ANN AVEYARD PHOTOGRAPHY
Wildlife Photographer - Capturing nature's beauty through a lens.
Testimonials
Reviews of Photo Safaris
to the Masai Mara
Mel Taylor (Nov 2025 Photographic Safari)
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I have just returned from my 3rd trip to The Governors Camp with Ann.
Each time I go I think it is not possible to have a better time than the previous but each time I am proved wrong.
Ann's communication prior to and during the trip continues to be outstanding. She covers every detail and is always on hand to answer questions. I love getting to know the other people on the trip via the Whatsapp group Ann sets up and provides regular updates from the time you have booked.
The Governors Camp is just the most amazing place and the staff are all very friendly, attentive and the site, accommodation, and food is excellent. You feel very safe at the camp and nothing is ever too much trouble.
We go out on Safari from the crack of dawn to dusk. This gives us the flexibility to travel further if we need to and means that we make the most of each day. Catching the best light in the morning and late afternoon. It also allows us to take the time to watch the animals in a relaxed way, observing their behaviour while we are photographing them.
Ann is on hand to help with your photography if you need help. No question is a silly question. Helping with camera settings, composition etc, but she also has a great knowledge of the animals in the area which she also shares freely. There is plenty of room in the jeep for everyone to get great images. Ann is the nicest person, very easy to get along with and ensures everyone is happy all the time.
Mike the Guide and Driver, is just the best! Apart from being a really nice guy, he has a natural ability to get the jeep in the best position for photographs, taking into account the location, the best lighting and background. His knowledge of the animals and area is second to none!
The only downside to the trips are that you can't stay forever. Nobody ever wants to go home!
I am already booked for my next trip and counting the days.
Thank you very much Ann, Mike and the Governors Camp staff, for yet again making memories that I will never forget.
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Mel Taylor
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Karen Gwinnett (Nov 2025 Photographic Safari)
I have just returned from ten days in Kenya on one of Ann’s photographic safaris. I have travelled extensively with my husband through the years but am a timid solo traveller. I had nothing to worry about; from my first contact with Ann, she set my mind at ease. Her attention to every tiny detail is exemplary: from the initial booking, through every aspect of planning for the trip – documentation required, maps, where best to source malaria tablets, suggestions for equipment, clothes to pack – Ann thinks of everything.
Once arrived in Kenya, Ann has everything in place – FastTrack through security, transport, accommodation and a guide in Nairobi. And so to the Mara … There is nothing on this planet to compare with a stay at Governors’ Camp in the Masai Mara and this is a second home to Ann so we were treated like royalty by all the staff. I unfortunately developed a chest infection while I was there. The medical service was extraordinary. There is a resident doctor in the camp and my required medication was flown in from Nairobi!
A good guide is the core element required to ensure a successful stay at Governors. Mike (Ann’s chosen guide) is not just a ‘good’ guide, he is an exceptional guide. We spent long days out on game drives but the days flew by as Mike drove us with consummate skill to each successive extraordinary sighting. He always knew exactly where to place the jeep (well-trained by Ann I imagine!) to try for that perfect shot.
Nothing is too much trouble for Ann. I cannot recommend her photographic safaris highly enough.
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Karen Gwinnett
Jane and David Haycocks (June 2025 Photographic Safari)
We have recently returned from a wonderful Photographic Safari, staying at Governors’ Camp in the Masai Mara. It was very well organised by Wildlife Photographer, Ann Aveyard and her guide and driver, Mike, was brilliant. They both ensured that we had lots of incredible sightings and plenty of opportunities to photograph the amazing African wildlife close up, but so as not to agitate the animals in any way. A real highlight for us was seeing a lioness emerge from her den with a cub who was probably less than a fortnight old and then carefully carry him in her mouth to a safe place.
We received excellent communication with Ann throughout- from my initial enquiry to when we got back home safely. (But with some sadness that the week had ended! ) We greatly appreciated her advice on essentials to pack and photographic equipment to take. It was also really helpful to meet her in person on a couple of occasions beforehand. Governors’ Camp is really lovely and we were fortunate enough to enjoy the ‘Justus’ Suite too for our first stay in Kenya. The staff were always friendly and welcoming and the services of Dr Andrew were much appreciated ensuring that although I had a chest/ throat infection, I didn’t have to miss a single game drive. We enjoyed breakfasts and lunches ‘in the field’ at beautiful spots by the river or under a tree and then three course dinners back at Camp in the evening. The traditional Masai singing and dance was also appreciated! We cannot wait to return to stay at Governors’ Camp again and see the incredible wildlife of the Masai Mara - hence we are currently having discussions with Ann to hopefully do just that next year! A heartfelt thank you to all who made the trip so special.
Jane and David Haycocks
Jane Dunmall (June 2025 Photographic Safari)
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Having just returned from a photographic safari at Governors’ Camp in the Masai Mara with Ann, I am still buzzing. It was a superb safari with wonderful photographic opportunities. Mike, Ann’s driver/guide, has that special ability to read where an animal is heading and then to position the vehicle in exactly the right place for photographs. A perfect example of this was on our last evening when an elephant obviously wanting to mate was following a female across the plain. Mike drove ahead of the the elephants and imagine our surprise when the mating took place right beside our vehicle!! And now what can I say about Ann - not only is she a brilliant photographer but she is also so willing to advise and help if anyone has a problem whether it be major or relatively small. Lastly Ann is a great organizer everything went perfectly from the moment we met up at Heathrow until we were all checked in at Nairobi Airport for our journey home. I can hardly wait for my next safari with Ann in November.
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Jane Dunmall
Mel Taylor (January 2025 Photographic Safari)
I have just returned from my second Safari with Ann. I previously went in June 2024 and enjoyed it so much I had to return as soon as possible. Many people thought I was mad to go to the same place and said that I wouldnt get the same "Wow" Factor that I got from the first trip but Ann proved them to be wrong! This trip was even better than the last. All safaris will be different as you can not guarantee where the animals will be and what they will be doing but Mike, the Guide that Ann always uses, is first class and always finds us lots to see and expertly gets us in great positions to be able to capture and observe the wildlife. The communication from start to finish was fabulous and every part of the trip went smoothly. Ann is very approachable and is very helpful if you have issues with your camera and will always share her knowlege freely. If you are looking to go on Safari in my mind, you wont beat Ann's trips. I am now organising my third trip........need I say more.
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Mel Taylor
Nicola and Alan O'Grady (January 2025 Photographic Safari)
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My husband and I went on Ann's last safari trip, we had the most amazing time. My husband, Alan, is the photographer, I went to just enjoy the animals. Ann's knowledge and friendship is top class, can't wait to go return, thank you Ann.
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Nicola O'Grady
Jane Dunmall (January 2025 Photographic Safari)
What more can I say than this was my third photographic safari with Ann, staying at the excellent Governors' Camp with Mike as our wonderful driver and I very much hope it will not be the last. Ann's photographic skills and knowledge are superb and she is always ready and happy to help with any problem however large or small plus general advice on camera settings etc. Along with that there are Ann's organisational skills re our arrival and departure at Nairobi airport both of which went so smoothly.
Thank you Ann for a truly memorable time and I hope to be able to join you again.
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Jane Dunmall
Kate Fry (November 2024 Photographic Safari).
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What an experience! The whole thing was fabulous! I'm not an experienced traveller but Ann's attention to detail and organisational skills made the whole thing stress free.
Governors Camp was perfect. The accommodation was clean, comfortable and beautiful. The food was tasty and plentiful and served in perfect settings. And Moses was always timely with my glass of wine! The staff are so friendly, welcoming and kind - nothing was too much trouble.
This leads me to Mike, our guide for the week, and the man that Ann always requests. What a fantastic chap! His knowledge of the terrain, habitat and habits of the animals enabled us to be in the right place at the right time for the perfect photograph. He understood what we wanted and made it happen time and time again. We stayed out from 0600-1800 every day - the poor man must have been exhausted when we left. I cannot thank him enough for his tenacity, patience and kindness. The welfare of the animals was also considered at all times.
And of course there is Ann. She is a fabulous photographer, and always willing to offer advice and guidance about settings or composition etc. Her knowledge is superb and she is so willing to share it. This, added to her endless energy, made for the perfect host. My photography has greatly improved thanks to her teaching.
Without Ann and Mike I don't think I would have achieved the photographs I took, or the experiences and memories I now have.
In all it was one of the best experiences of my life - perhaps the best - and I will have to return.
I highly recommend Ann Aveyard Photography Safaris - you will not be disappointed.
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Kate Fry
Neil Mclaren (Nov 2024 photo safari)
I've just returned from a photographic safari organised by Ann Aveyard, and felt compelled to write this review after having such an amazing time .
Ann is not just an amazing photographer, she’s a great host, always available to help and has a vast knowledge, of not just all things photographic, but of the wildlife and their environment. I am a complete novice with a camera but she’s helped my photography massively. Nothing is too much trouble and this extends to pre and post trip where she’s always available to answer any questions. The trip was organised perfectly and all ran seamlessly.
Governors camp is perfect, you really feel at one with nature there. Our guide Mike was unbelievable, his knowledge of the wildlife, his skill at spotting and his aptitude to position the jeep in exactly the right place for the best photos was amazing. He’s also a lovely person, so friendly and happy, the perfect guide in every way .
I can’t recommend these tours enough and I will definitely be booking another one as soon as I can.
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Neil Mclaren
Britta Aschberg (Nov 2024 Photo Safari)
I have returned from the trip this week organised by Ann Aveyard.
Everything was perfectly organised with all details of the trip and programme, she answered all my questions patiently which weren't only a few. We met at the airport and drove together to the hotel in Nairobi where the trip started the next morning with the programme of the tour. She informed and helped with assistance wherever it was required. It was an incredible trip and together we were 5 people plus our wonderful guide Mike, who knows a lot about all the wildlife out there in the bush as well as every hole in the unpaved and bumpy roads. It was not only very interesting witnessing all the wildlife very close to us, it was also fun to have game drives with happy and lovely people, I laughed so much. In the afternoons we had sundowners in order to end the day in the most harmonious way. What more can I say? The camp was also perfect, the energy over there in the middle of nature with all comfort was incredible. The people over there were friendly, the food was also perfect. You have plenty of photographic opportunities and very close up to the wildlife, you will have the opportunity to photograph lions, leopards in trees with their prey up there, cubs playing on the ground, cheetahs, elephants, crocodiles, rhinos, beautiful birds and so much more you can't even imagine. Ann attended all our questions about settings to shoot the best photos ever. I highly recommend this trip, you will enjoy it.
Britta Aschberg
Jane Dunmall (June 2024 Photo Safari)
I am just back from a wonderful photo safari lead by Ann Aveyard Wildlife Photography. What more can I say that it was the best. Why you may ask - first and foremost Ann is a brilliant photographer herself but she also has so much time for members of the group for trouble shooting whether it be a major or relatively minor problem plus a so much advice as to the best options when photographing wildlife. For me one of the best things about going on safari with Ann is that as well as having a huge interest in and knowledge of photography she also has a passion for the wildlife we are watching. We spent a whole afternoon watching the interaction between the Marsh Pride and another day at least 1.5 hours watching the Paradise Pride gradually enjoying a dead hippo. Mike the driver Ann always asks for is amazing - not only for his spotting abilities but also his driving in sometimes very testing conditions. Lastly what more can I say than that I am already thinking of joining Ann on another Photographic Safari. Thank you again Ann for all you did to make it such a memorable time.
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Jane Dunmall
Janet Gibbons (June 2024 Photo Safari)
Well what can I say! Sadly I returned home on Saturday from the most amazing trip. I'm not a photographer, I hadn't even held a camera until I booked this trip with my friend and Ann, now I'm hooked, and my camera will go everywhere with me.
I learnt so much, about the different animals and birds, including behaviour and habitat, Ann's knowledge about the animals and bird's is amazing as well as her expertise using and giving lots of tips and guidance using a camera.
Ann's choice of guide, Mike, was exemplary Mike is an experienced photographer so knows exactly where to position the jeep so we got the best possible photos, not to mention his expertise in driving the vehicle and most amazingly his ability to find animals which made the trip unforgettable. I can't wait to go back!
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Janet Gibbons
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Mel Taylor (June 2024 Photo Safari)
Having just returned from the June 2024 trip to the Masai Mara with Ann I wanted to share my thoughts with those that may be considering booking.
I can highly recommend these trips. I have wanted to return to the Masai Mara for many years and was determined to go on one of Ann's adventures with her. Ann's communication from the lead-up to booking, answering many questions and then from booking onwards is first class! She covers every detail that you need to know about the trip. Ann talks you through getting all the documentation organised that is required. Has regular checkups to ensure that everyone is getting organised and helps where assistance is needed.
What I particularly liked was the WhatsApp group that was set up so that all participants could ask questions and everything was kept in one place and it helped us get to know each other a little before we met at the airport for the first time.
Ann met us all at the airport and from there on everything was extremely well organised from fastrack through security at Nariobi, transport to the hotel for our overnight stop and then transfer the following morning to the airport taking us to the Masai Mara.
Such a friendly greeting at the camp on arrival and such a beautiful destination. The accommodation was very nice I wouldn't have changed it and the camp itself was very clean and peaceful with friendly and helpful staff. You dont feel like you are in a camp, its like being part of the Mara.
We spent the remainder of the stay out on Safari. There are no words to explain how wonderful each day was. Every day is different, and plans change in an instant depending on what wildlife is about and where it is. It was not hurried, we got plenty of time to just sit and observe the wildlife. The jeep being open makes you feel like you are part of the environment.
Mike the Driver/Guide apart from being a fantastic person is also extremely knowledgeable and is happy to share his knowledge with everyone. He has a passion for the animals there as does Ann and this just adds so much more to the each day.
Be prepared for bumping about in the Jeep on route to finding animals, but for me, this just added to the joy of the experience each day. We even got stuck a few times but help was always on hand and we also had to stop and help others out that needed it.
The were plenty of photographic opportunities and very close up to the wildlife. You always felt you could ask to stop if there was something you wanted to capture. You will not be disappointed.
Ann is helpful to everyone, with best camera settings, composition suggestions, shooting angles when required. I am an experienced photographer but to me, the whole experience outweighed the opportunities to capture some amazing memories. We had non-photographers on our trip but they soon got the bug for capturing what they saw.
There is nothing I would have changed. If I could have stayed for longer I would have! The experience of a lifetime! I don't think you will match Mike and Ann's passion and determination to get you the best out of every game drive. The feeling of being part of nature in the open-sided jeep and the great organisation of the trip from departure to arriving back at home. Ann is a great hostess! So if you have any doubts then hopefully I have managed to persuade you to book. I will be returning as soon as I can.
Mel Taylor
Martyn Williams (June 2024 Photo Safari)
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I had never been on a safari and it was not something near the top of my 'to do' list, but I thought I'd give it a try.
I chose to go with Ann after reading the reviews on her website. An excellent decision on my part. She met me, and the 3 others, at Heathrow and basically guided us through the next 6 days. Everything was well arranged, from the hotel stay in Nairobi on the night we arrived, to the flight by light plane to the Masai Mara the following morning, to the timing of the safari drives, and to having a hotel to relax in on our return to Nairobi, before catching the night flight back to Heathrow. Everything went as smoothly as clockwork.
On the drives Ann was ever ready to help the 4 people on the safari with instructions for their cameras and shots, and was very knowledgeable about the animals we saw and knew many of them by their names.
Ann chose the guide/driver, Mike, who, in addition to being very affable, impressed me greatly with his driving skills over the dirt tracks and his knowledge of the animals and birds. He was ever vigilant in spotting fauna to take us to.
The 6 days passed extremely quickly and left me wanting to go on another trip to the Masai Mara. Should I do so, I will definitely go on a trip organised by Ann.
I have no hesitation whatsoever in recommending Ann to anyone considering a safari to the Masai Mara. I am confident they will not be disappointed.
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Martyn Williams
Amy Gurman (January 2024 Photo Safari)
January 2024, I went on my 1st (and certainly not last) wildlife photography workshop. What an amazing experience to say the least. The photographer leading the workshop was Ann Aveyard.
What an incredible teacher! Her knowledge of wildlife photography, and photography in general, made the experience even more memorable. She taught me so much in our week together. I really enjoyed her company also, one of the nicest women I've ever met. Our safari driver/guide, MIKE blew me away. with his knowledge of the Masai Mara and its wildlife, absolutely stunned me! Considering the amount of rain we encountered, and all the stories I heard about other drivers getting stuck, Mike's driving was more than impressive. He knew each animals' territory (where to find them-cheetahs, a leopard named Bahati, the different lion prides, etc) and with no road signs, his knowledge of the landscape and roads (or lack there of) really showed off his level of experience. Any trip to Governor's Camp is memorable, but this experience was more than that. I hope to be fortunate enough to do another workshop with Ann in the future, and dream of one day being as good a photographer as she is.
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Amy Gurman
Jane Dunmall (January 2024 Photo Safari)
This was the first Photographic Safari I had been on and I joined it with some trepidation. I love safaris but had been a very much point and shoot photographer. With the help of the very knowledgeable Ann and our driver Mike who positioned our vehicle so that we had the best view of so many animals, I think I got some of the best photos I have ever taken. I learned so much from Ann about making the most of my camera and loved every minute. (The whole experience was great fun including having our sundowners at 4 p.m. in our vehicle when caught in a violent thunderstorm with such torrential rain none of us could see a thing. )
If I had the opportunity to go on another photographic safari with Ann I would jump at it. Thank you Ann for all your help and guidance.
Jane Dunmall