By The UNCHARTED® editors · 5 min read
From the Lens of Paul Otte
The first half of Paul’s adventure started in northern Kenya in Laikipia where he stayed at Segera Retreat, Borana, and Lewa House. Segera is the ultimate introduction to Africa as one of Kenya’s most spectacular new lodges. While staying at Borana, he was introduced to rhino tracking where they, led by three armed rangers, walked on foot in the conservancy and spotted rhinos from a safe but exhilarating distance. Followed by a horseback ride to the one and only Pride Rock for a proper sundowner.
From Laikipia, Paul then hopped on a short flight to the Masai Mara, where he stayed at Tangulia Camp, House in the Wild, Mara Plains, and Cottars 1920's Camp. The Masai Mara is known for its incredibly high density of game, and it did not disappoint. Tuleto ‘James’ Sengeny, UNCHARTED’s private guide, and Paul observed a cheetah and her six cubs for many hours before being lucky enough to witness an impala kill. Each lodge has its own unique style, but one thing was consistent everywhere Paul went—the staff, guides, and hosts would be equally as memorable as all the animal sightings. The perfect pairing!
UNCHARTED: Tell us, how long have you been a photographer and what type of shots interest you the most?
OTTE: I have been a photographer for the better part of 6 years. Traveling in my early 20's was the catalyst that sparked my interest and appreciation towards photography. I was traveling to these beautiful places like Brazil and Thailand and it was bothering me that the images I was capturing were not as strong as they could be. So I took it upon myself to dive head first into the world of photography! Originally, it was landscape and astrophotography that captured my attention the most. Now I find that portraits, lifestyle, and wildlife images produce my strongest work. I enjoy the challenge of working with people and bringing out raw emotions that are translated through the camera lens, which inevitably looks both ways. Shooting wildlife is a relatively new endeavor but to say that I am addicted would be an understatement. It has the perfect balance of technical knowledge, patience, and exhilaration that I find so fulfilling. Having a great guide is beyond critical for creating the images you want to capture. UNCHARTED has their finger on the pulse when it comes to the best guides and I was able to produce some great images out in the field.
"Tanzania at its Wildest"
"I enjoy the challenge of working with people and bringing out raw emotions that are translated through the camera lens, which inevitably looks both ways."
Q: What inspired you to photograph Africa? Specifically, which parts have you traveled to?
OTTE: Africa truly is a photographer's dream to shoot - the possibilities of creating beautiful imagery are practically endless. It has always been at the top of my list to photograph. In 2018, I was fortunate enough to go on assignment for Marjorie's Fund in Rwanda and Uganda where I was documenting the work of a few doctors from New York who build clinics to treat and educate people with type 1 diabetes. I was able to sneak off to the Masai Mara, Kenya for two days on the back end and that's where Africa really sank its tusks in me. I was introduced to these animals for the first time and just being in their presence, let alone getting to photograph them, was monumental. Two days there was just a teaser, but it impacted my life tremendously and planted the seed for a return trip. Flash forward to 2020 and I was back in the African action, this time on assignment for UNCHARTED! I was on the ground in Kenya for a total of 14 days and visited 7 different camps to photograph the lodges, people, food, wildlife, and the soul of each place. My first leg was in northern Kenya at Segera Retreat, Borana, and Lewa House. I then hopped back on a bush plane and flew to the Masai Mara where I visited the Tangulia, House in the Wild, Mara Plains, and Cottars 1920's camps. It was the trip of my life... so far!
"Africa truly is a photographer's dream to shoot - the possibilities of creating beautiful imagery are practically endless. It has always been at the top of my list to photograph."
Q: You just returned from your most recent photography trip to Africa. Can you give us some insider tips about this trip?
OTTE: Here are some insider tips for visiting and photographing in Africa:
Pack light! The bush planes only allow about 33lbs of luggage per person, including camera gear, which is a real struggle when bringing camera gear.
Bring extra memory cards
Clean your gear and bring rain sleeves for your equipment
Steady as she goes! Time has a tendency to slow down there so go with the flow and never rush!
Got to have a good pair of boots with sturdy socks. You never know what sort of things you run into out in the bush, whether you're rhino tracking with rangers in Laikipia or getting your vehicle un-stuck on your way to the Kenya/Tanzania border, so it's important to have a solid foundation on your feet!
If you're shooting on a 400-600mm telephoto lens, I highly recommend bringing along a monopod
Q: Putting photography aside, what draws you to Africa?
OTTE: When I think of Africa, I visualize the strong, elegant people, the vibrant colors, epic landscape, and exhilarating wildlife. You go to Africa and you can't help but be moved in a spiritual way. Everyday you run into something that is blanketed in magic - whether it's having a sundowner with good friends on top of Pride Rock or just watching lions bask in the sun - there is rarely a dull moment. That is what draws me to Africa.
Safari Essentials from Huckberry
Paul teamed up with Huckberry to field test some of the tried-and-true travel gear. Check out this design-minded, curated list of gear for your next safari.
Flannel-lined Waxed Trucker Jacket
The G.O.O.D. Shirt
72-Hour Merino Tee
Proof Nomad Pant
