Master the Serengeti: Pro Tips for Epic Wildlife Shots
In the Serengeti, you aren't just a tourist; you’re an artist in the field. You’ll be riding in the same custom-engineered vehicles used by world-renowned photographers, led by expert guides who understand lighting and animal behavior as well as you do.
Meet Jeff Smith: Our Photographic Ambassador
After spending hundreds of hours behind the lens in the Serengeti with Africa Dream Safaris, I’ve witnessed the magic firsthand. This isn’t “Main Street, USA”—it’s a raw, unpredictable, and breathtaking landscape. My goal is to ensure you are photographically prepared to avoid surprises and capture gallery-worthy shots that will leave your friends and family speechless.
Expert Resources for Every Skill Level / Below, I’ve compiled a series of articles to answer common questions and help you master the nuances of wildlife photography. Whether you are a seasoned pro or picking up a DSLR for the first time, these tips are designed to give you the competitive edge in the bush.
Gear Question? / Have a unique question about your camera body, lens reach, or specific equipment setup? Click the ‘ASK JEFF’ button at the end of any section. Through the magic of the internet, your query will find me in the field, and I typically respond within 48 hours to ensure you are ready for the adventure of a lifetime.
Photo Tips
What Camera Should I Take?
Ahhhh, the million dollar question, "What camera should I take?" Most of you reading this already have a camera. Some of you may be pros. Some may be filmmakers or...
What Lenses Do I Need?
Now here is where you really should start paying attention. The driver guides that Africa Dream Safaris employs are wizards at getting you quite close to the wildlife in the...
How Close Will I Get?
I put this section right behind "What lenses should I take?" because they relate to one another. It's everyone's question before they go on safari "How close will we get?"...
Helpful Camera Accessories
In the Serengeti, you are not getting out of your vehicle. Ok, maybe a few times for breakfast or lunch in the Bush after your guide has scoped out a...
Settings You Should Know
No matter what camera and lens setup you take to Africa, it's dead weight unless you know how to use it. Today's cameras are computers and complicated ones at that....
Weight & Packing Your Gear
Here's how this works. Most people fly from the United States to Amsterdam and then jump on a KLM flight to Kilimanjaro. It's not the only way in, but it's...
Camera Batteries
This is a big deal. So pay attention. You may have never run your battery dry shooting pictures at home. But you may very well in Africa. Around every corner...
Shooting from your Safari Vehicle
I did an entire video on this topic. You can see it here: For more information on the safari vehicles you'll be in, visit: SAFARI VEHICLE SPECIFICATIONS You'll...
