Why small group safari tours are the best choice for wildlife photographers

Planning a photography trip to Africa can be as daunting as it is exciting. There’s a huge range of Africa group tours, safari styles and operators to choose from, and not all of them are created with photographers in mind.

Over the years, I’ve guided over a hundred photographers – from absolute beginners to seasoned professionals – through the landscapes of Kenya, Uganda, and beyond. And I’ve learned a lot about what makes or breaks a photo safari, and what makes a truly rewarding photography safari experience.

In this article, I will share a few things I’d encourage you to think about, whether you’re considering an African safari for the first time or are hoping to return for another adventure.

I believe small group safari tours offer the best experience for photographers. If you’re considering joining a group trip, here’s a little about why the way I run my tours might be a great fit for you.

Why choose a small group African safari tour?

1.      Plenty of space in the vehicle

On all my African photo safaris, I limit the group size to ensure everyone has ample space in the safari vehicle. Usually, there are no more than three guests in each. That means more room for your camera gear, the ability to shoot from either side of the vehicle, and zero competition for the best vantage point.

This isn’t just about comfort; it’s about getting the best possible shots. When you’re not shoulder-to-shoulder with six other people, you’re free to move, compose and shoot without obstruction.

That kind of space is rare on typical African group tours, but it’s essential for serious wildlife photography.

2.      A safari guided tour designed for photographers

Many safari guided tours in Africa are built around ticking off the “Big Five” – and while there’s nothing wrong with that, it often means rushing from one sighting to the next, with limited time to truly observe and photograph animal behaviour.

On my African photo safaris, we take a different approach. One of the biggest differences with a dedicated photo tour is how much time we spend out in the field. Our drives are slower, more deliberate, and always focused on getting the most out of each encounter. We’re not rushing from one sighting to the next.

We can stay with a scene and wait for the light, or a particular behaviour. We head out early, stay out longer, and tailor our drives to what will give us the best photographic opportunities.

Because my tours are designed specifically for photographers, you’ll have the time and flexibility to really work a shot, without being hurried along by a guide trying to stick to a rigid schedule.

We might spend an hour or more with a single subject if the conditions are right. And because we’re not sharing vehicles with non-photographers, there’s no pressure to move on before you're ready.

3.      Locations chosen for wildlife and photography potential

Amboseli, the Maasai Mara, Uganda’s forests – these are places I’ve chosen because they offer phenomenal wildlife photography, not just occasional sightings. But I also plan itineraries to avoid peak crowds where possible, and favour camps and routes that give us the best possible experience without the chaos of overtourism.

There’s something really special about sitting in silence with just a few others as a family of elephants crosses the plains in front of you, or waiting quietly as a tiger emerges from the forest. These moments stay with you. And they’re harder to come by when you're travelling in a convoy of fifteen vehicles.

As your safari host and tour guide, I handpick the destinations I guide in, and the safari locations I choose are those that offer both rich biodiversity and exceptional photographic opportunities. These aren’t just beautiful locations - they’re some of the best places in the world to capture compelling wildlife images.

On a photo safari in Africa, we’re not just hoping to see animals; we’re strategically placing ourselves in the right places at the right times for extraordinary encounters – from Amboseli National Park’s iconic “big tusker” elephants to the dramatic crossings of the Great Migration.

And I choose quieter camps and lesser-travelled routes to avoid crowds and deliver a more immersive and authentic wildlife experience.

4.      Personalised support, no matter your photography skill level

Whether you’re brand new to wildlife photography or have years of experience, I tailor my photography guidance to your individual goals.

You don’t need expensive gear or a portfolio full of award-winning images to join my tours – just a passion for wildlife and a willingness to learn.

I offer in-the-field wildlife photography coaching, image reviews, and as much technical or creative support as you'd like, without overwhelming you with information. We’ll go over settings, techniques, composition and storytelling, and I’ll be on hand throughout the trip to help you make the most of every opportunity.

The small group setting means I can work closely with each guest, and we have time each day to discuss techniques, camera settings, and composition strategies.

That kind of personalised input is rare on standard safari tour guide packages, but it’s central to how I run things in my tours.

5.      Not just a trip – a fully guided photography experience

When you choose to invest in one of my guided photography safaris, you’re choosing an immersive photo safari built specifically for photographers.

They’re tailored to those who want to grow their skills, take powerful wildlife portraits, and experience the natural world in a meaningful way. These aren’t “point and shoot” holidays!

If you're someone who values space, flexibility, and expert guidance, then a small group tour might be just what you're looking for. And if you're travelling with a friend or partner, I also offer fully customisable private group tours.

These trips are designed to be immersive, not just from a photographic point of view but culturally too. I work with trusted local guides and operators who know the land, the wildlife, and the rhythms of each destination. You’ll learn as much about the environment as you will about photography.

Combine safari tours for the ultimate wildlife experience

Many guests choose to combine tours – for instance, pairing the Amboseli Elephant Safari with the Great Migration tour in the Maasai Mara.

If that’s something you're considering, I offer special pricing for multi-tour bookings, as well as discounts for returning guests and email subscribers.

Ready to join a small group African photo safari?

Choosing the right photo safari in Africa is about more than just dates and destinations – it’s about how you want to experience wildlife, and what kind of photographs you want to bring home. If you’re seeking an intimate, photographer-focused trip with plenty of one-on-one support, then one of my small group safari tours could be the perfect fit.

A photography safari is a big investment. My advice? Choose one that gives you the space, flexibility and support to come home with photographs you’re proud of, and memories you’ll treasure forever.

If you think my style of guiding could be the right fit for you, feel free to get in touch. I’d be happy to talk through any questions and help you decide whether a group photo safari or a private safari is the better option.

Hope to see you in the field soon.

David