Popular Destinations for Photography Safaris

Kenya

Kenya offers amazing photographic safari trips since it has prodigious wildlife within the national parks and other reserves of East Africa. That is why it’s hard to beat Kenya’s dizzying array of animals and incredible natural beauty.

For dedicated wildlife photographers, there are many advantages to staying in private concessions and reserves, especially Masai Mara.

On your photography safari in Kenya, as a professional photographer, you get to capture the colorful traditional ethnic groups like the Maasai, Samburu, and Turkana.

Tanzania

Tanzania must be one of the most photographic-friendly destinations on the planet. A professional photographer can enjoy scenes of the snowcapped mountains to Big Five safaris and dreamy tropical islands when on photo tours.

From the Serengeti plains and steep-sided Ngorongoro Crater to the Flamingos of Lake Manyara and giant tuskers of Tarangire to Zanzibar to the wild landscapes of Ruaha, Katavi, and Selous Reserve.

Enjoy wildlife photography and game viewing and the Mara River crossings during your photographic safari.

Uganda

Uganda’s spectacular wildlife, birds, and dramatic landscapes are a treat for any professional photographer in East Africa. The best region to visit for a photographic safari is western Uganda where the biggest highlight will be photographing Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Park.

On your photographic safari, remember to turn off your flash as it is not permitted on a Gorilla trekking tour. The majestic Rwenzori Mountains and the animal world provide endless inspiration for photographers on African safaris.

Botswana

Photographic safari adventures are very popular in Botswana due to its fauna density. The best way to get the most out of photography on safari is to book the experience with a specialized photographic safari operator.

The companies have open vehicles that enable you to enjoy wildlife photography during photo tours on African safaris. Boat cruises on the Chobe River are amazing during African photo safaris and bring guests close to Elephants, Hippos, Buffalo, and many bird species.

South Africa

South Africa is a photographic safari destination, especially in the summer months when the landscapes are greenest. The popular venues for African photo safari tours in South Africa are its game reserves with their magnificent array of animals.

A professional photographer can enjoy a self-drive within Kruger National Park and they most focus on the Big Five animals or visit Cape Town one of the most scenic cities in the natural world.

Wildlife photography in South Africa requires faster and higher-magnification lenses than most other subjects on photo tours.

Best National Parks for Photographic Safaris

There are several game parks where you can enjoy African photo safaris with endless wildlife photography. Among the many national parks on the African continent, photographing is most amazing within Serengeti National Park and the Maasai Mara since they have an astonishing fauna, and you enjoy game viewing.

Masai Mara National Reserve

The Masai Mara of Kenya has amazing animals that you can enjoy on your photographic safari tours. You get to witness the wildebeest migration (great migration) as thousands of the wildebeest cross the Mara River to the Serengeti plains of Tanzania and this is the perfect time of taking photos.

Game drives are the most enjoyed activity in the Maasai Mara when photographing wildlife in open vehicles or a safari vehicle and a wildlife photographer can take photos of Lions, Elephants, Leopards, Buffaloes, and many antelope species.

For an exclusive safari experience, you can embark on a hot air balloon safari and explore the Mara triangle as you enjoy taking photos of so many animals and many bird species.

Serengeti National Park

Serengeti National Park of Tanzania is one of the prime destinations for captivating photo safaris. Photographic safaris in Serengeti have you take photos of the inspiring annual migration (great migration) of the wildebeest and many other animals.

Photographers can take better shots during wildlife photography when on game drives in a safari vehicle in the African bush of the Serengeti National Park. You can apply wildlife photography skills and capture nice pictures of the big cats as they hunt for their prey in the savannah plains.

During photographic safaris in Serengeti National Park, a wildlife photographer can also take pictures of bird species and you can visit the nearing Ngorongoro Crater for more amazing photographic opportunities, especially the big cats.

Kruger National Park

Kruger National Park in South Africa is one of the best destinations in Southern Africa for African photo safari tours. It is home to big cats and other big game and wildlife photographers can take photos of the Cheetah the endangered wild dog.

Wildlife photographers visiting Kruger Park can capture pictures of rare species like the endangered Rhino. Kruger National Park competes with Cape Town for the number of tourists who visit the park.

On African photo safari tours in Kruger Park, a wildlife photographer can embark on safari drives in a safari vehicle with his camera equipment and take photos of amazing animals like Hippos, Zebras, Giraffes, Warthogs, Baboons, and over 21 antelope species.

Chobe Park

Chobe photographic safaris are conducted by photographers on Chobe River inside Chobe Park in Botswana offered by pangolin photo safaris.

The river forms the northern border of the park, and the northern part of Botswana is well known for its natural abundance of wildlife.

Chobe Park offers river views and floodplains and the elevated viewpoints provide spectacular sunset views and rare species. A professional photographer can select a range of photographic safaris packages where you can opt for a private tour.

On your photo tours in the African bush of Chobe Park, you can take photos of Elephants and so many animals that gather on the river as they refresh. Photographic safaris are endless in Chobe though you will require a few wildlife photography talents.

Mana Pools Game Park

Mana Pools is one of the best parks in Southern Africa offering an amazing photographic safari trip to a professional photographer during private tours. If you are an intrepid wildlife photographer, then this park will make your heartbeat quicker than ordinary as there are amazing animals in mana pools.

Wild animals in the park that you can enjoy on your photo tours here include Lions, Elephants, Hyenas, Impalas, leopards, Kudus, and many smaller animals. You can get photographic opportunities of capturing Hippos feeding during sunset which gives clear and amazing lighting on African safaris.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Park

Bwindi is among the best parks when it comes to an African photo safari trip. On photographic safaris in Bwindi, you get to spend time with the endangered Mountain Gorillas.

On a photographic safari private tour in Bwindi, a wildlife photographer can enjoy Gorilla trekking where you get to meet the Gorillas face to face in their natural habitat and be with them for one full hour and you can take memorable photos though don’t forget to turn off your flash.

During Gorilla trekking, you get to photograph other wild animals especially other primates like Red-tailed Monkeys.

Other destinations for photography tours include; Mala Mala Game Reserve, Lower Zambezi Park, Moremi Game Reserve, South Luangwa Park in Zambia, Ngorongoro Crater, Sabi Sand Game Reserve, etc.

Wildlife Photography Tips for Beginners

Wildlife photography can be challenging and capturing the best shots takes preparation, patience, and persistence on photo safaris.

Below are some tips to know;

Know your gear; is crucial when it comes to photographing trips. The best sightings and action-packed often last for only a few seconds and if you are not familiar with your camera settings, you may miss out on the photo opportunities.

Always be prepared; when photographing wildlife, always keep your lens attached to your camera and make sure that the settings are fine. If you are well prepared, then you will be able to capture the incredible moment.

Use the light to your advantage; light enhances your pictures and the best lighting is during dawn and dusk as this time is well known as the golden hours in photography.

Know your subject; when coming for an African photo safari trip, photographers need to read about the wild animals they will be photographing.

Best Month to Go on an African Safari

The best time to go on photographic safaris depends on the country you are visiting. Different countries are ideal for different times of the year and different reasons.

January to February: Tanzania

The annual migration (great migration) of the wildebeests from Serengeti National Park in Tanzania to Masai Mara in Kenya is the most picturesque event during a safari in Tanzania.

During January and February, you get to witness the river crossings as well as big cats as they prey on the weakest members of the herd. You can also witness the calving season within the Serengeti plains and enjoy photographing wildlife.

March-April: South Africa, Ethiopia, Namibia

Photographic safari tours in South Africa are best during the transition period between summer and winter. During this time, the weather is still ideal with mild temperatures.

On the African photo safari trip in South Africa, the summer is highly recommended to visit Kruger National Park on private tours. You can also visit Ethiopia just after April and the dry season is also best in Namibia.

May to June: Madagascar, Zimbabwe

These are the best months for African photo safari tours in Madagascar as the temperatures are low and you can photograph endangered species like lemurs and Chameleons.

You can enjoy African wildlife photography in Zimbabwe both in the wet and dry seasons and you can take photos of a variety of wild animals which makes a pleasant African photo safari experience.

So many animals gather at watering holes and rivers to drink water ideal for photographing wildlife.

July to August: Rwanda, Botswana

The dry season is the best time for Gorilla tracking in Rwanda as you get to see Mountain Gorillas, Colobus Monkeys, and Chimpanzees.

A professional photographer can enjoy Botswana’s Okavango Delta with safari experiences as there is dryness. Wild animals gather around waterholes, making photographing easier especially on the Okavango Delta giving you a wildlife experience.

September: Kenya

This is the best month to go on wildlife photography tours as it is the time for the wildebeest migration (great migration) in the Maasai Mara.

Frequently Asked Questions about African Photo Safari

Why Should I Choose an African Photo Safari?

You can choose a photographic safari because you have a passion for taking wildlife photos, and you want to develop wildlife photography skills.

Photographic safaris are designed to facilitate great pictures for photographers and a wildlife experience. This means that you will be in great locations to take photos when the light is at its best. The best lighting is usually around sunrise or sunset.

Also, on an African photo safari, you will be in a group of photographers who will share the passion and the passion in waiting to capture the best shot at sightings and ensure conservation efforts.

What Level of Skills Is Required?

There are no skills required on photographic safaris as they are for everyone. However, to make the most of the opportunities, you need to make the most of the opportunities and familiarize yourself completely with your photographic equipment before the tour.

Also, freshen up on the basics of photography, like the relationship between aperture and shutter speed. If you lack any photographic knowledge, it would be advisable to take a small beginner’s course or do some online learning.

Is A Photo Safari Led By A Photographer?

Yes, African photo safari tours are led by a photographer. Most photographic safaris are led by high-profile photographers, but this comes with a high price. Many photo safaris are led by unknown photo enthusiasts with lots of wildlife experience of wildlife photography and photographic knowledge.

However, above all, a lead photographer should never be tempted to put their priorities above the needs of the group.

Do I Need Special Gear to Join A Photographic Safari?

Yes, when you join photographic safaris, you are expected to have an SLR (Single Lens Reflex), DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex), or mirrorless camera. There are also recommendations for camera equipment (camera bodies) though not compulsory.

In some private reserves in Southern Africa where off-road driving is allowed, a 200mm or 300mm lens will be sufficient on photo safaris. Even better is a 400mm or 500mm capacity lens, especially in national parks where off-road driving is not allowed.

You can also pack a bean bag which you will use to put camera bodies when taking pictures. Bean bags also allow you to use slower shutter speed if required.

What Should I Consider When Choosing an African Photo Safari?

There are many things to consider when choosing photographic safari tours. The first question is what kind of photography safari do you want? If you like taking a few pictures doesn’t mean that you want to sit for hours and wait for something to happen.

Photographic safari packages are better suited to quite professional photographers, as casual photographers can prefer a more relaxed approach to photography when on a tour.

However, if you are a professional photographer, you can opt for a tailor-made private tour. On this tour, you can miss out on professional expertise, but you can structure the tour as you wish for a great wildlife experience.

You need to discuss the needs with your tour operators. You also need to consider the season when going for photographic safaris. The dry season is remarkable for wildlife photography though the wet season offers stunning light conditions.

Price and budget are big considerations when choosing photographic safaris.

Which African Country Has the Best Photography Safari?

Tanzania offers the best African photo safari tours. It boasts some of the most renowned national parks having the Big Five animals that you can enjoy on your wildlife photography.

You can enjoy the African photo safari within Serengeti National Park to witness the annual migration of the wildebeest.

How Much Does A Photo Safari In Africa Cost? | How Much Does An African Safari Cost Per Person?

African photo safaris can range anywhere from $500 to over $15,000 per person, depending on the type of tour you are looking for. The price of Africa photo safari tours depends on what is included in the package, which can vary dramatically from one company to another.

Most Africa photo safari tours are inclusive of all meals and accommodations though other tour operators only offer transportation to destinations.

Is An African Safari Worth the Money? | Is Africa Safari Worth It?

Yes, an African safari is worth the money because it offers amazing African wildlife viewing especially the Big Five (Elephants, Lions, Buffaloes, Leopards, and Rhinos). You get to sleep in the amazing safari lodges with a tranquil environment.

How to Do a Cheap Safari in Africa?

You can enjoy cheap photographic safaris in the following ways;

Join a group tour instead of private tours; when the group size of the vacation is big, the less costly the tour will be. This is because all expenses are shared by all group members on photo safaris.

Travel during the low season; during the low season, most of the safari lodges are discounted and you can enjoy the services and facilities.

Book in advance; when you book in advance, most of the facilities you will be using are not yet at high prices. You need to book when things are not yet costly.

Book with local tour operators; this means that there is no middle man and the prices will the reduced making your tour affordable.

Opt for affordable accommodation; if you are moving on a budget, opt for budget lodges that fit your price on photo safaris.

You can do a one-day tour; this can be cheap as it cannot be as that of a week-long tour. Everything will be paid only for one single day.

Focus on a single game park or reserve; this means that you not be moving long distances and you will only be paying park entrance fees for one park.

How Do I take Sharp Pictures of African Wildlife?

If you want to take sharp pictures on your photo tours, you need to have at least a 35mm SLR camera. This camera should at least shoot 5x a second so that you capture animals in motion.

A good starting point for wildlife photography is a lens with a 300mm in focal length.

Where Is the Best African Safari Location?

The best African safari location is Botswana, Kenya, Malawi, Namibia, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

What Is the Photo Safari Method?

Photo Safari is a method used to research a selected user group.

How Long Is the African Safari Tour?

There is no specific number of days for an African safari as it depends on one’s schedule and budget. The minimum number of days to spend in Africa can be 3 days and it goes up to months for a better experience on your photographic safaris.

You get to explore the renowned game parks and reserves for an exclusive safari experience.

What Does Photo Safari Mean?

A photo safari means a guided wildlife photography trip to capture shots of animals in their natural habitat for an exclusive safari experience. These photos keep a lot of memories that you can share back home after your vacation in Africa.

In summary, photographic safaris in Africa are the best way of capturing remarkable sightings of wildlife for remembrance. You get to capture photos of animals in the African wilderness when in a proper safari vehicle on game drives in the different game parks and reserves when on Africa photo safari tours.

Reach out to us for astonishing African photo safari tours.