Professional Photography Main hide: Hide has 6 photographic spaces
Lentorre Lodge was the first property in East Africa to develop a truly professional Photography hide. From its inception we have continued to develop it year on year, and photos taken at Lentorre continue to win awards. In 2022, we became the first ever hide in Africa to truly achieve the ability to backlight wildlife. In regards to the hide, it is sunken into the ground so that you are eye level with the wildlife. It is air-conditioned, has professional glass and excellent lighting. It is also equipped with two beds within the hide, and four beds in the ante room, and also has a bar and library inside it. In regards to wildlife, one of the key things we are proud of and can offer, is that our wildlife is 100% wild and unfenced and so any sighting is very special. We also are in one of the most biodiverse areas in Africa, and so you can have the opportunity to photograph anything from a squirrel or Genet cat, to Elephants and Lions, and rare species like the Striped Hyena and Caracal…. And if you are lucky, an Aardwolf! Since October 2020, the hide has produced stunning images and we look forward to welcoming photographers from all over the world. Lentorre continue to develop the hide yearly- never resting, and always offering some new development each year. In 2022 we successfully launched the very first successful back lighting for hide photography. This was truly a first in the world.
Timing for the hide?
Note that the ideal timing for the main hide is during the dry seasons which are Sept and Oct, and Feb and March, but we can also work closely during the year depending on the weather.
Bird hides: Has 3 photographic spaces
Also Lentorre have two bird hides on site at different locations within the lodge – meaning that photographers have something to visit for all year round and supplement the main hide. Species will include rollers, weavers, finches, hornbills, starlings, hammerkops, geese, owls, eagles, kingfishers to name a few, and even squirrels!
Aerial excursions:
We offer Helicopter aerial photography/ viewing of the lakes either side of us (examples attached) which includes the birds, wildlife on the conservancy and shadow shots, and the stunning colours on the soda lakes who’s waters are rich in algae and hence have Flamingos all year round. The quote on this depends on the number of people and hours, so please feel free to request a quote. We generally recommend 3.5 hours worth of scenic flying for each guest (one hour morning flight, one hour afternoon flight, and one evening flight of 1.5 hours). We can of course do more or less hours depending on your requirements.
Game Drives :
We offer morning and evening games drives, but we like to manage expectations openly in this regard and hope that our transparency is refreshing. We are not the Maasai Mara in regards to sightings. Yes, we have the second highest density of lions in Kenya, perhaps the highest density of Leopards in Kenya… we probably have more species within a 100 km radius than anywhere in the whole of East Africa….but there are some factors that combine to make you have to work for your sightings. Some of our area is thick bush, and some of it is (Thankfully) some beautiful ancient forests – where the wildlife like to live. We have no fences which allow wildlife to travel freely, and our wildlife is not active during the day. We are also the only property on the Olkiramatian Conservancy, meaning we are the only ones looking. These factors combined and the rate of sightings is not like the Mara or the Serengeti with the open plains and cars reporting sightings everywhere. The flip side is that if you want to go on safari like it is supposed to be, if you want to ‘work’ for your sightings, and you can step back and really appreciate a wild space where wildlife is enjoyed by one group at a time, then you will love being with us. Our drives are for people that want to appreciate an ecosystem, the small things, an ancient forest, wide open spaces and then all the animals – big and small, when seen, are an additional bonus. Being a private area, you will enjoy being truly alone.
ITINERARY:
Day 1: Saturday 19th October 2024 arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and transfer to Hotel.
Day 2: Sunday 20th October 2024 transfer to Wilson Airport for flight to Lentorrre. First night in main hide.
Day 3: Monday 21st October 2024 use of the photographic hides and game drives if you wish.
Day 4: Tuesday 22nd October 2024 scenic flights over flamingos and plains.
Day 5: Wednesday 23rd October 2024 use of the photographic hides and game drives if you wish.
Day 6: Thursday 24th October 2024 use of the photographic hides and game drives if you wish.
Day 7: Friday 25th October 2024 guided bush, nature walks and game drives if you wish.
Day 8: Saturday 26th October 2024 use of the photographic hides and game drives if you wish.
Day 9 : Sunday 27th October 2024 transfer back to Hotel or flight home.
INCLUSIONS:
- Hotel on arrival in Nairbobi near Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
- Transfers to and from Wilson Airport.
- Internal flights to camp saving over 3 hours travel time.
- Full board accommodation with your own room.
- All beverages including premium wine and spirits.
- Day and night game drives with Adult Conservancy fees.
- Laundry.
- Sundowners.
- Access to the main photography hide -6 in main hide.
- Access to bird hides -3 in each hide.
- Guided bush and nature walks.
- Airstrip transfer.
- Scenic flights over flamingos and plains. (3.5 hours of flights during different times of the d
EXCLUSIONS:
International flights.
Bush dinners or Bush breakfast $ 85 pp
Extra lunch at the Lodge $ 50 pp
Champagne, Gratuities and any expenses of personal nature
Responsible travel:
Kindly note that a good portion of your safari is paid to the local community in conservation fees, bed night fees, and lease fees. Your crew is 95% made up from the local community, and we support the local farmers and shops. By traveling with us you are making a direct contribution to conservation of one of Kenya’s truly wild spaces.
