Kenya’s breathtaking landscapes and iconic wildlife make it a dream destination for photographers. If you’re visiting or live in Kenya, entering a safari photography contest can showcase your talent, win prizes, and even support conservation. Here’s a guide to the top competitions and tips for winning.
1. Major Safari Photography Contests in Kenya
A. Magical Kenya Photography Awards
- Organizer: Kenya Tourism Board
- Categories: Wildlife, Landscapes, Culture, Underwater
- Prizes: Cash awards, photography gear, featured exhibitions
- Entry Period: Usually mid-year (check Magical Kenya)
B. Siena International Photo Awards (SIPA) – Wildlife Category
- Open To: Global entries (Kenyan wildlife shots eligible)
- Prizes: €1,500+ cash, exhibition in Italy
- Deadline: Varies (typically June)
C. Nature’s Best Photography Africa Awards
- Focus: African wildlife & conservation stories
- Prizes: Publication in Nature’s Best magazine, safari trips
- Entry Fee: $25–$50
D. Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) Photo Contest
- Theme: Conservation, rare species, park beauty
- Prizes: KWS park passes, camera equipment
- How to Enter: Submit via KWS website
E. Travel Photographer of the Year (TPOTY)
- Kenya-Specific Categories: “Wild Encounters,” “People & Cultures”
- Prizes: £10,000 grand prize, global exposure
2. Tips for Winning Safari Photography Contests
A. Technical Excellence
✔ Sharp Focus: Wildlife eyes should be crystal clear.
✔ Lighting: Golden hour (sunrise/sunset) adds drama.
✔ Composition: Use the rule of thirds; avoid cluttered backgrounds.
B. Unique Storytelling
- Rare Moments: A lioness hunting, elephants interacting.
- Behavioral Shots: Birds in flight, giraffes “necking.”
- Human-Wildlife Coexistence: Maasai herders with cattle near wildlife.
C. Post-Processing Rules
- Allowed: Basic edits (exposure, cropping).
- Not Allowed: Heavy cloning, AI-generated elements.
D. Ethical Photography
- No Baiting: Don’t lure animals with food.
- Keep Distance: Use zoom lenses (300mm+ recommended).
3. Where to Shoot Winning Photos in Kenya
| Location | Key Subjects | Best Time |
|---|---|---|
| Maasai Mara | Big Five, Great Migration | July–Oct |
| Amboseli | Elephants with Kilimanjaro | June–Sep |
| Samburu | Rare species (reticulated giraffe) | Year-round |
| Lake Nakuru | Flamingos, rhinos | Dec–Mar |
| Tsavo | Red elephants, vast landscapes | Dry season |
4. Equipment Recommendations
- Camera: DSLR/mirrorless (e.g., Canon EOS R5, Nikon D850).
- Lenses: 70-200mm (versatile), 100-400mm (wildlife).
- Extras: Tripod, bean bag (for vehicle shots), extra batteries.
5. How to Enter
- Choose a Contest (e.g., Magical Kenya or SIPA).
- Select Your Best 5–10 Images (avoid duplicates).
- Write Captions (include location, species, story).
- Pay Entry Fee (if applicable).
- Submit Before Deadline.
6. Past Winners’ Secrets
- Patience Pays: Spend days tracking a single animal.
- Local Guides Help: They predict animal movements.
- Backup Files: Lost images mean lost opportunities.
7. Upcoming 2024 Deadlines
- Magical Kenya Awards: August 2024
- SIPA Wildlife: June 2024
- KWS Contest: December 2024