Should You Go on a
Specialized Photo Safari?

So, you say you are interested in a photo safari? I assume you have read my page on African safaris, and you have decided that an African Safari is something that suits you. If you have not, do not worry. That article is aimed at people who are not yet sure whether they will enjoy an African safari. If you are sure Africa is not too wild for you, then read on...

Here we will discuss the merits of a specialized photo safari, or a safari specifically concerned with wildlife photography.

Think about it. Is it something that you will enjoy, or do you need to concentrate on a more generic not-too-worried-about-photography safari? Allow me to help you answer that question.

Below, I will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of such safaris. Let's look at the positives first.

Advantages of going on a photo safari

1. Education on proper wildlife photography (in Africa)

The purpose of a photographic safari is not always solely to get good photographic opportunities. It should also teach you more about the art of wildlife photography in Africa. This is a major benefit, as what you learn will help you as a pro or amateur wildlife photographer in future, especially on repeat trips to Africa.

Yes I know... You are so good you do not need much help ;-) Please excuse my ignorance!

A Black-backed Jackal drinking in very good early morning light.
Copyright © Dries Cronje

2. The Big Five will normally be a priority

Sightings of the big five of Africa (elephant, rhinoceros, buffalo, lion and leopard) will normally be a higher priority on photo safaris than on normal African safaris. Therefore, your chances of encountering these famous ones are much better.

Also, there will be a special focus on encountering the big five in special light, with some element of their behaviour visible to make that shot extra special…

3. Spend time with better guides

On a photo safari, you will most probably have a highly qualified field guide, a professional game tracker and a professional wildlife photographer on your game watching vehicle with you. This has obvious advantages in terms of learning about the bush and finding game.

Furthermore, imagine all the questions these guys can answer…

4. A real purpose to your visit

When you go on a photo safari, your trip will have a real sense of purpose. You are in Africa to learn about wildlife photography and to get some awesome wildlife photographs. There will be no time to waste, and therefore the excitement and adventure never stops.

5. A bush walk

In some countries at the more luxurious lodges, a bush walk is normally included in your photo safari. This is an awesome experience where you go with an highly-qualified, armed ranger to experience Africa's wildlife on foot.

This is not a standard feature of all African safaris…

6. "Memories" much better

The "memories" - what you will have left of Africa after your departure - will be much better. Why? Well, since you went on a photo safari, you will take some brilliant photographs home. Much better ones than you likely would have taken home after a normal safari...

Disadvantages of going on a photo safari

1. Early mornings to get the best action

On a photographic safari, you can expect to be in the bush before sunrise in the mornings. This is to ensure you see the predators at their most active, and to make use of the brilliant early morning light.

Therefore, there will be no sleeping in. How do they say: Sleep when you're dead... I have been on African safaris where I get substantially less sleep than I normally do. But I must admit, I spend too much of my evening chatting around the campfire…

2. Late afternoons

The same applies to the afternoons. You will most probably be in the bush till all signs of daylight have passed. This is to ensure that you see the predators as they start getting active again. The light is also excellent for photography.

3. Busy all the time

In between your early morning game drive and your late afternoon game drive, there might be other activities such as a short lecture, lunch and a bush walk.

In other words, no rest for the wicked.

4. Costs more

Normally the costs of a photo safari is higher than that of a normal African safari.

Why? There will be a professional wildlife photographer, field guide and tracker present on all game drives. All these guys need to make a living.

You will also be charged a premium for the photo course itself (costs such as preparation and printing of material, and a fee for your tutor).

Therefore, if you want to stretch your money, a general African safari might be a better bet.

Conclusion

I sincerely hope this article has helped you in forming an opinion on this matter. If you have any specific questions, please contact me. Oh, and enjoy your trip...