So… You want to go on a Photographic Safari to Africa? (Part 1): Choosing a Photo Tour Company

African Safari: An Experience that Touches the Soul

In a lifetime of travel to dozens of countries for the express purpose of photographing the natural world, I can say that Africa has profoundly transformed my life in a way that no other destination has. As a seasoned nature photographer, Africa holds a special place in my heart, words often fall short of capturing its true essence. But once you set foot on the Dark Continent, you will understand, it’s an experience that touches the soul. Ernest Hemingway once eloquently expressed this longing: “All I wanted to do was get back to Africa. We had not left it, yet, but when I would wake in the night I would lie, listening, homesick for it already.”

Simply put, Africa has an uncanny way of getting into your blood, calling you back again and again.

With thousands of game drives across numerous African countries, I’ve gained invaluable insights into this extraordinary continent. My passion is to share this knowledge and inspire others to embark on their own African adventures, whether through Gettle Photography or with another group. My goal is to help you experience Africa’s magic in a way that is both inspiring and deeply fulfilling.

If I can guide you toward a more meaningful and memorable journey, I know you will return home not just as a traveler, but as another ambassador for this incredible land — eager to share its wonder with the world.

What to Expect from this African Safari Mini-Series

Over the next three blog posts, I will share everything you need to know to craft a truly unforgettable photography journey to Africa—drawn from my years of experience capturing the continent’s most breathtaking moments. As an expert in photographic travel to Africa, my goal is to empower you with insights, tips, and inspiration at every step of your adventure.

In this first installment, we’ll explore how to select the perfect location and the right tour company to elevate your experience. The second part will delve into essential details such as choosing the right vehicles, guides, and packing smartly for your safari. And in the final post, I’ll reveal how to maximize every moment in the field to capture stunning images that tell the story of Africa’s wild beauty.

Join me on this journey, together, we’ll unlock the secrets to creating extraordinary photographic memories in Africa’s remarkable landscapes.

Tips on Choosing a Destination & Photo Tour Company

Choosing a Destination within Africa

One of the most critical and exciting decisions you’ll make when planning your photographic journey to Africa is choosing the right destination. As an expert passionate about capturing Africa’s wild beauty, I can tell you that this choice is deeply personal and shaped by your unique vision, interests, and experience level.

Is this is your first—and perhaps only—trip to Africa?

If so, I highly recommend considering Kenya or Tanzania. These legendary destinations are treasure troves of wildlife, offering an unparalleled tapestry of life that will ignite your photographic passion. From awe-inspiring herds of ungulates, like zebras, Thompson gazelles, and wildebeest, to powerful predators and diverse birdlife, these locations are perfect for capturing the iconic “tier 1” subjects and more, that define African safaris. These two countries offer the richest wildlife encounters we have ever seen.

Safaris to Kenya and Tanzania are popular locations – a testament to their incredible richness – as a result, you may see more vehicles here. But, rest assured, with an experienced guide who truly knows how to navigate these vast plains, you will find countless opportunities to be in quiet and exclusive experiences away from the crowds, allowing for more intimate and breathtaking captures.

I should also note here that while these are great first Africa trip destinations they are always excellent choices at any point of your Africa journey. We have clients that have travelled with us to both of these exciting destinations three or more times because they are so amazing!

If not on your first trip to Africa, what did you miss on past trip(s)? What do you want to do better with?

With each subsequent journey to a place like Africa, our perspective tends to evolve. We no longer chase after that “record shot” of our first elephant, —those “tier 1” subjects and compositions become familiar. Instead, we become more discerning, seeking out what we call “tier 2” photographs: images enhanced by striking backgrounds, unique lighting conditions, animal interactions, and behaviors that tell a richer story.

And then, as we grow even more comfortable with our Africa images, we spend more time in pursuit of “tier 3” images—powerful shots of predator hunts, endearing baby animals, sweeping animal landscapes, and dynamic moments that embody the raw energy of Africa’s wild heart.

Is there something specific you want to photograph in Africa?

Tens of thousands of wildebeests crossing the Mara River, an 800-pound silverback gorilla moving gracefully through the jungle, a baby wildebeest taking its first wobbly steps, a cheetah stretched out in pursuit of a Thompson gazelle at top speed, each of these scenes is an iconic image that defines the soul of Africa. And the best part? All of these moments are within reach, because there are specific times and places in Africa where you can significantly increase your chances of capturing such breathtaking photographs.

As experienced guides in African wildlife photography, we can help you discover when and where to be for these unforgettable moments, turning many of your visions into stunning reality. In Kenya, for example, we have specific places that we go to photograph Rhinos, another place to encounter hundreds of thousands of flamingos, and then of course there is the great migration of millions of wildebeests that travel between Tanzania and Kenya. These wildlife spectacles are all amazing. Sometimes, we want to focus on Tier 3 type experiences and therefore have a trip “Cats of the Mara” which is dedicated entirely to photographing Africa’s most charismatic feline predators. Throughout this adventure, we will immerse ourselves in the world of hunting moments, playful cubs, and the intricate behaviors that make photographing cats such an exhilarating experience. From stealthy stalking to tender family moments, every aspect of these incredible animals will be highlighted, giving you the chance to capture the wild beauty and captivating essence of Africa’s feline kings and queens.

What is the budget?

Budget is an important consideration when planning your African safari, as it can influence both the destination you choose and the scope of your experience. East Africa, particularly countries like Kenya and Tanzania—offers a diverse range of options that can accommodate different preferences, from luxurious lodges to comfortable mid-range camps. These destinations are renowned for their incredible wildlife and iconic landscapes, providing ample opportunities for exceptional game viewing and memorable photography experiences. Their accessibility and variety of accommodations make them a popular choice for travelers seeking a rich and fulfilling safari adventure within a flexible budget.

On the other hand, places like South Africa and Botswana tend to be more expensive, largely due to having to fly on privately chartered planes between locations, more exclusive access to private reserves and more luxury lodges. Lodges here tend to cater to general tourism rather than photographers. It is more difficult here to get private vehicles. Because the few available vehicles at each of the lodges are often shared by all the lodge guests. Ultimately, your choice between East Africa and South Africa will align with your wildlife interests and the type of memorable, immersive safari experience you wish to undertake.

Choosing a Photo Tour Company

Let’s talk about the name: Photo Tour Company. If you are a photographer then the first word—PHOTO—is the most important. As a photographer, you’re going to want to choose a company that leads the way in photographic safaris. And honestly, I believe even if you’re not a photographer, a photo safari might still be a better fit.

You see, a photographic safari isn’t your average adventure. It’s a whole different experience. On a photo tour, we spend more quality time with the animals, we are out before dawn, returning to camp after sunset—really immersing ourselves. We’re not just ticking off a checklist of species. We’re focused on creating stunning images. We avoid wasting time on animals in non-photogenic situations or hidden behind bushes. Our goal is to create beautiful photographs, not just say, “I saw a leopard.” We also will invest time in promising situations. We will follow the “skinny Cheetah” in the hopes of a hunt, we will wait for the babies to come out and play. In short we will put in the time to get those special images.

And here’s a little tip: while the classic sundowner—sipping cocktails as the sun sets—is a lovely tradition, it’s also a huge, missed opportunity. That golden light during sunset is some of the best for photography, and often, it’s wasted on a drink. Why not capitalize on that magical hour to get incredible shots? That’s what sets our safaris apart—dedicating time to get the perfect picture while still soaking in the beauty of the moment.

Self-booking your African safari

Sure, you can definitely book your own safari and save a bit of money in the process but, as someone who specializes in crafting incredible trips to exotic locations around the world, I have to say, it’s usually not the best idea. There are quite a few pitfalls you might not see coming.

First off, everything about planning a safari for the first (or only) time is pretty much a gamble. The lodging, the vehicles, the locations, the guides, the itinerary, the food, the schedule, it’s all untested until you actually get there. And let’s not forget, slick websites can easily be deceiving, giving a false impression of what you’re actually signing up for.

Oh, and here’s a fun fact, your bank is probably going to think you’re crazy when you walk in and say you want to wire a five-figure sum to some stranger in Africa!

That said, if you’ve been to Africa a few times, know your way around, and are willing to go through the inevitable headaches, it can be done. People do it all the time, with varying results. Just keep in mind, it’s a bit of a gamble, so weigh your options carefully!

Booking with a Photo Tour Company like Gettle Photography

So, why book your safari with a photo tour company? Here’s the simple truth: all you need to do is send us a check and get yourself to the airport in Africa. Once you arrive, we’ll handle virtually everything else! That means you can just relax and dive into the adventure, no worries about logistics, accommodations, or planning. It’s incredibly liberating and allows you to focus fully on your photography and the experience itself.

When you’re choosing a company to travel with, there are a few important things to consider. To make it easier, I’ve highlighted some of the benefits of working with Gettle Photography. We’re here to make your trip seamless, enjoyable, and truly unforgettable!

The itinerary has been distilled down to the very best, most productive locations.

When we scout out a new destination, we usually visit anywhere from 6 to 10 different lodges and spots. Then, we carefully pick the very best ones, the ones that offer the most stunning scenery, great wildlife opportunities, and a perfect fit for our photography tours. We also choose lodges that are in the heart of the action. These parks are huge not all lodges are in a great location for sightings. You don’t want to waste time driving to the action. What you get from a good photo tour company is a carefully curated experience, designed to give you the best possible photography adventure.

The Guides

This is a huge deal, and I’ll dive into much more detail in the next part of this series. Over the years, we’ve worked with many of our guides for more than a decade. They’ve become like family. But beyond that, over the years of working with us, they have come to really understand photography, understanding the best ways to position the vehicle for the current lighting, backgrounds, or many other special needs of photographers. In the end their special knowledges will help you create that perfect shot. Guides are absolutely one of the most important parts of a successful safari, and having the right ones can make or break your experience.

The Vehicles

Let’s talk about our safari vehicles, this is a really important point, and I’ll be sharing much more about it in the next part of this series. But for now, I’ll just say that over the years, we’ve fine-tuned our vehicles to be the most photographer-friendly in Africa. They’re specially designed to give you the best angles, the most comfort, and the flexibility to get those amazing shots. It’s all about making your photography experience as smooth and successful as possible!

The number of people in the vehicles

The number of people in the vehicle is actually a pretty important detail. Since vehicles and guides are one of the biggest expenses on a photographic safari, some operators try to cut costs by packing more people into each vehicle.

At Gettle Photography, we keep it exclusive, only three photographers per vehicle. That means you get an entire row to yourself. This setup offers two big advantages: it makes it easier to shoot out of both sides of the vehicle, giving you more options, and it gives you plenty of room to keep all your gear right beside you.

Some other tour operators might advertise “only” four photographers in a vehicle, but here’s what that really means: you’re sharing a row with another photographer about 30% of the time, or you’re often stuck in the front seat with the guide. That’s a false economy—trying to save a little money at the expense of your comfort and photo opportunities. Trust me, it’s not worth it. A bit more space and fewer people make a huge difference in your overall experience!

Take a look at the Photo Tour leaders’ photography

Think about whether you respect their style and skills. Do you genuinely like their photos? Can you learn a thing or two from them? Are they shooting subjects that you’re interested in? Probably not a great idea to travel all the way to Africa with a strict bird photographer if that is not your thing as well. But you also don’t want to be with someone who will not even stop for a bird, especially because the birds in Africa are truly spectacular!

Also, it’s important that the images they show you honestly reflect reality. All of our trip reports and social media photos include details like the focal length and any cropping we’ve done. We believe in transparency because we’re offering more than just pictures—we’re selling experiences. It’s honestly “false advertising” to show you an incredible shot that’s been cropped 80% just to make it look perfect. Cropping can be a useful tool, but it shouldn’t be used to exaggerate or hide the true scene. We want you to have a clear idea of what to expect and what’s possible on our trips.

Instruction

The truth is, we travel with many incredibly talented photographers who’ve been shooting for decades—and we learn from each and every one of them. But about half of our clients are less advanced and are still in the process of learning, and even more will find themselves in new, sometimes challenging situations during a safari. Maybe it’s trying work out the proper exposure to create a silhouette of an African sunset with a giraffe feeding on an acacia, or figuring out the right shutter speed to freeze a racing cheetah, or experimenting with slower shutter speeds to create beautiful motion blur.

On all Gettle Photography tours, we make sure you’re not alone with those questions. We have two experienced photographers on hand, not just to answer your questions, but also to help you see unique compositions you might have missed. It’s all about giving you the confidence to get great shots and making your experience as rewarding as possible.

Take a look at the Client Gallery

Every one of our photo tours includes a client gallery link so you can see the incredible images our clients have captured. We’re genuinely proud of the work they do, and we love celebrating their success! It takes some extra effort on our part, but we truly believe showcasing these photos is the best way to give you a real feel for what’s possible on our trips.

Nicole and I have been to these locations dozens of times, and over the years, we’ve taken some amazing shots. But honestly, it’s way more powerful to see the stunning photos our clients have created during just one Gettle Photography tour. It’s a true testament to what’s achievable with the right guidance and being in the right locations for photography!

Pre-trip information

With every Gettle Photography Photo Tour, we send out a detailed 50-page pre-trip booklet that’s packed with all the info you could possibly need for your adventure. It covers everything—from clothing and gear recommendations to local currency tips and a detailed day-by-day itinerary. Basically, it’s your go-to guide to prepare for the trip, and it’ll answer nearly every question you might have—making you feel ready, confident, and excited for what’s to come!

Are the leaders someone you will want to spend your precious time with?

One thing I can honestly say about Nicole and me is that we LOVE what we do, and we like to have fun! We also get to travel with a bunch of fantastic, fun photographers who share our passion. A true testament to how much people enjoy our trips: nearly 90% of our clients come back for more than one adventure with us.

Now, here’s a little inside scoop, if someone comes on a trip and isn’t fun to be around, we’re honest about it. We’ll simply remove them from our email list, so they won’t have the chance to join again. After all, these trips are a group experience, and group dynamics play a huge role in everyone’s enjoyment. We want it to be fun, and we work hard to make sure it is!