Spotted Hyena at Shompole

Tucked into southern Kenya's Rift Valley, close to the Tanzanian border and set beneath the dramatic rise of the Nguruman Escarpment, Shompole is a community-conserved wilderness of acacia woodland well worth watching for Spotted Hyena. Photographers joining the Wildlife of Shompole Wilderness holiday in October have the advantage of exploring this landscape at a time when sightings are typical, with the escarpment's forested slopes providing a striking natural backdrop to any encounter. The open acacia woodland here also allows for clear, unobstructed compositions, so come prepared with a telephoto lens to make the most of any distant activity. Patience remains key, but Shompole's setting offers a memorable stage for capturing this species in its Rift Valley surrounds.