Camera Trapping Photography Workshop at Raat Safari

Overview

Join DCP Expeditions for an immersive Camera Trapping Workshop at Raat Safari in the heart of Uttar Pradesh’s wild landscape, one of India’s most exciting destinations for wildlife photography. Famous for its rich biodiversity and elusive species, Raat Safari offers a rare opportunity to document secretive creatures like the Striped Hyena, Desert Cat, Jungle Cat, and Rusty-spotted Cat — species seldom seen elsewhere in the country. Led by camera trapping expert Mayuresh Hendre, the workshop covers advanced camera trap setup, field strategies, and lighting techniques, helping participants master the art of capturing intimate, nocturnal wildlife moments and transforming their approach to wildlife photography.

DCP Experts

DCP Safety

Entry fees

Images Review

Meals

Post Event

Stay

About The Tour

Workshop Highlights

DSLR Camera Trapping: Master the art of setting up DSLR and trail camera traps to capture rare and elusive species in their natural habitats.
Night Safari: Experience thrilling night safaris and witness the nocturnal activities of striped hyenas, desert cats, and other secretive wildlife.
Exclusive Wildlife Viewing: Learn wildlife tracking, documentation, and den monitoring guided by our expert naturalist and Raat Safari founder, Kartik Singh.
Traditional Village Stay: Enjoy eco-friendly cottages built in traditional style, surrounded by the lush greenery of Raat Safari.

Key Features

Camera Trap Setup Provided: Sensors, housing, flashes, and triggers will be provided. You just need to bring your camera and memory cards. Gain practical, hands-on experience with professional equipment.
Build Your Own Setup: Customize your own camera trapping configuration with expert guidance, from choosing sensors and triggers to fine-tuning flash setups and housing, tailored to your photography goals.
Locational Expertise: Benefit from our team’s in-depth understanding of local wildlife movement patterns, ensuring your camera traps are placed in the most promising locations for exceptional results.

Quick Information

Route:

Varanasi airport - Raat Safari - Varanasi airport

Start Point:

Varanasi airport

Duration:

3 nights 4 days

End Point:

Varanasi airport

Inclusions

Installing camera traps on Raat Safari’s private land, including transporting of equipment to field with additional porters (if needed) to tow equipment up through forest
Camera Trapping and Photographic guidance of DCP Photography expert
Camera Trap Equipment for every participant including cameras, flashes, sensors, triggers and housing.
Transfers to and fro Raat Safari camp from Varanasi
Accommodation per night on twin sharing basis in Traditional Cottages
All meals at Raat Safari for the duration of the stay, inclusive of riverside breakfast, bush dinner, barbeque during bon-fires.

Experts

Mayuresh Hendre

Panel Expert - Wildlife Film Making and Photography

Mayuresh Hendre is an award-winning wildlife filmmaker, photographer and a naturalist from Mumbai, India. He is also a well-known name in the field of camera trapping and his passion has taken him to some of the most remote and beautiful locations in India and beyond. For several years, he has worked as a Naturalist, Photographer and Filmmaker in various parts of India, especially in North-East India, on the Brahmaputra River Landscape of Assam. He has been instrumental in developing exemplary wildlife lodges in India with first-ever camera trapping and animal photography hides in India with water hole. He is a seasoned camera trapper with expertise in DSLR Camera Trap technology on the trails of Tigers and Elephants. We are proud to have him as a Panel Expert - Wildlife Film Making and Photography.

Reach Varanasi airport. We will be arranging for pickup of all our guests from Varanasi airport.

You may reach via train to Varanasi. We will be arranging for pickup of all our guests from Varanasi airport. Request you to coordinate with our team for logistics.

Not recommended

Getting Ready

Things to carry:

Your DSLR / Mirrorless camera
Wide angle lens
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
It is advisable to carry basic first aid along with you.
Please carry Odomos to keep you protected from mosquito bites.
T-shirts/sweatshirts, light-weight long trousers and warm long-sleeved shirts
Rucksack (even though you will have porters carrying luggage, it is a good idea to carry rucksacks if not then a duffle bag)
Wind Proof Jackets/ Rain gear (a must)
Multiple Layers of warm clothing (Thermals are recommended)
A knapsack for the trek to carry your water bottle, camera and rain gear
A pair of good Trekking shoes. Good idea to have rubber soled ankle length shoes
Sunglasses, Caps, Sun Hats, sunblock retainers for spectacles
Woollen Caps/ Gloves
Reading / Writing material
Personal Medical kit

Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival, Transfer & Introduction to Camera Trapping

12:00 PM - 2:00 PM – Arrival at Varanasi Airport & Transfer to Mirzapur
Participants arriving at Varanasi Airport will be received by the DCP team. We will arrange group transfers to the lodge in Mirzapur, passing through the scenic landscapes of eastern Uttar Pradesh.
2:30 PM – Check-in & Lunch
Arrive at the lodge, complete check-in formalities, and enjoy a freshly prepared lunch while settling into the surroundings.
4:00 PM - 5:30 PM – Introduction to Camera Trapping & Equipment Session
An introductory session by Mayuresh Hendre and Kartik Singh covering the fundamentals of camera trapping, animal movement patterns, ethical wildlife monitoring, and the basics of fieldcraft. Participants will also be introduced to different types of camera traps, settings, placement strategies, and essential field gear.
5:30 PM - 6:30 PM – Evening Nature Walk & Habitat Familiarisation
A relaxed walk around the surrounding habitat to understand animal trails, bird activity, spoor identification, and potential camera trap locations. This session helps participants begin observing the landscape from a tracker’s perspective.
7:00 PM – Tea, Snacks & Group Interaction
An informal gathering with the mentors and participants to discuss expectations from the workshop, wildlife possibilities in the region, and the upcoming field sessions.
8:00 PM – Dinner & Workshop Briefing
Enjoy dinner followed by a detailed briefing about the next day’s field schedule, safety guidelines, and preparation for the first camera trap checks and birding sessions.

Day 2 - Camera Trap Setup check and Exploration

6:00 AM - 8:00 AM – Morning Birding & Crepuscular Activities Begin the day with a visit to Jogiyadari Waterfall or Khajuri Backwater for birdwatching and crepuscular animal sightings. Observe early-morning bird activity and learn about the habitat’s diversity. 8:30 AM – Breakfast Return to the lodge for a nutritious breakfast. 10:00 AM – Field Session: Camera Trap Check Mayuresh along with Kartik and the participants go to check the camera traps and see if any adjustments are needed. 1:00 PM – Lunch Enjoy a relaxing lunch and recharge for the afternoon session. 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM – Evening Safari for Birding and Hyena Den Exploration Start your field experience with a guided safari focused on birding and a visit to a striped hyena den. Capture the local birdlife and learn about tracking and identifying animal signs. 6:00 PM – Photo Screening & Q&A Session Review initial camera trap footage and images, share findings, and troubleshoot any issues with Mayuresh Hendre. This session provides an excellent opportunity to discuss settings, adjustments, and camera techniques. 7:30 PM – Dinner and Fireside Discussion Engage in an informal discussion on the workshop’s progress, with Mayuresh sharing insights into animal behavior and stories from his wildlife tracking experiences.

Day 3 - Advanced Techniques & Wildlife Tracking

<ul><li>6:00 AM - 8:00 AM – Guided Wildlife Tracking & Birding Trail Participate in a birding session and discover the birdlife around the camp.</li><li>8:30 AM – Breakfast Return to the lodge for a hearty breakfast.</li><li>10:00 AM - 1:00 PM – Camera Trap Fine-Tuning & Advanced Techniques A practical session on refining camera trap setups, adjusting sensors, and testing triggers. </li><li>1:00 PM – Lunch Relax and enjoy a meal before the afternoon’s activities.</li><li>3:00 PM - 5:30 PM – Exploring Ancient Art & Nature Walk Optionally, visit the nearby Lakhaniya cave paintings, which date back over 4,000 years, or join a nature walk. Learn about local history, flora, and the importance of conservation for both wildlife and cultural heritage.</li><li>5:30 PM – Evening Recap and Review Session Share photos and footage captured during the day, with feedback from Mayuresh and other participants. </li><li>7:00 PM – Dinner & Special Storytelling Session Enjoy a memorable storytelling session by Kartik Singh, who will share tales of his most intriguing wildlife encounters and field challenges at Mirzapur</li></ul>

Day 4 - Final Field Session and Wrap-Up

6:00 AM - 8:00 AM – Final Camera Trap Check and Data Collection
Head out for a final check of all camera traps. Retrieve the cameras, review the images, and discuss key learnings from the workshop.
8:30 AM – Farewell Breakfast
A final breakfast at Raat Safari Lodge, sharing experiences and celebrating your newfound skills in camera trapping and wildlife monitoring.
10:00 AM – Departure and Farewell
Check out and depart with lasting memories and a portfolio of images capturing the essence of Uttar Pradesh’s hidden wildlife.

Field Learnings

Participants will leave with:

A thorough understanding of both basic and advanced camera trapping techniques.
Practical experience in setting up, monitoring, and analyzing camera traps.
Insight into the conservation applications of camera trapping and how to engage local communities
A solid foundation for conducting independent camera trapping projects in various wildlife habitats.

Package Cost

Indian nationals:
Twin sharing: INR 30,000 per person inclusive of all taxes
Single occupancy: Not available

Foreign nationals:
Twin sharing: US$ 540 per person inclusive of all taxes
Single occupancy: Not available

Gold members - Upto 5% off
Silver members - Upto 3% off

WhatsApp to ask for a payment link / QR code to pay.

[Save upto 2.5% of tour cost by opting to pay via NEFT / RTGS / UPI]

Inclusions:

Transfers to and fro Raat Safari camp from Varanasi
Accommodation per night on twin sharing basis in Traditional Cottages
All meals at Raat Safari for the duration of the stay, inclusive of riverside breakfast, bush dinner, barbeque
Installing camera traps on Raat Safari’s private land, including transporting of equipment to field with additional porters (if needed) to tow equipment up through forest
Camera Trapping and Photographic guidance of DCP Photography expert
Camera Trap Equipment for every participant including cameras, flashes, sensors, triggers and housing.

Exclusions

Travel cost from your city to Varanasi
Anything that is not included in the Inclusions list (see above)
Mineral Water, Soft Drinks, Laundry Charges, Phone Calls, Tips etc.
Any kind of insurance, Medical or/and Emergency Charges.
Any extra meals not included in the above itinerary

Please take a note that sighting of a wild animal and / or a good photography opportunity to capture it in an ideal frame is a matter of luck. Though the possibility of sighting is high but it can never be guaranteed in the wild.

Map

Raat safari

Policies

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations 30 days or more prior to departure – 20% cancellation fee.
Cancellations within 30 days of departure – non-refundable.

FAQ's

Can I get a single occupany accomodation?

Please write to us on info@dcpexpeditions.com as it is subject to availability.

Design Your Custom Tour

Raat Safari, Mirzapur - Camera Trapping Expedition, Oct 2026

₹ 30,000₹ 38,000

₹30,000₹ 38,000