Taking photographs or videos can add immensely to the pleasure of a safari, and guides will help with camera tips and best angles. Our safari vehicles are fitted with roof hatches for unobstructed viewing of wildlife, but often a better photographic angle is obtained from a lower viewpoint. We provide sand or bean bags for use as camera rests; tripods are too unwieldy in the confines of a vehicle.
Make sure that you are fully conversant with all your equipment before coming on safari and that you have the instruction manuals, an ample supply of film, videocassettes and batteries with you.
Still cameras
You will want a good 35 mm camera with a zoom telephoto lens of 100 mm to 300 mm for animals and a wider angle lens, 35 mm – 105 mm, for scenery and people. A “Happy Snap” camera is ideal for camp and people photos but generally not adequate for animals.
We suggest you figure on at least two rolls of film per day; 100-200 ASA film suits most light conditions, but a few rolls of 400 ASA and 800 ASA will come in useful for evening photography or where light conditions are poor.
Consider a macro lens for insects and flowers, and a flash for campfire and tent scenes.
Video cameras
You will want four to six hours of cassette time, some people take twice that. Make sure you have a 12-volt battery charger with three spare batteries, which can be charged off the cigarette lighter of the car (our cars are 12 volt negatively earthed). This allows you to film independent of the vehicle. We can provide a 110-volt generator in camp on request, but it requires a high-quality adapter, and the results are not as reliable as with the 12-volt charger.
Digital cameras
These are fast becoming more popular than still cameras with film and are great, especially in low light conditions. Pictures can be edited or deleted—as you go along in camp while on safari or on your computer at home after the safari. Make sure that you have enough storage space or additional chips for your digital camera. Batteries for the camera and computer can be recharged while on safari. Make sure you have a 12–volt battery charger with spare batteries, that can be charged off the cigarette lighter of the car (our cars are 12 volt negatively earthed).
Photographic restrictions
Before taking photographs of any people in East Africa, obtain their permission (often only given for a fee). Your guide will help with this. Taking photographs of airports, military installations, policemen, or the president is strictly prohibited.