Safari Photography Tips

Capturing the magic of an African safari requires more than just a good camera—it demands patience, preparation, and understanding of both wildlife and light.

Essential Equipment

Start with a DSLR or mirrorless camera and a telephoto lens (200-400mm minimum). A sturdy beanbag provides stability in safari vehicles, and extra batteries and memory cards are essential as charging opportunities can be limited.

Camera Settings

Use shutter priority mode with speeds of 1/1000 or faster for action shots. Set your ISO between 400-800 for daytime shots, higher for early morning and late afternoon. Continuous autofocus helps track moving animals.

Composition Tips

Follow the rule of thirds, placing your subject off-center for more dynamic images. Get down to the animal's eye level whenever possible. Include environmental context to tell a story—a cheetah on a termite mound, elephants against Mount Kilimanjaro.

The Golden Hours

The best light occurs during the first two hours after sunrise and the two hours before sunset. Wildlife is also most active during these cooler periods, increasing your chances of dramatic action shots.

Ethical Photography

Never ask your guide to drive off-road or get too close to animals. Respect wildlife space and never interfere with natural behavior for a photo opportunity. Your safari memories should never come at the expense of animal welfare.

Ready to capture your safari adventure? Book your photographic safari with us today!