I Dream of Africa. And I revisit it regularly though my Kenya Photos.
A baby elephant is the cutest
Kenya Photos, A Visual Journey
Travel in Kenya is exactly what one hopes for when going on safari in Africa. The people are friendly, the scenery is spectacular and even though the country is progressing at a rapid pace, it still feels as if you have stepped back in time.
The Leopard of the Masai Mara, Kenya
Many times we found ourselves daydreaming about the past wondering how Roosevelt and Hemingway spent their days as we relaxed at the Fairmont Norfolk in Nairobi.
Kids smile for the camera in our guides local village
I envisioned a time when animals roamed freely and when the tribes ruled the land.
Masai Mara at Sunrise
There are bits and pieces of tribal life surviving in Conservancy's around the game reserves and the numbers of endangered animals are slowly coming back as photo safari tourism rises and the trophy hunting days of the past are slowly being pushed to the side.
Sunset in Amboseli National Park
We witnessed incredible beauty throughout the country and these are all my favourite Kenya photos from our time in the country.
Sunset takes hold in the Masai Mara
Nothing beats an African sunset. Once you see one it will steel your heart.
- Get your Lonely Planet Travel Guide to Kenya on Amazon
- Get your pocket guide to wildlife including the Big 5 of Kenya on Amazon
- Birds may not be a part of the Big 5 but people love them and there are a lot of bird species in Africa, get your guide on Amazon.
A Family of White Rhino drink in the morning sun at Lake Nakuru.
Rhinos are some of the most elusive animals in Africa, but you have an almost guaranteed chance of seeing them in Lake Nakuru.
Storm clouds loom in Kenya
Kenya is even beautiful when a storm is coming. The dramatic clouds make for stunning Kenya photos.
A young male lion surveys a herd of Buffalo on the Plains of the Masai Mara
This male lion looks a little straggly, but that is only because he is young and his hair is just starting to come in. It won't be long before he has a full mane.
A young Masaai Warrior.
Visiting a Maasai Tribe when in Kenya is a must. The Maasai people of Selenky welcomed us into their homes.
The proud Masai People of Kenya
Photographing the Maasai people was a highlight for me. Meeting them really added to the diversity of my Kenya photos.
Sneaky monkey, Kenya
Most people don't think of monkeys in Africa. Everyone is too focused on lions, leopards and elephants. But when you spot these little guys, they are the cutest.
Hippos Bathe in Kenya
Most of the time we saw hippos in the distance, but at our safari lodge in the Masai Mara, we had a hippo pond right on the grounds! Note to travellers, you always need a guide when walking in Kenya.
Sunrise Balloon ride over the plains of Africa
Taking a hot air balloon ride over the Masai Mara of Kenya is an experience we will never forget and it's worth the extra splurge if you go to Africa. Read all about it here
Elephants graze in Amboseli National Park
There are no shortage of elephants in Kenya, especially in Amboseli National Park.
A lioness hunting on the Masai Mara
It is fascinating to watch a lioness hunt. We tracked her for at least an hour.
Flamingoes sleep at Lake Nakuru, Kenya
Lake Nakuru is famous for its flamingo population.
Champagne dreams in the Masai Mara, Kenya
We can't forget about the cape buffalo
elephants are the most majestic creatures on the savanna
Catching a leopard walking in the long grass
Rhinos are so rare to see we had to include another
A cheetah looks back as if to say good-bye
We hope you enjoyed these Kenya photos from our time on the Masai Mara, in Lake Nakuru and Amboseli National Park.
There were so many varied landscapes wildlife and experiences, we cannot fit it all into one photostory so check out more in the links below.
Read More at:
African Safari – A video is way better than a Stupid Trophy
Champagne and Hot Air – Ballooning over the Masai Mara
By Robert @ Amboseli National Park Day Tour October 8, 2013 - 2:24 am
Those are some great photos especially showing the animals and the people of Kenya. Very healthy kids.
The pictures of Amboseli sunsets, elephants and the rhinos in lake Nakuru national park are amazing. I know coz Im able to see them oftenly during my 1 day safaris to Amboseli national park and lake Nakuru national park day tours.
Robert has recently posted about it here: 1 Day Nairobi Tours
By debndave October 9, 2013 - 8:15 am
Lucky you! Amboseli was amazing. I’d love to be there when it’s clear enough to really see Mount Kilimanjaro. It was shrouded in cloud when we visited, but still gorgeous.
By Aga @ a matter of taste May 11, 2013 - 6:03 pm
Spactacular place and amazing photos!
By Johnny Jet May 7, 2013 - 11:29 am
Amazing photos! What size lens did you use?
By My Favorite Travel Posts of the Week: April 27, 2013 | Tripologist April 27, 2013 - 1:10 pm
[…] Kenya Photos: A Visual Journey – ThePlanetD.com […]
By Kenya Travel Tips April 5, 2013 - 4:01 am
Great photos. I would encourage those who haven’t visited Kenya to do so. Together with Masai Mara, there are other spectacular destinations such as Kakamega, Aberdares National Park and Samburu National Reserve.
By debndave April 10, 2013 - 9:29 am
Thanks for the tips. you are so right, there is a lot to see in Kenya. It will take us many visits to this extraordinary country to be able to see it all.
By WS Update - March 2013 March 1, 2013 - 3:31 am
[…] Kenya Photos, A Visual Journey (via The Planet D) […]
By Angela February 14, 2013 - 6:56 am
Fantastic shots, you always catch the best moments!
By debndave February 14, 2013 - 9:04 am
Thank you, we’ve had some lucky moments to capture:)
By Vera February 12, 2013 - 7:43 am
I’m afraid my comment doesn’t bring anything now – me, too, I am very impressed with your amazing pictures; be it the landscape, the wildlife, or the people! Waiting for the right moments (and playing Tetris;)…) definitely payed off. Wow!
By debndave February 12, 2013 - 11:10 am
Haha, thank God for Tetris! Dave had the long lens and could get the shot once the Leopard moved, I couldnt’ do much with my video or my iPhone, so Tetras it was! There was nothing else to look at anymore. It sounds awful I know 😉
By Dean February 12, 2013 - 3:02 am
Amazing photos as always. I love how you brought out the eyes in that leopard photo.
By debndave February 12, 2013 - 11:12 am
It’s amazing how he looked right down the barrel of the lens. The light was perfect and Dave snapped it at the perfect moment. That leopard didn’t stay still for long. Normally he was looking away or hiding
By Simon February 10, 2013 - 4:02 am
Just… Amazing! I’ve been to South Africa, Namibia and Botswana, but never to Kenya. It looks stunning. Thanks for sharing these super photos.
By debndave February 12, 2013 - 11:55 am
You’d love Kenya Simon! We had been to all those other places before Kenya as well and there is something quite special about the country that makes it one of our favourite spots in Africa. It has a lively positive energy that reminds us of Tanzania as well. Two amazing destinations.
By Laura @Travelocafe February 7, 2013 - 11:15 am
Gorgeous photos! Africa is so spectacular!!
By debndave February 9, 2013 - 8:32 am
We agree, Africa is spectacular.
By Andrea February 7, 2013 - 7:46 am
Wow – incredible shots! I would love to see Africa one day
By debndave February 9, 2013 - 8:36 am
Africa is one of our favourite destinations. We are so happy that we could revisit it after fours years of being away. There is something about it that keeps drawing you back once you step foot on the continent. I’m sure you’ll get there one day soon for sure!
By Johnny February 6, 2013 - 3:03 am
Lovely photos on your travel. Two thumbs up for it!
By debndave February 9, 2013 - 9:01 am
Why, thank you very much!
By Dariece - Goats On The Road February 5, 2013 - 10:46 pm
Wow you guys! You know how much we love your photos, but that one of the leopard is incredible. It’s our favourite yet, Nick and I are at a loss for words! The fact that it’s looking right at the camera, the lighting is perfect and it’s in a tree!
Awesome post 🙂
Cheers.
By debndave February 9, 2013 - 9:04 am
Thanks so much Dariece. We Love the leopard the most as well. It all worked out well, but I have to give Dave kudos for being patient. When he caught sight of any animal, he sat with his eye against the lens and waited patiently for however long it took to be ready to snap a photo. At one point, I sat in the van and played Tetris on my iPhone because I was so bored. Dave stayed steady and kept an eye out for movement and managed to grab shots like this. It’s his patience and talent combined that made for such incredible photos. Not everyone can do that. I feel that he got National Geographic shots and we only had a 3 day safari to do so. Most photographers need weeks in a location to do what he did. Plus, our guide Makau was really great at keeping an eye out and making sure that we got what we needed.
By Dariece - Goats On The Road February 11, 2013 - 5:17 am
Haha, that’s too funny, I can just picture you sitting in the van playing on your iPhone! You’re absolutely right though, it is all about patience, and in this case, patience definitely paid off! We agree that these are Nat Geo shots, well done 🙂
By debndave February 12, 2013 - 11:32 am
I know, it’s terrible. But Dave had the long lens and I couldn’t get close enough to the leopard with my video camera lens or the iPhone, so I might as well play a game. We weren’t near any other animals at this point. It was either watch Dave watching the tree or play with the iPhone. I decided to play
:-)By Natasha von Geldern February 5, 2013 - 7:29 pm
Simply exquisite photos guys. I’ve explored southern Africa but the eastern part of the continent is high on my list for the future. The photo of the group of children is particularly touching.
By debndave February 9, 2013 - 9:07 am
Kenya is amazing. I think it’s our favourite country in Africa. Tanzania was originally, but now we’ve swayed to Kenya. South Africa is nice too and we always have a great time there, but there’s something about the other countries in the continent that really move us and fill us with emotion. Zambia, Namibia, Sudan, Ethiopia…we love them all! We still have yet to explore Western AFrica though, I can’t wait to see what they’re like. Hopefully soon!
By Sophie February 5, 2013 - 6:38 pm
Outstanding photos, D & D. You must have gotten quite close to the animals. My 11-year-old has a safari near the top of her list; looks like Masai Mara would be a good choice.
By debndave February 9, 2013 - 9:08 am
Thanks Sophie. Yes, at times we definitely came very close to the animals. Dave had a 500ml lens though as well. So for the leopard and male lions, that came in handy. They were still a bit away from us. you could see them with the naked eye, but when we tried to video them with my camera, they were too far away. The big lens helped immensely.
By Kirstie February 5, 2013 - 10:50 am
Nice pics. The trio rhinos are particularly cute. But I still wouldn’t like to meet one close up. Hoping to take the kids on safari in South Africa in the summer.
By debndave February 9, 2013 - 9:10 am
Haha, yes Kirstie, it’s much safer to remain in the van and watch the rhinos from a safe distance. They are cute though aren’t they. I hope you have an amazing safari this summer!
By Jennifer February 5, 2013 - 5:20 am
Amazing photos! It is so hard to choose favorites, but I absolutely love that sunset in Masai Mara and the family of rhinos. I hope we get to go on safari someday. Until then, I will ogle these photos.
By debndave February 9, 2013 - 9:11 am
Thank you Jennifer. I love that sunset too. I think what I love the most was the memory. I’ll never forget the elephants walking by us in silence at sunset. It was so beautiful it brought tears to my eyes.
By Sheila February 4, 2013 - 9:49 pm
Amazing collection of photos. I loved the Rhino family photo the most. Can you tell me which lens you used to get a close up photo of the animals?
By debndave February 9, 2013 - 9:16 am
Hi Sheila, we used a Canon EF 500 mm lens. I highly recommend it when you go on safari in Kenya. we didn’t need it for South Africa, but Kenya definitely.
By Ali February 4, 2013 - 4:13 pm
These are really amazing photos! I’ve wanted to go on a safari for a really long time, and this has me even more antsy to go!
By debndave February 9, 2013 - 9:21 am
Same with us. We spend 4 months in Africa in 2008 and didn’t do a proper safari except for a cruise in Chobi National park. It was so exciting to finally be on a real Masai Mara safari four years later.
By Sherry February 4, 2013 - 3:46 pm
Wow! I’ve never been on a safari… yet. I must admit Kenya was never a destination of choice for one, but maybe with these photos, it could be. Great visual on what was probably an extraordinary journey.
By debndave February 9, 2013 - 9:22 am
Thanks Sherry, Kenya is really incredible. We’ve been to about 10 countries in Africa, and after visiting Kenya its right at the top. We went on safari in South Africa and Botswana as well, and they don’t compare to safari here. Now we just need to do the Serengeti in Tanzania so that we can truly compare.
By Megan Eileen February 4, 2013 - 12:42 pm
Wow – stunning photography guys! I would love to go on a safari in Kenya.
By debndave February 9, 2013 - 9:23 am
Thanks Megan, A safari in Kenya was definitely something special.
By Andi of My Beautiful Adventures February 4, 2013 - 10:31 am
OMG!!!!!!!! I want to move there. It’s the most beautiful place in the world!
By debndave February 9, 2013 - 10:13 am
There’s a lot of construction going on there right now, I think it is an excellent time to move to Kenya!
By Mike February 4, 2013 - 9:22 am
Great pictures! The classic sunset has to be my fave.
By debndave February 9, 2013 - 10:14 am
Thanks Mike, that is definitely a Kenya classic sunset
By Maria February 4, 2013 - 9:06 am
Fantastic collection of photos – took me back to when I’d watch National Geographic on Sunday nights as a kid. My favorite is the photo “The proud Masai People of Kenya” – it’s a beautiful portrait and the colors! Wow!
By debndave February 9, 2013 - 10:16 am
Thanks Maria, that’s an amazing compliment. Visiting the Masai was a special moment during out trip.
By Africa Point Tours February 4, 2013 - 4:25 am
These are truly magical Kenyan photos capturing the pride of its people and the spectacular landscape. Ours is a truly beautiful country.
By debndave February 9, 2013 - 10:16 am
You are right, you have a beautiful country.
By Jeni February 3, 2013 - 9:02 pm
Stunning pictures. I hope a safari is in our near future!
By debndave February 9, 2013 - 10:17 am
Thank you and I hope so too!
By Amanda February 3, 2013 - 7:45 pm
Holy cow, what amazing images! I can’t even choose a favorite – they are all so striking!
Can’t wait to go on safari myself sometime.
By debndave February 9, 2013 - 10:17 am
Thanks Amanda, I’m glad you liked them. We had a hard time choosing as well. Just choosing these photos for the post was difficult enough. Dave has so many amazing shots.
By Monica February 3, 2013 - 3:35 pm
Incredible photos! Wow. I’ve just got back from safari and it was so tough to get a decent shot of a leopard. The one you’ve caught on camera is beautiful.
By debndave February 3, 2013 - 3:40 pm
Thank you Monica. We were really lucky to have the tree all to ourselves before all the trucks arrived. Plus I had a really good lens with me too .
By Linda February 3, 2013 - 2:50 pm
Absolutely, utterly breathtaking. No words. You surpassed yourself even.
By debndave February 3, 2013 - 3:40 pm
Thanks Linda! Kenya was a beautiful location to photograph.