South Africa

Plastic-Free Safari

It has long been a thorn in the side of travel agencies like us to send out safari vehicles packed with single-use plastics.

Our Tanzania team has already found and implemented a solution: we have now installed refillable water canisters in our safari vehicles. Promoting a Plastic-Free Safari experience for all travelers.

We designed custom brackets to fit the reusable canisters in the back of our safari cars, so everyone out on the trail with us has constant access to drinking water, without any unnecessary plastic footprint.

All of our travelers get their own reusable water bottles as a gift.

♻️ Reduce your carbon footprint with us ♻️

So when you’re going on your next safari with us, you will get your own reusable drink bottle. You can refill your bottles on our safari vehicles.

All you need to do is email us in advance and we will bring one for you. We appreciate you returning this at the end of the safari - we would like to recycle and minimize our waste as much as possible.

East Africa is a world-leading region on minimizing waste and banning single-use plastics. Travelers are not allowed to bring plastic bags when traveling to Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda or Zanzibar.

People here realize the harm that single-use plastics can cause, so we expect everyone visiting to keep this in mind as well. Help us create a Plastic-Free Africa.

Our Shadows team is always striving to minimize our impact on the natural environment that we are lucky enough to call our home. We want to do everything possible to make sure our visitors can have a Plastic-Free Safari too.

What Camera to Bring on Safari

If you are wondering Best Camera for Safari is to pack for your safari experience in Africa, look no further! Here is the comprehensive list of all the camera equipment and accessories you will need for your safari.

This photography gear list is brought to you by our resident photographer Giulia Cimarosti, safari specialist at Shadows Of Africa and professional photographer. Guilia also leads groups on our Best Camera For Safari in Tanzania.
Generally speaking, depending on the device you use, you can expect different results. Let’s go through some options:

Mobile Photography on Safari

You don’t have to own super pricey, professional equipment, however, it’s quite safe to say that using a mobile phone to take photos during your safari won’t make good close-up images of the wildlife possible, no matter the phone’s model or quality.

Mobile phones tend to have very poor zooming capabilities; however, they can be great for African sunsets, photographing a herd in the landscape, and of course to take the occasional short video for social media, when a curious cheetah decides to climb on the vehicle!

Keep in mind though that during your safari you won’t always get very close to the animals, so the best way to frame the subject is to use a zoom-telephoto lens on an actual camera

Cameras and Lenses on Safari

If you want to take really good photos on your safari, make sure choose  Best Camera For Safari, and DSLR camera! A digital single-lens reflex camera will allow you to use manual settings, adapting them to the lighting situation, the distance to the subject and the effects you want to achieve.

Now you may be wondering which camera body is the best one, but the answer is not an easy one. There are cameras of all formats and brands, but they all have one thing in common: manual settings!

The thing you need to concentrate on when thinking about the right photography gear for safari photography is what lens - or better, lenses - to bring.

Capturing a majestic jaguar in the wild—an unforgettable safari moment through the lens of a DSLR camera.

Zoom lenses

The must-have kind of lens for safari photography is zoom or telephoto. This is the kind of lens that allows you to zoom into the subject, making it appear closer. There are countless zoom lenses on the market, but make sure your telephoto lens has a focal length of at least 200 mm.

• Budget
  28-300 mm or 70-300 mm lenses are Best Camera for Safari in a good budget option for beginners.
• Medium
  A 150-600 mm lens will allow you to shoot almost anything in daylight, taking your photography to the next level with a reasonable investment.
• Pro
  A 70-200 mm f/2,8 prime lens, although the focal length is not extreme, is an excellent lens that will not disappoint.
  There are other lenses such as 400 mm f/4 or even f/2,8 prime lenses which are top choices but at an extremely high price tag.

If there is a lens worth an investment when planning to go on a photographic safari, it has to be the zoom!

A DSLR camera and detailed safari map ready for the day's wildlife exploration—tools of every great safari photographer.

Medium and Wide Angle Lenses

Medium and Wide Angle Lenses

Although zoom lenses are the first ones that come to mind when thinking about safari photography, a wide-angle lens also goes a long way when it comes to shooting the animals in their habitat, dramatic African skies and sunsets, and large herds moving during the Great Migration. Make sure you pack a wide to medium lens too!

• Budget
  The 18-55 mm “kit lens” that comes with most camera kits works perfectly for this kind of photo. As a budget option, any kit lens works perfectly, actually!

Lenses in the 10-24 mm range are much wider - another good option that will allow you to take creative photographs during your safari.

• Medium
  A 15-30 mm f/2,8 wide lens is a high-quality choice for the landscape.
• Pro
  The 24-70 mm f/2,8 is a “classic”, very sharp lens that never disappoints, allowing you to shoot landscapes (or good quality files to stitch in panoramas later on) and zoom into the subject too.

Bear in mind that a good wide-angle lens also allows you to take wonderful nocturnal photos of the clear skies of the savannah.

Up-close with nature in Botswana—a safari guest captures the moment as a lion rests just meters away from the vehicle.

Other accessories

Now that you know what to use to shoot your safari photographs, let’s think about the accessories you shouldn’t forget:

• Spare batteries. Although all our vehicles have charging stations to recharge your batteries during the game drives, having one or two extra batteries is always a good idea to keep shooting without a single worry!
• Memory cards. Believe it or not, I can guarantee you will find yourself shooting dozens and dozens of photos of the same animal or scene. It’s easy when you have lions posing for you, or a hunting scene taking place. So pack extra memory cards!
• Battery charger. There are regular battery chargers and also double battery chargers that work with USB and/or car power outlets. I like these, as you can charge 2 batteries at once.
• Protection for your camera gear. The savannah is dusty, and dust is the real enemy of cameras and their sensors. Try to keep everything protected from dust except what you are using. Camera bags or pouches/cloths will work great.
• Cleaning kit. A full kit includes the sensor cleaning kit and tools to remove dust and clean the camera. Try to keep everything clean by gently removing the dust every day after the game drives. Please note: the sensor tends to get dirty with all the dust of the safari, but at the same time cleaning the sensor is a very delicate task so don’t risk it if you are not sure how to do it!

Are you ready to embark on your photographic safari adventure? Please let us know if you need more suggestions and information about Best Camera for Safari. We look forward to having you travel with us!

The Top 10 Destinations for an African Safari

The Top 10 Destinations for an African Safari

When it comes time to plan your African safari adventure, it can be difficult to choose Best Destinations for an African Safari from the many fantastic safari destinations.

While East Africa's Wildebeest Migration might be the star attraction, there are plenty of reasons to consider other options.

Today, the Shadows of Africa team breaks down the benefits and drawbacks of the ten Best Destinations for an African Safari.

#10 - Ethiopia

Ethiopia isn't commonly thought of as a safari destination.

The nation's most famous attractions tend to be of a historic nature, with images of iconic Gondar and Lalibela sure to come to mind first.

However, it is perfectly possible to combine a cultural and historic exploration of Ethiopia with a safari to see its unique animals.

Nowhere else in the world will your safari include black-maned lions, walia ibex, or gerada baboons. This makes Ethiopia a fantastic choice for those who have already 'been there, done that'.

Pros: Unique wildlife. Fascinating history. Delicious food.

Cons: Not a traditional safari destination. Recent political unrest.

#9 - Rwanda

What comes to mind when you think of a trip to Rwanda?

Chances are, it's either gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park or visiting the haunting Rwanda Genocide Museum in Kigali.

Did you know you can also combine the above with a Big Five safari in Akagera National Park? While the park was once something of an afterthought, the Rwandan government has recently made huge strides to import both rhinoceros and lions to bring the park back to its former glory.

A perfect day trip from Kigali, a safari in Akagera can be tailored to also include a boat safari to make for something different.

Pros: Easy day trip from Kigali. See gorillas, chimpanzees, and the Big Five in one trip.

Cons: Wildlife numbers are low and Rwanda tends to be expensive.

#8 - Namibia

Namibia's stunning landscapes are amongst its biggest selling points. How can you not fall in love with the windswept Skeleton Coast or the towering dunes of Sossusvlei?

While the tiny southern African can't quite compare with the 'big boys' when it comes to game drives, the country is still a fantastic safari destination in its own right.

Etosha National Park, in particular, is attracting game enthusiasts from around the world with its towering elephants, the huge variety of bird and animal life, and its dramatic landscapes.

When you combine this with the country's other significant charms, it becomes a very attractive prospect.

Pros: Stunning landscapes. Very affordable.

Cons: Long drives between destinations.

#7 - Zambia

Like neighboring Zimbabwe, Zambia is perhaps best known as the home of the majestic Victoria Falls.

But did you know that it is also a fantastic game drive destination?

While it is certainly a bit more of an off-the-beaten-track destination than Zimbabwe, Botswana, or South Africa - Zambia's South Luangwa National Park and Lower Zambezi National Park are truly awe-inspiring game-drive destinations that can compete with some of the most famous safari parks on earth.

Pros: Combine a safari with a visit to Victoria Falls. Off the beaten path charm.

Cons: Off the beaten path translates into less information and infrastructure availability.

#6 - Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe is one of Shadows of Africa's most popular new destinations, with people from all over the world coming to witness the powerful Victoria Falls and explore this gorgeous country.

It's a shame that so few people extend their trip to see more than just the falls, as national parks such as Mana Pools National Park and Hwange National Park offer fantastic game drive opportunity.

Combine this with the history of Great Zimbabwe and the aforementioned Victoria Falls and you have a country that can boast being the complete package.

Pros: Victoria Falls. Close to South Africa.

Cons: Less developed tourist scene away from Victoria Falls. Political issues.

#5 - Uganda

Uganda was once dubbed the Pearl of Africa by Winston Churchill, and we certainly agree with that sentiment.

No country in Africa can offer quite what Uganda does: world-class gorilla and chimpanzee trekking, terrific game drives, and the majesty of the mighty Nile.

A perfect destination for those who have already visited Tanzania, Kenya, and South Africa - Ugana's wild charm and variety of offerings makes it a great place to plan that second safari.

Pros: The best place to combine gorilla trekking, chimpanzee trekking, and a Big Five safari.

Cons: Poor road conditions, expensive domestic flights.

#4 - Botswana

One of the world leaders when it comes to wildlife conservation, Botswana is a truly world-class Best Destinations for an African Safari .

Chobe National Park is home to Africa's densest concentration of wildlife, Chobe is a conservationist's dream that can boast Africa's largest elephant population and some of the world's most stunning landscapes.

Of course, there's more to a Botswana safari than just Chobe. Botswana is home to a number of other fantastic parks that are worthy of your time.

Pros: World class conservation record. Africa's densest wildlife population.

Cons: One of Africa's most expensive destinations.

#3 - South Africa

Arguably the Best Destinations for an African Safari , South Africa is justified in its popularity.

Its diverse landscapes, fantastic beaches, world-class wines, and famous game parks make it a hugely popular destination.

South Africa's level of development and the fact English is the primary language makes it an appealing destination for first-time safari travelers, but it also means a more crowded tourism scene.

Still, Kruger National Park is justifiably considered one of the world's best safari parks, and the prospect of combining this with the stunning Garden Route, the popular South African wine regions, and the gorgeous beaches makes South Africa a great choice.

Pros: English speaking nation, well-developed tourism market, and a variety of activities.

Cons: Crowded market can make booking hotels difficult.

#2 - Kenya

Kenya often refers to itself as "Africa's safari capital", and the East African country absolutely has a claim to that mantle.

Home to the world-famous Maasai Mara as well as boasting the best views of Mt. Kilimanjaro, Kenya is also an affordable and well-developed tourism market that is great for families or people traveling on a budget.

Shadows of Africa offers a huge variety of Kenyan safari tours, so there is something for all walks of life.

Pros: Home to the Wildebeest Migration in August-September. Views of Mt. Kilimanjaro from Amboseli. Cheapest East African nation.

Cons: Popularity means hotels sell out early.

#1 - Tanzania

The undisputed king when it comes to African safaris, Tanzania is home to the Wildebeest Migration for ten months of the year.

It's also home to the World Heritage-listed Ngorongoro Crater, Africa's tallest mountain, and the gorgeous island paradise of Zanzibar.

When it comes to putting together your dream Tanzanian safari, Shadows of Africa have you covered. We've been in operation here for almost a decade and know the country inside and out.

Pros: The best place to see the Wildebeest Migration. Mt. Kilimanjaro. Zanzibar. Ngorongoro Crater.

Cons: East Africa's most expensive destination.

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With so many choices when it comes to planning your African safari, it can be difficult to find the right fit for you.

Thankfully, Shadows of Africa has expertise in all ten of the above countries and can help find the perfect fit for you!

Contact us to start planning your dream safari now!

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