How to dress for the occasion?

The short answer is to wear comfortable neutral colored clothing suitable for warm to hot weather. The harshest part of the day is spent indoor – every morning and every evening the game drives encounter cooler weather. It is recommended that you wear thinner layers of clothing rather than one big heavy piece. Over time, I have seen (as experienced) some peculiarities on the back of a safari vehicle and I caution against them by listing them out below.

#1: Avoid ‘Out of Africa’ movie type clothing

#2: Squinting causes wrinkles – remember good eye-wear to protect your eyes from the sun and wind.

#3: Being brave in the sun without a hat is only pleasant for the first few minutes – take a good, solid sun-proof hat that stays on while travelling on an open vehicle

#4: You are on safari to see animals, not to be seen – avoid bright clothing and stick to muted colors that blend in with the environment (khaki or olive green colors)

#5: A thin T-shirt may be ideal at midday but at 6am, it’s not going to keep you warm – pack a jersey or better a safari jacket

#6: Knee-high boots or deep soled boots belong in Hollywood – sneakers, safari shoes or sports sandals are advisable

#7: You can be seen in the same outfit twice – most lodges have laundry facilities so pack light; a pair or two of jeans, short and long sleeve tops (total 6) and a top or two see #4

#8: In the bush you don’t get dressed to the nines for dinner – most places have a very relaxed dress code

What lenses are recommended for wildlife photography?

The decision of which lenses to use depends greatly on the aspirations of the photographer and the style of photography practiced. Also of consideration is the openness of the landscape. Wide open plains invite longer lenses because the range is so much longer and broader.

If you are taking images for documentary purposes, I would suggest going wider rather than longer – use a lens in a 16 – 70mm range for the purpose. This allows you to get a great shot of the subject and the context in which that subject is taken. A photograph of a leopard in this case would not only show the leopard (the subject) but also the surroundings – trees, grass, open plains. Images of this nature are often referred to as animalscapes.

If you are into getting ‘portrait’ type shots of an animal or if you are an avian photographer, then the longer the better. Long lenses – from 300mm to 800mm – bring your subject up close, a must for taking images of birds either in flight or perched. A long lens is also useful to get a shot of a wild animal – no one wants to be up close and personal with a Hippopotamus – as it gets the subject close to you and has the capability of separating the subject and the environment. These are also fantastic to get a soft background (bookeh).

Dust can be (often is!) a challenge for you in the safari parks and most certainly in the desert. Even at very moderate speeds, vehicles on the sand roads throw up dust which somehow manages to find its way onto a sensor at the mere thought of you changing lenses. If at all possible, I would suggest carrying 2 bodies (useful in case one gets the zigg and stops working temporarily) and the lenses suitable to your style.

When on safari I have the following equipment always close at hand. By default I mate the 200 – 400 with the 1Dx Mk II and the 16 – 35 on the 5DMk IV.

• EF Canon 200-400 f/4 with builtin 1.4x converter

• EF Canon 100-400 f/4.5 - f/5.6 IS II USM

• EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM

• EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II

• EF Macro Lens 100mm f/2.8 IS USM

• EF1.4x III Tele Converter

This way I have maximum flexibility with both far and near subjects and do not rely on changing lenses in the field. If it becomes necessary, I do and then rely on the cleaning kit back at the lodge to get rid on any uninvited specks of dust resting peacefully on my sensor.

I deal later with the buy vs rent conundrum for lenses and cameras.

What’s the difference between a Workshop and a Safari Tour?

Much has been written about this distinction - I present a summarized version

• Workshops are specifically designed as a learning environment. Tuition before the outing will cover anything from composition to exposure to close up and landscape techniques to processing

• Safari Tours are about getting guests to the right place in the right season to give them the best shot (pardon the pun) at making their best images

It is expected that guests will be familiar with their camera equipment and know how to use it in the field taking verbal cues using photography term.

I seldom shoot whilst on a workshop (I always have a camera with me though!) and often make technical or composition suggestions to the group. On tours, I am an active shooter but give priority to guests, their needs and do provide assistance is call upon to do so.

How do I signup?

Each photo safari caters for a maximum number of six guests. These outings tend to get subscribed to soon after being announced and I recommend that you inquire as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

If an exciting safari sounds good and you are thinking of joining this trip, please get in touch with any questions you may have using the button below.