As a photographer, few experiences compare to the excitement and challenge of photographing wildlife on safari. It’s a unique environment—vast landscapes, unpredictable animals, and lighting that changes by the minute.
Safari photography demands both technical skill and patience, but the rewards are immense.
We’ve prepared some great insights, and practical advice for any photographer planning to go on safari, helping you get the most out of your trip.
Safari Photography Tours
Joining a specialised safari photography tour is an excellent way to maximise your photographic potential. These tours are designed with photographers in mind, offering customised itineraries and access to experienced guides who understand both the wildlife and the needs of photographers.
One of the biggest advantages of safari photography tours is the focus on lighting and positioning. Guides know how to get you in the right place at the right time, which makes a huge difference when you’re trying to capture that perfect shot.
You can go on one of these amazing tours (virtually speaking) through our online Safari Photography course, led by the incredible wildlife photographer Rachel Sinclair.
Unlike standard safaris, which can rush through sightings, photography tours give you the chance to wait for the right moment, observe animal behaviour, and adjust your camera settings accordingly.
Another benefit is the group size. These tours often limit the number of participants, ensuring that each photographer has enough space and time to shoot without being rushed or obstructed.
In our virtual Safari Photography trip instructor Rachel Sinclair took a group for 3 first time safari photographers to Kenya and recorded their experience.
If you’re serious about learning more, some tours even include a safari photography course, where you can receive guidance from an experienced wildlife and safari photographer.
How Do Wildlife Photographers Get So Close?
One of the most frequently asked questions about safari photography is how wildlife photographers manage to get so close to animals.
The truth is, it’s a combination of the right equipment, patience, and a deep understanding of animal behaviour.
Telephoto lenses are essential for capturing animals from a distance. A lens with a focal length of 300mm or more allows you to fill the frame with your subject without needing to physically approach them.
On safari, animals are often habituated to vehicles, which means they’re less likely to flee when you stay inside. However, always respect their space—no photograph is worth disturbing an animal.
Another trick is learning to anticipate animal movements. Over time, you’ll develop a sense for when an animal is about to move or engage in interesting behaviour, allowing you to position yourself accordingly.
I often find that observing body language and paying attention to the animals’ surroundings gives me a better chance of capturing those decisive moments.
What are the Best Settings for Safari Photography?
Finding the best settings for safari photography can make or break your shot. While every situation is different, there are a few settings that we’ve found consistently useful.
Shutter Speed: Fast-moving animals require a fast shutter speed to avoid motion blur. We usually start at 1/1000s or faster for birds in flight or animals on the move.
Aperture: For wildlife photography, we generally use a wide aperture (F/4 –F/5.6) to blur the background and make the subject stand out. If there are multiple subjects, closing down to F/8 can help keep more of the scene in focus.
ISO: Since lighting conditions change frequently, setting your ISO to Auto can be helpful, especially during early morning or late evening shoots when light is limited. we tend to limit the maximum ISO to avoid excessive noise, usually capping it at 1600 or 3200, depending on the camera.
Focus Mode: Continuous autofocus (AF-C or AI Servo) is ideal for moving subjects. It tracks the animal as it moves, keeping it in focus even if it suddenly changes direction.
Always be prepared to adjust these settings depending on the light, the speed of your subject, and the type of shot you’re aiming for.
What Camera Should You Take on Safari?
Choosing the right camera for safari photography is critical. Ideally, you’ll want a camera that performs well in low light, and has fast is one of the most dramatic wildlife spectacles you can photograph, with predators like lions and crocodiles lurking nearby.
Tanzania’s Serengeti offers similar scenes but with fewer crowds, allowing for more isolated and intimate shots of wildlife.
South Africa’s Kruger National Park is another top choice, with diverse ecosystems that support everything from elephants to wild dogs. The convenience of self-drive options in Kruger is also an advantage for photographers who want flexibility in their schedules.
Ultimately, the best country for safari photography depends on your goals. For large-scale events like the Great Migration, East Africa might be your best bet.
If you’re looking for a mix of big game and lesser-seen animals, South Africa or Kenya might suit you better.
How to Take Good Pictures on Safari
Taking good pictures on safari is a mix of preparation and adaptability. First and foremost, you’ll need to understand the behaviour of the animals you’re photographing. Wildlife is unpredictable, so patience is key.
Position yourself where the animals are likely to be and be ready to take the shot as soon as something happens. Don’t wait for the perfect pose—take several shots in bursts, as even a small movement can make a big difference to the composition.
Light plays a crucial role in safari photography. Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best conditions, with softer light that casts long shadows and brings out the textures of the landscape and wildlife. Midday sun can create harsh contrasts, so if you’re shooting then, look for shaded areas or backlit subjects to soften the effect.
Another tip is to keep your compositions simple. Focus on the animal, but also take in the surrounding environment to tell a story.
A Lion on the plains with Mount Kilimanjaro in the background or an elephant in front of a setting sun can provide powerful context that elevates your shot.
How Do Wildlife Photographers Get So Close?
One of the common questions I get is how wildlife photographers manage to get so close to dangerous animals.
The answer lies in a combination of patience, knowledge, and the right equipment. Most safari vehicles allow you to get relatively close to the animals without disturbing them.
Since animals have become accustomed to the vehicles, they often treat them as part of the landscape and don’t react to them as long as everyone remains quiet and respectful.
Telephoto lenses are your best friend here. A lens with a focal length of at least 400mm is ideal for getting detailed shots without disturbing the wildlife. Some photographers use even longer lenses but keep in mind that larger lenses can be cumbersome in a moving vehicle, so balance size and portability.
Many safari photography tours will allow time to stop and set up in strategic locations where you can photograph animals at a safe distance.
Knowing animal behaviour is also critical. Photographers who understand the signs of agitation or comfort in animals can position themselves accordingly.
For example, predators like Lions may be more active at dawn or dusk, whereas herbivores tend to graze during the day. By observing these behaviours, you can anticipate movement and set up for the best shot.
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What is the ‘Photo Safari’ Method?
The ‘photo safari’ method refers to the process of prioritising photography during a safari, as opposed to a standard wildlife tour where the focus is more on observation.
On a photo safari, the guide will position the vehicle in such a way that you can get the best angles, lighting, and compositions for your shots. This approach is slower and more deliberate than a regular safari, allowing you time to set up, frame, and adjust your settings as necessary.
The method also involves patience. You might spend hours waiting for the perfect shot, but that’s part of the experience.
The photo safari method is less about seeing as many animals as possible and more about capturing a few high-quality images that tell a compelling story. If you’re working with a professional guide, they’ll often provide advice on how to take good pictures on safari, offering tips specific to the location and wildlife you’re photographing.
Wildlife Photography without a Tripod
Many safari photography tours take place in moving vehicles, making it difficult to use a tripod. In these situations, a bean bag or monopod can be useful.
A bean bag can be placed on the edge of the vehicle to stabilise your camera, helping to eliminate shake without the bulk of a tripod. Monopods are another option—they’re more portable than tripods and provide some level of stability.
If you’re shooting handheld, make sure to increase your shutter speed to compensate for the lack of stabilisation. We usually aim for a minimum of 1/1000th of a second when shooting without a tripod.
Also, if your camera has image stabilisation, make sure it’s turned on. This feature can help reduce blur, especially when you’re shooting from a moving vehicle.
What Camera Should You Take on Safari?
Choosing the right camera for a safari depends on your experience level and what you’re hoping to capture.
For professional wildlife photographers, a DSLR or mirrorless camera with a full-frame sensor is usually the best option, as it provides better image quality and performs well in low-light conditions. However, the camera body isn’t the only important factor—the lenses you bring are just as crucial.
A telephoto lens with a focal length of at least 400mm is essential for capturing wildlife at a distance. If you’re a beginner or want to travel light, a bridge camera with a long zoom range can also work well.
While you won’t get the same level of image quality as a DSLR or mirrorless setup, modern bridge cameras have made significant advances in zoom capabilities and image processing.
Remember to pack extra batteries and memory cards. Safaris often take you far from charging stations, and you don’t want to miss a shot because your camera died. Consider bringing a portable power bank as well to charge your camera gear on the go.
The unpredictability of wildlife combined with the constantly changing light makes it a true test of a photographer’s skill and adaptability. But with the right gear, knowledge, and preparation, you can return home with stunning images that capture the essence of the wild.
