wildlife tourism photographer

• Photo Expeditions
• Photo Expeditions are led by accomplished photographers and instructors  who are also professional naturalist guides—wildlife experts who understand animal patterns and behaviors, and who know how and where to position you for the best photo opportunities.
• While all our trips feature small groups, Photo Expeditions travel with even fewer guests , to ensure unimpeded access to the best shots,  plenty of room for your gear aboard our vehicles, and the utmost in flexibility to pursue photo opportunities as they arise.
• Slower pacing and longer days in the field allow patience to pursue the shots that require it. We often rise early and linger through sunset to capitalize on the best light.
• Some Photo Expeditions also include  extra weight allowance on select flights to accommodate equipment—a key inclusion in certain destinations, especially when you compare allowances for African safaris.
• You'll get all the personal attention you need from our outstanding photographer guides, who provide one-on-one coaching tailored to each guest’s interests and ability.
• Photo Expeditions also include special training and workshops on everything from composition and lighting to editing and post-processing techniques.

Canada's Premier Polar Bear Photo Expedition

Tundra lodge photo expedition, northern lights & arctic exploration photo expedition, secluded botswana photo expedition, botswana: kalahari, the delta & beyond photo expedition, wild namibia photo expedition, botswana & namibia photo expedition, secluded south africa photo expedition, madagascar wildlife photo expedition, kenya migration safari photo expedition, tanzania migration & ngorongoro crater photo expedition, ultimate gorilla photo expedition, nat hab's alaska bear camp photo expedition, alaska bear quest photo expedition, alaska grizzly encounter photo expedition, ultimate alaska wildlife photo expedition, bears of brooks falls photo expedition, east greenland arctic photo expedition, ultimate iceland photo expedition, belugas, bears & summer wildlife of churchill photo expedition, glacier & waterton lakes photo expedition, peaks, lakes & meadows of the canadian rockies photo expedition, yellowstone: ultimate wolf & wildlife photo expedition, hidden yellowstone & grand teton photo expedition, grand canyon, bryce & zion photo expedition, the wild side of china photo expedition, the wilds of borneo: orangutans & beyond photo expedition, wild & ancient himalaya: nepal & bhutan photo expedition, india tiger photo expedition, snow leopard quest photo expedition, kingdom of the monarchs photo expedition, patagonia wilderness & wildlife photo expedition, jaguars & wildlife of brazil's pantanal photo expedition, galapagos wildlife photo expedition, canada's premier polar bear adventure, tundra lodge adventure, northern lights & arctic exploration, secluded botswana safari, botswana: kalahari, the delta & beyond, secluded south africa, madagascar wildlife adventure, the great kenya migration safari, tanzania’s great migration & ngorongoro crater, ultimate gorilla safari, alaska's grizzly ship: kodiak to katmai, ultimate alaska wildlife safari, east greenland arctic adventure, belugas, bears & summer wildlife of churchill, glacier & waterton: an international treasure, peaks, lakes & meadows of the canadian rockies, yellowstone: ultimate wolf & wildlife safari, hidden yellowstone & grand teton safari, grand canyon, bryce & zion, the wild side of china: a nature odyssey, the wilds of borneo: orangutans & beyond, wild & ancient himalaya: nepal & bhutan, kingdom of the monarchs, patagonia wilderness & wildlife explorer, jaguars & wildlife of brazil's pantanal.

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Polar Bear Tours

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Have a question or comment? Click any of the buttons below to get in touch with us. Hours Mountain Time

• 8 am to 5 pm, Monday - Friday
• 8 am to 3 pm on Saturday
• Closed on Sunday

Wildlife Photo Tours

Since we began in 1980, our wildlife photo tours have been the gold standard by which all such trips are measured. Over the past decades thousands of photographers have traveled with us and enjoyed exceptional opportunities to see and photograph wildlife in all corners of the planet, on all seven continents. We make it safe and easy for you to be in the right place at right time for unparalleled wildlife photography. Joining one of our trips means you leave the planning and logistics to us—you can simply show up and enjoy great photography!

We’re here to answer your questions about any of the trips that interest you, so don’t hesitate to contact us!

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Ultimate Galápagos

Our signature two-week extended voyage around Darwin's enchanted islands. The most exciting and comprehensive Galápagos itinerary we've ever offered. Visit virtually all of the most spectacular photo locations. Fantastic boat, great shooting, good food, tropical sunshine, and lots of fun!

One Space Available!

Arctic Birds and Musk Oxen of Nome, Alaska

Photograph the summer arrival of shorebirds, waterfowl and northern songbirds in Alaska’s arctic. Create images of grazing musk oxen, caribou, moose and red foxes on barren tundra hillsides and verdant valleys—all under the summer’s long hours of daylight.

Whales, Wildlife and Wilderness—Alaska

Experience the breathtaking excitement of humpback whale photography in the pristine waters of Alaska’s Inside Passage during the prime summer season. Whales breach, tail-slap, and bubble-net and lunge feed amidst snowcapped mountain backdrops on this luxurious photo cruise.

Now Booking for 2025!

Brown Bears of Lake Clark National Park, Alaska

A cozy private fly-in lodge is our base for a week of amazing brown bear photography amidst verdant marshes and tidal flats with serrate mountain backdrops. We encounter the bears—close up, on foot and at their eye level—as they forage, often with cubs in tow, in this vast unspoiled wilderness.

Jaguars & Wildlife of Brazil's Pantanal

The world's premier wetland with photo access to stunning birds and mammals, with a focus on jaguars. Five full days are dedicated to jaguar photography from small boats—3 photographers per boat. Travel with a local photo guide who intimately knows the wildlife and natural history of the Pantanal.

One Male Share Available!

Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska

Glacier Bay is among the world’s most active tidewater glacial areas. The deep ice-jammed waters support a variety of photogenic wildlife, both in these frigid waters and onshore. Whales, bears and seabirds abound. Cruise the bay and its glaciers by luxurious private yacht with special park permit.

Botswana Wildlife

Two incredibly productive wildlife areas—private Mashatu Game Reserve and Chobe National Park. Photograph elephants and other animals up close and below eye level from waterhole photo blinds. Shoot from boats specially designed for photographers for a unique below eye-level perspective.

Wild Madagascar

Completely isolated for nearly 100 million years, Madagascar—the “eighth continent”—has evolved into an amazing collection of photogenic endemic plants and animals.  Travel with private chartered flights and spacious ground transportation to the island’s best photo spots.

Caddo Lake and Big Cypress Bayou, Texas in Autumn

Autumn brings a blaze of color to the bald cypress trees of Caddo Lake and the Big Cypress Bayou in Texas.  Explore quiet backwaters by boat and photograph the graphic quality of these stately trees as ethereal fog drifts amidst the gnarled trunks as the sun rises and sets.

Patagonia's Mountain Landscapes in Spring

Capture images of the landscapes and wildlife of two of the world’s most spectacular mountain photography destinations—Torres del Paine and Los Glaciares National Parks. Photograph soaring granite mountain peaks, massive glaciers, and pristine lakes during the prime time of the austral spring.

Costa Rica Birds—The Green Season

Costa Rica has extraordinary habitats and ecolodges within them. We visit some of the country's prime bird photography locations to create images of amazingly colorful rain forest and cloud forest birds. The stars of the show are resplendent quetzals—one of the most beautiful birds in the Americas.

Dalmatian Pelicans and Meteora Monasteries

Dalmatian pelicans—world’s largest, rarest, and most photogenic—in breeding plumage, and the spectacular Meteora monasteries landscapes are featured in this diverse winter photo tour in Northern Greece.

Japan's Winter Wildlife

Incredible photographic access to snow monkeys, Japanese cranes, whooper swans, white-tailed and Steller's sea eagles in snowy landscapes. One of Earth's finest—yet little-known—winter wildlife shoots. Ranks in Joe Van Os' Top 10 wildlife photo trips in the world!

Yellowstone in Winter

Capture images of the very best of Yellowstone’s snowy interior—unique geothermal features, snow-encrusted landscapes, and iconic wildlife—with an expert leader who knows the park intimately. Flexible itinerary with five snow coach days and short walks to explore geothermal areas and landscapes.

Snowy Owls of the Canadian Prairies, Alberta

Photograph snowy owls, the extraordinary “Arctic Ghosts,” in Alberta’s snowy prairie habitats. Three shooting days provide great opportunities to capture portrait images, birds in flight and owls as part of the winter landscape.

Bald Eagles, Sea Otters & Coastal Wildlife of Kachemak Bay, Alaska

A spectacular wildlife shoot amidst Alaska’s most photogenic settings. Five full days of photography from a chartered boat along the Kenai Peninsula to capture dynamic in-flight and perched eagle images, endearing close-ups of sea otters, and wildlife in rugged winter landscapes.

Gray Whales of Mexico's Baja Peninsula

Experience the thrill of photographing at one of Earth's prime locations for marine photography! Photograph Pacific gray whales within touching distance. Capture images of blue and humpback whales, dolphins, Baja's desert landscapes, unique Boojum “trees” and timeless Mexican colonial architecture.

Florida Birds

Florida’s East Coast has become a great new focal point for nature photographers from all over the world. Shoot several exciting wading bird colonies at close range including wood storks, spoonbills, herons and egrets plus the world’s highest density of nesting ospreys—by boat and on shore.

Great Gray Owls of the North Woods, Alberta

Photograph these magnificent birds of prey, the “Phantoms of the Forest,” in the remote forests of central Alberta. Three full shooting days provide many opportunities to capture intimate photos of the great gray owls during the snowiest month of the year.

Ultimate Tigers

Photograph the world’s largest living cats and other Indian wildlife for six shooting days in one of the world’s most impressive tiger reserves. Special government photography permits in Bandhavgarh National Park allow unrestricted daytime entry for three full days. Only two photographers per safari vehicle.

Costa Rica Birds & Wildlife

Namibia Revealed

From its beautiful quiver tree forest, surreal sand-conquered ghost town of Kolmanskop, and the colossal red sand Sossusvlei Dunes to the superlative Etosha National Park, Namibia provides exciting photo subjects at every turn. Photograph vast numbers of wildlife at Etosha's numerous water holes.

Whales, Wildlife and Wilderness, Alaska

Experience the breathtaking excitement of humpback whale photography in the pristine waters of the Alaska’s Inside Passage during the prime summer season. Whales breach, tail-slap, and bubble-net and lunge feed amidst snowcapped mountain backdrops on this luxurious photo cruise.

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An Iberian Lynx, one of the world's rarest wild cats, pauses to look at our group while it crosses a path in southern Spain (Image by Mike Watson)

A Gemsbok oryx takes off into the grasslands of Sossusvlei, Namibia. This image was taken on an aerial safari by helicopter from Sesriem (Image by Inger Vandyke)

Photographing a Northern Carmine Bee-eater riding on an Arabian Bustard's back is a 'Holy Grail' of African bird photography... (image by Mark Beaman)

A young Suri woman shows off her beautiful body markings. (Image by Inger Vandyke)

View from the crater rim of Erta Ale, one of the most active volcanoes in the world, into the active, red-glowing lava lake. Erta Ale is a continuously active basaltic shield volcano in the Afar Region of northeastern Ethiopia, only some kilometers from the border with Eritrea

The beautiful Himba people of Kaokoland in Namibia (Image by Inger Vandyke)

'The Twins' - two of the iconic camel thorn trees in Namibia's Deadvlei (image by Inger Vandyke)

Black-browed Albatrosses nesting at West Point Island, the Falkland Islands (Image by Inger Vandyke)

A Brown Skua with his prized Gentoo Penguin egg (Image by Inger Vandyke)

Bar-bellied Pitta in Vietnam (Image by Pete Morris)

A young Blackbuck peers at a Black Drongo that has landed on its back, Velavadar, Gujarat (Image by Inger Vandyke)

Burchell's Zebras are constantly bickering. Ngorongoro, Serengeti, Tanzania (Image by Mark Beaman)

Steller's Sea Eagles in the dawn light of Hokkaido, Japan (Image by Inger Vandyke)

Ladakhi women wearing their traditional costume of Perak was a highlight of our 2017 Ladakh Women's Project (Image by Inger Vandyke)

A Tiger wanders down to a waterhole in Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve in India (Image by Inger Vandyke)

A dancing Red-crowned Crane hurls itself high into the air (image by Mark Beaman)

"How can I escape my ordained fate as a low-caste flea-groomer?" (image by Mark Beaman)

Thick-billed Raven portrait (image by Mark Beaman)

As the first sunlight catches the hoar-frost-covered trees at Otawa, the steam rising from the river adds to the other-worldly scene of roosting Red-crowned Cranes, Hokkaido, Japan (Image by Mark Beaman)

Geladas at sunset. There is still a chance to groom or play... (image by Mark Beaman)

Hippopotamus heads (image by Mark Beaman)

Some Pantanal Jaguars specialize in killing Caimans (Image by Mike Watson)

Red-crowned Cranes flighting to roost (image by Mark Beaman)

A Polar Bear rests on the ice after a meal, watched by an Ivory Gull (Image by Mike Watson)

Everything is fine in Galapagos until one of those damn Espanola Mockingbirds climbs on your back! (Image by Mark Beaman)

Japanese Macaques (Snow Monkeys) engaged in mutual grooming in Honshu, Japan (Image by Pete Morris)

It's Baloo! A Sloth Bear in Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra, India (Image by Inger Vandyke)

Aba Mezgebe, the father of the church at Asheten Maryam near Lalibela, reveals one of his church's ancient bibles (Image by Inger Vandyke)

The secretive Agami Heron loves quiet Pantanal backwaters (Image by Mike Watson)

Himba head man in remote Kaokoland (image by Inger Vandyke)

Babuku, a young Suri boy with his face painted in the more modern Suri way, surrounded by the copper bracelets worn by traditional Suri women of his tribe (Image by Inger Vandyke)

Lilac-breasted Roller flight portrait (image by Mark Beaman)

A White-naped Crane bugles as it crosses the dawn moon at Arasaki, Japan (Image by Mark Beaman)

A pretty Suri girl and her baby near Kibish in the Omo Valley (Image by Inger Vandyke)

A Lalibela priest reads his bible by the light shining through a crucifix shaped 'window' in a rock church (Image by Inger Vandyke)

Siamese Fireback male at Cat Tien, Vietnam (Image by Pete Morris)

Ladakh is the place to see and photography the shy, fabled Snow Leopard (Image by Mike Watson)

Snow Monkeys are good jumpers (image by Mark Beaman)

The endangered Wahlia Ibex, endemic to Ethiopia's Simien Mountains (image by Mark Beaman)

A Mursi woman wearing her signature lip disk (Image by Inger Vandyke)

Leopard portrait (image by Mark Beaman)

I am the monarch of all I survey! A Gelada family at sunset (image by Mark Beaman)

A backlit Snow Monkey near sunset (image by Mark Beaman)

Night is coming, we must head for the cliffs! Gelada motion blur, all but one... (image by Mark Beaman)

Sly portrait of a Red Fox in Japan (Image by Pete Morris)

Whooper Swans at dusk at Lake Kussharo (image by Mark Beaman)

An adult White-naped Crane comes in to land at Arasaki, Japan (Image by Mark Beaman)

A male Lion from the Marsh Pride drags the almost-consumed carcass of a young elephant at Savuti, Botswana (image by Mark Beaman)

Painted Stork in flight in India (Image by Inger Vandyke)

Red-crowned Cranes in Hokkaido, in the style of a Japanese painting (image by Mark Beaman)

Steller's Sea Eagle with fish (image by Mark Beaman)

Collared Laughingthrushes in southern Vietnam (Image by Pete Morris)

Eagle dawn (image by Mark Beaman)

Tiny biting flies torment a Painted Wolf (or African Wild Dog) until it leaps up to catch some (image by Mark Beaman)

Portrait of a Ladakhi woman wearing a traditional Perak (Image by Inger Vandyke)

An Ethiopian Wolf pounces on its prey (image by Mark Beaman)

The striking appearance of a Mursi woman with her lip plate and decorations of warthog tusks in the Mago National Park (Image by Inger Vandyke)

Red-crowned Crane detail (image by Mark Beaman)

Driving across Lake Assale, Danakil, Ethiopia

A Lioness shakes off the water after a river crossing (image by Mark Beaman)

A line of Indian Wild Asses at sunset in the Little Rann of Kutch, Gujarat (Image by Mike Watson)

Baja California sunsets are legendary (Image by Mark Beaman)

Steller's sunrise (image by Mark Beaman)

Two birds are dwarfed by the watery immensity of the Victoria Falls (image by Mark Beaman)

A herd of Siberian Ibex run up a mountainside in Ladakh (Image by Inger Vandyke)

A priest holding his crucifix at Lalibela in Ethiopia (Image by Inger Vandyke)

A Great White Pelican steals a march on its rivals at Awassa Fish Market (image by Mark Beaman)

A Jaguar rests by the riverside in the Pantanal, unafraid of our presence (Image by Mike Watson)

Mating Indian Skimmers on the Chambal River in Uttar Pradesh, India (Image by Inger Vandyke)

Whooper Swans in the mist (image by Mark Beaman)

Gelada Baboon males are magnificent creatures and you can, with care, approach them very closely in the Simien Mountains of Ethiopia (Image by Inger Vandyke)

Here comes breakfast! Great White Pelicans at Lake Awassa (image by Mark Beaman)

Portrait of a Red Fox (image by Mark Beaman)

It is hard to tell if Nazca Boobies in Galapagos are being affectionate or squabbling... (Image by Mark Beaman)

Dardic Brokpa women of Ladakh in traditional dress (Image by Inger Vandyke)

A Little Cormorant watches the sunset at Tadoba, India (Image by Inger Vandyke)

These Dalmatian Pelicans in Romania's Danube Delta are showing the bright red bill pouches of breeding birds (Image by Attila Szilagyi)

This is the real Suri. Portrait of an elegant young Suri girl with her traditional green head covering and long copper bracelets (Image by Inger Vandyke)

A male Sika Deer amidst Hokkaido's spectacular landscape (image by Mark Beaman)

A Steller's Sea Eagle surveys its wintry domain from an upflung block of sea ice (image by Mark Beaman)

A Little Auk in flight on our Spitsbergen trip (Image by Mike Watson)

Namibia features many different colours of sand dunes including the spectacular garnet sand dunes of Dorob National Park near Swakopmund (Image by Inger Vandyke)

Snow Monkeys often huddle together for warmth in the cold winter of the Japanese Alps (image by Mark Beaman)

Large-billed Crow study (image by Mark Beaman)

A late Whooper Swan heads for its roosting site at sunset (image by Mark Beaman)

A pair of Steller's Sea Eagles go head to head in Hokkaido, Japan! (Image by Pete Morris)

A Steller's Sea Eagle 'brakes' at the last moment as it dives for food (image by Mark Beaman)

Beautiful dancing Red-crowned (or Japanese) Cranes in the snows of Hokkaido (Image by Pete Morris)

A beautiful young Suri girl near Kibish in the Omo Valley (Image by Inger Vandyke)

Chukar Patridge, Ladakh, India (Image by Mike Watson)

Portrait of a stunning, smiling Arbore girl (Image by Inger Vandyke)

Portrait of a Red-crowned Crane, Hokkaido, Japan (Image by Inger Vandyke)

The evocative cry of the African Fish Eagle is one of the charismatic sounds of Africa (image by Mark Beaman)

Portrait of a Panther Chameleon in Madagascar (Image by Dani Velasco)

Misty Whooper Swan (image by Mark Beaman)

A herd of oryx runs across the grasslands of Sossusvlei at sunset (image by Inger Vandyke)

A Blakiston's Fish Owl, the largest owl in the world, with its fish dinner, Hokkaido, Japan (Image by Pete Morris)

Portrait of Bariti, a beautiful Arbore girl (Image by Inger Vandyke)

It is not just the wildlife that is unusual in Simien. Giant Lobelias near Chenek (Image by Inger Vandyke)

Displaying Red-crowned (or Japanese) Cranes in winter in Hokkaido. Cranes mate for life (Image by Inger Vandyke)

A Steller's Sea Eagle forces a White-tailed Eagle to drop a piece of fish by grabbing hold of its leg and talons! (image by Mark Beaman)

Wahlia Ibex (image by Mark Beaman)

Frigatebird at dawn in Baja California (Image by Mark Beaman)

A Chinstrap Penguin has a scratch (Image by Inger Vandyke)

Eurasian Hoopoe in flight in Hungary (Image by János Oláh)

A Whooper Swan comes in to land (image by Mark Beaman)

A striking Hamer woman in the market at Turmi. (Image by Inger Vandyke)

A traditional Suri woman and her baby in the Omo Valley. She is carrying the horn of a large Waterbuck on her head (Image by Inger Vandyke)

An Ibisbill in flight over the Indus River in Ladakh (Image by Mike Watson)

Red-crowned Cranes leaving their atmospheric roost at Otawa in Hokkaido (image by Mark Beaman)

Portrait of a 'Snow Monkey', Honshu, Japan (Image by Inger Vandyke)

Hooded and White-naped Cranes in the snow at Arasaki , Japan (Image by Mark Beaman)

"How wonderful it is to be born a high-caste Snow Monkey and be able to visit the hot bath!" (image by Mark Beaman)

When a Giant Otter crunches down a fish one can hear the noise from 50 metres! Pantanal, Brazil (Image by Mike Watson)

The priests of Lalibela (Image by Inger Vandyke)

TOUR REPORT: Tigers, Leopard, Striped Hyenas and Wolves in India!

Tour report: eagles clashing with a fox and other incredible scenes from japan in winter, welcome to our team: ingrid koedood, tour report: bangladesh – the ship breakers and more, guest portfolio: brazil’s pantanal, photography tours by wild images.

Wild Images creates wildlife, remote area cultures and peoples, and landscape photography tours, photography holidays, photo safaris and expeditions that offer some extraordinary opportunities to take home wonderful images and memories that truly last a lifetime. Our Wild Images tours visit superb locations that span the globe, both popular places and remote, wild and little-visited locations. Why not join one of our photography tours and travel with like-minded people, accompanied by a well respected photographer-guide?

Wild Images leaders are not only experts at getting you to the best places for wildlife, people and landscapes at the best season and at the best time of day for the best shots, but also expert organisers able to cope with the day to day running of the tour, even in the back of beyond in challenging conditions. They are friendly, approachable people who are always happy to offer advice that will help you obtain better images.

Wild Images photography tours are for everyone, regardless of the kind of equipment you carry. Don’t be worried you will be out of your depth, or somehow out on a limb, if you bring along a bridge camera with a 20x optical zoom rather than a DSLR and a big prime telephoto lens. Our leaders will do their utmost to make sure everyone in the group gets great shots. We firmly believe that the person behind the camera is more significant when it comes to taking great images than the type of equipment they use. These days you can capture wonderful images with a bridge camera or, in many situations, with a smartphone. Photography has moved on and is no longer as technically difficult as it once was, opening up this wonderful activity to a wider range of enthusiasts.

Are you interested in bird-watching tours that are also good for bird photography? If so check out the ‘tours good for bird photography’ section of the Birdquest programme.

May-June 2024

HUNGARY: BIRD PHOTOGRAPHY – Enjoying the Finest Hide Network in Europe

ROMANIA’S DANUBE DELTA: BIRD PHOTOGRAPHY – Europe’s largest wetland and surrounding steppes

ICELAND: WILDLIFE & NATURE – Birds, Whales, Geysers & Waterfalls

ECUADOR’S WAORANI: The Last Hunter Gatherers of the Amazon

SRI LANKA’S WONDERFUL WILDLIFE – In search of everything from Leopards to Lizards

August 2024

ZANSKAR: A REMOTE BUDDHIST WORLD – Exploring the most isolated valley of the Indian Himalayas

KENYA: MAASAI MARA MIGRATION SPECIAL – based at Entim, the best migration location in the Mara

August-September 2024

KENYA’S FAR NORTH: Remote Tribes of Lake Turkana, the Ndoto Mountains and the Chalbi Desert

BRAZIL’S PANTANAL: JAGUARS AND SO MUCH MORE – South America’s best wildlife photography destination

CHILE: WALKING WITH PUMAS – An Extraordinary Photographic Adventure at Torres del Paine

September 2024

NAMIBIA – Africa’s Arid Eden

EAGLE HUNTERS OF WESTERN MONGOLIA: Including the Altai Kazakh Eagle Festival at Sagsai

September-October 2024

SNOW LEOPARDS & WILDLIFE OF MONGOLIA – The Ultimate Adventure

MONGOLIA’S FORGOTTEN REINDEER HERDERS: The Tsaatan Nomads of Hovsgol

October 2024

MADAGASCAR: A WORLD APART – The Natural Curiosities of the ‘Eighth Continent’

ANGOLA: Hidden Tribes of the South

November 2024

EMPEROR PENGUINS OF ANTARCTICA: An extraordinary visit to a colony in the Weddell Sea by air

BOTSWANA: WILDLIFE SPECTACULAR – The photographic wonders of the Okavango and Chobe

January 2025

BENIN: UNSEEN WEST AFRICA – Voodoo, scarification and extraordinary cultures

VIETNAM BIRD PHOTOGRAPHY – Pheasants, Pittas, Laughingthrushes & More

January-February 2025

THAILAND BIRD PHOTOGRAPHY – Pittas, Pheasants, Peafowl, Spoon-billed Sandpipers & More

February 2025

JAPAN: WINTER WILDLIFE SPECTACULAR – Cranes, Eagles, Swans & Snow Monkeys

SOUTH SUDAN: TRIBAL WONDERS OF THE WHITE NILE

ROMANIA’S DANUBE DELTA: WINTER WILDLIFE

SNOW LEOPARDS & WILDLIFE OF LADAKH, INDIA – In Search of the Grey Ghost of the Mountains

BANGLADESH – The Shipbreakers and so much more

OMO VALLEY: THE EXTRAORDINARY TRIBAL PEOPLE OF SOUTHERN ETHIOPIA

March-April 2025

INDIA: TIGER & WILDLIFE SPECTACULAR – Central India, Agra, the Chambal River and Gujarat

TANZANIA: WILDLIFE SPECTACULAR – Predators & Prey of Ngorongoro & Serengeti

April-May 2025

PEOPLE OF LADAKH, INDIA: The spectacular, hidden tribal people of the Indian Himalaya

COSTA RICA – The Forest Jewel of Central America

GALAPAGOS ISLANDS: Extraordinary wildlife photography in the footsteps of Darwin

UGANDA: Gorillas, Chimps and Shoebills

May-June 2025

June-July 2025

ALGERIA: Tuaregs of the Algerian Sahara

July-August 2025

TIBETAN SICHUAN – The Litang Horse Festival and much more

August 2025

September 2025

September-October 2025

October 2025

OCTOBER 2025

ZAMBIA: SOUTH LUANGWA – The Valley of Leopards and so much more

Ivory Coast (Côte d'Ivoire)

November 2025

IVORY COAST: Land of Masks and Dance

December 2025

NEW MEXICO: CRANES, GEESE & LANDSCAPES – Bosque del Apache and White Sands

January 2026

ETHIOPIA’S EXTRAORDINARY WILDLIFE: Geladas, Ethiopian Wolves, Ibexes, Hyenas, Birds & Much More

February 2026

RED PANDA EXPEDITION – A Quest for a Wonderful Creature of the Himalayas

WILD ALASKA BIRD PHOTOGRAPHY – Arctic tundra birds and the seabirds of the Pribilof Islands

August 2026

August-September 2026

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40 Safari Photography Tips For Stunning Wildlife Photos

Contents (click to view)

So you’ve booked your dream African safari , and you’re ready to go! 

I imagine you’re excited for the adventures, the landscapes, the amazing food and the friendly people, but mostly for all that incredible wildlife you’re going to see – and photograph.

But you don’t want to spend all that money and go all that way, only to come back with rubbish photos! You want to make the most of the opportunities that are about to unfold in front of you, and come home with stellar safari images to post on Instagram and put up on your wall. 

If that’s why you’re here – you’ve come to the right place!

Welcome to my top 40 African safari photography tips , to help you bring home wildlife photos you’ll treasure for years to come. 

About my safari photography experience

Hello! In case we haven’t met, I’m Bella, and I’m an award-winning travel and wildlife photographer . 

I’ve photographed wildlife on all seven continents , from penguins in Antarctica to puffins in the UK and from whales in Sri Lanka to sloths in Costa Rica . 

In 2020 I won Travel Photographer of the Year at the UK Travel Media Awards (and was a finalist in 2019 and 2023 too).

My wildlife images have been shortlisted five times in the world-famous Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition. I’ve written and photographed for National Geographic Traveller, BBC Wildlife Magazine and Travel Africa among others, and I’ve led workshops and written guides to travel photography and wildlife photography .

Read more: 60+ Awesome Antarctica Photography Tips

But most importantly, I love safari photography!

I’ve worked with safari companies in Botswana and Kenya to shoot images for national publications , and I’ve also photographed safaris in South Africa, Ghana, Tanzania and Uganda (where I lived for three months). 

Throughout all of that I’ve learned a few things about how to make the most of your safari photography tour, and I’d like to share some of that knowledge with you now. 

I’ve tried to write this for beginners and intermediate shooters so I’ve kept it fairly simple, but hopefully there are tips and inspiration in here for more advanced photographers as well. 

Let’s get started! 

Wildlife photography for beginners: some troubleshooting

If you’ve come here looking for Africa safari photography advice, that probably means you’re currently a bit dissatisfied with your wildlife photography.

So first up, I want to discuss some of the reasons why you might be finding your photos disappointing, and what you can do to deal with some of those issues. 

The animals are too far away

If you’re annoyed because the wildlife in your photos appears too small, you need to get closer! You can do that in one of three ways: 

• Ask your driver to move closer (if it’s possible without breaking any rules or disturbing the animal).
• Wait and hope the animal comes closer to you.
• Zoom in. If you’re already fully zoomed in, then you’re gonna need to buy a bigger lens or a better camera. You could also crop the image later, but how much you can get away with depends on the resolution of your camera.

The photos are blurry

Blurred images happen for one of three reasons:

• Camera shake. Use a faster shutter speed to counteract things like bumpy roads or shaky hands.
• The animal is moving too quickly. Again, you need a faster shutter speed to freeze the animal’s motion (unless you’re going for an artistic slow shutter speed effect).
• Your image is not in focus. Modern cameras have extremely advanced autofocussing systems but if you don’t know how to use yours properly, it can and will make bad decisions. Get properly acquainted with your camera’s focussing system, and practise using it!

The images are poor quality

If you’re not happy with the resolution or quality of the images your camera produces, I’m afraid the only answer is to buy a better camera!

But this doesn’t mean you need to splurge thousands on a top-of the range new camera. You can get great deals on older camera models second hand , and many of them are excellent.

I shot this image using a Canon 5D Mark II which you can buy today second hand from Wex , MPB.com or eBay for less than £200.

The lighting is bad: the image looks too harsh, too dark, or too flat

Most safari game drives take place in the early mornings and late afternoons which is when the animals are usually most active. Happily, this tends to also be the prettiest light for photography, but sometimes it can be quite dark. So in an ideal world you should also have a camera that can cope well in low light. 

If the light is dull, flat or too harsh, there are still ways round it. Try changing the position of the car so the subject is backlit, or using a high- or low-key technique to exploit strong contrast.

Learning to edit your images will also make a huge difference: shoot in RAW and then try adjusting the exposure, highlights and shadows, or convert to black and white.

Safari photography tips: before you go

1/ choosing your camera.

Your trusty camera is your window into the wild, so pick the right tool for the job! While it is possible to take great safari images with a smartphone, unfortunately you will be very limited by what your phone camera can do.

If you really want to get those beautiful closeups and soft backgrounds, you’ll need a DSLR or a mirrorless camera with interchangeable lenses – or at the very least a compact camera with a good zoom lens.

You also need to consider factors like how much weight you’re prepared to carry, weather sealing (dust and rain resistance), image stabilisation, and how well it performs in low light.

In Tanzania and Uganda’s national parks I used my much-loved Canon 5D Mark IV ; for my recent trips to Botswana and Kenya I upgraded to a Canon R5 mirrorless which has a much faster focussing system with animal eye detection which is a total game changer for safari photography.

2/ Learn your camera

That said, there’s no point in splashing out thousands on a fancy camera if you don’t know how to use it. The best camera for safari photography is always the one you know well and are comfortable using. 

So if you do splurge on a new camera, don’t be caught fumbling with settings when that perfect wildlife moment arises! Make sure you learn its functions beforehand, explore the menu, and practise using it so that it feels like second nature by the time you’re out in the bush.

I took my new R5 to London Zoo and London Wetland Centre before heading to Kenya , so that I could get it set up how I like it and get any teething troubles out of the way in a controlled environment.

3/ Master your camera’s focus

Modern cameras have extremely intelligent focussing systems that take much of the trial and error out of focussing – but you do need to know how to control them or they’ll take over and get things wrong!

It’s vital you learn how your camera’s focusing system works, get it set up in a way that works for you, and practise focusing on moving subjects. 

Experiment with single-point autofocus for static subjects and continuous autofocus (or servo mode) for tracking moving animals. Don’t be afraid to manually focus for a critical shot, but I normally reserve that for when the subject is still and the autofocus can’t cope – such as a lion sitting amongst tall grasses.

Many newer cameras have fantastic animal eye detection AI but it doesn’t always work and you need to know how to take over quickly if it doesn’t want to play ball. 

4/ Pick the right lenses

The lens you choose will dramatically impact the types of shots you can capture.

A telephoto lens (200 mm and above) is essential for bringing distant animals closer – and I’d recommend a minimum of 400 mm. 

Consider a zoom lens for versatility, but a prime lens offers superior image quality at a fixed focal length. Don’t forget a wider lens (24-70mm range) for capturing landscapes and dramatic animal encounters at close range.

Prime lenses or lenses with a wide maximum aperture (f/4 and below) give you more of that lovely shallow depth of field and perform better in low light, but big prime lenses like the Canon RF 400mm f2.8 L are very large and eye-wateringly expensive!

Check out my guide to camera gear for wildlife photography in Antarctica – you can obviously ignore the cold weather and water sections but all the camera and lens advice is pretty much the same.

5/ Take a second body

It’s a luxury, but if you do have a second camera or a spare body, I recommend you bring it. 

Animal encounters can change in the blink of an eye, and you don’t want to be rushing to change lenses when the lion suddenly comes right up to you, or when you want to switch between a close up and a wide shot showing the environment.

The African bush is also very dusty, so not having to change lenses while you’re out and about will help protect your gear.

I always take two cameras – one fitted with a long lens for close ups or animals that are far away, and one fitted with a wide lens for landscapes or if an elephant is right next to the car. A backup camera is also there should some misfortune befall your main camera.

If you don’t have a spare, why not buy an older model, cheap and second hand ? You can get great deals on pre-loved gear and having a second camera will definitely add more flexibility to your African safari photography.  

6/ Protect your gear

If you’re going to take all that expensive gear to Africa and expose it to the dust, wind, sand and possibly rain, you’d better protect it! 

Invest in a decent padded backpack , and a rain cover for when an unexpected downpour blows in through the side of your open vehicle. Make sure you bring plenty of lens cloths and a dust blower , and give your gear a wipe at the end of every day to keep it in top condition.

And don’t forget proper insurance! Most cameras are too expensive to be covered by your travel insurance policy, so check and get separate gear insurance or cover it under your home insurance policy instead.

7/ Shoot RAW and learn to edit

While RAW files take up more space and need post-processing, they capture more data than JPEGs and offer the flexibility to edit your images to bring out their best. 

If you really want to take your wildlife photography to the next level, one of my top safari photography tips is to shoot RAW and learn some editing skills, to transform your images from good to great.

8/ Dress for success

Neutral-coloured clothing blends into the environment, making you less likely to spook the animals.

Opt for natural fabrics or sweat-wicking sportswear that breathes well in hot weather, and avoid bright colors and noisy clothing that might startle wildlife.

Read more about what to pack for safari here .

9/ Beanbag, tripod or monopod?

If you’re taking a large telephoto lens, you’ll need stabilisation. It’s hard to hold a heavy camera and lens for long periods at a time! 

Some safari companies provide beanbags for you to rest on the window ledge or roof, while others have adapted their cars with padded arm rests to balance your camera on. So it’s worth asking before you travel. 

I usually pack an empty photography beanbag , which I can then fill with beans or rice at the local market when I arrive. 

A tripod or monopod can offer even greater stability but can be impractical if you want to change your angle in a hurry, or if you don’t have much space. However, if you have a monopod (and trust it!), you can also use it to lower your camera over the side of the car for eye-catching low-angle shots. 

10/ Don’t forget spare cards and batteries

Running out of power or storage on safari is a recipe for disappointment!

Pack plenty of fully-charged batteries and enough memory cards – you’ll probably shoot way more than you usually do. Consider high-capacity, fast cards for capturing bursts of action, like birds in flight or a cheetah on the hunt. 

Cards are expensive, so I bring just two, and then back up my photos daily onto a portable hard drive before reusing the cards the next day. 

Find out more about my travel photography workflow here .

African safari photography tips: practicalities

Getting the best out of your safari photography begins before you leave the lodge – in fact, you could say it begins before you even get on the plane!

Here are some things to think about before you head out on your safari adventure:

11/ Ask about your vehicle

Not all safari vehicles are created equal. Before you book, find out what type of car you’ll be using. Will it be open sided; will it have a pop-up or a roll-back top?

Does everyone get a window seat, or will some people have to sit in the middle? Is there tiered seating and will you be able to get down low?

Ideally, you want a car with open sides and a pop-up or open roof for unobstructed views. At all costs avoid tour buses or normal-style jeeps with windows that don’t open fully.  

I prefer to book with companies that offer smaller vehicles (maximum six people per car) and a guaranteed window seat. In an ideal world, you’ll be able to have an entire row to yourself, so you have a prime spot no matter which side the animal is on. 

Knowing the vehicle will also help you choose the right accessories to bring: do you need a monopod or a beanbag? Will you have space to spread your gear out or will you need to bring a more compact setup?

12/ Consider a private car

For the ultimate in control and flexibility, a private safari vehicle might be better for you if you have the budget. 

Not having to worry about what other people want to do, or compete for the best angles, allows you to tailor the itinerary to your photographic goals, spread yourself around the car, and get in the perfect position every time. 

Looking for African safari tours? Search TourRadar for a huge selection from 5* operators

13/ Talk to your guide

Your guide is your key to unlocking the secrets of the bush – he or she is the person who’ll hopefully help you find your dream safari animals or get the shots you’re after.

What’s more, a good guide who understands light and angles is probably the number one most important thing you can have for safari photography. So before the trip or when you first arrive, I always tell the company I’m a photographer and ask to be assigned their best photography guide.

I noticed a huge difference in both Kenya and Botswana between the shots I got with a guide who really ‘got’ photography, and the ones who didn’t. 

Chat to them before you head out on your first game drive. Let them know the wildlife you’re hoping to see and the shots you’d like to get, and they will do their best to help you.

When you’re out and about, don’t be afraid to ask if you want something. The guide won’t know what shot you have in mind, so if you want to stop, move on, nudge the car forward or back a little, get a little closer, or find a different angle, just ask. It might not always be possible or allowed, but they will do their best to help you if they can. 

Remember though, that guides, while brilliant, are not miracle workers. If you’re desperate to see a leopard, they will use all their skills to help find one, but unfortunately the animals don’t perform on demand and sightings are never guaranteed. 

14/ Don’t just talk, listen!

As well as communicating your needs effectively, it’s important to listen. Guides are a goldmine of information when it comes to animals – not only in general, but they will also know the habits of specific animals in their patch. Your guide will be able to tell you where and when you’ll have the best chance of seeing a certain species or where certain individuals like to hang out. 

Once you’ve found the animal, the guides are experts at recognising behaviour cues and will be able to tell you if the lion is about to stretch or the hippo is about to yawn, so you can capture the money shot.

In Kenya, our guide Saruni anticipated that this lion would be thirsty after eating and would walk to this puddle to drink, so he positioned the car in the perfect spot and then all we had to do was wait for the lion to come to us.

15/ Get up early and stay out late

Lighting is crucial in photography. Early mornings and late afternoons offer the soft, golden light that creates stunning wildlife portraits, while midday sun can be harsh, creating strong contrast and deep shadows. 

Typically, most safari itineraries include morning and afternoon game drives, as that is when the animals are most active. Make sure you’re ready to go – if you hit snooze or dawdle over breakfast, you’ll may miss the best moments.

Likewise, at the end of the day many safari companies offer ‘sundowner’ drinks and snacks – which is exactly when you want to be photographing. So I always let my guide know that I’d prefer to skip cocktail hour and keep shooting instead (which is much easier to do if you’re not sharing the car with non-photographers who don’t take kindly to this!).

Safari photography tips: framing and composition

16/ think about your composition.

Now you’ve sorted the practicalities, it’s time to think about the images you’re going to take. Don’t just snap what’s in front of you – instead, think about what you want to include or leave out, and where you want the main focal point to be. 

You’re probably already familiar with the Rule of Thirds, where you imagine dividing the frame into thirds and then place your subject off-centre on one of those ‘third lines’ to create a more pleasing composition. Give it a go!

I explain more about the Rule of Thirds, as well as giving loads more general wildlife photography tips, in my Easy wildlife photography tips for beginners post. 

17/ What’s in shot? Keep it simple.

Be mindful of what fills your frame. Where possible, try to avoid clutter and distracting elements like branches or leaves that obstruct your subject. If necessary, change position in the car or ask the driver to move back or forward a little to get a better angle.

Avoid photos with too many elements competing for attention. Where there are many animals together, try to isolate one to three individuals, or wait for the group to space out a little to create a clean composition.

There were many zebras at this waterhole at Leroo La Tau in Botswana but I focussed on just these three to create a simple composition

18/ What’s in the background?

A messy background can detract from your subject. Whether that’s tangled trees or random other animals, try to aim for clean backdrops that don’t distract.

If necessary, ask your driver to move the car, or wait for the animal to move into a better position.

19/ Focus on the eye

In wildlife photography, it’s generally accepted that you should always focus on the main animal’s eye. We want the viewer to connect with the subject, and we are naturally drawn to eyes, so if the eye isn’t in focus the viewer’s connection to the image may be lost.

There are exceptions of course, such as if the eye isn’t visible in the shot, or you’ve deliberately chosen something else to focus on, but as a general rule of thumb, you should always get at least one eye sharp.

20/ Wait for eye contact

Connected with this, notice how when the animal’s gaze is locked on you, it creates an extra dramatic connection.

Some safari animals are curious and will look right at you, so keep your camera poised and ready to click the shutter at that crucial moment when your subject looks right at your lens.

21/ Get low

Sitting in a car, with the animal on the ground, most of the time you’ll be looking down on your subject and the background will be the grass around it. 

It’s not easy to do because most of the time it’s not safe to get out of the car, but if you can get down to the same level or lower than your subject so it’s framed against the sky instead, it makes for much more dramatic images. 

You obviously can’t do this when there are predators around, but if you ask your guide, it may be possible if the animal is a herbivore, it’s far enough away and you stay close to the car. I shot these rhinos by staying safely behind the car, and lying on the ground so I could shoot underneath it. 

22/ Shoot landscapes

Another top safari photography tip to remember is that going on safari isn’t just about the animals.

Don’t forget to capture the vastness and beauty of the African landscape, from the wide savanna grasslands, to lonely trees silhouetted against the sunset, to dramatic mountains on the horizon or reflections in lakes and wetlands. 

23/ Include the environment for context

Show how your animal subject interacts with its environment. Did you spot a lioness stalking through tall grass or a solitary giraffe eating acacia? Close ups can be dramatic and beautiful but including context can tell a different story. 

In Tsavo West, Kenya , I was amazed by the magnificent elephants which are often stained red or orange thanks to the landscape’s red dust. In this image I wanted to show how the elephants’ vivid colour stands out in the dry landscape and is mirrored by the orange dust bath just behind them.

24/ Shoot silhouettes

Sunrise and sunset are the most magical times for safari photography. And if you get dramatic colours in the sky, you can shoot sensational silhouettes. 

Find a recognisable animal – giraffes and elephants are great for this – and then get down low (positioning your car a little downhill is ideal) so the animal’s shape is against the sky and you can see its legs.

Time the shot so all the legs and the tail are visible, and underexpose by a stop or two to bring out the sky and turn the animal into a dark silhouette.

25/ Use the beauty of backlighting 

It’s tempting to always have the sun fully illuminating your subject from the front, but moving round to the other side so the animal is backlit often gives much more attractive results.

Low backlighting at the beginning and end of the day also illuminates grasses and creates a beautiful rim of light around your animal, highlighting the texture of its fur.

26/ Look up and around

Don’t forget to look skyward! Capture African birds soaring overhead, or giraffes munching on leaves from tall trees.

And don’t forget to look behind you too. While everyone is clicking away at resting lions, there might be some hyenas or a band of mongooses on the other side of the car.

27/ Include soft foreground elements

Frame your shot with interesting foreground elements like wildflowers, tall grasses, or branches, using a wide aperture and shallow depth of field to make them soft focus. This creates depth in your image and draws the viewer’s eye towards your subject.

This spoonbill standing by a lake was a pretty boring shot, until I moved behind the bush to create a natural frame around the bird. 

28/ Include cars and people 

As well as taking shots of the animals you see, don’t forget to include people too. 

Sometimes lions, elephants and other wildlife comes extremely close to the vehicles, and you can’t get a clean shot. Embrace this and make a point of it! Shots of animals and people’s reaction to them being so close can give you dramatic images and great memories of your safari photography trip.

29/ Try high key and low key

Playing with your exposure and going for a minimalistic look can add a new dimension to your safari photos. 

High key photography, emphasising bright whites and light colours, creates a clean feel, and can work well on overcast days when the sky is white. A great way to start practising with this is to find an animal against a white sky, and overexpose by a stop or two to blow out the sky and give an airy feel to the image.

Conversely, low key photography emphasises darker tones and deeper shadows, ideal for dramatic portraits. This works best if you have an animal lit by the sun against a darker background such as trees or rocks. Underexpose by 1-2 stops for that moody look.

I mainly shoot aperture priority, so the exposure compensation wheel is your friend here if you want to start experimenting.

30/ Use black and white to convey drama or texture

I love bright colours, but sometimes, stripping the colour away can be incredibly powerful. 

Black and white photography can allow the textures and shapes of your subject to shine – and works especially well with patterned animals like zebras, leopards or giraffes. 

Converting your image to black and white is also great for giving a boost to flat images shot on cloudy days or in disappointing light.

31/ Don’t ignore the little guys

While everyone wants jaw-dropping shots of lions and cheetahs, don’t ignore the less celebrity animals.

Some antelopes have wonderful character and colours, and if you look at your feet you may spot a colourful lizard or a fascinating dung beetle. So keep your eyes open!

32/ Look for natural framing

Trees, leaves, or even the bodies of other animals can create great natural frames which add interest to your composition.

In the image of silver-backed jackal pups below, I deliberately cropped the shot so the body of the standing puppy makes a natural frame around its siblings

33/ Try an unusual crop

You don’t always need to include the whole of the animal. If your zoom allows, why not crop in to draw the attention to details or a single individual amongst a herd.

I’ve cropped this image so you only see the eye and mouth of the mother crocodile, but it draws attention to the two babies sitting on her head.

34/ Be creative

Try to think outside the box with your images. What can you shoot that tells a story in an creative way but isn’t a basic portrait of an animal? 

Perhaps a lone elephant casts a long shadow as the sun dips below the horizon. Or look for reflections in watering holes – the mirrored image can add an artistic touch.

Buy my safari prints

Did you know that all my images are available to buy as prints to hang on your wall? And if you head to my Print Store and something you like is not there, you can simply message me via the contact form or on social media and I can add it for you.

Safari photography tips: some tricks and techniques

35/ aperture or shutter priority, or manual.

Some photographers like to make you think that if you’re not always shooting full manual, you’re just an amateur. Well I’m here to tell you that’s rubbish, so don’t worry.

Yes, you do need to get away from full auto, because although auto can be helpful and gets some things right, it often gets things wrong too.

But the ‘semi-auto’ modes, where you tell the camera your priorities and it calculates the rest, are ideal for wildlife photography. Things happen quickly and unexpectedly on safari, and there simply isn’t time for you to be fiddling with all the settings.

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I pretty much always use Aperture Priority (AV) mode with my aperture fully wide open for lovely soft depth of field, while keeping an eye on my shutter speed to make sure it’s not too slow for fast-moving animals.

I keep my ISO on manual as well, to avoid the camera pushing it right up and giving me noisy images.

You could also use Shutter Priority (TV) mode to make sure your shutter is fast enough to freeze the action, but then you don’t have any control over the depth of field you want.

36/ Auto focus or manual focus?

Manual focus can definitely be useful at times, but in general I always use auto focus. Cameras have extremely complex and clever auto focussing systems, so why wouldn’t you use it!

You do need to understand your focussing system and know how to control it, otherwise the camera may choose to focus on the wrong thing. I use a single spot which I either point at the subject and then reframe to take the shot, or I move the spot around the frame. For fast-moving animals, the animal eye detection AI is really very good, but not always perfect.

For more on how I set up my camera for wildlife photography, check out Using The Canon R5 For Wildlife Photography: A Full Review .

37/ Use burst mode to freeze action

The animal kingdom is unpredictable, and perfect photo opportunities can happen in a flash. 

Today’s DSLRs and mirrorless cameras – and even smartphones – can now shoot many frames per second, allowing you to capture a rapid sequence of images and increasing your chances of getting that razor-sharp shot of a lion leaping or a gazelle mid-air. 

Later, you can sort through the burst and select the image with the perfect composition and action frozen in time.

I used a high-speed burst to take a sequence of images of this leopard snapping a flies so that I could pick the facial expression I liked best (on the right).

38/ Or experiment with slower shutter speeds

Safari photography is all about capturing movement and it can be tempting to go for the fastest shutter speeds possible to freeze the action.  

Why not try using a slower shutter speed and either panning or zooming at the same time, to create a sense of motion and a very different look?

I used a slow shutter speed of 0.3 seconds and turned the zoom as I took the photo to create this impressionistic images of a lion in Botswana.

39/ Be patient

Animals move on their own schedule, and if you get bored too quickly, you may miss that dream moment. In fact, some of my best shots have happened after all the other cars have got bored and left, while we waited and were rewarded for our patience. 

So embrace the waiting game! Enjoy the scenery, listen to the sounds of the savannah, but always be ready to shoot quickly when that leopard finally comes down from the tree or the sleeping lion gets up and goes on the hunt.

Click here to start planning your dream photo safari adventure!

40/ Be a team player

Sharing a vehicle means compromising sometimes. If another guest has a dream shot, or there’s only one good angle on the animal, be flexible and allow them some space, and they should do the same for you.

The same goes for your car as a whole. Don’t be that guy who parks in front or hogs the best spot for hours. You may not get every shot, but life is better when people are considerate of others too – and it’s better for the animals if they’re not being harassed by jostling cars.

Communication and courtesy go a long way in ensuring everyone gets a chance to capture unforgettable moments and has a great time in the process.

And that’s it! I hope you enjoyed all these tips for safari photography.

My favourite travel tools and brands

To help you organise your trip, here’s a short list of some of the brands and tools I use over and over again when I’m planning my travels. You can see more on my Travel Resources page.

• Booking.com : A huge range of hotels to choose from, often with free cancellation. If you book hotels regularly you can earn discounts. I’m on Genius Level 3 which gets me 20% off!
• Expedia : Another great place to find hotels and Expedia also sell flights , car hire, and loads more all in one place.
• Skyscanner : The only place I ever go to search for flights and compare prices.
• Flight Centre : Booking a more complicated route? Let Flight Centre organise it for you (and deal with the drama when something goes wrong).
• Priority Pass: I love having access to 1,400+ airport lounges when I fly, allowing me to enjoy my time at the airport. With my link you get 30% off a standard membership or 20% off standard plus.
• Airalo: Say goodbye to ridiculous mobile roaming charges. Did you know you can now buy an e-SIM , install it in your phone before you leave home, and then use data abroad at local prices? Game changer.
• TourRadar: If you prefer group travel and organised tours, TourRadar has a huge range of fantastic tours from respected operators. They’re very helpful and have 4.5 stars on TrustPilot.
• Viator: Part of the TripAdvisor brand, Viator is another great place to search for group adventures and day trips.
• GetYourGuide: A great place to find local tours and day trips in your destination.
• Wex Photo Video: The UK’s best camera gear store. Quote my name – Bella Falk – to get £20 off your first purchase.
• Ellis Brigham: Looking for good quality backpacks, travel clothes and other gear? Ellis Brigham is where I buy almost all of mine.
• Rentalcars.com: Part of the Booking.com family and the world’s largest online car rental service, with 24/7 customer service.
• World Nomads Travel Insurance: I never ever travel without travel insurance and nor should you!

Where to next?

If you liked this safari photography tips post, why not try some of my other safari posts?

• A Kenya Safari Holiday: How To Plan The Perfect Trip For You
• Which Is The Best Botswana Safari Lodge? My Favourites With Photos
• Kenya Vs Tanzania: Travel Experts Decide
• 28 Brilliant Things To Do In Uganda
• 46 Amazing African Safari Animals – A Photo Guide
• What To Wear On Safari: My Detailed Safari Packing List With Photos
• My Camera Equipment List: What’s In My Gear Bag?
• Is Cardamom House In Vipingo The Best Beach Hotel In Kenya?

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Bella is a multi-award-winning travel writer, wildlife photographer and science and history documentary director from London. Among many awards and nominations she won Blogger of the Year at the British Guild of Travel Writers’ Awards 2023 and Best Photography at the Travel Media Awards 2020. Her work has been published by National Geographic, Wanderlust, and BBC Travel among others. Her films have been shown around the world including on the BBC, Discovery and PBS.

Further Reading...

Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic: What To See, Eat, Do

A Perfect Day in Kampala

19 Easy Wildlife Photography Tips For Beginners

Cyprus in spring: 10 reasons why it's the best time to visit.

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Wildlife & Nature Photography Tours & Trips

From the Northern Lights of Europe to the majestic tigers of India , a wildlife and nature photography adventure offers insights on how to master the art of capturing that perfect shot. Spend your holidays with like-minded people who all share a passion for illuminating a landscape through their lens.

250+ Wildlife & Nature Photography trips with 275 reviews

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20-Day Ultimate Southern Africa, Johannesburg to Cape Town

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Best Value Aurora Viewing | Wildlife & Hot Springs

Wildlife tour is good but the city tour is too rush, not even have rnough time to see a short introductory film of the city in the visitor centre.

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Incredible India

Wonderful experience of india tour we are happy with all services and liked Taj Mahal alot

6 Days Tanzania Lodge Safari.

Hazzes Adventure is a fantastic company that organized a complete and well-planned vacation to Tanzania's famed national parks such as the Serengeti, Tarangire, and Ngorongoro. I would strongly suggest this company to anyone traveling to Tanzania because of the excellent communication and attention to detail.

Birdwatching in Romania - a Danube Delta experience

Great experience, guide Andrei was knowledgable, enthusiastic, friendly, and professional. He went out of his way to ensure that our group of 4 had an enjoyable and satisfactory experience. Accomodations were terrific, as were the home-cooked meals that were included. Would recommend!

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8 Days Kenya LUXURY Family Safari & Beach Holiday Tour

Wonderful 7 nights journey through Masai Mara, lake Nakuru and Amboseli. Edouard, our tour guide, has been the most patient and accommodating person. He is a terrific guide who can spot animals miles away! We obviously saw the big 5 on many occasions and much more! He has ensured our journey was smooth and was the sweetest person with our 10 years old. The hotel selection was v nice, with high levels of comfort. Albert, the owner of the company, is a v nice man, has been v helpful and accommodating during the preparation of the journey and during. Again a v smooth and fabulous journey. Ps money wise, safari is not a cheap experience but I have found albert company to be v competitive in comparison with others and again this is the trip of a lifetime! Thank you

Best North India Wildlife Tour

Many thanks to Yolo India Tours for organizing my dream holiday of experiencing the Indian wildlife. Our 10 days wildlife holiday ranks high among our all time favorite holiday. This tour is a treat for every wildlife lover and offer the best wildlife experience of India. From our first informational emails, to being personally dropped at the airport to go home everything was perfect. The hotels were wonderful and safaris to the national park organised very well. I will always remember this wild life experience of India.

4 Days Tanzania Experience Safari

Our experience with Hazzes Adventure was fantastic and wonderful. Our guide "Vincent" was magnificent and led us to a unique and enchanting experience. We saw lots of animals: leopard, lion, giraffes, elephants, wildebeest etc blah blah.. we had the opportunity to spot a lion hunting. We went as a family with our children and they loved this trip. I highly recommend Hazzes Adventure for you next African safari.

ROYAL IQUITOS - 4 DAYS

Thank you for this amazing adventure! The Amazon is truly a precious, unique and fragile ecosystem that should be preserved at all cost. Special thanks to Luz and Ruth for perfectly organizing our tour! Special thanks to Max for being so knowledgeable and attentive!

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Best of the Coast - Sydney to Cairns 16 Day Flashpacker Adventure Tour

Have been on 3 trips with Via Travel now. Can't recommend highly enough. Guides were enthusiastic, knowledgable and went above and beyond to ensure the group enjoyed the trip and always had extras to suggest for those that wanted a little more. Accommodation was always clean and well situated. The itineraries are much better designed than what all the other big companies offer. Much more thought out, always including an indigenous experience or two, some down time (so important and usually overlooked on multiple day tours. It is a holiday after all!) and always covering the highlights. Looking forward to my next trip!

The Amazon Majesty

I booked this tour as a single traveller and really enjoyed the tour. They planned the itinerary with flexibility so I could do the activities I wanted to do. Brian the lodge Manager accompanied me from the airport to the lodge and was very professional and courteous.The only thing I would pick up on was that the lodge was basic but this wasnt an issue as its intended to give you a real feel for the Amazon.i shared my thoughts with management as the are very keen to offer a good service for future customers.

3 Days Tarangire, Ngorongoro Craeter & Lake Manyara

The best travel company for safari. We went for a tour as teachers . It was the best experience we had, the guide explained everything in detail. we saw a lot of animals including the big 5.

Best Beaches, Rainforest and Islands – 13 Day Flashpacker Adventure Tour

My boyfriend and I travelled from Brisbane to Cairns with Via travel two weeks ago and had the trip of a lifetime! The tour had the perfect balance of sight-seeing and relaxing so it really felt like a holiday while also seeing and experiencing some amazing places! It was fun, well-organised and stopped at all of the must-see places on the East Coast! Our tour guide, Jason, was friendly and informative and had an outrageous amount of knowledge on everything East Coast, from local knowledge, information about the wildlife, history and culture to restaurant and bar recommendations! His energy kept us going, even when we were tired, and made sure that everyone had a great time! Although everywhere we visited was amazing, some of the highlights for me were Magnetic Island (our favourite!!), which gave us the chance to see koalas, wallabies and lots of wildlife up close and in their natural habitats, snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef, where we saw incredible aquatic life and coral (an absolute must do!!) and our Indigenous culture experience with Kuku Yalanji tours where we were completely out of our comfort zone but learned so much and got a real insight into local culture. We absolutely loved the small tour group size too, which allowed us to get to know everyone really well within a couple of days and make friends from all corners of the world! The group dinners and nights out that we had were so much fun! Whether you're a nature enthusiast, adventure seeker, or simply looking to explore the beauty of the East Coast, this tour with Via travel is a must-do experience and one that I will be recommending to all of my friends!!

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Both driver and guide we knowledgeable and professional.

Delhi - Agra - Jaipur with Ranthambore Tiger Safari : 6 Days

Perfectly arranged. Wonderful driver throughout the week and excellent guides in every city.

What people love about Wildlife & Nature Photography Tours

A very friendly and professional team and I would happily use again. I saw the aurora twice and missed the third night it was showing because of an early morning flight. The photos taken by the guides were excellent

We booked our trip our bespoke trip with Hazzes at Hazzes Adventure, who was a tremendous help for us to work out our itinerary together with another couple. His experience and attention to our needs was priceless. Our guide Vincent in our private safari vehicle was excellent, and fun to be with. He is very knowledgeable and engaging, so friendly and accommodating to our every need. Everything was in top form and the experience was truly exceptional. Highly recommended! The animals of course were equally awesome and abundant. Can't wait to do it again.

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Top 50 Destinations for Wildlife Photography

Whether you’re an aspiring nature photographer, hungry for adventure, or experienced at capturing wildlife at its most candid – chances are there’s still places you want to explore. We’ve rounded up 50 of the best destinations for wildlife photography to help you plan your next adventure.

1. Svalbard Archipelago – for the King of the Arctic and other arctic wildlife

2. Antarctic Peninsula – A Heaven for Penguins and Elephant Seals

For many of these incredible locations, you’ll probably experience such a sensory overload, you might want to put the camera down and pinch yourself. But then again, if you get the chance to take your camera on an epic and wild adventure to the Antarctic Peninsula – you’re going to want to pick it right back up again. It’s the easiest part of mainland Antarctica to reach.

Once you’re there, you’ll be surrounded by some of Antarctica’s most stunning scenery – with dramatic landscapes filled with jagged mountain peaks, majestic icebergs and an abundance of wildlife. It’s a major breeding ground for seabirds, elephant seals, and penguins which you’ll see plenty of on a micro expedition to explore places like the South Shetland Islands and Livingston Island, and Half Moon Bay. There will also be opportunities to photograph whales, most commonly humpback and minke whales.

3. Falkland Islands – Witness the March of the Penguins

If you’ve dreamed of photographing penguins in the world, then the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) calls. They’re home to a large penguin settlement, with five species. The most common are rockhopper penguins with distinctive yellow feathers above their eyes. You’ll see them perching on the cliffs on Pebble Island and Sea Lion Island between October and April.

The Malvinas are also home to the largest population of the larger gentoo penguins in the world. And they are likely to waddle into the path of your lens all year round. Visit West Point to see the brown albatross in flight, and the islands are also home to rare bird species, like the steamer duck and the silver teal.

Find out more here

4. South Georgia – The Kingdom of King Penguins

The mountainous island about 800 miles from the Islas Malvinas is a wildlife photographer’s paradise. It’s one of the more remote, and rarely visited destinations on Earth, with no permanent residents. Leaving you free to roam and get close to nature with your camera away from large tour groups.

South Georgia’s rugged landscapes and beautiful beaches are home to six species of penguins, with a total population of seven million. And there is a huge number of King Penguins roaming around, as well as 50% of the global elephant seal population. With wilderness that will make you wonder if you’re still on Earth, it’s also a great opportunity for landscape photography. So pack your camera kit, follow in Shackleton’s footsteps, and capture your wildlife adventure.

5. Baffin Island – Get Close-Ups of Arctic Foxes and Polar Bears

Canada’s largest island is also the fifth-largest in the world. It’s also becoming better known for incredible Arctic expeditions, and yep, you guessed it. – stunning nature photography. The sparsely populated island is filled with dramatic landscapes including soaring mountains (over 2000 metres high) and two of Canada’s largest national parks including Auyuittuq, meaning “the land that never melts”.

The Canadian Arctic is home to around 60 percent of the world’s polar bear population, and the island is also home to the Arctic fox, as well as endemic species like the tundra grey wolf, and caribou. Baffin Island is also home to over 100 species of birds including falcons, ptarmigans and puffins. Take a snowmobile trip on the floe ice for a chance to see narwhals and beluga whales up close too.

6. Somerset Island – Summer Light and Beluga Whales

This uninhabited Canadian island 500 miles north of the Arctic Circle is incredible for whale watching. There are large numbers of beluga whales on Somerset Island in the summer, and you might also get to kayak alongside white whales. Hiking around the island’s canyons, you’ll also find 8000-year old bowhead whale skeletons in the tundra. You might also get the chance to photograph polar bears, narwhals, and Arctic terns and snow geese.

7. Greenland – Still Landscapes and Humpback Whales

Journey to the largest island on Earth. Greenland is also one of the least inhabited places in the world, perfect for photography adventures in search of raw natural beauty, and Arctic wildlife. There are very few roads in Greenland, so you can make your way around to stunning places like Disko Bay on the west coast.

It’s home to soaring, sky-scraper high icebergs and is also a great place to spot humpback whales up close. Travel to Greenland during the summer to see its splendour under the light of the midnight sun, although it’s also a pretty amazing place to witness the Northern Lights. Greenland is also home to polar bears, Arctic foxes, reindeer and musk oxen.

8. Patagonia – The Andean Home of the Puma

At the southern tip of South America, straddling both Argentina and Chile lies the wilderness of Patagonia. The region sits at the southern sections of the Andes, and as well as mountains, the Patagonian landscape is varied and vast. In the east you’ll find beautiful lakes, glaciers, and fjords and to the west is barren desert. People visit to go on wilderness hikes, and there are also plenty of opportunities to go whale watching and spot penguins.

The mountains are also home to the puma, although you’ll need to book a guided trip with experienced trackers – and the eastern part of the Torres del Paine national park offers the best chance of seeing them. The stunning national park is also home to herds of guanacos (llama’s little cousins) and the Patagonian fox. Look up the skies to capture a shot of the condor in flight.

9. Galapagos Islands – A Paradise of Rare Wildlife

The archipelago of volcanic islands are part of Ecuador, and considered to be one of the best places in the world for wildlife photography. With such diverse wildlife including one of the highest numbers of endemic species in the world – it’s easy to see what inspired Charles Darwin so much. Taking a photo tour is one of the best ways to experience the Galapagos Islands’ rich flora and fauna. January to May are warmer, wetter months with blue skies that are great for photography.

This archipelago’s most famous creature is the galapagos tortoise (where the islands got their name) – and there are over 4000 on Isabela Island alone. Another of the islands’ endemic species is the marine iguana – which is also the only species of Iguana that isn’t land based. It can dive up to 30 feet underwater, but if underwater photography isn’t your bag – you’ll also find it roaming on the shores, marshes and mangrove beaches. They’re also found on all of the Galapagos Islands so you will be able to see them on any itinerary. And for colour – look out for distinctive red of the magnificent frigatebird, especially if you’re heading to North Seymour Island.

10. Kodiak Island – Where the Brown Bear Is King

Kodiak Island in North America is a large island that is part of Alaska (separated by the Shelikof Strait) and the largest island in the Kodiak Archipelago. It’s also an amazing place to photograph bears in the wild. Two-thirds of Kodiak Island is part of the Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge which is home to around 3000 Kodiak bears – the largest grizzly bears in the world.

The river and lakes are filled with salmon which keeps them pretty happy. Kodiak Island was once covered in ice but is now filled with lush green mountains. The island is also home to Sitka black-tailed deer, mountain goats, elk and bald eagles. The best time to visit to see bears is between July and September.

11. Franz Josef Land – Watch Walruses and Trace Arctic Expedition History

The remote rarely visited archipelago in the Russian High Arctic is uninhabited and amazing for dramatic and diverse wildlife photography. It’s also steeped in Arctic expedition history, and you can visit the site of Fridtjof Nansen’s camp at Cape Norway. You can only really go during the summer, and even then sea ice can make it tricky to explore. Although temperatures are fairly warm for this sort of environment – just above freezing! And 85 percent of the archipelago is made up of glaciers – which are stunning to behold.

When you’re not retracing the steps of famous explorers and trying to imagine the harsh conditions they lived in – you can also spend time wildlife watching. There is a decent chance you will see polar bears, walruses, Arctic foxes and large seabird colonies.

12. Skervoy, Norway – For Orcas in the Winter

There is no shortage of amazing places to witness the Northern Lights and go whale watching in Norway. But while most people have heard of Tromso, fewer know about Skjervøy in the north. The remote island close to the mountains is perfect for a photography trip to capture amazing landscapes and see Orcas and Humpback whales up close, without big crowds.

The island was also the first port of call for Arctic explorer Fritjof Nansen’s Fram ship on his return from the North Pole in 1896. You can take your camera on a mini-expedition to explore the rugged coastline as well as taking boats out to get great shots of whales in the Norwegian waters. Visit between November and January for the best whale watching opportunities.

13. Saint Helena – For a Chance to See Whale Sharks

One of the world’s most remote islands is St Helena. It’s a volcanic island in the South Atlantic, about 1200 miles west of Angola and 2500 east of Rio de Janeiro, and you can fly in via Cape Town and then take a boat. Only a few hundred people live here, known as Saints and it’s a British Overseas Territory, (one of 14 such territories that are remnants of the British Empire).

Although colonialism casts a murky shadow here (Napoleon was exiled here), and there’s plenty of history to check out – it’s nature that makes this worth putting on your photography holiday itinerary.

Saint Helena is home to rich bird and marine life as well as other creatures, including Jonathan the ancient giant tortoise who resides in Plantation House, and is the oldest living terrestrial animal on earth, apparently. You can also swim with placid but massive whale sharks (or just appreciate them with your camera from a boat!) in January to March, and later in the year from June to December is great for spotting humpback whales. Dolphins can be spotted year round, and it’s worth taking a hike up Diana’s Peak – at 823m, it’s the highest point of the island and perfect for capturing amazing landscapes.

14. Churchill Canada – The Polar Bear Capital

Churchill, Manitoba is also known as the accessible arctic, as it sits on the relatively warm southwestern shore of Hudson Bay which you can get to by plane or even train from the mainland. The latter takes you through the forests and eventually the wild tundra. Unlike a lot of other Arctic destinations, the landscape isn’t barren, it’s filled with an abundance of wildflowers (over 500).

Churchill is the polar bear capital of the world, and people also come to see beluga whales. But there are plenty of other species to see up close too, including Arctic hares, Arctic foxes, moose and snowshoe hares. In the summer you can see polar bears by boat, but if you want to see them roaming in the tundra, visit in Autumn.

15. Borneo – A Rainforest Adventure With Orangutans

The huge, rugged island in Asia straddles the equator and one of the more tropical destinations on our radar for wildlife photography is Borneo. The island is shared by three countries – Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei and its tropical rainforests are home to an incredibly diverse array of wildlife including orangutans, giant apes, pygmy elephants, and flying fox bats.

Borneo is one of only two places in the world where tigers, orangutans, and elephants live together – the other is Sumatra. Suffice to say, it’s a paradise for wildlife photography and rainforest adventure. One of the most untouched forests is Maliau Basin, so head there for dense jungle treks and crystal clear waterfalls. But for great shots of the Borneo orangutans – watch them swing into your shot at Tanjung Puting National Park.

16. Yala National Park, Sri Lanka – For Spotting Leopards

Sri Lanka’s largest national park is home to the highest density of Leopards in the world, including the Sri Lankan leopard subspecies. To get around the park, you’ll need to take a jeep safari tour, following trails around to see lakes, jungle, and grasslands. You’ll need to do your research for tours that aren’t too crowded and high impact though. As well as Leopards, you might also erm, snap a photo of a crocodile, see roaming buffalos, wild pigs, elephants, and monkeys. Yala National Park is also home to over 200 species of birds, including green bee-eaters, painted storks, and the crested serpent eagle.

17. Okavango Delta, Botswana – A Haven for Hippos

The Okavango Delta in Botswana is over 900 miles of wetland wilderness deep in the Kalahari Desert. People come to witness beautiful rivers, lush lagoons, and thriving African wildlife. You need to visit during the dry season to experience the wetlands in full flood – which occurs between July and September and is best for wildlife watching.

Make your way around the delta on walking trails or by boat. However you travel, you’ll get to photograph an abundance of wildlife including the ‘big five game animals – lions, leopards, African buffalos, and African bush elephants. Okavango Delta is also a haven for hippos, expect to see them stomping and honking through the waters.

18. Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska – Hang Out With Sea Otters

A couple of hours’ drive from Anchorage lies one of Alaska’s most untamed wildernesses. Kenai Fjords National Park was set up in 1980 to this sprawling, natural wonder, including the huge Harding Ice Field which has almost 40 glaciers flowing from it. The park’s chilly waters and lush forests are also home to vast species of wildlife. Among the many marine mammals, you can see are sea otters – a protected species that were once hunted to the brink of extinction in the 18th and 19th centuries.

There’s a very high chance of seeing them too, ninety percent of the world’s sea otters live on the Alaskan coast. Apart from these adorable creatures, by exploring Kenai Fjords National Park you might also be able to see orcas, fin whales, and harbour seals as well as mountain goats, black and brown bears, and wolverines. The best time to come is the summer, with plenty of long days and great light to take advantage of.

19. Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, Alaska – To See Seals

Another Alaskan wilderness that’s worth a trip with your camera is Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. The remote natural area in the south east of Alaska was declared a national monument in 1925 and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1992. It’s a destination for exploring vast, icy, landscapes and still waters – over a fifth of the work is made up on marine waters, and glaciers cover 27 percent of the park.

Among the marine life that thrives in Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve are harbour seals that you can see swimming and bobbing near glaciers or in Sitakaday Narrows. The park’s waters are also home to sea lions, porpoises, and sea otters. On land, you can look out for the blue glacier bear ( a rare type of black bear), as well as mountain goats, moose and wolves.

20. Ningaloo Reef – A Paradise for Underwater Photographers

Barrier Reef isn’t the only spectacular marine destination in Australia. Western Australia is home to the Ningaloo Reef – a paradise for underwater photographers. It’s famous for whale shark and manta ray, and turtle sightings. Take a swim with the largest fish in the world – the whale shark, which you can do between March and July.

If shooting while diving isn’t your thing – there’s plenty of amazing marine life to be observed from a glass-bottomed boat including vast numbers of tropical fish and dolphins. There’s plenty of fantastic landscape photography opportunities in the region too. You can take a guided walk up Mandu Mandu gorge, or explore the red canyons of Cape Range National Park.

21. Tortuguero National Park in Costa Rica – A Tropical Paradise For Sea Turtles

The remote national park in the northeast of Costa Rica is named after its most famous aquatic inhabitants. The name translates as “region of the turtles” in English, and Tortuguero National Park is home to many sea turtles including the endangered green turtle, the Giant leatherback, the hawksbill and loggerhead turtles too. The national park is a network of canals, rivers, lagoons. beaches, and dense rainforests. The best time to see turtles nesting is between April and mid-December.

Tortuguero’s waterways and surroundings are also home to monkeys, sloths, parrots, and crocodiles. Getting there is something of a mission, as it’s a swampy area and one of the most inaccessible in the country. But, as Spanish and Portuguese speakers would say, “vale a pena” – it’s worth it. Domestic flights or tours by bus are probably your best bet.

22. Ranthambore National Park, India – To Capture the Eye of the Tiger

The national park in Rajasthan, northern India is a vast animal sanctuary – and one of the best places to go for the chance to photograph Bengal tigers in the wild. It’s filled with forests and over 500 flowering plants too, as well as one of the largest Banyan trees in India. Banyan trees are a pretty incredible feat of nature – they send roots down from their branches so they can spread far out.

But, let’s get back to the wildlife you can find in Ranthambore National Park. As well as the mighty Bengal tiger, the park is also home to many other species including leopards, spotted deer, small Indian mongoose, jackals, striped hyenas, Indian wild boar, and macaques. You can also pay a visit to the imposing Ranthambore Fort, which dates back to the 10th century, overlooking the plain below.

23. Kruger National Park in South Africa – To Photograph Amazing African Wildlife

Spanning across 19,633 km, South Africa’s Kruger National Park is one the largest wildlife sanctuaries in the world For a sense of scale – it’s roughly the size of Belgium. So you’ll need a decent chunk of time for a visit. But it’s an incredible place for a wildlife photography trip. As well as being an excellent place to photography the ‘the big five’’ game animals (lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and African buffalos) as well as zebras, cheetahs, wild dogs, jackals, wildebeests and many more creatures great and small.

To get there, take a road trip from Johannesburg, which is about 4.5-5 hrs where you can stop off to appreciate the Blyde River Canyon. Once there, you can make your way around the gigantic game reserve either by a self-drive or guided safari.

24. Yellowstone National Park, USA – dramatic landscape and grizzly bears

Yellowstone is so vast it extends beyond Wyoming and into the neighbouring states of Montana and Idaho. It’s famous for geothermal features – especially the massive Old Faithful geyser and is an incredible place to visit for landscape and wildlife photography. The national park is filled with mountains, canyons, rivers and the dormant caldera volcano. Yellowstone’s wildlife is diverse and abundant with over 67 different mammals.

It’s home to almost 700 grizzly bears, as well as bison, moose, wolverines, lynx, bobcats, and mountain goats. While exploring, you might also get the chance to see rare species like pronghorns – the surviving species of a group of animals that have evolved in North America over the past 20 million years. Perfect for wildlife photography.

25. Etosha National Park, Namibia – Look up to Giraffes

Etosha’s name roughly translates as “the great white area” in the Ovambo language. That’s because it’s home to a huge salt pan – the largest in Africa. Do you know what else it’s home to? Giraffes, a whole lot of them. Etosha is in a remote, northern corner of Namibia that offers incredible wildlife photography opportunities. Its wide-open spaces make it easy to spot the tall animals too.

There are no trees hiding them and they have to go to waterholes like Okaukuejo or Klein Namutoni regularly. If you’re hanging out at the waterholes, you might spot a rhino or two taking a drink. Making your way around Etosha, there’s also a chance you spot lions, elephants, impala, kudu, flamingos, owls and eagles.

26. Son Tra Nature Reserve, Vietnam – Home of the Red-Shanked Douc Langur

Son Tra is the last remaining coastal rainforest in Vietnam. This ‘green lung’ is also a vital conservation area for the red-shanked douc langur – a subspecies of monkey that is under threat of extinction. There has been some controversy in recent years, with some daft humans feeding them or leaving behind rotten food. So don’t do that, obvs.

But, do take the chance to explore Son Tra’s vast rainforest trails in search of these magnificent creatures along with the other animals that reside there. And there is a lot to see, along with the red-shanked douc langurs, there are also deer, apes, and orangutans among the species to look out for.

27. Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya – Majestic home of the African elephant

Massai Mara is named in honour of the Massai people, the land’s ancestral inhabitants. It’s one of Africa’s most famous national reserves. And one of the most incredible wildlife destinations in the world. If you’re looking for a close-up of the African bush elephant – well, you’re in luck. The reserve is largely open grassland, as well as plains and swamps – most of the wildlife can be found on the western escarpment (long cliffs).

As well as a large population of African bush elephants, it’s also home to vast numbers of lions, African leopards, cheetahs, zebras, hippos, cape buffalo. You might also spot copper tailed monkeys, dwarf mongoose, and spotted hyenas on your adventures.

28. The Amazon Basin, Peru – The Real Macaw

The Amazon is the world’s largest rainforest. The Amazon Basin in Peru is one its best-protected parts. Peru has more birds than any other country in the world. And it’s a great place to photograph the colourful Macaw in its natural habitat particularly in Collpa Chunco where they gather in their hundreds.

The stunning rainforest is also home to brown capuchin monkeys, caiman, toucans, jaguars, capybaras and a whole lot more. To get the most out of a wildlife photography trip to the Amazon Basin, visit during the dry season between July and October.

29. Rainforests of the Atsinanana, Madagascar – For rare Lemurs

The Rainforests of the Atsinanana is a UNESCO world heritage site that is home to vast numbers of endemic species. So if rare wildlife photography is your bag, put the East African island of Madagascar on your wishlist. The rainforest is incredibly biodiverse and is also home to rich plant life too.

One of the protected species you might meet on your visit is the black and white ruffed lemur, also known as the black and white vari. You’ll see these fluffy primates hanging out in the trees. The rainforests comprise six national parks including Masola National Parks and the Zahamena National Park.

30. Corcovado National Park, Costa Rica – Lush Rainforests and Tropical Frogs

Corcovado National Park is a remote paradise in the Osa Peninsula in the south-west of Costa Rica. Take your camera on a hike through lush tropical rainforests, and you’ll be rewarded with colour and biodiversity everywhere you go. It’s an important ecosystem to some rare and endangered species including scarlet macaws, harpy eagles, and red-backed squirrel monkeys.

Corcovado is also an important habitat for over 40 species of frogs, including the leaf-dwelling red-eyed tree frog and the green and black poison dart frog.

31. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania – Home to 3000 Lions

The famous Tanzanian national park is also a neighbour of the Massai Mara and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The Serengeti is believed to be home to the largest population of Lions in Africa – partly because of the high number of prey species. As well as Lions and the other game animals in the ‘Big Five), wildlife photographers can visit this African plain to see cheetahs, herds of wildebeest, gazelles, baboons. Masai ostriches, and wild dogs. Visit between June and October for the dry season, and to witness the great migration.

32. Katmai National Park, Alaska – For Brown Bear watching

For capturing moody landscapes and spotting brown bears, take an adventure to Katmai National Park. The region is also home to the excellently named Valley of 10,000 Smokes if you fancy some wilderness hiking. Katmai National Park is roughly 260 miles southwest of anchorage and pretty remote.

It’s also home to the largest population of protected grizzly bears in the world. They thrive thanks to a lot of salmon to feast on, and can often be spotted on the river bank at Hallo Bay and along the shoreline. The summertime is great for bear watching, and photography in small groups with an experienced guide. Other creatures that call Katmai their home include sea otters, gray wolves, and humpback whales.

33. Sepilok, Sabah, Malaysia – Look Out for the Proboscis Monkey

Sepilok is a small village in the northeast of the Sabah province that is a gateway to Bornean wildlife exploration. Spending a few days there will give you the chance to visit a few different animal sanctuaries like the Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary. As you might have guessed, it’s the best place for seeing the long-nosed primates in the area.

Once you’re done monkeying around – take a trip to Sandakan Archipelago. While you’re there, visit Turtle Island National Park to see green turtles and hawksbill turtles hatching. You can also visit the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre – where orphaned and injured orangutans are cared for before being returned to the wild.

34. Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil – Waterfalls, Big Cats and Toucans

Stretching across the border with Argentina, the famous Iguaçu Falls is also home to a beautiful national park filled with wildlife. It’s a tropical rainforest, and home to jaguars, ocelots, and an abundance of butterflies. There are also endangered species being protected in Iguaçu National Park including the giant otter, and the giant anteater.

There are more hikes on the Argentine side of the falls, but it’s worth exploring the raw beauty of the Brazilian side for wildlife photography opportunities. Iguaçu is also home to the Toucan – the biggest of which is the Toco Toucan. The beautiful bird with its brilliantly coloured, large bill is one of Brazil’s most beloved birds.

35. The Great Barrier Reef: Australia – Meet the Pacific Green Turtle

The world’s largest coral reef system doesn’t need an introduction. The Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Queensland is one of the seven wonders of the natural world. With its explosion of colour and abundant marine life – it’s a snorkelling and photography paradise too. There lots of different itineraries from tours to DIY options that include island hopping.

The Great Barrier Reef has over 1500 species of fish, 134 sharks and rays, as well as turtles, dolphins, whales and manatees. One of the many species people come to see is the pacific green turtle. You can see these magnificent creatures swimming in Raine Island which is an important nesting sight. Up to 60,000 females congregate on its beaches every year.

36. Nairobi National Park, Kenya – Home To The Endangered Black Rhino

Hailed as “the world’s only wildlife capital”, Nairobi National Park is just a few miles outside of the capital city. It’s where open African plains and views of the city’s skyline meet. Most importantly, it’s home to diverse wildlife including lions, leopards, hyenas, buffalos, giraffe and over 400 bird species. With its proximity to the city, and three campsites – it’s a great place to pitch up, go hiking and take photos of magnificent wildlife.

The rarest among them is the endangered black rhino. Black rhinos are smaller and faster than white rhinos and there are only about 600 in Kenya, largely due to poaching. This is why they’re under the protection of animal sanctuaries and other conservation areas. But, despite their low numbers, Nairobi National Park is a good place to see them roaming.

37. Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada – Kingdom of the Elk

Banff National Park in Alberta is Canada’s oldest national park, established back in 1885. It’s just under 70 miles from Calgary, nestled in the Rocky Mountains. So people come for stunning mountain views, beautiful lakes, and of course wildlife watching. Among the wild residents of the park that spans 4000 square miles is the elk.

It’s one large animal you’re very likely to see, with over 300 living in the park. Other animals to look out for also include deer, grizzly bears, moose, and mountain sheep. If outdoor activities are also your bag, Banff is a great place for skiing, canoeing, cycling and climbing.

38. Kalahari Desert, Botswana – Meet the Meerkats

We’ve already mentioned the spectacular Okavango Delta, but Botswana’s natural beauty is vast and if you’re planning a trip to the region – then visit the place that surrounds it. The Kalahari Desert is filled with rich ancient traditions, dramatic semi-arid landscapes, and national parks and reserves for its abundant wildlife from leaping springboks to giraffes, brown hyenas, warthogs, lions, and cheetahs

But the symbol of the African desert is the meerkat – who burrow in the sands of the Kalahari for protection against oppressive heat and predators. They’re understandably wary of humans too. But there’s a high chance of seeing mobs of meerkats in the vast Makgadikgadi Pans. Go in the dry season between April and October when you can see them in large numbers up to 40.

39. Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia – Meet Ancient Primates

Situated within the deep valleys and jagged mountain peaks of northern Ethiopia, Simien Mountains Park is home to rare and endangered species. The park is an important area of conservation, and there are several endemic species including the Walia ibex (a type of mountain goat).

One of the most fascinating species you’ll meet on a trip there is the gelada baboon. Sometimes known as bleeding-heart monkeys, the gelada is the last surviving species of ancient grazing primates. There are plenty of trekking routes to take in the incredible landscapes too, with landmarks including Jinbar Waterfall.

40. Skomer Island, Wales, Uk – For Puffin Watching

Although puffins might be more commonly associated with Nordic regions and chilly parts of North America – there are also a few places to spot them in the UK. One of the best areas for photographing the seabirds in the wild is Skomer island in Wales. It’s less than a mile off the Pembrokeshire coast with majestic cliff tops that are home to vast numbers of puffins. The welsh island is also home to other seabirds including gannets, fulmars and razorbills.

Look out onto the surrounding waters for a chance to spot dolphins and harbour porpoises, and Atlantic grey seals as well. The island is especially photogenic in the spring when it’s covered in blanket bluebells.

41. Squamish and Vancouver, Canada – Witness the Bald Eagle in Flightg

You don’t have to travel to the remotest parts of Canada to encounter amazing wildlife. Squamish is about an hour’s drive north of Vancouver and every winter its skies are filled with the highest concentration of bald eagles in the world. One of the best places to spot them is alo the Squamish River in the massive Brackendale Eagles Provincial Park.

The symbol of North America is so celebrated in the region, that there is a month-long bald eagle festival in January. For marine life photo opportunities, visit the Johnstone Strait between Vancouver Island and British Columba which is a great place for whale watching including orcas, humpbacks, and minkes and it’s easily done as a day trip.

42. British Columbia, Canada – Home of the Yellow-Bellied Marmot

British Columbia is rich in wildlife. From the salmon-filled waterways that provide a vital food source for whales and the bears that roam in its mossy rainforests to lush meadows where you might spot the solitary moose. One of the region’s most interesting animals is the yellow-bellied marmot which can be found throughout south central BC and throughout the rockies.

It’s also known as the rock-chuck, and gets its name from the distinctive yellow fur on its belly. Some of the best places for spotting them are the Okanagan region.

43. Mykines, Faroe Islands – Witness a Vast Array of Birdlife

For remote, raw beauty and capturing photos of seabirds, venture to Mykines in the Faroe Islands. There are only about 10 year-long inhabitants in this westerly region, overlooked by a solitary lighthouse. Dubbed a “paradise of birds” because of its rich birdlife, particularly a huge colony of puffins. There are thousands of them, along with large numbers of guillemots, cormorants, and razorbills. You can expect to see a fair few sheep too. There is a fee to visit the island and you’ll need to show proof if you take the Mykines lighthouse hiking trail. The fee is to help protect the local wildlife and as of 2020 the price is 250DKK (£30 / €33).

Like any remote destination, forward planning is essential. Weather conditions will determine when you can take the ferry from Vagar, as dense fog and strong winds lead to frequent cancellations. And you can only venture there between 1 May and 31 August. But it’s a beautiful trip, sailing out of Sørvágsfjørður fjord and looking out onto rugged landscapes along the way.

44. The Otago Peninsula, New Zealand – See the Yellow-Eyed Penguin

One of New Zealand’s endemic species is the yellow-eyed penguin, also known as hoiho or tarakaka. It’s also endangered with only 225 pairs left in the country – and is believed to be the rarest penguin on Earth The Otago Peninsula on the South Island is one of the best places to spot this small, solitary bird with a high-pitched scream. You can get close (ish) to this winner of New Zealand’s Bird of the Year 2019 by taking a short bus ride from Dunedin which takes about an hour.

Tourism helps to fund Penguin Place, which is dedicated to the care of around 36 pairs of yellow-eyed penguins. Then wander to Taiaroa Head for incredible views to visit the Royal Albatross Centre which is also home to small penguins, fur seals, and another chance to get a close up of the yellow-eyed penguin.

45. Ulgii, Mongolia – Meet the Kazakh Eagle Hunters

The Kazakhs are the largest ethnic group in Mongolia who mostly live in the western part of the country. They use eagles to help hunt for foxes and rabbits for fur which is a tradition called berkutchi Hunting with birds of prey is an ancient practice going back as far as the Bronze Age. Visiting Mongolia is a very different kind of wildlife photography trip, it’s a chance to get to know an indigous culture too. In the winter you can visit The Kazakh Eagle Hunters to live among them for a short while, and observe the bond they have with their eagles.

46. Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda – Journey to the Valley of the Apes

Uganda’s Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of the most popular reserves in the country. It’s incredibly biodiverse with landscapes made up of bushland, wetlands, forests and savannah. The park is also home to over 96 species of mammals including hippos, tree-climbing lions, elephants, chimps and hyenas.

The eastern corner of the park is home to the stunning Kyambora Gorge, frequently referred to as Valley of the Apes. So if you’ve come to photography primates, you’re in luck. The gorge is a great place to track chimpanzees, and hike through the lush forests to see other primates including olive baboons, black and white colobus monkeys and red-tailed monkeys.

47. St Kilda, Scotland, Uk – A Remote Haven for Seabirds

The isolated archipelago of volcanic islands off the coast of the Hebrides in Scotland, with the highest sea cliffs in Britain. St Kilda’s dramatic coasts are an incredible sight to behold. Getting there isn’t easy, and weather conditions are tough. No one has lived there since 1936 – forced out by increasingly hard conditions due to an increased reliance on the mainland.

St Kilda is a dual UNESCO world heritage site (for cultural as well as natural significance) and now cared for by the National Trust. St Kilda is home to nearly 1 million seabirds, including the UK’s largest colony of Atlantic puffins as well as large numbers of northern gannets. It’s often described a place “at the edge of the world”, but you can visit by taking a boat from the Isle of Skye (weather permitting) to the main island of Hirta witness a multitude of seabirds, and learn about the vanished culture of people that once thrives on these remote islands.

48. Bukit Lawang, Sumatra – Meet Thomas Langur

The UNESCO World Site Bukit Lawang on the Indonesian island of Sumatra is a popular place to see Orangutans in the wild. But there are other primates to meet and photograph if you’re lucky enough to visit. The less well known Thomas’ langur (also known as Thomas’ leaf money) is endemic to Sumatra and has a multi-chambered stomach that helps it to digest leaves and other plant matter.

It’s covered in spiky fur and has a furry beard under its chin. Thomas’ langurs are most active during the day, but they also love to take naps (for up to 60 percent of the day) – so you might snap them in action foraging or dozing up a tree.

49. Peninsula Valdes, Argentina – For Southern Sea Lions

Situated on Argentina’s wilde Patagonian coast, Peninsula Valdes is a protected nature reserve and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Domestic and international tourists visit for wildlife watching – including pecans, elephant seals, guanacos, penguins and the southern sea lion. Southern sea lions are also known as South American sea lions or Patagonian sea lions, and can be found in Argentina, Peru, Chile, Uruguay, The Malvinas (Falklands), and Brazil.

Sea lions can be spotted all year round, and kayaking along the coast is a great way to see them in their natural habitat, The peninsula is also a fantastic area for birdlife, it’s home to more than 180 species including migratory birds like the Atlantic pigeon as well as royal cormorants, flamingos, and burrowing owls.

People are at the heart of everything we do here at Secret Atlas, and our guests' experience is top of our list.

We've put together a video for our guests to share their experiences with you, or you can read guests' stories below.

Brett’s Guest Story ­­­­­– Secret Atlas Review

"I left understanding how fragile our ecosystem is and gained a newfound respect for every…

Rachel’s Guest Story – Secret Atlas Review

"Floating in the sea at 80 degrees north, surrounded by ice while the snow fell…

Katie’s Journey to Svalbard – Secret Atlas Review

'Out of all my experiences, this one has been the most exceptional and special so…

Sarah’s Guest Story – Secret Atlas Review

"I’ve come to realise there’s only one way I want to travel, and that’s on…

Wildlife Photography Trips

Boreal Predators Photography

Join us on this remarkable photography tour and capture images of Finland’s finest predators – brown bear, Eurasian wolf and wolverine – in the boreal forest. Accompanied by a photographer and using dedicated hides, this week makes the most of the late light from the long summer evenings. Find out more about Boreal Predators Photography

• Destination : Finland
• Price (inc. flights) : 6 days from £2,895
• Trip type : Group Tour Tailor-made can be arranged

South Luangwa Photo Safari

Zambia's South Luangwa National Park is a photographer’s paradise with exquisite light, stunning wildlife and some of the best guides in Africa. This ten-day tour, with an expert photographer as your leader, has been designed specifically to maximise wildlife photography opportunities. Find out more about South Luangwa Photo Safari

• Destination : Zambia
• Price (inc. flights) : 10 days from £4,995

Brown Bear Photography in Spring

Join us in spring to visit the lesser known but wonderfully wildlife rich nation of Slovenia. Our base is in the southern Dinaric Alps region, home to a population of over 400 brown bears which we will observe and photograph in dedicated hides, along with expert tuition from wildlife photographer Ben Sutcliffe. Find out more about Brown Bear Photography in Spring

• Destination : Slovenia
• Price (inc. flights) : 6 days from £2,595

New Forest Deer Photography Workshop

Our one-day New Forest deer photography workshop will provide fantastic opportunities to capture images of predominantly fallow and red deer, however roe deer may also be seen. We will aim to spend half the day focusing on fallow deer and the other half with the red deer, depending on sightings and locations. Find out more about New Forest Deer Photography Workshop

• Destination : United Kingdom
• Price (exc. flights) : 1 day from £185

Svalbard Photo Expedition

A dedicated photo expedition, this voyage explores spectacular Svalbard early in the season. Making the most of the magical snow-laden landscapes, search for the region’s iconic wildlife, including beluga whale, Arctic fox, reindeer and polar bear. This is the ultimate wildlife photography voyage in the Arctic. Find out more about Svalbard Photo Expedition

• Destinations : Arctic, Norway
• Price (exc. flights) : 8 days from £8,895
• Trip type : Voyage

Scotland Winter Wildlife Photography

On this tour to Scotland’s Cairngorms National Park, we aim to photograph some of Britain’s iconic wildlife, including mountain hares, red deer and red squirrels, at the height of winter. The Scottish Highlands in winter are inspiring whilst also providing incredible opportunities for wildlife photography. Find out more about Scotland Winter Wildlife Photography

• Destinations : Scotland, United Kingdom
• Price (exc. flights) : 8 days from £2,295
• Trip type : Group Tour

Red Squirrel Photography Workshop in Yorkshire

The Yorkshire Dales National Park is a haven for red squirrels in the North of England. Join us on this 3-day photography workshop led by Kevin Morgans, where there will be multiple opportunities to seek and photograph these incredible creatures in the best light, alongside other mammals and birds. Find out more about Red Squirrel Photography Workshop in Yorkshire

• Price (exc. flights) : 3 days from £995

Zimanga – Wildlife & Night Sky Photography

Accompanied by wildlife photographer and night sky photography expert Sean Weekly, join us on our extensive exploration of Zimanga Private Game Reserve to enjoy the wildlife and night sky photography opportunities that it has to offer from specially-designed hides and game drives. Find out more about Zimanga – Wildlife & Night Sky Photography

• Destination : South Africa
• Price (inc. flights) : 10 days from £6,795

Falklands Wildlife Photography

A wildlife photography holiday to the Falkland Islands visiting the archipelago’s key wildlife sites with the chance to photograph five species of penguin, black-browed albatross, giant southern elephant seals, South American sea lions and so much more, led by expert photographer Kevin Morgans. Find out more about Falklands Wildlife Photography

• Destination : Falkland Islands
• Price (inc. flights) : 19 days from £9,850

Uganda Wildlife Photo Safari

Join award-winning wildlife photographer Bret Charman on this trip of a lifetime to Uganda. This lush, tropical country is one of the finest places in the world to get close to primates, including the chimpanzee and mountain gorilla, as well as a population of tree-climbing lions and the bizarre shoebill. Find out more about Uganda Wildlife Photo Safari

• Destination : Uganda
• Price (inc. flights) : 13 days from £9,895

Colombia Bird Photography

With over 1,900 species recorded, Colombia is the most bird-rich country on Earth. For some, the greatest joy to be had from birds is in recording their dazzling colours in photographs. With this in mind we have devised this ultimate photographic voyage in search of Colombia's spectacular birdlife. Find out more about Colombia Bird Photography

• Destination : Colombia
• Price (inc. flights) : 14 days from £5,795

Winter Wildlife Photography in Poland

Join acclaimed wildlife photographer Sean Weekly in the ancient forest of Białowieża for an extensive photographic itinerary in the height of winter. Our aim is to capture images of European bison, raptors, wild boar and much more against a backdrop of stunning wintery scenery. Find out more about Winter Wildlife Photography in Poland

• Destination : Poland
• Price (inc. flights) : 7 days from £2,495

Seldom Seen Alaska Photography

From our private catamaran, we photograph marine mammals in all their majesty, as well as bears, birds, and spectacular scenery as we explore this unspoiled frontier of Alaska. With expert guidance from a photographic tour leader this expedition is a feast for any nature photographer. Find out more about Seldom Seen Alaska Photography

• Destinations : Alaska, USA
• Price (inc. flights) : 12 days from £11,150

Rare Mammals of the Eastern Cape

Exploring Kariega Reserve, we aim to encounter and hopefully photograph some of the elusive mammals amongst South Africa’s wildlife, such as caracal and aardvark. Accompanied by wildlife photographer Emma Healey, we will spend eight nights in this pristine swathe of the Eastern Cape. Find out more about Rare Mammals of the Eastern Cape

• Price (inc. flights) : 11 days from £6,995

Red Kite Photography Workshop

Join wildlife photographer Sean Weekly in the heart of Mid Wales, at the famous Gigrin Farm, for a unique red kite photography workshop. During your afternoon at Gigrin, you have exclusive use of a specialist-built hide and will focus on photographing these remarkable raptors in-flight. Find out more about Red Kite Photography Workshop

• Price (exc. flights) : 1 day from £240
• Trip type : Tailor-made Holiday

Nagarhole Photo Safari

Explore one of southern India’s finest wildlife locations on this dedicated wildlife photography tour to Nagarhole National Park where we hope to photograph the stunning variety of species including tiger, dhole and even the beautiful melanistic leopard if we are lucky. Find out more about Nagarhole Photo Safari

• Destination : India
• Price (inc. flights) : 10 days from £5,895

Isle of Mull Wildlife Photography

Join us on our wildlife photography trip to the Isle of Mull where we spend time photographing the islands’ wildlife including its enigmatic puffins and spectacular white-tailed sea eagles. There’s also the chance to see seals, and cetaceans and indulge in some macro photography. Find out more about Isle of Mull Wildlife Photography

• Price (exc. flights) : 8 days from £3,295

Kenya’s Rift Valley Wildlife Photography

Join wildlife photographer Sean Weekly in southern Kenya for a full week of photography in the exclusive Olkirimatian Conservancy. Combine game drives, without the crowds, and time in purpose-built hides to capture a stunning portfolio with some familiar and lesser-known African species. Find out more about Kenya’s Rift Valley Wildlife Photography

• Destination : Kenya
• Price (inc. flights) : 10 days from £7,995

Arctic Fox Photography

Join wildlife photographer Bret Charman on this 6-night trip which has been designed to maximise photographic opportunities of Arctic fox in the remote Hornstrandir Nature Reserve in Iceland. The area is well known for its population of these endearing and charismatic mammals and northern lights activity. Find out more about Arctic Fox Photography

• Destination : Iceland
• Price (inc. flights) : 7 days from £4,475

Brazil’s Big Five Photo Safari

The Pantanal is one of the greatest wildlife watching destinations in the world. It is also perfect for wildlife photography and this itinerary has been carefully designed to focus all of our time on photographing the wide range of wildlife that lives in this captivating area of Brazil. Find out more about Brazil’s Big Five Photo Safari (Was North Pantanal Photo Safari)

• Destination : Brazil
• Price (inc. flights) : 14 days from £10,995

Hampshire Bird Photography Workshop

A fantastic opportunity to practice and improve your photographic skills and capture some unique images of iconic British birds for your portfolio, including kestrels and kingfishers, on a two-day workshop in some local bird hides. A full day in each hide will maximise your photographic opportunities. Find out more about Hampshire Bird Photography Workshop

• Price (exc. flights) : 2 days from £450

Mana Pools: Wild Dogs & Elephants Photography

Join us for a unique safari for close encounters and unrivalled photographic opportunities of the wild dogs and bull elephants of Mana Pools National Park. Accompanied by wildlife photographer Bret Charman, you will also view the majestic Victoria Falls as part of this Zimbabwean adventure. Find out more about Mana Pools: Wild Dogs & Elephants Photography

• Destination : Zimbabwe
• Price (inc. flights) : 11 days from £12,120

Wildlife Photography in Hungary

Hungary’s Pusztaszer Landscape Protection Area is famed for its exceptional biodiversity, with the birdlife being a particular draw. This dedicated photography allows you to build up a diverse portfolio of some of Europe’s most sought-after bird species from the finest hides on the continent with Mark Carwardine. Find out more about Wildlife Photography in Hungary

• Destination : Hungary
• Price (exc. flights) : 8 days from £4,095

Red Kite & Night Sky Photographic Workshop

The secluded Elan Valley in Wales is the location for this unique photographic workshop. During our four-day itinerary we will enjoy sessions of wildlife and night sky photography to not only improve your skill by learning new techniques, but also to create a wonderful portfolio of images. Find out more about Red Kite & Night Sky Photographic Workshop

• Price (exc. flights) : 4 days from £1,295

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Africa is the place to see the “Big Five” - lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and rhino - but there is...

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Ancient temples, Buddhist monasteries, remote preserved cultures, fascinating history, and friendly people are just some of the appealing qualities of...

Come eye-to-eye with a whale in their watery world. Snorkeling and swimming with Humpback Whales in warm Caribbean waters provides...

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Primates of the Ancient Forest

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Explore an island with pristine ecosystems, charismatic and rare wildlife, and one of the oldest rainforests in the world.

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Sail on the most in-depth itinerary possible around the Galapagos Islands, famous for charismatic wildlife.

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Discover Nepal’s majestic, towering Himalayas and its lowland wildlife gems.

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At Cheesemans' our passion for wildlife safaris is matched only by the expertise of our featured leaders. Highlighted here are the exceptional guides who lead our journeys, each with a rich background in navigating the world’s most breathtaking natural landscapes. Curious adventurers looking to delve deeper into the experiences and qualifications of our guides can click "Learn More" to explore the comprehensive list of our leaders. Their unparalleled knowledge and dedication make every Cheesemans' safari an unforgettable encounter with the wild. Join us to discover the adventure of a lifetime, guided by the best in the field. If you want to learn more about all of our expert leaders click the "Our Full List Of Leaders" button below.

Juan Manuel Salcedo

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I love Cheesemans Ecology Safaris! Their motto of "maximum time in the field" translates to maximum life experience. CES provides in-depth, personal, high-quality experiences that elevate my life's education. Additionally, CES actually ANSWERS their phones! So unlike other travel companies. That alone keeps me loyal."

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Alan Livingstone, 2021

"I went to the Galápagos Islands for two weeks. It was my dream for 60 years. I could not imagine more. Every day was new experiences. I loved the Samba. She is a beautiful older, well-kept boat. She is perfect. The Samba Crew feels like family. I have been home four days and I am still reveling in my adventures.

I would recommend this trip to anyone. Dealing with Cheeseman Safari’s was a pleasure from start to finish."

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"We feel very fortunate to have had Ted Cheeseman lead the trip! He added so much: adjusting plans and activities to changing conditions to show us the best things available; generously sharing his deep knowledge and experience of all things Antarctic; keeping in good spirits; even catering to our geocaching interests."

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Encouraging and supporting women wildlife photographers through small group tours...

Travel with our women only photography tours while expanding your portfolio and learning new photography skills..

Go on an adventure, immerse yourself in nature, and have fun while engaging with other women photographers!

WOMEN ONLY PHOTOGRAPHY TOURS

WOMEN ON THE MARA

JULY 25TH – AUGUST 2ND, 2024

TOUR LEADERS: Piper Mackay Vicki Santello Sarah E. Devlin

WOMEN ON THE MARA extension – Amboseli

AUGUST 2ND – 7TH, 2024

ALASKA – KATMAI/KODIAK BROWN BEARS – TRIP 1

AUGUST 16TH – 22ND, 2024 TOUR LEADER: Traci Sepkovic

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AUGUST 21ST – 27TH, 2024 TOUR LEADER: Traci Sepkovic SOLD OUT!

GREAT BEAR RAINFOREST

SEPT. 22ND – 29TH, 2024 TOUR LEADER: Sarah E. Devlin $7,250 based on double occupancy 2 Spaces Left – due to cancellation

CHURCHILL POLAR BEARS

OCT. 22ND -30TH, 2024 TOUR LEADER: Dawn Wilson $11,550 No single supplement available SOLD OUT!

WILD HORSES OF ARIZONA

OCTOBER 31ST – NOVEMBER 3RD, 2024 TOUR LEADER: Alyce Bender SOLD OUT!

FALKLAND ISLANDS

NOVEMBER 2ND – 16TH, 2024 TOUR LEADER: Vicki Santello SOLD OUT!

WOMEN IN WONDERLAND – YELLOWSTONE WINTER 2025

JANUARY 26th – FEBRUARY 3rd, 2025 TOUR LEADERS: Sarah Devlin and Traci Sepkovic $7,400 $500 Single Supplement

SAX ZIM BOG BIRDS AND MAMMALS

JAN 27TH – JAN 30TH, 2025 TOUR LEADER: Dawn Wilson $2,200 $300 single supplement Sold Out!

JAN 31ST – FEB. 3RD, 2025 TOUR LEADER: Dawn Wilson

JAPANESE WILDLIFE IN WINTER

FEB. 1ST – 10TH, 2025 TOUR LEADER: Alyce Bender SOLD OUT!

SNOW MONKEY EXTENSION

FEB. 11TH – 15TH, 2025 TOUR LEADER: Alyce Bender SOLD OUT!

INDIA TIGERS AND TEMPLES

FEB. 11TH – 25TH, 2025 TOUR LEADER: Anu Marwah $8,995 $1,700 single supplement

LEOPARDS AND SHEPHERDS

FEB. 25TH – MARCH 5TH, 2025 TOUR LEADER: Anu Marwah $5,400 $2,050 single supplement

FLORIDA NESTING BIRDS

APRIL 28TH – MAY 1ST, 2025 TOUR LEADER: Jennifer Leigh Warner $1,900 $200 Single Supplement

SPRING IN GRAND TETON

MAY 31ST – JUNE 5TH, 2025 TOUR LEADER: Jennifer Leigh Warner $3,500 $750 Single Supplement

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TOUR LEADER: Karen Schuenemann $11,700 $1,755 Single Supplement

AMBOSELI – extension

AUGUST 3RD – 6TH, 2025 TOUR LEADER: Sarah E. Devlin

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GLACIER NATIONAL PARK

AUGUST 1ST – 5TH, 2025 TOUR LEADER: Dawn Wilson $3,900 $500 Single Supplement 2 SPACES LEFT!

AUGUST 16TH – 22ND, 2025 TOUR LEADER: Sarah E. Devlin $6,800 $600 single supplement 3 SPACES LEFT!

AUGUST 21ST – 27TH, 2025 TOUR LEADER: Traci Sepkovic $6,800 $600 single supplement

MUSK OX AND NORTHERN LIGHTS IN NOME

SEPT. 4TH – 9TH, 2025 TOUR LEADER: Traci Sepkovic $5,750

NOV. 1ST – 15TH, 2025 TOUR LEADER: Vicki Santello $8,995 based on double and single occupancy

COSTA RICA – WOMEN’S WELLNESS PHOTOGRAPHY RETREAT

NOV. 8TH – 16TH, 2025 TOUR LEADER: Dee Webb $7,500 based on single occupancy Sold Out!

Passing Thru Travel

15 Ethical Wildlife Photography Adventures: Through the Lens Responsibly

Posted: February 26, 2024 | Last updated: February 26, 2024

Wildlife photography is more than just capturing stunning images of animals in their natural habitats; it’s about doing so responsibly and ethically. This guide takes you on a journey to some of the world’s most incredible destinations for wildlife photography, emphasizing the importance of respecting wildlife and their environments. From the savannas of Africa to the icy realms of the Arctic, each location offers unique opportunities to photograph wildlife while adhering to ethical practices that ensure minimal impact on the natural world.

1. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

The Serengeti National Park in Tanzania is a wildlife photographer’s dream. Its vast, open plains are home to an incredible array of wildlife, including the Big Five. The Great Migration, featuring millions of wildebeest and zebras, offers dramatic scenes for photography. In the Serengeti, you’re not just capturing images; you’re witnessing and recording nature’s raw beauty and drama. The key here is patience and respect for the wildlife, ensuring your presence doesn’t disrupt their natural behavior.

Insider’s Tip: Use a long lens to keep a respectful distance from the animals.

When To Travel: June to October for the migration; January to February for the calving season.

How To Get There: Fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport and take a smaller plane or a safari vehicle to the park.

2. Yellowstone National Park, USA

Yellowstone National Park offers diverse wildlife photography opportunities in a relatively accessible setting. From the majestic bison to elusive wolves and grizzlies, the park’s varied landscapes serve as a stunning backdrop. Responsible photography means using long lenses and keeping a safe distance, ensuring the wildlife remains undisturbed. Early mornings and late evenings often provide the best light, active wildlife, and fewer crowds.

Insider’s Tip: Attend a ranger-led program to learn about the park’s wildlife and how to photograph them safely.

When To Travel: Spring and fall for fewer crowds and active wildlife.

How To Get There: Fly into airports near Jackson Hole, Wyoming, or Bozeman, Montana, and drive to the park.

3. Pantanal, Brazil

The Pantanal in Brazil is one of the best places in the world to photograph jaguars in the wild. This vast tropical wetland also hosts a plethora of bird species, making it a haven for wildlife photographers. Boat tours along the rivers offer close encounters with wildlife, especially the elusive jaguar. Remember, the welfare of the animals comes first, so always maintain a respectful distance.

Insider’s Tip: Opt for boat tours for up-close photography opportunities in the wetlands.

When To Travel: Dry season from July to October for the best wildlife viewing.

How To Get There: Fly into Cuiabá or Campo Grande and join a guided tour to the Pantanal.

4. South Georgia Island, South Atlantic

South Georgia Island is a remote and unspoiled paradise teeming with wildlife. It’s home to one of the largest king penguin colonies in the world, along with seals and various seabirds. The island’s dramatic landscapes, with its snow-capped mountains and rugged coastlines, provide a spectacular setting for photography. Visiting this pristine environment comes with a responsibility to minimize impact, ensuring this ecosystem remains intact.

Insider’s Tip: Respect the wildlife viewing guidelines, maintaining a safe distance from the animals.

When To Travel: November to March for the best weather and wildlife viewing.

How To Get There: Accessible by expedition cruises departing from Ushuaia, Argentina.

5. Ranthambore National Park, India

Ranthambore National Park in India offers some of the best opportunities to photograph tigers in their natural habitat. The park’s landscape, dotted with ancient ruins, provides a unique backdrop for wildlife photography. Apart from tigers, you can capture images of leopards, sloth bears, and a variety of deer and bird species. Patience is key, as sightings can never be guaranteed, but the thrill of capturing a tiger in the wild is unmatched.

Insider’s Tip: Book early morning safari drives for the best light and active wildlife.

When To Travel: October to April is the best time for tiger sightings.

How To Get There: Fly to Jaipur, then drive to Ranthambore, or take a train to Sawai Madhopur station.

6. Borneo, Malaysia

The rainforests of Borneo are a biodiversity hotspot, offering unique opportunities to photograph orangutans, pygmy elephants, and a variety of bird species. Photography tours in Borneo often focus on ethical practices, ensuring minimal disturbance to the wildlife. The experience of capturing orangutans in their natural habitat is a photographic achievement and a poignant reminder of the need for conservation.

Insider’s Tip: Use silent camera modes to avoid disturbing wildlife.

When To Travel: March to October for drier weather.

How To Get There: Fly into Kota Kinabalu or Kuching and join a guided wildlife photography tour.

7. Kruger National Park, South Africa

Kruger National Park is a premier destination for wildlife photography, offering sightings of the Big Five and a vast array of other species. The park’s varied landscapes provide diverse photographic opportunities, from savannas to riverine forests.

While self-drive safaris are popular, guided tours can offer expert knowledge about wildlife and the best photography spots. Remember, the park’s rules are in place to protect both the wildlife and visitors, so always adhere to them.

Insider’s Tip: Stay at private reserves on the park’s borders for exclusive photography opportunities.

When To Travel: May to September for dry weather and better wildlife visibility.

How To Get There: Fly into Johannesburg, drive to Kruger, or take a domestic flight to a nearby airport.

8. Alaska, USA

Alaska’s vast wilderness is a paradise for wildlife photographers. From the majestic brown bears at Katmai National Park to the bald eagles of Haines, the state offers unparalleled wildlife viewing and photography opportunities. The key to photographing in Alaska is to respect the wild nature of its inhabitants and maintain a safe distance, especially with bears.

Insider’s Tip: Visit Katmai National Park for incredible bear viewing and photography.

When To Travel: June to August for the best wildlife viewing opportunities.

How To Get There: Fly into Anchorage and take regional flights or guided tours to various wildlife hotspots.

9. Canadian Arctic

The Canadian Arctic is a unique destination for photographing polar bears, narwhals, and other Arctic wildlife. The region’s pristine landscapes also offer incredible opportunities for capturing the Northern Lights. Photography tours here are often led by experienced guides who ensure ethical practices while providing insights into the Arctic ecosystem.

Insider’s Tip: Use a reputable tour operator that follows strict wildlife viewing guidelines.

When To Travel: July to September when the ice recedes, and wildlife is more accessible.

How To Get There: Fly to Canadian Arctic gateways like Yellowknife or Churchill, then join a guided tour.

10. Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

The Galapagos Islands are a haven for wildlife photographers, with unique species not found anywhere else in the world. The islands’ isolation has led to incredible biodiversity, including giant tortoises, marine iguanas, and various bird species. Photography in the Galapagos should always be done responsibly, adhering to the rules set by the Galapagos National Park to protect its fragile ecosystem.

Insider’s Tip: Invest in a good zoom lens to maintain a respectful distance from the animals.

When To Travel: December to May for warmer weather and calmer seas.

How To Get There: Fly to Quito or Guayaquil in Ecuador, then take a flight to the Galapagos Islands.

11. Madagascar

Madagascar’s unique wildlife, including various species of lemurs, chameleons, and endemic birds, makes it a fascinating destination for photographers. The island’s diverse landscapes, from rainforests to deserts, add to the photographic appeal. When photographing in Madagascar, it’s important to be mindful of the delicate ecosystems and the conservation challenges.

Insider’s Tip: Be patient and quiet to increase your chances of spotting elusive wildlife.

When To Travel: April to December is the best time for wildlife viewing.

How To Get There: Fly into Antananarivo, Madagascar’s capital, and travel to wildlife reserves by car or domestic flights.

12. Svalbard, Norway

Svalbard offers a unique Arctic photography experience with its polar bears, walruses, and stunning glacial landscapes. The archipelago’s remote location and harsh conditions require careful planning and respect for the environment. Photography tours in Svalbard are often conducted on small ships, providing close encounters with Arctic wildlife.

Insider’s Tip: Choose a small-group tour for a more intimate and less intrusive wildlife experience.

When To Travel: June to August for 24-hour daylight and accessible wildlife.

How To Get There: Fly to Longyearbyen via Oslo or Tromso.

13. Great Bear Rainforest, Canada

The Great Bear Rainforest in British Columbia is one of the best places to photograph the rare spirit bear, a unique subspecies of the black bear. The rainforest’s lush environment also supports a rich biodiversity, offering varied photographic subjects. Ethical photography practices are essential in this sensitive ecosystem to ensure minimal impact on wildlife.

Insider’s Tip: Respect the natural behavior of animals and avoid using bait or calls to attract them.

When To Travel: August to October is the best bear viewing period.

How To Get There: Fly to Vancouver, then take a seaplane or boat to the rainforest.

14. Masai Mara, Kenya

The Masai Mara in Kenya is an iconic African safari destination, offering some of the best opportunities for photographing wildlife, including lions, elephants, and cheetahs. The Mara’s open landscapes provide stunning backdrops for wildlife photography. Respect for the animals and their habitat is paramount, and local guides can provide invaluable knowledge for ethical photography.

Insider’s Tip: Focus on early morning and late afternoon drives for the best light and active wildlife.

When To Travel: July to October for the Great Migration.

How To Get There: Fly to Nairobi, take a small plane, or drive to the Masai Mara.

15. Kangaroo Island, Australia

Kangaroo Island, off the coast of South Australia, is a wildlife sanctuary where you can photograph kangaroos, koalas, echidnas, and a variety of bird species in their natural habitat. The island’s diverse landscapes, from sandy beaches to rugged cliffs, provide a stunning backdrop for wildlife photography. Ethical practices are crucial here, especially given the island’s recovery from recent bushfires.

Insider’s Tip: Visit the Seal Bay Conservation Park to photograph Australian sea lions.

When To Travel: September to March for the best weather and wildlife viewing.

How To Get There: Fly to Adelaide, then take a ferry or a regional flight to Kangaroo Island.

The Bottom Line

As a responsible wildlife photographer, your journey is not just about capturing the beauty of nature through your lens; it’s about respecting the wildlife and their habitats. Each of these destinations offers a unique opportunity to observe and photograph animals in their natural environments, but it’s crucial to prioritize their well-being over getting the perfect shot. Remember, ethical practices ensure that these magnificent creatures and their habitats are preserved for future generations to admire. So, pack your camera, tread lightly, and prepare to be awed by the natural wonders of our world, all while making a positive impact.

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The post 15 Ethical Wildlife Photography Adventures: Through the Lens Responsibly republished on Passing Thru with permission from The Green Voyage .

Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Alexander Sviridov.

For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.

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2023 wildlife photographer of the year winners – in pictures

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Selected from 49,957 entries from 95 countries, the winners of the Natural History Museum’s prestigious wildlife photographer of the year competition were revealed at an awards ceremony in South Kensington on Tuesday. The flagship wildlife photographer of the year exhibition featuring the awarded images will open on Friday 13 October 2023 at the Natural History Museum in London

Wed 11 Oct 2023 06.00 BST Last modified on Wed 11 Oct 2023 23.21 BST

Hippo nursery by Mike Korostelev, Russia. Winner: underwater

Photograph: Mike Korostelev/2023 Wildlife Photographer of the Year

The tadpole banquet by Juan Jesús González Ahumada, Spain. Winner, behaviour: amphibians and reptiles

Photograph: Juan Jesús González/2023 Wildlife Photographer of the Year

Lights fantastic by Sriram Murali, India. Winner, behaviour: invertebrates

Photograph: Sriram Murali/2023 Wildlife Photographer of the Year

Whales making waves by Bertie Gregory, UK. Winner, behaviour: mammals

Photograph: Bertie Gregory/2023 Wildlife Photographer of the Year

Face of the forest by Vishnu Gopal, India. Winner, animal portraits

Photograph: Vishnu Gopal/2023 Wildlife Photographer of the Year

Life on the edge by Amit Eshel, Israel. Winner, animals in their environment

Photograph: Amit Eshel/2023 Wildlife Photographer of the Year

The ancient mariner by Laurent Ballesta, France. Winner, portfolio award ‘The golden horseshoe’

Photograph: Laurent Ballesta/2023 Wildlife Photographer of the Year

Last breath of autumn by Agorastos Papatsanis, Greece. Winner, plants and fungi

Photograph: Agorastos Papatsanis/2023 Wildlife Photographer of the Year

Alpine exposure by Luca Melcarne, France. Winner, rising star portfolio award

Photograph: Luca Melcarne/2023 Wildlife Photographer of the Year

Last gasp by Lennart Verheuvel, the Netherlands. Winner, oceans: the bigger picture

Photograph: Lennart Verheuvel/2023 Wildlife Photographer of the Year

Birds of the midnight sun by Knut-Sverre Horn, Norway. Winner, Urban Wildlife

Photograph: Knut Sverre Horn/2023 Wildlife Photographer of the Year

The unprotected by Karine Aigner, US. Winner, photojournalist story award

Photograph: Karine Aigner/2023 Wildlife Photographer of the Year

The dead river by Joan de la Malla, Spain. Winner, wetlands - the bigger picture

Photograph: Joan de la Malla/2023 Wildlife Photographer of the Year

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Photograph: Hadrien Lalagüe/2023 Wildlife Photographer of the Year

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Photograph: Fernando Constantino Martínez Belmar/2023 Wildlife Photographer of the Year

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Photograph: 2023 Wildlife Photographer of the Year

Wildlife photographer of the year. Out of the blue by Ekaterina Bee, Italy. Winner, 11-14 years

Photograph: Ekaterina Bee/2023 Wildlife Photographer of the Year

The wall of wonder by Vihaan Talya Vikas, India. Winner, 10 years and under

Photograph: Vihaan Talya Vikas/2023 Wildlife Photographer of the Year

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What does a wildlife photographer do?

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What is a Wildlife Photographer?

Wildlife photographers capture evocative images of wild animals, their behaviors, and their habitats. Dedicated to documenting the beauty, diversity, and untamed aspects of the natural world, often in remote or challenging environments, these photographers are called upon to exercise patience in their pursuit of the perfect shot that celebrates the wonders of wildlife, while upholding ethical standards and raising awareness of conservation and endangered species issues.

What does a Wildlife Photographer do?

Duties and Responsibilities Wildlife photographers combine their passion for nature and wildlife with photography skills. Here’s a snapshot of their key activities and responsibilities:

• Observation and Patience – Spend long hours observing wildlife in their natural habitats and waiting for the perfect moments to capture images.
• Fieldwork – Travel to various locations, often in remote and challenging environments, to photograph wildlife in their natural settings.
• Understanding Animal Behavior – Develop in-depth knowledge of the behavior and habits of the animals being photographed to anticipate and capture unique moments and interactions.
• Equipment Proficiency – Use specialized camera equipment, such as long telephoto lenses and tripods, to capture distant or fast-moving subjects. Proficiency in operating this equipment is essential.
• Ethical Photography – Ensure that photography practices do not harm or disturb the animals or their habitats, following ethical guidelines and respecting wildlife.
• Conservation Advocacy – Use their photographs to raise awareness about wildlife conservation and environmental issues, helping to protect endangered species and their ecosystems.
• Post-Processing – Edit and enhance photographs using photo editing software to improve image quality while maintaining the integrity of the natural scene.
• Storytelling – Create visual narratives and photo essays to convey the beauty of the natural world, wildlife behavior, and the need for conservation. This may involve collaborating with writers and scientists to provide context and information.
• Publication and Exhibition – Share their work through various media, including books, magazines, websites, exhibitions, and educational materials, to reach a broader audience and educate the public.
• Education and Workshops – Offer workshops, lectures, and educational programs to share their knowledge and skills with aspiring wildlife photographers and conservation enthusiasts.

Types of Wildlife Photographers Now that we have a sense of the general wildlife photographer’s scope of work, let’s look at some different types of wildlife photographers:

• Bird Photographers – Bird photographers focus on capturing images of birds in their natural habitats. They may specialize in bird species from a specific region or have a broader interest in avian photography.
• Mammal Photographers – These photographers concentrate on mammals, ranging from large predators like lions and tigers to small mammals like squirrels and rodents. They often photograph the natural behaviors and interactions of their subjects.
• Underwater Wildlife Photographers – Underwater wildlife photographers use specialized equipment to capture marine life and underwater ecosystems, including coral reefs, fish, and other sea creatures.
• Macro Wildlife Photographers – Macro photographers capture close-up shots of small creatures, insects, and details within the natural world, revealing the intricacies of these often-overlooked subjects.
• Landscape and Wildlife Photographers – These photographers combine wildlife and landscape photography to create images that showcase the relationship between wildlife and their natural environments, such as animals in sweeping landscapes or striking wilderness scenes.
• Ethnographic Wildlife Photographers – Some photographers focus on documenting the interactions between indigenous or local communities and wildlife, often highlighting the importance of coexistence and conservation.
• Conservation Photographers – These photographers have a strong emphasis on using their work to support conservation efforts. They often collaborate with conservation organizations and document critical issues related to endangered species, habitat destruction, and conservation success stories.
• Scientific Wildlife Photographers – Some wildlife photographers work closely with scientists and researchers to document and provide visual data for scientific studies, helping to advance our understanding of wildlife biology and behavior.
• Behavioral Photographers – These photographers specialize in capturing specific animal behaviors, such as mating rituals, hunting, or parenting. They typically require an in-depth understanding of the animal's habits and behavior patterns.
• Adventure Wildlife Photographers – These photographers thrive in extreme or challenging conditions and may document wildlife in harsh environments, such as the Arctic, desert, or high-altitude regions.
• Travel and Tourist Wildlife Photographers – These photographers lead wildlife photography tours, workshops, and expeditions, helping enthusiasts and tourists capture wildlife images while sharing their knowledge and expertise.
• Urban Wildlife Photographers – Urban wildlife photographers capture wildlife that inhabits or interacts with urban environments, such as city-dwelling birds, mammals, and insects.

While these are some common categories, wildlife photographers may overlap or combine specialties based on their interests, skills, and the regions they explore.

Some wildlife photographers may choose to specialize even further, focusing on very specific niche photography. Here are a few examples:

• Big Cat Photography – focusing on large predatory cats like lions, tigers, leopards, and cheetahs, often in African or Asian wildlife reserves
• Polar Wildlife Photography – capturing wildlife in polar regions, such as the Arctic and Antarctic, including polar bears, penguins, seals, and other cold-adapted species
• Reptile and Amphibian Photography – specializing in reptiles, such as snakes and lizards, and amphibians like frogs and salamanders
• Night Wildlife Photography – specializing in capturing wildlife activity at night, including nocturnal animals and astronomical phenomena like astrophotography

What is the workplace of a Wildlife Photographer like?

Wildlife photographers can be employed or commissioned by various individuals, organizations, and entities, depending on the nature of their work and their specialization:

• Magazines and Publishers – Wildlife photographers often contribute their images to magazines, books, and other publications. Nature and wildlife magazines, travel magazines, and field guides are typical clients.
• Conservation Organizations – Many wildlife photographers work with conservation organizations and NGOs to document wildlife and habitats, raise awareness about conservation issues, and support their campaigns and initiatives.
• Stock Photo Agencies – Wildlife photographers may contribute their images to stock photo agencies, making them available for purchase and use by various clients, including publishers, advertisers, and designers.
• Tourism Boards and Travel Companies – Photographers specializing in nature and wildlife photography can be hired by tourism boards and travel companies to create promotional materials, brochures, and websites that showcase the natural beauty of travel destinations.
• Zoos and Aquariums – Wildlife photographers may work with zoos and aquariums to capture images of their resident animals for promotional and educational purposes.
• Research Institutions – Scientific and research institutions may employ wildlife photographers to document animal behavior, conduct fieldwork for studies, or provide visual data for research projects.
• National and State Parks – Photographers are often hired by national and state park authorities to document the beauty of their parks and the wildlife they protect. These images can be used for park promotion and educational materials.
• Adventure Travel Companies – Companies specializing in adventure travel may hire wildlife photographers to lead wildlife photography tours and workshops for clients interested in photography and nature exploration.
• Wildlife Documentaries and Filmmakers – Photographers with expertise in wildlife may work with documentary filmmakers to capture footage for nature documentaries and television programs.
• Educational Institutions – Colleges, universities, and schools may employ wildlife photographers to teach photography courses or lead educational programs in wildlife and environmental studies.
• Private Individuals – Some photographers work on a freelance basis, selling their wildlife images to private collectors, art galleries, and individuals interested in wildlife art and decor.
• Non-profit Organizations – Nonprofits focused on wildlife, conservation, and education often engage wildlife photographers to produce visual content for their websites, presentations, and fundraising materials.
• Self-Employment – Many wildlife photographers are self-employed and make a living by selling their work directly to clients, licensing their images, and offering prints for sale through their websites and galleries.

Photography studios and digital darkrooms are not the predominant workplaces of wildlife photographers. Regardless of their employer, these photographers spend a significant amount of time outdoors, in weather conditions that range from scorching heat to freezing cold. Their careers unfold in diverse environments, including forests, rainforests, grasslands, wetlands, savannas, mountains, deserts, and aquatic ecosystems. Wildlife photographers are called upon to adapt to different terrains, from mud to snow, from sand to rocky landscapes. They may use specialized camouflaged shelters called ‘hides’ or ‘blinds’ to conceal themselves while photographing wildlife. This photography job is literally an adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Photography related careers and degrees.

• Commercial Photographer
• Event Photographer
• Fine Art Photographer
• Landscape Photographer
• Photographer
• Portrait Photographer
• Sports Photographer
• Wildlife Photographer
• Photography

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Animal Related Careers and Degrees

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• Emergency and Critical Care Veterinarian
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• Evolutionary Biologist
• Exotic Animal Veterinarian
• Exterminator
• Family Dairy Farmer
• Farm Manager
• Fish and Game Warden
• Fishery Officer
• Guide Dog Trainer
• Herpetologist
• Hippotherapist
• Horse Trainer
• Ichthyologist
• Kennel Technician
• Large Animal Veterinarian
• Livestock Farmer
• Mammalogist
• Marine Biologist
• Marine Conservationist
• Marine Ecologist
• Marine Fisheries Biologist
• Marine Mammalogist
• Marine Mammal Trainer
• Neuroethologist
• Oceanographer
• Organic Dairy Farmer
• Ornithologist
• Pet Adoption Counselor
• Pet Detective
• Poultry Farmer
• Poultry Scientist
• Public Health Veterinarian
• Racehorse Trainer
• Robotic Dairy Farmer
• Small Animal Veterinarian
• Snake Milker
• Theriogenologist
• Vermiculturist
• Veterinarian
• Veterinary Acupuncturist
• Veterinary Anesthesiologist
• Veterinary Assistant
• Veterinary Behaviorist
• Veterinary Cardiologist
• Veterinary Dentist
• Veterinary Dermatologist
• Veterinary Neurologist
• Veterinary Ophthalmologist
• Veterinary Oncologist
• Veterinary Pathologist
• Veterinary Surgeon
• Veterinary Technician
• Veterinary Technologist
• Wildlife Biologist
• Wildlife Ecologist
• Wildlife Enforcement Officer
• Wildlife Rehabilitator
• Wildlife Veterinarian
• Zoo Curator
• Zoo Educator
• Zoo Endocrinologist
• Animal Sciences
• Aquaculture
• Conservation Biology
• Dairy Science
• Equine Science
• Marine Biology
• Marine Science
• Oceanography
• Poultry Science
• Veterinary Medicine
• Veterinary Technology

Wildlife Photographers are also known as: Animal Photographer Nature Wildlife Photographer

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• WILDLIFE WATCH

Suffering unseen: The dark truth behind wildlife tourism

Captive wild animal encounters are hugely popular, thanks partly to social media. But our investigation shows many creatures lead dismal lives.

I’ve come back to check on a baby. Just after dusk I’m in a car lumbering down a muddy road in the rain, past rows of shackled elephants, their trunks swaying. I was here five hours before, when the sun was high and hot and tourists were on elephants’ backs.

Walking now, I can barely see the path in the glow of my phone’s flashlight. When the wooden fence post of the stall stops me short, I point my light down and follow a current of rainwater across the concrete floor until it washes up against three large, gray feet. A fourth foot hovers above the surface, tethered tightly by a short chain and choked by a ring of metal spikes. When the elephant tires and puts her foot down, the spikes press deeper into her ankle.

Meena is four years and two months old, still a toddler as elephants go. Khammon Kongkhaw, her mahout, or caretaker, told me earlier that Meena wears the spiked chain because she tends to kick. Kongkhaw has been responsible for Meena here at Maetaman Elephant Adventure, near Chiang Mai, in northern Thailand, since she was 11 months old. He said he keeps her on the spiked shackle only during the day and takes it off at night. But it’s night now.

I ask Jin Laoshen, the Maetaman staffer accompanying me on this nighttime visit, why her chain is still on. He says he doesn’t know.

Maetaman is one of many animal attractions in and around tourist-swarmed Chiang Mai. People spill out of tour buses and clamber onto the trunks of elephants that, at the prodding of their mahouts’ bullhooks (long poles with a sharp metal hook), hoist them in the air while cameras snap. Visitors thrust bananas toward elephants’ trunks. They watch as mahouts goad their elephants—some of the most intelligent animals on the planet—to throw darts or kick oversize soccer balls while music blares.

Meena is one of Maetaman’s 10 show elephants. To be precise, she’s a painter. Twice a day, in front of throngs of chattering tourists, Kongkhaw puts a paintbrush in the tip of her trunk and presses a steel nail to her face to direct her brushstrokes as she drags primary colors across paper. Often he guides her to paint a wild elephant in the savanna. Her paintings are then sold to tourists.

For Hungry Minds

Meena’s life is set to follow the same trajectory as many of the roughly 3,800 captive elephants in Thailand and thousands more throughout Southeast Asia. She’ll perform in shows until she’s about 10. After that, she’ll become a riding elephant. Tourists will sit on a bench strapped to her back, and she’ll give several rides a day. When Meena is too old or sick to give rides—maybe at 55, maybe at 75—she’ll die. If she’s lucky, she’ll get a few years of retirement. She’ll spend most of her life on a chain in a stall.

Wildlife attractions such as Maetaman lure people from around the world to be with animals like Meena, and they make up a lucrative segment of the booming global travel industry. Twice as many trips are being taken abroad as 15 years ago, a jump driven partly by Chinese tourists, who spend far more on international travel than any other nationality.

Wildlife tourism isn’t new, but social media is setting the industry ablaze, turning encounters with exotic animals into photo-driven bucket-list toppers. Activities once publicized mostly in guidebooks now are shared instantly with multitudes of people by selfie-taking backpackers, tour-bus travelers, and social media “influencers” through a tap on their phone screens. Nearly all millennials (23- to 38-year-olds) use social media while traveling. Their selfies—of swims with dolphins, encounters with tigers, rides on elephants, and more—are viral advertising for attractions that tout up-close experiences with animals.

For all the visibility social media provides, it doesn’t show what happens beyond the view of the camera lens. People who feel joy and exhilaration from getting close to wild animals usually are unaware that many of the animals at such attractions live a lot like Meena, or worse.

Photographer Kirsten Luce and I set out to look behind the curtain of the thriving wildlife tourism industry, to see how animals at various attractions—including some that emphasize their humane care of animals—are treated once the selfie-taking crowds have gone.

After leaving Maetaman, we take a five-minute car ride up a winding hill to a property announced by a wooden plaque as “Elephant EcoValley: where elephants are in good hands.” There are no elephant rides here. No paint shows or other performances. Visitors can stroll through an open-air museum and learn about Thailand’s national animal. They can make herbal treats for the elephants and paper from elephant dung. They can watch elephants in a grassy, tree-ringed field.

EcoValley’s guest book is filled with praise from Australians, Danes, Americans—tourists who often shun elephant camps such as Maetaman because the rides and shows make them uneasy. Here, they can see unchained elephants and leave feeling good about supporting what they believe is an ethical establishment. What many don’t know is that EcoValley’s seemingly carefree elephants are brought here for the day from nearby Maetaman—and that the two attractions are actually a single business.

Meena was brought here once, but she tried to run into the forest. Another young elephant, Mei, comes sometimes, but today she’s at Maetaman, playing the harmonica in the shows. When she’s not doing that, or spending the day at EcoValley, she’s chained near Meena in one of Maetaman’s elephant stalls.

Meena Kalamapijit owns Maetaman as well as EcoValley, which she opened in November 2017 to cater to Westerners. She says her 56 elephants are well cared for and that giving rides and performing allow them to have necessary exercise. And, she says, Meena the elephant’s behavior has gotten better since her mahout started using the spiked chain.

We sit with Kalamapijit on a balcony outside her office, and she explains that when Westerners, especially Americans, stopped coming to Maetaman, she eliminated one of the daily shows to allot time for visitors to watch elephants bathe in the river that runs through the camp.

“Westerners enjoy bathing because it looks happy and natural,” she says. “But a Chinese tour agency called me and said, ‘Why are you cutting the show? Our customers love to see it, and they don’t care about bathing at all.’ ” Providing separate options is good for business, Kalamapijit says.

Around the world Kirsten and I watched tourists watching captive animals. In Thailand we also saw American men bear-hug tigers in Chiang Mai and Chinese brides in wedding gowns ride young elephants in the aqua surf on the island of Phuket. We watched polar bears in wire muzzles ballroom dancing across the ice under a big top in Russia and teenage boys on the Amazon River snapping selfies with baby sloths.

Most tourists who enjoy these encounters don’t know that the adult tigers may be declawed, drugged, or both. Or that there are always cubs for tourists to snuggle with because the cats are speed bred and the cubs are taken from their mothers just days after birth. Or that the elephants give rides and perform tricks without harming people only because they’ve been “broken” as babies and taught to fear the bullhook. Or that the Amazonian sloths taken illegally from the jungle often die within weeks of being put in captivity.

A young elephant performs for an audience at Sriracha Tiger Zoo, in Chon Buri, Thailand. Elephants, highly intelligent mammals, are trained through fear with metal bullhooks to catch hoops, hold balloons, and balance on stools.

As we traveled to performance pits and holding pens on three continents and in the Hawaiian Islands, asking questions about how animals are treated and getting answers that didn’t always add up, it became clear how methodically and systematically animal suffering is concealed.

The wildlife tourism industry caters to people’s love of animals but often seeks to maximize profits by exploiting animals from birth to death. The industry’s economy depends largely on people believing that the animals they’re paying to watch or ride or feed are having fun too.

It succeeds partly because tourists—in unfamiliar settings and eager to have a positive experience—typically don’t consider the possibility that they’re helping to hurt animals. Social media adds to the confusion: Oblivious endorsements from friends and trendsetters legitimize attractions before a traveler ever gets near an animal.

There has been some recognition of social media’s role in the problem. In December 2017, after a National Geographic investigative report on harmful wildlife tourism in Amazonian Brazil and Peru, Instagram introduced a feature : Users who click or search one of dozens of hashtags, such as #slothselfie and #tigercubselfie, now get a pop-up warning that the content they’re viewing may be harmful to animals.

Everyone finds Olga Barantseva on Instagram. “Photographer from Russia. Photographing dreams,” her bio reads. She meets clients for woodland photo shoots with captive wild animals just outside Moscow.

For her 18th birthday, Sasha Belova treated herself to a session with Barantseva—and a pack of wolves. “It was my dream,” she says as she fidgets with her hair, which had been styled that morning. “Wolves are wild and dangerous.” The wolves are kept in small cages at a petting zoo when not participating in photo shoots.

The Kravtsov family hired Barantseva to take their first professional family photos—all five family members, shivering and smiling in the birch forest, joined by a bear named Stepan.

Barantseva has been photographing people and wild animals together for six years. She “woke up as a star,” she says, in 2015, when a couple of international media outlets found her online. Her audience has exploded to more than 80,000 followers worldwide. “I want to show harmony between people and animals,” she says.

On a raw fall day, under a crown of golden birch leaves on a hill that overlooks a frigid lake, two-and-a-half-year-old Alexander Levin, dressed in a hooded bumblebee sweater, timidly holds Stepan’s paw.

The bear’s owners, Yury and Svetlana Panteleenko, ply their star with food—tuna fish mixed with oatmeal—to get him to approach the boy. Snap: It looks like a tender friendship. The owners toss grapes to Stepan to get him to open his mouth wide. Snap: The bear looks as if he’s smiling.

The Panteleenkos constantly move Stepan, adjusting his paws, feeding him, and positioning Alexander as Barantseva, pink-haired, bundled in jeans and a parka, captures each moment. Snap: A photo goes to her Instagram feed. A boy and a bear in golden Russian woods—a picture straight out of a fairy tale. It’s a contemporary twist on a long-standing Russian tradition of exploiting bears for entertainment.

Another day in the same forest, Kirsten and I join 12 young women who have nearly identical Instagram accounts replete with dreamy photos of models caressing owls and wolves and foxes. Armed with fancy cameras but as yet modest numbers of followers, they all want the audience Barantseva has. Each has paid the Panteleenkos $760 to take identical shots of models with the ultimate prize: a bear in the woods.

Stepan is 26 years old, elderly for a brown bear, and can hardly walk. The Panteleenkos say they bought him from a small zoo when he was three months old. They say the bear’s work—a constant stream of photo shoots and movies—provides money to keep him fed.

A video on Svetlana Panteleenko’s Instagram account proclaims: “Love along with some great food can make anyone a teddy :-)”

And just like that, social media takes a single instance of local animal tourism and broadcasts it to the world.

When the documentary film Blackfish was released in 2013, it drew a swift and decisive reaction from the American public. Through the story of Tilikum, a distressed killer whale at SeaWorld in Orlando, Florida, the film detailed the miserable life orcas can face in captivity. Hundreds of thousands of outraged viewers signed petitions. Companies with partnership deals, such as Southwest Airlines, severed ties with SeaWorld. Attendance at SeaWorld’s water parks slipped; its stock nose-dived.

James Regan says what he saw in Blackfish upset him. Regan, honeymooning in Hawaii with his wife, Katie, is from England, where the country’s last marine mammal park closed permanently in 1993. I meet him at Dolphin Quest Oahu, an upscale swim-with-dolphins business on the grounds of the beachfront Kahala Hotel & Resort, just east of Honolulu. The Regans paid $225 each to swim for 30 minutes in a small group with a bottlenose dolphin. One of two Dolphin Quest locations in Hawaii, the facility houses six dolphins.

Bottlenose dolphins are the backbone of an industry that spans the globe. Swim-with-dolphins operations rely on captive-bred and wild-caught dolphins that live—and interact with tourists—in pools. The popularity of these photo-friendly attractions reflects the disconnect around dolphin experiences: People in the West increasingly shun shows that feature animals performing tricks, but many see swimming with captive dolphins as a vacation rite of passage.

Katie Regan has wanted to swim with dolphins since she was a child. Her husband laughs and says of Dolphin Quest, “They paint a lovely picture. When you’re in America, everyone is smiling.” But he appreciates that the facility is at their hotel, so they can watch the dolphins being fed and cared for. He brings up Blackfish again.

Katie protests: “Stop making my dream a horrible thing!”

Rae Stone, president of Dolphin Quest and a marine mammal veterinarian, says the company donates money to conservation projects and educates visitors about perils that marine mammals face in the wild. By paying for this entertainment, she says, visitors are helping captive dolphins’ wild cousins.

Stone notes that Dolphin Quest is certified “humane” by American Humane, an animal welfare nonprofit. (The Walt Disney Company, National Geographic’ s majority owner, offers dolphin encounters on some vacation excursions and at an attraction in Epcot, one of its Orlando parks. Disney says it follows the animal welfare standards of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, a nonprofit that accredits more than 230 facilities worldwide.)

It’s a vigorous debate: whether even places with high standards, veterinarians on staff, and features such as pools filled with filtered ocean water can be truly humane for marine mammals.

Dolphin Quest’s Stone says yes.

Critics, including the Humane Society of the United States, which does not endorse keeping dolphins in captivity, say no. They argue that these animals have evolved to swim great distances and live in complex social groups—conditions that can’t be replicated in the confines of a pool. This helps explain why the National Aquarium, in Baltimore, announced in 2016 that its dolphins will be retired to a seaside sanctuary by 2020.

Some U.S. attractions breed their own dolphins because the nation has restricted dolphin catching in the wild since 1972. But elsewhere, dolphins are still being taken from the wild and turned into performers.

In China, which has no national laws on captive-animal welfare, dolphinariums with wild-caught animals are a booming business: There are now 78 marine mammal parks, and 26 more are under construction.

To have the once-in-a-lifetime chance to see rare Black Sea dolphins, people in the landlocked town of Kaluga, a hundred miles from Moscow, don’t have to leave their city. In the parking lot of the Torgoviy Kvartal shopping mall, next to a hardware store, is a white inflatable pop-up aquarium: the Moscow Traveling Dolphinarium. It looks like a children’s bouncy castle that’s been drained of its color.

Inside the puffy dome, parents buy their kids dolphin-shaped trinkets: fuzzy dolls and Mylar balloons, paper dolphin hats, and drinks in plastic dolphin tumblers. Families take their seats around a small pool. The venue is so intimate that even the cheapest seats, at nine dollars apiece, are within splashing distance.

“My kids are jumping for joy,” says a woman named Anya, motioning toward her two giddy boys, bouncing in their seats.

In the middle of the jubilant atmosphere, in water that seems much too shallow and much too murky, two dolphins swim listlessly in circles.

Russia is one of only a few countries (Indonesia is another) where traveling oceanariums exist. Dolphins and beluga whales, which need to be immersed in water to stay alive, are put in tubs on trucks and carted from city to city in a loop that usually ends when they die. These traveling shows are aboveboard: Russia has no laws that regulate how marine mammals should be treated in captivity.

The shows are the domestic arm of a brisk Russian global trade in dolphins and small whales. Black Sea bottlenose dolphins can’t be caught legally without a permit, but Russian fishermen can catch belugas and orcas under legal quotas in the name of science and education. Some belugas are sold legally to aquariums around the country. Russia now allows only a dozen or so orcas to be caught each year for scientific and educational purposes, and since April 2018, the government has cracked down on exporting them. But government investigators believe that Russian orcas—which can sell for millions—are being caught illegally for export to China.

Captive orcas, which can grow to 20 feet long and more than 10,000 pounds, are too big for the traveling shows that typically feature dolphins and belugas. When I contacted the owners of the Moscow Traveling Dolphinarium and another operation, the White Whale Show, in separate telephone calls to ask where their dolphins and belugas come from, both men, Sergey Kuznetsov and Oleg Belesikov, hung up on me.

Russia’s dozen or so traveling oceanariums are touted as a way to bring native wild animals to people who might never see the ocean.

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“Who else if not us?” says Mikhail Olyoshin, a staffer at one traveling oceanarium. And on this day in Kaluga, as the dolphins perform tricks to American pop songs and lie on platforms for several minutes for photo ops, parents and children express the same sentiment: Imagine, dolphins, up close, in my hometown. The ocean on delivery.

Owners and operators of wildlife tourism attractions, from high-end facilities such as Dolphin Quest in Hawaii to low-end monkey shows in Thailand, say their animals live longer in captivity than wild counterparts because they’re safe from predators and environmental hazards. Show operators proudly emphasize that the animals under their care are with them for life. They’re family.

Alla Azovtseva, a longtime dolphin trainer in Russia, shakes her head.

“I don’t see any sense in this work. My conscience bites me. I look at my animals and want to cry,” says Azovtseva, who drives a red van with dolphins airbrushed on the side. At the moment, she’s training pilot whales to perform tricks at Moscow’s Moskvarium, one of Europe’s largest aquariums (not connected to the traveling dolphin shows). On her day off, we meet at a café near Red Square.

She says she fell in love with dolphins in the late 1980s when she read a book by John Lilly, the American neuroscientist who broke open our understanding of the animals’ intelligence. She has spent 30 years training marine mammals to do tricks. But along the way she’s grown heartsick from forcing highly intelligent, social creatures to live isolated, barren lives in small tanks.

“I would compare the dolphin situation with making a physicist sweep the street,” she says. “When they’re not engaged in performance or training, they just hang in the water facing down. It’s the deepest depression.”

What people don’t know about many aquarium shows in Russia, Azovtseva says, is that the animals often die soon after being put in captivity, especially those in traveling shows. And Azovtseva—making clear she’s referring to the industry at large in Russia and not the Moskvarium—says she knows many aquariums quietly and illegally replace their animals with new ones.

It’s been illegal to catch Black Sea dolphins in the wild for entertainment purposes since 2003, but according to Azovtseva, aquarium owners who want to increase their dolphin numbers quickly and cheaply buy dolphins poached there. Because these dolphins are acquired illegally, they’re missing the microchips that captive cetaceans in Russia are usually tagged with as a form of required identification.

Some aquariums get around that, she says, by cutting out dead dolphins’ microchips and implanting them into replacement dolphins.

“People are people,” Azovtseva says. “Once they see an opportunity, they exploit.” She says she can’t go on doing her work in the industry and that she’s decided to speak out because she wants people to know the truth about the origins and treatment of many of the marine mammals they love watching. We exchange a look—we both know what her words likely mean for her livelihood.

“I don’t care if I’m fired,” she says defiantly. “When a person has nothing to lose, she becomes really brave.”

I'm sitting on the edge of an infinity pool on the hilly Thai side of Thailand’s border with Myanmar, at a resort where rooms average more than a thousand dollars a night.

Out past the pool, elephants roam in a lush valley. Sitting next to me is 20-year-old Stephanie, who asked not to use her last name. She’s Dutch and French, Tokyo born and raised, and a student at the University of Michigan. Her cosmopolitan background and pretty face make for a perfect cocktail of aspiration—she’s exactly the kind of Instagrammer who makes it as an influencer. That is, someone who has a large enough following to attract sponsors to underwrite posts and, in turn, travel, wardrobes, and bank accounts. In 2018, brands—fashion, travel, tech, and more—spent an estimated $1.6 billion on social media advertising by influencers.

Stephanie has been here, at the Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort, before. This time, in a fairly standard influencer-brand arrangement, she’ll have a picnic with elephants and post about it to her growing legion of more than 25,000 Instagram followers. In exchange, she gets hundreds of dollars off the nightly rate.

At Anantara the fields are green, and during the day at least, many of the resort’s 22 elephants are tethered on ropes more than a hundred feet long so they can move around and socialize. Nevertheless, they’re expected to let guests touch them and do yoga beside them.

After Stephanie's elephant picnic, I watch her edit the day’s hundreds of photos. She selects an image with her favorite elephant, Bo. She likes it, she says, because she felt a connection with Bo and thinks that will come across. She posts it at 9:30 p.m.—the time she estimates the largest number of her followers will be online. She includes a long caption, summing it up as “my love story with this incredible creature,” and the hashtag #stopelephantriding. Immediately, likes from followers stream in—more than a thousand, as well as comments with heart-eyed emoji.

Anantara is out of reach for anyone but the wealthy—or prominent influencers. Anyone else seeking a similar experience might do a Google search for, say, “Thailand elephant sanctuary.”

As tourist demand for ethical experiences with animals has grown, affordable establishments, often calling themselves “sanctuaries,” have cropped up purporting to offer humane, up-close elephant encounters. Bathing with elephants—tourists give them a mud bath, splash them in a river, or both—has become very popular. Many facilities portray baths as a benign alternative to elephant riding and performances. But elephants getting baths, like those that give rides and do tricks, will have been broken to some extent to make them obedient. And as long as bathing remains popular, places that offer it will need obedient elephants to keep their businesses going. 


In Ban Ta Klang, a tiny town in eastern Thailand, modest homes dot the crimson earth. In front of each is a wide, bamboo platform for sitting, sleeping, and watching television.

But the first thing I notice is the elephants. Some homes have one, others as many as five. Elephants stand under tarps or sheet metal roofs or trees. Some are together, mothers and babies, but most are alone. Nearly all the elephants wear ankle chains or hobbles—cuffs binding their front legs together. Dogs and chickens weave among the elephants’ legs, sending up puffs of red dust.

Ban Ta Klang—known as Elephant Village—is ground zero in Thailand for training and trading captive elephants.

“House elephants,” Sri Somboon says, gesturing as he turns down his TV. Next to his outdoor platform, a two-month-old baby elephant runs around his mother. Somboon points across the road to the third elephant in his charge, a three-year-old male tethered to a tree. He’s wrenching his head back and forth and thrashing his trunk around. It looks as if he’s going out of his mind.

He’s in the middle of his training, Somboon says, and is getting good at painting. He’s already been sold, and when his training is finished, he’ll start working at a tourist camp down south.

Ban Ta Klang and the surrounding area, part of Surin Province, claim to be the source of more than half of Thailand’s 3,800 captive elephants. Long before the flood of tourists, it was the center of the elephant trade; the animals were caught in the wild and tamed for use transporting logs. Now, every November, hundreds of elephants from here are displayed, bought, and sold in the province’s main town, Surin.

One evening I sit with Jakkrawan Homhual and Wanchai Sala-ngam. Both 33, they’ve been best friends since childhood. About half the people in Ban Ta Klang who care for elephants, including Homhual, don’t own them. They’re paid a modest salary by a rich owner to breed and train baby elephants for entertainment. As night falls, thousands of termites swarm us, attracted to the single bulb hanging above the bamboo platform. Our conversation turns to elephant training.

Phajaan is the traditional—and brutal—days- or weeks-long process of breaking a young elephant’s spirit. It has long been used in Thailand and throughout Southeast Asia to tame wild elephants, which still account for many of the country’s captives. Under phajaan, elephants are bound with ropes, confined in tight wooden structures, starved, and beaten repeatedly with bullhooks, nails, and hammers until their will is crushed. The extent to which phajaan persists in its harshest form is unclear. Since 2012, the government has been cracking down on the illegal import of elephants taken from the forests of neighboring Myanmar, Thailand’s main source of wild-caught animals.

I ask the men how baby elephants born in captivity are broken and trained.

When a baby is about two years old, they say, mahouts tie its mother to a tree and slowly drag the baby away. Once separated, the baby is confined. Using a bullhook on its ear, they teach the baby to move: left, right, turn, stop. To teach an elephant to sit, Sala-ngam says, “we tie up the front legs. One mahout will use a bullhook at the back. The other will pull a rope on the front legs.” He adds: “To train the elephant, you need to use the bullhook so the elephant will know.”

Humans identify suffering in other humans by universal signs: People sob, wince, cry out, put voice to their hurt. Animals have no universal language for pain. Many animals don’t have tear ducts. More creatures still—prey animals, for example—instinctively mask symptoms of pain, lest they appear weak to predators. Recognizing that a nonhuman animal is in pain is difficult, often impossible.

But we know that animals feel pain. All mammals have a similar neuroanatomy. Birds, reptiles, and amphibians all have pain receptors. As recently as a decade ago, scientists had collected more evidence that fish feel pain than they had for neonatal infants. A four-year-old human child with spikes pressing into his flesh would express pain by screaming. A four-year-old elephant just stands there in the rain, her leg jerking in the air.

Of all the silently suffering animals I saw in pools and pens around the world, two in particular haunt me: an elephant and a tiger.

They lived in the same facility, Samut Prakan Crocodile Farm and Zoo, about 15 miles south of Bangkok. The elephant, Gluay Hom, four years old, was kept under a stadium. The aging tiger, Khai Khem, 22, spent his days on a short chain in a photo studio. Both had irrefutable signs of suffering: The emaciated elephant had a bent, swollen leg hanging in the air and a large, bleeding sore at his temple. His eyes were rolled back in his head. The tiger had a dental abscess so severe that the infection was eating through the bottom of his jaw.

When I contacted the owner of the facility, Uthen Youngprapakorn, to ask about these animals, he said the fact that they hadn’t died proved that the facility was caring for them properly. He then threatened a lawsuit.

Six months after Kirsten and I returned from Thailand, we asked Ryn Jirenuwat, our Bangkok-based Thai interpreter, to check on Gluay Hom and Khai Khem. She went to Samut Prakan and watched them for hours, sending photos and video. Gluay Hom was still alive, still standing in the same stall, leg still bent at an unnatural angle. The elephants next to him were skin and bones. Khai Khem was still chained by his neck to a hook in the floor. He just stays in his dark corner, Jirenuwat texted, and when he hears people coming, he twists on his chain and turns his back to them.

“Like he just wants to be swallowed by the wall.”

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Jaw-dropping images win big in the World Nature Photography Awards 2024

The best wildlife and nature photography in the world is put on show as the World Nature Photographer of the Year is announced

The World Nature Photography Awards always produces an abundance of exceptional photographs, and this year has been no exception. Some of the best wildlife cameras have been used to capture nature in all its beauty, from portraits of exotic animals to the humble mushroom the competition brings together the best photography from all over the world. 

The title of World Nature Photographer of the Year 2024 was awarded to Tracey Lund from the UK, for her image ‘Underwater gannets’, an underwater image that depicts two hungry gannets diving for their meal. Taken whilst on holiday off of the coast of Shetland, UK, Lund used a DSLR in an underwater housing attached to a pole cam, all while sitting on the edge of a boat. The image won gold in the Behaviour - Birds category, one of 14 category winners entered into the grand prize draw.  

Speaking on the moment of capture, Lund says, "Thousands of gannets were in the sky above us and then started to dive into the sea after locally caught fish. An unbelievable spectacle to witness, let alone to photograph. I took 1800 images on that day but only had 2 that I could use". 

Drawn from a pool of thousands of entries submitted from over 6 continents, Lund's winning image shows exceptional patience and technical skill, awarding her the prestigious title and the $1,000 prize money. 

The winners of the 13 other categories and their images can be seen below: 

The Gold prize category winners are an exceptional example of wildlife and nature photography, a big congratulations to all of the winners. 

Adrian Dinsdale, co-founder of the WNPAs says, “Our winners never fail to take our breath away with their stunning images. As always, it’s such a joy to see the amazing caliber of entries into the awards".

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A full list of winners and runners-up can be found on the World Photography Nature Awards website , along with details on how to enter the World Photography Nature Awards 2025 which has now opened for calls. 

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Kalum Carter is a photographer, photo editor and writer based in the UK, and for almost a decade he has worked with brands and publications to create, edit, and sequence imagery. Having recently graduated with a Master's Degree in Photography from the University of the West of England (UWE), Kalum joined Digital Camera World as a Staff Writer, covering news, reviews, and his biggest passion – photography books! 

Kalum's photography has been published and exhibited around the world, and he continues to photograph on a project-by-project basis. He is currently working on a personal project capturing the people and landscape of Gower, South Wales. Currently untitled , this body of work will be exhibited for the National Trust later this year.   

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