How to get the photos you want on an Africa safari

by Craig Patterson
(Manchester, England)

African Safaris provide spectacular wildlife viewing experiences which are guaranteed to stay with you forever. To make your trip even more memorable taking some great action shots on camera will keep your experiences alive and allow you to share them with others. Capturing that crucial moment is a skill and requires the right equipment and more importantly the right timing. Be prepared to have your eyes glued to the horizon and your camera ready!

Photo Credit: HaJo S - Flickr

Great programmes are on offer to teach the novice photographer how to capture a quality shot on your safari holiday. Wildlife photographers skilled in taking action safari shots will explain the basics and accompany guests in open-air vehicles into the bush twice daily.

They recommend using a digital SLR camera with at least 300 mm lens for the best results. The photographer will show you how to photograph animals in the wild, whether in flight or on the run, and how to effectively capture the scale of the dramatic scenery. A photography based safari is a unique opportunity to combine the thrills of African safaris whilst learning how to capture the spectacular wildlife.

For the more experienced photographer hoping to recreate some quality action shots through the lens there is some useful technical advice to follow. If photography is the focus of your safari trip the best time to capture some perfectly framed photographs of the big five is at dusk or dawn. Read More