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Guide to Wildlife Photo Safaris in Africa with Backcountry Journeys
Guide to Wildlife Photo Safaris in Africa with Backcountry Journeys
by Keenan Hursh
So, you’ve been dreaming of making the journey to Africa with your camera in hand. You’ve always wanted to capture stunning images of the iconic wildlife species that call this diverse and unique continent home, and the prospect of a once-in-a-lifetime adventure like this is simply too great to pass on.
That all sounds great, and I’m in the exact same boat, but what exactly can you expect from a wildlife photo safari in sub-Saharan Africa? What animals are you likely to see? What will accommodations, travel, and logistics look like if you book a trip with Backcountry Journeys? In today’s article, we’re going to cover all of that. We’ll provide you with a comprehensive overview of what our photography safaris in Africa are like and what you can expect if you’re thinking of making the trek.
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, it’s worth noting that at Backcountry Journeys we’ve been traveling to this part of the world for years and have yet to come back even slightly disappointed. Africa is a truly magical place and if you’re passionate about wildlife photography and want the experience of a lifetime in exotic and wild lands, then a trip like this should be at the top of your list.
Both our own BCJ guides and the local wildlife experts that we work with have years of experience finding and photographing African wildlife and all the trips we run on the continent are extremely well thought out and thoroughly planned. On top of that, we have an exceptional office staff constantly working behind the scenes to make sure everything runs smoothly. Regardless of your photography experience or knowledge Backcountry Journeys will make sure you have an incredible trip full of exceptional wildlife experiences.
With that being said, let’s get into it and go over exactly what you can expect on a Backcountry Journeys wildlife photo safari in Africa.
That all sounds great, and I’m in the exact same boat, but what exactly can you expect from a wildlife photo safari in sub-Saharan Africa? What animals are you likely to see? What will accommodations, travel, and logistics look like if you book a trip with Backcountry Journeys? In today’s article, we’re going to cover all of that. We’ll provide you with a comprehensive overview of what our photography safaris in Africa are like and what you can expect if you’re thinking of making the trek.
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, it’s worth noting that at Backcountry Journeys we’ve been traveling to this part of the world for years and have yet to come back even slightly disappointed. Africa is a truly magical place and if you’re passionate about wildlife photography and want the experience of a lifetime in exotic and wild lands, then a trip like this should be at the top of your list.
Both our own BCJ guides and the local wildlife experts that we work with have years of experience finding and photographing African wildlife and all the trips we run on the continent are extremely well thought out and thoroughly planned. On top of that, we have an exceptional office staff constantly working behind the scenes to make sure everything runs smoothly. Regardless of your photography experience or knowledge Backcountry Journeys will make sure you have an incredible trip full of exceptional wildlife experiences.
With that being said, let’s get into it and go over exactly what you can expect on a Backcountry Journeys wildlife photo safari in Africa.
Southern Africa: A Place of Pristine Wilderness
Why do we offer tours in a handful of specific destinations throughout the southern regions of the African Continent? The answer is quite simple. We believe that these are, hands down, the absolute best locations in Africa for nature photography. With our thorough research, close connections in these areas, and years of experience in the region, we are confident that the destinations we visit are the best of the best. Whether you want to photograph the iconic wildlife or stunning landscapes of Africa, we know exactly where to go and the best times of the year to visit.
As you can see in the map above, listing many of our primary destinations, we offer trips to some of the most premiere photography locations throughout the Continent in a variety of countries. This growing list includes Botswana, Rwanda, Namibia, and South Africa each known for its distinctive landscapes, wildlife, and cultures. Many of the areas featured on this map are either national parks, nature reserves, game reserves, or other forms of protected wilderness areas. This ensures that the animals and landscapes within will remain wild and untouched leading to stunning and authentic photographs.
Southern Africa is home to an incredible diversity of wildlife and natural wonders. At BCJ we know just how special this part of the world is and we know exactly where to go within this diverse and massive part of the continent. If you want the opportunity to photograph majestic wildlife in stunning natural environments, then this is the place to go.
Why do we offer tours in a handful of specific destinations throughout the southern regions of the African Continent? The answer is quite simple. We believe that these are, hands down, the absolute best locations in Africa for nature photography. With our thorough research, close connections in these areas, and years of experience in the region, we are confident that the destinations we visit are the best of the best. Whether you want to photograph the iconic wildlife or stunning landscapes of Africa, we know exactly where to go and the best times of the year to visit.
As you can see in the map above, listing many of our primary destinations, we offer trips to some of the most premiere photography locations throughout the Continent in a variety of countries. This growing list includes Botswana, Rwanda, Namibia, and South Africa each known for its distinctive landscapes, wildlife, and cultures. Many of the areas featured on this map are either national parks, nature reserves, game reserves, or other forms of protected wilderness areas. This ensures that the animals and landscapes within will remain wild and untouched leading to stunning and authentic photographs.
Southern Africa is home to an incredible diversity of wildlife and natural wonders. At BCJ we know just how special this part of the world is and we know exactly where to go within this diverse and massive part of the continent. If you want the opportunity to photograph majestic wildlife in stunning natural environments, then this is the place to go.
Accommodations: The Perfect Blend of Luxury and Authenticity
Not only will we take you to the absolute best locations on the continent for nature photography, but we’ll also make sure this is done in a comfortable and authentic manner. When it comes to accommodations and lodging our trip planners have gone above and beyond and selected the best of the best yet again.
Whether you’ll be traveling with us on our Botswana: Land of Giants trip and staying at the incredible Mashatu Tent camp or coming along on our Ultimate Botswana Wildlife Safari trip and staying here as well as at the stunning Delta Camp and Chobe Hotel, you won’t be disappointed. Perhaps you’ll join us on our brand-new Wild Namibia Photo Safari where we travel throughout the country and stay at incredible camps such as the Dead Valley Lodge. No matter which African photo safari you choose to join us on, you can rest assured that the lodging will be exquisite.
We also make it a priority to find accommodations with a perfect balance between luxury and just the right amount of authenticity and immersion. You will be comfortable and have all the assistance required while also enjoying local foods, cultures, and of course the natural world around you. There’s a reason we visit these incredible places as nature photographers, and the lodges and camps we stay at will fully immerse you in the surrounding environment. Sleeping in a luxurious tent listening to the sounds of African wildlife under a blanket of stars is an unforgettable experience and this is only a small part of the exceptional trips we offer in Africa.
Transportation: Ideal for Photography
When it comes to traveling around once we arrive in Africa, we’ve lined up the best possible options here as well. With an emphasis on comfort and enhanced photography opportunities, we’ve reserved the best vehicles for the task at hand.
When we’re in a specific location, such as photographing wildlife in the Mashatu Game Reserve, we’ll be riding around in spacious and comfortable open-top vehicles. This will allow us to photograph anything within a 360-degree field of view at ease without any windows or parts of the vehicle blocking the perfect shot. These rugged, all-terrain trucks will make it easy to penetrate deep into the wilderness and locate animals.
And we haven’t just lined up the best transportation on land. When it comes to traveling from one location to another or taking to the skies for a scenic flight, we’ve reserved some great options here as well. From chartering small panes that will transport us from location to location on our Ultimate Botswana Wildlife Safari to an absolutely incredible scenic helicopter tour on our Wild Namibia Photo Safari you’ll be able to see the incredible landscapes of Africa with a birds' eye view.
When it comes to traveling around once we arrive in Africa, we’ve lined up the best possible options here as well. With an emphasis on comfort and enhanced photography opportunities, we’ve reserved the best vehicles for the task at hand.
When we’re in a specific location, such as photographing wildlife in the Mashatu Game Reserve, we’ll be riding around in spacious and comfortable open-top vehicles. This will allow us to photograph anything within a 360-degree field of view at ease without any windows or parts of the vehicle blocking the perfect shot. These rugged, all-terrain trucks will make it easy to penetrate deep into the wilderness and locate animals.
And we haven’t just lined up the best transportation on land. When it comes to traveling from one location to another or taking to the skies for a scenic flight, we’ve reserved some great options here as well. From chartering small panes that will transport us from location to location on our Ultimate Botswana Wildlife Safari to an absolutely incredible scenic helicopter tour on our Wild Namibia Photo Safari you’ll be able to see the incredible landscapes of Africa with a birds' eye view.
Guides: Experts in Photography and African Wildlife
As I mentioned earlier, we’ve been running photography workshops and safaris in Africa for years and over that time we’ve learned a thing or two. Even though we’ll visit the absolute best locations with abundant wildlife there’s still no guarantee that we’ll actually be in the perfect spot at just the right time. This is where having the best guides in the business makes all the difference.
At Backcountry Journeys, our photography guides are some of the best in the business. With years, often decades, of professional photography experience and comprehensive knowledge and expertise they’ll be sure to provide whatever level of assistance and education you need to get the perfect shot. And, on top of that, our guides are not just great photographers but great people. You’ll be able to enjoy great conversations and storytelling and will likely form some new and lasting friendships on any BCJ trip. This is another one of the many reasons we have such a high customer return rate. Our trips are great for photography but they’re also just flat out a great time overall.
And when it comes to our African photo safaris, we’ve done comprehensive research and partnered with the absolute best local guides as well. Many of the wilderness guides and experts we work with are from the areas we travel to and know them on an intimate level. They are experts in locating wildlife and understanding the complex patterns, behaviors, and movements of the animals we’re searching for. Combine this with exceptional photography instruction and the odds of getting an absolutely incredible image are drastically increased.
As I mentioned earlier, we’ve been running photography workshops and safaris in Africa for years and over that time we’ve learned a thing or two. Even though we’ll visit the absolute best locations with abundant wildlife there’s still no guarantee that we’ll actually be in the perfect spot at just the right time. This is where having the best guides in the business makes all the difference.
At Backcountry Journeys, our photography guides are some of the best in the business. With years, often decades, of professional photography experience and comprehensive knowledge and expertise they’ll be sure to provide whatever level of assistance and education you need to get the perfect shot. And, on top of that, our guides are not just great photographers but great people. You’ll be able to enjoy great conversations and storytelling and will likely form some new and lasting friendships on any BCJ trip. This is another one of the many reasons we have such a high customer return rate. Our trips are great for photography but they’re also just flat out a great time overall.
And when it comes to our African photo safaris, we’ve done comprehensive research and partnered with the absolute best local guides as well. Many of the wilderness guides and experts we work with are from the areas we travel to and know them on an intimate level. They are experts in locating wildlife and understanding the complex patterns, behaviors, and movements of the animals we’re searching for. Combine this with exceptional photography instruction and the odds of getting an absolutely incredible image are drastically increased.
Photography: What Gear and Accessories Should I Bring?
One of the most common questions we get for any of our trips, but especially international ones, is “What camera gear, lenses, and accessories should I bring?” This is often a difficult question to answer as each trip and each photographer is unique. Regardless, there are some key things that we recommend everyone takes with them on an African photo safari.
To start off, we recommend that anyone going on one of these trips brings a backup body. Of course, you’ll want your primary camera that you always shoot with, but having a secondary camera is also crucial. If you, unfortunately, damage or break your camera while on one of these trips, it will be pretty much impossible to replace. The other reason to have a secondary camera is that things happen fast while in the field and you might not have time to change lenses without missing the action. If you have two camera bodies, each with a different focal length lens, you can quickly switch between the two for a greater diversity in compositions.
And speaking about focal lengths and compositions, people always want to know what lenses to bring. This answer is often the same for every trip. It’s important to cover the full range of focal lengths so that you aren’t limiting yourself. Having a nice wide-angle or wide-angle zoom lens is great for capturing landscape images. Having a standard zoom is great for flexibility and bridging the gap between wide angle and telephoto. Having a telephoto zoom or super-telephoto zoom such as a 70-200mm or 100-500mm is a must on an African safari so that you can capture far-off wildlife subjects. And, if you don’t mind the extra weight and space, a high-quality super-telephoto prime lens is never a bad idea. I would also recommend bringing a 1.4x or even 2x teleconverter just in case you need to increase your focal length for something really small or really far away.
Beyond cameras and lenses, you’ll want to bring all the standard accessories for any photography trip. Make sure you bring your laptop so that you can upload, review, and edit images when we’re not in the field. Definitely bring several extra batteries to ensure that you can shoot all day long, especially if you’re using multiple bodies. It’s crucial to have enough memory too. Be sure to have plenty of memory cards compatible with your camera and having an external hard drive for your computer is a great idea too. On top of that be sure to have a comprehensive cleaning kit, any filters you may want, and any other accessories you’d normally bring on any photography outing.
One of the most common questions we get for any of our trips, but especially international ones, is “What camera gear, lenses, and accessories should I bring?” This is often a difficult question to answer as each trip and each photographer is unique. Regardless, there are some key things that we recommend everyone takes with them on an African photo safari.
To start off, we recommend that anyone going on one of these trips brings a backup body. Of course, you’ll want your primary camera that you always shoot with, but having a secondary camera is also crucial. If you, unfortunately, damage or break your camera while on one of these trips, it will be pretty much impossible to replace. The other reason to have a secondary camera is that things happen fast while in the field and you might not have time to change lenses without missing the action. If you have two camera bodies, each with a different focal length lens, you can quickly switch between the two for a greater diversity in compositions.
And speaking about focal lengths and compositions, people always want to know what lenses to bring. This answer is often the same for every trip. It’s important to cover the full range of focal lengths so that you aren’t limiting yourself. Having a nice wide-angle or wide-angle zoom lens is great for capturing landscape images. Having a standard zoom is great for flexibility and bridging the gap between wide angle and telephoto. Having a telephoto zoom or super-telephoto zoom such as a 70-200mm or 100-500mm is a must on an African safari so that you can capture far-off wildlife subjects. And, if you don’t mind the extra weight and space, a high-quality super-telephoto prime lens is never a bad idea. I would also recommend bringing a 1.4x or even 2x teleconverter just in case you need to increase your focal length for something really small or really far away.
Beyond cameras and lenses, you’ll want to bring all the standard accessories for any photography trip. Make sure you bring your laptop so that you can upload, review, and edit images when we’re not in the field. Definitely bring several extra batteries to ensure that you can shoot all day long, especially if you’re using multiple bodies. It’s crucial to have enough memory too. Be sure to have plenty of memory cards compatible with your camera and having an external hard drive for your computer is a great idea too. On top of that be sure to have a comprehensive cleaning kit, any filters you may want, and any other accessories you’d normally bring on any photography outing.
Conclusion
Well, there you have it. This is what you can expect on an African photo safari with Backcountry Journeys. Traveling across the world to the southern regions of the African continent and photographing some of the most incredible and magical wildlife species on earth in pristine wilderness environments is a life-altering experience that will leave you with memories and photographs to last a lifetime. If you’re passionate about wildlife photography and have the ability, you simply must make the journey and experience Africa for yourself.
To learn more about the photography trips we run in Africa click the links below!
Botswana: Land of Giants
Big Cats of Africa
Mountain Gorillas of Rwanda
Ultimate Botswana Wildlife Safari
Wild Namibia Photo Safari
Well, there you have it. This is what you can expect on an African photo safari with Backcountry Journeys. Traveling across the world to the southern regions of the African continent and photographing some of the most incredible and magical wildlife species on earth in pristine wilderness environments is a life-altering experience that will leave you with memories and photographs to last a lifetime. If you’re passionate about wildlife photography and have the ability, you simply must make the journey and experience Africa for yourself.
To learn more about the photography trips we run in Africa click the links below!
Botswana: Land of Giants
Big Cats of Africa
Mountain Gorillas of Rwanda
Ultimate Botswana Wildlife Safari
Wild Namibia Photo Safari
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AUTHOR
AUTHOR
Keenan Hursh is a Photographer, visual designer, and creative story teller based out of Bozeman, Montana. He draws inspiration from his frequent excursions into the natural world and always brings his camera along to capture whatever adventures he finds himself in. Keenan is passionate about documenting and sharing fleeting moments from the natural world and focuses primarily on wildlife, landscape, and adventure photography.
When it comes to gear, he primarily shoots digital with his Canon EOS R5 and EOS 6D mark ii but also has several 35mm film cameras that get out every now and then.
At a very young age, Keenan started bringing a camera along on his excursions and immediately fell in love with the art of photography. He started out with his parent’s cheap point and shoot and has continuously improved his craft and gear refining his shooting style and producing more compelling and intriguing images.
Growing up in the foothills of Boulder, Colorado, surrounded by mountains and wilderness, Keenan has developed a deep passion for many outdoor activities. When he’s not out on a shoot or using his camera, Keenan enjoys skiing, climbing, hiking, backpacking, cycling, whitewater rafting, and paragliding. If he’s outside, away from the distractions of society and civilization, he’s in his happy place.
Keenan studied Emergent Digital Practices at the University of Denver while minoring in Marketing and Entrepreneurship. Since earning his degree in 2019 he was worked with a wide range of clients, companies, and organizations throughout his career. Apart from photography he specializes in content creation, writing, brand development, and graphic design.
You can view Keenan’s portfolio on his website at www.keenanhurshphoto.com
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BACKCOUNTRY JOURNEYS
"Backcountry Journeys offers guests the unique opportunity to explore our natural world from behind their own lens. We run a selection of hand-crafted Photo Tours, Workshops & Safaris connecting passionate people to exceptional experiences. Locations worldwide.
- Russ Nordstrand, Backcountry Journeys Founder & Director
- Russ Nordstrand, Backcountry Journeys Founder & Director
TRIP CATALOG
Download our Trip Catalog for detailed information on our many destinations for photography tours, workshops, and safaris.
All Images & Content are property of Backcountry Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris LLCs - Copyright 2024
BACKCOUNTRY JOURNEYS
"Backcountry Journeys offers guests the unique opportunity to explore our natural world from behind their own lens. We run a selection of hand-crafted Photo Tours, Workshops & Safaris connecting passionate people to exceptional experiences. Locations worldwide.
All Images & Content are property of Backcountry Journeys Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris LLC - Copyright 2024
TRIP CATALOG
Download our Trip Catalog for detailed information on our many destinations for photography tours, workshops, and safaris.