Kristi Odom
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Choose Your Own Adventure in Kenya and/or Uganda
Four unforgettable ways to experience the heart of Africa
I’m so excited to offer multiple ways to join us in East Africa. These trips are all about creating powerful stories, connecting deeply with wildlife, and growing as photographers. Whether you want to witness the beauty of the Masai Mara, trek through the ancient forests in search for the endangered Mountain Gorillas, or do both, there’s something here for everyone.
Here are your options:
Option 1: Masai Mara and Gorilla Trekking
This is the ultimate journey for those who want it all. We start in Kenya’s Masai Mara, photographing lions, elephants, cheetahs and more across golden savannas. Then we travel to Uganda to trek through the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, one of Africa’s oldest rainforests, for a once-in-a-lifetime chance to stand with endangered mountain gorillas. This trip blends the thrill of safari with the awe of the jungle. It is truly a life-changing experience.
Option 2: Kenya's Best
This itinerary explores Kenya’s incredible variety of landscapes and wildlife. From the red elephants of Tsavo East to the dramatic lava fields of Tsavo West, we’ll experience the raw beauty of Kenya before heading to the Masai Mara for classic big cat encounters and sweeping savanna views. It’s a deep dive into the wild heart of Kenya.
Option 3: Kenya's Masai Mara
If you’re short on time or want to focus just on the magic of the Mara, this trip is a perfect fit. The Masai Mara is one of the best places on Earth to see predators in action, especially in golden light. We’ll spend our days immersed in wildlife moments and our evenings reviewing photos, learning new techniques and growing as storytellers.
Option 4: Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
This experience is all about awe. We’ll journey into Bwindi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the most biodiverse forests in Africa. After a briefing with expert trackers, we’ll hike through the misty rainforest in search of mountain gorillas. When we find them, we’ll have one full hour to observe and photograph these incredible animals in their natural habitat. It’s emotional, humbling and unforgettable.
DETAILS
Dates
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February 1st-9th, 2026
Education Overview
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Photographing wildlife to evoke emotion.
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The best camera settings for wildlife photography.
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Advanced Composition.
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Camera techniques to improve your visual storytelling.
Inclusions
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Airport transfer
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Flight from Tsavo to Masai Mara
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All ground transportation
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Full-time driver/guide
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A full row in the safari vehicle (so you have space for your camera gear)
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Shared rooms*
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Full-board accommodation: breakfast, lunch, and dinner (lunch/dinner not included in Nairobi)**
Exclusions
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International Air tickets
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Travelers Insurance***
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Visas
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Any beverages ordered
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Immunizations
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Personal expenses such as drinks, tips, telephone calls, etc.
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All optional activities and/or those not specified in the Safari Itinerary
Press Play for some casual behind the scenes footage.
Music licensed at Triple Scoop Music.
Cost
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Price:
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$9,985 US dollars
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$2000 non refundable retainer at time of booking
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Maximum 12 Photographers
*Single room upgrade - $1250 based on availability
**Meals NOT included at Nairobi hotels, or during any additional days
***Guests are required to obtain their own travelers’ insurance
FAQ
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Is February a good time for wildlife?
We have been back and forth to Kenya since 2006, and I can truthfully say, that January and February are my favorite months. Not only is the wildlife in abundance, but the tourism is down. When we asked our guide what his favorite month, he immediately said Feb, which is what started our February trips. Being the dry season, animals gather at the watering holes that make it easy to see and photograph while the migratory birds fly overhead.
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I am not a photographer; can I still attend? or I have a partner who isn't a photographer, can they attend?
Yes of course, you can attend (and your partner)! We have had many non-photographers on this trip (even a few who have gone on repeat trips). You will have a little extra free time at the lodges while we do classes and one-on-ones. There is always lots to do at the lodges, from going for a swim, relaxing at the resaurant, or just hanging at the bar. The biggest difference is that our group spends time with the wildlife, watching behaviors and observing. Non-photographers have expressed that they have enjoyed this and even learn more and gain more appreciation for the animals this way. We are even happy to provide non photographers iPhone photography one on ones.
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What animals might we see?
Lions, leopard, cheetah, zebras, giraffes, elephants, rhinos, buffaloes, wild dogs, serval cats, antelopes, kongoni, lesser kudu, Oryx, klipspringer, impala, stripped hyena, ostriches, gazelles, buffaloes and many more. Kenya also has a ton of beautiful bird life, my favorites being the Secretary Bird, Hornbill and the Lilac Breasted Roller
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How do I get there?
You will need to fly into and out of Nairobi International Airport.
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How physically demanding are the wildlife safaris
Our safari vehicles will be doing all the work. So sit back and enjoy being driven around to see and experience the wildlife.
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How many guests are in each vehicle?
Maximum 3 guest in our 4x4 land cruiser, so you will have a window seat and lots of room for your gear. Mark, Forest, or I will be in the front with the driver.
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Will we have Internet and Phone service?
The lodges will have spotty Wi-Fi services. I have found that I often even get reception with my international T-Mobile plan inside the game parks.
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What happens if there is a medical emergency?
One of the drivers can help take you to seek medical care. We do require that everyone has medical insurance. If this is a concern, I do recommend talking to your insurance company about what it provides. Some policy will even do medical evacuations so you can get treated at home.
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Any recommendation for travel insurance?
I personally use an Allianz Global policy.
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Any shots or vaccines?
You will need to talk to your own travel doctors about your recommended shots and medications. To get an idea, I usually check the Traveler's Health area on the CDC website for Kenya.
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What about Visas?
Check travel.state.gov for up-to-date information on visas.
INSTRUCTORS
KRISTI
ODOM
Kristi Odom is an internationally acclaimed photographer, a Nikon Ambassador, an associate fellow of the International League of Conservation Photographers, and a motivational speaker. A photographer and filmmaker, her work focuses on connecting people emotionally to animals and celebrating those who have a connection to the natural world.
Her accolades include over 60 international photography awards including 2 Nature’s Best Photography awards, which exhibited her images at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History. Her work has appeared either online and/or in print for the following clients: National Geographic, Nikon, Forbes, Rollingstone, Microsoft and Outside Magazine.
MARK
KETTENHOFEN
Mark’s work spans across decades and genres. He has been behind his camera covering war in Iraq, to spending weeks the jungles of the Amazon River basin for NGOs. His efforts and talent were recognized through numerous awards, including being awarded the prestigious Military Photographer of the Year. After serving 20-years in the US Navy, Mark spent 21-years working for Nikon Professional Services, as a senior staff photographer where he produced several award-winning UHD time-lapse movies highlighting the D850 and Z7. Mark is the co-author of America from 500-feet II, a photographic study of the United States using experimental aircraft with legendary landscape photographer, Bill Fortney. Mark’s passion for photography is only eclipsed by teaching, mentoring and sharing the magic of photography with others. This has allowed Mark to be a workshop leader for Defense Information School, Nikon School, Eddie Adams Workshop, Arizona Highways Magazine, US DOD Military Workshops, Santa Fe and National Geographic’s Lindblad Expeditions. Even after his extensive years working for Nikon, he is an expert at multiple camera brands. Currently he shoots Sony.
FOREST GUSTAVESON
Forest is a passionate outdoor guide and educator with a lifelong commitment to helping others connect with the natural world. Throughout his career, he has been dedicated to creating life-changing experiences in some of the most awe-inspiring landscapes. As an avid outdoor enthusiast, Forest has honed his skills through years of guiding in diverse environments, from glacier expeditions in Alaska to rock climbing in Utah, Virginia, and Maryland.
With years of guiding in environments ranging from glacier expeditions in Alaska to rock climbing in Utah, Forest brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise in outdoor settings. His hands-on experience allows him to navigate and thrive in challenging terrains, making him an invaluable resource out in the field.
With a fresh Wilderness First Responder certification and the completion of his Wilderness EMT certification this spring, Forest is ready to help make sure people stay safe and taken care of in the wilderness
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Our workshops stay small so we can help mentor photographers at their own skill level. We have a 4-1 student teacher ratio. This workshop has a maximum of 12 spots. If we have 8 or less sign ups, Kristi Odom and Forest Gustaveson will be the two instructors. If we have 9-12 sign ups it will be taught by all three of us.
