7 Best Camera for Safari Options & Safari Phone Photography Guide

As a keen photographer and lover of an African safari, I am often asked for advice on what is the best camera for safari and can you get a decent photo on safari with a phone.

A good camera for safari will require some investment and can be well worth it if you develop a passion for wildlife photography.

However, if you are new to safari and not sure if you want to make that level of investment there are many ways to produce stunning safari photos on your phone – plus some low-cost ways to take your safari phone photo image quality to the next level.

In the past, I had been of the belief that the only way to get great photos on safari was to invest in a camera with best zoom options.

The reason for this is that in the past the cameras on most phones have been pretty dreadful when it comes to zooming – a critical requirement for capturing animals and wildlife in places like the Serengeti National Park Tanzania or the Masai Mara Kenya.

However, a recent visit to the stunning Thanda Safari Lodge South Africa and a lesson with their resident photographer Christian Sperka completely opened my ideas to how great phone photography can now be on a safari holiday.

NB: I am writing this post for those that are new to safari photography – you experts tend to already have many views regarding the best camera for photography and the best safari camera.

Personally, I don’t think there is any such thing as the best camera for pictures – it is always about your goals and requirements and that will change the answer to this question.

Best Camera for Safari Options

Why is Camera type so particularly important for Safari Photography?

There are several options for the types of cameras that can be used to take safari pictures. As you might expect, as you move up in the price you move up in quality.

Moving up in quality normally allows for greater and better quality zooms. The level of control of the shot also increases with quality.

There are a few reasons that these factors are particularly important when it comes to an African photo safari:

1. The animals are often quite a distance from the vehicle and in many instances, it will not be possible to get closer. Therefore, to take a good clear photo of the animal a strong zoom is critical.

2. Animals can move very quickly. Having a camera where you can adjust the shutter speed or move the camera to a fast burst mode means you can take shots faster and thus be more likely to capture the moving animal in focus resulting in clear pictures of Africa.

3. A day on safari normally involves major and multiple changes in light. Also, the general light may be quite good but animals, unfortunately, may often be in shaded areas.

To get a nice clear shot it is critical to be able to adjust your camera settings to take the light into account.

The good news is safari is one of the few times where it is not necessary to worry as much about the weight of the camera equipment and the amount of gear related to the camera eg different lenses, tripods etc.

The reason for this is you will generally be on a vehicle most of the time (a walking safari is obviously a bit different) so have space to place extra camera equipment.

However, you do need to get your camera equipment on the plane with you.

Before you head out on safari read this great post on all the different Collective Nouns for Animals from the fantastic Wildlife Diaries blog.

What are the different types of Cameras that I could use for Safari Photos?

The most basic option is the good old point and shoot camera. These are lower-cost options and tend to be quite light.

Many point and shoot cameras come with different preset options such as for evening or sports (which is a good setting for animals as it is for fast movement) that can allow adjustments for the light.

A basic point and shoot camera can work very well for wide-angle shots on safari – showing the general landscape/skyline, sunset or sunrise shots – as well as of course capturing the experience of safari eg shots of those on the vehicle, the drivers, sundowners etc.

The biggest weakness of point and shoot cameras is their lack of zoom. They don’t have the best lens for safari.

The average point and shoot camera do have a 10x zoom which sounds like a lot but alas is not when it comes to capturing animals.

The next level up is the bridge camera – this is basically halfway between a point and shoot and a DSLR camera. So the zoom on a bridge camera is better than a point and shoot as its ability to react to fast action – but it is still not to the quality of the DSLR camera. This is the in-between option with prices that reflect that.

Generally, the best zoom camera option for a safari is a Digital SLR camera. This is the type of camera that professionals tend to use but it does not mean it is out of scope for the average photographer or new photographer.

Indeed, I have had my digital SLR camera for years. The camera body itself is not that expensive. Where the cost can come in is getting the best lens.

Most digital SLR cameras come with a wide lens on purchase. In order to zoom it is necessary to buy another lens.

A digital SLR body with a strong zoom lens held firmly will produce the clearest and best safari shots. Of course, to achieve this there is a considerable cost involved. This is the best zoom in camera option.

Mirrorless cameras are not too far away from a DSLR. However, there are fewer options for mirrorless cameras when it comes to lenses and they are still not quite as fast as a DSLR which is often critical with safari photography.

A Go Pro or 360 cameras can work really well in capturing the safari experience of a game drive. However, my personal experience with these types of camera on safari has not been great.

A Go Pro of 360 camera will cover a wide range but the animals themselves become quite tiny and inconsequential. Yes, they are great for capturing a mood and feel but my personal opinion is they are not best suited to safari.

I haven’t mentioned drones as they are not allowed in many private game reserves or national parks as they can scare the animals.

Best Small Camera for Safari (Point and Shoot)

1. The Sony Cyber-Shot RX100

The Sony Cyber-Shot RX 100 is a fantastic option for those new to photography who are looking to get a decent shot without having to learn how to become professional photographers.

The Sony Cyber-Shot RX 100 camera will make most of the decisions for you to determine the best shot and it has an excellent zoom range – great for safari.

It is a sturdy camera with effective image stabilization – also good to capture those fast-moving animals.

This is a very innovative camera that has jumped to the head of the queue in this category. It has a very large sensor for this type of camera and this is critical to clear images – very important with animal shots.

This Sony camera is also particularly good in low light and has very fast autofocus – great for sunrise and sunset on safari and for catching those animals on the move.

Unlike most cameras in this price range, the Sony RX100 shoots in raw. This is great if you’re keen to get going in the world of photography but otherwise, this feature won’t be of much use as it really comes to life in the editing process.

Of the two point and shoot camera options, the Sony RX100 is the one to get if you are quite sure you will continue to pursue your interest in photography.

⇒ Read More Reviews on DPReview ⇒ Check the Price on the Sony RX

Best Bridge Cameras for Safari

2. Canon Powershot SX70

The big benefit of this Canon camera is a 65X zoom – fantastic for safari shots. It also offers full manual control and allows shooting in Raw. Plus the Canon Powershot XS70 has inbuilt wifi.

The only downside is its size – this Canon camera it is nearly as big as a DSLR. And it doesn’t perform quite as well in weak light – but is fantastic in a good light. This is perfect for the high-end amateur photographer.

⇒ Read More Reviews on DPReview ⇒ Check the Price on the Canon Powershot SX70

3. Panasonic Lumix DMC FZ1000

The Panasonic Lumix DMC FZ1000 is a fantastic overall bridge camera. Its big advantage is 4K video capture. If you are into video then the Panasonic Lumix is the bridge camera for you.

⇒ Read More Reviews on DPReview⇒ Check the Price on the Panasonic DMC FZ1000

Best Mirrorless Camera for Safari

4. Sony Alpha A6000

This is a particularly good buy as Sony has brought in subsequent models – bringing the price down on this fantastic camera. The Sony Alpha A6000 is packed full of features and will give you some great clear shots. It is also a nice small-sized camera.

And the Sony Alpha has a very fast autofocus for this type of camera, enabling animals in action to be more likely to be captured in focus.

⇒ Read More Reviews on DPReview⇒ Check the Price on the Sony Alpha A6000

5. Canon EOS M50

The Canon EOS M50 takes great clear shots and is very easy to use – it is perfect as an introductory mirrorless camera. This Canon camera has 4K video capture so fantastic for those more interested in taking video.

Its lens range is not quite as good as others at this level so if it is animal close-ups you are after this might not be the best option for you.

⇒ Read More Reviews on DPReview⇒ Check the Price on the Canon EOS M50

Best DSLR Cameras for Safari

When it comes to the best camera for wildlife and safari it has to be a DSLR. And when it comes to DSLR cameras the question you will often hear between photographers is Nikon or Canon?

These two camera brands have tended to own the top of this market for some time. Personally, I have always been a Nikon person and love my Nikon DSLR.

Do carefully research both brands before you buy them. Once you purchase you are then quite committed to buying complementary lenses and gear linked to that brand – and you can’t use a Nikon lens on a Canon body and vice versa.

These are the two best entry-level DSLRs from each brand:

6. Nikon D3500

From a value point of view, I think this is the best superzoom camera for safari. The price is quite reasonable given what it offers and it is then easy to add say a Tamron lens (see the next section) and get some outstanding shots without breaking the bank.

⇒ Read More Reviews on DPReview ⇒ Check the Price on the Nikon D3500

7. Canon Rebel T7i

This is the best Canon camera if you are looking for solid quality but don’t want to spend a fortune in my opinion.

⇒ Read More Reviews on DPReview ⇒ Check the Price on the Canon Rebel T7i

Best Lens Options for DSLR for Safari

Generally for safari the longer the camera lens the better – this is where you see the classic shots of photographers with very long super zoom camera lenses. However, these lenses are expensive and very heavy.

I probably use my longer camera lens 2-3 times a year on trips – but I am super happy when I have it. And I have had the same zoom camera lens for many years.

So the good news is that these camera lenses do last – but as I mentioned above you are tied into the brand of your body camera.

Essentially, there are two options when it comes to a zoom lens. Spend a bit less and go with one of the lesser-known brands – a good option for the amateur.

Or invest in the Nikon or zoom lens for Canon equivalent – not cheap but will last a long time.

Here are two brands I have personally used at the lens lengths here for safari and I have been very happy with the results.

Tamron 150-600 Lens

From a value point of view, this is probably the best superzoom lens for safari. This is also a great lens for Canon camera option as well as other camera brands.

⇒ Read More Reviews on DPReview ⇒ Check the Price on the Tamron 150-600 Lens

⇒ Read More Reviews on DPReview ⇒ Check the Price on the Nikon 200-500m Lens

Another less expensive option is to hire a lens to take on safari – or even hire a camera (although it is generally best to be quite familiar with your camera before a safari trip so that you don’t have to try to figure out how to use your camera whilst the elusive leopard disappears).

I’m not aware of anyone who does this on a global level but if you do please email me and let me know. In the meantime, the best thing to do is type into Google something like “Hire a camera lens or camera name of my city”.

This is what popped up when I put it in for London – Lenses for Hire – and Lens Pimp – good name!

Best Camera Accessories to take on an African Photo Safari

There are 4 key camera accessories that I always take on a Safari:

1. Tripod

A tripod will serve you well on safari. Its key benefit is giving you a base for your camera that is completely stable – allowing for a much greater chance of getting your shot in a clean crisp focus.

There is no need for anything fancy when it comes to tripods – B&H has a couple of great low-cost options.

⇒ Check out a Range of Tripods 

2. Lens Filter

Don’t leave home without a Lens Filter. Not only are these good for UV rays they also protect the lens of your camera. I have dropped my camera or accidentally whacked it against a hard surface many times.

A Lens filter is much cheaper to replace than a lens. And it tends to then be the only thing that gets damaged and protects the camera.

⇒ Check out a Range of Lens Filters

3. Beanbag

These little beanbags are brilliant to use on vehicles. Stick the camera bean bag anywhere – on the edge of the vehicle, on the table, on the hood of the car and you instantly get a stable base for much clearer shots.

Empty the camera bean bag out before you go and just add sand when you get there – the same thing on the way home.

⇒ Check out Beanbags here

4. Camera Bag

Once you’ve spent the money on your new camera it is critical that you protect it from damage. This is most important when you are in transit.

I have made the mistake of packing my camera in my check-in luggage before and paid the price with a slightly bent lens. I recommend buying a camera bag and always bringing your camera on the plane with you.

⇒ Check out Camera Bags here

Using Your Phone to Take Photos on Safari

So, it used to be that the options above were the only way to take good clear photos on safari. However, advances in camera phones plus new accessories are now giving phones a genuine place in the safari vehicle.

Using my phone for anything bar atmosphere shots on safari was new to me so I sat down with what is possibly the only resident wildlife photographer at a lodge in Africa – Christian Sperka at the wonderful Thanda Safari – to tell me how to achieve this.

Thanda Safari – Private Game Reserve

The stunning Thanda Safari is in the Zululand region of South Africa. Thanda is known for its understated luxury and celebration of the local Zulu culture. Of course, it also has the big 5.

And amazing food, fantastic service, a spa, brilliant guides – and basically everything you could ever want for a wonderful and memorable safari experience. The Thanda Safari reserve has a quite unique mix of topology – from oceans to inland to the coastline.

This provides a great range of backdrops for photos – and it also means Thanda Safari South Africa is a birdwatcher’s paradise.

⇒ For more about the lovely Thanda check out my post on A Luxury Travel Blog.

Thanda Private Game Reserve has two very unique offers. Firstly, it has its own resident wildlife photographer – Christian Sperka.

Secondly, all guests to Thanda Zululand are offered a free 90-minute photography lesson with Christian. I cannot recommend this highly enough.

I thought I knew a lot about photography but Christian showed me quite a few new and neat tricks that I now use off safari as well as on. Christian is also an excellent teacher.

He uses clear and regular language (no detailed camera talk) and is outstanding at explanations. He has been at Thanda Game Reserve for 6 years and has taught over 1200 people during that time.

⇒ Learn more about wonderful South African Animals in this informative post.

Christian’s Key Safari Phone Photography Tips:

1. Phones are great for wide-angle shots. You can absolutely use your phone to capture great shots of the lodges, the drives, sundowners, sunrise/sunset etc.

2. Private game reserves are excellent for those who only have a phone for photography. The reason for this is that on private game reserves guides are able to go off-road and get much closer to the animals than at say Kruger National Park South Africa.

The closer you can get to the animals generally the better the shot

3. The iPhone 7 represented a major improvement in phone camera quality. This was then taken to the next level with the iPhone 8 plus and the X and now the 13.

The Iphone 8 plus and the Iphone X come with two lenses which allows for greater zoom capability without losing photo quality. The Iphone 13 now has three lenses.

4. There are now some fantastic zoom “Clips” that you can add to your phone that will massively improve the zoom and quality of your phone photography.
These little telephoto zoom lenses literally clip on to your phone and are considerably cheaper than any traditional camera lenses.

⇒ Zoom clip options for Smart Phones

5. Christian also introduced me to what has now become my most frequently used app – Camera + Legacy. This brilliant app is an editor and gives some fantastic options – I particularly like Clarity for outside shots.

Camera + Legacy app will massively improve the appearance of your safari photos

5. Movement is a key part of safari photography. Rather than moving your phone camera – which won’t get good shots – hold the camera firm and push down on the take a picture button.

This should then result in a “burst” of photos. It is then possible to edit the burst and just keep the best ones.

6. Panorama shots can work well on safari – and you don’t need to use the full range. It is possible to take 90 degree rather than 180-degree photos – just stop the shot at the point you want.

And don’t forget you can also just tap the arrow and do the panorama shot from the other direction – for some reason this had never occurred to me.

7. And don’t forget your beanbag – these work as well for phone cameras!

Safari Photo Lessons with Christian

If you can, book your lesson with Christian even before you arrive at Thanda Private Game Reserve South Africa. He is not always at Thanda but can generally arrange to be there if given sufficient notice.

I also recommend that you do your photography lesson on the first day so that you will constantly be using what you have learned.

If this sounds like just what you are after Christian also offers further photography lessons as well as the opportunity to go out on a private game drive with him in the Green Mamba.

Not only will you get to make a major improvement to your photography skills (and nab some amazing safari photos) you will also be able to drink Nespresso coffee in the middle of Zululand thanks to Christian’s portable machine.

The Green Mamba has been designed for photographers. There is extra legroom to allow movement for the optimal shot.

There are even mats on the floor as it can be necessary to get down on your knees to balance the camera for the clearest eye line to the animal.

There is also a martini bar for the ultimate sundowner – and make sure you try Christian’s signature drink the Chocaroola – hot chocolate, Amurala, espresso, and some warm frothy milk.

⇒ Book your Thanda Safari & a Photography Lesson with Christian

Who Paid for What in this Post

Thanda was kind enough to host my stay with them. This means they covered the cost of my accommodation, my game drives, and all meals and drinks. Thank you, Thanda! But as always, my opinions are my own.

I paid for my flights to and from South Africa and internally. This post contains affiliate links. This means that if you click on some of them and make a purchase I will receive a small commission. This does not increase the price that you will pay. I just wanted to make sure that you knew this!

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