10 Day Shompole Hides & Masai Mara Wildlife Photography Safari
Join photographer Alison Mees for a wildlife photography safari combining Shompole Hides with Ol Kinyei Conservancy, Maasai Mara. Photograph wildlife by day and experience the unique opportunity to capture lions, elephants, hyena, serval, civet and other wildlife visiting the illuminated waterhole at night.
Shompole Hides & Masai Mara Conservancy
28 Jan – 6 Feb 2028 [hurry only 3 spaces available]
Join photographer Alison Mees on an exclusive wildlife photography safari combining the exceptional night-time photography opportunities of Shompole Hides with Ol Kinyei Conservancy in the Maasai Mara. With just three guests, this carefully designed safari provides one row per photographer in the safari vehicle, giving everyone space to concentrate on their photography.
Observe and photograph wildlife visiting the illuminated waterhole from the Shompole hides throughout the night, before experiencing classic Mara wildlife encounters at Ol Kinyei. Expect opportunities to photograph lions, elephants, hyena, leopard, cheetah, giraffe, zebra, hippo and a variety of birdlife.
Alison’s guided wildlife photography safaris are designed for photographers of all levels, as well as anyone who enjoys wildlife photography and would like to develop their skills and techniques while exploring carefully selected wildlife areas.
Susan Purvis
Safari trips with Alison Mees Photography are special trips. She has excellent administrative skills and my trips with her through Gamewatchers have always run very smoothly.
Alison is an excellent and very experienced wildlife photographer who is always ready to use her knowledge and expertise to get you the best photos. She can never promise you’ll see a cheetah or leopard but I have seen these on every trip I’ve been on along with the usual wildlife there. I was only ever going to do 1 safari but I’m now on my 5th with her and each one has improved my photography skills.
28 Jan – 6 Feb 2028
LENGTH
9 Nights I 10 Days
SAFARI DATES
28 Jan – 6 Feb 2028
FROM
US$ 7,950
Single Supplement on Request
Itinerary in Detail
DAY BY DAY
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Tour Experiences
Day 1 - Nairobi
Met on arrival at Nairobi International Airport by a Gamewatchers Safaris Representative, who will welcome you to Kenya and transfer you to Nairobi Tented Camp, where Alison will be waiting to greet you and to share the plan for your safari.
Overnight at Nairobi Tented Camp.
Days 2/3/4/5 - Shompole
Today, transfer to Shompole for a 4-night stay, fully inclusive of meals, house drinks and park fees.
During your stay at Shompole, the focus is on an immersive overnight wildlife photography experience from the hide, rather than conventional game drives or walking safaris (which are not included).
Each afternoon, you will head to the hide at around 4pm, where you will remain through the night until approximately 9am the following morning. The hide is equipped with beds, and dinner is served there, with tea, coffee and cold drinks available throughout the night.
Staying in the hide overnight provides a unique and exceptional opportunity to observe and photograph wildlife at close range, with Alison on hand to provide photographic guidance and support.
Days 6/7/8/9 - Ol Kinyei Conservancy, Masai Mara
Check out after breakfast and transfer to the airport for the flight back to Olseki Airstrip in the Maasai Mara. You will be met on arrival and transfer to Ol Kinyei Conservancy and Porini Mara Camp for 4 nights (fully inclusive of meals, beer, wine, soft drinks, mineral water, gin & tonics, day and night game drives, guided walks, sundowners and park fees).
Game drives and walks will be taken in the Ol Kinyei Conservancy to photograph the wildlife with Alison. Night game drives will also be taken.
Day 10 - Nairobi
Final early morning game drive followed by breakfast and then transfer to the airstrip to fly back to Wilson Airport in Nairobi, arriving at around 12h20. Met on arrival and transfer to the international Airport or Nairobi Hotel, depending on your onward connection.
**End of Tour**
(please note that hotel accommodation is not included but can be arranged for an additional fee).
You may choose to add extra nights at any of the Porini Camps. Alternatively, consider extending your stay by flying to the Kenya Coast or the Island of Zanzibar, where you can unwind on the pristine white beaches of the Indian Ocean.
Tour Experiences
Day 1 - Nairobi
Met on arrival at Nairobi International Airport by a Gamewatchers Safaris Representative, who will welcome you to Kenya and transfer you to Nairobi Tented Camp, where Alison will be waiting to greet you and to share the plan for your safari.
Overnight at Nairobi Tented Camp.
Days 2/3/4/5 - Shompole
Today, transfer to Shompole for a 4-night stay, fully inclusive of meals, house drinks and park fees.
During your stay at Shompole, the focus is on an immersive overnight wildlife photography experience from the hide, rather than conventional game drives or walking safaris (which are not included).
Each afternoon, you will head to the hide at around 4pm, where you will remain through the night until approximately 9am the following morning. The hide is equipped with beds, and dinner is served there, with tea, coffee and cold drinks available throughout the night.
Staying in the hide overnight provides a unique and exceptional opportunity to observe and photograph wildlife at close range, with Alison on hand to provide photographic guidance and support.
Days 6/7/8/9 - Ol Kinyei Conservancy, Masai Mara
Check out after breakfast and transfer to the airport for the flight back to Olseki Airstrip in the Maasai Mara. You will be met on arrival and transfer to Ol Kinyei Conservancy and Porini Mara Camp for 4 nights (fully inclusive of meals, beer, wine, soft drinks, mineral water, gin & tonics, day and night game drives, guided walks, sundowners and park fees).
Game drives and walks will be taken in the Ol Kinyei Conservancy to photograph the wildlife with Alison. Night game drives will also be taken.
Day 10 - Nairobi
Final early morning game drive followed by breakfast and then transfer to the airstrip to fly back to Wilson Airport in Nairobi, arriving at around 12h20. Met on arrival and transfer to the international Airport or Nairobi Hotel, depending on your onward connection.
**End of Tour**
(please note that hotel accommodation is not included but can be arranged for an additional fee).
You may choose to add extra nights at any of the Porini Camps. Alternatively, consider extending your stay by flying to the Kenya Coast or the Island of Zanzibar, where you can unwind on the pristine white beaches of the Indian Ocean.
Send An Enquiry
Short Contact Form (NEW)
Talk to a Specialist
Our experienced Safari Consultants—based in Nairobi and around the world—are here to guide you every step of the way. From expert advice to seamless planning, we’ll take care of every detail to create a safari that’s perfectly tailored to you.
Get in touch today, and a dedicated Safari Specialist in your time zone will start crafting your personalised safari.
Kenya
North America & Canada
North America & Canada
North America
UK & Europe
South America
Australia
India
Kenya
Head Office in Nairobi
We have an experienced team of Safari Consultants based in Kenya.
You can email our Nairobi team here or call at +254-722-509-200.
North America & Canada
Rick Mcintyre
Hello, I’m Rick, based in Ontario, Canada, with over 15 years in the travel industry and a passport filled with stamps from over 70 countries. My heart was captured by Africa during my first visit to Kenya, and since then, I’ve journeyed back repeatedly, exploring the diverse landscapes and wildlife of Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa. Whether you’re dreaming of a “once in a lifetime” vacation or you’re a seasoned safari traveler, I’m here to assist in planning your perfect African adventure.
You can contact me at rick@gamewatchers.com or give me a call at +1-877-710-3014, and together, we’ll make your African dreams a reality.
North America & Canada
Rachel Chambers
Hi, I’m Rae, based on the West Coast of Canada, on beautiful Vancouver Island. I’m a passionate traveler who has explored nearly 30 countries, but it was a solo journey to Africa that truly transformed my perspective. From the moment I arrived in Botswana, I felt an undeniable connection to the continent and was inspired to spend more time experiencing its extraordinary wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and rich cultures. My solo travels have since taken me through Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mauritius, South Africa, Uganda, Namibia, and Kenya, where I experienced Gamewatchers Safaris and Porini Camps firsthand. It was during these immersive and unforgettable journeys that my passion for Africa evolved into a clear vision: to join the Gamewatchers team and help others discover the magic of safari. I’d love to connect and plan your wildest dreams!.
You can reach me by email at rae@gamewatchers.com
North America
Julie Roggow
Greetings, I’m Julie Roggow, and I come to you with over two decades of immersion in the world of travel. My journey into the heart of safari adventures began as I traversed Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, capturing the essence of these mesmerizing landscapes through my lens. Among these remarkable destinations, Kenya and the Porini safari camps hold a special place in my heart. Their unique blend of wilderness and conservation resonates deeply with me.
My passion for travel is matched only by my dedication to sharing that passion with others. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or embarking on your very first safari, I’m here to ensure that planning your safari vacation is an enjoyable and seamless experience.
Feel free to reach out to me by email at julie@gamewatchers.com or through our toll-free telephone line at +1-877-710-3014. Let’s embark on an unforgettable safari journey together, where the wild beauty of Africa awaits to enchant and inspire you.
UK & Europe
Tom Mees
Jambo, I’m Tommy Mees, most people call me Tom.
My connection with Africa began through years of travelling across the continent.
I later spent more than twelve years managing safari camps and lodges while supporting conservation initiatives including beekeeping and tree-planting projects.
Having travelled extensively throughout Eastern and Southern Africa, I developed a deep appreciation for authentic wilderness experiences and the conservation-focused approach of the Porini Camps.
I am originally from Belgium and now based in Spain, though my heart has always remained in Africa.
Alongside my safari background, I am also a professional photographer and enjoy helping travellers experience and capture the extraordinary wildlife, landscapes and cultures that make Africa so special.
If you are considering an African safari, feel free to contact me at tom@gamewatchers.com
South America
Andrea Landaeta
Hola, I’m Andrea and my love affair with the captivating world of safaris began during my teenage years when I embarked on my very first safari in Kenya. There, amidst the awe-inspiring wildlife and expansive plains, I found my true passion. Over the years, Kenya has called me back time and time again, leading me to explore its myriad camps, conservancies, and renowned parks. More recently, I’ve had the privilege of staying at all the Porini Camps, where the spotlight shines on wildlife conservation—a cause close to my heart as I traverse the globe. While Kenya holds a special place in my wanderlust-filled heart, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda have also woven their magic into my soul.
If you’re eager to embark on your own safari adventure or share your passion for conservation, please feel free to contact me at andrea@saririterra.com
Australia
Kristy Thomson
Hello, I’m Kristy, your Australian-based Safari Advisor with Gamewatchers Safaris and Porini Camps. My background in ecology and conservation management, combined with a deep passion for nature and the great outdoors, led me to Kenya where I instantly fell in love with its spectacular wildlife and warm-hearted people. Having spent significant time at our Porini Camps and explored other camps we offer, I bring intricate knowledge to help craft your ultimate wildlife safari adventure. Whether you’re seeking the thrill of the savannah or the serenity of the wilderness, I’m here to make your safari dreams a reality.
Feel free to reach out to me on the Gold Coast, Australia, at kristy@gamewatchers.com or call on +61 419 175 672.
India
Pranay Chandra
Hello, I’m Pranay Chandra, a veteran of the Indian Armed Forces whose profound passion for nature and wildlife led me to the world of wildlife photography. My lens has captured the essence of the wild, earning recognition in esteemed competitions like the Sanctuary Asia annual wildlife awards and the Natural History Museum’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year awards. Beyond photography, I’ve dedicated myself to conservation efforts, collaborating with Ecological Task Forces and supporting WWF India’s training initiatives in tiger reserves. In the realm of education, I’ve partnered with CEC, New Delhi, to create informative video programs on Human-Wildlife Conflicts. I’ve ventured to Kenya, embracing the splendours of Africa while staying at Porini camps and other renowned lodges.
You can connect with me via email at pranay@gamewatchers.com or call on +91 801 788 5256.
More Safaris Guided By Alison Mees
See below for all the Photography Safaris guided by Alison Mees.
