Photography on safari
Whether you’re a seasoned photography buff with the very best lenses and gadgets, or a casual phone photographer, you’ll most likely wish to capture every memorable moment of your safari to look back on for years to come.
Perhaps you’re keen to preserve in time the magnificent landscapes of East Africa, the blazing sunsets or creatures great and small as they go about their lives; there’s certainly no shortage of subject matter on safari. With the assistance of your experienced guide to get you to the right place at the right time, you’re sure to come away with some spectacular shots.
When it comes to capturing jaw-dropping wildlife photos, having a good guide who is able to predict the movements and behaviours of the wildlife goes a long way to ensuring you're poised and ready to snap whatever happens next.
Some inspiration to feast your eyes on
The sensational sights of East Africa will live on in your heart long after you've travelled, but immortalising those experiences in a photograph means you can take a tiny sliver of Africa home with you to show your friends and family.
Check out some of this incredible photography on safari, taken by visitors to our camps.
Photography on safari: Month-by-month
When to go where
When it comes to grabbing that epic shot, there's certainly no shortage of subject matter when you're on safari. But some areas offer more in terms of serene landscapes or dramatic scenery, or perhaps sightings of particular species. When and where you choose to travel can impact what there is to photograph.
Northern Tanzania
Subject: Migration – Calving season on the short grass plains, enormous herds and excellent predator action.
Stay at: Olakira Migration Camp, Ubuntu Migration Camp
Subject: Portrait – Good natural lighting conditions with hot clear days offering bright colour opportunities within cultural villages.
Stay at: The Highlands
Subject: Birding – After the short rains, Tarangire is green and lush, offering phenomenal birding of both resident and migrant species.
Stay at: Oliver’s Camp
Southern Tanzania
Subject: Birding – Frenetic resident and migratory birdlife after the short rains, hot clear days with excellent morning and evening light.
Stay at: Roho ya Selous, Jabali Ridge, Usangu Expedition Camp
Kenya
Subject: Rhino – Clear skies after the rains allow for excellent photography conditions, capturing rhino against the backdrop of Mount Kenya.
Stay at: Ol Pejeta Bush Camp
Subject: Portrait – Good natural lighting conditions with hot clear days offering bright colour opportunities within cultural villages.
Stay at: Naboisho Camp, Encounter Mara
Our photographic vehicle
Asilia has introduced an innovative, specially equipped photographic vehicle that provides photographers with the optimal setup to grab that award-winning shot.
Our photographic vehicle’s 360° rotating seats and drop-down sides provide unobstructed views, allowing enthusiasts to capture eye-level images of wildlife as if you are right next to them.
Sandbags and foam camera rests are provided in the vehicle to ensure your comfort and steadiness while you set up the perfect shot.
These state-of-the-art vehicles are available at certain Asilia camps in Kenya and Tanzania, including Sayari, Namiri Plains, Jabali Ridge, and Naboisho. The vehicles are ideal for three photographers, with one chair per row. Photographic vehicles are at an additional cost, and because of their limited capacity, require advance booking.
Image: Cris Fallows
Image: Chris Fallows
Image: Harry Skeggs
Image: George Benjamin
Image: Harry Skeggs
Image: Chris Fallows
Image: Chris Fallows
From the pros
When it comes to photography on safari, who better to share their thoughts than the pros themselves? From tips and tricks to recent experiences and the motivation behind their art - let's hear from some pro photographers who've stayed with us recently:
Harry is a multiple award-winning fine art photographer and Nikon creator. Having travelled to over 80 countries across 6 continents, Harry's adventuring has offered up plenty of photographic opportunities.
Read some of his top photography tips on our blog.
Chris' aim is to create works of art that are not just aesthetically pleasing but also have meaning and contribute to change.
Read his post on our blog about his recent trip to the Serengeti with Asilia.
AKA @GeorgetheExplorer
"Over anything else, my images are designed to instil a sense of responsibility. Our natural world needs us, as a collective, to utilise our self-appointed stewardship in the most positive of ways. It's my sincerest of hopes that in decades to come, young photographers can be photographing the descendants of my subjects."
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