Mastering Safari Photography: Top Tips for Striking Shots

Mastering Safari Photography: Top Tips for Striking Shots

A safari is more than just an activity you do while in Africa. Instead, it’s an opportunity for safari photography—raw moments frozen in time that you can take home to relive your memories. As experts in all things Africa, we’ve taken our fair share of safari photos! So, we’re sharing what we’ve learned. With these simple yet effective tips, you’ll be well on your way to transforming your safari snapshots into a magazine-worthy visual diary.

Safari photography game drive

There are plenty of chances for your safari photography skills to shine in the bush. Image Credit: and Beyond Phinda Forest Lodge

1. Get to Know Your Gear Before You Go

The African bush is unpredictable, which is why familiarity with your camera and lenses is essential. Things happen quickly, and if you want to make sure you capture the moment, you have to be ready for anything—and to potentially juggle those lenses.

By understanding your equipment before the adventure begins, you’ll be ready to capture those dream shots from day one. Not sure where to start? Practice makes perfect! Photograph pets, local wildlife, or even your garden—the small investment in time will pay off when you’re snapping that golden image of a lion at sunset. However, that being said, some lodges do offer camera rentals if you don’t want to travel with your gear all the way to Africa.

Camera, lenses, and binoculars

Become familiar with your camera equipment before you travel. Image Credit: Mara Plains Camp

2. Research the Destination(s) You’re Visiting

Knowing what to expect about the destination you’ll be visiting is a great way to spark creativity. For example, browsing photographs from the region can give you a sense of the landscapes, wildlife, and lighting conditions to expect.

Not only will this help you decide what gear to pack, but it will also fuel your excitement and inspire a vision for your safari photography. The safari lodge you stay at can also make all the difference. There are some offering photography safaris on specialized vehicles or boats, with the guidance of experts, and that can take your safari photography game to the next level.

A boat photography safari in Botswana

A photography safari on a boat gives you incredibly unique angles. Image Credit: andBeyond Chobe Under Canvas

3. Use Wider Angles to Tell a Story

While zoom lenses are excellent for capturing intricate details, don’t overlook the magic of a wide-angle perspective. Showcasing animals within their environment—a leopard lounging in a tree or an elephant beside a riverbank—creates a sense of scale and tells a story.

But don’t worry; even if you don’t have a wide-angle lens, smartphones are surprisingly adept at capturing expansive compositions.

Zebras grazing, a perfect opportunity for safari photography

Know the setting to plan your photos. Image Credit: Jaci’s Tree Lodge

4. Get Low for Captivating Angles

One of the most impactful ways to create dynamic wildlife images is by photographing your subject from a lower angle. Shooting from ground level adds drama, isolates the subject from its background, and offers a perspective that draws viewers into the scene.

From a lounging lion to a curious meerkat, getting low is a surefire way to make your photos pop so much more.

A hide in Botswana gives great angles of elephants drinking from a waterhole

What a privilege to watch these gentle giants from a hide. Image Credit: Savute Safari Lodge

5. Focus on the Eyes

As the saying goes, the eyes are the windows to the soul – and this is just as true in wildlife photography. Capturing the glint or reflection in an animal’s eyes can inject emotion and life into your shots.

Top tip: For wildlife like predators, softer light during early morning or late afternoon enhances their piercing gaze.

Lions viewed from photography safari hide

Staring into the eyes of a lion always feels like they’re looking right through you. Image Credit: Janet Kleyn

6. Take Plenty of Photos

Thanks to the wonders of digital photography, there’s no need to hold back on capturing as many shots as possible. Stock up on memory cards and embrace burst mode for action-packed scenes—think lions chasing prey or birds in flight.

While you can always delete less-than-perfect shots later, you’ll want various options to choose from when editing. Never trust that the first one is going to be the money shot! You might notice later that it was blurred; the wildlife turned away last minute… anything can happen.

Photo safari in Tanzania

Take as many photos as you can while in Africa. Image Credit: Jabali Ridge Asilia

7. Experiment with Composition

Break free from the habit of centering your subject. Applying the rule of thirds—where the subject is positioned off-center—creates dynamic and visually intriguing images.

Play with negative space, natural lines, and background elements to guide the viewer’s eye and add depth to your compositions.

Woman in hiding looking at elephants through the camera lens

Sometimes the best shots don’t follow the rules, Image Credit: Anderssons at Ongava

Test Your Skills in Africa

Photography is an art form, and the African wilderness provides the ultimate canvas. By preparing ahead of time, experimenting with techniques, and embracing the often-surprising magic of the bush, you’ll return home with images as unforgettable as the safari itself.

Ready to put these tips into action? Let Adventure in the Wild Safaris guide you to the heart of Africa’s most photogenic destinations. Contact us today to start planning your tailor-made photography safari adventure!