An African safari is the ultimate experience, both photographically and personally. I have yet to meet a person who has gone on an African safari and does not long to return. Africa has the most concentrated exotic wildlife on the planet with non-stop action and beauty. All levels of photographers will thrive in such an extraordinary environment. The words I hear most often from the participants is “This was the greatest thing I have ever done!”
The pressures of the modern world are having great impact on this continent. If you have dreamed of going on an African Safari for many years, I would not put it off any longer.
I offer several types of photo safaris;
The Migration photo Safari –
This is a safari for the serious wildlife photographer whose main goal is to “get the shot” and come home with as many dynamic images as possible. The Maasai Mara is the Mecca of Africa with the highest concentration of predators and wildlife any where in the world. We spend 10-12 full days in three different locations in the Masai Mara during the height of the migration season. The locations are chosen to increase our chances of getting a huge crossing of the Mara River from both sides and a stay in a private reserve for off road driving with fewer vehicles. There is a higher concentration on photographing the predators and the big cats. We will push hard on this safari to seek out every photographic opportunity. We are out in the field longer and there may be days when we stay out all day. This safari is geared more for the advanced and serious wildlife photographer with a goal to capture the award-winning images you see in Natures Best or the BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year. I generally offer an extension to another park, with this safari.
A Multi-location photo safari
These safaris are for the photographer who wants to have a more diverse photographic experience in Africa. These safaris tend to be luxurious flying between locations. The itinerary usually consist of 3-4 locations. The goal of these safaris is to experience and capture a wider variety of animals, landscapes, ecosystems and culture. This is for the photographer who wants to come home with a more complete portfolio of compelling images of Africa.
A species or behavioral specific photo safari
These safaris are more for the photographer that has been on one of the other two safaris and is seeking dynamic compelling images that fewer photographers have.
An example of a species-specific safari would be the Mountain Gorillas in Rwanda, the Ethiopian Wolfe and Gelada Baboons, or the wild dogs. Here the main focus is to capture unique quality images of one or two animals whose habitat is only in one or a few select areas. They tend to be critically endangered and less photographed making the images highly sought after.
An example of a behavioral specific safari would be the lions crossing the Okavango Deltas or two elephant groups crossing the river, meeting in the middle and fighting in the water. These type behaviors are generally confined to a specific area. These images are for extreme impact, the “wow” factor. This type safari concentrates on capturing those one of a kind images that takes more effort, time and patients.
Beyond the images, the safaris offer a very special and extraordinarily experience!
Signature safaris
My Signature safaris offer up to 5 locations; exclusive experiences, charter flights, luxury accommodations, private concessions for off road and night game drives, on foot photographic experiences, and may even cross boarders. These safaris take a lot of planning and coordination, which is why they are labeled our Signature Safaris.
BEING PREPARED
Photography in the field is all about compromise, light and quick decisions. Luck happens when preparation and opportunity meet. Being in the field, at the right time in the right place is only half of the equation. Creating unique, powerful images requires one to be well practiced with their tools and technique, to be familiar with the subjects and able to anticipate for as many variables and technical challenges in advance.
Each year, tens of thousands travel to exotic locations, hoping to bring home iconic images that capture the drama and beauty they’ve seen in the pages of magazines. A photographer’s first time in a new location always comes with a steep learning curve. Even with the benefit of a good guide, abundant wildlife, or a cultural festival, it talks a while to get a feel for the place and behaviors of your subjects. For many it may be their first time with a big telephoto or using flash, introducing a range of technical challenges, during a trip of a lifetime. It is no surprise when many people leave disappointed with their photographs, wondering what they did wrong, or thinking they were unlucky. However, with some preparation, awareness of the situation you are going into, learning your equipment before departure, and practicing new techniques in advance of your trip, you can radically improve your chances of getting lucky and bring home the images you have dreamed about.