Africa Travel Guide

Popular Places Travel Guides In Africa

Africa: Endless Light, Grand Landscapes, and Unmatched Cultures

Africa is one of the world’s richest visual geographies, imprinting safari scenes, desert geometries, coastal light, and ancient cultures in every photographer’s memory. From the Atlantic to the Indian Ocean, from the Sahara to Cape Point, the continent offers a unique mix for wildlife photography, landscape/astrophotography, city and street photography, and cultural portraits. The guide below clarifies what to shoot, the best timing, and how to shoot as you explore Africa’s destinations.

Where to Shoot What? (Short Guide by Region)

North Africa (From Marrakech to the Nile)

  • Morocco: The medinas of Marrakech, the blue textures of Chefchaouen, ordered sand dunes in the Sahara, and astrophotography under cloudless skies.
  • Egypt: Giza Pyramids, the Nile, Luxor temples; dramatic silhouettes at golden hour.
  • Tunisia/Algeria: Ancient ruins, coastal towns, minimal compositions on open desert plains.

East Africa (The Great Migration and Crater Light)

  • Kenya & Tanzania: Along the Maasai Mara – Serengeti corridor, the Great Migration, predator–prey interactions, Ngorongoro Crater with misty mornings.
  • Ethiopia: Rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, cultural portraits in the Omo Valley; Dallol and Erta Ale for geothermal/volcanic scenes.

Southern Africa (A Stage of Contrasts)

  • South Africa: Table Mountain light in Cape Town, coastal shorelines, wine country, and Kruger for safari.
  • Namibia: The graphic dunes of Sossusvlei, skeletal trees of Deadvlei, long exposures under the Milky Way.
  • Botswana: Okavango Delta, low-angle wildlife images from the waterline.
  • Zimbabwe/Zambia: Victoria Falls; during the rainy season, mist and rainbows invite long exposures.
  • Madagascar: Avenue of the Baobabs, lemurs, and endemic flora–fauna.

When Is the Best Time?

  • Safari (Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana, South Africa): Dry seasons (typically June–October) increase visibility and wildlife density. For the Great Migration, July–September in the Maasai Mara is ideal.
  • Desert & Astro (Morocco, Namibia): May–October offers clear skies and low humidity.
  • Waterfalls (Victoria Falls): March–May brings dramatic high flow; carry ND/UV filters and a lens cloth to manage spray and mist.
  • Culture & Cities (North Africa): Spring and autumn balance heat and crowds for comfortable shooting.

Photo Tips: From Safari to Street

Safari / Wildlife

  • Lenses: 70–200mm, 100–400mm, or 200–600mm; keep a 24–70mm on a second body.
  • Settings: 1/1000s+ shutter, Continuous AF + burst, set Auto ISO with a sensible ceiling.
  • Composition: Get to eye-level, leave lead room and gaze direction; dramatize dusty backdrops with backlight.
  • Ethics: Remind your driver of proper distance; never pressure or alter animal behavior.

Landscape / Desert / Astro

  • Tripod + remote; sturdy legs for wind.
  • Filters: ND/grad ND for long exposure, polarizer to control glare.
  • Astro: 14–24mm wide-angle at around f/2.8; use the 500 rule to calculate max shutter speed.
  • Dust Management: Swap lenses inside the bag; carry microfiber cloth and a blower.

City & Culture

  • Light: Golden/blue hour; expect high contrast in medinas—use exposure compensation to balance highlights/shadows.
  • Permissions/Privacy: Ask before portraits; some sacred sites restrict shooting.

Equipment Checklist

  • Two bodies (one tele, one wide), solid tripod, spare batteries/SD cards.
  • Protective filters, lens cloths, rain cover, dust bags.
  • Drone: Regulations vary by country; flights inside national parks are often restricted—double-check local rules before travel.
  • Health/Safety: Sun/heat-appropriate clothing, mosquito protection, waterproof internal organizers for your bag.

Responsible Travel & Photo Ethics

Work with local guides, seek consent from communities, and keep respectful distance from wildlife—these are foundations of sustainable tourism. Ensure your photography spend flows back to local businesses (lodging, guiding, crafts) to create lasting benefits.

Planning Suggestions (Quick Templates)

  • 7–10-day Safari: Nairobi/Arusha – Serengeti/Mara – Ngorongoro – (optional) Zanzibar coast.
  • 10–12 days South Africa + Namibia: Cape Town – Winelands – Kruger – Sossusvlei – Deadvlei.
  • 5–7 days North Africa: Marrakech – Sahara camp – Chefchaouen – Fez (balancing city/desert).

FAQs: About Photography in Africa

What’s the minimum gear for safari shooting?
A 70–200mm or 100–400mm telephoto, a wide (24–70mm), a body with good high-ISO performance, and a sturdy monopod/tripod.

What’s the best time to photograph the Great Migration?
Generally July–September in Kenya’s Maasai Mara. For dramatic river crossings, master light and dust control.

What are ideal base settings for desert astrophotography?
Wide-angle (14–24mm), f/2.8, ISO 1600–6400, shutter from the 500 rule; in wind, anchor tripod legs firmly.

Can I fly a drone?
Many parks restrict or ban drones. Verify country/park-specific permits with official sources before you travel.

Which countries are most recommended for photographers?
Wildlife: Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana, South Africa. Landscapes/astro: Namibia, Morocco. Culture: Egypt, Ethiopia, Morocco, Madagascar.