Best Destinations for an African Photo Safari

Africa's legendary landscapes, abundant wildlife, and glowing golden light make it an unrivalled destination for photographers. For those seeking an immersive photographic experience, here are the top destinations for an Africa photo safari, each offering unique opportunities to capture the continent's beauty.

Whether you’re aiming to snap the Big 5, document the Great Migration, or explore breathtaking desert scenery, these destinations have it all. We can also recommend the best photo safari accommodation.

1. Botswana Photo Safaris

Botswana is one of the premier destinations for African photo safaris, with diverse wildlife and stunning settings that make it a photographer's dream.

• Chobe National Park: Known as a wildlife paradise, Chobe has the largest concentration of elephants in Africa. A Chobe photo safari offers exceptional opportunities to capture these majestic animals along the riverbanks, especially during the dry season. On boat safaris, you'll get close-ups of hippos, crocodiles, and herds of buffalo coming to drink.
• Okavango Delta: This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a unique mix of wetlands and savannah, where a photo safari provides rare opportunities for incredible perspectives on big game, particularly when taking to the water in a traditional mokoro (canoe) safari.

2. Kenya Photo Safari

A Kenya photo safari is ideal for photographers interested in capturing classic African landscapes and epic wildlife encounters.

• Masai Mara National Reserve: Famous for the annual Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles traverse the plains, a Masai Mara photo safari offers iconic moments such as river crossings and predator-prey interactions.
• Amboseli National Park: Located at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro, Amboseli's open plains are perfect for photographing large herds of elephants with the mountain as a dramatic backdrop, especially at sunrise and sunset. 

3. Photo Safari in South Africa

South Africa offers a diverse range of ecosystems and wildlife experiences that make it a top choice for African photo safaris.

• Kruger National Park: Renowned for its Big 5 sightings, a Kruger photo safari is especially popular for capturing elusive predators, including leopards. Many private game reserves around Kruger allow off-road driving, enhancing the chance to get close-up shots.
• Madikwe Game Reserve: With its malaria-free status and breathtaking Kalahari scenery, Madikwe is a photographer's paradise. A Madikwe safari is ideal for capturing wild dogs, cheetahs, and the unique arid landscapes of South Africa's north-west.

4. Tanzania Photo Safari

A Tanzania photo safari is an unmissable experience for capturing Africa's most iconic landscapes and wildlife spectacles.

• Serengeti National Park: As one of Africa's most famous parks, a Serengeti photo safari is a must for capturing the Great Migration. The vast open plains and abundant predators create endless photographic opportunities.
• Ngorongoro Crater: With one of the highest densities of wildlife in Africa, the crater is a photographer's dream. The lush environment is home to the Big 5 and offers incredible backdrops, including crater walls and the diverse landscapes within.

5. Namibia, Zambia & Zimbabwe Photo Safaris

Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe each offer unique and highly photogenic landscapes and wildlife.

• Namibia Safari: Known for its apricot-coloured dunes and striking desert landscapes, a Namibia safari offers dramatic scenes, from the eerie Skeleton Coast to the shimmering salt pans of Etosha.
• Lower Zambezi National Park, Zambia: The Lower Zambezi offers incredible opportunities for close-up shots of wildlife, often from the water. On a Zambia safari, photographers can capture elephants, hippos, and water birds from canoe safaris and boat trips.
• Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe: As one of Zimbabwe's largest and most biodiverse parks, a Zimbabwe photo safari here provides sightings of elephant herds and a range of predators in stunning savannah and woodland settings.

For more safari ideas, check out our best African photo safari tours.

Explore the breathtaking beauty of Africa on a photo safari, where every moment is a memory waiting to be captured. Reach out to our Africa Safari Experts to create a customised safari that caters to your photographic goals and experience level: