Shompole hide and Mashatu Photo Safari - May/June 2026
The Wildlife
Photo Safari Map
Overview
This 16-day Shompole and Mashatu photo safari combines two very different, yet highly complementary, wildlife photography experiences across Kenya and Botswana.
At Shompole in Kenya’s Great Rift Valley, the focus is on eye-level hide photography, including overnight stays in purpose-built underground hides. Here, you’ll work with soft afternoon light, early morning activity, and productive nocturnal sessions, capturing natural behaviour from a low, undisturbed perspective.
The safari then shifts to Mashatu, where private game drives are combined with additional hide sessions. Known for its big cats, elephants, and open landscapes, Mashatu offers excellent opportunities to work with light, positioning, and behaviour across a range of environments.
With just a small group and guidance from Stu Porter, this safari is designed for photographers who value time at sightings, patience, and the ability to create strong, thoughtful wildlife images.
Why Choose This Safari
- Just 3 photographers for maximum space, flexibility, and personal guidance
- Shompole’s overnight underground hides for immersive, eye-level photography
- Strong focus on night time, sunrise, and sunset shooting from the hides
- Elusive species, caracal, serval, leopard & lion
- Shompole is widely regarded as one of Africa’s most active and photo-productive hides, with consistent wildlife activity
- Mashatu’s predator-rich environment, including lion, leopard, and cheetah
- Excellent opportunities to photograph large elephant herds up close
- Combination of private game drives and dedicated hide sessions
- Consistent hands-on guidance from Stu Porter throughout the safari
Tour Leader
Stu Porter, owner of Wild4 Photo Safaris, brings over 20 years of experience leading wildlife photography safaris across Africa.
Known for his calm, practical approach, he focuses on light, behaviour, and positioning.
Stu works closely with guests and guides in the field, offering tailored, hands-on guidance throughout the safari.
Learn more about Stu on the Tour Leaders Page → HERE
Location
SHOMPOLE OVERNIGHT HIDES (KENYA)
Located in Kenya’s Great Rift Valley, Shompole delivers a unique, hide-based photography experience. Its purpose-built underground hides operate at eye level, attracting wildlife directly to the water’s edge. Regular sightings include lions, leopards, hyenas, plains game, and a range of nocturnal species. With open landscapes, striking light, and long sessions in the hides, it’s an exceptional setting for close, intimate wildlife images.
MASHATU GAME RESERVE (BOTSWANA)
Located in Botswana’s Northern Tuli Game Reserve, Mashatu is known for consistent predator sightings and large elephant herds. Open landscapes, riverbeds, and sandstone ridges provide clean backgrounds and excellent light. Combining private game drives with well-positioned hides, Mashatu offers strong opportunities to work patiently with behaviour, while off-road driving allows for precise positioning and carefully selected backgrounds.
Photographers Per Vehicle
UNDERGROUND HIDES
- Shompole overnight hides - max 4 photographers
- Mashatu’s Lala Limpopo overnight hide - max 4 photographers
SAFARI VEHICLES
- Only 3 photographers in a single safari vehicle when at Mashatu
- Unobstructed access to both sides of the vehicle
Vehicle Congestion
SHOMPOLE HIDES (KENYA)
- No game drives – all photography from underground hides
- Maximum of 4 photographers per hide
- No vehicle presence or disturbance
- Quiet, controlled environment for uninterrupted photography
MASHATU (BOTSWANA)
- Very low vehicle density across the reserve
- Maximum of 3 vehicles at big cat sightings
- Most general sightings are enjoyed on our own
- Allows time and space to photograph behaviour without pressure
Accommodation
SHOMPOLE WILDERNESS CAMP (KENYA)
Shompole Wilderness Camp is a remote tented camp set in Kenya’s Rift Valley, offering a quiet base between overnight hide sessions.
- Style: Luxury Canvas Tent
- Power: Limited (Generator & Solar)
- Recharging: In-room (British Type G plug)
- Hairdryer: NOT ALLOWED due to electrical system
- WiFi: Available in hides & tents
- Fan: YES
- Workspace: Desk in room
- Bathroom: Private en-suite
- Toilet: Private flush toilet
- Vanity: Running water in sink
- Shower: Private plumbed shower (hot water 24/7)
MASHATU LODGE (BOTSWANA)
Mashatu Lodge is a comfortable base within the private Mashatu Game Reserve, offering excellent access to productive wildlife areas.
- Style: Brick & Mortar
- Power: 24/7
- Recharging: In-room (South African Type M plug)
- Hairdryer: provided
- WiFi: Available in common areas & rooms
- Airconditioning: YES
- Workspace: Desk in room
- Bathroom: Private en-suite
- Toilet: Private flush toilet
- Vanity: Running water in sink
- Shower: Private plumbed shower (hot water 24/7)
Weather
☀️ SHOMPOLE HIDES (KENYA)
Late May in Shompole is generally dry and stable, with clear skies and excellent light conditions. Wildlife visits the water sources regularly.
Mornings are cool with soft light, while afternoons can become warm and still. Rain is possible but usually limited.
• Daytime: Warm and pleasant, typically 27°C to 31°C (81°F to 88°F)
• Early morning: Cool, usually 13°C to 17°C (55°F to 63°F), so a light jacket is recommended
☀️ MASHATU (BOTSWANA)
June in Mashatu offers dry conditions, clear skies, and soft winter light. Vegetation has thinned, improving visibility.
Mornings are cold and crisp, while afternoons are mild and stable with very little chance of rain.
- Daytime: Mild and comfortable, typically 22°C to 25°C (72°F to 77°F)
- Early morning: Cold, usually 5°C to 10°C (41°F to 50°F), so warm layers are essential
A Day On Safari
SHOMPOLE HIDES (KENYA)
- Head to the hide in the afternoon to photograph animals arriving to drink
- Remain in the hide overnight with floodlit waterhole
- Lions, leopards, hyenas, and other nocturnal species often visit
- Photograph early morning activity at first light
- Return to camp for brunch
- Rest, equipment charging & optional image review with Stu
- Return to the hide in the afternoon and repeat
- Spend two nights in each of the two hides
MASHATU (BOTSWANA) & SOUTH LUANGWA (ZAMBIA)
- Early morning start & light breakfast (coffee, tea, fruit, oatmeal, yoghurt)
- Depart before sunrise
- Photograph through the cool morning hours
- Spend extended time at sightings to work scenes
- Mid-morning pause for a short break
- Return to the lodge for lunch
- Rest, equipment charging & optional image review with Stu
- Afternoon tea or coffee before heading out again
- Return after sunset
- Dinner followed by optional image review with Stu
Gear List
CAMERA BODY:
- 24 megapixels or higher recommended for this wildlife photography safari
- Two camera bodies strongly recommended – backup if one fails and avoids changing lenses in the field
- Mirrorless or DSLR cameras are suitable
LENSES:
- 24mm f2.8: Great for wide angle images f2.8 lenses are very helpful in low light
- 70–200mm f/2.8: Again, a wider aperture will be very helpful in low light
- Up to 500mm (prime or zoom): Essential for distant wildlife and predator action
ACCESSORIES:
- Binoculars recommended
- Small travel tripod recommended for timelapses at the hides / shooting video
- Spare batteries and memory cards
- Laptop (recommended) for image review
For more in-depth guidance on what to bring we are happy to discuss your setup via Zoom or email.
VISA
Visas are required for parts of this safari, and it is your responsibility to ensure they are in place before departure.
Regulations can change, so we recommend checking official government websites prior to travel.
❖ Passport must be valid for 6 months after travel with a minimum of 4 blank pages.
❖ We will provide an official itinerary and booking confirmation to support your application.
❖ We recommend applying at least 3 weeks prior to travel.
SOUTH AFRICA (The safari begins & ends in South Africa)
> Most nationalities (including USA, UK, EU, Australia, Canada) do not require a visa for short tourist visits (typically up to 90 days).
> Entry is granted on arrival.
> Always check current requirements before travel as these are subject to change without notice.
KENYA
> A visa (eTA – Electronic Travel Authorisation) is required for most travellers.
> Apply online via the official system: https://www.etakenya.go.ke/
> Cost: Approx. USD $30**
> Valid for single entry (typically up to 90 days)
> Always check current requirements before travel as these are subject to change without notice.
BOTSWANA
> Most nationalities (including USA, UK, EU, Australia, Canada) do not require a visa for short tourist visits (up to 90 days).
> Entry is granted on arrival.
> Always check current requirements before travel as these are subject to change without notice.
Travel Insurance
- All guests must have travel insurance in place prior to departure
- Your policy should cover medical emergencies, delays, and photographic equipment
- Trip cancellation cover is recommended for added protection
- Some insurers require this cover to be arranged soon after your deposit is paid
- For full details, please refer to our Booking Terms & Conditions for details of what happens if you have to cancel.
Medical
- *** A yellow fever vaccination certificate or a doctor’s exemption letter is required for this safari as Kenya is classified as a Yellow Fever risk country. If you are aged 60+ or unable to receive the vaccine, we recommend an exemption letter.
- No strenuous walking is involved; however, guests should be comfortable sitting for extended periods in a safari vehicle
- It is your responsibility to consult your doctor or travel clinic well in advance for vaccinations and malaria advice.
FAQ
- What level of photography experience is required?
This safari is suitable for enthusiastic beginners through to advanced photographers. You should be comfortable with your camera, but Stu will provide guidance on settings, composition, and field technique throughout the trip.
- What are the luggage restrictions for internal flights?
Internal flights have strict luggage limits. Main luggage is limited to 20kg (44 lbs) per person, plus 15kg (33 lbs) for camera gear. Bags must be soft duffel or roller-style. Please note that ** HARD SUITCASES ARE NOT PERMITTED. Keeping weight within limits is essential for safety and compliance.
- Are there other activities at Shompole, and can I skip a night in the hides?
The main focus at Shompole is time spent in the overnight hides, which offer the best photographic opportunities. However, a scenic helicopter flight over Lake Natron and the flamingos can be arranged at an additional cost—please enquire for more details. If you prefer not to spend every night in the hides, you are welcome to stay at camp instead.
- What are the underground hides like, and what facilities do they have?
The Shompole underground hides blend comfort with high-end photography. Each hide features a "quiet" shooting area and a rear section with beds, a small kitchen, and a flush toilet.
Unlike other African hides, Shompole’s open-front design has no glass, ensuring razor-sharp images while heightening your connection to the sounds and scents of the bush. For safety, you must remain inside overnight. Soft lighting illuminates the wildlife, and beanbags are provided for support. Flash photography is not permitted.
- Do I need special equipment to photograph at night?
Yes, having the right gear makes a big difference for night photography. Fast lenses (f/2.8) are highly recommended, with primes like a 300mm or 400mm working particularly well, along with a 70–200mm f/2.8. A wider lens in the 15–35mm range is also useful. It’s a great setting to try time-lapse photography, so a small tripod for your phone can be handy.
- What wildlife might I see on this photo safari to Botswana, Kenya & Zambia?
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- ➤ SHOMPOLE (KENYA) - MAMMALS - May
• Lion
• Leopard
• Spotted Hyena
• Striped Hyena
• Caracal
• Serval
• African Civet
• Black-backed Jackal
• Elephant
• Giraffe
• Plains Zebra
• Blue Wildebeest- ➤ SHOMPOLE (KENYA) - BIRDS - May
• Verreaux’s Eagle Owl
• Spotted Eagle Owl
• African Scops Owl
• Three-banded Courser
• Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse
• Fischer’s Sparrow-Lark
• White-bellied Go-away-bird
• Somali Ostrich
• Rosy-patched Bushshrike
• Yellow-necked Spurfowl
• Grey-headed Silverbill
• Northern White-crowned Shrike- ➤ MASHATU (BOTSWANA) - MAMMALS - June
• Lion
• Leopard
• Cheetah
• Brown Hyena
• Spotted Hyena
• Black-backed Jackal
• Elephant
• Giraffe
• Plains Zebra
• Blue Wildebeest
• Greater Kudu
• Impala- ➤ MASHATU (BOTSWANA) - BIRDS - June
• Crimson-breasted Shrike
• Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill
• Kori Bustard
• Secretarybird
• Martial Eagle
• Tawny Eagle
• Bateleur
• White-backed Vulture
• Burchell’s Starling
• Red-billed Quelea
• Shaft-tailed Whydah
• Northern Black Korhaan
Summary
This Kenya and Botswana photo safari is a small-group wildlife photography journey led by Stu Porter.
From Shompole’s highly productive overnight hides to Mashatu’s predator-rich landscapes, it offers a well-paced mix of intimate hide photography and private game drives.
With just three photographers, the focus is on space, positioning, and time in the field to create strong, thoughtful wildlife images.
Day 1: Arrive in Johannesburg – Overnight
You will be met at OR Tambo International Airport and escorted to your airport hotel for overnight accommodation
1 night in JHB at CITY LODGE HOTEL
→ 19:00pm group dinner & drinks included
→ Laundry NOT included
→ Breakfast included
Day 2: Fly from JHB to Nairobi (Kenya) & Overnight
Fly to Nairobi in Kenya, met at the airport and private transfer to hotel
1 night in NBO at TAMARIND TREE HOTEL
→ 19:00pm group dinner & drinks included
→ Laundry NOT included
→ Breakfast included
Day 3-6: Shompole
After an early breakfast, we take a road transfer (approx 4.5 hours) to reach Shompole Wilderness Camp for lunch.
After lunch we will check in to our tents and rest before heading to one of the two overnight hides in the late afternoon.
4 nights at SHOMPOLE WILDERNESS CAMP
→ All meals included
→ Drinks included
→ Laundry included (but no underwear/socks)
Day 7: Drive back to Nairobi & depart for JHB
We enjoy a final morning at the photo hide, before returning to camp for brunch. We then begin our road transfer back to Nairobi, heading directly for the airport. Our flight departs tonight at 21:00pm. We need to be at the airport by 18:00pm
We arrive into JHB at 00:15am and check in to the City Lodge Hotel for an overnight stay.
1 night in JHB at CITY LODGE HOTEL
→ Dinner on the plane
→ Laundry NOT included
DAY 8-15: Mashatu in Botswana
After an early breakfast, we all depart for the airport to check in for our flight to Polokwane. Met at the airport and then road transfer (2.5 hours) to Mashatu.
3 nights at Tuli Lodge Mashatu
1 night at Lala Limpopo Sleep over hide
4 nights at Mashatu Lodge
→ All meals included
→ Drinks included
→ Laundry included
Day 16: Drive back to Polokwane then fly to JHB & depart
After our final morning photo session we will drive back to Polokwane and then fly to JHB. the flight will arrive at around 18:40pm. This should allow time to connect with your international flight home.
→ Breakfast & packed lunch included
→ Laundry NOT included
STEP 1 - PLEASE READ OUR BOOKING TERMS & CONDITIONS
We first recommend that you read and become familiar with our booking terms & conditions, which can be found on this page, under the PRICES box.
STEP 2 - GET IN TOUCH
Get in touch with us to confirm that there are still spaces available on the photo safari that you are interested in. Click on the “ENQUIRE NOW” button above.
STEP 3 - AWAIT A REPLY FROM US & THEN CREATE YOUR CLIENT ACCOUNT
Once we confirm with you that there is space available, and you would like to join the safari, we will send you a direct link via email. Follow this unique link to sign up to our CLIENT AREA. After you have registered with your name, email address and a password of your choice, you will then be asked to complete our online booking form.
STEP 4 - COMPLETE A BOOKING FORM
As soon as we receive your completed booking form/s (1 per participant) then you will be required to send us the deposit to secure your place on the safari.
STEP 5 - SEND YOUR DEPOSIT
Deposits can be paid via credit card, PayPal or international bank transfer. We will notify you as soon as your deposit arrives. Places on the safari will only be confirmed once we have received both a completed booking form and deposit payment.
STEP 6 - FINAL BALANCE PAYMENT
As soon as your booking form and deposit are with us, we will update your CLIENT AREA to display the outstanding balance amount. This amount will be due 90 days before the start date of the safari.
- Tour Leader
-
Stu Porter
