Safari Photography Tips: Camera Gear, Settings and Techniques for Wildlife

You do not need an expensive camera to take strong safari photographs, but you do need a lens that reaches animals and settings that freeze movement. Planning your kit and learning a few techniques will matter more than the brand.

This page covers gear, settings and field craft, with notes on photographing gorillas and chimpanzees.

This guide is part of our Uganda facts and travel information guide. When you are ready to plan, see our Uganda safari packages or the Ameera Africa Safaris Uganda tours homepage.

Gear Checklist

Camera Settings

Use a fast shutter speed, an aperture that keeps the subject sharp, continuous autofocus and burst mode. Raise ISO in low light. Shoot in raw if you plan to edit.

Light and Composition

Soft light at dawn and dusk gives rich colour and texture. Include context: landscape, other animals and behaviour. Focus on the eyes. See wildlife photography safaris.

Photographing Gorillas and Chimps

Forest light is dim, so use a higher ISO and a wide aperture. Flash is not allowed. Keep the required distance. See tracking rules and filming and photography permits.

Camera Settings That Work

Use a fast shutter speed, ideally above one over the focal length, to freeze moving animals. Aperture priority with a wide aperture isolates subjects from busy backgrounds. Continuous autofocus follows moving animals, and burst mode increases your chances of catching a sharp frame. Shoot in RAW if you can, and check exposure regularly, because light shifts quickly at dawn and dusk.

Composition and Etiquette

Get eye level with animals when possible, include context such as habitat, and wait for behaviour rather than just portraits. Keep movement in the vehicle to a minimum, switch engines off at sightings if your guide agrees and share the best viewpoints with others. Dust is a constant enemy, so keep lenses covered between sightings and carry a blower and cloth. Back up images each evening. See best binoculars for safari.

Common Mistakes

Beginners often shoot only portraits, forget to check the background, use too slow a shutter speed or crowd the frame. Others spend all their time behind the lens and miss the moment. Take a few photos, then watch with your own eyes. Review images each evening to learn and improve for the next day.

Ethics and Drones

Never disturb animals for a photograph. Drones usually need permits and are restricted in parks.

Planning a Uganda safari? Send us your dates and we will build the route, permits and transport around what you want to see.

Related Tours, Guides and Resources

• Ameera Africa Safaris homepage: Uganda safaris, tours and holidays
• Uganda safari packages
• Uganda travel guide
• How to book a Uganda safari
• Plan your safari with our team