Chris Hayes

My wife and i are planning on doing an African Safari tour, with an emphasis on Photography. We see many options and it dawned on me, very many of you must have taken such a tour and would like your suggestions as to who to travel with, ie what company tour should we consider. I would also be interested in other tours that you have been on and again tour operator suggestions.
Thanks in advance for your suggestions
Chris

rmorrison1116 Loc: Near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania

I've often wondered what people are thinking when they say African safari tour. They apparently don't realize how big and diverse the continent of Africa really is. There are 54 countries in Africa, 54 of them. Heck, there's only 23 countries in North America and 80% of the area is only 3 of those 23 countries. Of the 54 countries in Africa, 11 of them are well known for safaries. 11 is definitely a lot less than 54 but it's still 11 separate countries. I doubt if many safaries cover ground in more than 1 country or at the most 2. Botswana, Kenya and South Africa are probably the three most popular safari countries but I have no way of knowing where you are going on safari because you didn't mention a country, you named a whole continent.
To get my point across, it's like saying, I'm going on a photography expidition in North America, please recommend a few good spots for photographs. What I didn't mention is, the expidition is in the country of Belize.
My point is, knowing the continent may not be very helpful at all; knowing which country is!

rmorrison1116 Loc: Near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania

Double posting, deleted...

Rbbartlett

I follow a teaching pro out of Washington State and have been on a very enjoyable trip with him. Google Rod Barbee and sign up for his blog. Some exciting locations in the North West. No high pressure and very instructive.

puku8849

I would think that the OP wants to see the big 5 as most newbies to African safaris wish to, so go easy and no need to nit pick. By the way, since when has North America include 23 countries ?? Is there no Central America and South America ?? Correct spelling for plural of safari is safaris, and expedition rather than expidition. Belize is definitely not in North America.

sb Loc: Florida's East Coast

I went on a photo safari with Greg Sweeney in the Kruger NP and surrounding reserves in South Africa. I decided to go to South Africa to stay away from potential strife in Kenya. The price was very reasonable for a photography-specific safari. Greg has published in NatGeo and elsewhere.

A photo safari generally means no one sits in a middle seat, and the guides aren't just aimed at seeing wildlife but in getting the best photos. This was a fantastic trip. Came home with thousands of great photos.

South Africa is a little further and harder to get to. You have to either fly to north Africa or the middle east and then fly to SA - the whole trip can take 22 - 38 hours. Or you can fly Delta through Atlanta - they have anon-stop the Johannesburg - but that is one awful 16+ hour flight - pay to get the "Delta Comfort" seats! I assumed that on such a long flight they wouldn't pack you in like sardines, but I was wrong! When I got to SA the first thing I did was get online and purchase a better seat for the flight back.

Some safaris in the Kruger area will pick you up at the airport in SA. This particular safari required me to overnight in Jburg and catch a one-hour flight to Huidspruit the next day.

A post from the trip:

http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-485751-1.html

http://www.africawildsafaris.net/

Also check out Pangolin Safaris on Botswana. That would require a flight from Jburg also.

mikegreenwald Loc: Illinois

Several years ago I followed a tour leader through Kenya and Uganda. I used Lindblad expeditions to set up the travel, but chose a retired professor of biology and ecology rather than a photographer for tour guide. I trust my photographic skills, but his knowledge of the region, the creatures, and the habitat they're found in was invaluable. It was a "WOW" trip, with lots of wonderful shots as mementos.

MMac

I can recommend Wilderness Safaris.

traderjohn Loc: New York City

How many know Africa is a Continent?

bikerguy

A few years ago we went to South Africa, Botswana and Zambia. We used African Travel resources to design our trip. It was not a tour group. We discussed with their rep what we wanted and he gave us three trips at different price points. It was not a "photography tour" however all of the drivers were photographers and tried to get the best locations and angles without affecting the animals. In southern Africa the vehicles are open and no one sat in the middle seat. If/when we go again it will be with and ATR designed trip. They arranged everything from the time we arrived at Johannesburg until we left Cape Town

runyanp

I recommend John Gerlach. While I haven't been on his African trip, I have been on 5 of his other workshops and always come away with great photos and improved photography skills. This link will get you to his workshops and an article about taking great shots in Africa. John will take your skills up a level and you will have a good time! He is a master of finding the most simple way to master photography skills. https://www.gerlachnaturephoto.com/single-post/2018/11/22/My-2019-Schedule-of-Workshops-and-Tours

ronichas Loc: Long Island

I recently did a photo tour with Federico Veronesi. We did a private tour, 6 photographers from Long Island. It was my 3rd time in Africa and absolutely the best. Federico is a wonderful photographer and tour guide that lives in Nairobi. He is well known in Amboseli and Masai Mara. His own truck is at the Mara Bush Camp. He knows the areas well, knows where many of the big cats are and has connections with some of the Masai. He was able to contact one of the Masai to help us track a huge elephant with the longest tusks.
I would highly recommend Federico.

http://www.imagesafaris.com/photographic-safaris-kenya-tanzania-mana-pools/photographic-safaris-kenya-tanzania-mana-pools-upcoming-safaris/

CA_CanonUser Loc: Friendswood, TX

Little geography: North America does have 23 countries, Belize is most definitely in North America (as is Panama), and Central America is NOT a continent.

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

I strongly suggest the following because Peter is not only a photographer, but he is helping out the Masai build schools, water systems, and help them become aware that a lion that kills their cattle should not be killed because that lion can be turned into funds from wildlife Safari's. He is changing lives and offering folks a great photographic experience.
https://peterswildlifesafaris.com/

Bird Dawg Loc: Georgia

Take a look at Londolozi for a safari. It is a wonderful experience that FOCUSES on photography. One of the best trips of my life. We also spent some time in Capetown. Also great for photography.