Whether wildlife photography or safari photography, this article will give you just the read you need before you embark on your vacation or safari to East Africa. Appropriate lens, packaging , destinations for amazing wildlife photographs and other information that you will appreciate for you preparation.
A digital camera made in the last several years can take excellent wildlife and landscape photographs. You don’t need the most expensive camera to take great photos on your Kenya safari. Getting good safari photos is more about practice, focus, and concentration than having an expensive camera.
A DSLR camera with interchangeable lenses is a good option for a safari tour. Safari lenses for African wildlife photos fall in the range of 200-400mm. Those who intend to take landscape or animal shots in their wild environment should consider bringing a wider-angle lens in the range of 24-100mm. A video camera is a welcome gadget during a safari, and you may already have one built into your DSLR.
Safari tours take place in remote areas, so bring plenty of batteries and a charger in case you run out of power. Cameras get dirty quickly in the dusty safari environment, so bring plenty of cleaning equipment, such as cleaning cloths and a blower brush. You’ll also need plenty of memory cards, as you’ll likely take more shots than you anticipated on your safari adventure. A pair of binoculars is essential for viewing birds and animals at a distance. The best size is 8/10 x 40, and they only need to be of good quality.
Here are some additional tips for safari photography:
- Practice taking photos before your safari.
- Focus on composition and lighting.
- Be patient and wait for the right moment.
- Be respectful of the animals and their environment.
Suggested equipment list for your wildlife photography safari
- Camera
- Telephoto lenses (Ideally covering 24-100mm and 200-400mm range)
- cleaning equipment for lens.
- Extra batteries
- Battery charger.
- Memory cards
- Camera bag
- Zip lock bags (dust proof) not plastic bags as they are banned in Kenya so you may use a cloth alternative
- Beanbag (for camera stability during photography)
East African destinations for amazing wildlife photography
- Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya: This is one of the most popular safari destinations in the world, and for good reason. The Masai Mara is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including lions, elephants, zebras, and giraffes. The reserve is also known for its stunning scenery, including the Mara River and the Great Rift Valley.
- Serengeti National Park, Tanzania: The Serengeti is home to the world’s largest annual migration of wildebeest and zebras. The park is also home to a variety of other wildlife, including lions, elephants, and cheetahs. The Serengeti is known for its vast open plains, which provide stunning photo opportunities.
- Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania: The Ngorongoro Crater is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Tanzania. The crater is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including lions, elephants, and black rhinos. The crater is also known for its beautiful scenery, including lush forests and green meadows.
- Lake Nakuru National Park, Kenya: Lake Nakuru is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 400 species of birds calling the park home. The park is also home to a variety of other wildlife, including lions, elephants, and rhinos. Lake Nakuru is known for its pink flamingo population, which can be seen in large numbers during the wet season.
- Kilimanjaro National Park, Tanzania: Kilimanjaro is the tallest mountain in Africa, and it’s a popular destination for hikers and photographers alike. The mountain is home to a variety of different vegetation zones, from lush rainforests to snow-capped peaks. The views from the top of Kilimanjaro are simply stunning.
- Tsavo National Park, Kenya: Tsavo is the largest national park in Kenya, and it’s home to a wide variety of wildlife, including lions, elephants, and rhinos. The park is also known for its beautiful scenery, including the Yatta Plateau and the Mzima Springs.