Kristi Odom
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Join Nikon Ambassador Kristi Odom, Award Winner Photographer Mark Kettenhofen, and Outdoor Guide Forest Gustaveson on a Photography Adventure through Kenya's Most Amazing Wildlife Parks!
February 1st- February 9th, 2026
Adventure, education and stunning wildlife! This workshop is designed to teach you everything you need to produce portfolio images of some of the most jaw dropping wildlife in the world.
This workshop takes place over 9-days and explores 3 of Africa’s most famous wildlife parks; Masai Mara, Tsavo East National Park, and Tsavo West National Park.
Our mission is to provide our guests with life-changing experiences in nature. Whether you are a professional photographer or just purchased your first camera, we believe that you can better the world through your own visual storytelling. Throughout the workshop, we will be teaching classes, assisting with any photography questions while out on safari, and offering one-on-one mentoring all while being in one of the most photogenic wildlife destinations on this planet.
ITINERARY
Day 1
Today our adventure begins! On arriving at Nairobi International Airport, you will be greeted by one of our drivers and taken to our hotel. Relax and unwind after your flight with a drink and dinner while meeting the group that you will be adventuring with in the days to come!
Day 2
After breakfast in Nairobi, we will begin our safari with a scenic drive to our first stop, Tsavo East. Tsavo East National Park is one of the world’s largest game reserves at over 13,000 square kilometers. Tsavo East is not only home to its many lions, but it also boasts one of the most diverse populations of wildlife in the world. It’s famous for the Red Elephants, Oryx, and Gerenuk among other mammal’s species and bird life. It is personally my favorite wildlife park in all of Africa.
There will be private time for one-on-one mentoring with your instructors sharing your images from your first day on safari. No need to edit your work, we want to see all your raw files from the day, that way we can see all the successful images and help with any advice on how to get sharper and more impactful images.
Day 3
Today, we have a full day of game driving in Tsavo East! Safari during the day, then time for one-on-ones image reviews at night.
Day 4
We will enjoy an morning game drive in Tsavo East and then drive to Tsavo West.
Tsavo West National Park has an expansive and diverse landscape. It is home to many of Africa's great wildlife including lions, buffalo, cheetah, giraffe, zebras, hippo, and wildebeest. The Park is a vast expansion of African savanna with a more diverse array of habitats which include open plains, semi desert scrub, woodland, the Chyulu Hills and rock outcrops. From water to fire, the park is home to the Mzima Springs as well as the Shetani Lava Flow and Ash cones (from a recent volcanic eruption).
The Mzima Springs are fed daily by 250 million litres of water pouring from the Chyulu Hills and provide an oasis of lush vegetation which is home to several species of monkey, birds, hippo and crocodile. We will spend the afternoon exploring the springs from the walkable nature trails and view hippo from the underwater viewing chamber.
Over dinner there will be time to share your stories and favorite images with the group.
Day 5
Today, we have a full day of game driving in Tsavo West. Safari during the day, then time for one on one image reviews at night.
Day 6
Today begins with an early breakfast then followed by a morning game-drive in Tsavo West National Park. The early morning is a great time to see active wildlife in the best light for photography. We will head to the local airstrip for a quick, yet scenic flight, to the Masai Mara. On a clear day, we will hopefully have a view of Kilimanjaro as well as animals in the Masai Mara. In the evening we will head into the famous Masai Mara for our first game drive!
Day 7 & 8
Before sunrise we are going to head into the Maasai Mara to get the best light for photography! It is one of Africa’s greatest wildlife reserves and is famous for the abundance of lion, it’s without a doubt one of Africa’s most famous safari destinations. The Maasai stretches 1,510 sq. km and offers the best game and bird viewing not only in Kenya but not only in Africa. The views across the rolling golden grasslands studded with acacia tress, rivers and forests a dazzling the sense of space overwhelming. We will spend as much time as we can inside the park today, taking tons of photos.
In the evening on Day 8, we will all gather for our final image share and celebration!
Day 9
After a leisurely breakfast bid farewell to all the amazing wildlife and depart for Nairobi. On our drive back we will stopover at Narok and proceed to Nairobi. You are welcome to take a late flight out this day.
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.
