Asilia Africa has collaborated with wildlife photographer George Benjamin and conservation biologist Lara Jackson to create a new take on the classic Kenyan photographic safari.
Created to add a deeper dimension to a classic photographic safari, Asilia Africa’s new seven-day Conservation, Communities and Cameras itinerary taps into the talents of wildlife photographer George Benjamin and conservation biologist Lara Jackson to offer a unique insight into the remarkable Mara Naboisho Conservancy in Kenya. Available November 15-21, 2021, during the excursion, guests will spend a week combining the joy of safari, an education in photography and a series of insightful and meaningful Positive Impact experiences.
Bordering the Masai Mara National Reserve, the Mara Naboisho Conservancy showcases how wildlife conservation and community empowerment can go hand in hand with tourism and, over the course of the week, guests will visit various initiatives to learn about this first-hand.
Based out of Asilia Africa’s Naboisho Camp, the week-long adventure will include photographic safaris in an open-sided four-wheel drive vehicle; a visit to the Mara to Lemek Conservancy to visit the Mara Elephant Project (MEP) headquarters where guests will spend time with real-life conservation heroes, learning about their anti-poaching units, mitigating human-wildlife conflict in villages and their research and collaring of the Greater Mara’s elephants; a chance to walk with two resident white rhinos at the Ol Chorro Rhino Sanctuary; examine camera traps to capture unique takes on the local wildlife, and one-on-one photo editing sessions.
Guests will also have the chance to visit The Maa Trust, a thriving nonprofit organization working toward a harmonious balance between conservation and sustainable human development in the Masai Mara; lend a hand making traditional bead crafts with the women of the Maa Beadwork, which employs 579 local Maasai women; and meet members of the Kenyan Wildlife Trust (KWT) to learn about their flagship project the Mara Predator Conservation Program (MPCP).
Hosts, George Benjamin and Lara Jackson are passionate about wildlife and will offer guests their expertise, guidance and endless enthusiasm for the natural world.
“We are so excited to share the magic of Naboisho with you, and to shine a light on the incredible conservation projects that are making a difference to both the wildlife and members of local communities in the Mara,” says Lara Jackson.
This trip ensures each traveler’s participation truly gives back. As well as the Naboisho Conservancy fees and Asilia’s conservation fee, which goes towards preserving wildlife and supporting communities, Asilia Africa has included a group donation of US$3,000 to the featured Positive Impact partners.
“I’m so excited to be co-leading this one-of-a-kind trip, incorporating the best of East Africa’s wildlife alongside experiencing its leading conservation programs,” says George Benjamin. “Naboisho is my favourite place on Earth, offering stunning landscapes and incredible encounters; I truly couldn’t think of a better place for this adventure.
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