NEWS

I just wanted to share with you a couple of lovely Facebook comments from clients who travelled with me last year:

After researching various trips to Africa for over a year, we found Alison Mees. We wanted to be with someone who really new the area we would be traveling in, how to photograph the animals we hoped to see and be in a small group. After our first zoom with Alison we knew she was who we had been looking for.
It was such a gift to be with someone who was kind, organized, very talented, well known and liked by all the folks at the Porini camps and had our backs at every turn. AND the camps, their staff and food were all wonderful.
We loved it all and Kenya was an amazing piece of Africa. We plan to go back in 2027 and of course we will travel with Alison again!

I had a very reluctant husband and I said I was going whether he wanted to or not. So he went. Alison helped him to really understand his camera and it was he who decided on another trip the following year. Enjoyed it so much he’s doing his 3rd safari next year and has won competitions at our camera club with some safari photos.

Thank you for the lovely comments. Keep watching for new trips being offered.

Just 4 places available

31 January 2026 1 night Eka Hotel, Nairobi
1st February 2026 3 nights Rhino Camp, Ol Pejeta Conservancy
4th February 2026 4 nights Mara Camp, Ol Kinyei Conservancy

If you confirm and pay the deposit before 20th January 2025 the following price will be offered - this is the 2025 rate. After the 20th January the price will increase to the 2026 rates.

Price US Dollars $5706 pp sharing a tent (single supplement US Dollars 1083)

A 25% deposit is required to secure the booking.

This is a great opportunity to visit 2 of the best locations in Kenya for wildlife safaris and viewing.

Contact me today for more information.

Why You Should Go on Safari to the Maasai Mara in February: The Wildebeest Migration & Calving

The Maasai Mara, one of Kenya’s most iconic wildlife reserves, is a dream destination for safari lovers. While many travelers flock to the Mara between July and October for the dramatic river crossings of the Great Migration, there’s a less publicized but equally spectacular event happening in February: the calving season of the wildebeest.

Here's why February is a perfect time to visit.

1. Witness the Beginning of Life: Wildebeest Calving
One of the most mesmerizing experiences in the Mara during February is the wildebeest calving season. Around 8,000 calves are born every day during this period, marking the start of new life in the African savannah. For wildlife enthusiasts and photographers, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the vulnerability and raw beauty of the animal kingdom in action.

Birth in the Wild: Wildebeest calving occurs after a synchronized gestation period, and most of the calves are born within a span of just a few weeks.
Amazing Adaptation: Within minutes of birth, the calves can stand and walk, an incredible survival mechanism to evade predators.

2. Predator Activity at Its Peak
With so many young, defenseless calves in the Mara, predators such as lions, cheetahs, hyenas, and leopards thrive during this season. While it may seem cruel, this is nature in its purest form, and witnessing the interaction between predators and prey offers a deep understanding of the delicate balance of life in the wild.

Big Cats on the Hunt: Lions and cheetahs take advantage of the abundance of newborns, providing excellent game-viewing opportunities.
Hyena Clans in Action: You may also witness the strategic and often ruthless hunting techniques of hyena clans, known for their incredible teamwork.
February offers a high chance to witness hunts unfold, adding an intense element to your safari experience.

3. Lush Scenery and Fewer Crowds
Unlike the dry season when much of the vegetation is sparse, February transforms the Mara into a lush, green paradise. The short rains have just ended, and the landscape is blanketed with fresh grasses, providing a striking backdrop for wildlife photography.

Vibrant Landscape: The green plains and blooming acacia trees create an awe-inspiring setting.
Fewer Tourists: Since February isn’t peak tourist season, you’ll encounter fewer crowds. This allows for more intimate wildlife encounters and a peaceful safari experience.

4. Perfect Weather for Safari
February falls during the Mara’s "green season," when the rains have diminished, but the landscape is still lush. The days are warm and pleasant, with average daytime temperatures of around 25°C (77°F). Early mornings and late afternoons, the best times for game drives, are cool but comfortable.

Clear Skies: After the short rains, the skies are usually clear, providing fantastic light for photography.

More Personal Service: With fewer tourists around, the safari experience feels more exclusive. You get more personalized service from guides and have a better chance of securing prime viewing spots during game drives.

Tranquil Wilderness: With fewer vehicles on the road, the wilderness feels truly remote, allowing you to connect deeply with nature.

5. Ideal for Birdwatching Enthusiasts
February is also a fantastic time for bird lovers, as the Mara is alive with migratory birds. The rainy season brings an influx of bird species, including vibrant European migratory birds, making it a paradise for birdwatching.

Bird Species: You’ll encounter a wide range of species like storks, kingfishers, and bee-eaters in full breeding plumage.

Bird Photography: The abundance of birds paired with the beautiful landscape makes for excellent bird photography opportunities.

If you’re a wildlife lover looking for something off the beaten track, February in the Mara is the perfect time to explore this incredible ecosystem.

Pack your camera, your sense of adventure, and prepare to witness the wonders of Africa’s most breathtaking settings.

Exciting News! I am now announcing the dates for my 2024 safaris.

With limited spaces on each safari, please book early to avoid disappointment. All of the safaris I can book add ons - extra days or accommodation in other conservancies i.e. Amboseli

January & February is a lovely time to go on safari, its cold in UK & Europe and warm in Kenya. Its also the calving time for the wildebeest, Cheetah Camp in Ol Kinyei is ideally positioned for us to witness this event. With the wildebeest calving it also attracts the predators.


Safari 1: This safari will run with 4 guests

24th January 4 nights Rhino Camp, Ol Pejeta

28th January 4 nights Cheetah Camp, Ol Kinyei Conservancy, Mara


Safari 2: This safari will run with 3 guests - 1 row per guest in the vehicle

1st Feb 4 night Cheetah Camp, Ol Kinyei Conservancy, Mara

5th Feb 4 night Lion Camp, Olare Motorogi Conservancy, Mara


Safari 3:

9th Feb 4 night Lion Camp, Olare Motorogi Conservancy, Mara

13th Feb 4 night Cheetah Camp, Ol Kinyei Conservancy, Mara


June is one of the coolest months, clear skies and plenty of wildlife.

Safari 1: This safari will run with 4 guests

14th June 4 nights Rhino Camp, Ol Pejeta Conservancy

18th June 4 nights Lion Camp, Olare Motorogi Conservancy


Safari 2: This safari will run with 3 guests - 1 row per guest in the vehicle

23rd June 4 nights Rhino Camp, Ol Pejeta Conservancy

27th June 4 nights Lion Camp, Olare Motorogi Conservancy


October/November Dramatic skies after the short rains, short grass making it easy for game viewing.

Safari 1:

25th October 4 nights Rhino Camp, Ol Pejeta Conservancy

29th October 4 nights Lion Camp, Olare Motorogi Conservancy


Safari 2:

2nd November 4 nights Lion Camp, Olare Motorogi Conservancy

6th November 4 nights Cheetah Camp, Ol Kinyei Conservancy, Mara

Contact me via the website or email me for further information & prices.
Email: alisonmeesphotography@gmail.com

The New Year is approaching, time to start thinking about planning a holiday.

What about a safari to the Masai Mara in February, amazing wildlife, the perfect temperature, great opportunities for photography. Small groups and personally led by myself.

With just 2 places left. To book contact me: alisonmeesphotography@gmail.com

Other dates in 2023 have just been released, contact me for further information.
2023 is the year to travel.

I was extremely happy to be awarded my CPAGB at the beginning of December. My panel of photographs included wildlife and landscapes whilst I was travelling in Africa & UK.

Special Offer with a 10% discount on Mara Safari departing 6th February. Providing the safari is booked and fully paid for by 10th November the discount will be applied.

Departing 6th February, spending the first night in Nairobi followed by 7 nights in the Mara staying at 2 tented camps in 2 conservancies. Just 4 people on the trip and vehicle, giving you plenty of space to move around and capture great wildlife photos. It will be early starts to be out before sunrise and make the most of the good light, this is also when the predators are more active. We will also spend time with elephants, giraffe, general plains game and the variety of birdlife.

The Red Deer at Bushy Park have started the rutting season, in fact by late September they had already started. The stags chasing other males, showing dominance, with the calls early in the morning. Its a sight that cannot be missed. Best to arrive before sunrise, listen to the deer calling and head in that direction. As with all wildlife photography nothing is guaranteed when the light is at its best.

Bushy Park has thick undergrowth, so you do need to be careful when walking around that you do not bump into a Stag by mistake.

A tripod is handy as you will be shooting in low light, ideally a zoom lens of 400 to 500mm. Plenty of batteries and cards, as you will take lots of photos.



I spent the day at Bushy Park, early morning the stags were calling, then as the sun came up they were busy chasing each other or walking across one of the ponds.

The new ‘Women’s only safaris’ has been designed to offer women with a passion for exploring exotic destinations with camera in hand the ability to travel together. As many women feel more comfortable traveling with other women alone, I decided to create a tour dedicated to women travellers. This trip is designed to allow like-minded ladies to learn, have fun and feel empowered to be creative in an environment of camaraderie and support of fellow women photographers.

My Women Only Photo Tour caters to photographers of all skill levels. I will be using my wildlife and photographic experience to teach you how best to utilise your camera and capture your photographic vision whilst you are immersed in the spirit and beauty of Africa.

Experience one of the world’s last true wildernesses and bring back your own photographs of its iconic wildlife and landscape.

Photographers of all levels are welcome, including non photographers. These safaris are small intimate groups, maximum of 4 people in a vehicle, giving plenty of room to move around and myself the opportunity to spend time with everyone.

I hope you will be able to come and join me in February in the Mara.
WomenOnSafaris

Safari Njema

Due to a cancellation I have 1 space left on my photographic safari starting 7th November. This safari is 1 night Nairobi and 9 nights in the Mara staying at 2 tented camps in Olare Motorogi & Ol Kinyei Conservancies.

Early starts to ensure we make the most of the golden light, small group - 4 people, which ensures space in the vehicle. We are based in the Conservancies so no overcrowding of vehicles, flexibility and amazing wildlife opportunities await you.

The Mara is a photographers paradise, big cats, hyenas, elephants, buffalo, zebra and the birdlife.... just to name a few. You will be coming home with sd cards full, vivid images and plenty of memories and stories.

If you want to ensure you are on this amazing safari with me in November, contact me now via the website or email: alisonmeesphotography@gmail.com

I recently returned back to the UK from an amazing wildlife safari. I was running a 7 night photographic safari to the Mara Conservancies.

Each day was an early start from camp - departing whilst it was still dark, this enabled us to catch up with lion prides before sunrise. We took a picnic breakfast with us each day, so no need to rush back to camp. Over the 7 night trip we came across, lions with cubs, lions drinking and playing, elephant families, cheetahs with cubs and the interaction between the cubs, a baby giraffe just a couple of days old, giraffe over the rainbow, hyena dens with pups, jackals, leopard in a tree, then hunting and a 7 month cub, herds of buffalo and all the plains game. But not forgetting the variety of birdlife the Mara has to offer.

The landscapes with dramatic skies, sunrise & sunset, and acacia trees.

We also got the opportunity to visit a Masai Manyatta and learnt about the Masai Culture. It was market day during our stay, so we had the chance to go to market. Watching how the sheep and goats are brought and sold and local produce.

Everyone returned home with cards full, vivid images and stories from the bush.

I am running 2 more safaris during November 2022, with a couple of spaces still available if anyone is interested in visiting the Mara with me. I share my personal experience of living and working in Africa for over 16 years during the trip.

I am excited about a new safari that I have put together and will be working with WalkingWomen.com
This company specialises in walking holidays for women.

Come and join me on a walking & game drive combination safari. I will also be giving you tips on how to get the best photos.

DATES SAT 28th JANUARY 2023 - SUN 5th FEBRUARY 2023 9 days/8 nights

You will get to experience the variety of wildlife on foot and by vehicle. Amboseli the Land of Elephants, spending 3 nights exploring the area. Also visiting local Masai communities and a womens project. We then fly to the Mara for 4 nights where you will have the chance to see the Big Cats of the Plains and vast landscapes.

Limited to just 6 people, this small and personal group will get to experience what Africa has to offer on a once in a lifetime safari. Price: £4450 per person, contact me for further information.

Since the pandemic I have been living in the UK. I certainly miss the wildlife of Africa, however, I did not want to miss the opportunity to get out with my camera and photograph what the UK had to show me on the wildlife front. Over the months I have been amazed at the variety of birds, you certainly need to be patient and also wrapped up well to deal with the cold weather!

I do not think any of us really spend enough time walking in our towns, countryside and coastal areas appreciating what is so close to us.

I recommend you go for a walk with your camera and enjoy the beauty.

I have a few spaces left for the safaris in March & June to the Masai Mara.

Africa Awaits us......

I am leading small groups - 4 people to the Masai Mara for a 7 night safari. We will be staying in tented camps in the Mara Conservancies. What a great opportunity for wildlife lovers and photographers.

Contact me now for more details alisonmeesphotography@gmail.com

The Masai Mara is a paradise for wildlife lovers and photographers. The land of the Big Cats and so much more...... come and join me on a safari to the Mara during 2022.

I have dates for February, March, June, October & November. I will be ising camps in the Mara Conservancies, less vehicles and plenty of wildlife. Using small camps that support conservation and local communities.

For futher information and prices please send me a message. I look forward to sharing the Masai Mara with you.

On Thursday 16th September I gained my ARPS. My panel of photographs were taken during my time of working and living in Africa. I wanted to show the variety, interaction, behaviour, different times of the day and weather conditions.

The comments from the panel were very positive and encouraging. It was a very special day for me, a great achievement and a day I know my Dad would have been proud of.

Spending a Sunday following the steam train from Dendermonde to Puurs, driving through villages and out across the farm fields. At Dendermonde Station you can take time walking around looking at the train and carriage grave yard. A wide angle lens 16-35mm worked well with the trains.

Late afternoon and high tide at Maldon. I decided to try some long exposures with this old boat close to the shore.

After all the snow and cold weather, it really feels like Spring has arrived. The sun is out and flowers are appearing everywhere, snowdrops, daffodils and crocus. Just beautiful. A walk in the park and I came across this squirrel enjoying the warm weather.

During the last couple of months with various restrictions in place. I found a walk along the beach a very relaxing time. Trying different times of day i.e. sunrise and sunset, and different angles - getting down low, wide angle, long exposures and even taking a walk out on the mud flats. Here are a few of the recent photos I have taken.