Guests often ask about the best equipment to bring along when planning a general Photographic Safari. As a photography enthusiast myself, I’d like to share these valuable tips with you!
Recommended Equipment: The Camera Body
The camera you bring along is crucial, as shooting wildlife can be challenging at times; the animals may be on a hunt or drinking from a watering hole. A good SLR (Single Lens Reflex) camera body is highly recommended. When selecting the right camera, consider factors such as weight, size, and functionality, ensuring it’s comfortable for you. Look for a camera that shoots at least five frames per second to capture those tricky action shots.
Selecting the Right Lens for Your Camera
In the interest of conservation, off-road driving is not allowed in Welgevonden Game Reserve to protect the vegetation. A good zoom lens is therefore essential, although animals often come close to the road. Having ‘room for zoom’ is a big positive to get that perfect shot. Fast lenses with an F stop of 4.5 to 2.8 are ideal, as they allow in more light, resulting in better photos. The best all-purpose lens to bring is the 70-200mm F2.8 or 200-400mm F4. For birding photography, consider a 1.4 or 2x converter to capture birds in flight or perched far away.
General Accessories Provided at Mhondoro for Photographic Safaris
At Mhondoro, we provide photography ‘bean bags’ for stability and support for your camera and lens. These are available in our game viewers for your use. We also offer clamps with a soft cushion for your camera to lean on, which helps reduce vibration when taking pictures on the move.
Accessories to Bring Along
Memory cards are essential—’lots of memory’ is key on safari, as more space allows for more shots to achieve the perfect photograph. Always carry a camera bag to protect your gear from dust. Your bag should also include:
- Lens covers
- Lens wiping cloth
- Camera charger (with spare charged battery)
- Spare memory card (at least 8GB)
Photographic Tips: Nature’s Frames
When on safari or waiting in the Mhondoro Hide for a photo opportunity, always look out for a ‘natural frame.’ This could be a tree branch with the right shape or a patch of grass standing vertically, providing a natural frame around the subject. This simple yet powerful technique can elevate your shot.
Photographic Safari: Getting Low for the Perfect Shot
The best way to get the perfect shot is by getting low or aiming for eye level with the subject. Mhondoro Hide offers perfect opportunities for this, as it positions you at ground level with animals around the drinking hole. On safari, try sitting as close to the front as possible to achieve an eye-level shot. Front seats on the game viewer vehicle are closer to the ground, making it easier to capture images that look like they were taken from a standing position.
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Written by Mhondoro Safari Lodge & Villa Ranger: Marcus Hack
