SHOMPOLE HIDES + MASAI MARA BIG CATS
A 10-day Kenya photographic safari combining four nights of specialist hide photography in Shompole Conservancy with four nights focused on big cats in the Masai Mara National Reserve. Spend two nights in each Shompole photographic hide, exploring day and night wildlife photography before continuing to the open plains, with professional photographic guidance throughout.
September 2028 | 10 Days / 9 Nights | Two Specialist Photo Hides | Masai Mara’s Big Cats | Expert-Led Wildlife Photography
SAFARI AVAILABILITY
This small-group Kenya photo safari is offered as one complete departure in September 2028, combining four nights across two photographic hides in Shompole Conservancy with four nights focused on big cat photography in the Masai Mara National Reserve. Spaces are limited to provide a comfortable photographic setup and personalised guidance throughout both parts of the safari.
Shompole Hides & Masai mara big cats photo safari
This 10-day Kenya photo safari combines specialist hide photography in Shompole Conservancy with dedicated big cat photography in the Masai Mara National Reserve. After one arrival night in Nairobi, spend four nights in Shompole’s photographic hides, followed by four nights exploring the Masai Mara National Reserve, with professional photographic guidance throughout.
At Shompole Conservancy, spend two nights in Shompole Plains Hide and two nights in Shompole Kichaka Hide. Extended sessions allow time to work with low-angle perspectives, reflections, changing daylight and specialist night lighting as wildlife visits the waterholes. Between sessions, return to camp to rest, recharge equipment and review images.
In the Masai Mara National Reserve, the focus shifts to photographing big cats in their natural habitat. Four nights allow time to follow wildlife activity, observe behaviour and work with changing light and compositions. With 6 guests and 2 photo hosts, each hide and photographic vehicle accommodates just 3 guests and 1 host, providing space and practical support across both photographic settings.
GROUP SIZE
6 guests + 2 photo hosts
3 guests + 1 host per hide/photo vehicle
Location
sHOMPOLE CONSERVANCY, Masai Mara National reserve
PRICE
2028: $15,450 usd per person sharing
DURATION
10 days / 9 nights
PHOTOGRAPHY SKILL LEVEL
All skill levels welcome
WHY JOIN THIS SHOMPOLE HIDES & MASAI MARA BIG CATS PHOTO SAFARI?
This itinerary brings together two complementary photographic experiences, with small groups, experienced photo hosts and dedicated time in each location to develop your approach.
TWO PHOTOGRAPHIC APPROACHES
Combine patient hide photography in Shompole Conservancy with vehicle-based big cat photography in the Masai Mara National Reserve, developing skills across different shooting conditions.
JUST THREE GUESTS PER HOST
Each hide and photographic vehicle accommodates only three guests with one photo host, providing space for equipment, individual guidance and a comfortable working environment.
TIME TO DEVELOP YOUR APPROACH
Four nights in each location allow you to become familiar with the conditions, refine techniques and build on previous sessions rather than moving on after a brief visit.
EXPERIENCED SHOMPOLE PHOTO HOSTS
Benefit from Mark and Jaren’s extensive experience in the Shompole photographic hides, with practical insight into camera preparation, lighting, timing and working effectively during extended sessions.
GUIDANCE ACROSS BOTH LOCATIONS
Receive photographic support throughout the journey, adapting your exposure, autofocus and composition as you move from controlled hide lighting to changing conditions on the open plains.
IMAGE REVIEW & EDITING SUPPORT
Use time between photographic sessions for constructive feedback and editing guidance, where the schedule allows. Discuss your results and identify adjustments to try during your next session.
PHOTOGRAPHY HIGHLIGHTS
From waterhole reflections and nocturnal wildlife in Shompole Conservancy to big cats on the open plains of the Maasai Mara National Reserve, this safari offers varied subjects, perspectives and lighting conditions.
Low-angle hide photography
Photograph wildlife from low viewpoints as animals approach to drink, working with reflections, foreground detail and compositions that place you at their level.
Nocturnal wildlife & creative lighting
Use specialist hide lighting to photograph night-active visitors, exploring how light, shadow and reflections can shape your images.
Two distinct hide settings
Spend two nights in Shompole Plains Hide and two nights in Shompole Kichaka Hide, working with the backgrounds, wildlife activity and photographic opportunities each setting offers.
Masai Mara Big Cats
Focus on lions, leopards and cheetahs in the Maasai Mara National Reserve, with opportunities determined by sightings, animal movements and conditions on the day.
Behaviour & interaction
Look for moments that reveal wildlife behaviour, from waterhole encounters to big cat social interactions, movement and hunting activity when opportunities arise.
Itinerary at a Glance
From Nairobi to four nights of specialist hide photography in Shompole Conservancy, followed by four nights focused on big cats in the Masai Mara National Reserve.
Day 1
Day 2
Days 3 - 5
Day 6
Day 7 - 9
Day 10
Arrival in Nairobi
Fly to Shompole
Photo Hide Sessions
FLY TO MASAI MARA
BIG CAT PHOTOGRAPHY
Return to Nairobi
Arrive in Nairobi, meet your photo hosts and prepare for the safari.
Fly to Shompole Conservancy and settle in before your first evening and overnight hide session.
Day and night wildlife photography, completing two nights in each specialist photographic hide.
Travel to the Maasai Mara National Reserve and begin the big cat photography part of your safari.
Explore the Maasai Mara National Reserve, focusing on big cats, wildlife behaviour and changing light.
Return to Nairobi for your onward travel arrangements.
Price & Booking Details
PRICE INCLUDES
Airport meet-and-greet, pick-up and drop-off at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Nairobi One night accommodation in Nairobi on arrival Private group charter flights from Nairobi to Shompole Conservancy, Shompole Conservancy to the Maasai Mara National Reserve, and the Maasai Mara National Reserve to Nairobi All accommodation throughout the safari, including Shompole Wilderness Camp facilities, four overnight photographic hide sessions and four nights in the Maasai Mara National Reserve All ground transfers between airports, airstrips, accommodation and photographic hides All meals throughout the safari Purified drinking water, coffee, tea, juice and selected non-alcoholic beverages House wines, local beers and selected spirits, where included by the property All conservancy, national reserve, community and activity fees included in the itinerary Two nights in Shompole Plains Hide and two nights in Shompole Kichaka Hide Scheduled day, evening, night and early morning hide sessions Private photographic game drives in the Maasai Mara National Reserve, with a focus on big cats Expert local driver-guides in the Maasai Mara National Reserve Professional photographic guidance throughout the safari from Mark and Jaren Fernley A maximum of 3 guests with 1 photo host per hide and photographic vehicle Optional photographic critiques, image review and editing guidance where time allows Pre-safari planning information and preparation guidance AMREF Flying Doctors emergency medical evacuation cover for the duration of the safari On-the-ground logistical support throughout the safari
PRICE EXCLUDES
International flights to and from Kenya Personal travel insurance, which is required for all guests Kenya entry authorisation, visa fees, Kenya inbound travel insurance, passport fees, vaccination costs or other personal travel documentation expenses Premium alcoholic beverages unless specifically included by the property Personal expenses, including souvenirs, laundry, spa treatments, additional drinks and incidentals Optional activities or experiences not listed in the confirmed itinerary Additional hotel nights, meals, transfers or services required due to early arrival, late departure, flight changes, delays or missed connections Gratuities and tips for photo hosts, local guides, lodge staff, hide teams, porters and other support staff Excess baggage charges or private luggage arrangements outside the confirmed private charter allowance Any increase in government taxes, conservancy fees, national reserve fees, fuel levies, airport taxes, tourism fees or other compulsory charges imposed after confirmation Costs arising from circumstances beyond our control, including weather disruptions, flight delays, changes to conservancy or national reserve regulations, medical issues or force majeure events
Detailed Safari Itinerary
This specialist Shompole photo hide safari has been designed around extended time in the hides, with a focus on low-angle wildlife photography, nocturnal encounters, reflections, behaviour and creative lighting. Each day is structured to give photographers meaningful time in the field while still allowing space to rest, recharge and review images between sessions.
DAY 1
Arrival in Nairobi
Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, where you will be met and transferred to your Nairobi airport hotel. This first evening includes a meet-and-greet with your photo host, giving you time to discuss the safari ahead, ask questions and prepare for the journey.
Guests must arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport no later than 4:00pm on arrival day.
Overnight: Nairobi Airport Hotel
DAY 2
Fly to Shompole Conservancy
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your private charter flight to Shompole Conservancy. On arrival, settle into camp before receiving an introduction to the photographic hides, including the hide setup, lighting approach, safety guidance and what to expect during extended hide sessions.
Later in the day, begin your first hide session as wildlife starts moving towards the waterhole, with opportunities continuing into the evening and night.
Photography Focus: First hide session, low-angle perspectives and introduction to night hide photography
Overnight: Shompole Wilderness Camp & Photo Hides
DAYS 3 - 5
Specialist Day & Night Hide Photography
Spend three full days and nights rotating between the Shompole photographic hides. Each session is designed around patient hide photography, allowing wildlife to approach naturally while guests work from low, eye-level positions.
During daylight and golden hour, opportunities may include elephants, giraffes, zebras, baboons, birds and other plains wildlife. As darkness falls, the hides offer a completely different photographic experience, with specialist lighting setups creating opportunities for dramatic nocturnal images of predators and other night-active species.
Between hide sessions, guests return to the lodge to rest, refresh, recharge equipment and review images with the photo hosts.
Photography Focus: Low-angle wildlife, reflections, dust, night photography, predators, plains game and creative hide work
Overnight: Shompole Wilderness Camp & Photo Hides
DAY 6
FLY TO THE MASAI MARA
After a final early morning hide session, return to Shompole Wilderness Camp to freshen up before transferring to the airstrip for your private charter flight to the Maasai Mara National Reserve.
On arrival, meet your local driver-guides and transfer to camp. Later, head out for your first photographic game drive, shifting from waterhole hide photography to following wildlife across the open plains. Your photo hosts will help you adapt your camera setup and approach, with big cats as the main focus.
Photography Focus: Final hide session, introduction to big cat photography and adapting to vehicle-based shooting.
Overnight: Soroi Private Wing - Masai Mara
DAYS 7 - 9
MASAI MARA BIG CAT PHOTOGRAPHY
Spend three full days exploring the Maasai Mara National Reserve in private photographic vehicles, with a maximum of three guests and one photo host per vehicle. The main focus is on locating and photographing big cats, allowing time to observe their behaviour and respond as encounters develop.
Daily plans will follow wildlife activity, local guiding knowledge and light conditions. Sightings may offer opportunities to photograph movement, social interactions, resting behaviour or hunting activity, with compositions shaped by the animals and their surroundings.
Your photo hosts will provide practical guidance on autofocus, exposure, shutter speed and composition throughout each drive. Work with changing backgrounds, subject distances and light to explore different approaches to each encounter.
Between drives, there will be opportunities to rest, review images and receive editing guidance and constructive feedback, where time allows.
Photography Focus: Big cats in their natural habitat, wildlife behaviour, available light and environmental compositions.
Overnight: Soroi Private Wing - Masai Mara
DAY 10
RETURN TO NAIROBI
Enjoy a final morning of photography, subject to your charter schedule, before returning to camp to prepare for departure. Transfer to the airstrip for your private charter flight to Nairobi.
On arrival, transfer to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your onward international flight.
Photography Focus: Final wildlife photography opportunities, subject to flight timing.
End Point: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Nairobi
Guests should book international flights departing no earlier than 6:00pm on this day.
Designed by Photographers, for Photographers
This safari combines specialist photographic hides in Shompole Conservancy with custom photographic vehicles in the Maasai Mara National Reserve. Small groups, carefully planned shooting setups and professional guidance give you space and support to work across both environments.
Professional Field Guidance
Travel with Mark and Jaren Fernley, professional wildlife photographers and co-founders of Untamed Photo Safaris. Throughout the safari, your hosts will help you work with light, behaviour, positioning, composition and camera settings.
Guidance is practical and shaped around each encounter, from photographing wildlife under specialist hide lighting to following big cat activity on the open plains.
Recommended Camera Gear
We recommend a mirrorless camera with reliable autofocus and strong low-light performance. A 24–70mm and 70–200mm combination is useful for hide photography, with fast f/2.8 lenses particularly helpful during night sessions.
For the Masai Mara National Reserve, add a telephoto lens reaching at least 400mm for more distant wildlife. A second camera body is useful for switching between focal lengths while reducing lens changes.
A full recommended equipment list will be shared with confirmed guests before departure.
Photographic Safari Vehicles
In the Masai Mara National Reserve, each private custom photographic vehicle carries a maximum of three guests and one photo host, with one row per photographer.
This provides space for long lenses, easier positioning and flexibility when working a sighting. Your host and local driver-guide work together to consider light, backgrounds and wildlife movement.
Safari Location
This safari combines the waterhole photographic hides of Shompole Conservancy with the open plains of the Masai Mara National Reserve. Each location offers a different way to photograph wildlife, from patient observation at water level to following big cat activity by vehicle.
Shompole CONSERVANCY
Spend four nights rotating between Shompole Plains Hide and Shompole Kichaka Hide, with two nights in each. Both hides provide low-angle views of visiting wildlife, with specialist lighting supporting photography after dark. Their different settings offer variety in backgrounds, compositions and wildlife activity.
Shompole Plains Hide
An open waterhole setting offers opportunities to work with reflections, wider compositions, dust and changing daylight. Overnight sessions bring the possibility of photographing predators and other wildlife visiting after dark.
Shompole Kichaka Hide
A different habitat and backdrop provide a second photographic setting, with opportunities for both daytime visitors and nocturnal wildlife. Patient observation may reveal elusive species, although every session depends on natural animal movements.
MASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE
Spend four nights focused on big cat photography, exploring in private photographic vehicles with your photo hosts and expert local driver-guides.
The emphasis is on finding and spending time with lions, leopards and cheetahs when sightings allow, observing behaviour and responding as encounters develop. Open grasslands and changing light offer scope for both closer compositions and wider images that place wildlife within the landscape.
Safari Accommodation
Following an arrival night in Nairobi, this safari combines Shompole Wilderness Camp and overnight photographic hide sessions with four nights in luxury safari accommodation in the Masai Mara National Reserve.
During your time in Shompole Conservancy, nights are spent inside the photographic hides, with two nights in Shompole Plains Hide and two nights in Shompole Kichaka Hide. Between sessions, return to Shompole Wilderness Camp for meals, showers, rest, battery charging and image review with your photo hosts.
In the Masai Mara National Reserve, luxury safari accommodation provides a comfortable base for the big cat photography part of your journey. Unwind between game drives, enjoy meals and spend time reviewing and editing images before heading back into the field.
The accommodation throughout the safari supports the pace of a photographic trip, balancing extended shooting sessions and early starts with time to rest, recharge equipment and prepare for the next encounter.
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