How to Make the Most of Your Safari Photography

When you think of a safari, do you picture yourself in a 4X4, kicking up dust as you drive across vast, wind-swept grasslands? You see wildebeest, giraffes, zebras, and elephants grazing peacefully, while lions laze in the shade of acacia trees, waiting for the sun to set before hunting for food and water.

For many photographers, a photographic safari is the ultimate adventure. Traditionally, these trips were done by car. A typical day on safari starts early, with a quick breakfast and coffee before you head out in the jeep before sunrise. You’ll repeat this pattern in the afternoon, with a favorite activity for most safari guests: the sundowner.

When luck is with you (animals and weather won’t always perform on cue), this is an incredible experience that offers photographers a lot of freedom. For example, vehicle-based safaris are comfortable, allowing photographers and all their gear to cover a lot of ground and see different habitats in a short amount of time. In most game reserves, the animals are quite used to seeing vehicles and their natural behavior doesn’t change. The vehicles can also go off road or reposition to give photographers the best angles.

There are a few downsides to being on the vehicles, though. For one, your view depends on how many people are with you. If you’re traveling with one or two others and a guide, you’ll likely have a clear view of any action. The vehicle can usually move easily, but you can’t always move around inside it as much as you’d like. At some sightings, you’ll need to stay still and quiet in the vehicle. 

A vehicle-based safari is super convenient and flexible, right? Do you need anything else? Well, let me introduce you to a photography hide (or blind) experience. Don’t worry, it’s not your grandpa’s pop-up tent! Photography hides come in all shapes and sizes, from simple open enclosures to fancy overnight hides with all the bells and whistles.

You’ll find them with multiple light sources, one-way glass, heat and air conditioning, complete kitchens, restrooms, and even beds. And guess what? Some even have perimeter alarms to let gently alert photographers when animals approach the water hole so you can relax while not missing any action.

Whether you’re looking for a luxurious hide or something simple, most game reserves have you covered. And the best part? You can easily move around and photograph different spots from the comfort of your hide. Many of them even feature tripods on wheels with Wimberly heads, along with comfortable rolling office chairs or shelving set with ground pods or bean bags on rotating plates.

Photography hides offer unique perspectives and opportunities that you might not be able to get on a vehicle. They’re usually built around a water source to attract animals, and they’re often built low or into the ground to give you a different perspective that’s perfect for unobstructed views, available light, and natural backgrounds. Plus, you can get really close to the animals without having to use a super long telephoto lens.

And the best part? You can spend more time experimenting with your photos as the animals stay to drink water and repeat their behaviors. It’s a slower-paced experience, but it’s incredibly peaceful without the sounds of a vehicle and everyone sitting quietly waiting to see what happens.

Whether you choose a strictly vehicle-based safari, a hide-based safari, or a combination of both, a safari is an experience that will fill you with memories that you’ll treasure for a lifetime.