Founder of Big Adventure Safari

Meet Vadim Onishchenko - Founder & Wildlife Photographer

Born in Odessa, based in Berlin. Professional wildlife photographer since 2001 and founder of Big Adventure Safari in 2005. Vadim was one of the first in the world to organise dedicated photo tours and photography masterclasses, a format many of today's photo-tour companies grew from.

Since 2005 the company has run more than 150 photo safaris and expeditions worldwide, including 20+ expeditions to Africa, for over 2,000 travellers. His Kenya portfolio 'The Magic of Kenya' covers the Masai Mara, Amboseli, Samburu, Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha and Lake Bogoria.

• Guiding Ethos

My philosophy

Light first

Patience over mileage

Know the animal

Respect

We plan every drive around sunrise and sunset to catch dramatic golden rays across the savannah.

We wait with one subject instead of chasing ten, allowing genuine untamed behavior to unfold naturally.

Reading behavior lets you anticipate the decisive moment before the hunt, pounce, or herd crossing begins.

Ethical distance, no baiting, no harassing wildlife, and steadfast support for local Maasai communities.

/ Hands-on Coaching

Learning in the field with Vadim

Every game drive serves as an interactive masterclass tailored to your gear. Whether you work with flagship super-telephotos or mid-range zoom setups, instruction meets your specific creative ambitions.

Languages Spoken

Vadim speaks English, Russian, Ukrainian and German fluently, ensuring clear, nuanced communication across international safari groups.

Vehicle & Field Guidance

Camp Reviews & Digital Post

All Experience Levels

Hands-on help with exposure, autofocus settings for birds in flight, composition, panning, and demanding low-light work at dawn.

Evening image reviews and Lightroom editing sessions where we analyze daily takes, fine-tune color balance, and refine frame selections.

Suitable for beginners and advanced photographers alike, moving at a measured pace that accommodates both fundamental skills and high-speed action.

The Art of Waiting

Kenya taught me that the best photograph is the one you waited for.

Vadim Onishchenko

■ The Magic of Kenya

Signature images

Key frames captured across East Africa's most legendary reserves and wildlife habitats.

  1. Wildebeest Crossing - Mara River

  1. Leopard - Masai Mara

  1. Gerenuk - Samburu

  1. Flamingos - Lake Nakuru

  1. African Fish Eagle - Lake Naivasha

  1. Elephants under Kilimanjaro - Amboseli

Travel with Vadim in 2027

Six confirmed departures designed specifically for committed photographers. Reserve your window seat in our custom photographic Land Cruisers.

Big Adventure Safari

Wildlife photo safaris and photo tours since 2005

info@bigadventuresafari.com · Berlin, Germany

© 2026 Big Adventure Safari. All photographs © Vadim Onishchenko