Here’s what camera gear to take on your African Safari
Embarking on a Serengeti safari is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, where the breathtaking landscapes and rich wildlife offer unparalleled opportunities for photography. When preparing to capture the majestic Big Five, the awe-inspiring Great Migration, and the vibrant local cultures, selecting the right camera gear is essential. This blog post will guide you through the must-have equipment to ensure your African safari experience is immortalised in stunning visuals, allowing you to bring home the beauty and thrill of Africa.
1/640 sec f/8.0 ISO 2000 at 190mm
Essential Camera Gear for an African Safari in 2025
Embarking on an African safari is a photographer’s dream, offering the chance to capture stunning landscapes, intimate wildlife portraits, and dynamic action shots. Having the right camera gear can make all the difference, ensuring you’re prepared for every photographic opportunity that comes your way. While I'm not a wildlife expert, this is from my own experience on a recent safari, I’ll share insights and gear recommendations tailored for 2025, focusing on versatility and quality while keeping the bag light & (hopefully) prepared for quick shots!
1/1250 sec f/8 ISO 1600 - 306mm
1/500 sec f/8 ISO 640 at 400mm
My Setup and Lessons Learned
During my recent safari, I brought along the Sony a7 IV paired with a 70-200mm f/4 lens GII and a 2x teleconverter. This setup allowed me to achieve a focal length of up to 400mm, perfect for distant subjects like grazing antelope or birds perched high in trees. However, I quickly realised that wildlife often came surprisingly close to our safari vehicle, making the telephoto lens too powerful for those moments. To address this, I relied on my Tamron 28-75mm lens for mid-range shots and a 16-35mm lens for wide-angle landscapes, capturing the vast savannas and dramatic skies.
Given how much light there was outdoors & the fact that all safaris would be between sunrise to sunset, the teleconverter handled photos beautifully even with the lowest aperture being F8 given it is an F4 lens originally. I was hesitant after watching reviews that it may not be sharp enough yet from day one, it nailed focus quickly, never had a soft edge and quite honestly, had I not told anyone it was on there, no one would have questioned it or known! 10/10 definitely recommend!
Recommended Camera Gear for Safari
Camera Body:
Sony a7 IV (or equivalent mirrorless): Its excellent autofocus, dynamic range, and high-resolution sensor make it ideal for wildlife and landscapes. Having the hybrid setup keeps the bag light not needing two cameras yet being able to with between photo & video with one hand.
Backup Camera Body: Always carry a second body to avoid missing a shot due to technical issues. Something compact like the Sony a6700 can serve as a lightweight alternative. Otherwise, a phone does well and is something you already have in your pocket.
Lenses:
Telephoto Lens (70-200mm or 100-400mm): Essential for capturing animals from a distance. A 2x teleconverter can extend your reach when needed & save $$$ on extra lenses.
Mid-Range Zoom (24-70mm): Perfect for closer wildlife and versatile enough for portraits or general scenes.
Wide-Angle Lens (16-35mm): Ideal for expansive landscapes and photographing animals in their environments.
Accessories:
Sturdy Tripod/Monopod: A monopod is more practical in safari vehicles, offering stability without taking up too much space.
Bean Bag: Great for stabilising your camera on the edges of safari vehicle windows.
Extra Batteries and Memory Cards: Wildlife action can be unpredictable, so always have backups ready.
Circular Polarizer Filters: Useful for reducing glare and enhancing the vibrancy of skies and foliage. Personally I use the Polar Pro ND/PL which helps to balance the light when using video for the 180 degree shutter rule.
Additional Gear:
Rain Covers: Essential for protecting your gear during sudden rain showers common on safaris. Most cars have open roof/sides meaning dust & rain come in from all angles, especially when the winds pick up.
Cleaning Kit: Dust is inevitable on safari; keep a blower, lens wipes, and brushes handy.
1/1250 sec f/8 ISO 1600 at 172mm
Tips for Using Your Gear on Safari
Stay Flexible: Wildlife often appears unexpectedly, so keep your gear accessible and ready to switch lenses quickly. There were very few times where I had the chance to change lenses. The leopard was a rare moment where it sat in the tree and basically gave us time for a photoshoot, however other animals were running past & gone in seconds!
Leverage High-Speed Shooting Modes: Many modern cameras, like the Sony a7 IV, offer high burst rates to capture fast-moving animals. While it fills your memory cards 10x quicker, it gives you 10x more opportunity to capture a great shot! Just make sure to nail the focus otherwise you now have 10 blurry photos rather than 1…
Use Silent Shutter Mode: This minimises noise that could startle animals, especially when photographing skittish species or birds.
Master Manual Focus: While autofocus is reliable, manual focus can be invaluable in tricky lighting or through thick foliage. Focus peaking is my favourite way to ensure this while also utilising the cameras “wildlife” eye focus mode that 9 out of 10 times nails the focus.
Plan for Low Light: Dawn and dusk are prime times for wildlife, so ensure your gear performs well in low-light conditions. Fast lenses (f/2.8 or faster) and a camera with good high-ISO performance are ideal. I have always been hesitant to push my ISO thinking it would turn grainy, yet some of these shots are at 2000 ISO and tack sharp.
1/800 sec f/3.2 ISO 640 (Burst+ Drive Mode) 72mm
1/320 sec f/8 ISO 2000 at 400mm
1/640 sec f/8 ISO 1600 at 400mm (70-200mm lens with 2x teleconverter)
Final Thoughts
An African safari in 2025 offers endless opportunities for breathtaking photography, and having the right gear ensures you make the most of every moment. A combination of telephoto, mid-range, and wide-angle lenses will cover the full spectrum of scenes you’ll encounter. By packing thoughtfully and staying adaptable, you’ll return home with a treasure trove of unforgettable images. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or a passionate beginner, the beauty of the African wilderness is guaranteed to inspire and amaze.
Find the full album of photos in my Portfolio or on Instagram @Michael.Heritage
