Kenya offers extraordinary photographic opportunities for both amateur and professional photographers. This comprehensive guide covers locations, techniques, and planning considerations to help photographers capture the country’s remarkable wildlife and landscapes.
Prime Photography Locations
Masai Mara
- Signature Shots: River crossings, predators on kopjes, balloons over savanna at dawn
- Lighting Conditions: Beautiful golden light on open plains year-round
- Unique Opportunities: Photograph interactions between multiple predator species
Amboseli
- Signature Shots: Elephants against Kilimanjaro backdrop, dust storms, reflections in seasonal lakes
- Best Timing: Early mornings when Kilimanjaro is most likely to be visible before clouds form
- Technical Challenges: Capturing scale while maintaining detail in both elephants and mountain
Samburu
- Signature Shots: Special northern species (reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra) against rugged landscapes
- Lighting Conditions: Dramatic side-lighting on rocky outcrops
- Composition Elements: Doum palms and acacia trees create distinctive framing opportunities
Lake Nakuru
- Signature Shots: Flamingo mass congregations, rhinos in forest edges, reflections in calm water
- Technical Considerations: Balancing pink flamingos against blue water requires careful exposure
- Best Times: Early morning for lake mist and calm water conditions
Essential Equipment
Camera Bodies
- Primary full-frame or crop-sensor DSLR/mirrorless with fast autofocus
- Backup body to avoid changing lenses in dusty conditions
- Weather-sealed bodies strongly recommended
Lenses
- Telephoto zoom (100-400mm or 200-600mm) as your primary safari lens
- 70-200mm f/2.8 for low light and portrait flexibility
- 24-70mm for landscapes and environmental shots
- Wide angle (16-35mm) for night sky and landscape work
Support Equipment
- Bean bags for vehicle stability (empty bags to fill with beans/rice upon arrival)
- Monopod for mobility with support
- Carbon fiber tripod for night photography
Accessories
- Polarizing filters for reducing glare on water and foliage
- Neutral density filters for creative water movement shots
- Extra batteries and chargers (solar options for mobile camps)
- Dust removal tools (rocket blower, sensor cleaning kit)
- Rain covers for equipment protection
Technical Considerations
Camera Settings
- For Action: Continuous focus mode, burst shooting, focus priority
- For Landscapes: Base ISO, aperture priority around f/8-f/11
- For Low Light: Open aperture, acceptable ISO noise level, minimum hand-holding shutter speed
Exposure Challenges
- High Contrast Scenes: Exposure bracketing for dark animals against bright skies
- Backlit Wildlife: Spot metering and exposure compensation (+1 to +2 stops)
- Dust and Atmosphere: Creative utilization of natural atmospheric elements
Composition Tips
- Utilize negative space to convey the vastness of the landscape
- Include environmental context rather than just tight animal portraits
- Anticipate behavior for decisive moments
- Consider eye level perspectives for intimate animal portraits
Logistical Preparation
Vehicle Considerations
- Request vehicles with open sides or pop-up roofs
- Confirm maximum number of photographers per vehicle (ideally 3-4)
- Check if bean bag mounts or camera bars are available
Specialized Arrangements
- Private vehicles for serious photographers
- Camps with photography hides or platforms
- Guides with photography expertise
Optimal Trip Structure
- Allow 3-4 nights minimum at each location
- Schedule midday breaks for downloading and reviewing images
- Balance prime wildlife areas with scenic landscape opportunities
Ethical Photography Practices
- Respect animal space and behavior
- Never request off-road driving where not permitted
- Be conscious of other photographers and non-photographers
- Avoid manipulating wildlife for “better” shots
- Consider supporting conservation through appropriate photo usage
Kenya’s remarkable wildlife, diverse landscapes, and excellent infrastructure make it one of the world’s premier photography safari destinations. With proper preparation, equipment, and technique, photographers can capture extraordinary images while respecting the natural environment and enhancing their appreciation of Kenya’s magnificent ecosystems.