Shompole Wildlife Photography Expedition | Low-Angle Hide-Based Safari in Kenya

Overview

Experience the untamed beauty of Africa on a 4 nights and 5 days wildlife photography expedition to Shompole Conservancy, one of Kenya’s most exclusive and unspoiled wilderness destinations. Located in the heart of the Great Rift Valley near the Tanzanian border, this immersive photographic tour offers unparalleled opportunities to capture iconic African wildlife—including elephants, giraffes, hyenas, zebras, and more—in their natural habitat. Central to this expedition are dedicated sessions at the world-renowned Shompole hides, purpose-built for close-up, low-angle, and behavior-based wildlife photography. Whether you’re aiming for award-winning images or deep storytelling frames, this hide-based safari promises an extraordinary African wildlife photography experience away from the crowds.

DCP Experts

DCP Safety

Meals

Off Roading

Stay

About The Tour

Join an exclusive 4 nights and 5 days wildlife photography tour to Shompole Conservancy, a hidden treasure in the heart of Kenya’s Great Rift Valley, near the Tanzanian border. Tailored for serious photographers and nature lovers, this immersive safari goes beyond the traditional game drive—offering you rare access to professional-grade wildlife hides that deliver once-in-a-lifetime photographic opportunities of Africa’s iconic species in their raw, natural environment.

At the center of this unique expedition are two purpose-built Shompole hides, strategically placed near active watering holes. Designed for low-angle, eye-level wildlife photography, these hides offer full-day shooting access—even during harsh light—so you can capture dramatic, close-up images of elephants, giraffes, zebras, hyenas, and a variety of birds. All of this is achieved without the disruption of vehicle movement or tourist noise, allowing for ethical, non-intrusive storytelling from a fully camouflaged and safe vantage point.

What sets this photography expedition apart is its emphasis on stillness, patience, and behavior-based photography. Instead of chasing wildlife, you will learn to anticipate and document natural behaviors from a fixed, silent location—creating powerful compositions and visual narratives under expert mentorship. While limited game drives and scenic experiences may complement the journey, the true essence of this expedition lies in hide-based photography, where magical moments unfold just meters away from your lens.

With a DCP Photography Mentor guiding you throughout the tour, you’ll gain hands-on experience in advanced wildlife photography techniques, ethical shooting practices, and visual storytelling—all amidst the pristine backdrops of East Africa’s lesser-known wilderness. Whether you’re chasing portfolio-worthy frames or looking to refine your craft in one of Africa’s most exclusive settings, Shompole is where your wildlife photography reaches a whole new level.

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 Ndoto

Not applicable

Getting Ready

Things to carry:

Telephoto lenses – preferably above 400 mm for distant shots
Zoom lenses – for the flexibility that it offers for unanticipated circumstances
Wide angle lenses for opportunities of landscape and astro photography
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
Bean Bag (stuff with Bajra or thermacol or Rice).
Carry a big towel / cloth to protect your gear from dust
Carry a big cloth / bandanna / scarf to protect you from the 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.
Carry a pair of good binoculars

Equipment available on rental - please mail us at rentals@dcpexpeditions.com.

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: Arrival in Nairobi – Transfer to Shompole Conservancy

Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (Nairobi), you will be greeted by our representative who will assist you with immigration and luggage formalities. After a short briefing about the expedition, we begin our 4-hour scenic drive through the Great Rift Valley towards the breathtaking Shompole Conservancy. On arrival at the luxurious Shompole Wilderness Camp, check into your rooms and enjoy a refreshing welcome drink. We’ll gather for lunch followed by an informal orientation session with your DCP photography mentor. Here, we’ll discuss the plan for the coming days, review target species, and go over field ethics and gear setup. Spend the evening settling into your surroundings and soaking in the serenity of the African wilderness. Overnight at Shompole Wilderness Camp.

Day 2 & 3: Hide-Based Wildlife Photography – Shompole’s Iconic Hides

Over the next two days, immerse yourself in hide-based wildlife photography — the heart of the Shompole experience. The first night will offer exclusive overnight access to the Plains Hide, a professional-grade hide engineered for low-angle, eye-level photography. Here, you’ll capture intimate portraits of African elephants, zebras, hyenas, giraffes, and more, often just a few meters away, even under starlit skies. The following night, you’ll rotate to the Bush Hide (or Kichaka Hide), located 1.5 km away in a denser woodland ecosystem. This offers rare chances to photograph elusive species like the African wild cat, serval, genet, honey badger, caracal, and other smaller nocturnal predators. Afternoons will be relaxed, with image review sessions, equipment charging, and downtime. Overnight at Shompole Wilderness Camp / Hide as per your convenience. We strongly recommend to spend the entire night in the hides.

Day 4: Return to Nairobi – Overnight Near Airport

After a final breakfast in the bush, bid farewell to Shompole and begin the return drive to Nairobi. You will be dropped at the Four Points by Sheraton Airport Hotel (or similar) for a relaxed overnight stay, ensuring smooth connectivity for your international departure the next day.

Day 5: Departure

Depending on your flight schedule, an airport transfer will be arranged. Take home unforgettable memories, award-worthy images, and the spirit of wild Africa imprinted in your heart.

Field Learnings

Key Learning Highlights

Techniques for low-angle wildlife photography from professionally designed hides
Framing and composition strategies for storytelling in still photography
Understanding animal behavior to anticipate decisive moments in the wild
Mastering controlled lighting for night-time photography using continuous light and spot beams
How to photograph elusive and nocturnal species ethically from a fixed vantage point
Managing exposure, focus tracking, and sharpness in low-light, hide-based scenarios
Best practices for photographing wildlife in community-run, conservation-focused ecosystems

What You Will Learn

During the Shompole Wildlife Photography Expedition, participants will gain advanced-level skills in hide-based photography, a discipline that demands patience, precision, and an eye for detail. With direct mentorship from an experienced DCP wildlife photographer, you’ll learn how to create compelling frames at eye-level using low-angle hides, often shooting in challenging lighting conditions across day and night.

This masterclass will also help you refine your visual storytelling abilities—building sequences, capturing emotion in animal behavior, and working with light, environment, and moment to produce powerful images worthy of competitions and publications. From photographing elephants under starry skies to composing dramatic action scenes involving predators or rare nocturnal species, every moment in the hide will enhance your confidence and compositional clarity.

Package Cost

3175 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 Wilderness

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 occupany accomodation?

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

Design Your Custom Tour

Shompole Conservancy - Wildlife Photography Expedition, Jan 2026

₹ 280,000₹ 310,000

₹280,000₹ 310,000