross a river photographed in the Maasai Mara](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Kenya-Maasai-Mara-Brown-Hyena-2025-09-01.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Kenya-Maasai-Mara-Brown-Hyena-2025-09-01.jpg) ## What's Included & What's Not Included On The The Mara, Without the Crowds Photography Holiday Before booking the The Mara, Without the Crowds Photography Holiday, we recommend reviewing what is included in the trip price, along with any items that are not. This helps ensure you have a clear understanding of what is covered, allowing you to focus fully on the photographic experience. Included In The Trip Price Not Included In The Trip Price Most services & experiences are included in the trip price. Some items & services are not included in the trip price. [![A Southern Ground Hornbill striding across the grasslands photographed in the Maasai Mara](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Kenya-Maasai-Mara-Southern-Ground-Hornbill-2025-09-04.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Kenya-Maasai-Mara-Southern-Ground-Hornbill-2025-09-04.jpg) ## Travel Insurance Travel Insurance – it is a requirement when booking on any wildlife photography holiday scheduled by NaturesLens that you have adequate travel insurance, we suggest a policy from [TrailFinders](https://www.trailfinders.com/insurance) or [Campbell Irvine](https://www.campbellirvinedirect.com). [![An African Leopard photographed in the Maasai Mara](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Kenya-Maasai-Mara-Leopard-2025-09-02.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Kenya-Maasai-Mara-Leopard-2025-09-02.jpg) [![A Group Of Dramatically Silhouetted Topi As The Sun Rises Behind Photographed During A Natureslens Photography Holiday To Photograph The Wildlife Of The Maasai Mara](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/a-group-of-dramatically-silhouetted-topi-as-the-sun-rises-behind-photographed-during-a-natureslens-photography-holiday-to-photograph-the-wildlife-of-the-maasai-mara-1536x1024.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/a-group-of-dramatically-silhouetted-topi-as-the-sun-rises-behind-photographed-during-a-natureslens-photography-holiday-to-photograph-the-wildlife-of-the-maasai-mara.jpg) [![A Group Of Six Topi Silhouetted At Sunrise Photographed During A Natureslens Photography Holiday To Photograph The Wildlife Of The Maasai Mara](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/a-group-of-six-topi-silhouetted-at-sunrise-photographed-during-a-natureslens-photography-holiday-to-photograph-the-wildlife-of-the-maasai-mara-1536x1024.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/a-group-of-six-topi-silhouetted-at-sunrise-photographed-during-a-natureslens-photography-holiday-to-photograph-the-wildlife-of-the-maasai-mara.jpg) [![A Group Of Topi Around A Tree All Silhouetted At Sunrise Photographed During A Natureslens Photography Holiday To Photograph The Wildlife Of The Maasai Mara](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/a-group-of-topi-around-a-tree-all-silhouetted-at-sunrise-photographed-during-a-natureslens-photography-holiday-to-photograph-the-wildlife-of-the-maasai-mara-1536x1024.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/a-group-of-topi-around-a-tree-all-silhouetted-at-sunrise-photographed-during-a-natureslens-photography-holiday-to-photograph-the-wildlife-of-the-maasai-mara.jpg) [![A Lone Topi Silhouetted At Sunrise Photographed During A Natureslens Photography Holiday To Photograph The Wildlife Of The Maasai Mara](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/a-lone-topi-silhouetted-at-sunrise-photographed-during-a-natureslens-photography-holiday-to-photograph-the-wildlife-of-the-maasai-mara-1536x1024.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/a-lone-topi-silhouetted-at-sunrise-photographed-during-a-natureslens-photography-holiday-to-photograph-the-wildlife-of-the-maasai-mara.jpg) [![A Lone Silhouetted Topi As The Sun Rises Photographed During A Natureslens Photography Holiday To Photograph The Wildlife Of The Maasai Mara](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/a-lone-silhouetted-topi-as-the-sun-rises-photographed-during-a-natureslens-photography-holiday-to-photograph-the-wildlife-of-the-maasai-mara-1536x1024.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/a-lone-silhouetted-topi-as-the-sun-rises-photographed-during-a-natureslens-photography-holiday-to-photograph-the-wildlife-of-the-maasai-mara.jpg) [![A Group Of Six Topi Silhouetted At Sunrise Photographed During A Natureslens Photography Holiday To Photograph The Wildlife Of The Maasai Mara](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/a-group-of-six-topi-silhouetted-at-sunrise-photographed-during-a-natureslens-photography-holiday-to-photograph-the-wildlife-of-the-maasai-mara-1536x1024.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/a-group-of-six-topi-silhouetted-at-sunrise-photographed-during-a-natureslens-photography-holiday-to-photograph-the-wildlife-of-the-maasai-mara.jpg) [![A Giraffe Silhouetted By The Rising Sun Behind Photographed During A Natureslens Photography Holiday To Photograph The Wildlife Of The Maasai Mara](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/a-giraffe-silhouetted-by-the-rising-sun-behind-photographed-during-a-natureslens-photography-holiday-to-photograph-the-wildlife-of-the-maasai-mara-1536x1024.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/a-giraffe-silhouetted-by-the-rising-sun-behind-photographed-during-a-natureslens-photography-holiday-to-photograph-the-wildlife-of-the-maasai-mara.jpg) [![A Silhouetted Elephant Walking Past A Boundary Fence Silhouetted At Sunrise Photographed During A Natureslens Photography Holiday To Photograph The Wildlife Of The Maasai Mara](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/a-silhouetted-elephant-walking-past-a-boundary-fence-silhouetted-at-sunrise-photographed-during-a-natureslens-photography-holiday-to-photograph-the-wildlife-of-the-maasai-mara-1536x1024.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/a-silhouetted-elephant-walking-past-a-boundary-fence-silhouetted-at-sunrise-photographed-during-a-natureslens-photography-holiday-to-photograph-the-wildlife-of-the-maasai-mara.jpg) [![A wildebeest at sunrise photographed in the Maasai Mara](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Kenya-Maasai-Mara-wildebeest-silhouetted-against-a-warm-golden-sunrise-2025-09-02.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Kenya-Maasai-Mara-wildebeest-silhouetted-against-a-warm-golden-sunrise-2025-09-02.jpg) Additional Information Similar Photography Tours NaturesLens photography holidays **do not include flights** unless it is explicitly stated on the event page. When it is time to book your flights, we will send you the details in plenty of time to allow for bookings at the best available price. The photography holiday itinerary is subject to change & is to be considered provisional. NaturesLens photography holidays require **a minimum number of participants in order to be viable**. If this minimum number is not met, the photography holiday may not go ahead. In the event that the minimum number for a photography holiday to go ahead is not reached, NaturesLens reserves the right to cancel any given photography holiday. In that event 100% of monies received will be returned. However, NaturesLens is not responsible for expenses incurred by its customers. **Not all mentioned wildlife can be observed & photographed at all times of the year**, thus some activities may be considered seasonal & not available. Please note **the cuisine on many of the NaturesLens photography holidays is authentic & typical of the region** in which you are travelling. International or western cuisine is often NOT available. If you have any concerns over the food arrangements or have any special dietary requirements, please contact us prior to making a booking. All personal luggage are the responsibility of the owner & we request that photography holiday participants limit their luggage to the equivalent of one suitcase, one flight bag, one camera bag & tripod. We do not wish to appear dictatorial in this matter & the request is made to ensure space & comfort for everyone in our vehicles. NaturesLens & its agents act only as agents for the passenger in all matters relating to travel arrangements, & as such, do not assume responsibility for injury, accident, damage, loss, delay or irregularity which may occur via defect of transportation or any other cause. NaturesLens reserves the right to substitute hotels, & other previously outlined arrangements as necessary, to either improve or equal the travel experience. NaturesLens reserves the right to pass on to photography holiday participants any additional & unplanned expenditure incurred during a photography holiday, via events beyond the control of NaturesLens. NaturesLens reserves the right to accept or decline any person as a member of any photography holiday. Payment of a deposit by photography holiday participants or their representative constitutes their acceptance of all conditions contained herein. All bookings are made subject to our terms & conditions. - The Mara, Without the Crowds - 17th - 23rd Aug 2027 - £6499 Set within a private conservancy area on the quieter side of the Maasai Mara, our African Wildlife of the Lemek Conservancy photography safari is built around space, control & time with wildlife. [View More Information](https://natureslens.co.uk/photography-holiday/kenya/african-wildlife-of-the-lemek-conservancy/) Difficulty Easy Group size 5 guests Photography style Vehicle Based Activity period Mixed Itinerary type Photography Safari We explore wildlife photography in Kenya in greater depth in [Why Photographers Are Drawn to Kenya](https://natureslens.co.uk/why-photographers-are-drawn-to/why-photographers-are-drawn-to-kenya/). ## Related Trips If this photography holiday appeals to you, you may also be interested in the trips below. They feature similar species, photographic opportunities or wildlife experiences, offering alternative destinations & complementary subjects for your future adventures. - [Wildlife of Shompole Wilderness - Kenya - Oct 2027 - 7 nights](https://natureslens.co.uk/photography-holiday/kenya/wildlife-of-shompole-wilderness/) More time with african wildlife & mammals, with Pui Hang guiding again. - [Wildlife of the Chobe River - Botswana - Oct 2027 - 7 nights](https://natureslens.co.uk/photography-holiday/botswana/wildlife-of-the-chobe-river/) More time with african wildlife & mammals, with Pui Hang guiding again. - [Lions of the Serengeti - Tanzania - Sep 2028 - 7 nights](https://natureslens.co.uk/photography-holiday/tanzania/lions-of-the-serengeti/) More time with african wildlife & mammals. - [Big Five & other African Wildlife of Karongwe - South Africa - Sep 2028 - 6 nights](https://natureslens.co.uk/photography-holiday/south-africa/african-wildlife-of-karongwe/) More time with african wildlife & mammals, with Pui Hang guiding again. ## Frequently Asked Questions We’ve compiled answers to the questions we are most commonly asked about this photography tour, covering everything from accommodation, transport & group size through to photography opportunities, fitness requirements & what to expect in the field. If you can’t find the information you’re looking for, please don’t hesitate to contact us – we’re always happy to discuss any aspect of the trip before you book. ## Wildlife Photography ### What wildlife can I expect to photograph? Species regularly photographed include African Civet, lions, cheetahs, leopards, topi, warthogs, hyena cubs & hippos. The Lemek Conservancy supports the same rich ecosystem as the Maasai Mara, with large herds of plains game creating constant photographic opportunities. As with all wildlife photography, sightings can never be guaranteed. ## Location Benefits ### Why is the Lemek Conservancy particularly good for wildlife photography? Lemek offers the same rich ecosystem as the Maasai Mara but with significantly lower vehicle density, allowing uninterrupted time with wildlife. Off-road driving permits precise positioning for composition & light rather than accepting roadside angles. The conservancy delivers consistent wildlife encounters throughout the year, making it possible to build a portfolio reflecting behaviour & interaction rather than just brief sightings. ## Photography Experience ### How much time do we spend on wildlife photography? This is a dedicated vehicle-based wildlife photography safari, with full wildlife photography days from day 3 to day 6 in the Lemek Conservancy. The intimate camp setting & flexible approach allows us to respond to conditions as they unfold, spending extended time with key subjects without interruption. ## Night Photography ### How do the night drives work? Night drives open up a completely different photographic dimension, from hunting predators to elusive nocturnal species like African Civet. The conservancy's low vehicle pressure creates quieter conditions throughout the day & night, allowing for more natural scenes & less disturbance during nocturnal photography sessions. ## Group Benefits ### What are the benefits of a 6-photographer group? The 6-photographer limit ensures everyone has sufficient space in the vehicle for optimal positioning, receives personalised guidance from Pui Hang Miles & enjoys a more relaxed photographic experience. The small group size enhances the flexible, image-led approach rather than fixed safari schedules. ## Off-Road Access ### How does off-road driving benefit wildlife photography? Off-road driving allows precise positioning for composition & light rather than accepting whatever angle the road dictates. This freedom is particularly effective for creating stronger compositions & working scenes over time, not just accepting brief roadside sightings. ## Predator Photography ### What predator encounters can I expect? The conservancy provides consistent encounters with lions, cheetahs & leopards throughout the year. Rather than relying on seasonal events alone, Lemek delivers regular predator sightings, allowing opportunities to photograph behaviour & interaction in natural settings. ## Accommodation ### What is Spirit of Tembo like? Spirit of Tembo is an intimate camp with just a handful of tented suites, positioned to look out across open savannah. Single occupancy accommodation is included as standard. The small size creates a focused experience with no sense of rush, allowing flexible plans that respond to photographic conditions. ## Photography Approach ### How does the flexible approach work? The experience is image-led rather than following fixed safari schedules, allowing us to work scenes over time & return to subjects as they develop. The camp's small size & conservancy setting enables a considered approach where the aim is creating strong, deliberate images rather than simply seeing wildlife. ## Experience Level ### Do I need advanced photography skills? No advanced skills are required. Pui Hang Miles & the local guides provide experienced guidance focused on improving your fieldcraft & results, suitable for photographers of all levels during vehicle-based safari sessions. ## Equipment ### What equipment should I bring? Bring a camera capable of vehicle-based wildlife photography, suitable telephoto lenses for wildlife, spare batteries & memory cards. Equipment for both daytime & nocturnal photography is recommended given the mixed activity schedule. Detailed equipment recommendations will be provided before departure. ## Trip Inclusions ### What's included in the trip cost? Trip cost includes 7 nights accommodation, single occupancy at Spirit of Tembo, full board with local drinks, guiding by Pui Hang Miles, all wildlife photography sessions including night drives, conservancy fees & domestic flights from Wilson Airport. Airport transfers in Nairobi are also included.