Everyone loves to go to places where they can take loads of amazing pictures. Let’s face it, awesome pictures are the food for your Instagram and Facebook feeds. And boy aren’t they always hungry? So, if you’ve already seen the Northern Lights, been inspired by the historic cultures and landmarks of Europe, now could be the right time to go on an adventurous trip to Africa?
What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the phrase “African Safari”? Close encounters with animals in adventurous jeeps, sunny climate and countless chances of taking amazing pictures. Africa offers a wealth of wildlife living in diverse settings which translates into a large number of photo safaris that you can enjoy. Since you’ll be spoilt for choice, here is a brief overview of the top African safari holiday venues where you can take great pictures home with you.
Photography Heavens in Sabi Sands, South Africa
Looking for some close shots of lions, elephants, leopards, buffalo and rhinos in their natural habitat? Well, look no further because South Africa’s Greater Kruger area has it all. There are private game reserves here where you can experience something more than just shooting photographs. These private reserves include Sabi Sands and Timbavati. Both of these locations offer views and opportunities that’ll have your cameras snapping in no time. It’s best if you keep some extra batteries at hand. Sometimes those animals act particularly lazy and if you have your camera on, then there will be loss of battery power.
If you have a good tour guide with you, he’ll be able to connect you with some expert trackers who can get you some exclusively close encounters with the big cats. Just make sure you have the right people around you when you go on such adventures. Sometimes, the hunter becomes the hunted. In some of these areas, hunting has always been prohibited, so the wildlife here is exceptionally relaxed. All in all, this means you can get some unique sightings and epic photographic opportunities.
Hot Air Balloon Ride in Masai Mara
If you are thinking of the classical African safari, the way they show it in the movies, you’re imagining the Masai Mara or the Serengeti. Remember the Pridelands in The Lion King? The Masai Mara is just that. Although it comes with a cool new feature, you can rest assured that you will be witnessing an open savannah dotted with elephants, lions and that occasional lonely acacia tree. As for the cool new feature, it’s the hot air balloon ride that you can enjoy here. If your pilot is as nice and considerate as ours was, you can get some cool aerial shots to take back home. Those animals won’t know what shot them (though a camera of course).
This trip is also the best of both worlds as not only you get to enjoy a hot air balloon ride over the great savannah, you also get to enjoy the traditional jeep safari on your way back to your tent. This is because the hot air balloons can go against the wind, so they won’t drop you off at your camp site. Instead, they will drop you off at the landing area where you can enjoy some excellent breakfast with some Champagne and make your way back to your camp site in luxury land cruisers. This gives you a chance to snap some more great pictures.
Classic African Safari in the Serengeti
In the Serengeti, you get to enjoy a great abundance of stunning wildlife. If you have a canvas for wildlife photography, this place is perfect for you. You can ride through those wide-open lands in your safari jeep and shoot some excellent snaps of a great variety of animals that may include elephants, zebra, big cats, buffalo and numerous antelope. The open savanna is perfect for you if you have a powerful lens with your professional camera.
One of the highlights that shouldn’t be skipped out here is the annual Great Migration. It is a unique wildlife spectacle that you just need to capture. It occurs every year, between July and October, and you get to see millions of animals including wildebeest, zebra and antelope migrating over the plains in search of greener pastures. If you want to see thundering waves of animal crowds marching past your vehicle, this place is exactly it.
Another interesting thing that happens during this event is that some animals hunt the migrators. There is plenty of food around so why not grab what you can? This gives you another opportunity to capture some excellent photos.
Up Close with Endangered Mountain Gorillas in Uganda
Uganda is famous as the home of the endangered mountain gorillas. You might be surprised to know that nearly half of the entire population of mountain gorillas are located in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda. If you want to get there, you can forget about the jeeps. This is lush forest and you can only access this place on foot.
What happens when you’re set on visiting a destination only accessible by foot? You get to wade through thick forests where you can snap some award-winning photos. Each picture on such trips has a story to tell, so keep those cameras ready. Also, remember that the hike to the mountains can be physically demanding. But it’s rewarded with close encounters with incredible animals.
The Luring Desert in Namibia
Namibia is famous for its incredible landscape and presents travelers with incredible wildlife photography opportunities. Wildlife-wise, the right place to visit in this African country is Etosha National Park. It is an incredible 20,000 square kilometer park in the north of the country. It is arid and desert-like and has a large salt pan in the center. Here you will get a chance to snap great pictures of springboks, lions, zebra, elephants and gemsbok.
