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Our Safari Photography Gear

Trusted Tools for Every Safari Adventure

Why Gear Matters in Safari Photography

In the wild, seconds matter. Whether you're catching the golden light on a lion’s mane or the wingbeat of a lilac-breasted roller, having the right gear isn’t optional, it’s everything.

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Our photography gear is selected for one thing: unshakable performance under extreme conditions. We’ve tested it over hundreds of hours on safari, in dust, rain, heat, and chaos. Here’s what we use and why.

Camera Bodies We Rely On

In safari photography, your camera must react as fast as you do. Split-second autofocus, excellent dynamic range, and dependable weather sealing are non-negotiables in the field.

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We rely on Canon’s mirrorless flagship line-up, built to withstand everything from sunrise fog to midday dust storms.

Primary Body:
Canon EOS R1

The Canon EOS R1 is our lead body for all wildlife work. It’s fast, intelligent, and brutally reliable in tough environments. With AI-assisted autofocus, 30 fps blackout-free RAW burst, and unmatched low-light performance, this camera lets us capture fleeting moments with total confidence.

 

“The R1 locks onto a lion in motion at dusk and hits tack-sharp, frame after frame. It’s the best camera we’ve ever used for wildlife.”

Canon EOS R1 capturing wildlife through telephoto lens on African safari
Canon EOS R5 Mark II capturing wide-angle view of safari camp at sunset.

Secondary Body:
Canon EOS R5 Mark II

The R5 Mark II is our go-to backup and wide-angle solution. With a high-resolution sensor, improved buffer, and faster readout than the original R5, it excels in fast-paced shooting environments. We typically mount a wide or mid-range zoom for landscapes, storytelling shots, or close vehicle interactions.

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“The R5 II gives us stunning detail, even in campfire light or early morning haze. It’s small, powerful, and fits perfectly into a two-body safari setup.”

Other Bodies:
Panasonic Lumix S1 II

The Lumix S1 II is a full-frame hybrid powerhouse that’s earning its place in our safari workflow. With its dual native ISO, impressive 14+ stops of dynamic range, and phase-detect AF upgrade, it excels in tricky light and wide-scene storytelling. We pair it with wide or mid-range lenses for landscapes, camp life, or behind-the-scenes video.

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“The color depth and highlight recovery are outstanding. It’s a serious tool for creators who want cinema-grade flexibility in the bush.”

Pro Workflow Tip

We always shoot with two bodies - R1 with a long prime or zoom, and R5 II with a flexible mid-range.

 

This keeps us ready for tight wildlife portraits and wide storytelling frames without changing lenses under pressure or dust.

Lenses That Make the Shot

We carry multiple lenses into the field, each with a specific role. Fast apertures, long reach, and reliability in extreme conditions are our top priorities.

Canon RF 400mm f/2.8L IS USM

When you need tight, clean wildlife portraits from a distance, nothing beats the reach and isolation of the RF 400mm f/2.8. It renders razor-sharp detail while throwing the background into dreamy blur—perfect for big cats, birds, and distant action.

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Canon RF 100–300mm f/2.8L IS USM

For fast-moving, medium-distance subjects, this lens is an absolute weapon. It balances performance and versatility with stunning consistency.

Canon RF 24–105mm f/2.8L IS USM Z

From the vehicle to the campfire, this lens helps capture the story around the action. It handles landscapes, portraits, and camp life with ease and speed.

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Shop the Gear We Use

Affiliate Disclosure: We earn a small commission through these affiliate links, at no cost to you.

We only promote products we’ve used in the field and trust completely. Your support helps fund our content, conservation photography, and educational outreach.

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Why Travel With Us?

Our African photographic safaris are designed around the moment, not the checklist.

 

Whether you're dreaming of lions in golden light, elephants in the Okavango Delta, or flamingos over Lake Nakuru, we help you experience Africa through the eyes of a photographer.

An Secretary Bird stands in a grassy field during an African photo safari, showcasing the natural wildlife of the region.

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Two decades of experience

20+ years of experience in photography, conservation, and safari design

Photographic Safari Destinations Across Africa

Africa’s visual diversity is unmatched, and so are the photographic opportunities.

 

Whether you're chasing golden light on big cats or misty mornings in ancient forests, our safaris take you to the continent’s most awe-inspiring regions:

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Botswana

Okavango Delta & Chobe River
Boat-based safaris, elephants crossing waterways, birds in golden light.

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Zimbabwe

Mana Pools, Hwange, Lake Kariba, Victoria Falls
Walking safaris, low angles, backlit elephants, riverside predator action.

 

Namibia

Etosha, Sossusvlei, Swakopmund
Minimalist landscapes, salt pans, desert-adapted wildlife and contrast lighting.

 

South Africa

Kruger & Sabi Sands
Ideal for first-time travellers and photographers, with frequent Big Five sightings.

 

Tanzania

Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater
The Great Migration, predator-prey interactions, sweeping savanna backdrops.

 

Kenya

Masai Mara & Lake Nakuru
Big cats, flamingo-filled lakes, classic migration shots.

 

Madagascar

Rainforests, dry spiny forests, coastal zones
Lemurs, chameleons, endemic birds — macro, wildlife, and landscape heaven.

 

Want to focus your safari on one region, or combine multiple destinations? We’ll help you build the perfect photography itinerary.

Map of African safari destinations which Photo Safari Company use. Includes Botswana, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
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