Shompole Hide-Based Wildlife Photography Expedition | Kenya

Overview

Embark on an exclusive 5-day, 4-night wildlife photography adventure to Shompole Conservancy — an untouched gem in the heart of authentic Africa. This immersive expedition offers exceptional opportunities to capture iconic African wildlife in their natural surroundings, with special access to the legendary Shompole hide, celebrated worldwide for its unparalleled close-up encounters and breathtaking photographic possibilities.

DCP Experts

DCP Safety

Entry fees

Images Review

Meals

Post Event

Stay

About The Tour

Embark on an exclusive 4 nights, 5 days wildlife photography expedition to Shompole Conservancy - a secluded jewel in Kenya’s Great Rift Valley, crafted for passionate photographers seeking immersive, hide-based encounters. Located near the Tanzanian border, this pristine conservancy offers unmatched opportunities to photograph elusive African wildlife without the distractions of typical tourist activity.

At the core of this expedition are two purpose-built photographic hides, expertly positioned near key watering holes. These hides are designed for low-angle, eye-level compositions, allowing photographers to capture dramatic and intimate images of iconic species such as African elephants, zebras, giraffes, hyenas, and diverse birdlife — all while remaining unseen. With all-day shooting access, even in harsh midday light, these hides offer a rare chance to document wildlife behaviour up close, in comfort and full camouflage.

Unlike regular safari formats, this expedition is centered on patience, silence, and the craft of visual storytelling from inside the hides. While optional game drives may supplement the experience, the essence of this tour lies in waiting quietly for the perfect moment — when nature reveals its rawest emotions at close quarters.

Throughout the journey, a DCP expert mentor will guide you on mastering light, composition, and behaviour-driven wildlife photography. Set against the dramatic backdrops of East Africa, this Shompole experience is ideal for photographers aiming to elevate their craft with award-winning images and deep field learnings.

Quick Information

Route:

Nairobi - Shompole - Nairobi

Start Point:

Nairobi

Duration:

4 nights 5 days

End Point:

Nairobi

Inclusions

4 nights and 5 days stay at a premium eco-lodge inside Shompole Conservancy
Overnight exclusive access to 2 professional hides designed for serious photographers
Expert mentorship throughout the expedition by DCP mentor
All meals during the stay (veg and non-veg)
Return airport transfers from Nairobi
Park fees and conservancy access charges
Community-based tourism experience with the Maasai
Local guide and support team

Experts

Caesar Sengupta

Founder And Director

Dr Caesar Sengupta is a globally acclaimed Wildlife Conservation Photographer, a National Geographic acknowledged educator, freelance writer and trainer. He is a Canon India EOS Maestro, a qualified MD Medical Microbiologist and is also the Founder Director of DCP Expeditions LLP, which is India's one of the largest Wildlife, Nature and Travel Photography Community Platform, operating since 2010 and now present in 21 cities across India. He conducts regular photography workshops and field expeditions across the country. He has travelled far and wide across Indian geography and beyond. He has the timeless distinction of having a frog species discovered in 2014 named after him - The Indosylvirana caesari also known otherwise as the Maharashtra Golden Backed Frog. Through his photography, he tries to depict the untold and unseen beauties of nature.

Arrive at Jommo Kenyatta International Airport, Nairobi. You will be met and greeted by our airport manager and will be transferred to Shompole.

Not applicable

Getting Ready

Things to carry:

The best lenses to carry would be something in the range of 24 - 70mm and 70 - 200mm
Preferably carry two camera bodies, one for each of the above two lenses
Carry base plate for lens (Gimbal will be provided in the hides)
Carry fully charged batteries for your camera / flash.
Carry battery charger. Carry extra pack of camera batteries
Carry backup memory cards / HDD storage drives, Laptop
Carry a big towel / cloth to protect your gear and yourself from dust
Body Warmer for the chilly early mornings.
Sun screens are very important
It is advisable to carry basic first aid along with you.
Please carry Odomos to keep you protected from mosquito bites.

Vaccinations (for Indian participants only)

Yellow fever vaccination to be taken at least 10 days before departure date mandatory for emigration clearance. Please get in touch with our team for any assistance.

Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)

Kenya has waived off e-VISA requirement but they have introduced a new requirement which is called Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA).

It's a simple process which can be done here - https://www.etakenya.go.ke/en

Please keep the following documents and things handy before you start filling the application form.

Copy of the first and last page (in one single document). Please ensure passport is valid for at least six (6) months after your planned date of arrival into Kenya, with at least one blank page
Selfie or passport-type photo
Contact information, email address and phone number
Details of your arrival and departure itinerary and flight tickets
Accommodation booking confirmation(s) - (will be provided by us)
Credit card, debit card or other means of payment

This will cost you $ 35, which needs to be paid online to Kenya Govt.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive at Nairobi - Shompole conservancy

Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Nairobi where you will be met by our representative after clearing with immigrations formalities and briefed about your safari. We will then travel on road for 4 hours to reach our resort at Shompole Conservancy. Complete your checkin formalities and freshen up. We will meet over lunch and have an informal discussion on the plan for the next 4 days.

Dinner and overnight at the Shompole Wilderness Camp.

Day 2 and 3: Explore Shompole conservancy

Our primary attraction at Shompole Wilderness Camp is the amazing photography hide. The hide provides a perfect vantage point for capturing stunning low-angle shots, particularly during the drier months when wildlife is most active.

We will have one full night of exclusive use of the Plains hide for our group. We will be staying at the hide overnight to capture the nocturnal African wildlife in action under the billion stars.

The next day, we will spend the night at a second Hide (Kichaka Hide or Bush Hide) that is situated 1.5 kms from the Plains hide in a woodland with tall grass. The aim of this hide is to offer you another option to photograph some of more of the smaller species of animals like the Wild Cat, Serval and Caracal etc,.

During our stay, you will also have access to Shared Game Drives, Baboon Walk, River Activities, Cultural and Market visits. Dinner and overnight at the Shompole Wilderness Camp.

Day 4: Shompole - Nairobi

<p>We will drive back for Nairobi after breakfast. You will be transferred to 4 Points by Sheraton Airport Hotel or similar, so that you can catch your early morning flight easily the next day morning.</p>

Day 5: Departure

<p>You will be dropped at the airport as per your flight time. This is the end of the expedition.</p>

Field Learnings

Hide-based techniques for low-angle, intimate wildlife photography
Advanced composition skills with emphasis on patience and timing
Understanding animal behaviour and anticipating action
Shooting in controllable light conditions at night
Storytelling through sequences captured from fixed points
Ethical wildlife photography in community-run conservancies

Package Cost

3910 USD inclusive of all taxes per head on twin sharing basis
(Those who pay in INR need to pay as per exchange rates as on the date of transaction)

Cost includes:

Accommodation in Shompole Wilderness Camp (twin sharing basis)
One full night of exclusive use of Shompole hide for our group
Shared access to the Shompole hide throughout the stay
All meals as mentioned in itinerary
All drinks on the house
Shared Game Drives
Baboon Walk
River Activities
Laundry during our stay
Hands on training in field by our Mentor

Cost doesn't include

Dinner at Nairobi on last day
All International Flights + Taxes
Visas and Mediclaim charges
Travel & Personal accident insurance
Bush breakfast / bush dinners if opted for
Helicopter ride (cost depends on group size and flying hours)
Tips & personal expenses such as bar, telephone calls, tips, gratuities … etc.
Cost of Meals other than those specified in inclusions
Cost of foreign exchange for personal expenses
Excursions not detailed in above program

Applicable TCS:

Section 206C(G) of Income tax act, 1961 mandates tour package operators selling overseas packages to collect TCS from the individuals travelling abroad. As announced in budget 2025, the threshold limit of remittances (under LRS) made to overseas tour package sellers is Rs. 10 lakh (except for medical and educational expenses). TCS is 5% below threshold and 20% above the threshold. As a mandate, we will therefore, be collecting TCS as per the mentioned threshold and depositing to Govt within the deadline. Don't worry, TCS isn't an extra fee! It is an advance tax payment that will be adjusted against your income tax liability when you file your returns.

Map

Shompole Conservancy

Policies

Cancellation policy

All cancellations before 30 days of the event date - 100% credit
All cancellations between 20 - 30 days of the event date - 50% credit
All cancellations within 20 days of the event date - No credit possible

FAQ's

Can I get a single occupancy accomodation?

It depends on the availability. Please write to us at info@dcpexpeditions.com

Design Your Custom Tour

Shompole Conservancy - Wildlife Photography Expedition, Batch 1, Aug 2026

₹ 351,900₹ 380,000

₹351,900₹ 380,000