• Camera bodies: Ideally two bodies should be safely packed on a safari of this nature. Not only as a back-up but should the unfortunate happen and one breaks down, it adds the advantage of not having to switch lenses should the action be happening thick and fast.
• Lenses: A telephoto lens of 300mm and more is of utmost importance to capture animals a bit further out. A short-zoom lens between 24mm and 100mm will add finer detail while a wide-angle lens is ideal for capturing the continent’s vast landscapes.
• Camera support: To give more stability and support when taking that perfect shot, there are a variety of options. Bean bags can be rested on the door frame of a safari vehicle, clamps can be attached to a roof bar, while tripods are handy for images with a long exposure.
• Memory cards: Make sure to pack at least three memory cards. This is not only for storage of an abundance of pictures but also acts as a back-up in case of failure.
• Batteries: Charging of batteries in remote wilderness areas are not always possible, so an extra battery (or two) will come in handy.
• Get to know the camera and how it operates before departure. This will ensure a smooth safari.
• Don’t hurry the shot. Patience is a virtue and the same accounts for shooting the wildlife and landscapes of Africa.
• Capturing images from different angles, like lower to the ground, will emphasise the grandeur of the specific specie – think elephants and rhino.
• Shots with a wide-angle lens will paint the perfect picture of the vastness of the landscape – endless grasslands and plains.
• When aiming at the big cats, primates, crocodiles and even species of the feathered kind with longer tails, make sure not to cut off these longer appendixes.