The Ultimate Guide to African Photo Safaris

There is nothing quite like the experience of being on an African photography safari. There’s the thrill of encountering and photographing wild animals in their natural habitat, the luxury of having a professional photographer tutor you in the field, and the joy of having an itinerary that’s entirely designed around photography. We might be biased here at Penda, but embarking on an African photo safari is a great idea – whether you’re a seasoned photographer or a total beginner.

Obviously a lot goes into picking the right trip and preparing for your journey, so we thought we’d put together a blog that will guide you through the process. Here’s our ultimate guide to African photo safaris.

Why Choose an African Photo Safari?

It almost feels unnecessary to say it, but when it comes to wildlife photography, Africa is the pinnacle. It’s the apex. The continent is home to the iconic “Big Five”—lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffalo—as well as a wide range of smaller (but no less photogenic) animals, such as giraffes, zebras, cheetahs, and hippos. In addition to its wildlife, Africa boasts a stunning variety of landscapes, from the vast plains of the Serengeti to the lush bushlands of South Africa, that all form an attractive canvas for wildlife photography.

A photo safari allows you to experience the African wilderness and its wealth of wildlife, while being guided by a professional photographer, and surrounded by keen photographers with the same goals.

Choosing the Best African Safari Destination

One of the most critical decisions you’ll make when planning a photo safari is where to go. Each region in Africa offers unique wildlife and scenery, and the best destination depends on the type of shots you want to capture. Here are some of the top destinations for African photo safaris:

1. Kenya

The Masai Mara in Kenya is one of the most iconic safari destinations. Famous for the Great Migration, where over two million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles move through the Mara in search of greener pastures, it offers a unique opportunity to capture one of the most spectacular wildlife events on the planet. The Mara is also home to large populations of predators like lions, leopards, and cheetahs, making it a prime destination for those looking to photograph big cats. A photo safari in the Masai Mara isn’t likely to disappoint.

2. Tanzania

The Serengeti National Park is known for its vast open plains and abundant wildlife, including the Big Five. The park’s annual migration is a major draw, offering the chance to capture dramatic scenes of animals crossing rivers and facing off against predators. The nearby Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage site, provides a unique backdrop for photography, with a high concentration of animals in a stunning caldera.

3. Botswana

For those seeking a more intimate and diverse safari experience, Botswana is a great choice, since it offers exclusive settings and true wilderness experiences. Highlights are the Okavango Delta, a vast inland delta filled with winding waterways and islands. Chobe National Park, with its enormous herds of elephants, and the less well-known Tuli Block, a vast wilderness in the country’s South-East.

4. Namibia

For some unique scenery to frame wildlife in, consider Namibia as a photo safari destination. In the country’s best national park, Etosha, you’ll encounter a wide range of wildlife within salt pans and desert-like vistas. And if you’re into landscape photography, Namibia offers some incredible opportunities, such as the surreal red dunes of Sossusvlei and the vast coastlines of the Skeleton Coast.

Find out more about our various photo tours in Namibia

5. South Africa

South Africa is a popular photo safari destination for good reason; it offers some of the best Big Five game viewing on the African continent. It also provides some wonderful options for further travel, should you be keen for an extended trip. For the best wildlife photography experience, consider the private game reserves adjacent to Kruger National Park, including Sabi Sands and Timbavati. A photo safari here guarantees frequent wildlife encounters in an exclusive setting, without hordes of tourists around.

6. Uganda

Uganda offers a very different type of African photo safari – one focused on primates. Undoubtedly, the highlights of a photo safari in Uganda is the chance to encounter and photograph Mountain Gorillas in their natural habitat. But there are also excellent opportunities to photograph chimpanzees, small monkey species, as well as lions and elephants.

Insider tips: Alan Hewitt’s advice on choosing a photo safari destination

“Different African countries offer very different wildlife, habitat and landscape experiences. For example, Kenya and Tanzania are known for the Great Migration in the Serengeti and Masai Mara, the vast open plains and the world famous Mara River. Rhino are increasingly difficult to see in the Maasai Mara, but in South Africa’s Greater Kruger, in reserves such as Timbavati, you’re likely to see white rhino as well as a good chance of leopard, lion, elephant and buffalo.

Leopards are common in the Maasai Mara but more elusive than areas like TImbavati and Botswana’s Tuli Block. In Tuli block, you won’t see any rhino! But, the landscape is incredible with rocky ridges, red soils and mopane tree forests and the incredible diversity of wildlife by the Limpopo River.

Certain species of antelopes can only be seen in certain areas too. For example, Grant’s and Thompson’s gazelles are numerous in the Maasai Mara and decrease south through Tanzania. Kudu, Steinbok, Klipspringer are seen in South Africa and Botswana. Nyala, a beautiful antelope can be seen in eastern parts of South Africa, Zimbabwe and Mozambique.
So your choice of country and region can certainly shape the overall aesthetic and diversity of your photographs.”

Join Alan Hewitt on a photo safari in South Africa

Best Time of Year for a Photo Safari

The best time for a photo safari depends on the destination and the type of wildlife or landscapes you’re hoping to capture.

• Dry Season (June to October): In many regions, this is the best time to visit as animals congregate around waterholes, making them easier to spot. Vegetation is less dense, improving visibility, and the weather is generally mild.
• Wet Season (November to May): The wet season offers lush, green landscapes, newborn animals, and fewer tourists, making it a great time for photography. However, wildlife can be more dispersed due to the abundance of water, and some areas may become difficult to access due to heavy rains.

Insider tips: Alan Hewitt’s advice on the time of year for an African photo safari:

“Timing matters greatly when it comes to seeing wildlife. Dry seasons are often preferred due to cooler climate, less rain which makes getting around reserves such easier and sometimes a significantly lower malaria risk and less snakes and insects. You’ll be more likely to see migratory species of rollers and bee-eater birds outside of Europe’s warmer seasons.

If you want to see the famous great migration, you’ll need to be near the Mara River ideally around July, August and September. In more dry periods particularly in South Africa and eastern Botswana, elephants may be easier to see as larger herds split up forming more groups in search of food. So for the same reasons as we choose a region, we also need to consider timing.”

Best Photography Gear for a Safari

Bringing the right photography gear is crucial for a successful photo safari. Here’s a checklist of essential items:

• Camera: A DSLR or mirrorless camera is ideal, providing the flexibility and image quality needed for wildlife photography.
• Lenses: A telephoto lens (200mm or more) is essential for close-up wildlife shots.
• Monopod: While many safaris take place from the comfort of a vehicle, a monopod or beanbag can stabilize your camera for sharper images.
• Spare Batteries and Memory Cards: Safaris often involve long days in the field, so make sure you have enough batteries and storage to last the day.
• Protective Gear: Dust and moisture can be an issue, so pack protective covers for your camera and lenses, especially if you’ll be traveling during the wet season.

Insider tips: Alan Hewitt’s advice on packing for a photography safari

“It can be very tempting to pack as much as possible, every lens to cover every eventuality but realistically, it’s a lot to carry around in airports, during transfers and in and out of vehicles. Zoom lenses are incredibly versatile to cover the diverse range of species we see and photograph at various distances. A second body is a good idea to save changing lenses repeatedly but forget about taking multiple prime lenses.

Leave the tripod at home, a monopod is vastly more suited to a safari vehicle. Remember your spare batteries, memory cards and a method of backing up your photography. Dust covers and camera cleaning kit are a must. By the time we get to this point you’ve probably already breached your cabin baggage allowance so some creativity may be required. Trousers or a jacket with big pockets, perhaps?”

Read Alan’s full blog on how to pack for a photo safari

Picking the Right Itinerary and Photography Guide

When comparing the many African photo safaris that are on offers, it’s good to consider the following;

• Make sure the itinerary is built around photography. It might sound obvious, but there is a huge difference between a normal safari and a photo safari, and if photography is what you’re traveling for, pick a trip that optimizes photographic opportunities. This means that you’ll be out at the right times of day, with the right light. It also means that there should be enough flexibility in the schedule that you can take your time when a great photography moment occurs. Plus, make sure that the right kind of vehicles are used; ones where you have an unobstructed view.
• Find a photography guide you want to learn from. Make sure your trip is guided by a great wildlife photographer; someone with an impressive portfolio, and someone who’s good at teaching.
• Pick a photo safari with a small group size. Traveling with a small group will make the experience much more exclusive. It’ll ensure that you won’t have to compete with others when you’re photographing, and that your photography guide can give tutoring that’s tailored to everyone’s individual level.
• Make sure you’ll be guided by people with local knowledge. It’s important to have a guide who intimately knows the area you’re traveling in. This will ensure high quality photography opportunities and ethical practices – and you might learn a bunch.

Insider Tips: Sam Turley’s advice on choosing the right company

“Choosing the right tour provider is the most important step of all. Specialized photography tours are designed with photographers in mind, offering flexible schedules that prioritize light and wildlife encounters over general sightseeing. These tours often include expert photography guides who provide in-the-field coaching, help you understand animal behavior, and offer tips for capturing the perfect shot. This level of expertise ensures you maximize your photographic opportunities, whether it’s predicting animal behavior to get one step ahead of the action or offering advice on how to frame a leopard sleeping in a tree.”

Join Sam Turley on a wildlife photography workshop in the Maasai Mara

Final Thoughts

An African photo safari is a dream adventure for any wildlife photographer. With the right research, planning, and equipment, you can come home with a portfolio of stunning images that capture the beauty and diversity of Africa’s natural world. Whether you’re chasing the Big Five, photographing a river crossing during the Great Migration, or taking close up shots of Mountain Gorillas, Africa’s photo safaris promise an unforgettable experience.

Browse all our wildlife photography tours!