Kenya: he creates a water point in the middle of the savannah and takes exceptional photos

Author: Clark Tos

2022-11-01 10:36:04

Wildlife photographer Will Burrard-Lucas is known for his ingenious use of camera traps to photograph animals in Africa . For the past two years, he has spent a lot of time at Shomphole Wilderness Camp, Kenya. During this period, he got to know the places well, especially the way they come alive after dark. He was able to help the camp, which is owned by the local Maasai community, expand its offering.

Credit: Will Burrard-Lucas

The daytime heat creates a dry, dusty environment that can make it difficult to find wildlife to photograph. But, in a blog post, Will Burrard-Lucas explains how he came to realize the wealth of wildlife that roams Shomphole grounds as soon as it gets dark. While on a night walk with SORALO, a community organization that provides locals with information about dangerous wildlife to reduce human-wildlife conflict, the highly experienced photographer spotted many rare species.

These animals were attracted to a small waterhole that harbored an incredible variety of life. Will Burrard-Lucas set up one of his camera traps at the waterhole and was amazed to see the zebras, leopards, porcupines and wildebeest spending long hours drinking there during the night. It was then that an idea was born. The Maasai who own the Shomphole Wilderness Camp benefit from tourism revenue while caring for the environment and using the land sustainably. What if they could offer a new experience to their visitors while giving the animals another source of water?

The Shomphole Hide is an artificial waterhole located away from other water sources. At the same time as the water point, the team, under the direction of a photographer, built a hiding place where people could observe and photograph the animals that came to drink. Shortly after the project took shape, Will Burrard-Lucas set up a camera trap to see what the animals thought of their new water source. Much to everyone's delight, a few days later it was clear that it was a huge success. After a few tries in the hideout, he was able to photograph a steady stream of wildlife enjoying the new water source. Lions, hyenas, leopards, baboons and many species of birds are just some of the animals he has observed.

Credit: Will Burrard-Lucas Credit: Will Burrard-Lucas

A unique photo spot in the world

Thanks to a 5 km pipeline equipped with a solar pump, the water point will remain full so that all animals can take advantage of it. The shelter, built from two shipping containers, has large viewing windows with 270-degree views, as well as toilets and fold-down beds so you can stay there without any time limit and wait the best opportunities to take the most beautiful shots. A flexible lighting system is being installed and when it is ready, photographers will be able to light the water trough from all angles.

Will Burrard-Lucas is thrilled with the result and can't wait to see how photographers will use the setup. “Each photography session in this unique location generates an additional contribution to the local community. The Shompole Hide project is just getting started, and I can't wait to see what's next.' did he declare. In any case, congratulations to him for his invention which once again proves the beauty of African wildlife.

Here are his best photos:

Credit: Will Burrard-Lucas