Photographing Kenya’s Wild Heart: Amboseli, Maasai Mara & Samburu
Story by Jerry Adamo
Kenya was a dream destination for me—and is for any wildlife photographer. As a young 10-year-old watching Marlin Perkins on the TV show Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom, it was always a lifelong dream to visit and photograph Africa. Few places on Earth offer such diversity of landscapes, species, and light within relatively short distances. On a recent photographic journey through Amboseli National Park, Maasai Mara National Reserve, and Samburu National Reserve, I was reminded why these iconic locations continue to define African wildlife photography. From the moment I landed on African soil, the scent of the earth became forever ingrained in my soul.
Amboseli National Park: Giants Beneath Kilimanjaro
Amboseli is all about scale and atmosphere. The park is famous for its large tuskers and numerous elephant herds, but what truly sets it apart is Mount Kilimanjaro rising in the background. Africa’s tallest peak provides one of the most dramatic backdrops I have ever witnessed.
Amboseli rewards patience. Sometimes the most striking images come from waiting for the mountain to reveal itself. While there, I was blessed to walk with and photograph the great tuskers. At the time of my visit, some of the largest tuskers in all of Africa—Tim, Craig, and Ulysses—were present. Tim and Craig have since passed from natural causes, which is a testament to the success of conservation efforts protecting these gentle giants.
Photographing these magnificent animals framed against Mount Kilimanjaro, acacia trees, and open plains was nothing short of magical. A highlight for me was visiting a Maasai village within the park. The Maasai are a semi-nomadic pastoral Indigenous tribe whose ancestral territory stretches across southern Kenya and northern Tanzania. Experiencing their culture and the warmth of the community was truly heartwarming.
One of the warriors took a liking to me, and every time I turned around, there he was. His name is Mulanti Lenkauni, and we are still in touch through Facebook—yes, Facebook! The village consists mainly of grass and mud huts, but the schoolhouse is a more modern building with internet access.
Maasai Mara National Reserve: The Theater of Wildlife
If Amboseli is poetic, the Maasai Mara is explosive. The density of wildlife here is unmatched, especially during the Great Migration, when millions of wildebeest and zebras move across the plains. Photographing my favorite big cat, the leopard, was nothing short of spectacular. Watching them haul their prey high into the trees reveals the incredible strength and determination required to survive.
There is always action in the Mara. Our group witnessed a coalition of the famous five cheetah brothers chasing a herd of wildebeest. The speed at which they run is astonishing—I was lucky to capture just a few shots of the chase (spray and pray at its best, lol). You always have to be ready; action unfolds in an instant.
The Mara challenges photographers to balance chaos and composition. As we drove through the park, I encountered an assortment of wildlife I never imagined I would photograph—prides of lions, hyenas, elephants, giraffes, zebras, birds, water buffalo, and more.
Samburu National Reserve: Raw, Rugged, and Unique
Samburu feels distinctly different from southern Kenya. It’s hotter, harsher, and visually striking, with rocky terrain and the Ewaso Ng’iro River cutting through the landscape. I thoroughly enjoyed this reserve. The region is home to species found nowhere else in the country. Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, gerenuk, beisa oryx, and painted dogs fill my camera roll by the hundreds.
Beyond the wildlife, Kenya’s landscapes alone are awe-inspiring. There is nothing quite like witnessing a sundowner in Africa. The dust in the air, combined with the light, shadows, and wildlife, creates incredible photographs and unforgettable memories.
For wildlife and landscape photographers like me, these destinations are more than just locations—they are classrooms. They taught me patience, observation, and respect for nature’s rhythm. Every time I visit it reveals something new, and every frame is a reminder of why telling these stories through images truly matters.
Ready to Explore Kenya with Me?
If you’re drawn by this and want to experience Kenya’s wildlife with me, I invite you to come along on the next Kenya Maasai Mara Safari (July 26 – August 7, 2026). You’ll explore Amboseli National Park, the Maasai Mara, and Samburu Reserve with small group support and expert guidance in framing light, behavior, and decisive moments. You’ll build images you’re proud of and carry the skills forward into your own work. For more information, please click on the button below. Save your spot now and let’s make Kenya’s wild heart the backdrop of your next photo adventure.
