Why Go on a Photography Safari?
The Right Place at the Right Time
When it comes to photography, it’s all about having the right angles, the right light, and the right amount of time to get that perfect shot. On a photo safari to Africa, photography is the main mission. This means that you’re guaranteed to get the best possible photographic opportunities that are available on your trip.
Improve Your Photographic Skills
Not only will a photo safari to Africa take you to the right places to photograph amazing imagery, you will be guided by a professional photographer, whose job it is to help every participant improve their skills. A personal and tailored approach combined with small groups guarantees enough attention and assistance for everyone.
Take Your Time & Slow Down
A photography safari is about observing behaviour, sitting with the animals and waiting for them to do their thing.
This is when the real magic happens, and makes for more compelling images. From a lion’s yawn to the moment two elephants entwine trunks, anything is possible.
Exclusive Lodges & Camps
No vacation is complete without the luxury accommodation to go along with it.
Africa has some of the best exclusive-use luxury properties, set in enviable locations around the continent – which means that you can visit any destination without compromising on style and comfort.
Excellent Value
Thanks to a very favourable exchange rate, it’s easy to find superb accommodation that offers that extra bit of holiday pampering. Spoilt for choice is an understatement with an option to suit every budget and preference.
Convenient Add-Ons
Frequent flights and accessibility make it easy to combine your family safari with other spectacular destinations in Southern and East Africa.
You can also crown a safari with a beach vacation by visiting Zanzibar or Mozambique.
Capture the Magic of Africa
Captivated by Africa’s landscapes, people and wildlife, travellers have always been inspired to make a visual record of the far-flung savannah plains and dramatic hoof-and-claw encounters they witness here.
Early adventurers painted what they saw; modern visitors capture the moment through the lens of a camera, often with the passion and expertise to rival a professional photographer.
Accommodation From $450 USD
per person sharing
From $650 CAD
per person per Night sharing
From $1,050 AUD
per person per Night sharing
From €1,000 EUR
per person per Night sharing
From £800 GBP
per person per Night sharing
From R15,000 ZAR
per person per Night sharing
Top Destinations for a Photography Safari
Here are some of our best packages, all completely customisable to your requirements and travel wishes:
Kenya
Kenya is a highly photogenic country. The main point of interest for most people that want to go on a Kenya photography safari is the prodigious wildlife that inhabits the national parks and other reserves. For dedicated Kenya photography safari-goers, there are several advantages to staying in private concessions or reserves such as those on the Laikipia Plateau and bordering the Masai Mara.
These private reserves are relatively costly to visit, but they tend to have better guides, and the ability to drive off-road. Combine this with the lack of other tourist traffic, means you can stick longer with a good photographic subject, and usually get far closer to it.
Highlights:
- Excellent Big 5 game viewing
- Safari walks with Maasai guides
- Fly between camps to give you more time on safari
- Capture the Great Migration in season
Tanzania
Tanzania must be one of the most photographer-friendly destinations on the planet. From snow-capped mountain peaks to ‘Big Five’ safaris and dreamy tropical islands, Tanzania is a seriously hot photographic travel destination.
From the Serengeti plains and steep-sided Ngorongoro Crater to the flamingos of Lake Manyara and giant tuskers of Tarangire to idyllic Zanzibar and traditional Pemba to the wild landscapes of Ruaha – the list of iconic Tanzanian photographic destinations is almost endless.
Highlights:
- Front-row seats to the Wildebeest Migration
- Photograph the African landscape from a hot-air balloon
- Sophisticated and luxurious safari accommodation
- Experience walking safaris, night drives & village visits, horse-riding & cycling
Botswana
Photographic safaris are very popular in Botswana because of the wildlife density and the relaxed attitude animals have around vehicles and boats. Boat cruises on the Chobe River often bring guests right up close to elephant, hippo, and buffalo – in addition to highly sought-after bird species, such as the African skimmer.
A photographic safari will have a trained guide who knows how to manage a sighting for the best photographic results. Photography can take time and patience, so it is best to hire a private guide and to book with a group aiming for the same experience.
Highlights:
- Authentic & exclusive safari camps
- Superb wildlife, especially lion & elephant
- Stay in private safari concessions
- Mokoro trips & boat cruises
Consider Adding...
South Africa
South Africa is a highly photogenic country, especially in the summer months (November-April). The coastline and mountains all make great subjects, but the country’s most popular venues for photography are its game reserves, with their magnificent arrays of wildlife.
Rwanda
Rwanda offers some superb opportunities for wildlife and scenic opportunities. The mountain gorillas of Volcanoes National Park are wonderful laidback photographic subjects. The perfect volcanic outlines of the Virungas are highly photogenic, especially day dusk and dawn, as are lakes such as Kivu and Burera.
Zimbabwe
For wildlife and landscape photography, Zimbabwe is a dream. Visit during the dry winter months of July to October for the best chances of photographing hordes of animals – especially elephants in Hwange National Park – gathering around waterholes.
Browse our Photography Safari resources
Photography Safari Trip Ideas
Here are some of our best packages, all completely customisable to your requirements and travel wishes:
Botswana’s Privately Guided Bush, Photography & Stargazing Safari
For eleven days, you will be in the capable hands of a highly experienced and trained private guide who will take you through some of the most spectacular regions of Botswana, from desert landscapes to the waterways of the Okavango Delta.
You begin with a light aircraft flight over the Kalahari Desert, spending your first few days in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve. It’s then on to the Makgadikgadi Pans, the vestiges of a super lake and where salt on the surface glints in the harsh rays of the African sun.
The last leg of your journey is in the Okavango Delta, known as ‘the river that never finds the sea’. This is arguably the world’s most untouched oasis with an impressive number of wildlife, including the re-introduced black rhino and the endangered African wild dog. Here you will enjoy a sky safari in a helicopter over the region, and gliding along the channels of a UNESCO World Heritage Site in a traditional mokoro.
Highlights:
- Privately guided with one of the continent’s best guides
- Phenomenal wildlife photography opportunities & stargazing
- Immersion in the culture of the San people
- Iconic Delta experiences including mokoro rides & a sky safari in a helicopter
PER PERSOn Sharing
FROM $36,600 CAD
PER PERSOn Sharing
FROM $58,550 AUD
PER PERSOn Sharing
FROM €58,550 EUR
PER PERSOn Sharing
FROM £44,500 GBP
PER PERSOn Sharing
FROM R823,000 ZAR
PER PERSOn Sharing
Kruger’s Privately Guided Bush, Photography & Stargazing Safari
You will be accompanied from the beginning of your journey right through to the end by one of Africa’s best guides on this 11-day bush, photography, and stargazing safari in South Africa.
Your adventure begins in the Timbavati Game Reserve, home of the ‘magnificent seven’ – lion, leopard, wild dog, elephant, rhino, buffalo, and cheetah.
You will learn all about wildlife photography, stargazing and acquire some bush skills, including baking bread. You will then move on to the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, one of South Africa’s most prestigious reserves with unforgettable sightings of leopard.
The last leg of your journey takes you to the remote northern region of the Greater Kruger, a place of incredible natural beauty, sparsely populated by people but abundant in wildlife and true African safari experiences.
Highlights:
- Privately guided with one of the continent’s best guides
- Personalised service and exclusive lodges
- Phenomenal wildlife photographic opportunities
- Stargazing with introductions to constellations under the African skies
PER PERSON Sharing
FROM $36,700 CAD
PER PERSON Sharing
FROM $58,700 AUD
PER PERSON Sharing
FROM €55,750 EUR
PER PERSON Sharing
FROM £44,600 GBP
PER PERSON Sharing
FROM R825,000 ZAR
PER PERSON Sharing
How Much is a Photography Safari?
Rates generally depend on timing (i.e., key travel seasons like holidays) and level of luxury (the type of amenities and exclusivity).
As a guideline, safaris can range anywhere from approximately $450 USD per person per night in low season to over $4,100 USD at the finest lodges in high season.
What Costs Are Included?
Most accommodations are all-inclusive; all your meals, snacks, beverages, alcohol (with some exceptions) are part of your room rate. In addition, your game drives, and other excursions like walking safaris and cultural village visits will all be included.
To run in such remote areas at such a high level of hospitality, it takes some serious logistics and often means guest-to-staff ratios of more than 5 to 1. Not to mention many accommodations offer services like laundry, so you can pack light and travel easily.
The only things you’ll have to pay for are special activities (like hot-air balloon rides and spa treatments) and, in some cases, imported spirits. Beyond that, just gratuities for the incredible staff who will make your stay at each lodge so memorable
Justin Chapman
"With its varied and stunning landscapes that span from deserts to savannahs to island retreats and so much in between, a trip to Africa is sure to provide the perfect setting for photographic opportunities no matter where you are headed. Of course, the wildlife tends to be the focal point and there are options available for purpose built vehicles and guides who are better equipped to anticipate the needs of a shutterbug. Time of the year is also important and, conveniently, the more affordable Low/Green Season tends to offer spectacular nature theatrics alongside inbound migrant birds for the twitchers."
Why Travel with Go2Africa
Based in Cape Town, our team of experts are all born and raised in Africa.
When you travel with us you’re assured of the Big 5 Guarantee.
We are African
Since 1998 we've tailored unforgettable African safari holidays for over 200 000 travellers, that leaves a lasting positive impact.
We Know Because We Go
We have first-hand knowledge of every destination, lodge and activity we recommend from our 1 000+ carefully selected safari partners.
We Are With You All The Way
We take care of every detail, offering 24/7 assistance and local know-how from the right time zone, until you return safely home.
You Are In Expert Hands
With the most awarded Top Travel Specialists in Africa by Conde Nast Traveler and led by one of Travel & Leisure's A-list specialists, you are in expert hands.
Complete Financial Protection
Our clients are fully covered by our supplier default insurance, and our accreditation bond with the Southern Africa Tourism Services Association.
Making A Positive Impact Together
Every journey with us makes a meaningful positive impact by creating sustainable solutions, enabling people and nature to mutually thrive together.
Our Partners
Everything is about relationships. Fortunately, we’ve built great ones working with the top names in Africa for more than 20 years.
What Our Clients Say
