MadMikeOne Loc: So. NJ Shore - a bit west of Atlantic City

Hi all,

In 2018 I was in Africa for several weeks on 2 separate non-photography tours. While they were enjoyable, I had expected to be able to spend more time photographing the amazing wildlife. I am now making plans to go back in 2021 (we’re busy for the rest of 2020). My focus is on locating and booking a Photography Tour with LOTS of time spent photographing the animals. Kenya is where I would like to spend most, if not all, of my time back in Africa.

It would be very helpful if any of you who have actually been on a photography tour in Africa could make suggestions and recommendations as to a tour leader or company to go with. Hearing both positives and negatives about specific companies and leaders would be much appreciated a d very helpful. Feel free to PM me if you would be more comfortable responding in that manner.

Thanks in advance

Stardust Loc: Central Illinois

I don't know how serious you are about it or length of time desired but I have a semi-professional photographer friend that took trip with this company. I didn't ask about company, was too busy admiring his photos, but didn't hear any complaints.
https://photosafaris.com/africa-photo-tours

MadMikeOne Loc: So. NJ Shore - a bit west of Atlantic City

Thank you. I’ll check it out right now. In response to your question: VERY serious, and “for as long as possible”.

Edit: Just checked it out and it’s one of the companies I’m already checking into. “Great minds”.

ft Loc: New York, USA

I went with Idube Photo Safaris And was extremely satisfied. The leader is a professional photographer as well as a certified professional guide. See www.idubephotosafaris.com. Good luck!

Fotomacher Loc: Toronto

Pangolin. Hook up with Charl Stols

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

When you want the best. peterswildlifesafari.com Offers photo tours of the Masai but also supports local tribes fostering education and conservation.

ronichas Loc: Long Island

I was in Kenya with 5 long Island photographers. We did a photo tour with Federico Veronesi. He is an awesome photographer and guide. His own personal truck lives in the Masai Mara. It was an amazing adventure, my third trip to Africa.

You can see my images here.
https://ronichas.zenfolio.com/f729744035#

Federico's website is.
http://www.imagesafaris.com/

Robertl594 Loc: Bloomfield Hills, Michigan and Nantucket

I just returned from a 10 day safari of Kenya and the Southern Serengeti. I worked with a tour company and my specific instructions included a professional photo guide with a vehicle made for photographers. The tour company did a great job for me. My guide was one of a David Attenborough’s guides. Very knowledgeable, talented and personal guide who I still stay in touch with. He was experienced enough to anticipate the right place at the right time and new his way around the other guides and their vehicles. It was worth the little extra money I paid for the vehicle and guide upgrade.

As important as who, what vehicle and where you go, is the equipment you choose to take with you. You have weight restrictions, so buy the extra weight. I took a combo tripod/monopod and never took it out of my bag. A super clamp and gimble head was what used most of the time. I took three bodies and a very long lens, you do not want to be changing lenses for multiple reasons.

I don’t know what your budget is, a private tour will do you much better than a group tour. It’s a bit more but you will better be able to control where, how long you stay in one spot and your choice of seats in the vehicle.

I am happy to talk with you about my experience and connect you to my resources. Message me and we can connect.

You will have a wonderful time.
RL

Robertl594 Loc: Bloomfield Hills, Michigan and Nantucket

This looks like an exceptional trip and guide.
RL

mizzee Loc: Boston,Ma

Hunt’s Photo and Video offers an annual Photo Adventure to Tanzania. They work through Thompson Safaries. Go to their web page and click on Photo Adventures. P.s. they offer a number of trips.

sb Loc: Florida's East Coast

For Botswana, the Pangolin Photo Safari folks offer several options, all of which include touring on special boats with camera mounts with gimbal heads so that you can get great photos from the river. Their prices seem reasonable, but they do fill up quickly. See: http://www.pangolinphoto.com/

For a safari in and around the Kruger National Park in South Africa, consider a photo tour with Greg Sweeney. He has photographed for National Geographic. His family owns a lodge, so costs can be minimized, although you also spend time at other resorts. The cost is very good for a photography tour. There are no center-seat passengers in the vehicles. Everyone has opportunities for great photos. The guides are all trained to help the guests get great photos. I did this trip two years ago and had a great time. http://www.africawildsafaris.net/south-africa-photo-safaris/photography-safari-details.html

South Africa (and Botswana, which requires travel through SA) - this is no easy task. A very long flight to the Middle East followed by a very long flight to Johannesburg, OR you can take the non-stop Delta flight from Atlanta to Johannesburg. This flight is over 16 hours, and unbelievably they pack you in like sardines. So do not take this flight unless you can afford the "Delta Comfort" seats, or better yet, business class.

ronichas Loc: Long Island

Federico is exceptional. His books are part of some of the places we stayed. He is one of the judges for the monthly Masai photography contest.
His truck is made for photographers, with a bar across the window to lean on or it can be removed. On his side of the car, he drives, is a platform with a tripod head so he just places his camera/lens right on the head.
This is Federicos report from the trip I took with him.

http://www.imagesafaris.com/photo-safari-in-masai-mara-and-amboseli-kenya-july-2019-safari-report-part-2-masai-mara/

edhjr Loc: Needham, MA

Look at Africa Dream Safaris. Traveled with them twice (two weeks each time). A well trained guide and my wife an I were in our own vehicle (not in a group of vehicles) doing whatever we wanted to d from dawn until dusk every day. If we wanted to watch something we did: two and a half hours watching a mother and three cheetah yearlings slowly devouring an antelope or two hours watching a pair of lions mating, cuddling, mating,cuddling or watching a group of lions setting and then springing a trap on a group of antelopes.

Our guide/driver had the sun over my shoulder and the engine already off before we stopped

Check out their incredible website. Africadreamsafaris.com

jam Loc: Beaufort, NC

I have been with (https://www.facebook.com/peterswildlifesafaris/ ) and found Peter to be great. I have been to Africa with a different tour and found Peter's to be the best. If you have any questions please let me know.

photoman43

Here are some links to check out.

My wife and I have been to Africa twice with Andy Biggs, including one trip to Botswana with Andy and Grant Atkinson. Andy now does more planning than guiding. Grant is a great guide.

In Texas I have been on trips with Hector. I would love to go on one of his African trips.


https://www.andybiggs.com/

https://www.grantatkinson.com/

https://www.hectorastorga.com/