Africa is not just a destination, it’s a living canvas. From endless golden savannahs to misty volcanoes, from crimson deserts to mirror-like lakes, the continent offers scenes that seem created specifically for photographers. Add to that some of the highest wildlife density on Earth, dramatic shifts in light, raw cultural storytelling, and you have a visual playground unlike anywhere else.
This guide is designed for wildlife photographers, nature lovers, travel creators, and adventure seekers who want their lens to capture more than just images, but emotion, motion, and memory.
What makes Africa different? The quality of light. The openness of the landscapes. The proximity to wildlife. And the feeling that every sunrise and sunset paints a completely new scene.
How to Use This Photography Guide
The locations below are grouped into categories:
Wildlife, Landscapes, Lakes & Rivers, Culture, and Coastal Gems.
For the best results, plan your shoots during Golden Hour (sunrise + sunset) for warm tones and dramatic shadows, and Blue Hour (pre-dawn + post-sunset) for moody, cinematic frames.
Quick tips:
- Lenses to carry: 24–70mm, 70–200mm, 100–400mm
- Use bean bags instead of tripods in safari vehicles
- Always respect wildlife distance and local communities
- Follow drone regulations (vary by park and country)
Wildlife Photography Hotspots
1. Masai Mara, Kenya – Capture the Great Migration, river crossings, and prowling big cats.
2. Serengeti, Tanzania – Endless plains filled with raw predator action.
3. Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania – A natural bowl packed with wildlife, including rhinos.
4. Amboseli, Kenya – Magical elephant silhouettes with Mount Kilimanjaro in the background.
5. Tarangire, Tanzania – Baobabs and some of Africa’s largest elephant herds.
6. Lake Nakuru, Kenya – Flamingos and rare white & black rhinos.
7. Lake Manyara, Tanzania – Famous tree-climbing lions with forest and lake landscapes.
8. Tsavo East, Kenya – Stunning red-dust elephants against vast terrain.
9. Tsavo West, Kenya – Volcanic rock formations and cinematic skies.
10. Selous (Nyerere), Tanzania – River safaris, crocodiles & endangered wild dogs.
Signature Landscape Photography
11. Mount Kilimanjaro (views from Amboseli and Moshi)
12. The Great Rift Valley, Kenya
13. Hell’s Gate National Park, Kenya – Gorges, cliffs, and bike-through photography
14. Ol Doinyo Lengai, Tanzania – The mysterious ‘Black Mountain’
15. Shompole & Magadi, Kenya – Pink lakes and reflection shots (underrated gems)
16. Chyulu Hills Cloud Forest, Kenya – Misty landscapes, ancient lava tubes, and untouched greenery
These locations shine at golden hour and are ideal for wide-angle and aerial perspectives.
Lake & Waterbody Photography
17. Lake Naivasha, Kenya – Misty mornings, hippos & fishermen
18. Lake Bogoria, Kenya – Flamingos and steaming geysers
19. Lake Natron, Tanzania – Surreal red water & mirror reflections
20. Rufiji River, Tanzania – Crocodiles and brilliant river sunsets
Cultural & Lifestyle Photography
21. Maasai Villages – Colorful attire and authentic traditions
22. Hadzabe Tribe, Lake Eyasi – Rare, untouched nomadic lifestyle
23. Lamu Old Town – Carved Swahili doors, dhows and donkey-lined streets
Coastal & Marine Photography
24. Zanzibar, Tanzania – Turquoise waters + historic architecture
25. Diani Beach & Wasini Island, Kenya – Underwater life + white coastal dunes
A Suggested 12-Day Photography Route
Day 1–3: Masai Mara
Day 4: Lake Naivasha + Hell’s Gate
Day 5: Amboseli
Day 6–8: Serengeti + Ngorongoro
Day 9: Tarangire + Lake Manyara
Day 10: Lake Natron / Eyasi
Day 11–12: Zanzibar / Diani Beach
This route gives you the perfect balance of wildlife, landscapes, culture, and coast.
Why Choose a Curated Photography Safari?
A photography-focused safari goes beyond basic sightseeing.
With Scarface Pride, you get:
- Custom photography routes
- Sunrise & sunset game drives
- Private vehicles designed for shooting
- Expert trackers + photographers as guides
- Access to exclusive golden-hour locations
And if you’re planning for the Great Migration (July–October), they design itineraries specifically around the movement of the herds.
Ready to Turn Your Lens Toward Africa?
Let Scarface Pride curate a custom Kenya–Tanzania photography safari built around your vision, skill level, and dream shots.
From big cats in the Masai Mara to surreal reflections at Lake Natron, your next iconic photo is waiting.
Plan your journey with Scarface Pride today!
