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Mark A Fernley
Zebra herd stands at the waterhole of shompole hide - Mark Fernley - African Photographic Safari Hides

KENYA

MASAI MARA - SHOMPOLE
PHOTOGRAPHIC  SAFARI

The Masai mara and the Shompole conservancy are well known to be some of the best locations to photograph big cats. The Masai Mara offers great lion and cheetah feeding photography along with the great wildebeest migration where the Shompole provides a pro underground photo hide that brings a whole new view and perspective to wildlife photography. 

DATE

AUG 29 - SEPT 6, 2026

9 DAYS / 8 NIGHTS

PRICE

$10,450 USD

+ $1500 USD SINGLE SUPPLEMENT FEE (if applicable)

Lion feeds on a Buffalo kill near Sentinel Mara Camp - Mark Fernley Wildlife

SAFARI DETAILS

Join this Masai Mara and Shompole Hide photo safari here in Kenya. With Mark A Fernley as your photo host, you will get to experience one of Africa's best big cat hotspots while getting the chance to photograph the Great Wildebeest Migration. On top of that, you will spend time at Shompole Hide where you will get to photograph wildlife during the day and night where you will be close and personal with wild predators.

LOCATION

This tour is situated in two wildlife hotspots located in the South West of Kenya - The Masai Mara and Shompole. The first destination during this tour is the Masai Mara National Reserve, home of the Maasai Tribes. This reserve is located in the south west of kenya and north of Tanzanias Serengeti National Park. This famous national reserve is home to some of the best African big cat photography on the continent. It is also hold a major rout and grazing area for the Great Wildebeest Migration that can be seen crossing the Mara River providing fantastic wildlife photography. Lastly the concession of Shompole is situated in a remote spot just south of the Great Rift Valley. The Shompole Reserve offers an underground photographic waterhole hide that is designed at a professional level. Not only is it a hide, it offers you the ability to photograph lions and leopard at night.

EXPERT GUIDES

This trip is expertly guided by Mark Fernley, a highly regarded professional wildlife photographer known for his exceptional skills in capturing the beauty of nature through his lens. With years of experience in the field, Mark brings not only his technical expertise but also a profound passion for wildlife and conservation. He has travelled to numerous remote locations around the globe, documenting the intricate behaviours and habitats of various species, which allows him to share invaluable insights with participants during the trip. In addition to Mark's guidance, the journey is enriched by the presence of local experts in each location we visit. These knowledgeable individuals possess a deep understanding of the local ecosystems, cultural significance, and the unique wildlife that inhabits the area. Their first-hand experiences and connections to the land provide participants with a comprehensive perspective, enhancing the overall learning experience. Together, Mark and the local experts create a dynamic and informative environment, ensuring that every moment of the trip is not only enjoyable but also educational, fostering a greater appreciation for the natural world around us.

EQUIPMENT TO BRING

Guests are encouraged to bring one or two camera bodies with a minimum of 24-megapixels to guarantee the best results. This can be mirrorless or a DSLR. For the Masai Mara National Reserve part of the trip, photography guests are encouraged to invest in or bring a lens with the reach of 500mm or 600mm in photographic reach. These may consist of lenses that obtain fixed or zoom capabilities. If you are considering bringing a fixed prime lens of 500mm/600mm for example, please bring an additional lens that has a shorter focal range for close encounters. Camera equipment for the Shompole Hide is rather unique. As this part of the trip is based in an underground hide, lenses are specific to obtain the best results. During the day, a simple 24-105mm lens is perfect for capturing larger animals and herds with their full reflection. Close up images of animals drinking during the day can be achieved with a reach of 300mm. During the night, a recommended equivalent of the canon 70-200mm f2.8 lens would be ideal for this night photography.

ITINERARY

    • Guests arrive in Nairobi (Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO))

    • Transfer to Nairobi airport hotel (Approx. 10 min drive from airport)

    • Meet and Greet with photo host at 6:00pm

    • Overnight in Nairobi

      (Guests must arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport no later than 4:00pm on arrival day)

    • Transfer to Wilson Airport

    • Chartered flight: Nairobi to Masai Mara National Reserve

    • Evening photographic safari in Masai Mara 

    • Image selection and post processing with photo host at the lodge 

    • Overnight in Masai Mara

      PHOTOGRAPHY FOCUS: The famous Marsh Pride Lions of the Musiara Marsh along with the neighbouring lion prides including the Paradise Pride and the Topi Pride

    • Morning photographic safari in Masai Mara

    • Evening photographic safari in Masai Mara

    • Image selection and post processing with photo host at the lodge 

    • Overnight in Masai Mara

      **ONE FULL DAY ON SAFARI TO PHOTOGRAPH THE GREAT MIGRATION OF WILDEBEESTS**

      PHOTOGRAPHY FOCUS: Predators of the Mara Northern Conservancy along with chance to photograph the Wildebeest Great Migration

    • Transfer to Musiara Airstrip

    • Chartered flight: Masai Mara to Nairobi

    • Road transfer to Shompole Conservancy

    • Introduction to the photographic hide

    • Overnight in the photographic hide

      PHOTOGRAPHY FOCUS: Photographic opportunities in the hide include many species of African wildlife including predators such as lion and leopard

    • Early morning in the photographic hide

    • mid-morning rest and refresh at the lodge with photo editing and critique with photo hosts

    • Evening in the photographic hide

    • Overnight in the photographic hide​

      PHOTOGRAPHY FOCUS: Photographic opportunities in the morning include many birds, giraffe, zebra, baboon, and much more. Evening photo opportunities in the hide include many species of African wildlife including predators such as lion and leopard

    • Early morning in the photographic hide

    • mid-morning rest and refresh at the lodge

    • Transfer to Nairobi

      END OF TOUR​​

      (Guests must depart no earlier than 9:00pm on this day)

Availability

The maximum group size for this trip is just four guests and spots are limited.

 

RESERVE YOUR PLACE!

To ensure that you are able to attend this trip, please be sure to book ahead of time to guarantee your spot.

Pricing

This trip is prices at $10,450 USD per person sharing accommodation.

 

If you are a solo traveller, there is an additional $1500 USD single supplement fee.

Rates are based on an all inclusive basis

Payment

A deposit of 25% is due at the time of booking to reserve your place on this photo safari and secure your trekking permits.

 

25% installment due 180 days before arrival

50% remaining balance due 90 days prior to arrival

Confirmation

Once a deposit is received, you are officially confirmred on this trip.

CONGRATULATIONS!

You will receive official confirmation via email w along with important details and information you need! 

ENQUIRE NOW

MASAI MARA + HIDE PHOTO SAFARI

AUG 29 - SEPT 6, 2026

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