Travel Africa

The only international magazine dedicated to exploring Africa's diverse attractions, national parks, wildlife, culture and history. Travel Africa draws on some of the world's top photographers, writers and experts to create an inspiring and practical resource for anyone interested in the world's most exciting continent.

Travel Africa

Karibu

AN INVITATION TO worder • Nearly all of us take photos on safari. Why? And what are the benefits of doing so?

WHY photography MATTERS • The storytelling impact of a picture can have a profound and enduring effect. Mike Unwin shares a personal perspective

Readers’ VISION • What photography means to you…

Inspirational reads • There have been so many beautiful and significant photographic books on Africa published over recent decades, but which have impressed you the most? Graeme Green shares ten of his favourites

GEARING UP • What camera is best for you? How many lenses should you take? Do you need a tripod or a beanbag? What else do you need? Will Gray breaks it down…

YOUR CAMERA EQUIPMENT

WHAT KIND OF CAMERA SHOULD I TAKE? • Your choice ultimately depends on how much control, reach and image quality you want versus portability and simplicity. For casual travellers, smartphones or bridge cameras are excellent. For dedicated wildlife photography, a mirrorless or DSLR system with a long telephoto lens is almost always the best investment. Mirrorless offers modern convenience and lighter travel weight, while DSLRs provide proven durability, battery life and lens choice. Remember: the best camera to take on safari is often the one you're already familiar with.

WHAT DOES IT ALL MEAN?

LENSES: CHOOSING HOW YOU SEE • On safari, lenses don't just affect framing, they influence how you think, move and respond to unfolding behaviour. Understanding a few basic focal length ranges is one of the most useful pieces of preparation you can do.

APERTURE: WHY F/2.8 OR F/4 MATTERS ON SAFARI • One of the most misunderstood, and important specifications on a lens is its maximum aperture, expressed as f/2.8, f/4, f/5.6 and so on. A wider aperture (lower f-number) allows more light into the camera. On safari, this matters in three key ways:

SENSOR SIZE: FULL FRAME VS CROP SENSORS • Sensor size matters. Full frame excels in low light and aesthetic control. Crop sensors excel in reach, portability and value. Neither is ‘better’- each suits different safari priorities.

ACCESSORIES • Accessories won't guarantee that you'll take better photographs, but they may well make your life easier and open up new opportunities on safari…

THE BIG BAG WITH A BIG MISSION

PREPARING AT HOME • Five ways to get photo-ready before you set off

LUGGING YOUR CAMERA AROUND: WHAT I'VE LEARNED

WHAT KIND OF SAFARI IS BEST FOR YOU? • Unsure whether to go on a specialist photographic safari or a standard one? Bella Falk sets out the differences to help you decide

HOW TO GET THE BEST OUT OF YOUR GUIDE • While more safari guides are being trained to have a deeper understanding of photography, most are there to help you find and learn about wildlife. Bella Falk explains how to work with your guide to make your safari a photographic success…

HOW DOES A SPECIALIST GUIDE HELP?

GUIDING EYES • How can a specialist photographic guide help? To demonstrate, we asked Edward Selfe, who runs photo safaris in Zambia and beyond, to critique some of our reader's pics the same way he would his clients’.

THE WHEEL DEAL • Not all game-drive vehicles are created equal. Choosing a safari company whose fleet suits your preferences will help you take better photos on your trip, says Emma Gregg

THE GIFT OF TIME

ROOMS FOR IMPROVEMENT • Photographers and tour...