Kenya Photographic Safari with Paul Goldstein - Premium Adventure

Customer Reviews

• A

  Sarah Church

  · February 6th, 2012
  Excellent accommodation, good food, great hosts. The photography was out of this world.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?As there were so many inspirational moments its hard to pinpoint one.  The whole trip was inspirational - but to give a few "key moments" a leopard on one side of the track, then another on the other side, pelicans flying in the mist, flamingoes before dawn, Zawadi and her cub, and to end it all, on the last morning drive - KICKCAT!!!What did you think of your group leader?This is my 3rd trip with Paul.  He may be a bit like Marmite, but his leadership and the decisions he made to change us from staying in Nakuru to another camp in Navaisha meant that we all had an incredible experience and one I would not have missed. The beauty of his trips is that if there is something to see, you will see it, you may have to sit for many hours at a time, but the rewards are bountiful. I cannot wait till the next time and I do like marmite!Do you have any advice for potential travellers?Be patient, have a sense of humour and trust the group leader.  Do not pack too much and make sure you have all the camera equipment ready to hand or you will be accused of mincing!Is there anything else you would like to add?A huge thank you to everyone who was involved in this trip.
  Show more
  Trip date: February 2012
• A

  Ray Hems

  · January 22nd, 2012
  This photographic trip surpassed everything I had hoped it would be, simply superb. Opportunities to get up close to a variety of wildlife, in stunning light, occurred every day, not just once, but many times. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?Several dawn incidents are memorable, such as a male lion being chased off by a pack of howling Hyenas, an unforgettable sound and spectacle. Or the frequent chasing around the plains following the three 'cheetah boys' as they hunted. Or the almost daily tracking of leopards.  One all-day outing was simply the most exhilerating , full-on experience of wildlife I have ever had, 14 hours of non-stop activityWhat did you think of your group leader?Paul Goldstein has immense experience of these trips, and it shows. He is dedicated to ensuring everyone gets memorable pictures, constantly aware of where wildlife will be, racing across the Mara at high speed to catch the action, then postioning the vehicles for the best angles and light. He takes the time to patiently explain photographic technique for the less skilled  - but expects his advice to be remembered! Anyone failing to do this the next day, resulting in out of focus/underexposed/missed shots can expect a stream of invective in their corrective interview.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?You will learn how to get excellent wildlife images, and be given many, many opportunities to take them. You will need plenty of card storage. A second camera is particularly useful as back up and for wide angle shots, leaving the main camera and long lens ever ready to not miss any action Is there anything else you would like to add?One lady in our group had been on this trip 16 times.....that  tells you just how good this trip is. An unforgettable experience, and thus unreservedly recommended
  Show more
  Trip date: January 2012
• A

  Neil Stewart

  · January 21st, 2012
  My photographic safari based at Kicheche Bush camp, surpassed all previous wildlife trips by virtue of the abundance of game, plus the manifest non-stop action, coupled with animal behaviour that I have never witnessed before.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?Where to begin?   I have indelible images in my mind's eye of the hyena pack harassing a male lion in the dawn light;  the wildebeest escaping from the pursuing hyena by jumping into the river - again in the dawn light;   the cheek of the jackals attempting to steal a kill from other predators;   the lion killing and carrying off an infant warthog;   the spectacle of the three cheetahs chasing and killing an impala;   not to mention the grand finale - a female cheetah with two cubs, estimated at less than two week old.What did you think of your group leader?The inimitable Paul Goldstein delivered in spades!   Backed by Darren and Emma, running the camp and our drivers and trackers: Charles, James and Patrick.   A winning combination.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?If wildlife photography is your thing - don't hesitate - sign up and go!!!Is there anything else you would like to add?I shall return.
  Show more
  Trip date: January 2012
• A

  Ali Mehmed

  · January 21st, 2012
  The Masai Mara was a unforgetable experience and was just like I've seen it on TV so many times. There were so many brilliant wildlife photographic opportunites, not only because there were so many animals, but becuase our Kicheche drivers/spotters were so good at finding them.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?Seeing a wild leopard walk so close to our vehicle, and having the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to photograph it, was one of the highlights of the trip.What did you think of your group leader?Our Group Leader (Brian Hall) was absolutely fantastic. He took great care to make sure we were as happy as possible on the trip.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?Make sure you take a good suncream and sunhat, because the sun is extremely intense during the middle of the day!  Also, make sure you take warm clothes for the mornings and evenings, because it does get cold at night.Is there anything else you would like to add?This was the second time I had visited the Mara and the second time I had stayed at Kicheche Camp. And I will stay there again if I ever visit the Mara again, because the service at the Camp was truly exceptional: The food was fantastic and we were so well looked after. The drivers/spotters (espcially Joseph) were extremely patient with us and were abolutely superb at finding the wildlife for us to photograph. Everyone at the Camp worked very hard to ensure our stay, and our trip, were as enjoyable as possible.
  Show more
  Trip date: January 2012
• A

  John Gribble

  · October 11th, 2011
  A packed week of real safari experience long days but that the only way to get amazing sightings If you look at the price and think it costly compare it with the other safaris every moment there is a full morning/afternoon safari or even out for the whole day just returning for the evening meal, with no lost time we arrived had lunch and had a full afternoons safari, the same on the last day a full morning before lunch and off homeWhat was the most inspirational moment of your trip?So many- cheatah cubs only days old,the cheatah chase/kill the wildebeast crossing where they literally just dive into the crocodile infested waters,the jackel young so entertainingWhat did you think of your group leader?So much enthusiasum and drive he wants everyone to get that amazing imageDo you have any advice for potential travellers?Since a laundry service is included at no extra cost and the internal flight has a 15kg hold luggage limit bear this in mind as I took many more changes of clothing than I needed as I was unsure of washing facilities.Take plenty of memory cards a laptop/netbook or device to download the cards to as you have so many opportunities to take photographs that it would be a shame to run out during the holiday. Make sure you drink plenty of water as since not humid the heat is deceptic 
  Show more
  Trip date: October 2011
• A

  Kimberley Gaynor

  · October 6th, 2011
  If you don't like to sleep much on holiday, don't mind getting really dirty, are not afraid of strange noises in the night, and want to stimulate all of your senses, then this is the trip for you! From start to finish the trip was perfectly organised, by a team dedicated to getting us to take better pictures than we thought possible, and everything served with a smile! Impeccable, inspirational, unforgettable!What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?As a beginner photographer, it was easy to feel intimidated at first, but Paul and the rest of the group made me feel at ease. I saw 23 species of animals which I had never before seen in the wild, and took over 2'000 photos! The most inspirational moment was seeing a male lion being mobbed by hyenas at 6am and hearing the collective howling of the pack. I will never forget that sound. What did you think of your group leader?Paul Goldstein is nothing short of a force of nature. He runs a boot camp for photographers. If your ego is easily bruised, it would be best to choose another trip. However, you have to admire someone who denies the existence of time and space (as in cursing at everyone when it takes more than 5 minutes to cross 20 km of off road terrain). This trip is not for the faint hearted, or the prudish, but if you want to be pushed to your limits, then Paul is the best man to do it with. In a very weird way, he grows on you, I guess that is why all the other members of my group were repeat travellers. Do you have any advice for potential travellers?Sleep before you come, bring warm clothes for the chilly mornings, bring high factor sun screen, bring more memory cards than you think you will need, be prepared to go with the flow...Is there anything else you would like to add?Emma and Darren are charming, the Masai staff are extraordinary--they never stop smiling. They remembered every one's name from the first day...how is that for amazing! And you have to admire the Masai driver guides who can spot animals from incredible distances, and who can drive those land cruisers through absolutely anything. Food was great, and those sundowners...I have brought the tradition home to my house. Thank you to everyone!
  Show more
  Trip date: October 2011
• A

  Claudine Fremault

  · August 24th, 2011
  What can I say...? There aren't probably enough words to describe this unforgettable experience!!! Being welcomed in the Mara on the way to Kicheche Migration Camp by a leopard with her cub, devouring a wildebeest, to the spectacular crossings of hundreds of thousands of wildebeest, fearing for their lives, but attracted by chances of rain on the other side of the river bank, to the privileged moments we had to spend some special time with new born lion cubs... We were speechless at times, excited at other moments... We left with lots of questions and a promise to come back!Meanwhile only one thing I can assure you... The memories will stay for ever!What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?The huge numbers of wildebeest, grazing happily, at times not aware of the dangers surrounding them, the exhilarating moments of lions chasing the wildebeest and narrowly missing their catch, the confused impala, probably realising too late, that one step in the wrong direction would cost her life! But on the other hand the cheetah being rewarded after a short pursue with a delicious meal whilst the sun set.This all happened during the course of 1 day!!! Unbelievable!  And when you think it can't get any better anymore you are wrong...  Only minutes after the sun had risen again, 3 generations of leopards passed our vehicles, on the way to consume, just in front of us, their kill.Not long after, we were enjoying the sight of some 4 months old lion cubs, basking in the sun, followed by the playfulness of some smaller ones, only 1 months old. The interaction of the cubs with one another was just a joy to witness.  Meanwhile thousands of wildebeest would attempt to cross the river, hoping to find a more promising land. For lots it would be a real test of their strengths as crocodiles would be luring in the water and other predators would be wandering on the other side, waiting for the weakling who would struggle to reach save ground.  Nearing the end of the week, but not of the excitement... Three 2 week old lion cubs, looking so cute and small, soon seemed to have grown up dramatically in comparison with their two 2 hours old cousins!!! Yes, you are reading this right, sitting in the pouring African rain, 2 tiny new born cubs where shivering as they tried to find protection near the young, inexperienced mother. Unaware of how fragile the 2 little ones where, the 2 week old ones looked monstrous and our hopes weren't too high, considering the cold, wet weather and the day drawing to a close. No surprise there that - first thing in the morning - we were back at the same place as the night before. Huge relief when we discovered that both new born cubs were still alive and were doing well...With mixed feelings and lots of questions we had to leave them several hours later, aware of all the dangers around. Will they survive? Will the mother be able to protect them to the full? Will we see them as fully grown lions next time we come back to the Mara? Please keep us updated...  One thing is for sure... Going to the Mara ensures you moments NEVER to forget!!!!What did you think of your group leader?This is my second trip with Paul and I hope it won't be the last one. Through hard work and an enthusiastic approach he manages to transfer his interest and passion of nature resulting in an unforgettable time in an amazing place... the Mara... and a desire to come back...  Special thanks also to Donna, her hard working Kicheche team and our three fabulous, knowledgeable drivers, who really went the extra mile!!! Much appreciated! Do you have any advice for potential travellers?If you are one of the lucky people going to the Mara, don't forget to put - just once in a while - your camera on the side and enjoy the moment through the naked eye. Treasure these moments... they are special!  If you are still unsure... don't hesitate too long... Places are limited. You wouldn't want to be the one missing all these wonderful, magnificent moments, would you...?! 
  Show more
  Trip date: August 2011
• A

  Jonathan Whitmore

  · August 23rd, 2011
  Wow. What a week. So much packed into such a short time.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?Every day had it's stand out moments, from a leopard and cub feeding, a succesful cheetah hunt, a Mara crossing with over 100,000 wildebeast, month old playful lion cubs, three generations of leopard together, a hidden lion ambush that caught everyone in the vehicle by surprise and the two week old lion cubs. All of these would be candidates in a "normal" week. However it has to be the discovery of the lion cubs born only a few hours earlier, cold wet and shivering in the rain. Helpless, seemingly unable to suckle and being the victims of overzealous play from their two week old half-siblings, giants in comparison. The highlight for me was retuning to the site before dawn the next day, expecting the worst, but discovering that the two tiny cubs had not only survived their first night but has obviously fed well and seemingly increased in size and strength in those few short hours. Enough to make grown men shed a tear... What did you think of your group leader?I doubt if there is a person who works harder for his clients than Paul. If there is then please book me on one of their tours.  Special mention also has to go to Donna as well as the Kicheche guides, Joseph, Jackson and Amos who's contribution to a fantastic week can never be overstated.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?If you're undecided on which sweets to take then narrow the choice down to jelly babies and sour squirms.Wildlife is unpredictable, a sense of humour is essential,  as is patience. Also don't forget to sometimes put down the camera as sometimes the lens cannot do justice to the sheer magnitude of some of the events that you may witness.Is there anything else you would like to add?Once you've been on an exodus photographic safari you won't want to go on a "normal" safari again.
  Show more
  Trip date: August 2011
• A

  Hugh Nolan

  · August 23rd, 2011
  My first safari and my first trip with Exodus, but definitely not the last safari or trip. An amazing trip which packs a lot into your time in the Mara. The early starts are well worthwhile e.g. the family of leopards that we saw at just after 06:40, there's plenty of time to watch the wildlife and take photographs.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?The family of three leopards playing within a few tens of feet of our vehicle, being one of the first people to see the lion cubs who were only a few hours old, as well as older cubs playing. A huge migration crossing, whatever you've seen on television doesn't do it justice.What did you think of your group leader?Paul's energy, enthusiasm, and passion for wildlife and the Mara shine through. He wants you to get the best photographs that you possibly can.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?Take some easily removable footwear in case you need to stand on the seats in the vehicles. Bring a sense of humour and a flexible approach. It can be quite chilly early in the morning so bring a fleece or a jacket, however it can get very hot later in the day so bring a sun hat and sun screen. Drink plenty of water as it's easy to get dehydrated.I brought two camera bodies to minimise the need to change lenses in dusty conditions and in case one camera failed. Bring plenty of memory cards and batteries, and something to backup your photos onto. The camera backpack that I had with me kept out the dust but was tricky to open quickly and quietly, so it's unlikely to be going on any more wildlife trips with me. A faster telephoto lens would have been useful around dawn and dusk, on a few occasions I switched to video mode.Is there anything else you would like to add?The guides (Joseph, Amos & Jackson) must have incredible eyesight, they spotted wildlife whilst driving that I had trouble spotting with a zoom lens when stationary. The staff at the camp looked after us superbly. The location of the camp next to the river was great and I liked the impermanence of the camp, by now the site has been returned to nature.
  Show more
  Trip date: August 2011
• A

  Jackie Freshfield

  · August 23rd, 2011
  I
  Show more
  Trip date: August 2011