Shompole Hide-Based Wildlife Photography Expedition | Kenya

Overview

Embark on a 4 nights and 5 days wildlife photography expedition to Shompole Conservancy, an exclusive experience in the raw wilderness of real Africa. This unforgettable tour offers rare opportunities to photograph iconic African wildlife in their natural habitat and includes dedicated sessions at the world-famous Shompole hide, renowned for close-up wildlife encounters and dramatic photographic moments.

DCP Experts

DCP Safety

Entry fees

Images Review

Meals

Post Event

Stay

About The Tour

Embark on a 4 nights and 5 days exclusive wildlife photography expedition to Shompole Conservancy, Kenya’s hidden gem designed for serious photographers seeking immersive, hide-based experiences. Nestled in the scenic Great Rift Valley near the Tanzanian border, Shompole offers a rare opportunity to photograph elusive African wildlife from specially designed, professional-grade hides — without the disturbance of vehicle movement or tourist crowds.

At the heart of this expedition are two custom-built wildlife hides that have been strategically placed near watering holes. These hides are thoughtfully engineered for low-angle, eye-level photography, allowing participants to create intimate, award-worthy images of species like African elephants, giraffes, zebras, hyenas, and various birds in their most natural behaviour — all from a concealed vantage point. Photographers can shoot all day, even during peak light hours, under full camouflage without compromising comfort or safety.

Unlike traditional safaris, this tour prioritizes stillness, patience, and storytelling through hides, offering an unmatched opportunity to master composition, lighting, and behaviour-based wildlife photography. While limited shared game drives may complement the experience, the real magic lies in waiting inside these hides, where nature unveils its raw moments up close.

With DCP’s expert photography mentor by your side throughout the expedition, you’ll sharpen your skills in storytelling, framing, and advanced photographic techniques — all while surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and the rich biodiversity of East Africa.

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:

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: 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

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.

Day 5: Departure

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

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

3280 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 occupany accomodation?

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

Design Your Custom Tour

Shompole Conservancy - Wildlife Photography Expedition, Oct 2025

₹ 280,000₹ 310,000

₹280,000₹ 310,000