Photographic Safaris

Capture Africa in every light, from golden dawns to dramatic storms

More Than Just a Safari

A photographic safari is about more than just seeing wildlife — it’s about freezing those moments in time that words can’t capture. From elephants backlit in golden dust to the flash of a kingfisher diving into the river, our photographic safaris are crafted for travellers who want to tell Africa’s story through their lens. With expert guidance, flexible itineraries, and access to the continent’s most photogenic landscapes, every trip becomes a portfolio of unforgettable images.

A Safari Designed for the Camera



On a standard safari, you’re often rushing from sighting to sighting. Our photographic safaris move differently. We pause, wait for the light, anticipate behaviour, and create space for you to compose. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or just learning to use manual mode, our guides — many of them photographers themselves — help you capture the shot you imagined.

Wildlife Moments That Tell a Story

Photographic safaris bring you closer to nature’s drama: a lioness teaching her cubs to hunt, elephants crossing a river in single file, or a lilac-breasted roller taking flight in a burst of colour. We build your itinerary around places that deliver both iconic big game and rare, intimate moments — because the best photographs tell stories, not just sightings.

The Magic of Light and Landscape

Africa’s light is legendary, and we design every day around it. Dawn breaks soft and golden, perfect for silhouettes; midday brings harsh drama for black-and-white storytelling; dusk paints the sky with fire as giraffes stretch across the horizon. From floodplains and salt pans to riverbanks and savannahs, every backdrop becomes part of your composition.

Unique Experiences for Photographers

• Specialist vehicles & hides: The photographic vehicles aren’t just about getting from A to B — they’re moving studios. With swivel seats, beanbag mounts, and wide, open sides, you’ll always have the right angle on the action. Beyond the vehicle, purpose-built hides — some submerged at water level — put you eye-to-eye with elephants drinking or birds nesting on the banks. These settings let you capture perspectives that most safari-goers never get to see.
• Walking & canoe safaris: Sometimes the best photographs come when you’re at ground level. Walking safaris let you frame wildlife from the same perspective as the animals themselves, giving your images intimacy and a true sense of scale. Canoe safaris add another dimension, placing you on the water for shots of hippos, crocodiles, and elephants crossing channels. These experiences are thrilling in the moment and produce unique, story-driven images.
• Workshops & mentoring: Photographic safaris are as much about learning as they are about shooting. Guides share techniques on everything from fast-action shutter speeds to storytelling composition and post-safari editing. These aren’t classroom lessons — they happen in the field, at camp, and around the campfire, so you can apply tips instantly. You’ll return home not just with better images, but with new skills to elevate your photography long after your safari ends.
• Small groups: Crowded sightings are a photographer’s nightmare — so groups are kept deliberately small. With a maximum of 6–8 guests, you’ll never find yourself jostling for space at the moment of truth. This gives you more freedom to experiment with angles, take your time, and make each frame your own. The intimacy of a small group also means guides can adapt to your specific interests and shooting style.

Why Awake in the Wild?

At Awake in the Wild, we believe in safaris that are both ethical and unforgettable. That means working with guides and lodges who respect wildlife behaviour, ensuring your images are captured without stress to the animals. It means designing tailor-made itineraries that balance your creative goals with comfort, sustainability, and adventure. Whether you’re chasing the Big Five in golden light or waiting hours for a rare bird to appear, we make sure the experience is as rewarding as the photographs.

Discover the Wild, Your Way: Tailor Your Photographic Safari with Us

Every photographer sees Africa differently. Some are drawn to the grandeur of landscapes, others to the details — the curve of an antelope’s horn, the pattern of zebra stripes. Our role is to build the safari that lets you tell your story.

Speak to one of our safari specialists today — call us or fill out our quick enquiry form, and let’s start planning a photographic safari that delivers more than memories: it delivers masterpieces.