Safari Photography Tips: How to Get Great Wildlife Photos in Kenya
Simple camera tips for your Kenya safari: best light, lenses, settings, how to shoot from a vehicle and how to…
Activity guide
Photography safaris: the complete guide
Kenya is a photographer's dream, with golden light, open landscapes, dramatic skies and animals that behave naturally. Whether you shoot with a phone or a long lens, a few simple techniques will improve your images. For serious photographers, we can arrange safaris built around the best light, a specialist guide and enough time at each sighting.
Here are tips, kit and the best places to shoot.
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Tours featuring Photography
01
How to take better safari photos
Shoot at golden hour
Soft low light makes animals glow and avoids harsh midday shadows.
Get low and get eye-level
Photograph at the animal's eye level for connection.
Anticipate behaviour
Watch for yawning, stretching, grooming and interactions.
Use a beanbag
It steadies your lens on the vehicle window.
Keep the background clean
Ask your guide to reposition for a better angle.
02
What to bring
Camera and lenses
A zoom lens from 100 to 400 mm covers most situations. A wide angle is good for landscapes and sky.
Spare batteries and cards
You will take more photos than you expect.
Dust protection
Lens cloths, blower and a dust bag for the camera.
03
Best places to photograph
The Maasai Mara is the classic choice. Amboseli offers elephants with Kilimanjaro behind them. Samburu has rare species and warm light.
04
Frequently asked questions
What lens do I need?
A 100 to 400 mm lens is a good all-round choice. A 600 mm is useful for birds.
Can I use my phone?
Yes. Modern phones take good photos of animals that are close.
Can you arrange a photography safari?
Yes, with extra time at sightings and a vehicle for just your group.
Read before you go
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