3 Days Serengeti Migration Photograph Safari

A telephoto lens of at least 300mm to 600mm is essential for capturing distant river crossings and predator action. It is also useful to bring a wider lens for landscape shots and animal silhouettes against the sunset. A sturdy tripod or a beanbag is necessary to stabilize your camera during long waits at the river.

Most of our safari vehicles are equipped with beanbags to help photographers steady their lenses on the roof or window sills. These are very helpful when you are using heavy telephoto lenses to track moving animals. You can also request extra bags if you have multiple camera setups.

Our 4x4 safari vehicles are fitted with power inverters and charging ports for your convenience. This allows you to keep your batteries full and review your images on a laptop while moving between locations. We recommend bringing a multi-plug adapter to charge several devices at once.

A versatile zoom lens like a 100-400mm is often the best choice for the fast-paced nature of the migration. This allows you to quickly switch from a close-up of a crocodile to a wider shot of a herd jumping into the water. Having a second camera body with a wide-angle lens is also highly recommended.

We highly recommend booking a private vehicle to allow for maximum flexibility and space for your gear. This ensures that the guide can focus entirely on your specific photography needs without worrying about other passengers. You can decide how long to stay at a sighting based on the light and animal behavior.

Since this is a photography focused tour, we spend much more time at sightings than a standard safari. We understand that waiting for the perfect light or a specific behavior can take hours. Your guide will work with you to ensure you get the shots you need without feeling rushed.

The use of drones is strictly prohibited in all Tanzanian National Parks to avoid disturbing the wildlife and other guests. Special permits can sometimes be obtained for professional film crews, but this is a long and expensive process. Most photographers find that the ground-level views from the vehicle are more than sufficient.

The hour after sunrise and the hour before sunset are the most critical times for any photographer. During these periods, the light is soft and warm, which helps avoid harsh shadows on the animals. We plan our drives to ensure we are in the best locations during these golden hours.

Our guides are specifically trained to anticipate animal movements which is crucial for getting great shots. They know how to position the vehicle for the best angle and light before the action happens. This expertise often makes the difference between a good photo and a great one.

While a full tripod can be difficult to use inside the vehicle, monopods and beanbags work very well. The pop-up roof provides a solid surface to rest your gear on for stability. If you are on a private tour, you will have plenty of room to move around and find the best angle.