Photographic Safaris
See the true scale of Africa, taking away unforgettable memories
Photographic safaris allow guests to experience the full majesty of Africa. These safaris take place throughout Africa, increasingly in first rate camps and lodges providing every comfort in the wilds. Guest are accommodated in a variety of ways, traditionally in tents but also permanent and semi-permanent properties.
With evocative vistas and some of the greatest concentrations of wildlife on earth, Africa is known for its great animal sightings perfect for photographic safaris.
Photographic safaris are conducted from both permanent camps and lodges and mobile tented camps, although the intrepid might strike out on their own on a self-drive safari. Camps and lodges in Africa vary from the comfortable to the ultra-luxurious offering every comfort in the wild.
Those with a particular interest in photography should consider private guides, often available at an additional cost, or book a specialist photographic safari. Specialist photographic safaris offer customised vehicles and boats can often provide photographic equipment for the novice.
Guides at camps and lodges have generally received a rudimentary level of training in positioning guests for the best photographs and offering basic photographic advice, but should you require a photographic specialist it is once again best to arrange this on booking.
The amateur photographer can achieve good results with a mid-range digital camera but to get the best out of an African safari a photographer should look to use a variety of lenses up to 400 mm. With bigger lenses stability can be a problem and tripods or beanbags should be considered. Ensure sufficient memory sticks are carried as these can be difficult to get when on safari.
Should a safari include a light aircraft transfer, guests should note that aircraft have extremely limited luggage capacity for safety reasons and that guests could be limited as to how much luggage can be accommodated. This should be discussed with your tour operator as additional seats may be required for heavy equipment.
The Places of Africa
Okavango Delta, Botswana
The World’s Greatest Inland Delta
Africa’s premier safari destination the Okavango Delta is a unique pulsing wetland. Covering between 6 and 15 000 square kilometres of Kalahari Desert in northern Botswana the delta owes its existence to the Okavango (Kavango) River which flows from the Angolan highlands, across Namibia’s Caprivi Strip and into the Kalahari Desert.
Chobe National Park, Botswana
Home of Africa’s Largest Elephant Herds
The Chobe National Park, in northern Botswana, is home to the continents greatest herds of elephant and buffalo. These vast herds congregate on the banks of the Chobe River providing superb game viewing.
Further inland the Savute Channel reaches the marsh, providing great game viewing in an iconic location.
Victoria Falls, Botswana
The Zambezi’s Magnificent Waterfall
Formed when the Zambezi River plunges over great cliffs, The Victoria Falls is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and lies at the head of the basalt lined Zambezi Gorges. Victoria Falls provides an excellent start point and gateway for an African safari, within easy reach of Botswana, Namibia and the game areas of both Zambia and Zimbabwe.
African Safari Accommodation
Xaranna Okavango Delta Camp
Okavango Delta, Botswana
Xaranna Okavango Delta Camp has an atmosphere that is cool, light and airy, very much in keeping with the gentle beauty of its environment.
The Elephant Camp
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Overlooking the Zambezi Gorge, within sight of the Victoria Falls, The Elephant Camp provides elephant interaction and first class accommodation.
Ngala Tented Camp
Kruger National Park, South Africa
Appropriately, with Ngala meaning lion in Shangaan the local language, the area is home to several large prides of lion. Leopard, African wild dog and spotted hyena are also frequently seen.
Mombo Camp
Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana
Perhaps Africa’s most famous safari camp, Mombo Camp provides unsurpassed safari experiences in the Moremi region of the Okavango Delta.