If you are a serious photographer, a group safari will ruin your shots. Here's why — and what to do instead.
**The group-safari problem**
On a group game drive, the guide follows a "lowest common denominator" schedule: leave camp at 6am, return for breakfast at 9am, out again at 3pm, back at 6pm. You stop at every animal sighting that any group member wants to see.
For a photographer, this is fatal:
- **No patience at a sighting.** You need 30-60 minutes for the right light or behaviour. Groups give you 5.
- **Wrong angle.** The vehicle stops at the side closest to the road. The light might be wrong.
- **Too many people.** 6 photographers in a Land Cruiser = constant jostling.
- **No flexibility to wait out weather.** If it rains at 3pm, the group returns to camp. A photographer wants to wait for the post-rain golden hour.
**The private-vehicle solution**
On a private vehicle, you set the pace. If you want to spend 4 hours with a leopard, you spend 4 hours with a leopard. If the light is bad, you wait. If a storm is approaching, you position for the silhouette.
**What it costs**
- Shared vehicle: included in safari price (typically $0 surcharge)
- Private vehicle: $250-400 per day surcharge (depending on season and operator)
For a 7-day safari, that's an extra $1,750-2,800. Worth it if you came back with magazine-quality shots. Not worth it if you are shooting on a phone.
**Our photographer packages**
- Private vehicle throughout
- KPSGA Silver or Gold guide (one who understands light and angles)
- Off-road permits where park rules allow
- Vehicles modified with beanbag rails and gimbal head mounts
- Photographer coordinator who briefs the guide on your shot list
Cost: +$280 per day on top of standard package. Message us to design one.