Testimonials

Reviews of Photo Safaris

to the Masai Mara

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.

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!

Janet Gibbons

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)

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.

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.

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

ANN AVEYARD PHOTOGRAPHY

Testimonials