Michelle Dunaway & Jeremy Lipking
Exploring The Masai Mara In Kenya
April 2024
Prepare to embark on a luxurious 10-day Painting Safari to one of Kenya's award-winning Lodges in the Masai Mara National Park in Kenya with Michelle Dunaway and Jeremy Lipking, world-renowned artists, to be your mentors and guides. This fantastic, all-inclusive retreat has been created explicitly for artists looking to improve their skills and experience one of the world's most celebrated wildlife areas. The daily itinerary consists of game drives, painting models or beautiful landscapes, and gathering inspiration for further studio work.
The Masai Mara National Reserve is one of Africa's most famous safari destinations, and for a good reason. It is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including the famous Big Five (elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, and rhino) and many other species, such as cheetahs, hyenas, giraffes, zebras, and wildebeest.
While the Masai Mara can be visited any time of year, April is arguably the best time to go. Green season means fewer tourists, creating a more intimate and authentic wildlife experience. You can enjoy game drives without the crowds and take your time observing the animals without feeling rushed.
The landscape is transformed into a lush, green paradise, providing a stunning wildlife photography backdrop. You can be guaranteed to get dramatic sunsets and beautiful afternoon light for photography. Most photographers prefer April not only for the dramatic skies and lighting but also for the abundance of baby animals and the activity of the big cats in reserve. The lionesses will finally bring their cubs out of hiding and hunt for them.
April is also the birthing season for many animals in the Masai Mara, such as the wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles, making it a great time to witness the miracle of life in the wild, as you may be lucky enough to see baby animals taking their first steps.
April is also a great time to experience the cultural traditions of the Masai people. Many of their festivals and ceremonies take place this month, providing a unique opportunity to learn about their way of life and connect with the local community.
Finally, April is a good time for bird watching in the Masai Mara. Many migratory birds come to the reserve during this time of year, meaning there are plenty of opportunities to see various species.
In conclusion, April is the best time to visit the Masai Mara National Reserve because it offers a unique and unforgettable experience. From the stunning landscape to the diverse wildlife, and the rich cultural traditions of the Masai people, there is something for everyone to enjoy. So why not join our exceptional group and see why the Masai Mara is such a special place?
Includes: luxury accommodations, 10-day workshop instruction +model fees, all meals, all activities mentioned in the itinerary and private ground transportation (including to and from the airport)
Non-painting partners and photographer friends are most welcome to join there will be plenty for you!
Limited places are available.
LIMITED TO 12 STUDENTS
WHAT TO EXPECT
5 Star Accommodation
Governors camps
Regularly voted among the best hotels and safari lodges, not just in Africa, but around the world.
The first and original permanent luxury
tented camp in Africa.
Unfenced and in the heart of the action.
Located along the Mara River in an area of
abundant wildlife and spectacular scenery.
Governors’ Camp nestles in the riverine forest that hugs the winding banks of the Mara River, its waters teeming with bird life, hippos and crocodiles, in the heart of Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve. Deliberately unfenced to create no barrier between the camp and this prime wildlife location, guests enjoy intimate and thrilling animal experiences even from the comfort of their tents!
Half the tents look out over the rolling golden grasslands of Africa’s great plains, with views of herds of elephant, zebra and giraffe; the rest line the banks of the Mara River.
The
Masai Mara
The Masai Mara boasts 1,672 sq. kilometres of unspoilt wilderness. It offers the best game and bird-viewing not only in Kenya but anywhere in Africa. The views across the rolling golden grasslands studded with acacia trees and riverine forests are dazzling, the sense of space overwhelming. Throughout the year, the Masai Mara is a place of natural drama, a kaleidoscope of colour and life.
Our activities, which include game drives, game walks, spa treatments, hot-air balloon safaris, visits to traditional Maasai Manyattas (homesteads) and our community support projects, are designed for you to take maximum advantage of this unique area, its wildlife and its culture. Our staff will be happy to help you to plan your days.
Itinerary
Please note that this itinerary is subject to minor changes to accommodate all activities and painting excursions. For instance, we must consider the best weather for our hot air balloon ride, which may be swapped with activity on another day.
Please note that the painting sessions are still a work in progress and
will be added after careful planning.
Apr 1
Nairobi
Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta Airport in Nairobi. Check-in at your overnight Hotel for a good night's rest before we start amazing adventure.
Apr 2
Governors Camp
After Breakfast, you will be transferred to Governors Aviation Wilson Airport, where we will Get on our scheduled flight from Wilson Airport to Governors' Camp. We will have our first safari and a special sundowner with hot and cold canapés. We will end the day with a special welcome dinner tonight
Apr 3
Governors Camp
Enjoy Coffee before venturing out on an early morning game drive as a group, followed by a hearty breakfast at the Lodge. We will enjoy dinner as a group at the Lodge following the safari.
Apr 4
Governors Camp
Governors Camp's legendary game drives and guided bush walks allow guests to explore diverse landscapes and prolific wildlife. You will have twice-daily game drives (both included).
If weather permits, we will have our Hot Air Balloon ride.
Apr 5
Governors Camp
Today we will visit the Masai Village. We will also have more Game Drives.
Apr 6
Little Governors Camp
You will be transferred to another camp in the Masai Mara National Park. After our arrival and safer, we will have a beautiful Bush Dinner
Apr 7
Little Governors Camp
We will venture out early on a morning safari together. We will have an evening Safari and enjoy the magnificent sunset in the bush, followed by a group dinner at the lodge. An extra Maasai Dancers Activity is scheduled for today.
Apr 8
Little Governors Camp
A special day to paint the Maasai warrior. Remember that you have two scheduled game drives each day. You are also welcome to use the spa.
Apr 9
Little Governors Camp
Today is our last day in the Masai Mara. We will have our final Game Drives in the morning and afternoon, and Michelle and Jeremy will be available to Critique your work. We will have an exceptional last dinner in Little Governors Camp.
Apr 10
Nairobi
This morning after breakfast, you will take the same short flight back to Nairobi International Airport for your journey home. Departure is at 10:45 and Arrival at 12:00 It will give you the afternoon to enjoy the spa or to explore a little.
Apr 11
Nairobi
Today after Breakfast, we will say our goodbyes and get on our flights back home. Until next time friends!
What's Included
AWARD WINNING
ACCOMMODATION
3 MEALS PER DAY
KING OR TWIN
ROOM
LAUNDRY
WATER, HOUSE WINE, BEERS, SOFT DRINKS, LOCAL SPIRITS
ALL XTRA ACTIVITIES MENTIONED IN THE ITINERARY
GOVERNORS AVIATION TRANSFERS
PRIVATE SAFARI
4x4 TOURS AND ALL PARK FEES
What's Not Included
SPIRITS, FINE WINES, PREMIUM DRINKS, LIQUERURS AND CHAMPAGNE
TIPS AND PERSONAL EXPENSE
INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS, VISA, TRAVEL INSURANCE.
ADDITIONAL EXCURSIONS IF NOT MENTIONED IN THE ITINERARY
SPA TREATMENTS
