Where to go for a Photography Safari in Africa
Africa is the ultimate destination for photographers. With its legendary landscapes, golden light, and incredible wildlife, it can give you shots worth a lifetime. Photographing the Big 5; documenting the Great Migration; and exploring the beautiful desert scenery… It will be an experience for the books. Head to these destinations for your next photography safari, which truly have it all.
Okavango Delta, Botswana
Botswana is one of the premier destinations for African photography safaris. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so you can expect some amazing scenery, like lush wetlands, floodplains, islands, and grasslands. The sunrises and sunsets create amazing backdrops for over 200 species of mammals, including big cats (lions, leopards, cheetahs), African wild dogs, elephants, and buffalo. The Delta is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 400 bird species.
Check out this: Classic Botswana Safari
Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
If your prime focus is photographing Africa’s big cats, head to Masai Mara National Reserve. The open savannahs provide clear and unobstructed shots, and the predators are often active during golden-hour lighting. So you’ll get some shots around sunset time! During the Great Migration, you can expect dramatic crossings at the Mara River (with over 1.5 million wildebeest!), so that’s another plus. If you like to get up close with wildlife, many conservancies in the Mara allow off-road driving.
Thinking of visiting Kenya? Check out this 8-Day Exclusive Kenya Safari
Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
Serengeti National Park is most visited for its wildebeest. There are massive herds of animals, like zebras, elephants, and giraffes. As such, it remains the best place to visit for filming wildebeest and lions. There are also large rock formations, called kopjes, which provide the perfect setting for your images. You can expect a lot of predator-prey interactions here!
South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
South Luangwa is often called The Valley of the Leopard, because it has A LOT of leopards. These are active during the day, so you can expect some amazing shots under the sun. It’s also the birthplace of walking safaris. So you will be able to get close to the animals and capture them from ground level. Additionally, you can expect fewer crowds here (quite unlike Serengeti or Masai Mara), which means you can have more intimate photography sessions.
Etosha National Park, Namibia
The unique salt pan at Etosha National Park makes it one of the best destinations for a photography safari. This is one of the largest salt flats in Africa, which creates a white, mirage-like background. Wildlife truly stands out against this lighter color and creates a beautiful contrast. There are also plenty of waterholes here, which offer opportunities for animals to gather together. It’s perfect for patient photography, capturing animals as they come to drink, often in large mixed groups (lions, zebras, elephants, and giraffes together!).
Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
Do you love those emotional and intimate moments between animals? If yes, gorilla trekking in the Volcanoes National Park is a must. You’ll see gorillas interacting with each other in fascinating ways, including mothers caring for their littles. Rwanda has misty mountain forests, which provide a cinematic backdrop for capturing these primates. You might as well catch sight of rare golden monkeys!
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
Similar to the Volcanoes National Park, Bwindi is home to half of the world’s mountain gorilla population. It has a thick rainforest and misty atmosphere, which creates just the right setting for wildlife photography.
Winding Up…
From the misty mountains of Rwanda to the glowing floodplains of Botswana, Africa offers a dreamlike canvas for photographers at every level. Whether you’re chasing golden light, predator-prey drama, or quiet, soulful moments with mountain gorillas, each destination has its own magic—and your lens is the perfect way to capture it.
So… where will your next shot take you?
Let’s plan a photography safari that fits your style, pace, and bucket list. We’re here to help you turn once-in-a-lifetime moments into timeless images. 🐘📷✨
