planepics Loc: St. Louis burbs, but originally Chicago burbs

If I was only going to take one trip with a couple cameras and lenses to Africa, what would the best country to visit. I'd rather "shoot" lions, elephants, etc rather than skyscrapers. I was thinking Namibia, Kenya....

hogesinwa Loc: Dalyellup Western Australia

I can't abide tbe entire blighted continent other than the Mahgreb (where i spent many months) but my wife found Kenya-then-Tanzania ideal for wildlife watching. This was when she had a tiny point and shoot so not a lot to show for it.

scooper44 Loc: Layton UT

Last year we took a photo tour to Kenya and Tanzania. It included the Serengeti plains Masai reserves and three other spectacular spots. We “shot “ hundreds of pictures—Many very close up.

We have had friends who went to South Africa and reported some wonderful shots as well.

chase4 Loc: Punta Corona, California

In May 2019 we had an outstanding trip all in South Africa to three reserves; Amakahala, King's Camp and Mala Mala. Saw all the major animals Africa is famous for and the accomodations were all first rate. Only took one camera and lens, a Nikon D7200 w/Tamron 18-270 zoom. This trip exceeded our greatest expectations. If you'd like, please see my previous post on this trip. Cheers and bon voyage...chase

https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-596143-1.html#10233556

fecraly

Tanzania, Kenya, Zimbabwe in that order.

alphonso49uk

Tanzania and kenya are your safest bets. We went to Kruger in south africa a few years back and spent a couple of days on safari there.I was disappointed with the terrain which is for the most part very bushy...and its not that easy to get great pics......youre better off travelling across the unspoilt plains.
Ive also heard Etosha Park in namibia is great as its basically in the desert and youll get some great uninterupted views there also.

ronichas Loc: Long Island

I just this week returned from 15 days in Kenya. I have been to Tanzania and to Namibia. Kenya's Masai Mara was amazing. We stayed at the Mara Bush camp, which I highly recommend. It was amazing. I am still going thru the 10,000 images I took.
Three years ago, I went to Namibia, Etosha Park. We stayed in 4 different resorts in the park. It was a self drive trip, we were 3 trucks with walkie talkies, and went to the water holes for animal viewing.

Here is a link to a video I shot at the Sheldrick Trust Elephant nursery in Nairobi.
https://youtu.be/2AdWHsY_93M

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

You may want to check out Gerry van der Walt - and his photo touring company Wild Eye Destinations - he is out of South Africa but conducts expeditions in numerous countries. Being a photographer himself, he does a photography-centric tour and is also an excellent photographer. He did a presentation at the Sierra Club Photo Club in NYC and I was impressed with his demeanor, professionalism and his photography.

https://www.wild-eye.com/

http://www.gerryvanderwalt.com/destinations

https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g1819668-d11733590-r443225135-Wild_Eye-Fourways_Sandton_Greater_Johannesburg_Gauteng.html

https://www.facebook.com/WildEyeSA/

LXK0930 Loc: Souh Jersey

I have been to Africa several times (Egypt, Morocco, Kenya/Tanzania, Southrn Africa.

For animals, Kenya/Tanzania can not be beat. While southern Africa has many of the same animals, the sheer number of them (especially wildabeast, lions, elephants, hippos, etc) in the plains is amazing. If you can, try to time your trip with the migration.

Hope that this helps.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Go to Nigeria and take the "Visit the Wealthy Princes" tour.

Seriously, check the government site for countries to avoid. You don't want to be shooting pictures of a civil war.

https://www.usnews.com/news/best-countries/slideshows/9-places-the-us-government-warns-not-to-travel-right-now

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

Serengeti plains Masai reserves.

mborn Loc: Massachusetts

Also the Chobe River in Botswana

awenderoff

I would agree, we did well in Maasai Mara in Kenya, great animals and we were able to get quite close.

Jandjeby14

Don't forget Botswana. It may be a bit less developed, but that adds to the appeal. A stop in South Africa on the way to or from for Game reserves or culture there is convenient. The Okavango has wonderful birds and wildlife in a Delta area. Chobe has all the large animals. Gemsbok National Park in the South West is more isolated. Check the web site for Safari Companies. Many years ago we visited East Africa, and South Africa. At that time, because of the intimacy we preferred Botswana, but the others are great too.

It has been many years since we lived in Botswana. We toured in our own little Datsun car and even though we could not get "off road," got very close to the animals, but I understand now there are now fine safari companies and places to stay at every level of sophistication, or it may be possible to tour in your own car, I do not know.

I remember one time we were closer to elephants than might have been wise and my wife in a panicky voice said, "Back up, back up, he is going to sit on our bonnet (hood)." Another time a herd of Cape Buffalo wanted to cross the road ahead of us. The children and I were laughing at them and commenting on their "ugly" faces. Again my wife commented, "Stop that, they will hear you and get mad and charge."

All I had was a Yashica FX-1 and a 200mm lens, but got great slides.

John Eby

DebAnn Loc: Toronto

I'm going to South Africa - Kruger Park - in October. It comes highly recommended for wildlife.