Photographic Safari

Our Clients’ Reviews

Here at Exodus we thrive on feedback from our customers. It's the only way we can ensure our trips continue to be the best they can be. So, for the real tales, twists and turns of the trip you're interested in, look no further than the reviews from our previous travellers. Any feedback collected (Good or bad) from Exodus clients is posted straight onto our website - totally unedited. Read more...

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  Ralph Snook

  PHOTOGRAPHIC SAFARI

  

  Written October 2009

  A trip that more than filled expectations.  Almost all of the time is spent out of camp experiencing the environment.  Everyone involved seems to have one aim to make sure that every guest gets fantastic sightings, great photographic opportunities, and when in camp, first class food and a welcoming atmosphere.   

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  So difficult to choose, but the first evening with a storm approaching and a band of rain that looked as if it was painted onto the sky.  Probably the best I have ever seen.  Watching a cheetah change from a relaxed lazy cat, into a hunter that took down a gazelle in what seemd a blink of the eye.

  Oh, and how can you not be impressed by watching thousands of wilderbeest pouring over a 10 foot drop into a river full of crocodiles in what seems an endless stream.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  It has all been said about Paul before (and its all true).  He works incredibly hard to ensure everyone gets the best out the trip,  takes no prisoners (in a good way) and inspires everyone with his enthusiasm, knowledge and love the Mara.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Make sure you have plenty of stamina,  a thick skin and know your camera,  but most importantly - don't think about it book it.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  My first time with Paul, but almost certainly not my last.  It was like cramming 3 weeks into one.  When you look back at the photographs you cannot believe that so much happened, and that you were placed in the right spot to take those shots.   If you are a keen photographer - this is the trip.

   
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  Rosemary Ryde

  PHOTOGRAPHIC SAFARI

  

  Written September 2009

  An excellent safari, we saw an incredible amount of high quality game (ie big cats and wildebeest crossings!) maximising photographic opportunities. It's a trip for anyone who is excited to be on safari, alert and looking for game, and working hard to get the best photographs 13 hours a day. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Seeing day old lion cubs was very special and made more poignant by the fact that they were killed by a male lion later that day. Also, seeing cheetahs hunting on a daily basis and small leopard cubs.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  He worked tirelessly to make sure we had the best photographic opportunities and got the best photographs, non stop from before dawn to after dusk every day. I was the only novice photographer (I had never used a digital SLR camera before and knew nothing about how to work it) in an extremely advanced photographic group but he did his best to help me.

  He is a forceful character and was very demanding of himself and everyone around him to acheive the best that they could.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Be prepared to work and concentrate and for long days out in the vehicle. Expect criticism and instructions whether asked for or not! Brush up your camera skills and get some decent photgraphic kit.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  I am looking forward to a repeat visit!

   
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  Patricia Donald

  PHOTOGRAPHIC SAFARI

  

  Written September 2009

  Another action packed safari with excellent photo opportunites and advice!  Paul always wants to get the best out of the time on the Mara and Kicheche is a great base. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Too many to mention:

  leopard with cubs (the most elusive of the big cats); tiny lion cubs with their mother; playful lion cubs frolicking in the early morning light; the crossings; cheetah hunts including the cubs trying to play with the serval (Shakira and her cubs as the 3 boys always seemed to wait until the cover of darkness).

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Paul can be inspirational.  He is never afraid to speak his mind but gives good advice re how to get the best out of your camera and get the best shot. 

   
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  Peter Mason

  PHOTOGRAPHIC SAFARI

  

  Written November 2008

  Anyone interested in wildlife and/or photography should definately experience one of Paul Goldstein's photographic safaris. Early starts and being in the right place at the right time,thanks to Paul's ledership,creates the best photo moments. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  The thundering of tens of thousands of Wilderbeest charging into the Mara river for nearly one hour.

  Huge Crocodiles in wait, uncertain exit on the far bank and still they come then at some mystery signal

  the herd stop and turn away.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Paul Goldstein is a true wildlife lover, from the smallest bird to the elephant. He is an expert photographer and a good mentor to have at your side in difficult photo moments. Insists on early starts for best light and stays out all day if there is a drama unfolding.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Be prepared to start one hour before sunrise,you may be out until sunset if say a potential Chettah hunt is being observed. Paul's driver guides are first class spotters and drivers. The excellent vehicles are modified for photography with bean bag support on each seat area . Food is exceptional and staff the best we have meet in Africa on our many Safaris.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  Be prepared for long days of wildlife viewing pleasure. Last Safari in October 2008 we saw three big crossings, five or six leopards, three sucessful Chettah hunts, Chettah cubs at play, too many lions to count, young lioness at play in beatiful photographic light etc etc

   
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  Hazel Arnold

  PHOTOGRAPHIC SAFARI

  

  Written October 2008

  Loved almost every minute...the " almost " was the traffic in Nairobi!!  We saw SO much and we're still boring our friends ! 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Seeing the cheetah with 3 cubs, the lioness kill two wildebeest at the crossing, the leopard in the tree , the baby jackals, the flamingos, the rhinos , breakfast on the plains , checking photos round the campfire with gin and tonic to hand, hippo chorus at night...so many to choose from.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  What can I say...opinionated (very!!) , rude ( can be) , inspirational (always), helpful and considerate ( consistently). He gave us THE best experience of African wildlife and photographic opportunity and his passion for his subject and what he believes in wins us round every time!

  Would we go with him  again?...you bet!! 

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Be aware that you will get bounced around in the safari vehicles..just be ready for it!

  The flight from Wilson Airport to the Mara has a weight restriction. Your bags need to be below 15Kg or you will have to pay an excess

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  The food ( and drink) were fantastic...and the luxury camping is something else!!!

  We shared our trip with 10 others ...they, and all the lovely staff we came across..drivers and those in the camps, made our holiday. It is also a pleasure to deal with Exodus office staff who have always been so friendly .

   
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  Gail Johnson

  PHOTOGRAPHIC SAFARI

  

  Written October 2008

  If you want to get that perfect kodak moment - look no further than the exodus photographic trips.They can be hard long days, but oh my goodness, so well worth it, seeing live in 6 days, what Big Cat Diary/Live film in weeks. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Seeing my first leopard, and to cap it off, it climbed down the tree, in ful sunshine.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Paul - is unique.

  He will time, after time, get you in the right spot, at the right time, but also with the light from the right direction, for that perfect shot.

  You will learn more from listening to Paul in 1 day, then you will on most photographic trips in a week.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Spend a bit of time with your camera before going, so you do not waste time learning how to operate it, instead of taking great shots. However Paul is always on hand, for the hints, tips and advice.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  Be prepared for long days - but oh so worth it

   
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  Kate Collins

  PHOTOGRAPHIC SAFARI

  

  Written October 2008

  An amazing week with seemingly endless photography opportunities. The location of Kicheche migration camp meant that we spent our time WITH the animals, not driving long distances from far away locations. By day two (one half day game drive and an all day game drive) we'd already had a week's worth of experiences. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Hard to choose. It would be easy to go with the cheetah with her five cubs at day break, or the leopard in the tree with a kill (at dusk and then at dawn the next day), or an afternoon's pagentry of endless zebra and wildebeests grazing unaware of the pride of lions slowly advancing for a kill while cheetahs circled round- which was almost disrupted by a line of elephants sauntering through. I don't think I could choose a soundtrack for that hour.

   But the most inspirational moment(s) would be the sounds of the week, the deep chuckle of the hippos at night, the lions roaring in the distance, and the thundering (heard AND felt)  of a cheetah's paws  as she raced past our vehicle chasing a topi.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  When all is said and done (and very little was  left unsaid.....) Paul Goldstein once again made it his personal quest to ensure that everyone  got 100% out of their week in the Mara.

  This is not a holiday for people looking to tick off animal sightings and move quickly on to the next four legged trophy. Those who were there to fully enjoy and reap the benfits of 13 hour game drives, "constructive criticism"  of photgraphic techniques and the location, location, location certainly did.  Days were fast paced and not for the faint of heart or those needing set meal times (the cheetahs don't break for lunch and neither did we.....).

   Would I travel again with Paul? Yes I would- even if it means having to endure endless quips about my nationality (oops, I forgot that I'm not supposed to mention that Americans can stay at Kicheche.)

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Go. Bring more memory cards than you think you might need for two weeks! The days wil be long- and well worth every moment.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  The guides and staff at kicheche are first rate. The guides worked eceptinally hard to make sure we were in the right place at the right time- without compromising the animals. (This is important when you see how some drivers behave.)

   

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