My thoughts on getting more African wildlife images
What can be more exciting than having just booked an African safari and dreaming of all those African wildlife photos that are just waiting to be taken. However from the outset going on safari can be a daunting task if you are like me, 'getting on a bit' and not fully fit, but it need not be.
Getting the right information is the difficult part, so here is some info that may help you get more African wildlife photos
It is for guidance only and I cannot be held responsible for any outcome or consequences as a result of this information.
Having been to Kenya twice doesn't make me an expert, but if my experience helps you to gain confidence to have a go then it makes this page worthwhile.
There is one thing to remember, once you are in Africa, it is all happening around you, but you may not realise it. If you look in my African photos gallery, less than half of my photos shown are taken while on safari.
The grounds of the hotels are wildlife sanctuaries in themselves, providing wonderful opportunities for butterfly photos, dragonfly photos, reptile photos and if you get up early, bird photos. So while the rest are on their sunbeds, have a stroll around and you may be surprised.
My aim, on safari, was to have as many photographic opportunities in the least time traveling. So lets look at the options.
There are specialist companies who cater for photographic safaris, these unfortunately were out of my budget.
The option I chose was a beach holiday with a safari included. There are companies who operate from outside the hotel complex and have salesmen patrolling the beach which we thought could be dodgy. However after speaking to several people who have taken a safari this way, they appeared to have had a better deal, so it's a matter of personal choice.
The majority of safaris offered are either a 2 day 'taster' or a 3 day one, with options to add extra days.
The options are: -
The main game parks are:-
Kenya Map and more information
The most dense animal population area is the Maasi Mara as is it the destination of the migration from the Serengeti. So you need to check when the animals are here so do not think of going out of season as most of the animals will be back in Tanzania. As it is the furthest from the coast flying both ways is the only sensible option for a few days safari.
The cheapest options go to Tsavo, however it is not wall to wall animals like the Mara and a drive of 20 minutes between seeing groups of animals is not uncommon, so photographic oportunities are far less.
I have no experience of Ambroseli, other than from others who have been and it seems that Mt. Kilimanjaro is covered in cloud most of the time, while one group reported that it had no animals so they booked a second safari to the Masai Mara.
The one week safaris seem to be that they are a one-way drive through the 4 game parks in the order as listed above, with a flight back.
Conclusion To see the most animals in the shortest amount of time take a flying safari to the Maasi Mara.
Also if you are like me and suffer from a back problem be prepared to stand in the 4WD vehicle for he duration of the safari.
Remember to take a blower brush with you, I took 2! The Maasi Mara is one and a half times higher altitude than Ben Nevis and it can get windy and very dusty so take a sleeve from an old shirt with you to keep your camera and lens inside. The photo oportunities present themselves frequently and messing around with a camera bag will result in missed shots.
One area that seems to be overlooked is Shimba Hills, which is only a short drive from Mombasa.
The only day I have been there was in pouring rain, which however appears to be the best time as the animals seem to like it and come out of the bush. Others who have been in fine weather, I am told saw very few animals on their half day stay in there. There are lots of trees providing shelter from the sun.
I hope that you have found this information beneficial, if so, please leave any feedback in the Guest Book.
Good luck with your African wildlife photos.