Choosing the right type of Photographic safari to suit you
Keen to capture moments on camera?
The dust rising beneath a thousand wildebeest. A lion’s golden stare in the Okavango Delta. The silhouette of a lone elephant at sunset.
For many travellers, a photo is simply a way to hold on to the magic. But for others, that first snapshot sparks something more: a passion for photography, a drive to improve, and sometimes, a calling to use their images to help protect what they’ve seen.
That’s where Encompass Africa comes in.
Our photographic safari collection offers travel experiences designed to elevate your skills and deepen your connection to the wild. You’ll be paired with talented local African photographers who offer world-class tuition and insider knowledge. Alternatively, our tailor-made safaris for photographers take you to lodges with editing suites, cars with camera mounts, and guides who know how to get you into the perfect position without disturbing the wildlife.
Take a look at our Photographic Safari Collection here. We have Tanzania live for February 2026, Namibia in May 2026, Zimbabwe in August 2026 and Kenya almost finalised!
Wherever you are on your photography journey – curious beginner, working professional, or aspiring conservation storyteller – Africa is the ultimate canvas. And this guide is your invitation to take the next step.
So where are you on your photography journey?
Lover of photography
You’re a shutterbug at heart, driven by the joy of capturing moments that move you. Whether it’s a smartphone, point-and-shoot, or an entry-level DSLR, your camera is a way to hold onto magic – like a giraffe stretching for acacia leaves or a sunset over the Maasai Mara. You’re not chasing perfection or publication; you’re collecting memories. And there’s nowhere more inspiring to do that than on safari, where every game drive brings a new scene to frame.
Pro tip: The best camera is the one in your hands. Start with what you’ve got, and focus on moments that make you feel something – like a lion cub at play or an elephant spraying water at dusk.
Professional photographer
You’ve turned passion into profession – whether you’re licensing wildlife shots, selling prints, or building a portfolio that gets you noticed. Your gear is serious now: mirrorless body, telephoto lens, maybe even a monopod for support. You’re thinking about light, composition, timing. And Africa? It’s a visual goldmine. From golden-hour lions to the sweeping drama of the savannah, it challenges and inspires at every turn.
Pro tip: Use Africa’s incredible variety – plains, deltas, deserts, and forests – to elevate your portfolio. Our tailor-made photography safaris put you in the right place at the right time, with expert guides, purpose-built vehicles, and access to camps and lodges with editing suites and camera mounts to name a few!
Conservation photographer
You’ve found your voice – and it speaks for the wild. Now it’s not just about capturing beautiful images; it’s about creating impact. You’re using your lens to tell urgent stories, raise awareness, and support efforts to protect species and ecosystems. Think Jen Guyton’s portraits of endangered primates or Neil Aldridge’s haunting images of rhinos – this is photography with purpose.
Pro tip: Choose a cause that stirs something in you – rhino conservation, wetland protection, human-wildlife coexistence – and let your images speak for it. Honesty, emotion and ethical storytelling will always be your strongest tools.
Getting started with conservation photography
You are never too young to start! And you don’t have to be a pro to make a difference. Conservation photography is about purpose, not perfection. Here’s how to begin:
- Find your focus What moves you? Poaching? Habitat loss? Human-wildlife conflict? Start by learning more by reading, talking to people working in the field and researching.
- Sharpen your skills Great conservation photography goes beyond beauty –it captures behaviour, emotion, and urgency. Study your subject. Learn to anticipate movement. Understand how light can shape a story. Our journeys pair you with expert local conservationists in some instances and of course our photo safari guides who know the land and its rhythms.
- Tell a story A single image can grab attention. A series can spark change. Start building a collection that documents a problem, a process, or a conservation win. Share it. Publish it. Let your camera do the talking, and your work start a conversation.
- Raise money, awareness and hope Your images can truly make a difference. Partner with NGOs or grassroots projects to support their work – we can help you with those connections. From anti-poaching units to rewilding initiatives, there are countless ways to get involved.
- Stay ethical. Don’t stage. Don’t bait. Don’t get too close. The best conservation photographers lead with respect – for animals, people, and the land. The most powerful stories are the true ones.
Pro tip: Volunteer with a conservation group during your safari. It’s a meaningful way to connect with a cause, build relationships, and see firsthand how your images can make a difference. We can help.
Why work with Encompass Africa
Africa is breathtaking – but it’s also unpredictable. That’s why our photographic safaris are carefully designed to help you succeed, whether you’re capturing memories, building a portfolio, or telling stories that spark change.
Photographic Safari Collection
Travel with talented local African photographers who know the land, the light, and the wildlife. Their insider knowledge and hands-on tuition can transform your photography – and deepen your connection to Africa.
Tailor-made safaris
Our safaris for photographers take you to camps and lodges with specialist equipment – from camera mounts and editing suites to vehicles designed for stability and comfort. Your guides are trained to read animal behaviour and light conditions, positioning you for that perfect shot without disturbing the wildlife.
Conservation connections
Through our photographic journeys, you’ll meet conservationists working on the front lines – and see how your images can support their efforts, from raising awareness to helping fund vital projects.
Final thoughts
Wherever you are on your photography journey – from snapping joyful moments to advocating for the wild – Africa is the ultimate classroom. It challenges you, inspires you, and offers stories worth telling. With the right intent – and the right support – your lens can do more than capture beauty. It can help protect it.
With Encompass Africa, there’s endless possibilities for photographic safaris. You can travel with local African photographers, stay at lodges designed for photographers by photographers, and connect with conservationists making a real difference. Whether you’re capturing the magic of the moment or using your work to drive change, we’re here to help make it happen.