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Safari Photography

If photography is your passion, what better way is there to fulfil than by visiting the most beautiful coastlines, mesmerizing vistas and stunning marine life? Africa is filled will stunning landscapes and a huge abundance of wildlife. Predators are a favourite to photograph as they are both magnificent and dangerous.


  • Countires

    Namibia, Botswana, Kenya, South Africa, Rwanda, Mozambique, Tanzania

  • Average Safari Cost

    $200-$1,200 pp/day

  • Highlights

    The Great Migration, Mt. Kilimanjaro, mountain gorillas, incredible vistas, beautiful coastlines, a primordial forest, the world’s best botanical garden, iconic landmarks (Table Mountain and Robben Island), the continents highest bridge

Why Choose Safari Photography in Africa

Mount Kilimanjaro, the Great Wildebeest Migration and mountain gorillas are just a few of the reason that make Africa the perfect safari destination. Add in the amazing marine life population in Mozambique, the ancient forest in the Garden Route, and the hauntingly beautiful landscape of Namibia, and there is no denying Africa’s splendour.

For many years, the continent was robbed of its precious minerals, but I for one am glad that the true magnificence of Africa has survived time and man’s greed. Still, there are so many endangered animals and their habitats are dwindling faster than our heroes can save them.

So, while you are capturing the brilliance of this continent, perhaps you will become an advocate for it as well. Seeing and experiencing its beauty will show you that this land is worth all the efforts to preserve it.

Best Time to Go

  • Namibia: May – September
  • Botswana: Dry season: June – December; Wet season: January – May
  • South Africa: April – October
  • Kenya: July – December
  • Rwanda: Mid-December – early February and June – September
  • Mozambique: May – November
  • Tanzania: November – March

Start your African Adventure

Safari Photography in Namibia

Namibia has a strikingly diverse landscape of desert, ocean, salt pans, savannah and mountains. From the haunting Skeleton Coast, to Etosha’s abundance of wildlife: Namibia is a great destination for both wildlife and landscape photography.

Quick Facts

  • Cost: $100 - $1,000
  • When to go: May – September
  • Type of photography: Wildlife and landscape
  • Highlights: Vastly uninhabited by humans makes for perfect photography. Uniquely haunting landscapes and extremely diverse terrains. Great wildlife viewing and birdwatching. Both the Black and the White rhino can be found here.

Etosha National Park: Wildlife & Landscape Photography
  • Lion
  • Elephant
  • Cheetah
  • Leopard
  • Hyena
  • Giraffe
  • Black Rhino
  • White Rhino
  • Wildebeest

Wildlife Photography

Etosha remains one the world’s best wildlife viewing destinations. This is due the easy accessibility of the park, as well as the fact that in the dry season (July – September), you won’t need to go looking for animals to photograph – just park your vehicle at one of the waterholes, and they will come to you.

It is good remember, however, that this is also the busy season. It may be difficult get perfect shots of the animals while all the other tourists are around. In the wet season, the animals tend to be more scattered, but perhaps the photography would be more rewarding. After the rains, the land of Etosha turns into an emerald jewel, lush and vibrant with new life. And by new life, I don’t only mean the vegetation – this is the calving season as well, and if you have the patience for it, you may be able to find newly born animals to photograph.

  • Zebra
  • Black rhino
  • White rhino
  • Elephant
  • Antelope (various)
  • Lion
  • Wildebeest
  • Leopard
  • Cheetah
  • Impala
  • Giraffe
  • Gembok
  • Hyena

Landscape Photography

The shimmering silver Etosha pan is the heart of this park. It stark beauty is mesmerizing to behold. If you decide to visit during the wet season (November – April), makes sure you visit the Etosha Pan, as this huge, flat salt desert will be transformed by the rain. The resultant shallow lagoon will be swarmed with pelicans and flamingos, which is a beautiful sight. The great thing about this saltpan, is that it can be visited in either season

The rest of the landscape (to the south of Etosha Pan) consists of woodland, open grassland and permanent waterholes. While not as striking as the saltpan, you will still be able to get some beautiful scenic shots.

Skeleton Coast: Landscape Photography

Shrouded in fog, with the sound of crashing waves and sight of wrecked ships along the coastline, proves that Skeleton Coast is an apt name for this hauntingly beautiful national park. While there is some wildlife here, the main draw to this harsh strip of land is the achingly lonely, dreamlike atmosphere and the unlikely sight of an ocean colliding with a desert. The true power and beauty of nature is easy to see here in this unyielding terrain.

Namib-Naukluft National Park: Landscape Photography

With the rocky Nuakluft Mountains as the perfect backdrop, the red sand dune ocean of Sossuvlei is a remarkable sight. This section of Africa has drawn nature loves from across the world. Who wouldn’t want to this natural wonder? The character of dunes changes constantly – by shifting sands or changing light. One shot will never be the same as another.

Did mention the night sky? The desert, with its non-existent light population and vast open plains is the perfect place to photograph the stars, and you may even be lucky enough to capture the Milky Way!

Damaraland: Wildlife & Landscape Photography
  • Lion
  • Elephant
  • Cheetah
  • Leopard
  • Black Rhino
  • Spingbok

Wildlife Photography

Most who venture to Damaraland, visit for the elephants. The world’s biggest land mammal roams this park in large herds, and they are beautiful sight. If you plan you trip for November to April, you may have a chance to witness calves, or even births. Wouldn’t that be an amazing experience to photography! This season is also less crowded with tourists, and you will be able to take beautiful and uninterrupted shots of these magnificent animals. Although, elephants are not the only large mammals to be found here: the Black rhino is also present in Damaraland. And don’t forget the predators! Lions, leopards and cheetahs can be found here and these magnificent big cats are extremely photogenic.

  • Elephant
  • Black rhino
  • Gemsbok
  • Greater kudu
  • Eland
  • Springbok
  • Lion
  • Cheetah
  • Leopard

Landscape Photography

The Aba Huab River, the Ugab River, Hug Coastal Plain and the Messum Crater all provide wonderful photographic opportunities. You can also take great photographs of Damaraland’s incredible vista from the mountain top. If you take an 11-day horse riding tour through Damaraland, you are sure to see all these sights and so much more. The scenery is fantastic, and I imagine that photographing the land from horseback will provide you will new perspectives at every turn.

Safari Photography in Botswana

One of the best things about Botswana, is that it is an all-year destination. This diverse land goes through extreme changes from one season to the next, making it a great destination for photography.

Quick Facts

  • Cost: $50 - $300
  • When to go: Dry season: June – December; Wet season: January – May
  • Type of photography:Wildlife and landscape
  • Highlights: Kalahari Desert, black-maned lions, Big Five, horseback riding, floodplains.

Okavango Delta: Wildlife & Landscape Photography
  • Lion
  • Cheetah
  • Leopard
  • Hippo
  • Buffalo
  • Hyena
  • Black Rhino
  • White Rhino
  • Warthog
  • Wild Dog
  • Zebra
  • Baboon
  • Crocodile

Wildlife Photography

The best part of visiting Okavango during the wet season, is being able to canter alongside herds of lechwe and giraffe while you’re on horseback. Now, imagine being able to capture that experience forever. Photographing wildlife up close is so much easier while on horseback, as the animals (especially herd animals) will consider you as one of their own. And Okavango is rich in wildlife, with one of the biggest wild dog populations left in Africa.

  • Elephant
  • Buffalo
  • Hippo
  • Lechwe
  • Topi
  • Wildebeest
  • Giraffe
  • Crocodile
  • Lion
  • Cheetah
  • Leopard
  • Hyena
  • Greater kudu
  • Sable antelope
  • Black rhino
  • White rhino
  • Zebra
  • Warthog
  • Baboon
  • Wild dog

Landscape Photography

During the dry season, this floodplain is arid and dusty. The landscape seems almost barren. But once the rains come, the plain floods and overflows with lush vegetation. Capturing those sunsets reflecting off the water, as you canter along on horseback is an amazing experience.

Kalahari Game Reserve: Wildlife & Landscape Photography
  • Lion
  • Elephant
  • Cheetah
  • Buffalo
  • Hyena
  • Giraffe
  • White Rhino

Wildlife Photography

While this dry land does not support a large variety of wildlife, it does have the Big Five. The stunning black-maned Kalahari lions are very photogenic in this arid habitat, and the image of springbok wandering in the hazy distance is particularly mesmerizing. Due to the vast openness of this terrain, spotting leopards and cheetahs are much easier than usual, and if you’re lucky, you may even be able to capture some hunting action.

  • Elephant
  • White rhino
  • Giraffe
  • Buffalo
  • Hyena
  • Honey badger
  • Lion
  • Leopard
  • Cheetah
  • Meerkat

Landscape Photography

The Central Kalahari Game Reserve is open, dry and flat, but the blazing sunsets are spectacular when it reflects off this golden land. The desert can look lonely, but it is also striking.

Makgadikgadi Salt Pan: Landscape Photography

Southeast of Okavango lies the Makgadikgadi Salt Pan. During the dry season, the pan seems to have an old western feel to it, with the appaloosas and dust, throw in some horse riders and the image is complete.

The wet season is suitable only for horseback, since the salt pan would become flooded. The dry atmosphere changes to one expectance as the rains create a lush wilderness. Just like the Okavango, Makgadikgadi is beautiful in both seasons, and the unusual scenery is definitely worthy of being photographed.

Safari Photography in South Africa

South Africa is an extremely popular holiday destination due it having the best coastlines in the world. Due to iconic sights such as Table Mountain, the country is perfect for both landscapes and seascapes.

Quick Facts

  • Cost: $100 - $2,000
  • When to go: September – March for the Western Cape and the Garden Route; April – September for everywhere else.
  • Type of photography:Landscape, seascape and wildlife
  • Highlights: Gorgeous coastlines, a primordial forest hugged by the ocean, amazing wildlife viewing, and emerald canyon, the continent’s highest bridge, spectacular visas and iconic sights - Table Mountain and Robben Island.

Kruger National Park: Wildlife & Landscape Photography
  • Lion
  • Cheetah
  • Hippo
  • Buffalo
  • Hyena
  • Giraffe
  • Black Rhino
  • White Rhino
  • Kudu
  • Spingbok
  • Wildebeest
  • Wild Dog
  • Zebra

Wildlife Photography

This is the country’s most iconic and well-known national park. It supports large populations of the Black and White rhino. Elephant, lion, leopard and buffalo round off the Big Five. The 3-day walking trails provide excellent opportunities for wildlife photographers to get so much closer to the action. The game vehicles create a lot of noise, and often animals become skittish and hide away – while on foot, your guide can take you along animal trails and you will see much more activity. Over-night camping ensures that you will get a chance to capture nocturnal animals as well.

  • White rhino
  • Black rhino
  • Elephant
  • Buffalo
  • Lion
  • Leopard
  • Zebra
  • Cheetah
  • Giraffe
  • Hippo
  • Hyena
  • Wildebeest
  • Wild dog
  • Antelope (various)

Landscape Photography

With over 14 different ecosystems, Kruger National Park will provide you with the most fantastic safari photography experience. The landscape shifts from sprawling grasslands, dense woodland and granite outcrops, to wetlands, major rivers and deep ravines. There are more than enough habitats for you to choose from.

The Garden Route: Landscape & Seascape Photography

This famous route stretches from Mossel Bay on South Africa’s west coast, all the way to Storm’s River on the east coast.

From ocean-edged Tsitsikamma, to the rugged coast of Morgan’s Bay, the Garden Route is every nature-lover’s paradise. It was name after the primordial forests that covers the stunning eastern coastline. This is an amazing drive for anyone to experience, and you will enjoy being able to capture the beauty and wonder of it all. With a coastal forest, glistening lakes, a lagoon and the ocean, you may want to bring an extra memory card for your camera! You won’t be able to pick and choose between the amazing sights.

And while the Eastern Cape does have Tsitsikamma National Park, this part of the country is much more suited for landscape and seascapes, than it is for wildlife photography – although you may find yourself getting some shots of playful monkeys and colourful birds as well.

Blyde River Canyon, Mpumalanga: Landscape Photography
This popular canyon is situated along the Panorama Route. The view from the top of the canyon to the floor is absolutely stunning: endless green, surrounding a glistening lake, with ocean easily seen in the distance. Once you go down in the canyon for a closer look, make sure you visit at least one of the many waterfalls to round off this enchanting display.
The Western Cape: Landscape Photography

Table Mountain

There are so many photographs of this iconic landmark, and I’m sure everyone who visits Cape Town can’t wait to get on the cable car and go to the top. I would venture that taking photographs from inside the cable car itself would provide you with plenty of different vantage points. Once you reach the top though, the view is splendid.

Robben Island

Seascapes are particularly great from here, and if you arrived by boat, you will likely visit Seal Island as well. If however, you took a helicopter, you will be able to capture amazing aerial images of Cape Town and the famous Robben Island.

Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens

This is considered the biggest and most important botanical garden in the world. If you’ve ever been here then you will understand that the only description that would ever do it justice is a photograph (or 20). This huge garden situated in Cape Town is spectacular, and no words will do it justice.

Bloukrans River Valley

Meet Africa’s highest bridge. It is famous for bungee jumping, and also happens to offer amazing view of the Bloukrans River Valley below it. If you want to add some adrenalin to your photography safari, this is a great place to start.

Safari Photography in Kenya

While Kenya is more famous for the Great Wildebeest Migration which is present from September to October, it is also a bird lovers paradise. Lake Nakuru is especially famous for the millions of flamingos which flocks to its shore, and the 400 other bird species that are present.

Quick Facts

  • Cost: $60 - $800
  • When to go:July – October
  • Type of photography:Landscape and wildlife
  • Highlights: The Great Migration, millions of pink flamingos, millions of wildebeest, thousands of zebra, easy to see predators and witnessing predation is almost guaranteed in September to October.

Maasai Mara National Park: Wildlife Photography
  • Lion
  • Cheetah
  • Leopard
  • Hyena
  • Kudu
  • Spingbok
  • Wildebeest
  • Zebra
  • Crocodile

While the scenery may be beautiful, the open plains provide a great wildlife viewing experience. The Great Wildebeest Migration is here from September to October, and capturing their frantic rush across the river is a rare, wonderful opportunity. And due to the open plains, once the herds have crossed the river, you will be able to witness the large predators in action as pick off the weaker members of the herds. Being able to capture a pride of lions or a cheetah coalition working seamlessly together to take down a wildebeest is every wildlife photographers dream come true.

Wildlife Photography

  • Wildebeest
  • Zebra
  • Antelope (various)
  • Lion
  • Cheetah
  • Leopard
  • Hyena
  • Crocodile

Lake Nakuru: Wildlife & Landscape Photography
  • Lion
  • Cheetah
  • Leopard
  • Hippo
  • Buffalo
  • Hyena
  • Black Rhino
  • White Rhino
  • Baboon

Wildlife Photography

From protected animals such as the Black and White rhinos and Rothschild giraffe, to the unusually easy to leopard, this national park is great for viewing wildlife. But it is exceptional for birding. The huge flocks of pink flamingos and other birds which gather at the lake are definitely worth seeing.

  • Tree-climbing lion
  • Leopard
  • Cheetah
  • Black Rhino
  • White rhino
  • Rothschild giraffe
  • Wildcat
  • Wildebeest
  • Hippo
  • Buffalo
  • Vervet monkey
  • Olive baboon
  • Black-and-white colobus monkey
  • Defassa waterbuck
  • Bohor reedbuck

Landscape Photography

Acacia forests, sprawling savannah plains, swamplands and Makalia Falls, along with rocky, steep mountains on three sides, provides excellent material to fill your camera.

Safari Photography in Rwanda

Gentle mountain gorillas surrounded by their lush habitat, or visiting a hidden waterfall paradise, proves that Africa is the best place to go for safari photography, and that Rwanda is a one of the many jewels hidden on the continent.

Quick Facts

  • Cost: $70 - $2,300
  • When to go: June-September
  • Type of photography:Landscape and wildlife
  • Highlights: Mountain gorillas, golden monkey, ancient forest, butterflies, enchanting waterfall, sunsets on the lake

Volcanoes National Park: Wildlife & Landscape Photography
  • Buffalo
  • Hyena
  • Mountain Gorilla

Wildlife Photography

Volcanoes park is famous for the being the best place in Africa to visit the endangered mountain gorilla. These gentle creatures can be tracked through the forested mountain range, and you can spend an hour taking photographing him. The forest is also home to the golden monkey, which can also be track with a guide.

  • Mountain gorilla
  • Golden monkey
  • Buffalo
  • Spotted hyena
  • Black-fronted duiker
  • Bushbuck

Landscape Photography

Enchanting views from volcanic mountain slopes and stunning vistas from the top will soon fill up your camera’s memory card and putting in your spare. Hiking to Dian Fossey’s tomb, or taking a volcano trek will offer you beautiful scenery and great photographs for your portfolio.

Nyungwe Forest: Wildlife & Landscape Photography
  • Leopard
  • Chimpanzee
  • Baboon

Wildlife Photography

This is one of best-preserved and oldest forest on the continent. It is also a veritable wonderland! Birds chirp in the canopy, and the blooming orchids are swarming with butterflies, while elusive cats stalk through the trees, and playful monkeys chatter at you from their perches. The photographic opportunities are numerous and seemingly endless. Let’s not forget that this forest is home to several primate species, including the chimpanzee and the L’Hoest monkey, which can be tracked to their various habitats.

  • Leopard
  • Golden cat
  • Serval
  • Wildcat
  • Side-stripe jackal
  • African civet
  • Mongoose
  • Fronted duiker
  • Giant forest hog
  • Bush big
  • Chimpanzee
  • Grey-cheeked Mangabey
  • Ruwenzori Colobus monkey
  • L’Hoest monkey
  • Owl-faced monkey
  • Mona monkey
  • Silver monkey
  • Angola Colobus
  • Hamlyn’s monkey
  • Red-tailed monkey
  • Dent’s mona monkey
  • Vervet monkey
  • Olive baboon
  • Golden monkey

Landscape Photography

From tea fields, to the canopy walk, Nyungwe Forest does not want for stunning scenery. Isumo Waterfall is particularly enchanting with its misty falls and jewel-coloured wildflowers. If you truly want to see the most of this ancient forest, there are hiking trails that can last from 4 hours to 3 days, giving you the perfect opportunity to explore. And remember, the guides know all the best scenic spots.

Akagera National Park: Wildlife & Landscape Photography
  • Lion
  • Elephant
  • Leopard
  • Hippo
  • Buffalo
  • Hyena
  • Black Rhino
  • Zebra
  • Crocodile

Wildlife Photography

Akagera's large, diverse wildlife population will give you amazing photographic opportunities. The rare Sitatunga antelope is present, with the re-introduction of the Black rhino, the Big Five is complete. There are several primate species that be seen in the trees as well, including the blue monkey and the vervet monkey.

  • Black rhino
  • Sitatunga antelope
  • Blue monkey
  • Lion
  • Leopard
  • Hyena
  • Side-striped jackal
  • Bushbaby
  • Elephant
  • Buffalo
  • Zebra
  • Topi
  • Waterbuck
  • Eland
  • Roan antelope
  • Duiker
  • Bohor reedbuck
  • Oribi
  • Klipspringer
  • Bushbuck
  • Impala
  • Olive baboon
  • Vervet
  • Hippo
  • Crocodile

Landscape Photography

Golden savannah plains, sloping hills, papyrus swamp and forest-edged lakes offer great scenery. Taking a sunset trip on Lake Ihema will give you the opportunity to capture the landscape backlit by the blazing setting sun.

Safari Photography in Mozambique

There are many who think that Mozambique is a tropical paradise – and they aren’t exactly wrong. Exquisite white beaches and gorgeous off-shore islands, crystal clear waters and dolphins peaking at you from the sea, does indeed bring a tropical paradise to mind. Add in the warm weather and beautiful forests and the vision is complete.

Quick Facts

  • Cost: $50 -$200
  • When to go: All year
  • Type of photography:Landscape, seascape and marine life
  • Highlights: Great marine life, diving, beautiful coastline, exotic birds

Bazaruto Archipelago: Marine Life Photography

Mozambique offers amazing coastlines, beautiful forests, an amazing population of marine life and even some exotic birds. Bazaruto National Park might be the only place left in Africa to find a viable population of the endangered dugong. Dolphins and whales can be spotted throughout the year, and be sure to get yourself a great underwater camera, because scuba diving provides the perfect chance to photograph this abundance of marine life.

Marine Life

  • Dugong
  • Whales (various)
  • Dolphins (various)
  • Sea turtles
  • Sharks (various)
  • Rays (various)

Safari Photography in Tanzania

From the Great Migration, to the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro, Tanzania offers wonderful vistas, varied habitats, and loads of wildlife.

Quick Facts

  • Cost: $50 -$1,500
  • When to go: November – March
  • Type of photography:Landscape and wildlife
  • Highlights: Great Wildebeest Migration, Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar

Serengeti: Wildlife Photography
  • Lion
  • Elephant
  • Cheetah
  • Leopard
  • Hyena
  • Wildebeest
  • Zebra
  • Crocodile

The Great Wildebeest Migration begins here each here. The herds are present from November to March, and half a million wildebeest calves are born in February each year, providing you with amazing photographic material. The predator population is high here due the large herds, and it is not uncommon to witness a kill.

The landscape is beautiful, especially with Mt. Kilimanjaro easily seen in the distance. However, very few people who come to Serengeti are visiting for the scenery. Most want to see the Great Migration.

Wildlife

  • Wildebeest
  • Zebra
  • Antelope (various)
  • Lion
  • Leopard
  • Cheetah
  • Hyena
  • Crocodile

Kilimanjaro: Landscape Photography

Africa’s highest mountain peak offers the most spectacular vistas. But the scenery isn’t only at the top. In fact, the entire journey is beautiful. The mountain side has many different habitats – heath, alpine meadows, a tropical rainforest, and of course, the freezing zone at the top. Depending on which route you decide to take, you could end of travelling through a couple of these habitats, or all.

Wildlife photography is not as popular here, although there are animals present. With the number of different habitats, there is sure to be a varied selection of wildlife and birds.

Getting There and Safety

Flights

For the flights to Africa, it is advised to check Skyscanner (for multiple destination flights), to see which airlines can take you to Africa and their various ticket prices.

If you are based in the UK and Europe, check out these flights to all African destinations.

If you are based in the USA and Canada, check out these flights to all African destinations.

Visas

For more information on visas see our country travel guides below:

Safety

For more information on safety in each country, please refer to our travel guides:

Travel Insurance

Going on a safari in Africa comes with obvious risks. We recommend you get travel insurance for all safaris in Namibia. Make sure your insurance has full medical coverage, emergency air evacuation, repatriation and the standard travel insurance for cancellations, delays and luggage cover.

Check World Nomads’ travel insurance calculator to see the cost of your safari trip cover.

Vaccinations

Check your local travel health authority for more information:

What To Pack
Apart from your preferred photography gear, please also check our Safari Packing List.
Drinking Water

Camps, lodges, and hotels will make it clear to their guests whether they should or should not drink the tap water and, in most cases, will provide bottled water free of charge if tap water is not safe.

For more information on drinking wanter in each country, please refer to our travel guides: