Arguably the best time to see some of Shompole’s more intriguing wildlife is at night and the Shompole Hide has been created just for that. However, evenings and early mornings attract a lot of the plains game.

Built by Johann du Toit in conjunction with renowned wildlife photographer Will Burrard-Lucas. who started up Camtraptions and Beetlecam.

The two of them have created what is now becoming one of Africa’s top wildlife photographic hides. There has been a lot of thought put in to this project. Will Burrard-Lucas has a huge amount of experience and we are glad he has been able to help us suceed in creating the Shompole Hide.

Shompole Hide is designed to offer you the opportunity to get close up to some of the more rare and shy wildlife. The Hide comprises of two sunken refurbished shipping containers, equipped with ground level views over a small waterhole.

Getting there: Please note that the Hide is 4.7kms (3miles) away from the camp on the other side of the river and you need to drive there. Firstly, there is a five minute walk to river where you will cross in a boat, that is pulled across the river with a rope. Once across, you will drive 15 minutes to the Shompole Hide.

Once inside the Hide we open up the windows (there is NO GLASS between you and the animals). There is netting to camoflage  you from the animals seeing you.

You can spend an afternoon and evening there, or an early morning or like most people you can stay the whole night in the hide.

There are 4 beds, fans, flushing loo and Starlink internet!

If your time at the Hide has not already been planned, please let us know.

Please note that we DO NOT BAIT to attract carnivores!

Although the hide has been designed for photographers, we also designed it for those mobile phone photographers too. Photographer or not it is a great place to sit watch the animal behaviour from a new ground level prespective.

A little information on the Shompole Hide.

You will need to cross a river after a 5 mins walk to get to the vehicles that will transport you to the hide.

It is 4.7kms away from camp, so you have to driver there.

The Shompole Hide is situated out in the open plains with undisturbed views for over 500m. Facing South, you get both the early morning and evening light.

Lighting is also custom made where you can set the lighting as you would like. Various options for front, side and back lighting are available all on dimmer switches.

There are 4 beds, a flushing loo, charging points and StarLink internet too! Lucky you. 🙂

How the sessions normally work.

Leave camp about 4-4:30pm after tea & coffee (or take it with you to the hide).

We will take your prefered drinks in a cool bow with ice as you relax for the evening activity.

Hide dinners have been simplified to reduce noise and clutter. (Remember the hide is open with glass).

You will stay there for the night and back normally for a brunch at 10am. If you wish to return during the night that can be done too.