Kenya Photographic Safari with Paul Goldstein - Premium Adventure

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My husband and I joined this tour as novice photographers and first timers to Africa. The experience blew us away. The level of service from our drivers and camp staff was exceptional. Paul Goldstein is an amazing photographer and worked tirelessly to get us great photo opps. I can't think of a single negative thing to say about the accommodations, either. It was a memorable experience through and through, and we made new like-minded friends that we're excited to travel with in the future. We are already considering future trips with Paul.

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This was a much anticipated trip - 4th time lucky and it was absolutely worth waiting for. Kicheche camps, the guides James, Dickson, Sarumi, Johnson, Bernard and Eliud were all excellent. They found us elusive leopards and cheetahs and got the vehicles into the best positions for photographs. Paul was an inspirational lead - pushing us to go for something different in our pictures and ensuring we had the basic camera settings correct. Just don't ask him what ISO to use or wax lyrical about the stunning vista. Kicheche camps and the conservancies are something special - they're very connected with local communities, the wildlife aren't 'hassled' by lots of vehicles crammed full of people. As a guest Kicheche felt very respectful of the local area and we were also wonderfully looked after - amazing food from game drive breakfasts, delicious lunches and dinners at the camp and sundowners in the bush, comfortable tents and communal areas all with stunning views and the odd elephant just walking by. It was my first safari but some people in my group of 7 guests had been many times and I can see why.

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My first Safari, and every day a new magical experience… photographing wildlife. It really was exciting and a privilege to be in close proximity with so many different animals in this wild beautiful conservancy (and with few other tourists around).

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This was an excellent trip, full of amazing wildlife and beautiful scenery. The accommodation, food and facilities were also top notch, as were all the staff. I cannot fault this trip.

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My latest trip to the Masai Mara was as good as all the others. Each trip and each day of every trip are different. New and different animals and birds to photograph and new situations and interactions.There is so much variety that you never know what is around the next corner.

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outstanding in every way. kicheche camp just superb - accommodation, service, friendliness and food all as good as it can get.

hard work though getting up at 5.15 every day and being out till 6.30 in the evening. no issue though - that's what we signed up for.

our drivers / guides were absolutely top notch and really great to be with.

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Absolutely brilliant safari.



Paul Goldstein and the local guides went out of their way to ensure we had the best experience.

The camp itself was superb and the food was the best we've had on any trip.

The camp managers, Darren & Emma, were very friendly and welcoming and added to the overall experience.

We would happily go back tomorrow.

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Another amazing week in the Masai Mara. Don't be afraid to go during the 'rainy season'. We had so many top quality sightings of leopards with cubs, lions with cubs, a cheetah kill and a new born elephant. Of course this cannot be guaranteed but we had very good fortune as well as maxing the time out searching for photographic opportunities. The guides were excellent and worked hard to get us into the best position for photos, whilst respecting the animals and ensuring they weren't disturbed by our presence. Lovely food and comfy tents - hot water bottles in our beds and in the jeeps were well-received.

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Another amazing week in the Masai Mara. Don't be afraid to go during the 'rainy season'. We had so many top quality sightings of leopards with cubs, lions with cubs, a cheetah kill and a new born elephant. Of course this cannot be guaranteed but we had very good fortune as well as maxing the time out searching for photographic opportunities. The guides were excellent and worked hard to get us into the best position for photos, whilst respecting the animals and ensuring they weren't disturbed by our presence. Lovely food and comfy tents - hot water bottles in our beds and in the jeeps were well-received.

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I had done the same trip once before when I barely knew how to use my camera. Six years on I felt I could fare much better and I wanted to put myself to the test. This wildlife safari gave me every opportunity I needed to exercise my skills. Fantastic wildlife viewing under the tutelage of an internationally renown expert in a wonderful environment.

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A fantastic, immersive safari experience that gets you close to the wildlife for some great photographic opportunities, with a five-star luxury camp to enjoy when not out on the Mara plains filling your memory cards. This is not a relaxing holiday, but it is the best way to get close to the incredible wildlife and to take your photography skills to the next level. It’s also lots of fun!

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Be prepared to hit the ground running and to keep going - Everything you may have read about his trips is true. Paul and the fantastic Kicheche guides work really hard to get you in the right place at the right time - leaving camp in the dark to be in the Mara when the sun comes up backlighting a cheetah and her four cubs, or watching the most amazing river crossings that even the National Geographic would be envious of.



Even if, like me, you are a complete novice you will get lots of helpful advice. Just when you think you will practice photographing a bee eater in flight (thinking Paul is far enough away not to notice) the radio will crackle from three vehicles away and you will be told your shutter speed is too slow!



But at the end of the day you will learn a lot and come home with some photographs you will be proud of and want to go again. This was my first trip with Paul and I have already booked another one - although I will have to try and master slow panning before then!

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Where do I begin... if your objective is to come home with some gorgeous photographs of truly wild animals in one of the finest wilderness areas on the planet, this is the trip for you. But be under no illusion, it's hard work. If you're looking forward to your nutmeg pancakes (Paul's breakfast insult of choice, it seems!) before a leisurely morning, look elsewhere. If you want to be in the right place, right time, this is it.



Lion cubs a-plenty, cheetah family at play - and on the hunt, a close encounter with a leopard, this had it all. And when we were back at camp, we couldn't have been in greater luxury.

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This photographic safari was lead by Paul Goldstein who is a well known and highly rated wildlife photographer. The Masai Mara is a very special area in Kenya to go to in order to photograph wildlife in their own environment. The days start before daylight and end after darkness descends.

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This was not my first trip with Paul but my first safari and it was absolutely brilliant, the Mara North camp is ideally located in the conservancy, it was clean, comfortable, great food, the service was second to none and the guides never let us down finding the animals - including all the cats up trees! Their knowledge of the animals and the conservancy and Mara Reserve are unbelievable,

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Staying at Kicheche Mara Camp in Mara North Conservancy with stunning views, delicious food and formidable staff, this safari didn't disappoint with wide range of photographic opportunities from unbelievable skies to amazing wildlife. Size of group was larger than Bush Camp but very well managed, and being with like-minded people, I had a great laugh on game drives and in the camp.

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An excellent holiday. The team worked tirelessly to give us the maximum opportunities to see the animals and their understanding of what photographers want was amazing. The food was first class and the tented accommodation was a revelation to me. Very comfortable and the staff made every effort to ensure our comfort. I am delighted with some of the photographs I have taken.

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A special photographic trip to the Masai Mara led by Paul Goldstein.

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There’s so many positives to say about this safari. We stayed at Kicheche Mara camp, and it was a stunning well maintained camp with spectacular views. The food was phenomenal, and the atmosphere around the camp was great - partly down to our group, but also down to the way the camp was set up.



The wildlife was spectacular. I’ve done 4 safaris, and whilst the Classic Tanzania safari was very good, this one is completely next level. The aim of identifying one target for the day, then staying with them all day is the future. We sat with Cheetahs on hunts 3 times, we saw a Leopard on a hunt once, we saw Lions with cubs playing almost every day, we saw Cheetah cubs playing 2 days and we had amazing sunsets and thunderstorms that contributed amazing sights and photography opportunities. In Summary, I will be booking to go on this trip again next year I suspect.

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Run out of superlatives to describe this trip. A plethora of fantastic sightings, Bush Camp is a wonderful place to stay and Paul's coaching really helped me to get some great shots

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We spent a week with Paul Goldstein in the Olare Olok Conservancy and Masai Mara Reserve. Wild weather with storms and sunshine framed a week of extraordinary wildlife experiences, beautiful landscapes, hands on photography and great company. Staying at Kicheche Bush Camp was a real treat - integrated into the landscape (no fences here!), we were wonderfully looked after in camp and outside. The guides were superb, the quality of the food and drink whether in picnics or in camp was excellent.

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An adventure where we did not stop grinning from beginning to end. We were part of a super group that gelled well from the first minute. We expected the trip to be good but it considerably exceeded all our expectations.

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A great experience. Much to be learned from the charismatic and super-charged Paul Goldstein. Darren & Emma managing Bush camp were delightful and extremely efficient. Fantastic driver/guides, excellent food and good company.

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An excellent trip which exceeded all expectations. Kicheche Bush Camp was 5*, the food was wonderful, tents comfortabe and the staff exceptional.

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Very special trip - Kicheche Bush Camp is wonderful and the guides are superb. 

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Fabulous Fabulous Fabulous...lived up to my expectations and more

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A returnee, a disciple or just mad? Well that's all me I guess - I just love going back to the Kicheche camps on a Photographic trip with the ...... (how many adjectives can I use here?) Paul Goldstein! I return because each time the trip delivers, great camp and staff, great guides, great company, great sightings - just how many greats are there! 

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A safari like no other…. If you want to feel like you have been beamed in to a David Attenborough documentary, together with a small group of like-minded wildlife and photography enthusiasts for company, then this is the trip for you. Advice and daily slide shows from trip leader Paul along with tips and ideas from fellow travellers were both inspiring and informative. The Kicheche camp was wonderful, with its wild setting, excellent service, food and facilities. The wildlife was incredible and as it will always vary, I can only tell you that there will be many memorable moments and a favourite early in the week will be overtaken by another by the end of the trip. We will be back.

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This is the Masai Mara at its best, a dream trip where you put the time in and hopefully the wildlife rewards you with moments that you will never forget! Forget the concept of time and day and experience and reflect on the endless moments and memories. Take off your watch, turn off your phone and enjoy.

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This was my first photographic trip with Paul and my first trip to Kenya in over 20 years.  On the whole it was an excellent holiday and I hope that I'll be back one day soon.

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I have always dreamed that I would go to Kenya and the Mara "one day", and to be very honest this trip more than fulfilled my dreams and I feel loathed to book any other kind of African safari other than this one as I fear it could never match up. It feels like we saw and experienced much more than people will do in a lifetime of safaris. I am officially addicted to this trip and so wanting to book another.

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I can not imagine a safari where I would be given better opportunities for photography.  From dawn till dusk we were presented with all those things photographers want most: best light, ideal landscape shots, unhurried time to make the most of special opportunities with cheetah and leopards. And then the excellent camp with its brilliant accomadation and food. 

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This was hands down one of the best trips I have ever taken - guided or not. Paul and our three Kicheche Camp guides (James, Patrick and Charles) definitely put us through our paces - 4:30am starts, 14 hour days in the land rover and some serious miles on that road, but we were delighted. We probably managed to see more of what the Mara has to offer in that one week than most people see in a lifetime (and all in amazing, gold, sunrise/sunset light). The whole team was super dedicated to making the absolute most of every hour, and were extremely knowledgeable about the area and its animals and completely understanding of the need for just the right angle on that back-lit cheetah. Meanwhile, Kennedy, Abe and the team back at camp made sure that when we returned bruised, battered, and exhilirated, there was always a hot shower and a cold Stoney to welcome us. I cannot imagine doing the Mara in any other other way or with any other tour - as can be attested by the fact that all our most memorable sights (10 day old cheetah cubs, leopard with 3 cubs, cheetah taking down an impala) were pretty much witnessed only by our three vehicles. Truly amazing!

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Memories of 7 days/6 nights spent in Kenya will keep me going through the dark cold days of the British winter.Magical starry skies at night and the warmth of the sun by day...and of course the wildlife.

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Great sightings of wildlife in general and the big african cats in particular - based at the wonderful Kicheche Bush Camp.

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Anthropomorphic anecdotes from Hammond and Bradbury? Thankfully not; this safari is strictly for the adults.  If you have a penchant for predatory pussies or a fervent feline fetish this is the trip for you.

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An outstanding trip, amazing bush camp, stunning scenery, masses of wildlife, great staff, out of this world guides...perfect!

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An utterly amazing week of wildlife viewing and photographic opportunities

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Wow wow wow. The Mara is a truly amazing, Kicheche is the icing on the cake of an amazing trip. 'I've been to Africa eight times and saw no Leopards. I came to Kicheche and saw Nine..'  Nothing more to say really, its Leopard Heaven. 

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Wow!  What else is there to say except book this trip now.!  Bush camp is superb, the food amazing, Darren and Emma are camp hosts extraordinaire, the guides are simply the best and most of all Paul Goldstein an inspiration to all.  I've bored all my friends and family raving about this trip so I can't wait for the next.

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Absolutely fantastic safari with abundance of wildlife, witnessing special and spectaculars sightings, staying at the intimate Kicheche Bush Camp where all the staff is ever so friendly, outstanding service and delicious food.

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An amazing trip. Great accommodation in the heart of the Masai Mara with excellent bush camp staff and wonderful food. Brilliant game watching led expertly by Paul and his team of very knowledgeable guides. A close connection to the wildlife and breathtaking photo-opportunities. And all done with sensitivity for the environment and respect for the local communities. 

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A fantastic week amongst the big cats of the Mara.  We were based in comfortable and roomy tents with all mod cons and fed superbly by the camp chefs.

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My fifth photographic safari and they keep delivering.  I always think maybe this one will not match the others, but I am always wrong.  Great experience again - well done Paul and the team.

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Having been on 3 safaris,I wanted to add another level to my photography skills.This safari really delivered. There was drama, excitement and humour on every drive courtesy of our excellent leader,Paul. Not only did I pick up some great tips from him, but just being in the company of other photograhers meant I learnt a tremendous amount from them too.

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Stupendous safari with sightings galore, quality comfort and cooking, adventures abound with exciting encounters.  Highest honours to the hosts and proficient Paul's gregarious guiding contributed to a group of contented comparative strangers.

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A supposedly 'low season' trip which still saw lots of sightings of leopards, cheetahs and lions. The grass was unusually high this time around (compared to the same time 2 years ago) which made the photography more challenging - but the grass (when not in the way of your subject) looked beautiful.

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Excellent accommodation, good food, great hosts.  The photography was out of this world.

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This photographic trip surpassed everything I had hoped it would be, simply superb. Opportunities to get up close to a variety of wildlife, in stunning light, occurred every day, not just once, but many times.

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The Masai Mara was a unforgetable experience and was just like I've seen it on TV so many times. There were so many brilliant wildlife photographic opportunites, not only because there were so many animals, but becuase our Kicheche drivers/spotters were so good at finding them.

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My photographic safari based at Kicheche Bush camp, surpassed all previous wildlife trips by virtue of the abundance of game, plus the manifest non-stop action, coupled with animal behaviour that I have never witnessed before.

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A packed week of real safari experience long days but that the only way to get amazing sightings If you look at the price and think it costly compare it with the other safaris every moment there is a full morning/afternoon safari or even out for the whole day just returning for the evening meal, with no lost time we arrived had lunch and had a full afternoons safari, the same on the last day a full morning before lunch and off home

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If you don't like to sleep much on holiday, don't mind getting really dirty, are not afraid of strange noises in the night, and want to stimulate all of your senses, then this is the trip for you! From start to finish the trip was perfectly organised, by a team dedicated to getting us to take better pictures than we thought possible, and everything served with a smile! Impeccable, inspirational, unforgettable!

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Fantastic location deep in the bush. The camp is unfenced so we had the wildlife 24/7 and as this is a photographic safari you can stay with the animals, if they are doing something interesting - you're not racing from beast to beast with a tick list!

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What can I say...? There aren't probably enough words to describe this unforgettable experience!!! Being welcomed in the Mara on the way to Kicheche Migration Camp by a leopard with her cub, devouring a wildebeest, to the spectacular crossings of hundreds of thousands of wildebeest, fearing for their lives, but attracted by chances of rain on the other side of the river bank, to the privileged moments we had to spend some special time with new born lion cubs... We were speechless at times, excited at other moments...  We left with lots of questions and a promise to come back!Meanwhile only one thing I can assure you... The memories will stay for ever!

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Wow. What a week. So much packed into such a short time.

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My first safari and my first trip with Exodus, but definitely not the last safari or trip. An amazing trip which packs a lot into your time in the Mara. The early starts are well worthwhile e.g. the family of leopards that we saw at just after 06:40, there's plenty of time to watch the wildlife and take photographs.

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I’ve been going on safari since I was 6 years old, but the wildlife sightings on this trip (both in terms of variety and number of game) surpassed everything I have ever experienced; I now worry about how/why I will ever go anywhere other than the Mara to photograph wild animals. Add the exclusive position of the migration camp, the fabulous guides, excellent food, the wondrous photography opportunities and the infectious, nay, rabid, enthusiasm of our great leader… well, it was off the scale!

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I had waited two years to join this trip led by Paul and it was definitely worth the wait. Backed with a passion for wildlife and photography , I wanted a trip that would ensure every moment in the Mara wasn't wasted. This was it.   

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If a well known beer did safaris, then it wouldn't be possible to surpass this one.  The only reason not to recommend it is that it books out so fast that if I say how good it is I may find myself unable to get on the trip again.

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I've been exceptionally lucky to experience many incredible things on my travels but no way did I expect this holiday to trump every one - and by some margin! Without doubt, a photographic safari like no other.

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An incredible holiday which has surpassed all other African safaris I've ever done

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What can I say - this trip ticked all my boxes and more - being a returnee to both the Mara and Kicheche Mara camp (albeit in a new stunning location) I knew what to expect from one of Paul's photographic trips but this one surpassed my expectations!

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Two weeks ago, we spent the best safari week ever at Kicheche Mara Camp! We have been to Kicheche several times before and we just love it there.  The camp staff are all very welcoming and friendly, the food is excellent, the tents are big with en-suite facilities, and the camp itself (in its new location) is positioned in a real beauty spot. The safari vehicles are Toyota Landcruisers which are spacious and give us great all-round visibility. All the guides are true masters of the off-road tracks and have an amazing ability to spot animals, no matter how far away.  Their knowledge and responsible attitude towards the Mara and its wildlife have given us a truly wonderful experience, one that we’ll never forget!

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If you are, or want to be, a keen photographer and are willing to put in long hours and laugh at yourself you will be rewarded with one of the best, if not THE best holiday, of your life.

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As a virgin safari traveller and photographic 'techno-peasant' I was blown away by the amazing sights of the week. Beats a day out in Barry Island any day! It was a pleasure and an honour to meet all involved; fellow travellers, Masai guides and camp staff, Bruce , Donna and Paul. I cannot fault the dedicated care and attention we had from all staff involved. It was so magical I can barely believe it actually happened. I feel that I have left a substantial part of myself in Kenya:

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Trip in June 2011. Well exceeded my expectations and worth every hour of overtime done to pay for it.

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Another great photographic safari.  This was supposedly the "low" season - there is no low season in the Mara.  The sightings, photographic opportunities and general experience are as good as the peak season. Everyone involved as always puts everything into making the trip a success.  If you haven't been on one of these trips you are missing out.

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Absolutely great trip!!  A wonderful safari and so much more - learning what it means to take photographs not just pictures.  Thanks to Paul.

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Easily the best wildlife safari I have been on. The photo opportunities available on the long days are worth every minute and every penny.The camp was comfortable and the food produced by a temporary set up was simply amazing.

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We found Headwater through a referral from a friend and liked its range of unusual walking/biking/exploring holidays which give the veneer (at least) of not being traditional package-type vacations. We have chosen a cycle trip in northern Italy for May 2025.

The selection and booking process have been straightforward so far, although having coughed up a near 4-figure deposit in September 2024, was somewhat annoyed to be asked to pay for the flights as well (£400+) just days later when it was clear that the total holiday cost INCLUDED the flight costs. Was it a Deposit or not ? The Headwater agent did her best to defray the full flight cost, so we moved on with the beginnings of a smile.

Michael Durrant, 20 Sep 2024

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friendly and informed service

8 Feb 2024

1 Jan 1970