An African wildlife photography safari is a dream come true. Africa offers a wealth of breathtaking landscapes and incredible wildlife, making it a photographer’s paradise. Success in wildlife photography during a safari requires a mix of technical skills, preparation, and patience. Get ready to capture breathtaking moments with our wildlife photography safari! From choosing the right gear and making the most of natural light to understanding animal behaviours, these are the Things to know when planning Wildlife Photography Safaris that will help you take stunning photos of Africa’s incredible wildlife. Here are some wildlife photography safari tips to make the most of your photography adventure, ensuring you’re well-prepared to capture amazing images of Africa’s iconic wildlife.
At Arrow Adventures our safari tour packages are suited for photographers, professional videographers, wildlife and nature researchers among others. This is to ensure that you capture the best of African wildlife photography along with its beautiful scenery.
Our Wildlife Photography Safaris are privately guided by professional tour guides. The guides are ready to help you capture the best shots at the right moment while on your safari. We offer unlimited game drives while on our photography safaris. We take a few number of photographers per vehicle to allow more room for photography, as well as enough room to hold your photography equipment.
Things to know when planning Wildlife Photography Safaris:
1. Where You want to go for your photo safari?
Your destination is the first step to capturing the photos you envision on your safari. You likely already have an idea of what you want to see and photograph on your safari, whether specific animals, unique bird species, or particular landscapes that interest you.
The main thing is that you choose a destination that will provide a good chance of seeing the things you really want to see and take pictures of. This is particularly the case for photographing rarer animals or birds, such as rhinos.
Once you’ve selected your safari destination, research the local wildlife, landscapes, and climate to better understand what to expect. These factors will influence how you prepare for the trip and help you choose the right camera equipment for capturing the experience.
2. Get the best customized safari vehicles
Specially designed safari vehicles to allow space to take photos and safari videos and also create ample room for your camera equipment and tools. The safari vehicles are rebuilt and adapted to the needs of the photographers. They offer plenty of space and are partially open, so there is enough capacity even for large lenses.
3. Dress Appropriately
When selecting clothes, consider the destination’s climate, weather patterns, and insect presence, as well as the activities you’ll be doing. Packing for a cool-weather destination will look different than for a tropical one, and preparations will vary if you’re visiting during the rainy season versus the dry season. For photography-specific attire, consider clothing with multiple pockets to store essentials like extra batteries, lens wipes, and lens caps. This provides quick access to your gear, whether you’re standing in a safari vehicle or on a hike, keeping you ready for every photo opportunity.
4. Choose the Right Cameras
The right camera and lenses are crucial for capturing sharp, detailed images of animals that are often at a distance. A DSLR or mirrorless camera with a telephoto lens is advisable, this will allow you to zoom in on animals without disturbing them. A wide-angle lens can also be useful for landscapes or when animals are close.
5. Take advantage of the Golden Hour
The best time to photograph is during the golden hour, which is just after sunrise and just before sunset. The soft, warm light enhances your shots. Midday light can be harsh and create deep shadows, so if you’re photographing during this time, look for shaded areas or adjust your exposure to avoid washed-out colors. During sunset, try silhouette shots with animals against the vibrant African sky, creating a dramatic effect that’s unique to safari landscapes.
6. Be Patient
Patience is Key: Wild animals are unpredictable, they doesn’t follow a script. Be prepared to wait for the perfect moment. Sometimes, it’s the waiting that makes the shot. Take time to observe animal behaviours, learning to anticipate their actions can lead to more dynamic photos.
7. Respect Nature
Avoid getting too close or making sudden movements, as this can startle animals or disrupt their natural behavior. Remember, you’re in the animals’ territory. Keep a safe distance. A respectful distance also allows for candid moments, where you capture animals interacting with each other or their environment naturally, resulting in more authentic shots.
8. Prepare for Movement and Action Shots
Safari drives often present fleeting moments that require quick reactions. Practice tracking moving animals to help frame them accurately while they’re in motion. For action shots—like a lion on the hunt or a bird in flight—use continuous autofocus (AI Servo on Canon or AF-C on Nikon) to keep the subject sharp. Setting your camera to burst mode (continuous shooting) can also help you capture several frames per second, increasing the chance of capturing that perfect moment in mid-action.
9. Anticipate Action
Keep your camera ready to capture action. Animals move quickly; sometimes, you only have a split second to get the shot. Adjust your settings beforehand based on lighting and your intended subject so you’re prepared for quick shots. While planning shots is beneficial, be open to surprises—safari is an unpredictable experience, and often the most memorable shots come from unplanned encounters
10. Capture the Small Moments
While the “Big Five” may be the focus for many safari-goers, smaller creatures and natural details also offer beautiful photography opportunities. Birds, reptiles, and even insects reveal the diversity of Africa’s ecosystems and can make for striking compositions. Don’t overlook interesting plant life, animal tracks, or unique textures in the landscape, which can add variety to your photo collection and provide context to the story of your safari.
Some of our photo safari packages:
6 Days Masai Mara Migration Photo Safari
3 Days Amboseli Adventure Safari
10 Days Kenya & Tanzania Safari Tour
Things to know when planning Wildlife Photography Safaris: Whether you’re an amateur photographer or a professional one, make your dream of an African photo safari come true. Contact us, and we’ll take you on a wildlife photography safari adventure of a lifetime!