safari van pics

• Images home
• Editorial home
• Editorial video
• Premium collections
• Entertainment
• Premium images
• AI generated images
• Curated collections
• Animals/Wildlife
• Backgrounds/Textures
• Beauty/Fashion
• Buildings/Landmarks
• Business/Finance
• Celebrities
• Food and Drink
• Healthcare/Medical
• Illustrations/Clip-Art
• Miscellaneous
• Parks/Outdoor
• Signs/Symbols
• Sports/Recreation
• Transportation
• All categories
• Shutterstock Select
• Shutterstock Elements
• Health Care
• Sound effects

PremiumBeat

• PixelSquid 3D objects
• Templates Home
• Instagram all
• Highlight covers
• Facebook all
• Carousel ads
• Cover photos
• Event covers
• Youtube all
• Channel Art
• Etsy big banner
• Etsy mini banner
• Etsy shop icon
• Pinterest all
• Pinterest pins
• Twitter All
• Twitter Banner
• Infographics
• Zoom backgrounds
• Announcements
• Certificates
• Gift Certificates
• Real Estate Flyer
• Travel Brochures
• Anniversary
• Baby Shower
• Mother's Day
• Thanksgiving
• All Invitations
• Party invitations
• Wedding invitations
• Book Covers
• About Creative Flow
• Start a design

AI image generator

• Photo editor
• Background remover
• Collage maker
• Resize image
• Color palettes

Color palette generator

• Image converter
• Creative AI
• Design tips
• Custom plans
• Request quote
• Shutterstock Studios
• Data licensing

You currently have 0 credits

See all plans

Image plans

With access to 400M+ photos, vectors, illustrations, and more. Includes AI generated images!

Video plans

A library of 28 million high quality video clips. Choose between packs and subscription.

Music plans

Download tracks one at a time, or get a subscription with unlimited downloads.

Editorial plans

Instant access to over 50 million images and videos for news, sports, and entertainment.

Includes templates, design tools, AI-powered recommendations, and much more.

Safari Van royalty-free images

2,029 safari van stock photos, vectors, and illustrations are available royalty-free for download..

Our company

Press/Media

Investor relations

Shutterstock Blog

Popular searches

Stock Photos and Videos

Stock photos

Stock videos

Stock vectors

Editorial images

Featured photo collections

Sell your content

Affiliate/Reseller

International reseller

Live assignments

Rights and clearance

Website Terms of Use

Terms of Service

Privacy policy

Modern Slavery Statement

Cookie Preferences

Shutterstock.AI

AI style types

Shutterstock mobile app

Android app

© 2003-2024 Shutterstock, Inc.

• AI Generator

africa safari

3,600 safari vehicle africa stock photos & high-res pictures, browse 3,600 safari vehicle africa photos and images available, or search for africa safari to find more great photos and pictures..

• AI Generator

729 Safari Van Stock Photos & High-Res Pictures

Browse 729 safari van photos and images available, or search for mini van to find more great photos and pictures..

We’re sorry, but Freepik doesn’t work properly without JavaScript enabled. FAQ Contact

• Notifications
• Go back Remove
• No notifications to show yet You’ll see useful information here soon. Stay tuned!
• Downloads 0/60 What is this?
• My collections
• My subscription

Find out what’s new on Freepik and get notified about the latest content updates and feature releases.

Safari Van Photos

• Add to collection
• Save to Pinterest

• retro woman

• woman travel

• friends travel
• young people

• mature couple
• man and woman
• couple travel

• holiday travel

• man standing

• young adult

• vintage tree

• tourism traveling

• safari jeep
• african safari
• outdoor activity

• wild nature

• pretty woman
• pretty girl

• agriculture
• organic vegetables
• green vegetables

• agriculture field

• man portrait

• african animals

• couple sitting

• adult woman
• woman sitting

• luxury girl
• luxury lifestyle
• female model

• safari animals

• family camping
• camping tent

The Detailed Guide to Kenya Safari Vehicle - Types, Cost & More

The kind of safari vehicle you use during a safari in Kenya contributes a lot to your overall experience. There are three main types of Kenya safari vehicles used by Kenya Safari Travel Agencies .

These include 4×4 safari land cruisers, safari vans, and overland safari trucks (campervans and motorhomes). Smaller safari cars are also used for airport and hotel transfers and short excursions , especially within Nairobi.

The right safari vehicle is influenced by several factors, including the destinations you want to visit and your budget. The experience you are looking for and the number of people in your group also play a role. 

The safari van is the best option if you are on a tight budget. A 4 x 4 land cruiser safari is best if you want a classic African safari experience. Note that the safari van and the 4×4 safari land cruiser accommodate six people.

That ensures every traveler gets a window seat and enjoys the open roof for optional game viewing. That said, the safari vehicles can accommodate two additional people (a total of 8 pax), but they won’t get a window seat.

Book Your Safari in Kenya with AjKenyaSafaris.com

In this article, our team discusses the different African safari vehicles to help you choose the right one for your trip. Please email us via [email protected] or [email protected] for more details.

You can also call/WhatsApp us at +254-748-258-880 to requent for a tailor-made safari. We are the local experts in Kenya travel and promise to show you Kenya better than anyone else.

Our Most Booked Kenya Wildlife and Beach Safaris Packages

Why should you book your safari car and package with us.

We are a team of local safari experts looking to use our experience to help plan your dream safari in Kenya . When you choose our Kenya jeep safari or safari van package , we ensure that our safari vehicle:

• Has a professional, gold-level safari guide/driver 
• Has bottled mineral drinking water on board 
• Pickup and drop you at the airport/hotel/residence/agreed location
• It is of good quality, clean, and roadworthy 
• It is exclusively for your use 

Contact us today to book your Masai Mara safari vehicles with us and have a memorable safari.

The Top 4 Types of Kenya Safari Vehicles Review

Many Kenya visitors that visit national reserves and parks use a 4×4 safari land cruiser or safari vans. As you will find out, these safari vehicles come in different categories and suites different budget categories.

Closed & Open 4WD Safari Land Cruiser

The Toyota Land Cruiser is the most luxurious African safari vehicle that you can use. It adds to your Kenya Safari Costs from USD 250 to USD 350 per day, including fuel and everything else.

You can get a lower land cruiser safari price in Kenya , but usually, these would be older vehicles during the off-peak seasons. Also, the car might be cheap upfront, but the driver will use tricks to save fuel consumption. Hence the lower rate.

For instance, if he is sent a notification on the UHF radio call that the pride of the lion has been spotted far from where you are, he might ignore it at your loss. I know you get the drift here; cheap is expensive.

Besides being a 4×4, which is crucial for challenging road conditions that you might encounter in some parks, the land cruiser is more comfortable than the safari van and safari trucks.

It can also access parts of the park that can not be accessed by other vehicles. I mean, the Toyota land cruiser is the ultimate rough road vehicle. The safari land cruisers are, however, very different from the typical land cruisers on the road.

This is because they are customized explicitly for game viewing, and not all are identical since different tour companies or camps have modified them differently. Changing the safari vehicles in Kenya , especially the land cruiser, is a great balancing act.

The car must be safe for road travel, such as between Nairobi and Masai Mara , and be open enough to facilitate game viewing and great photography. If the land cruiser is used for road travel from Nairobi, say to the Masai Mara , it will have glass windows as a required safety measure. That will be a Closed-Side 4WD Safari Land Cruiser .

Open-Side 4WD Safari Land Cruiser or Jeeps are only used for game drives inside the park. These vehicles are fully opened on the side and aren’t used to transfer guests from destination to destination.

Professional photographers use other types of land cruisers (see the photo below). These come with two or three seats to allow the photographer to carry their equipment efficiently and for effective photo shots.

The typical 8-seater has two seats at the front, two in the middle, three at the back, and one next to the driver/guide.  The safari land cruiser also has a pop-up roof to maximize game viewing and photography.

If the windows do not come off, they will be large and slide open to allow for good views. Most 4×4 safari land cruisers are customized to ensure a window seat for six passengers.

There is good space at the back for more oversized luggage and small day backpacks under the seats. The seat next to the drive is also used for carrying more luggage.

The safari vehicle is also fitted with a UHF radio call, an important feature that allows the guide to communicate with other drivers during the game drive. This enables them to share information on the spots with interesting happenings like a hunt.

Most 4 x 4 safari land cruiser vehicles have ports for charging phones/ electronics, portal Wi-Fi, a music system, and a cooler box to preserve drinks. Some may have custom shock absorbers to minimize the well-known ‘African massage” (bumpy ride on bad roads).

Most land cruisers have two fuel tanks to ensure continuity during game drives and two spare tires to mitigate incidences of getting a flat tire that may happen in the bush.

4WD & 2WD Safari Tour Van in Kenya

The safari vans are typically Nissan or Toyota-made vehicles such as the Toyota HiAce van. It is customized for Kenya safari holidays , and the most prominent feature is the pop-up roof designed to allow maximum game viewing.

Typically, a safari van is modified to six comfortable seats that allow for extra legroom. The windows are also designed to slide open, allowing for game viewing and photography.

Generally speaking,  the land cruiser tour van price in Kenya is lower than the 4*4 land cruiser in terms of price, but this is not bad. Here you can expect to pay anything from USD 160 to USD 200 per day for the safari vehicle. 

While the land cruiser can navigate trickier road situations, there are a few places the van cannot, especially if it is a 2WD model. The 4WD safari vans can easily access most areas accessed by the land cruiser.

If you go to the regular national parks and not for an expedition on treacherous roads, the choice of which safari vehicle to go for mostly boils down to individual preferences and budget considerations.

The safari car is fitted with a cooler, port for charging phones, and increasingly Wi-Fi which is only helpful in good network connectivity. Like the land cruisers, the safari van is also equipped with radios to enable the driver to communicate with other vehicles during the game drive.

Kenya Safari Vehicle – Overland Truck

You can hire a safari land cruiser in Nairobi if traveling with only eight people or less, as this would make economic sense. Overland trucks are ideal for longer trips, such as across different countries with large groups of people, typically between 12 and 30.

Given these dynamics, overland safari trucks have to be well customized with enough space to carry luggage and required equipment and maneuver different types of terrain.

As with other safari cars, overland trucks are modified to different specifications, and the vehicle used will depend on the group’s dynamics. The seating in an overland truck varies. Some trucks have seats in a line on both sides, facing inward.

Other trucks have seats facing forward, yet other trucks have a mix of front and backward-facing seats. Regardless of the design, all seats are raised to allow for maximum animal viewing experiences and well-padded extra comfort.

The overland safari truck has large windows that either slide open or rolls up, allowing for excellent photo-taking opportunities. Some overland trucks may have a pop-up roof to maximize the viewing experience.

Because safari on an overland truck is typically for an extended period, it comes fully equipped with a ‘kitchen section. Among the staff is a cook who will prepare meals during designated stops in the safari, although larger groups on the road for long will likely assist by cooking in turns.

Kitchen equipment is stored in a compartment beneath the seats and includes stoves, food, cutlery, and washbasins. They are also fitted with refrigeration, such as more excellent boxes for perishable foods and drinks, foldable stools, a table, water tanks, and a tent as the cooking area.

If you take an overland safari truck, you will likely be on a camping safari . The car has enough storage to carry sleeping tents, bags, and personal luggage. Most overland safari trucks will generally have mobile phone and camera charging ports, overhead lockers to store cameras, and day bags.

They come fitted with a buzzer system to alert the driver when a stop is required, long-range fuel tanks, a safe for valuables, and a comprehensive first aid kit. Some models even have an onboard library to keep you busy when not much is happening outside.

African Safari Vehicles – Transfer Shuttles

Shuttle safari cars refer to vehicles that transfer guests from one point to another, such as from the airport to your hotel, but are not used for safari activity. Shuttles may also be used for short excursions in the city’s vicinity.

They vary in size depending on the number of people and their luggage. For example, two guests might require a small 5-seater saloon car, while five guests might require a bigger 7-seater safari car.

More than ten people might require a minivan, bus, and so on. Your tour company will have organized the appropriate airport pick-up based on your group numbers.

We are travel. We are local.  We are your wildest safari expectations fulfilled. We show you Kenya better than anyone.

Itineraries

• 3 Days in Masai Mara
• 4 Days Masai Mara
• 18 days Kenya Family safari
• 18 Days Kenya Safari
• 16 days kenya safari
• Diani Beach
• Amboseli Park
• Booking Terms and Conditions

More guides

• Mombasa beach
• Kenya Safari
• Kenya Photo safari
• Kenya wildlife safari
• Kenya Adventure
• Kenya Migration Safari
• Honeymoon Packages
• Kenya, Kiambu County, Ruiru Town Greec Towers, Office Number D7 and D8
• +254-704-532-105
• [email protected]

2004 GMC Safari Pictures

All 2004 gmc safari pictures, all 2004 gmc safari minivan pictures, related 2004 gmc safari info, recent automotive news.

• 2024 Mercedes CLE Cabriolet First Drive: Weekend Luxury You Can Enjoy 7 Days a Week
• 2025 Toyota Camry First Drive: Hybrid Hype, Fully Realized
• 2024 Lucid Air Sapphire First Drive: The Power Isn't Even the Best Part
• 2024 Sierra EV Denali Edition 1 Gets Improved Range and Lower Price
• It's Been a Turbulent Journey With Our Long-Term Fisker Ocean
• 2025 Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance Sets Sights on the 911 Turbo S
• Drag Race! Bentley Continental GT Speed Takes On the BMW M8 Competition
• Tesla Recalls Thousands of Cybertrucks Because 600-HP Pickup's Accelerator Pedal Can Stick
• Lucid Air Grand Touring Gets Sapphire Parts for Improved Range, Charging
• The 2025 Toyota Camry Is Still Affordable

Popular new car reviews and ratings

• Lexus LC 500H
• Volvo XC40 Volvo
• Fiat 500E Battery Electric
• MC Laren Solus GT
• Audi RS5 Car

Lease deals by make

• Audi Lease Deals
• Cadillac Lease Deals
• Chevrolet Lease Deals
• Honda Lease Deals
• Genesis Lease Deals
• BMW Lease Deals
• Hyundai Lease Deals
• Buick Lease Deals
• GMC Lease Deals
• Ford Lease Deals

Lease deals by model

• Chevrolet Bolt EV Lease Deals
• Chevrolet Blazer Lease Deals
• Chevrolet Corvette Lease Deals
• Audi Q5 Lease Deals
• Chevrolet Camaro Lease Deals
• Audi A7 Lease Deals
• Audi Q8 Lease Deals
• Audi R8 Lease Deals
• Audi A5 Lexus RX-350 Lease Deals
• Audi Q7 Lease Deals

Join Edmunds

Receive pricing updates, shopping tips & more!

• SLE All-Wheel Drive Passenger Van

SLE All-Wheel Drive Passenger Van 2000 GMC Safari Photos

More Safari Information

• All Model Years
• Safari News
• Book Values
• GMC Dealers

2000 GMC Safari trims (10)

(Standard) Rear-Wheel Drive Cargo Van

(Upfitter Pkg.) Rear-Wheel Drive Cargo Van

(SL) Rear-Wheel Drive Passenger Van

(SLT) Rear-Wheel Drive Passenger Van

(SLE) Rear-Wheel Drive Passenger Van

(Standard) All-Wheel Drive Cargo Van

(Upfitter Pkg.) All-Wheel Drive Cargo Van

(SLT) All-Wheel Drive Passenger Van

(SLE) All-Wheel Drive Passenger Van

(SL) All-Wheel Drive Passenger Van

Popular vehicles, popular new vehicles.

• 2023 Ford Bronco
• 2023 Toyota Camry
• 2024 Toyota RAV4
• 2024 Ford Bronco
• 2023 Ford F-150
• 2023 Toyota Tacoma
• 2024 Lexus GX 550
• 2024 Toyota Camry
• 2024 Toyota Tacoma
• 2023 Jeep Wrangler

Popular Used Vehicles

• 2022 Ford F-150
• 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee
• 2022 Toyota 4Runner
• 2022 Honda Accord
• 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
• 2020 Honda Civic
• 2014 Honda Civic
• 2018 Chevrolet Camaro
• 2021 Toyota 4Runner
• 2014 Honda Accord

Popular Electric Vehicles

• 2017 Tesla Model S
• 2016 Tesla Model S
• 2024 Tesla Model 3
• 2024 Rivian R1T
• 2023 GMC HUMMER EV Pickup
• 2024 GMC HUMMER EV Pickup
• 2023 Rivian R1T
• 2020 Tesla Model 3
• 2018 Tesla Model S
• 2023 Tesla Model S

Popular Truck Vehicles

• 2024 Ford F-150
• 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
• 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
• 2023 Toyota Tundra
• 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

Popular Crossover Vehicles

• 2023 Ford Bronco Sport
• 2024 Honda CR-V
• 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe
• 2024 Chevrolet Trax
• 2023 Toyota RAV4
• 2024 Subaru Outback
• 2024 Honda Pilot
• 2024 Kia Telluride

Popular Luxury Vehicles

• 2024 Porsche 911
• 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300
• 2022 Lexus IS 350
• 2024 Land Rover Defender
• 2024 Lexus RX 350
• 2024 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
• 2023 Porsche 911
• 2014 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
• 2021 Lexus RX 350

Popular Hybrid Vehicles

• 2023 Ford Explorer
• 2024 Toyota Sienna
• 2024 Toyota Tundra Hybrid
• 2022 Ford Explorer
• 2024 Ford Explorer
• 2023 Toyota Sienna
• 2024 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

Popular Makes

Featured makes, product guides.

• The Best Electric Bikes
• The Best Car Covers
• The Best Portable Air Compressors
• The Best Car GPS Trackers

Just One More Thing…

• Forum Listing
• Marketplace
• Advanced Search
• Astro/Safari Vans

Interior measurements of 2003 GMC Safari Van (photos)

• Add to quote

Overhead-view2

• Safari_Rich
• Feb 4, 2014

Thanks for posting that info w/ pics, it'll probably help someone. More info is always welcome. Now can you come & measure my shortie? My non-EXT, former cargo now conversion Astro, that is. Where was your mind?!? Heh heh heh heh... -Andrew  

Nice! Thanks for sharing. Might like to know there are actually 3 panels behind the drivers seat where your caption states its just one long one. You'll figure it out once you start pulling it apart, its easy  

This is actually very useful! I've just bought the same Safari and it's currently in the shop getting inspected. I won't be able to get at it until Monday. Don't suppose you also have the internal measurements for the distance between the back of the front seats and the start / mid / end of the wheels, do you? And the height of the wheels, internally? Thanks in advance if so!  

]found these interior measurements on pintrest [attachment=0]Astro2d.gif[/attachment  

Attachments

Cool find. I use this one, i like the pretty pictures... hope it helps... http://www.morehawes.co.uk/camper-conve ... conversion  

Like me, you may be interested in the interior dimensions for your Astro-Safari build. Here's a pretty good set of dimensions with great photos in both Imperial and Metric Dimensions; https://www.morehawes.co.uk/camper-conversions/gmc-safari-chevrolet-astro-van/gmc-safari-astro-van-interior-measurements-for-minivan-camper-conversion  

Thanks, those measurements may come in handy, thanks again  

Roof rib/support measurements: Roof rack for gutterless roof Fuel pump cutout measurements: Fuel Pump Replacement - Cut Location & Bracing -... and Fuel Pump Floor Cutout Location  

• ?            
• 440.6K posts
• 23.4K members

Top Contributors this Month

How to Take Great Safari Photos

Being on an African safari is on the bucket lists of most. 

And when you’re out there living your dream, chances are that you’re hoping to capture the experience as best as you can.  It’s easy to be slightly intimidated by the challenge of taking great safari photos, especially when you see people packing around massive lenses and other high-level photo equipment.

The good news is that you don’t need fancy equipment to capture amazing safari photos, you just need a keen eye and to follow some of the tips I’ve mentioned below.  If you follow some of these tips, you’ll find yourself taking cool photos regardless of whether you’re shooting a point and shoot or a fancy DSLR.

Know your Camera

It really is a shame how many people just pick up their camera and start shooting.  The auto button means that you don’t need to understand your camera, right?  Not so much.  Sure, better cameras have better functionality, but when someone says “I need a better camera” they should really just say “I need to learn how to use this camera.” 

Whether you shoot a point and shoot or a DSLR, if you shoot it on auto you’ll find yourself frustrated with the results.  Learn the basics of photography, then go through the settings of your camera to figure out how to shoot certain situations.  Moreover, know what your camera does well, and focus on that type of image-taking.

Forget the Lens Envy

It’s easy to look around at others on safari with you in lust with their camera gear, but it’s not going to do yourself any good to envy their gear.  If it makes you feel better, I was on a wildlife tour once where a guy was shooting my dream lens a 400mm f/2.8. 

I peeked through his photos the next day and wasn’t too impressed.  The next day I saw him shooting his camera on auto.  Lesson of the day, it’s not the camera but the person who takes the picture.  I’m much more impressed by people who take incredible photos on simple cameras than I am by good photos on a great lens.  Stop dreaming and hone your craft with the tools you have.

That said, if you’re curious as to what lens would be ideal on a safari? Look for something like a 100-400mm as it’s nice to have that range.

Look with Your Eyes

I’m really guilty of failing to do this, and I think it’s something all photographers struggle with a bit.  But when you’re on safari it’s even more important. 

Many times I find myself spending too much time looking through the lens, and losing my peripheral vision.  If you catch yourself doing that, pull yourself back a little bit and observe the world through your eyes instead.  Not only will you be able to gauge the scene, mood, and light better but you’ll actually experience the moment for yourself.  Going on safari is about more than just good photos.  Don’t get too set on your camera, look with your eyes.

I was once told that the difference between a good photo and a great photo is usually a tripod .  On safari, it’s hard to pack a tripod because you’re in the tight confines of a safari vehicle or a boat the whole time. 

However, you’ll still want to bring some sort of stabilization.  Personally, I like to use a monopod on safari because of its mobility and the fact that it doesn’t take up much space or too much time to set up.  This past trip, I tested a bit between hand holding and monopod shooting and the difference in sharpness was mind-blowing.  Even if you shoot a point and shoot, you’ll probably want something to stabilize, even if it is just the side of the safari vehicle.  The little gorilla pods are great for point and shoots on safari because you can hook them up to the sides of the vehicles, or even to your knee.  You’ll just get much better photos and video if you stabilize a bit.

On the topic of stabilizing. Many safari trucks keep their engines running while stopped for wildlife. If the engine is running, you’ll have vibrations in your lens. So, either ask the guide to turn off the engine to stop the camera shake, or try to handhold the camera for less vibration.

Find the Light

Photography, some will say, isn’t so much about catching a subject; rather it’s about capturing the light.  I think seeing nice light is the thing that takes a photographer longest to recognize.  However, once you start identifying good light, or at least the light you want, you’ll take your photography to the next level.  To get great safari photos, attempt to find the right light for your image.  Whenever you have a subject in front of you, evaluate it and work with the light rather than the subject.  Generally speaking, shooting early in the morning or late in the day will give you the best light.  However, nice light can really pop up at any time.

Don’t Over-Photograph

One of the biggest mistakes people make on safari is that they take too many photos.  It’s easy to do; and I suppose that it’s better than taking too few photos.  However, by shooting too much you do a few of things. 

For one, you’ll kill memory space.  Secondly, you’ll find yourself less willing to edit, or even go through, your photos.  And perhaps the worst thing is that you’ll not be thinking about the composition of your photo enough.  Before taking a photo you should be asking yourself about the scene, the light, and the story behind the image. 

If you’re just taking photos to take photos, you should instead pull the camera down and enjoy the moment instead. To expand, don’t shoot the same composition over and over either.  Each time you take a photo, set a new composition and switch your settings around.  Otherwise, you’ll just end up with 100 photos of the exact same thing.

Develop a Story

A lion is cool .  A lion stalking its prey is amazing.  The truth is that anyone can take a photo of a lion, but creating a story for the lion with a photo is a true skill.  In fact, the lion doesn’t even have to be hunting.  If you can create an image that leads the viewer to believe that, then you’ve won.  Photography is a form of storytelling, and as the old adage goes: a photo tells 1,000 words.  However, that’s only true if you have a story behind the image.  Otherwise, a photo only tells one word: Lion.

Don’t Chimp

Chimping is a photography phrase for taking photos and then immediately looking at the LCD to see what you’ve captured.  I guess they call it chimping because, like a chimp, you might not have the self-control to wait.  When you’re photographing incredible things, it’s really easy to want to chimp.  However, in that moment that you look down at your photo and admire your previous work, you could miss something spectacular.  Wait until you’re free and clear before checking out your photos or you’ll find yourself saying “damn, I didn’t see that!”  Sure, you might want to do a test shot to check for exposure, but don’t look down after every shot or you will miss something.

The honest truth is that wildlife photos are a dime a dozen.  Though it might be a once in a lifetime moment for you, thousands of people do safaris each month.  Thus, simply taking a photo of a lion or giraffe isn’t that unique.  Try to stretch your creativity to see how you can make a common sight seem different.  Personally, I used a GoPro camera to capture some images on my recent safari to Chobe.  I thought using a fish-eye rather than the usual zoom lens would create some interesting images.  I was right.  Figure out a way to make your images unique and go for it.

Don’t Forget the People

We often forget the human element in a safari.  However, capturing people in your shots is not only important in remembering who you spent time with on the trip, but also for photography reasons.  If you can add a safari vehicle to a shot next to an elephant it adds scale to your shot and lets the viewer see just how big the animals are.  Similarly, showing a person in your vehicle of a nearby giraffe or lion lets the viewer see how close you get to the animals.

Turn the Beep Off.  Oh, and the Flash too.

This is a tip as well as a grievance.  Before setting out on safari, turn off the beep function on your camera.  Not only is it bloody annoying to hear beeps constantly onboard a safari vehicle, the sound can scare off animals.  You don’t need to hear the beep, and neither do the animals.  While you’re at it, turn off your camera’s flash capability.  Yes, it too can scare off animals.  Moreover, the flash can hurt a nearby animal’s vision or at time cause distress.

I think these tips apply to any type of photography. Over the last couple of days, I’ve stared and photos and contemplated my words on a page wondering how to become a better storyteller and capture moments worth sharing. I love the idea of developing a story and using your eyes. So as I strive to become a better photographer, I love these tips. Here are my thoughts on photography and writing that go beyond the image or the destination.

To be a better traveler, you can’t just visit a place. You have to experience it with your emotions and soul. Only when we go beyond what we see can we tell a travel story (through words or photos) that’s worth sharing.

You’re right Jeremy. That emotion (or lack thereof) is portrayed through your writing and images isn’t it. In west and central Africa I went through so much that I could feel my writing in particular was much stronger. Since arriving in the ease of Southern Africa, it’s been hard to write inspired. That’s the opposite for the photography, as the places have been such great photo destinations in the south, whereas in the north they weren’t inspiring photographically.

These are excellent tips for any shooting situation, not just safari. Love your photos and hope to get out there someday!

Thanks Andrea, Hope you are doing well! I’m sure you will get out there someday!

There’re the helpful tips. Wonderful Photos! Thanks for sharing

Thanks Danny!

These are really great tips, although it was hard to concentrate on your advice with such fab images floating in between!! i love that you recommend to hone your craft with the kit you have. So often I see ‘tourists’ with these huge lenses and clearly no idea of how to utilise them to optimise their shots!

Thanks for reading Charli. Yeah, safaris are so action packed sometimes you just want to snap away. I guess part of correcting that comes down to taking a deep breath and reminding yourself to take it all in rather than worrying about getting it all on film. Should result in higher quality photos too!

Of all the photos, the photo of the monkey is what I like the most. It is so so cute! Thanks for sharing the photos as well as your experiences.

I’ve only been on a mini safari in Senegal so far and I wasn’t very pleased with my photos. I think stepping back and observing the scene is probably the one thing I need to do more of and definitely less of the chimping! Never heard it called that before but I’m guilty as charged.

Kathryn, where did you go on Safari in Senegal? Trust me, you head on a Southern African and you’ll never want to go on one anywhere else. Tip one to how to take great safari photos should have been: “Go on a good safari!” haha

I am really intrigued by these shots. I am now motivated to try something similar. Thanks!

Great tips!!! Will keep it in mind when I go back to Africa! 🙂 Your photos are really really amazing!!! 😉

Thanks Tintin!

Great tips, practical and concise!

Wow!! You are a great photographer and have lots of unique quality in your all pics in these post. well done dear! good timing and good position!!!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .