Janice recently pulled together the following tips and tricks after reading about and researching conservation photography.
Understanding Light in Africa
African light is legendary among photographers, but it’s also challenging. The ‘golden hours’ are shorter near the equator, and the midday sun creates harsh shadows. Pack a circular polarising filter to manage reflections and enhance sky contrast, and consider neutral density filters for those rare occasions when you want to show motion blur in waterfalls or moving herds.
Backup Strategy
Never rely on a single piece of equipment. Bring backup batteries, multiple memory cards, and if possible, a second camera body – not easy when you’ve got luggage limits! The remote nature of safari destinations means equipment failure could end your photographic adventure prematurely!
Clothing considerations for photographers
- Neutral colours: Avoid bright colours that might spook wildlife
- Layered clothing: Early morning game drives can be surprisingly cold
- Comfortable, quiet fabrics: Rustling clothing can disturb animals at crucial moments
- Sun protection: Wide-brimmed hat and quality sunglasses are essential
The philosophy behind the gear
“The camera is for me a tool, a challenger, a relaxer and a platform for creativity.”
– Peter Chadwick, African Conservation Photography
Peter’s perspective captures the essence of safari photography perfectly. Your camera, whether it’s a $5,000 mirrorless system or a basic DSLR—is ultimately a tool for storytelling.
What truly matters is the story you want to tell and the emotions you want to evoke through your images.
Image: African wildlife photographer, Skye Meaker
Beyond the technical: preparing your creative mind
Study your subjects
Before departure, research the wildlife you’re likely to encounter. Understanding animal behaviour will help you to anticipate photographic opportunities and capture more compelling images than simple ‘tourist shots.’ But don’t worry, on our Photographic Safari Collection tours our pro photo safari guides always get you in the right spot and help with timing!
Embrace the unexpected
Some of the most memorable safari photographs come from unplanned moments like a sudden rainstorm creating dramatic skies, or intimate animal interactions that unfold when you least expect them. Stay alert and ready.
Composition over equipment
A well-composed image taken with a really basic camera kit will always surpass a poorly composed shot from expensive gear. Focus on learning composition techniques: rule of thirds, leading lines, and negative space usage.
Final thoughts: quality over quantity
Packing light doesn’t mean ‘missing out’. It means focusing on creativity, technique, and experience rather than sheer quantity of gear. Every piece of equipment you bring should serve a specific purpose in your photographic vision.
The goal isn’t to return home with thousands of images, but rather with a curated collection that tells the story of your African adventure. Quality always trumps quantity, and the memories you create while capturing these images are just as important as the photographs themselves.
So, pack smart, trust your skills, come with an open mind and heart ready to learn new skills and prepare yourself for the photographic adventure of a lifetime.
Ready to capture Africa’s wild beauty?
Let Encompass Africa craft your photography safari while you focus on capturing the perfect shot. Or join one of our photographic Safari Collection tours.
About the Author
This blog was researched and compiled by Janice Kamau, a Kenyan-born tourism professional with deep roots in the industry. Currently based in Australia, Janice holds a Bachelor’s degree in Tourism Management and is completing her Master’s in International Tourism and Hospitality Management.
Raised in a family of tourism entrepreneurs, Janice developed an early passion for creating transformative travel experiences. As an intern with Encompass Africa, she’s gaining invaluable hands-on experience in curating impactful African safaris while learning the intricacies of running a specialised safari company.
Janice is committed to advancing responsible, people-centred tourism across Africa, combining her academic expertise with authentic cultural insights to help travellers forge meaningful connections with the continent.