Some of the Best African Photo Safaris in 2026

If you’re already thinking ahead to your next African photo safari, we’re here to inspire you, and offer you some guidance and tips. Because no matter where you’ll be heading on a wildlife photography trip, planning early will give you the best access to the right locations, seasons, and guides. So here are some of our best African photo safaris in 2026, and all you need to know to start planning your adventure.

It’s a good idea to book early – especially in peak season (June to October)

The best wildlife sightings–and the best lighting conditions–occur during Africa’s dry season. However, that’s also when availability becomes limited. If you want access to private vehicles, specialized photography guides, or lodges near prime wildlife locations, securing your spot well in advance is essential. Plan early, especially for high-demand areas like the Maasai Mara, South Luangwa, and Botswana’s private concessions.

With your planning mindset in place, here are six standout trips to consider in 2026–each offering a unique angle depending on what you’re looking for:

1. Botswana – Big Game and Small Crowds

Botswana is an excellent choice for photographers who value both wildlife density and a more exclusive safari experience. The country’s low-impact tourism model means fewer vehicles at sightings, giving you more time and space to work.

Our Botswana Photo Safari takes you to the Tuli Block, a secluded region in southeastern Botswana. This area is renowned for its rugged terrain, ancient baobab trees, and one of Africa’s largest elephant populations. The private Tuli Wilderness concession offers exclusive access, allowing for flexible game drives and intimate wildlife encounters.

Tour & Destination Highlights

• Enjoy high quality wildlife encounters, including big cats and massive herds of elephants
• Photograph wildlife with a striking backdrop; vast rocky landscapes, huge dry riverbeds, and endless vistas
• Have a true wilderness experience; our camp (which is exclusively ours) is based in the heart of the game reserve
• Enjoy photographic tutoring from Alan Hewitt, a renowned wildlife and conservation photographer
• Try your hand at astrophotography and dine under the stars

2. South Luangwa, Zambia – Wild, Remote, and Great for Leopards

Our Leopards of Luangwa Photo Safari offers the chance to visit one of Africa’s most rewarding yet underappreciated photographic destinations. Untamed and uncrowded, it offers a raw, authentic safari experience–without the vehicle traffic that often defines more commercial parks.

This region is especially renowned for its high concentration of leopards, often spotted in beautiful natural settings and soft light–making it a dream for wildlife photographers seeking to capture big cats in context. But it’s not just about leopards. South Luangwa is home to an impressive array of wildlife, including wild dogs, lions, elephants, buffalo, and over 400 species of birds.

One of the standout features of this trip is access to night drives, which are allowed in few other national parks. These offer rare chances to photograph nocturnal species such as hyenas, genets, owls–and even leopards on the hunt—under expert guidance and with specialist gear.

Tour & Destination Highlights

• The park is renowned for providing outstanding opportunities to capture these stunning cats.
• In addition to leopards, you can expect to photograph a wealth of other wildlife, such as lions, wild dogs, elephants, buffalos, and a rich variety of bird species.
• Led by experienced wildlife photographer Alan Hewitt, this photo safari will provide you with the expertise you need to get the best possible shots.
• With a maximum of 6 guests, we’ll ensure an exclusive experience and plenty of private tutoring.
• With exclusive access to private safari vehicles, we’ll venture deep into the park to find the best locations for wildlife photography.

3. Namibia: Sossusvlei & Etosha – Desert Wildlife, Iconic Landscapes & Photographic Contrast

Namibia offers a unique blend of minimalist beauty and a surprising abundance of wildlife. On our Namibia Photo Tour we explore two of the country’s most striking regions: the towering dunes of Sossusvlei and the wildlife-rich salt pans of Etosha National Park. Together, they provide a compelling contrast– expansive desertscapes alongside bustling waterholes teeming with life.

While Namibia is best known for its surreal landscapes, its wildlife is no less impressive. Etosha is home to some of Africa’s most iconic species, including elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, and the rare spotting of black rhinos. The arid environment funnels animals toward permanent water sources, creating predictable, high-density sightings ideal for photography–often against the stark, open backdrop of the pan.

Meanwhile, Sossusvlei offers the chance to photograph desert-adapted wildlife–from oryx silhouetted against red dunes, to smaller, elusive species like bat-eared foxes and pale chanting goshawks. The quality of light in the early mornings and late afternoons is particularly exceptional here, casting long shadows and revealing fine textures in both land and wildlife.

Tour & Destination Highlights

• Explore two iconic and contrasting locations: Sossusvlei’s towering dunes and Etosha’s wildlife-rich salt pan
• Photograph iconic species such as elephants, giraffes, and black rhinos in Etosha’s open landscape
• Work with expert guidance to help balance composition, exposure, and use natural light at optimal times for strong composition and clarity

4. South Africa – Classic Big Five and Private Reserves

South Africa continues to be a strong option for photographers thanks to its excellent infrastructure, and wide variety of safari options.

South Africa’s Greater Kruger region offers diverse ecosystems and abundant wildlife. Our South Africa Photo Safari takes you into the wild heart of the Timbavati Game Reserve– part of a vast, unfenced ecosystem adjoining Kruger National Park. Known for its intimate wildlife encounters and exceptional leopard sightings, Timbavati offers a uniquely rewarding setting for photographers. With expert local trackers and fewer vehicles on the landscape, photographers have time and space to capture unique wildlife moments with depth and clarity–from big cats to elephants, buffalos, and the full diversity of life this region supports.The tour is designed to accommodate various skill levels, with personalized instruction available.

If you’re keen on an extended wildlife photography adventure, you can combine this trip with our photo safari in Botswana!

Tour & Destination Highlights

• Experience intimate wildlife encounters in a carefully protected private reserve
• Capture the iconic Big Five
• Benefit from private safari vehicles and expert local trackers for the best angles and sightings
• Enjoy flexible game drives tailored to photographic goals
• Learn from professional wildlife photographer Alan Hewitt in a supportive small-group setting

5. Maasai Mara, Kenya – Migration & Predator Action

The Maasai Mara is one of the most iconic wildlife destinations on the planet–famed not only for the Great Migration, but also for its high densities of predators. Our Maasai Mara Wildlife Photography Workshop offers the chance to photograph a wide range of species, from elephants and giraffes to zebras, wildebeest, and an impressive variety of birdlife. While lions and cheetahs are frequently encountered, the focus is on capturing the full spectrum of life in the Mara– in optimal lighting conditions and at an unhurried pace. What makes this trip stand apart is that it’s not just a safari–it’s a photography workshop, carefully designed to help you build storytelling skills, improve technical technique, and come home with a powerful, well-rounded portfolio.

Tour & Destination Highlights
Rather than racing from sighting to sighting, we prioritize:

• Extended time at scenes to capture behaviors, interactions, and storytelling moments.
• Education on animal behavior to help anticipate key action shots.
• Compositional coaching, helping you frame dynamic scenes with purpose.
• Daily feedback and editing sessions, so you can refine your images and improve in real time.

What You’ll Photograph:

• Big Cats in Prime Light: Daily encounters with lions, cheetahs, and often leopards, especially during golden hours when light and activity levels align perfectly.
• The Great Migration: If timed right, you may witness river crossings or massive herds moving across the plains–creating epic-scale photo opportunities.
• Predator-Prey Dynamics: One of the best places in Africa to photograph real-time wildlife interaction, including hunts, stand-offs, and moments of tension and calm.
• Scenic Landscapes & Environmental Shots: Capture the Mara’s sweeping grasslands, stormy skies, and acacia-dotted horizons for context-rich images.

6. Victoria Falls – Water, Wildlife, and Photography with Impact

This experience offers a unique approach, particularly for those who are new to photography, or seeking a program specifically tailored to beginners. Our Victoria Falls photography program provides a distinctive opportunity to capture a blend of wildlife, and conservation-focused imagery in a more accessible, low-budget format.

The program provides the opportunity to photograph everything from the mist-shrouded vistas of Victoria Falls to intimate wildlife encounters in nearby reserves. However, this initiative stands apart by focusing on the broader impact of photography. It is not solely about capturing beautiful images but about using those images to support ongoing conservation efforts and community engagement.

Designed for those interested in contributing to meaningful conservation projects while expanding their photographic skills across multiple genres, this program offers a rewarding experience. Additionally, if you are already planning to visit Zambia or Zimbabwe, this program serves as an ideal complement to your travels.

Tour & Destination Highlights

• Photograph Victoria Falls from multiple vantage points, using mist, light, and scale to shape your shots
• Explore nearby reserves where smaller group sizes and slower pacing allow for more thoughtful image-making
• Practice shooting across genres– landscape, wildlife, and conservation storytelling
• Adapted to photographers with limited experience
• A flexible, beginner-friendly experience that pairs well with regional travel in Zambia or Zimbabwe
• Designed for those interested in contributing to meaningful conservation projects while expanding their photographic skills across multiple genres, this program offers a rewarding experience
• Contribute to conservation-focused projects through your work
• Build skills in both landscape and wildlife photography

Why Choose a Penda Safari

At Penda, we’re all about photography. Our safaris are designed by photographers, for photographers, with every detail carefully planned to maximize your time behind the lens. We prioritize extended field time, expert guides, and personalized instruction to help you elevate your photography skills. Unlike traditional safaris, our focus is on photographic success, not just sightseeing. With small group sizes, exclusive vehicles, and tailored itineraries, we ensure that your photographic journey is as rewarding as it is transformative.

Looking Ahead to 2026

Photographing Africa is about more than just checking off a list of sightings–it’s about time, access, light, and being in the right place with the right support. With our expertly curated photo safaris, you’ll have the opportunity to hone your skills in the world’s most wildlife-rich environments. If you’re planning to travel in 2026, now’s the time to start making decisions that align with your goals as a photographer. Each of the destinations we’ve highlighted offers something distinct. With thoughtful planning, your next safari can be as productive as it is memorable.

Ready to book your next photography adventure? Get in touch with us now to reserve your spot for 2026!