Best Time to Visit Africa for Photography

Choosing the best time to visit Africa for safari photography is one of the most important decisions when planning a photo trip. With its vast landscapes, varied ecosystems, and dynamic wildlife movements, Africa offers exceptional photographic opportunities year-round—but not all months are created equal. Timing impacts everything from light conditions to animal behavior, vegetation cover, and travel logistics. This guide will help you navigate the differences between seasons and regions, understand key wildlife events, and plan an itinerary that matches your photographic goals.

Dry vs. Wet Season: Understanding the Basics

Africa’s safari destinations generally fall into two main seasonal categories: the dry season and the wet (or green) season. Each has distinct advantages and challenges for photography.

Dry Season (typically May–October)

• Wildlife visibility is at its peak. Water becomes scarce, concentrating animals around rivers, waterholes, and pans—creating consistent photographic opportunities.

• Vegetation thins out, improving visibility and making it easier to track and photograph wildlife from a distance.

• Clear skies and golden light dominate, especially in the mornings and late afternoons—ideal for dramatic backlighting and clean subject isolation.

• Roads and trails are dry and easier to navigate, reducing travel complications.

Wet Season (typically November–April)

• Lush landscapes make for vibrant, moody backgrounds—excellent for wide compositions and storytelling shots.

• Birdlife is at its best, with migratory species in breeding plumage and increased activity around water bodies.

• Many species enter breeding or calving seasons, leading to unique behavior, new life, and predator-prey interaction.

• Rain showers can lead to dramatic skies, mist, and cloud formations, creating rich atmosphere for landscape and wildlife shots alike.

Month-by-Month Guide Across Regions

To make the most of your safari photography, it’s essential to consider both timing and location. Here’s a month-by-month breakdown of key regions and what photographers can expect:

January to March

• Central Kalahari Game Reserve (Botswana): The wet season transforms the desert into a blooming savanna. Plains game like oryx, springbok, and hartebeest are plentiful, and big cats are highly active, using the thick grasses for cover.

• South Luangwa (Zambia): The emerald season begins. Lush vegetation and flooded lagoons create mirror-like reflections, while elephants, hippos, and birdlife dominate the scene. Most places, however, are unreachable due to flooded roads.

• Ngorongoro Crater & Southern Serengeti (Tanzania): Calving season for wildebeest attracts predators like lions and hyenas. Cloud cover offers diffused light, great for soft, low-contrast portraits.

April to June

• Khwai & Moremi (Botswana): Early dry season brings clearer skies and optimal game viewing without the crowds. Ideal for leopard tracking and elephant herds crossing the Khwai River.

• Ruaha & Selous (Tanzania): Fewer tourists, and wildlife becomes more concentrated as seasonal rivers begin to dry.

• Etosha (Namibia): Shoulder season begins in May. Wildlife begins congregating near waterholes, offering dramatic interactions between prey and predators.

July to September

• Masai Mara (Kenya): Peak of the Great Migration. Expect dramatic river crossings, dust clouds, and intense predator action. Also, large gatherings of photographers—planning ahead is essential.

• South Luangwa (Zambia): This is prime time for leopards and lions. Dry riverbeds and orange skies make for classic African safari frames.

• Mana Pools (Zimbabwe): Elephants standing on their hind legs to reach trees—a unique behavioral photo opportunity.

October to December

• Chobe & Savuti (Botswana): Late dry season heat draws huge herds to remaining water sources. Excellent for elephant photography, lion dynamics, and dramatic dust light.

• Khwai: High predator concentration continues. Expect golden light, low vegetation, and clean backgrounds.

• Namibia’s Skeleton Coast & Sossusvlei: The contrast of wildlife against stark, arid desert backdrops is at its best. Think desert-adapted elephants, oryx on dunes, and lone giraffes under glowing skies.

Photographic Highlights by Season

Each season offers something unique for photographers:

• Calving & birthing seasons: January–March in Serengeti (Tanzania) and Kruger National Park (South Africa)

• Predator activity peaks: mostly in August–October in Etosha NP, South Luangwa NP, Lower Zambezi NP (dry season)

• Bird migrations: November–February in Botswana, Zambia, Northern Namibia and Kenya

• Elephant behavior: Best in dry season months (July–October), especially in Chobe, South Luangwa, and Tarangire

• Big cat tracking: Stronger in Khwai (year-round), Mara (July–Sept), and South Luangwa (June–October)

Sample Itineraries Based on Season

Here’s a look at some of the real-world itineraries from my guided wildlife photography workshops, designed to align with peak conditions for photography and wildlife activity:

March – Patagonia Puma Tracking
Track wild pumas in the dramatic landscapes of southern Chile. This trip focuses on low-angle stalking shots, golden backlight opportunities, and minimalist compositions in open terrain.

May – Kalahari Safari Adventure (CKGR & Beyond)
A deep dive into Botswana’s Central Kalahari Game Reserve. Expect big cats, dramatic desert light, and the feeling of true wilderness—far from the crowds.

May – Iconic Namibia
From the dunes of Sossusvlei to the wildlife-rich pans of Etosha, this itinerary is built for diversity: landscapes, desert elephants, and classic big game.

September – South Luangwa (Zambia)
Leopard central. This trip takes place during the dry season, when wildlife congregates around the Luangwa River. Incredible for predator action, dust, and light.

October – Wild Namibia
This itinerary explores Damaraland, Etosha, and beyond—perfect for backlit elephants, dramatic skies, and a mix of arid and savanna ecosystems.

Final Tips for Choosing When to Go

• Define your style: Do you prefer storytelling scenes, clean portraits, or intimate behavior? Let that guide your timing.

• Understand trade-offs: Wet season offers mood and action; dry season gives you clarity, access, and consistency.

• Factor in travel style: Self-drive safaris (e.g., Namibia or Botswana) are easier during dry months due to road conditions.

• Use location-specific knowledge: Some parks are excellent year-round, like Khwai, while others—like CKGR—are best only during a short window.

📚 Need help deciding which safari fits your style? Download the free Wildlife Photography eBook for a deeper breakdown of gear, planning, and field techniques.

Ready to Experience These Seasons for Yourself?

If you’re serious about building a powerful wildlife photography portfolio—and doing it in a small group led by professionals who understand the light, the timing, and the animals—consider joining one of my upcoming workshops.

We photograph in the best locations at the best times, with itineraries built around real field experience. From the Kalahari to South Luangwa and Namibia’s deserts, every trip is crafted for photographers who want results.

Safari Photography Gear Guide: What I Pack for Africa

An African safari is the ultimate experience for wildlife photographers—one filled with incredible sightings, dramatic landscapes, and thrilling adventures. But capturing Africa’s stunning wildlife and vast landscapes requires thoughtful preparation as we have to travel through international airports and often reach our final location via small charter planes where space is limited or with long 4x4 transfers, where we must be careful not to damage our precious gear. As a consequence we cannot bring all the gear we want to on a safari; on the opposite, we have to be very selective so that we carry all we need and nothing more.

Over the years I've refined my gear choices balancing quality, versatility, and portability, ending with a gear kit that allows me to cover all situations while still keep it minimal.

Below, you'll find the exact gear list I rely on plus practical advice and scenarios illustrating why each item is essential. With the right equipment you’ll be ready to create stunning images under any condition on your next African adventure.

Shooting with R5 + Canon 100-500 somewhere in Damaraland, Namibia

📷 Cameras

Canon EOS R5

The Canon R5 is my primary choice for landscape photography and detailed wildlife portraits due to its exceptional 45-megapixel resolution and superb image quality. The R5’s advanced autofocus tracking system is incredibly reliable, ensuring your subjects are always perfectly sharp. The image quality is incredible and even in 2025 I don’t really feel the need to upgrade to the R5mk2. The 15 fps of the R5 are good for most situations and the autofocus is already incredible, and if I miss any photos with the R5 it certainly won’t be a camera’s fault. In terms of ISO, if properly exposed the R5 files are fully usable till 12.500 iso and, if careful, even up to 20.000.

When I’m using it mostly:

• Landscapes

• Adventure reportage

• Wildlife scenes without a lot of action

• Situations requiring heavy cropping without losing quality

Canon EOS R3

The R3 has a 24 mp sensor, shining in low light situations and in fast-paced wildlife photography, where animals often move unpredictably and rapidly. The autofocus is lightning-fast, even more than the already excellent R5, and when paired with the high frame rate of up to 30fps makes for an incredible tool that rarely (if ever) misses a shot. It’s also the best low-light performing camera on the market (together with the R1 that seems to be just matching the R3 low light capabilities), allowing me to go for fast shutter speeds even at dusk and opening new creative possibilities. I am confident shooting well above ISO 20.000, with usable files even at iso 50.000.

When it's most useful:

• Action photography (running mammals, birds in flight)

• Early morning or dusk photography when lighting conditions are challenging

• Tracking fast-moving animals with absolute precision

Canon EOS R5C

With the same photo capabilities as the R5 (it doesn’t have IBIS - in body image stabilization - that doesn’t really matter when shooting wildlife with faster shutter speeds), the R5C features a video mode with the same operating system of Canon cinema line (C70, C80 etc.). This not only allow for a higher dynamic range than the R5 or the R3, but also makes the camera much more usable and the controls much more efficient when in video mode. Also the R5C has a built in cooling system, very handy to prevent the camera from overheating in the often hot safari days. I did some testing against the more recent R5mk2 but the R5C still looks a better option to me when it comes to video. It still has a slight advantage in dynamic range and the customizable controls make it for the perfect tool if you want the best quality in both photos and video.

When I’m using it mostly:

• When I want to alternate still photos and videos while getting the top quality in both

Pro Tip:
An additional benefit of carrying two camera bodies is that you always have two different lenses ready to use without switching, that would cause exposing your sensor to dust—a constant concern on safari.

Friend and fellow photographer Jandre Germishuizen with a R5 and 400mm 2.8

📸 Lenses

Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8

It’s one of my favorite lenses. It’s too short for wildlife but is always useful to have it around, allowing me to cover landscapes and documenting the adventure behind the scenes. Reaching 15mm in the wider range allows to get big scenes all into a photo, as well as shooting in tight spaces like a safari vehicle or inside a photo hide. If zoomed at 24mm or 35mm it becomes an excellent lens for environmental portraits. The aperture of 2.8 also plays a role as it’s just enough to use it for astrophotography as well.

When it's most useful:

• Wide-angle landscape shots

• Capturing environmental portraits, including your safari vehicle or camp life

• Starry skies and astrophotography at remote African lodges

• General reportage images

Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1

My go-to lens for flexibility and responsiveness. It allows me to zoom quickly from mid-range wildlife portraits to distant action scenes, reducing the need to constantly reposition the vehicle and allowing me to include more or less of the habitat in my compositions. Of course the aperture is a bit of a limit, especially at dusk, but the flexibility given by the zoom range and the compact building makes it for an incredible tool that I always bring along; it often stays on my R5 or R5C.

When it's most useful:

• Versatile for wildlife photography

• Quickly adapting to changing wildlife scenarios without changing lenses

• Capturing unexpected wildlife encounters that unfold rapidly as you can keep it always at hand and ready to shoot

Canon RF 400mm f/2.8 or 600mm f/4

The ultimate tools for dedicated wildlife photography, these lenses excels at isolating subjects and producing beautiful background blur. The price doesn't make them for everyone but the exceptional sharpness and large aperture ensure clear, dramatic wildlife portraits, even in low-light situations. While I own both I usually go for a 600mm on a safari, with some exceptions for the situations where I know I’ll be able to get really close to my subjects and also where I won’t be photographing very small subjects. In fact the bigger aperture of the 400m is an advantage only if we don’t need to crop the image in post processing. If we crop the relative noise will increase and we will loose that one-stop advantage, plus we loose some of the image resolution. For this reason my go-to for safari situations is still the 600 f/4.

When it's most useful:

• Photographing shy or elusive animals like leopards, which require significant reach

• Capturing animals at dawn or dusk with limited natural light

• High-quality, intimate wildlife portraits with gorgeous bokeh

Pro Tip:
Using teleconverters like a 1.4x extender can extend the reach of your 600mm lens even further, providing unparalleled opportunities to photograph distant wildlife clearly.

Bee eaters. Canon R3, 600mm f/4 + 1.4x for an equivalent of 840mm f5.6

🔋 Essential Accessories

• Extra Batteries:
  We usually have regular access to electricity even in the most remote safaris, but it’s always a good idea to carry enough batteries to last at least a full day of shooting. During safari drives charging isn’t available and you'll be shooting thousands (sometimes tens of thousands) of images. You surely don’t want to find yourself trying to save battery in front of some amazing wildlife encounters.

• High-Speed Memory Cards:
  Fast cards (such as CFexpress or high-speed SD cards) ensure your camera keeps up with rapid-fire sequences without filling the buffer. This is essential for action photography. Another benefit of high performing memory cards is that they tend to be more reliable and less prone to failure. Bring at least double the cards you expect to use on a full day - again, you don’t want to be in a situation where you can’t shoot because of a card. Cards are cheap compared to your cameras and lenses or even compared to the cost of being on a safari, so buy big and reliable cards. My choice is Angelbirds AV PRO CFexpress Type B; I carry 6x 256GB cards, that ensures me a couple days of shooting before I have to download them.

• Reliable Tripod:
  It’s not mandatory for a safari, but if you plan on photographing also sunrise/sunset landscapes, low-light wildlife shots, astrophotography, and long-exposure photography then a light carbon fiber tripod will be very handy.

• Camera Cleaning Kit:
  African safaris are notoriously dusty, especially during dry seasons (that tend to be the best for wildlife viewing). Regularly cleaning your gear prevents sensor dust spots and maintains image quality. I bring several brushes, a kit for cleaning lenses, a battery powered blower to dust off the gear and a classic manual blower. I also have with me a sensor cleaning kit with wet wipes; I rarely have to use it but I always have it in my bag.

• Laptop and Portable SSD Drives:
  You can’t bring enough memory cards for a whole safari, and even if you can, it’s not recommended to leave your valuable files there without backing up your photos daily. To do that you will need a laptop and some hard drives. SSD drives offer fast, reliable file management and ensure your images remain safe throughout your trip. I usually bring my MacBook Pro 13’’ and 2x 4TB ssd hard drives; this will allow me to save 2 copies of everything, protecting my files from a possible disk failure.

• Binoculars:
  Crucial for spotting wildlife from a distance before setting up your camera. They enhance your safari experience, giving you ample time to anticipate and capture unique behaviors.

🧢 Safari Apparel

Comfort and practicality are crucial during an African safari. Here’s a comprehensive clothing list to stay comfortable and safe:

• Neutral-colored Clothing (khaki, olive, brown):
  Helps blend into the environment. Avoid bright vivid and bright colors that stand out too much.

• Long-sleeve Shirts and Pants:
  Provide sun and insect protection while remaining breathable and lightweight.

• Wide-brimmed Hat:
  Essential sun protection during long game drives.

• Fleece or Light Jacket:
  Early mornings and late evenings can be surprisingly cold out in the savannah. Always bring a light insulated and windproof jacket. If you are going in the winter season (May to August in Southern Africa) consider also some light gloves and a beanie for morning game drives.

• Waterproof Jacket:
  During rainy seasons unexpected downpours can occur quickly and having a waterproof layer will prove very handy. If you are traveling during the dry season you can leave it home.

• Buff or Scarf:
  Shields you from dust and provides sun protection.

Pro Tip:
Avoid dark colors, especially blue or black, as they attract biting insects like tsetse flies.

👞 Footwear

• Comfortable Hiking Boots or Trail Shoes:
  Ideal for walking safaris, camps, and uneven terrains. These are very specific situations and you won't need it in most cases.

• Closed-toe Shoes:
  Your main safari shoes must offer protection from insects, thorns, and rough terrain. While you won't be spending much time out of your safari vehicle you want something that will allow you to move comfortably on the rough savannah and bush, protecting your feet from rocks, vegetations and insects.

• Sandals or Flip-flops:
  Great for downtime around lodges or camps.

Pro Tip:
Ensure all shoes are well-broken-in to prevent discomfort during your adventure.

🎒 Additional Safari Accessories

• Insect Repellent: Vital, especially at dawn and dusk, in humid areas or during rainy season.

• Sunscreen and Lip Balm: African sun is intense, even on cloudy days.

• Headlamp or Flashlight: Essential at camps, especially at night.

• Reusable Water Bottle: Hydration is crucial throughout safari days. While you can always get single-use plastic bottles, having a personal steel bottle is a much better option. You can fill it up anytime at the lodge or camp. If you can, bring an insulated bottle to prevent your water from getting boiling hot.

• Dry Bags: Protect gear from dust, sand, and unexpected rain.

• First Aid Kit: Include basics like antiseptic, painkillers, bandages, and any personal medications, a good first aid kit is essential if you are on a self drive safari adventure, where you must be able to solve any problem you might encounter. Not necessary if you are joining a guided safari tour.

📅 Join Me on an Exclusive African Safari!

Put these gear recommendations into action on one of my exclusive guided photography trips. We’ll explore stunning wildlife destinations like Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, and South Africa, where you'll have the chance to refine your skills and create unforgettable images.

Photographer's Guide to Sossusvlei: Capturing Namibia's Iconic Landscapes

Nestled within Namibia's Namib-Naukluft National Park, Sossuslvei is a haven for landscape photographers. Its towering red dunes (the tallest and oldest in the world), stark white clay pans, and ancient camelthorn trees offer a surreal canvas for capturing nature's artistry. Over the years I’ve been visiting Sossusvlei multiple times and those incredible views never fail to amaze me. However there are a few things I learned over time that I wish I had known earlier. Drawing from my experiences and insights from fellow photographers, here's a comprehensive guide to making the most of your photographic journey in this mesmerizing desert landscape.​

1. Secure Accommodation Inside the Park

To truly capitalize on the enchanting light of dawn and dusk, it's imperative to stay within the park's confines. In fact, Sossusvlei operates with two main gates:​

• Outer Gate: Opens at sunrise and closes at sunset, restricting access during prime photography hours.​

• Inner Gate: Opens one hour before sunrise and closes one hour after sunset, granting photographers the coveted golden hours.​

If you consider that from Sesriem you still have to drive 40 to 60 km to reach your shooting location (plus 7km on sand and 20 mins walking for Deadvlei) it’s clear that the outer gate timing won’t allow you to capture the beautiful golden hour on the dunes. For this reason is paramount to get accommodation inside of the park, past the outer gate.

Accommodations like the Sossus Dune Lodge, Sesriem NWR Campsite, and Oshana Camp are situated inside the inner gate. Staying here ensures you're on location when the light is at its best. Given their popularity, it's advisable to book well in advance - and I mean, WELL in advance. Accommodation inside the park is limited and might fill up very soon. I’d suggest you to book at least 6 months before your visit to secure your access.

2. Plan Your Shoots Around Optimal Lighting

The desert's lighting transforms dramatically throughout the day:​

• Sunrise: Soft, golden hues illuminate the dunes, creating long shadows and enhancing textures.​

• Midday: Harsh light can wash out colors and reduce contrast, making it less ideal for photography.​

• Sunset: Warm tones return, casting a magical glow over the landscape.​

Prioritize shooting during the early morning and late afternoon to harness these favorable conditions. Midday can be reserved for rest, scouting locations, or capturing abstract shots that play with the intense sunlight.​

My go-to daily schedule in Sossusvlei includes waking up very early, having a quick coffee and packing up so that we can be at the gat at least 10 minutes before opening. This will allow me to be amongst the first car to drive into the park. At sunrise I usually go towards Deadvlei, shooting for about 2 hours till the light becomes too harsh and the main tourists start coming in from the outer gate. I will then leave and drive back to Sesriem for a good brunch and some hours of rest in the shade before heading back at mid afternoon, usually around dune 45 or dune 39, to find my spot for the sunset session.

3. Equip Yourself with Essential Gear

The unique environment of Sossusvlei demands specific equipment:​

• Lenses: you can use anything from super wide to super telephoto, but expect to be shooting more in the mid telephoto range. The landscape is very empty and vast and the telephoto helps compressing elements, making for interesting, minimal compositions.​

• Tripod: Essential for stability during low-light conditions and for precise compositions. While you can always shoot wide open, if you are going for stylized, minimalist landscapes my advice is to stop down to f8 or f11, especially on telephotos, so that all the lines in your frame are sharp and crisp.

• Filters: I rarely use polarizers but Sossusvlei is one of the exceptions. The dunes are reflecting an incredible amount of light and using a polarizer will improve dramatically the contrast in your image.​

• Cleaning Kit: Dust and sand are unavoidable here, and it’s paramount to bring some camera cleaning tools. Expect to be cleaning your gear multiple times a day, and try to avoid changing lenses out in the dunes to prevent dust to reach your camera’s sensor.​

4. Explore Iconic and Lesser-Known Locations

Sossusvlei offers a plethora of photographic opportunities:​

• Deadvlei: This clay pan, adorned with centuries-old dead camelthorn trees set against white sands and encircled by red dunes, provides a stark and captivating contrast. Photo opportunities are endless, but it might also be quite challenging. It’s the furthest location you can access in Sossusvlei: form the inner gate in Sesriem you must drive the 60km tar road to the end, then you switch on your 4x4 and drive about 7km on sand. Once you reach the parking area you still have to walk approx 20 min over a small dune to access it.

• Dune 45: Easily accessible and famed for its elegant shape, this 80-meter-high dune is often dubbed "the most photographed dune in the world." The number indicates the distance from the gate, meaning that we will have to drive 45km back to Sesriem. This is a go-to spot for sunset sessions, as we can stay till the sun is set before driving back.

• Big Daddy: Standing approximately 325 meters tall, it's one of the highest dunes in the area and offers panoramic views for those who undertake the climb. You can do it after a sunrise session in Deadvlei, but remember to bring with you a lot of water - it gets crazy hot out there!

• Hiddenvlei: A more secluded spot, it’s a good option for photographers that don’t want to deal with the crowds in Deadvlei. ​

5. Respect the Fragile Ecosystem

The beauty of Sossusvlei comes with a responsibility to preserve its delicate environment:​

• Stay on Designated Paths: Avoid creating new trails that can lead to erosion.​

• Avoid Touching Ancient Trees: The dead camelthorn trees in Deadvlei are estimated to be around 900 years old; avoid touching or, worst, sitting on them. ​

• Carry Out All Waste: Ensure no litter is left behind, maintaining the pristine nature of the desert.​

• Stay within the speed limits: The limit inside the park is 60km/h. If you are ready at the gate at opening time, there’s no need to speed. Also avoid staying too late in the park and then speed to get out in time. There’s plenty of orix running around when is dark and it’s very likely to end in a car accident when driving at night.

• Do not use drones: Drones are not allowed in the park. Unless you apply for a permit trough the park service, avoid using them or you can get a very high fine. ​ ​

Photographing Sossusvlei is a transformative experience, offering scenes that seem otherworldly. By planning meticulously, respecting the environment, and embracing the unique challenges of desert photography, you'll capture images that resonate with the timeless beauty of Namibia's iconic dunes.​

Join Our Photography Workshops

If you're eager to explore Sossusvlei and other breathtaking landscapes with guided expertise, consider joining one of my photography workshops.

We offer tailored experiences that cater to various skill levels, ensuring you leave with both stunning images and enriched knowledge.

For more infos and inspiration about Sossusvlei check out this video guide: