Tanzania is a land of incredible beauty and diversity, offering visitors the opportunity to experience some of the most iconic landscapes and wildlife on the planet. From the vast savannas of the Serengeti to the snow-capped peaks of Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania has something to offer for everyone. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or going or your first wildlife photography trip, it is important to plan ahead.
1. Research: Do your research and decide which parks and reserves you want to visit. Consider the best time of year to go based on the animals you want to see and the weather conditions. My favorites where Serengeti and Ngorongoro, they aren't far apart. You may want to visit the Serengeti to witness the great migration around September.
2. Plan according to your capacities: There are plenty options of safaris, be aware of your capabilities (financial, health conditions, confort requirements, autonomy) when selecting your trip. We decided to go in a very small group (4 ppl) to have more freedom during the day and to sleep in tents rather than in lodges as part of the experience; it was also a way to fit a longer safari within our budget. We also met a couple doing a safari on their own, with their car, which requires more organisation and experience.
3. Pack the right gear: While the wildlife and landscapes you'll encounter on safari are undoubtedly breathtaking, the right gear is necessary to capture these stunning vistas and creatures in all their glory. First and foremost, you'll want to bring a camera that is capable of shooting high-quality images. This might mean investing in a DSLR or mirrorless camera with a large image sensor and a range of interchangeable lenses. I used the sony a6600 and sony a6000 two miroless ASP-C bodies, as they are more compact lighter than fulf-frames.
A telephoto lens is also a must-have for safari photography. This will allow you to capture close-up shots of wildlife from a distance, without disturbing the animals - I brought my tamron 150-500mm. Don't forget to bring extra batteries and memory cards as well - you'll likely be taking a lot of photos on your safari, and you don't want to run out of power or storage space. You usually can charge batteries and phones at night in the camps.
In addition to your camera, you may want to bring a sturdy tripod. This will allow you to take long exposures, which can be particularly useful for capturing the beauty of the night sky or for creating sharp images in low light conditions. As you'll be spending most of the time in the car, I found that a bean bag is somewhat more useful than a tripod. you can position the bag on the window of the car and lay your telephoto on. You can bring an empty bag and buy the beans (or rice) on in the country.
4. Take photos : The animals and landscapes are breathtaking, you'll have great shot opportunities. Most cars have an open roof which may give a great overview of the savannah but makes you look down at smaller animals. Shooting from the windows allow you to capture photographs at eye level. Wildlife photography requires a lot of waiting and patience. Be prepared to spend long periods of time waiting for the right shot.
5. Be safe: Make sure you pack the usual safety kits and protection and don't forget the anti-mosquitoes protection, you may want to consult your doctor regarding malaria protection. Obviously respect the animals, don't get too close or try to interfere with their natural behaviors. They are wild animals and accidents do happen, listen to your guide.
