Photographic Safaris
This is a subject that is very close to my heart, as a photographer myself there is a big difference between a good photography safari and a mediocre one and a number of factors that can make a difference. In this blog we will cover just the different ways of experiencing Africa as a keen photographer.
There are a number of ways of exploring Africa for those with an interest in photography, I have listed the main options below with the pros and cons but the simple fact is that all these options will be ideal for different people, if this blog leaves you wanting to travel to Africa to experience this incredible continent and get some stunning photos along the way then the best thing to do is to get in touch and let us do all the work for you.
Within this style of trip there is massive variety but for the purpose of this article we are talking about small group (min 4 – max 6) trips that are led by a professional photographer or a trip leader. A set departure trip of this nature is perfect for those that like to travel with other like-minded people, it is a great way of reducing the price of a trip due to sharing the vehicle, guide and trip leaders cost with others, and it is also a way of being accompanied on a trip for those that are unsure about traveling in Africa without someone there to take care of all the issues on the ground. The only negative for this type of safari is the lack of flexibility, the itinerary and the dates are fixed and there is only a limited amount of leeway in these options. It also may not the best method of travel for those that have travelled to Africa a lot or are accomplished wildlife photographers already.
We work closely with Pangolin Safaris in Botswana who run one of the best photographic operations on the continent, they offer exceptional value, top class guiding and photography tuition as well as providing great camera equipment to use free of charge which means that you do not have to worry about luggage restrictions or buying expensive lenses specifically for your trip. These guys are that good that their trips book up fast, all their 2017 dates are already full and they are now working on 2018, have a look at an example itinerary by clicking here and get planning with us now!
In 2018 I will also be running a few set departure trips aimed at keen photographers, as person with years of experience travelling in Africa and a passion for photography the aim of these trips will be to get our clients to experience Africa in the most relaxing and enjoyable way possible and get them into the right places to get those all important photos giving some advice along the way on composition and basic techniques. These trips will be run in a way that there will also be enough variety to keep any non-photographer spouses interested along the way, to find out more about these trips get in touch or stay tuned for more information on itineraries and dates coming soon. For camera clubs with a minimum of 4 pax looking to travel we can put together a tailor made escorted itinerary.
The most expensive way of doing a photography safari but also the most flexible and arguably resulting in the most personal improvement and producing some of the best images. This is a tailor made approach whereby the itinerary is constructed around purely what you want to do and what you are looking to achieve from your trip. A professional photographer that matches well with what you are looking to do is then employed to accompany you, along the way getting you into the perfect position, helping with composition and giving you as much tuition as you require, sometimes this can include post production techniques as well. This type of safari is best suited to the serious photographer, the ones that really want to sit with subjects waiting for the right moment and the right light. The advantage of this is type of safari is the complete flexibility and a photographer that knows how to get you into the best possible situations.
We work with a few professional photographers across Africa who have years of experience in the field and who’s work we really admire, to name just two of our go to guys; Paul Joynson Hicks is a Tanzania based photographer who delivers incredible safaris and has an MBE for philanthropy work across Africa and Edward Selfe, a Zambia based friend of The Safari Specialists, that is one of few Europeans to have passed the incredibly difficult South Luangwa guiding exams to become not only a professional photographer but a highly qualified walking guide.
This is the most common type of safari that we put together and can be adjusted to many different interests including photography. To make a “classic safari” more photography focused we look at the duration of stay in each location, the camp location, wildlife densities, time of year based on what you are looking to achieve and the guides in the camps. On most safaris of this nature you will share camp vehicles with other guests, although it is possible to request a private vehicle at some camps (at an additional cost), which is something that we would suggest for those that have an interest in specific subjects or may want to spend extended periods of time at a promising sighting.
While a classic safari is an outstanding experience for most it is important to remember that the needs of all those on a vehicle will be taken into consideration and therefore your companions may not wish to spend half an hour trying to get the perfect shot of a Carmine Bee Eater! One place where this does work very well is northern Tanzania where having a private driver/guide for the duration of your itinerary can offer both flexibility and good value.
To talk to us about any type of photographic safari or to work out what sort of trip would best suit you then simply get in touch with us and let us put some ideas together for you using our years of experience and passion for Africa travel and wildlife photography.
Next Month we will talk about camera equipment on safari, considerations in choosing what to buy, what to take and what to do and not to do while you are in Africa.