Your First African Photo Safari: Unleash the Adventure

Bryan Pereira, Director of Exposure Tours, and his guests have discovered that this unconventional timing offers the same breathtaking scenes without the high costs or crowds.

Toronto, ON, Canada, 12th Nov 2023 – You’ve been Inspired by heart-pounding Nat Geo clips and guided by the spirit of exploration, through the narration of David Attenborough. Now you are ready to check off an exhilarating adventure from your bucket list.

Discover the key planning essentials with exposuretours.com, leaders in the photo safari industry with over 30 years of field and planning expertise. Unleash your adventure with our essential Top Five guide.

1. Timing is Everything

While travel to Africa remains below pre-pandemic levels, a shift is on the horizon in the next 12-24 months. Kenya, our top pick, is witnessing a remarkable 50% annual increase in tourism. Seize the opportunity for discounted travel now!

Safari enthusiasts, consider breaking away from the seasonal peak from June to September. During these months, costs soar, and popular spots witness long lineups, with over 200 vehicles queued up 10 deep to catch a glimpse of animals. This surge is attributed to summer holidays in the northern hemisphere and the allure of the Great Migration.

Contrary to common expectations, instant big cat kills during the wildebeest herds’ movement are rare. Filming such sequences can take months or even years, and most animal hunts aren’t successful unless large, organized prides are involved. While witnessing the migration is a great experience, it’s often likened to viewing Midwest cattle herds—captivating initially but soon becomes mundane.

For a unique photo safari experience, consider thinking outside the box and plan your visit in October. Bryan Pereira, Director of Exposure Tours, and his guests have discovered that this unconventional timing offers the same breathtaking scenes without the high costs or crowds. Let the resulting images speak for themselves.

2. Location, location, location

Choosing the perfect safari destination hinges on your budget, proximity to wildlife, and geopolitical or safety considerations. From Uganda to South Africa, each country offers a diverse range of safaris, with costs influenced by accommodation choices and group size, ranging from $125 to $1500 per day at the high end. Surprisingly, the animal sightings remain indifferent to the accommodation rating, with no guarantee of more wildlife around expensive camps.

South Africa stands out for its budget-friendly tourism packages, but this affordability comes at a cost. The high volume of large groups can lead to frequent, potentially dangerous animal encounters due to constant disruptions. Additionally, it’s crucial to be aware of paid hunting practices in Botswana, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Namibia, and Zambia. Despite its persistence in these regions, Kenya took a stand against it in 1977, banning this controversial activity. Stay informed about the ethical implications, as even indirect contributions, such as local taxes, may support governments endorsing paid hunting practices. For more information, visit https://www.exposuretours.com/conservation-and-trophy-hunting-facts/

3. Park sizes and interior travel

To make the most of your photo safari experience, choosing a park with a high ratio of easily observable animals per kilometer is crucial. Bryan’s recent expedition to the Mara Reserve resulted in a remarkable achievement—spotting all of The Big 5 in a single day. During his October Big Cats photo safari, there were multiple sightings of Lions, Cheetahs, and Leopards in 7 out of the 8 days. For more details, visit https://www.exposuretours.com/mara-home-to-the-big-cats-photo-safari/

For a size comparison, consider the following parks:

Kruger National Park, South Africa: 19,455 square kilometers

Serengeti, Tanzania: 14,763 square kilometers

Maasai Mara, Kenya: 1,672 square kilometers

While these parks may require a considerable drive from your arrival airport (e.g., a 4-hour drive from Johannesburg to Kruger or Nairobi to the Mara), Kenya offers the convenience of a National Park within its city limits. Opting for an internal flight, which costs a few hundred dollars, can get you to the larger parks within an hour, ensuring a relaxed and ready-to-explore mindset. Choosing a custom or small group tour over a larger group provides the flexibility to make easy itinerary alterations, ultimately enhancing your overall experience.

4. Packing Essentials
Opt for subtlety in your safari wardrobe by avoiding bright colors and camouflage clothing, as the latter can be misconstrued given the attire of military and guerrilla groups in Africa. Stick to timeless classics like solid shades of green and khaki and consider layering with a hoodie or coat for the chilly pre-sunrise game runs starting at 6 am. As the sun rises, the temperature quickly warms up, making long-sleeved shirts ideal for sun protection, particularly closer to the equator.

Invest in a good pair of safari boots and sandals, anticipating the need to navigate muddy terrain when stepping out of the vehicle. Alfresco dining is more enjoyable in boots. Equip yourself with a wide-brimmed hat featuring ventilation and a drawstring for the perfect safari look, reserving your baseball hat for the ballpark.

To stay healthy on your safari adventure, Bryan recommends a visit to a travel clinic at least 4 months before departure. Depending on your destination, you may need malaria tablets or preventive injections for yellow fever and hepatitis. Always consume bottled water, ensuring it is clear and untampered.

For added protection during your journey, consider travel insurance, especially if your trip falls during winter when flights can be delayed. At exposuretours.com, you also receive complimentary access to the Flying Doctor service.

While mild stomach upsets are the most common issues for travelers, all lodges and camps have access to medical professionals who can prescribe antibiotics sourced from Western providers. This service is affordable and reliable.

If you have dust allergies, a mask or cloth covering will prove beneficial on the dirt roads. Prioritize your well-being for an enjoyable and worry-free safari experience.

5 Camera, lights, action!

Don’t overlook the most crucial safari tool: your camera. While any camera will do, for photography safaris, bigger is often better. Although you might get lucky with close encounters, most wildlife requires zooming in for a clear view. If using a mobile phone, disable digital zoom to avoid pixel enlargement and digital noise.

Consider investing in a DSLR or compact camera for a larger chip that gathers more light and provides greater versatility. Renting a camera is a viable option, but ensure you have enough time to familiarize yourself before your photo safari. For budget constraints, a wide-range zoom lens from 28 to 300mm offers the perfect balance of weight and flexibility. If money is not an issue, two camera bodies with different focal length lenses can prevent dust-related issues from affecting your pictures and camera.

Always carry spare batteries and extra memory cards. Having a backup plan, such as a laptop, is crucial in areas without Wi-Fi for cloud use. Bryan recommends a stand-alone backup drive along with a laptop and external drive for added security.

Media Contact

Organization: Exposure Tours

Contact Person: Bryan Pereira

Website: https://www.exposuretours.com/

Email: [email protected]

Contact Number: +1 (647)-303-3858

City: Toronto

State: ON

Country:Canada

Release id:7663

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Your First African Photo Safari: Unleash the Adventure