African Photo Safaris

Photo Safaris in Africa

A photographic safari in Africa offers a unique opportunity to experience the continent's awe-inspiring landscapes, wildlife, and vibrant culture through your lens. For travellers captivated by Africa's vast savannahs and intense wildlife encounters, an African photo safari provides the perfect blend of adventure and creativity.

While early explorers relied on sketches and paintings, today's photographers come equipped with advanced camera technology and a passion that often rivals professional expertise, enabling them to capture Africa’s beauty and drama first-hand. 

1. Benefits of Going on a Photo Safari

Photography safaris in South Luangwa National Park, Zambia | Go2Africa
The hippo hide in South Luangwa National Park, Zambia | Kiango Camp

Opting for a specialist for an African photo safari has significant advantages over a classic safari, particularly for keen photographers who want the time and freedom to focus on their craft. Here's what you can expect from Africa photo safaris:

  • Expert Guidance: You'll have a guide experienced in photography and wildlife behaviour, essential for tracking and positioning for optimal shots.
  • Specialised Vehicles: Custom-designed vehicles with features like swivel chairs, camera mounts, and pop-up roofs allow for multiple angles, stability, and ease of movement.
  • Photo-Friendly Locations: Access to the best photo safari destinations and unique vantage points enhance the chances of capturing captivating scenes.
  • Dedicated Equipment Stations: Accommodation on these safaris typically includes battery charging stations, media centres, and editing facilities to support your photography needs. 

2. Who Are African Photo Safaris For?

Africa photo safaris are ideal for a range of enthusiasts, from individual travellers to couples or groups of friends with a shared passion for photography. These safaris often foster a convivial atmosphere among like-minded travellers and are suitable whether you're travelling solo or bringing along a partner or friends. Groups tend to be smaller, ensuring everyone has space and time to photograph at their own pace without feeling rushed.

3. How Experienced Should You Be to Join a Photo Safari?

Kruger National Park photo safaris, South Africa | Go2Africa
One small lion cub portrait in Kruger Park, South Africa | Go2Africa

Africa photo safaris are designed to cater to all skill levels. Whether you're a beginner just learning the ropes or a semi-professional with a solid foundation in wildlife photography, photo safaris offer a learning-rich environment.

Many itineraries include pre-safari workshops to sharpen your technical knowledge, so you'll feel prepared and confident when you're out in the field. If you're new to photography, a photo safari can be a great way to learn and practice under expert guidance.

4. Photo Safari Equipment: What to Bring or Hire

Having the right equipment can make a big difference on an African photo safari, but what you bring is ultimately up to you. Many operators allow you to bring your own gear, while some offer equipment rentals or even provide professional-level DSLR cameras and lenses as part of the package. If you're uncertain about what to pack, reach out to your Africa Safari Expert for recommendations. You can also read our African safari photography tips for advice on essential gear and settings.

For inspiration on where to stay, explore our range of photo safari accommodation designed with photographers in mind, ensuring you have everything you need for a seamless experience.

Leopard photo safari in South Africa | Go2Africa
A leopard in a tree | Londolozi Tree Camp

Explore our collection of Africa's best photo safari destinations, where you can find the ideal adventure that meets your photography interests and experience level. Or, get in touch with our Africa Safari Experts to tailor-make your perfect African photo safari:

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Our Best African Photo Safari Tours
13 days
This Positive Impact Safari includes a donation to a Community initiative
Tarangire Ndovu Tented Lodge swimming pool. Tarangire Ndovu Tent. Wild dog viewing. The-Plantation-swimming-pool Nyikani Migration Camp. Olakira Camp The Great Migration river crossing. Tent interior at Olakira Camp. Bush breakfast with giraffes in the background at Olakira Camp.
Highlights

Privately guided with one of the continent's best guides. Designed to showcase the Great Migration (in season).

Destinations visited
Arusha Ngorongoro Crater Northern Serengeti Serengeti Tanzania
11 days
This Positive Impact Safari includes a donation to a Community initiative
Sensational sunset at the Arathusa lounge. Elephant outside of Pafuri Tented Camp. Swimming pool at Pafuri Tented Camp. Fire pit at Pafuri. Suite at Simbavati River Lodge. Your private plunge pool at Arathusa. Game drives at Simbavati. simbavati-river-lodge
Highlights

Privately guided with one of the continent's best guides. Personalised service & exclusive lodges.

Destinations visited
Kruger National Park Sabi Sands Game Reserve South Africa Timbavati Game Reserve
11 days
This Positive Impact Safari includes a donation to a Community initiative
This Positive Impact Safari includes a donation to an Ecosystem initiative
Deception Valley Lodge main area. Kalahari migration. Cultural experience. Double tent at Camp Kalahari. Camp Kalahari tent. Mapula Lodge chalet. Mapula Lodge chalet interior. Morning game drive.
Highlights

Privately guided with one of the continent's best guides. Personalised service & exclusive lodges.

Destinations visited
Botswana Central Kalahari Game Reserve Kalahari Makgadikgadi Okavango Delta
11 days
Bush breakfast near Lake Nerakera. See Africa's Big 5 giants. Pontoon boat safari on Lake Nzerakera. Siwandu Tented Suites Siwandu tented suites interior. Walking safari. Alfresco dinner with a view. A bath with a view, on your private suite deck.
Highlights

Fly-in safari. Game drives, walks & river safaris.

Destinations visited
Nyerere Ruaha Tanzania

9 Nights Premier Okavango Delta & Linyanti

From $21,770 to $38,815 pps
10 days
This Positive Impact Safari includes a donation to a Community initiative
This Positive Impact Safari includes a donation to an Ecosystem initiative
Dine with a view, serenaded by hippos wallowing out in the water. Jao Camp in Botswana's Okavango Delta. Evenings in the boma. Game drives. Spacious rooms and private deck at Mombo. External view of the Mombo Camp. Watch the sunrise from camp. Sunset at the camp.
Highlights

A fly-in safari experience . Stay on a remote island in the Okavango Delta.

Destinations visited
Botswana Linyanti Moremi Game Reserve Okavango Delta

Adventurer Rwanda's Gorilla Tracking

From $6,630 to $9,600 pps
5 days
This Positive Impact Safari includes a donation to a Sustainability initiative
Go gorilla tracking. Track golden monkeys Breakfast with lake and mountain views at Virunga Lodge. Climb a volcano. View from Virunga Lodge. Guest banda. One sheep per family project. Spectacular terrace views.
Highlights

Track rare mountain gorillas. Spectacular lake & volcano views.

Destinations visited
Kigali Volcanoes National Park

Kenya Classic Safari

From $7,200 to $9,120 pps
8 days
This Positive Impact Safari includes a donation to a Community initiative
Rhino game viewing experience at Ol Pejeta Sundowners around the bush camp fire Tent exterior and view at Ol Pejeta The Wildebeest Migration from Rekero Camp in the Masai Mara The Rekero Camp lounge. Hippos near Rekero Camp. A lunch stop in the Mara Enjoy the river views from Rekero Camp.
Highlights

Front row seats to the world-renowned Great Migration. Exclusive wildlife encounters.

Destinations visited
Kenya Masai Mara Nairobi
10 days
Onguma The Fort. The lodge looks out onto a waterhole for a superb armchair safari. Uniquely-designed Okahirongo Elephant Lodge, an oasis in the desert. Cool off in the pool during the hotter hours of the day. After a day exploring the landscape, visiting local rock art sights and enjoying safari walks, settle down to a romantic sundowner setup. Deep in the Hartmann Valley of the northern part of Namibia. The desert views are exceptional. Families can enjoy an unforgettable cultural Himba tour – a meaningful adventure for all ages! | Cerra Cafema
Highlights

Visit a traditional Himba village. See the ‘fairy circles' of Marianfluss.

Destinations visited
Damaraland Etosha Namibia Sossusvlei Windhoek

Luxury Tanzania Migration Safari

From $15,970 to $20,340 pps
11 days
This Positive Impact Safari includes a donation to a Community initiative
Migration Camp. legendary_expeditions_feb_19_-_copyright_scott_ramsay-100 Interior of Mila Tented Camp. Cultural interaction. Boma area. Vast migration plains. Dining area with a bar. Wildlife viewing.
Highlights

Witness the Wildebeest Migration year-round. Stay at luxurious tented camps in beautiful settings.

Destinations visited
Arusha Serengeti Tanzania Tarangire

Zambia’s Ultimate Hidden Gems Safari

From $8,600 to $10,790 pps
9 days
This safari is a Hidden Gem
chisa-busanga-camp-zambia-the-camp The perfect breakfast welcome at Chisa Busanga Camp.
Highlights

Stay in luxurious eco-lodges . See Victoria Falls and cruise on the Zambezi.

Destinations visited
Kafue National Park South Luangwa National Park Victoria Falls Zambia

Botswana, Zimbabwe & Namibia

From $11,190 to $12,610 pps
17 days
This Positive Impact Safari includes a donation to a Community initiative
This Positive Impact Safari includes a donation to an Ecosystem initiative
Camp Xakanaxa on the banks of the Khwai River on the Xakanaxa Lagoon. Camp Xakanaxa motorboat trip in the heart of the Moremi Game Reserve. Ilala Lodge Hotel boat ride. Victoria Falls at sunset. Ilala Lodge Hotel is in the heart of Victoria Falls. Exterior of Olive Grove Guesthouse. Hot air ballooning on offer at Sossusvlei Lodge. Dune 45 at Sossusvlei.
Highlights

Experience the excitement of Victoria Falls. Drift along the Okavango in a mokoro.

Destinations visited
Botswana Damaraland Etosha Namibia Okavango Delta

Zimbabwe's Hidden Gems Wildlife Safari

From $9,400 to $11,785 pps
12 days
This safari is a Hidden Gem
Enjoy the serenity of the gardens. johns_camp_2017-04-78e john-s-camp_5 camp-hwange-waterhole-view-2 camp-hwange-game-viewing-log-hide camp-hwange-bush-dinner Surround yourself with refinement while on safari | Fothergill Island Fothergill Island
Highlights

Marvel at incredible Victoria Falls on the Zambian side. Up-close encounters with elephants around camp.

Destinations visited
Hwange National Park Lake Kariba Mana Pools Zimbabwe