Backcountry Journeys Presents
We connect passionate people to exceptional experiences.
Photograph Black
Leopards
Leopards
Laikipia is world-renowned for its black leopards, one of the rarest and most captivating animals on the planet. These elusive melanistic cats have found a sanctuary in Laikipia's wilderness. This trip provides an extraordinary chance to photograph them, with a particular female black leopard, born and raised just 100 meters from camp, frequently sighted and remarkably comfortable around vehicles. With black leopards being spotted 5 out of 7 nights at camp. We have specialized safari outings & vehicles dedicated to finding and photographing black leopards
Big 5 & Wild Dogs
Laikipia boasts one of Africa’s richest diversities of mammals, offering the chance to photograph the Big Five—lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhinos—along with rare species like wild dogs, Grevy’s zebras, reticulated giraffes, and black leopards. Spanning nearly a million acres of unfenced conservancies, this unique landscape provides incredible, unrestricted wildlife encounters.
In addition to the large herds of elephants, antelope, and hippos, Laikipia is a haven for birdwatchers with over 350 species. Our expert guides will help you capture the beauty and diversity of this remarkable wilderness.
In addition to the large herds of elephants, antelope, and hippos, Laikipia is a haven for birdwatchers with over 350 species. Our expert guides will help you capture the beauty and diversity of this remarkable wilderness.
Superior Comfort
Perched on a hillside above the Ewaso Narok River, Laikipia Wilderness Camp offers a relaxed and adventurous safari experience. With six spacious, tented rooms designed for privacy and seclusion, it's an ideal retreat for solo travelers or couples seeking a serene escape.
Each room combines understated luxury with eco-friendly amenities, featuring private verandas that open to stunning views. The central dining and cozy living areas provide comfort after a day in the wild.
Each room combines understated luxury with eco-friendly amenities, featuring private verandas that open to stunning views. The central dining and cozy living areas provide comfort after a day in the wild.
Exclusive Access & Specialized Vehicles
Discover the hidden gem of the vast Laikipia Plateau, a remote wilderness that offers an unrivaled safari experience. Away from the crowds of more famous reserves, this expansive area allows us to go off-road, reaching secluded spots ideal for wildlife photography. Our exclusive access ensures you capture Laikipia’s stunning landscapes and wildlife without interruption.
To enhance your chances of photographing the elusive black leopard, we provide specialized vehicles and exclusive permits. These vehicles, operated by guides who understand photography and lighting, allow for optimal positioning and flexibility, giving you the best opportunities to capture these rare, majestic cats.
Reservations Available Now
Don’t Miss Your Chance to Photograph Black Leopards—Limited Spots Remain!
Available Departures
Act Fast! Almost All Departures Sold Out!
Sept. 23rd - Oct. 1st, 2025
SOLD OUT
Trip Leader(s)
Casey Mannes
Casey Mannes
Starting From
$10,995.00
$10,995.00
Single Supplement: +$2,000
Deposit: $4,000
Dec. 9th - 17th, 2025
2 Spots (1 Female Roomshare & 1 Single Supp.)
Trip Leader(s)
Casey Mannes
Casey Mannes
Starting From
$10,995.00
$10,995.00
Single Supplement: +$2,000
Deposit: $4,000
Sept. 23rd - Oct. 1st, 2026
SOLD OUT
Trip Leader(s)
Casey Mannes
Casey Mannes
Starting From
$11,995.00
$11,995.00
Single Supplement: +$2,000
Deposit: $4,000
Oct. 3rd - 11th, 2026
SOLD OUT
Trip Leader(s)
Casey Mannes
Casey Mannes
Starting From
$11,995.00
$11,995.00
Single Supplement: +$2,000
Deposit: $4,000
Oct. 17th - 25th, 2026
Available
Trip Leader(s)
Casey Mannes
Casey Mannes
Starting From
$11,995.00
$11,995.00
Single Supplement: +$2,000
Deposit: $4,000
Sept. 23rd - Oct. 1st, 2027
Available
Trip Leader(s)
Casey Mannes
Casey Mannes
Starting From
$12,995.00
$12,995.00
Single Supplement: +$2,000
Deposit: $4,000
This Special Trip Departure is valid for new trip reservations only (no transfers or trip credit).
Awarded 2024 Travelers' Choice For World-Class Photography Tours & Workshops
Start/End
Nairobi, Kenya (JKIA) / Nairobi, Kenya (JKIA)
Dates
9/23/25-10/1/25
12/9/25-12/17/25
9/23/26-10/1/26
10/3/26-10/11/26
10/17/26-10/25/26
9/23/27-10/1/27
12/9/25-12/17/25
9/23/26-10/1/26
10/3/26-10/11/26
10/17/26-10/25/26
9/23/27-10/1/27
Fitness Level
Level 1 - What's This
Group Size
Limited to 8 guests
Highlights
Famous Black Leopards: Take a night safari to experience rare sightings of these melanistic cats!
Laikipia Wilderness Camp: Capture the raw beauty of Kenya on a wildlife safari situated in the heart of the Laikipia Plateau.
See the Big 5 of Africa & More: This camp is home to lions, leopards, elephants, buffalos, and rhinos, as well as other species like Grevy's zebras, Beisa oryxes, reticulated giraffes, and wild dogs.
Sustainable Tourism: Laikipia Wilderness Camp practices eco-friendly tourism and is involved in community initiatives.
This Special Trip Departure is valid for new trip reservations only (no transfers, trip credit, or discounts).
Trip Itinerary
Most meals included – (B,L,D) denotes Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 1 (Arrival Day)
Upon arrival at the airport, you'll be transferred to our hotel in Nairobi. We'll have an orientation and welcome dinner starting at 5 pm.
Day 2 (B, L, D)
We'll meet for an early breakfast then our group will have a private charter flight waiting for us at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, Kenya (JKIA). The flight will take us to the Sosian Ranch Airstrip and then the Laikipia Wilderness Camp will transfer us to their camp (approximately 30 minutes). When we arrive at the camp, we'll enjoy a meal then begin our photo safari adventure!
Days 3 - 8 (B, L, D)
Prepare for a week of unparalleled wildlife photography at Laikipia Wilderness Camp, where the abundance of wildlife offers endless opportunities to capture Africa’s most iconic species. Laikipia is home to the Big Five—lions, leopards, elephants, buffalos, and rhinos—along with a host of other fascinating animals such as Grevy's zebras, Beisa oryxes, reticulated giraffes, and wild dogs. Our private, specially tailored vehicles are designed specifically for black leopard sightings, ensuring that you have the best possible chances to photograph these rare and elusive cats. With expert guides who excel at tracking and positioning, you’ll be perfectly situated to capture these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
Laikipia is one of the few places in the world where black leopards are regularly spotted, with sightings occurring on average 5 out of 7 nights at the camp. During our 7-night stay, you’ll have multiple opportunities to photograph these elusive melanistic cats, along with the region's other incredible wildlife. The ability to go off-road in certain areas allows us to get up close to the action, ensuring you capture intimate and dynamic shots that will make your portfolio truly stand out.
Day 9 (B)
After breakfast, Laikipia Wilderness Camp will transfer us to the Sosian Ranch Airstrip where we'll take a private charter flight back to Nairobi. We'll say goodbye to all the friends we met on this trip, and we'll take home with us a treasure trove of photos and memories from this life-changing destination!
Please note that the exact sequence of the itineraries on all photography trips will be based on weather, lighting, and sighting conditions. The goal on these trips is to make sure we are at the right place at the right time for the perfect light on our subjects. Wildlife is wild and never guaranteed. Also, itineraries can change for a variety of other circumstances including floods, forest fires, national park closures, road closures, and more. Due to the nature of wildlife and landscape photography, we do not guarantee any specific sightings or specific compositions.
What's Included
All listed meals and non-alcoholic beverages during the workshop
All transportation during the workshop
Charter flight from Nairobi to an airstrip near the camp
All lodging during the workshop
Airport transfers
All permits and park fees
Professional photography guiding and instruction
Gratuity for service staff and drivers
What's Not Included
Flights to and from Nairobi, Kenya (JKIA)
Meals not listed as included on the itinerary
Lodging outside workshop dates
Alcoholic beverages
Souvenirs and personal items
Gratuity for photography guide(s)
Trip Insurance & Medical Evacuation Insurance - see plans here.
Worry Free Travel Guarantee!
HERE’S THE DEAL
We offer one of the most rock solid guarantees in the travel industry - our worry free travel, peace of mind guarantee to you!We’re so confident that the Photography Trips we offer will not only meet but exceed the lofty expectations set forth on our website – if your trip experience does not 100% match the promises laid forth on our website we will gladly give you a credit toward a future trip.
Natural events such as wildlife & weather are certainly out of our control but every aspect of the trip including logistics, accommodations, vehicles, itinerary & your expert trip leaders will match the lofty promises we’ve made on the site – we guarantee it!
Julie K.
"I have traveled with Backcountry Journeys (BCJ) several times over the last 4 years to Glacier NP, Costa Rica (2x), Smoky Mountains NP, Joshua Tree, Zion and Bryce NPs, and most recently to Alaska.
Every trip with BCJ has been an outstanding experience. The guides are professional photographers who put the experience of the guests first. They are willing to provide as much hands on help as you need/want. The guides are also extremely knowledgeable and well trained in wilderness safety as well as the areas they guide.
BCJ trips are well run from the time of reservation through the entire trip. They will take you to great places and find great photographic opportunities."
Every trip with BCJ has been an outstanding experience. The guides are professional photographers who put the experience of the guests first. They are willing to provide as much hands on help as you need/want. The guides are also extremely knowledgeable and well trained in wilderness safety as well as the areas they guide.
BCJ trips are well run from the time of reservation through the entire trip. They will take you to great places and find great photographic opportunities."
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Scott S.
"BCJ provides an outstanding experience for photographers of all levels of experience/expertise. Each day's excursion is well planned-out and the guides always have a back-up plan if the weather is less than cooperative.
I have now been on 5 trips and each one seems better than the last. I find the guides to be very helpful and personable. The guides provide the level of hands-on assistance each participant wants.
The accommodations are always good, taking into consideration what each particular destination has to offer. I plan to continue doing these trips with BCJ and can't recommend them highly enough."
I have now been on 5 trips and each one seems better than the last. I find the guides to be very helpful and personable. The guides provide the level of hands-on assistance each participant wants.
The accommodations are always good, taking into consideration what each particular destination has to offer. I plan to continue doing these trips with BCJ and can't recommend them highly enough."
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Katherine P.
"I have now been on 8 trips with Backcountry Journeys. I love traveling with this company, as I am a woman traveling alone, and all I have to do is show up and they take care of everything else.
They have wonderful, caring, helpful, FUN, and knowledgeable guides who make the days fly by. They get us to the best photography sites possible and are always willing to help with anything and answer all questions.
We stay in great places and there is always too much wonderful food! I have met other travelers on their trips who will be friends for life, plus the guides are more than guides--they become friends too. I know I will be doing more traveling with them in the future."
They have wonderful, caring, helpful, FUN, and knowledgeable guides who make the days fly by. They get us to the best photography sites possible and are always willing to help with anything and answer all questions.
We stay in great places and there is always too much wonderful food! I have met other travelers on their trips who will be friends for life, plus the guides are more than guides--they become friends too. I know I will be doing more traveling with them in the future."
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