Spiti

Spiti Valley tour packages for wildlife and nature enthusiasts.

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Spiti Tour Packages

Wildlife group tours, photography tours or customised itineraries.

In the north-eastern part of Himachal Pradesh, high in the Himalayas, sits the cold desert valley of Spiti. A seemingly barren land that is home to the mysterious and elusive snow leopard among other species of fauna.

A land of winding roads, breathtaking valleys and snow-capped mountains as far as the eye can see – Spiti is truly a magnificent sight for our city-sore eyes. Top that off with the recent spike in snow leopard sightings in the area, and it is now a land that is a must-visit for any wildlife and travel enthusiast alike. For beholding the sight of an animal shrouded in such mystery, in a land so beautiful, is sure to be a legendary experience.

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Quick Information

Best time to Visit:
Winter: Jan-Mar, Summer: Jun-Oct

Recommended min. duration:
10/11 days

Attractions:
Wildlife
Monasteries
Landscapes

Activities:
Hiking
Biking
Climbing
Photography

Nearest Airport:
Chandigarh

From our Blog
Read this gripping account of Jayanth Sharma’s pursuit of the Black Panther in 2020.​

Read More >>

Our Spiti Tours

Upcoming Departures

Uncia Odyssey – 10N/11D

Cost: Starting INR 98,000/- + GST

Skipper: Vijendra S Rao

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Reviews by Tour Participants

We cater to 3 different kinds of Spiti travellers. Which one are you?

There are three different ways to explore Spiti. Depending on the kind of traveller you are, we welcome you to choose your preferred Spiti tour packages.

Spiti Photography Tours

Our team of ace photographers will guide you on a exciting Spiti Photography Tour to ensure you come back with not only great travel memories but also some stunning photographs.

Upcoming Departures

Spiti Culture or Wildlife Group Tours

Exploring the world with like-minded nature-lovers is surely an exciting human experience. Our fixed departure Spiti Group Tour Packages are a safe and fun way to travel for individuals or families alike.

Upcoming Departures

Spiti Customised Vacations

For families and individuals who want a tailor-made holiday to suit their personal needs, we invite you to explore our vast array of packages.

Get in touch with us to customise your departure!

Why let us arrange your trip?

At Toehold, we are passionate about travel and photography just as you are, which lets us understand your needs and travails perfectly. And we use our insight and experience to plan your vacation to perfection, so all you have to do is enjoy yourself and make memories for a lifetime. Here are just some reasons you should leave your next holiday to us:

Precise Customisation

It’s your holiday, so you tell us how you want it, and we’ll customise it to your exact expectations, down to every possible detail, just short of what fragrance of air-freshener you’d prefer in your cab.

Expert Advice

Not clear about what you want or how to make the most of your vacation? Pick our brains and make an informed decision about how you’d like to spend your precious holiday, and then just prepare for a rollicking time.

Unmatched Experience

With partnerships with the best people in the field and a stellar logistical network, we ensure no holds are barred in helping you enjoy an enriching and memorable experience.

Flawless Orchestration

Once the plan is set, you can count on us to make your experience a flawless pleasure. A star may implode or a planet may go out of orbit, but you can rest assured your tour will motor on without a glitch.

Spiti and the Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary

The surreal snow leopard among other exotic and endemic wildlife

Commonly dubbed ‘The Middle Land’ Spiti is the strip of land that separates India from Tibet. Located in Himachal Pradesh and bordered on all sides by the snow-crowned Himalayas, Spiti Valley is situated at an altitude of 12,500 feet above sea level and is one of the coldest regions of the country.

The breathtaking village of Kibber, where we will spend a majority of our days, is situated in Spiti Valley amongst a cold desert surrounded by picturesque mountains and barren landscape. Reputed to be the highest motorable village in the world, Kibber’s landscape is not dissimilar to that of Ladakh or Tibet.


A road to Kibber in Spiti on the Spiti Snow Leopard Tour

What you can expect in a Spiti tour package?

The snow leopards have undoubtedly found a safe haven in these regions as the sightings of these elusive cats are steadily on the rise. In the scantily populated region of Spiti, the residents have not only found a way of coexisting peacefully with these cats but also protect them while earning their livelihoods by being excellent guides to wildlife enthusiasts who visit the area keen on having their Grey Ghost dream fulfilled.

For millennia, the magnificent snow leopards have been kings of the mountains. Their ideal habitat being over 3000 meters above sea level, the mountains are rich with their prey such as blue sheep, ibex, marmots, pikas and hares. Dubbed the Grey Ghost for their elusive and mysterious quality, the very pursuit of this cat is an exhilarating one, to say the least.

A Snow Leopard near the Kibber village in Spiti

With their powerful builds and long tails which aid in balance, snow leopards are simply the most graceful beings to ever walk the earth. Whether we catch a glimpse of the snow leopard sleeping, eating or just being, photographing its many dispositions is nothing short of making art.

The high elevation of the Himalayas is also home to the Asiatic ibex whose primary predastor happens to be the snow leopard. With its majestic horns, it is truly the most photogenic mountain goat. The Himalayan blue sheep also known as the bharal, flaunts its own curved horns making it royalty in its own right, it is an animal that will tease your keen photographer’s eye with its magnificent camouflaging skills.

Interested? Make a Booking Enquiry

It’s easy. Call us on 1800 1200 901 (Monday to Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 06:00 p.m.) or simply fill this form, and we’ll get back to you like the whirring wind.

Enquiry Form

Frequently Asked Questions

We ensure maximum care and protection while traveling in the post-COVID scenario. We certainly think you have to be extra-careful and follow rules and regulations. Please consult your general physician or doctor before you make this decision.
That’s quite easy. It depends on what your interest is. If you are a photography enthuisast and would like our skipper’s guidance and tutelage, then Photo Tour. Else hop on to a group tour where photography isn’t the focus of the trip. Finally, we can tailor-make a vacation for you if you need to travel on your own date and style.

Unlike travel agents who plan your holiday from a remote destination to places they sometimes haven’t experienced themselves, Photo Tours offer a comprehensive toehold to experience a place through the guidance of a professional photographer. The common ingredients in all our Photo Tours are fun and a lot of learning and knowledge-sharing. Besides, most or all of our Tour participants are photography enthusiasts, which keeps the group in harmony and helps make your experience focused.

Absolutely everything! From booking the travel tickets and arranging for a comfortable stay to suggested itineraries and planning places of interest, Toehold takes care of all the details of your vacation.
You may certainly take your young child, but we don’t recommend taking infants and very small children on safari. Please talk to us for more information.
Certainly! We take care of the flight ticket bookings too for anyone who requires assistance.

Of course! Please talk to our capable Camera Rent team or mention what gear you’d like to hire while registering for the tour. Guess what? We offer you a 10% off on camera rent while on the tour.

Absolutely! This Tour is meant for fledgling as well as experienced photographers. Beginners get all the advantages of learning on and off the field from Toehold’s eminent Skippers. In fact if you are a newbie, you should jump on this terrific learning opportunity and sign up right away!

However, in order to make the most of the Tour photographically, we recommend that you be familiar with photography fundamentals. If you’re not, we suggest you join an Art and Science of Photography Workshop before the Tour.

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Uncia Odyssey - Spiti, Snow Leopard Photo Expedition Schedules

23 FEB - MAR 4, 2024

Snow Leopard Photography Expedition

Skipper: Vijendra

Tour Itinerary (10N/11D)

This Expedition begins on Day 1 in Chandigarh at mid-day. Participants are advised to take an early flight and arrive in the AM of Day 1.

On this day, we arrive in Chandigarh in the AM hours. Our group departs to Narkanda from the airport by around 1300 Hrs. It may be a good idea for participants to arrive a day earlier to avoid flight delays and disruption.
Today, we depart early from Narkanda on a 5-6 hour drive to Recong Peo/Kalpa. We spend the night at a guesthouse in Recong Peo which is a small town on the banks of the Sutlej river.
On this day, we continue on our drive deeper into the mountains through Kinnaur and onward to Spiti. It is a long day of which we spend most of it on the road. We reach Tabo by evening. Tabo is known to be the oldest continuously operating Buddhist enclave in India as well as the Himalayas. We spend the night at a guesthouse in Tabo.
In the morning, we visit Tabo monastery. Built in 996 AD, it is home to priceless artefacts and spectacular murals. We embark on another short drive to Kibber village which is the base for our next few days and is a hotspot for snow leopard sightings among sightings of other fauna. We spend the night in a homestay.
We spend these days in search of snow leopards and other wildlife endemic to this region. We head out everyday post a hearty breakfast to areas scouted by our spotters to increase the chances of viewing the elusive cat. We spend the evenings in the warmth of our cosy homestay in Kibber.

On this morning, we embark our long drive back to Recong Peo and Rampur. On reaching Rampur, we spend the night at a lovely hotel there.

On this morning, we embark our long drive back to Chandigarh. The Tour ends in Chandigarh.

Cost & Terms

Individuals

INR 98,000
  • Per Person on Shared Accommodation

Couples

INR 1,92,000
  • Per Couple on Shared Accommodation

Toehold Patrons

INR 97,000
  • Per Person on Shared Accommodation

What’s Included?

What’s Not Included?

Payment Terms

Cancellation Fees

Please note: The date of written (email) communication of intent to cancel is the date considered for calculation of the cancellation fees.

Interested? Make a Booking Enquiry

It’s easy. Call us on 1800 1200 901 (Monday to Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 06:00 p.m.) or simply fill this form, and we’ll get back to you like the whirring wind.

Enquiry Form

Frequently Asked Questions

We ensure maximum care and protection while traveling in the post-COVID scenario. We certainly think you have to be extra-careful and follow rules and regulations. Please consult your general physician or doctor before you make this decision.

That’s quite easy. It depends on what your interest is. If you are a photography enthusiast and would like our skipper’s guidance and tutelage, then Photo Tour. Else hope on to a group tour where photography isn’t the focus of the trip. Finally, we can tailor-make a vacation for you if you need to travel on your own date and style.

You may certainly take your young child, but we don’t recommend taking infants and very small children on safari. Please talk to us for more information.
Certainly! We take care of the flight ticket bookings too for anyone who requires assistance.
Absolutely everything! From booking the travel tickets and arranging for a comfortable stay to suggested itineraries and planning places of interest, Toehold takes care of all the details of your vacation.
Ofcourse, yes. Please talk to our capable Camera Rent team or mention what gear you’d like to hire while registering for the tour. Guess what? We offer you a 10% off on camera rent while on the tour.

Unlike travel agents who plan your holiday from a remote destination to places they sometimes haven’t experienced themselves, Photo Tours offer a comprehensive toehold to experience a place through the guidance of a professional photographer. The common ingredients in all our Photo Tours are fun and a lot of learning and knowledge-sharing. Besides, most or all of our Tour participants are photography enthusiasts, which keeps the group in harmony and helps make your experience focused.

Absolutely! This Tour is meant for fledgling as well as experienced photographers. Beginners get all the advantages of learning on and off the field from Toehold’s eminent Skippers. In fact if you are a newbie, you should jump on this terrific learning opportunity and sign up right away!

However, in order to make the most of the Tour photographically, we recommend that you be familiar with photography fundamentals. If you’re not, we suggest you join an Art and Science of Photography Workshop before the Tour.

Spiti Vistas - Spiti Landscapes Photo Tour Schedules

NOV 21-25, 2020

Tiger Photography Tour

Skipper: Jayanth Sharma

DATES TO BE ANNOUNCED

We currently haven't announced departures yet for this product.

Tour Itinerary (6N/7D)

Please note: This tour begins and ends at Manali. Participants may choose to reach Manali by either air or road depending on their preference, but such transport is NOT included in the Tour itinerary or cost. However, all required assistance will be duly provided.

The group convenes at Manali and gets acclimatized to the high altitude and low temperatures for a safe and enjoyable Himalayan photography expedition. Overnight at Manali.
The Tour Skipper will facilitate a mutual introduction and orient the group to what may be expected on the Tour. We then embark on a journey of a lifetime, traversing the snowy scapes of Rohtang Pass towards Kunzum pass. Glimpses of the wondrous Spiti land unfurl, as the winding roads look out onto the Spiti river. True Himalayan bliss prevails, amidst the silver glaciers and snow-peaks, as we settle for the night at Kaza.
Today we explore the famous architectural landmark- the Key Monastery or the Kye Gompa as it is locally called. Standing tall as an emblem of Buddhism, this shrine is ensconced in the monks’ residential quarters and administrative buildings. We explore this ancient marvel with our lenses, and then head to the high-altitude villages of Kibber and Chicham with a lookout for beautiful landscapes along the road, people-portraits in the village, and wildlife moments at Kibber wildlife sanctuary. Stay at Kaza.
The next day we awake to the fresh crisp mountain air, and drive higher above 4300 m to reach Langza. A scenic winding drive is perfectly culminated into towering views of the large Buddha statue that overlooks this fairy-tale homestead. Interesting to note is that Langza is also called the “fossil village”, the mountains contain fossilized stones and hide a lesson in geological history. Astro-lovers can rejoice, because this sleepy stead offers some of the most majestic views and photography of the Milky Way! Overnight at Langza.
Komik, the highest village in Asia at 4513 m, is a thrilling adventure in itself. Experience the joy of sending postcards back home to your loved ones from the world’s highest post office at Hikkim (4440 m). Capture this picturesque wonder with your lens- sprawling brown pastures and apricot orchards, along with the indigenous mountain-folk of Spiti. A village walk is a great way to make the most of these diverse photo-ops. Retire back to Langza.
We begin our return towards Manali via the Kunzum Pass, to experience yet another pristine visual treat. Heading upstream along the Chandra river, we arrive at Chandrataal or the ‘Moon Lake’. A brief trek brings you to heaven on earth, best experienced with a walking circumambulation or “Parikrama” of the high-altitude water body. Get set to capture its quietude as your shutters fly and your creative minds go over the top! Overnight at Chandrataal.
Enjoy the last throes of the ultimate Himalayan escape, as we head home with astounding memories and amazing clicks. Overnight at Manali and travel back the next day.

Cost & Terms

Individuals

INR 72,500
  • Per Person on Twin Share Accommodation

Couples

INR 1,42,00
  • Per Couple on Twin Share Accommodation

Toehold Patrons

INR 70,000
  • Per Person on Twin Share Accommodation

What’s Included?

What’s Not Included?

Payment Terms

Cancellation Fees

Please note: The date of written (email) communication of intent to cancel is the date considered for calculation of the cancellation fees.

Interested? Make a Booking Enquiry

It’s easy. Call us on 1800 1200 901 (Monday to Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 06:00 p.m.) or simply fill this form, and we’ll get back to you like the whirring wind.

Enquiry Form

Frequently Asked Questions

We ensure maximum care and protection while traveling in the post-COVID scenario. We certainly think you have to be extra-careful and follow rules and regulations. Please consult your general physician or doctor before you make this decision.

That’s quite easy. It depends on what your interest is. If you are a photography enthusiast and would like our skipper’s guidance and tutelage, then Photo Tour. Else hope on to a group tour where photography isn’t the focus of the trip. Finally, we can tailor-make a vacation for you if you need to travel on your own date and style.

You may certainly take your young child, but we don’t recommend taking infants and very small children on safari. Please talk to us for more information.
Certainly! We take care of the flight ticket bookings too for anyone who requires assistance.
Absolutely everything! From booking the travel tickets and arranging for a comfortable stay to suggested itineraries and planning places of interest, Toehold takes care of all the details of your vacation.
Ofcourse, yes. Please talk to our capable Camera Rent team or mention what gear you’d like to hire while registering for the tour. Guess what? We offer you a 10% off on camera rent while on the tour.

Unlike travel agents who plan your holiday from a remote destination to places they sometimes haven’t experienced themselves, Photo Tours offer a comprehensive toehold to experience a place through the guidance of a professional photographer. The common ingredients in all our Photo Tours are fun and a lot of learning and knowledge-sharing. Besides, most or all of our Tour participants are photography enthusiasts, which keeps the group in harmony and helps make your experience focused.

Absolutely! This Tour is meant for fledgling as well as experienced photographers. Beginners get all the advantages of learning on and off the field from Toehold’s eminent Skippers. In fact if you are a newbie, you should jump on this terrific learning opportunity and sign up right away!

However, in order to make the most of the Tour photographically, we recommend that you be familiar with photography fundamentals. If you’re not, we suggest you join an Art and Science of Photography Workshop before the Tour.

The Great Migration: Kenya Wildlife Group Tour

SEP 9-16, 2024

Wildlife Group Tour

Tour Itinerary (7N/8D)

Day 1 : Nairobi

Since participants of this Tour travel from various destinations in India and abroad, Please arrive on 09 September 2024 any time (Accommodation is not included in the Tour cost)

Please note: This is not a photography tour and we would have 6 People in a LandCruiser. If you wish to join our Photography Tour with only 3 People in a LandCruiser guided by our ace photographers please consider the Photo Tour.

Please also note that flight costs are not included in the Tour fee

Talek River Area, Masai Mara

Checking out from our Nairobi hotel after an early breakfast, we pick up the participants arriving this morning (if any) and make our way to the heart of the Migration action, the legendary Masai Mara, which we reach by afternoon.

After lunch close to the entrance of the Mara, we start our first game drive en route to our first destination around the lodge area.

The transitory herds may be seen very close to the lodge and sometimes a little further away but there is no chance of missing them. Feeling our way around, we will understand the current state of the Migration.

After the drive, we check in to exclusive and cosy tents at the first camp of the Tour, the lodge. Once fresh, we exchange notes about our initial observations and experiences, and hear insights from other participants before dining and retreating to our rooms to tuck in for the night.

The lodge is a lovely property located stunningly, right near the Talek River, which is one of the two rivers (the other being the Mara River itself) which the migratory herds cross. Ergo, this property has been deliberately and carefully chosen to give us quick and easy access to all the action.

We spend the whole day looking for crossings as well as predator and other action, while the Guide takes a call on returning to the lodge for lunch based on the prevailing situation.

In the evening  you enjoy a scrumptious supper and retire for the night.

Mara Triangle, Masai Mara

Having explored the Talek River side, it’s now time to proceed to the celebrated Mara Triangle area and look for action around the Mara River, so after a morning drive around the Talek, we cross over to the Triangle and check in to the delightful lodge.

After lunch we enjoy an introductory ride in the area before returning to the lodge for another interactive session, we call ChitraTantra, before supper and sleep.

We enjoy the next three days in the very heart of the Migration around Serena and the Mara River, leveraging the Guide’s rich experience to get to the right places and make memorable moments to capture the scale and wonder of the dramas unfolding before us.

Every morning we start at 06:30 a.m. after an early breakfast and hope to catch action in the quintessentially spectacular savannah light and after the post-lunch afternoon safari, return after sunset to unwind.

In the evening  you enjoy a scrumptious supper and retire for the night.

After having spent a hopefully eventful time photographing the Migration in the Mara, we check out after breakfast and return to Nairobi by lunch, whence we take the departing flights for our abodes, where a wealth of images will be processed and many captivating stories told to our families.

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Cost & Terms

Individuals

USD 4990
  • Per Person on twin Shared Accommodation

Couples

USD 9600
  • Per Couple on Twin Shared Accommodation

Toehold Patrons

USD 4890
  • Per Person on Twin Shared Accommodation

What’s Included?

What’s Not Included?

Payment Terms

Cancellation Fees

Please note: The date of written (email) communication of intent to cancel is the date considered for calculation of the cancellation fees.

Interested? Make a Booking Enquiry

It’s easy. Call us on 1800 1200 901 (Monday to Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 06:00 p.m.) or simply fill this form, and we’ll get back to you like the whirring wind.

Enquiry Form

Frequently Asked Questions

This Tour is open to everybody of a minimum age of 18 (unless accompanied by a guardian), and anybody enthusiastic about wildlife and/or photography will enjoy it. Apart from interest, fitness, a valid passport, valid yellow fever vaccination card and proof of polio vaccination, there are no other requirements. However, in order to make the most of the Tour photographically, we recommend you be familiar with at least the basics of photography. If you’re not, we suggest you join an Art and Science of Photography Workshop before the Tour.

Yes; vaccination against polio and yellow fever is mandatory in many countries including India. Please talk to us for advice on how to get one.

Yellow fever vaccination is valid for a period of 10 years from the date of administration, and polio vaccination is valid for a year. Please check your vaccination cards to verify validity. Please note that the vaccination must be valid as on the date of your return to your country after the Tour.
Considering the meticulous attention to timing we pay while scheduling Tour and the local expertise we leverage, we believe that it would be extremely unfortunate if our sightings and photography were unsatisfactory. Also, the exhaustive itinerary should offer ample opportunities for a productive time. However, since we will be in an uncontrolled environment, we stop just short of claiming that sightings are guaranteed.
A wide-angle or normal zoom is a staple for landscape and general photography. For birds and mammals, a focal length of at least 300mm is usually necessary. An additional 100mm often proves very effective especially for birds. However, if you do not have appropriate equipment, there is no need to fret. Toehold offers an exhaustive array of cameras and lenses for hire, so you can always hire what you need. What’s more, you enjoy a 10% discount on any equipment you hire for the Tour. Visit our Rental Store to see what we offer.

Unlike travel agents who plan your holiday from a remote destination to places they sometimes haven’t experienced themselves, Photo Tours offer a comprehensive toehold to experience a place through the guidance of a professional photographer. The common ingredients in all our Photo Tours are fun and a lot of learning and knowledge-sharing. Besides, most or all of our Tour participants are photography enthusiasts, which keeps the group in harmony and helps make your experience focussed.

Best of Kenya: Wildlife Group Tour

22-30 MAY 2024

Kenya Group Tour

Tour Itinerary (8N/9D)

Day 1 : Nairobi

Since participants of this Tour travel from various destinations in India and abroad, Please arrive on 22 May 2024 any time (Accommodation is not included in the Tour cost)  Please also note that flight costs are not included in the Tour fee.

Please note: This is not a photography tour and we would have 6 People in a LandCruiser. If you wish to join our Photography Tour with only 3 People in a LandCruiser guided by our ace photographers please consider the Photo Tour.

Amboseli National Park

Our fleet of safari vehicles carrying the park guide will pick participants who have landed in the morning from the Nairobi Airport, and participants who have arrived a day earlier from their hotels, at around 06:30 a.m. Once everybody is on board, we undertake a four-hour drive to Amboseli National Park. A mutual introduction session and a brief by the guide to set basic expectations for the tour will be followed by lunch.

After lunch will ensue our first safari of the tour – recipe for a memorable moment for any first-time Africa visitor and something that, even after all these visits, gets the skipper’s adrenaline pumping. Driving through the park will acquaint you with the African landscape and give you but a glimpse of the exciting time ahead.

An entire memorable day will be spent out in the picturesque expanses of Amboseli, where views of elephants with the magnificent Kilimanjaro in the backdrop have been specially designed by nature to enthrall. Apart from the pachyderms, we are likely to photograph ostriches, hyaenas, lions, cheetahs and a whole lot of attractive wildlife.

In the evening  you enjoy a scrumptious supper and retire for the night.

Lake Nakuru National Park

After breakfast, we depart for Nakuru. Arriving just before lunch, we embrace our home for the next two days overlooking the beautiful Lake Nakuru. Following a scrumptious lunch, we embark on the afternoon safari, seeking the chief spectacle of the flamingo congregation and over 400 other species of birds found here.

In the evening we enjoy a tribal dance and celebration before an appetizing supper, and retire for the day.

Setting off after breakfast, we spend as much time in the park as we can in order to sight the plentiful wildlife of Nakuru. The early morning drive will be followed by lunch and an evening safari.

This being an excellent location to see the elusive leopard, we take our chances to spot the spotted beauty of Nakuru. Efforts will also be made to photograph white rhinos and black rhinos.

Between the rides, we meet at the picturesque Baboon Hill overlooking the lake and its flamingo formations, and discuss various topics of nature photography and the natural history of Africa. Meanwhile, here, ultra wide-angle perspectives of baboons, a fixture atop the hill, are a distinct prospect.

For participants who want to relax and take the afternoon easy, the beautiful lodge with plenty of trees and a great restaurant is a fabulous place to rest.

In the evening  you enjoy a scrumptious supper and retire for the night.

Masai Mara Game Reserve

After breakfast, a pleasant drive across the dramatic Great Rift Valley brings you through the Narok Township, a major Maasai administrative centre, to Kenya’s most precious wildlife sanctuary, Masai Mara Game Reserve.

Masai Mara is home to the colorful Maasai tribe, who may be seen around the borders of the park, with Morans (‘warriors’) loping across the plains, young boys herding goats, or elders grouped under a tree discussing the matters of the day.

Wildlife viewing is never dull in the Mara, and patience is often rewarded with unique sightings. By now hopefully the group will have been acquainted with the African bush, so we seek to make the most of the bounty on offer.

Staying inside the park will ensure a great experience and early access to photography hotspots, so we may catch a lion pride gearing up for a hunt or a solitary leopard retrieving its kill from the high branches of an Acacia tree merely a few hundred metres from the camp.

Every morning while at Masai Mara, we start our day with packed breakfast at 06:30 a.m. and venture into the bush. For participants who are agreeable to spending the entire day in the field, packed lunch boxes will be provided to keep us going the whole day, thereby maximizing wildlife viewing and photography opportunities.

An occasional afternoon shower may be encountered but this will in no way mean a dampener, for the animals continue to be seen and what’s more, it will open up the prospect of making evocative images of wildlife in the rain. And when the clouds have passed, the light that illuminates the scene can serve to illustrate the meaning of the word ‘ethereal’ better than any lexicon in the world.

Meeting at specific points in the savannah, we learn and discuss various topics on photography and natural history of Africa and the Mara in general. These two days are tipped to be the highlight of the Tour with plenty of wildlife on show.

In the evening  you enjoy a scrumptious supper and retire for the night.

Maasai Village Optional Tour

While at Masai Mara, based on the group’s inclination, the Guide  can plan a visit to a local Maasai Village for a few hours in the day to learn and understand the Maasai culture, their way of life and their interesting community living. This optional Tour costs an additional USD 30 per person.

Balloon Safari Optional Tour

A ride in a hot-air balloon over the endless expanses of the savannah is an ultimate safari experience. We leave the lodge before dawn, when the sky is clear, the air brisk and the conditions perfect. As the sun rises over the Mara plains, our balloon lifts off – a bright splash of colour rising gracefully into the infinite blue. A stunning panorama unfolds below us and the balloon basket becomes our lookout post for a bird’s-eye view of the Mara’s magnificence. We float silently just a few hundred feet above large herds of wild animals. Upon landing, we celebrate the flight with a glass of champagne, after which the retrieval safari cruisers take us back to our driver. This optional ride costs an additional USD 450 per person.

After a scrumptious breakfast, we drive out making sure we arrive by lunchtime at an Indian restaurant in Nairobi. After lunch, we are transferred to the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for our home-bound flights.

The Tour ends but your love affair with African wildlife has just begun.

OPTIONAL EXTENSION AT MASAI MARA

Participants who feel the need to stretch their Tour are welcome to stay back on the following nights, to experience two more full days at the Mara at their own pace. The schedule for the two days will remain the same while we venture to deeper areas of the Mara on the full-day game drives, maximizing our chances of bringing back stunning photographs. This extension will be charged additionally. Please express your interest in the extension while booking the Tour to know more.

With the extension having come to an end, following an early breakfast, we drive out making sure we arrive by lunchtime at an Indian restaurant in Nairobi. After lunch, we are transferred to the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for our home-bound flights.

Cost & Terms

Child Cost (Below 18 Years)

USD 1990
  • Per Person on twin Shared Accommodation

Family Cost (1Child and 1 Individual)

USD 4600
  • Per Person on twin Shared Accommodation

Individual Cost

USD 2990
  • Per Person on twin Shared Accommodation

What’s Included?

What’s Not Included?

Payment Terms

All figures per person.

Payments may be made in equal monthly installments so long as the above schedule is adhered to. Please talk to us for more details.

Cancellation Fees

All figures per person.

Please note: The date of written (email) communication of intent to cancel is the date considered for calculation of the cancellation fees.

Interested? Make a Booking Enquiry

It’s easy. Call us on 1800 1200 901 (Monday to Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 06:00 p.m.) or simply fill this form, and we’ll get back to you like the whirring wind.

Enquiry Form

Frequently Asked Questions

This Tour is open to everybody of a minimum age of 18 (unless accompanied by a guardian), and anybody enthusiastic about wildlife and/or photography will enjoy it. Apart from interest, fitness, a valid passport and yellow-fever and polio vaccination cards, there are no other requirements.
Absolutely! This Tour is meant for fledgling as well as experienced photographers. Beginners get all the advantages of learning on and off the field from Toehold’s eminent Skippers. In fact if you are a newbie, you should jump on this terrific learning opportunity and sign up right away! However, in order to make the most of the Tour photographically, we recommend that you be familiar with photography fundamentals. If you’re not, we suggest you join an Art and Science of Photography Workshop before the Tour.
Yes; the vaccination is mandatory in many countries including India. Once you sign up we’ll be happy to advise you on how to get one.
You’ll need a Kenyan visa, which is applied for and issued online. More information will be shared, and assistance provided, when you sign up.
Yellow fever vaccination is valid for a period of 10 years from the date of administration, but polio vaccination is valid for only a year. Please check your vaccination card to verify validity. Please note that the vaccination must be valid as on the date of your return to your country after the Tour.
Our Photography Tour is designed to offer participants an excellent balance between photography convenience and economy. We’ll be using four-wheel-driven safari vehicles which have large windows and a thatched roof that opens up to give a 360-degree panoramic view for convenient wildlife-viewing and photography. Each vehicle will be shared by only three participants, or three participants and the Skipper, to ensure everybody has ample space to move around and shoot comfortably.
Considering the meticulous attention to timing we pay while scheduling Tours and the local expertise we leverage, we believe that it would be extremely unfortunate if our sightings and photography were unsatisfactory. Also, the exhaustive itinerary should offer ample opportunities for a productive time. However, since we will be in an uncontrolled environment, we stop just short of claiming that sightings are guaranteed.
A wide-angle or normal zoom is a staple for landscape and general photography. For birds and mammals, a focal length of at least 300mm is usually necessary. An additional 100mm often proves very effective especially for birds. However, if you do not have appropriate equipment, there is no need to fret. Toehold offers an exhaustive array of cameras and lenses for hire, so you can always hire what you need. What’s more, you enjoy a 10% discount on any equipment you hire for the Tour. Visit our Rental Store to see what we offer.
Unlike travel agents who plan your holiday from a remote destination to places they sometimes haven’t experienced themselves, Photo Tours offer a comprehensive toehold to experience a place through the guidance of a professional photographer. The common ingredients in all our Photo Tours are fun and a lot of learning and knowledge-sharing. Besides, most or all of our Tour participants are photography enthusiasts, which keeps the group in harmony and helps make your experience focussed.

Verdant Haven - Kabini Photo Tour Schedules

JUN 27-30 2024
OPEN

Wildlife Photography Bootcamp

Skipper: Jayanth

Tour Itinerary (4N/5D)

The Tour commences and ends at Kabini (Karapura). Travel from or via Bengaluru and back will be by sharing participants’ private cars or shared cabs at extra actual cost. Assistance in the way of coordination and arrangements will be provided but please talk to us for additional help or special needs. 

After a 4.5-hour-drive from Bengaluru, participants reach Kabini by noon. Following a leisurely lunch and a round of introduction to understand one another better, we mull on what’s in store for the next two days and embark on our first safari by 03:30 p.m. Navigating through the excellent network of roads in the Nagarahole jungle, we enjoy an inaugural taste of the wild, keeping our eyes peeled for action on the ground, the air and the canopy.

After hopefully an eventful ride, we return to camp at 06:30 p.m. and relax over tea, following which a ChaayaaChitra session will ensue, in which we discuss photography techniques. Later, we enjoy a scrumptious supper and retire for the night.
An early morning wake-up call and tea will set the tone for the morning safari at 06:30 a.m. Cutting through the freshness of the morning, we pursue materialization of wildlife and very possibly try some of the tips and techniques discussed in the ChaayaaChitra session the previous night.

Upon our return from the excursion at 09:30 a.m., a hot breakfast will await us, and after satiating our hunger we retreat to our rooms to refresh and rest awhile, meeting again at noon for ChitraTantra, another informative session full of interaction and fun.
After lunch, perhaps a brief nap and tea, we reenter the forest with more hope for cat luck, let our hair down and make a lot of images of the sights we encounter.

Having spent a cumulative five hours in the wild for the day, we walk into camp a happy bunch and relate our tales over tea, following which a session of CharchaaLoka will unfold.

We tuck in for the night after enjoying an appetizing dinner.
Hoping for a fitting climax to a great Tour, we embark on the last safari at the usual hour in the morning. And since cat activity is at its peak during the early hours of the day, there is every possibility of the Tour ending on a high note.

After the safari and breakfast we gather for a final rendezvous before checking out at 11:00 a.m. and setting off for our respective abodes where our families wait to hear our tales.

Cost & Terms

Individuals

INR 79,000
  • Per Person on Twin Share Accommodation

Couples

INR 1,54,000
  • Per Couple on Twin Share Accommodation

Toehold Patrons

INR 78,000
  • Per Person on Twin Share Accommodation

What’s Included?

What’s Not Included?

Payment Terms

Cancellation Fees

Please note: The date of written (email) communication of intent to cancel is the date considered for calculation of the cancellation fees.

NO Refunds.
Due to the pandemic the travel industry is at an all time low-cashflow situation. So we wouldn’t be able to do refunds but only issue Credit Notes for any cancellation from your side or due to COVID related lockdowns and closures.

Interested? Make a Booking Enquiry

It’s easy. Call us on 1800 1200 901 (Monday to Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 06:00 p.m.) or simply fill this form, and we’ll get back to you like the whirring wind.

Enquiry Form

Frequently Asked Questions

We ensure maximum care and protection while traveling in the post-COVID scenario. We certainly think you have to be extra-careful and follow rules and regulations. Please consult your general physician or doctor before you make this decision.

That’s quite easy. It depends on what your interest is. If you are a photography enthusiast and would like our skipper’s guidance and tutelage, then Photo Tour. Else hope on to a group tour where photography isn’t the focus of the trip. Finally, we can tailor-make a vacation for you if you need to travel on your own date and style.

You may certainly take your young child, but we don’t recommend taking infants and very small children on safari. Please talk to us for more information.
Certainly! We take care of the flight ticket bookings too for anyone who requires assistance.
Absolutely everything! From booking the travel tickets and arranging for a comfortable stay to suggested itineraries and planning places of interest, Toehold takes care of all the details of your vacation.
Ofcourse, yes. Please talk to our capable Camera Rent team or mention what gear you’d like to hire while registering for the tour. Guess what? We offer you a 10% off on camera rent while on the tour.

Unlike travel agents who plan your holiday from a remote destination to places they sometimes haven’t experienced themselves, Photo Tours offer a comprehensive toehold to experience a place through the guidance of a professional photographer. The common ingredients in all our Photo Tours are fun and a lot of learning and knowledge-sharing. Besides, most or all of our Tour participants are photography enthusiasts, which keeps the group in harmony and helps make your experience focused.

Absolutely! This Tour is meant for fledgling as well as experienced photographers. Beginners get all the advantages of learning on and off the field from Toehold’s eminent Skippers. In fact if you are a newbie, you should jump on this terrific learning opportunity and sign up right away!

However, in order to make the most of the Tour photographically, we recommend that you be familiar with photography fundamentals. If you’re not, we suggest you join an Art and Science of Photography Workshop before the Tour.