Are Photo Safaris Good for Beginner Photographers?

(Spoiler Alert: Yes, Absolutely!)

Text by Alan Hewitt, images by Alan Hewitt and Shari Lee Thompson

If you’re new to photography, you might be wondering if a photography safari is really for you. Perhaps you’ve looked at the portfolios from more experienced photographers and thought, I’m not good enough for this, or I only have a basic camera, or What if I mess it all up in front of others?

Let me reassure you right from the start! Photo safaris are absolutely suitable for beginners. In fact, they can be one of the best ways to learn about using your camera in the wild. All while having the time of your life!

Joining a Photo Safari as a Complete Beginner

You don’t need years of experience, a lens that costs more than a family car, a top of the range camera or a wall full of award certificates. Yes, you do need a camera which offers a degree of creative control and a lens with reasonable reach, but crucially, a love of wildlife and a willingness to learn and experiment is what counts the most.

Many people on their first photo safari are still learning the basics. Right now, as I write this, there is a guest with me who is taking their first steps. We’re doing a little bit each day. On day one we worked on taking control of autofocus and frame rates, next day we looked at creative exposure with aperture priority and we’ll slowly move on to manual exposure. One step at a time!

I work with people on a one to one and small group basis and I’ve guided complete beginners who have barely used their cameras or never taken it off automatically. By the end of their photography safari, they’re much more confident in using exposure and composition more creatively as well as being able to take full control of their camera’s autofocus system.

What Makes a Good Beginner-Friendly Photo Safari?

Not all safaris are the same. Look for…

1. Small Groups

You’ll learn more and feel more supported in a small group. Look for safaris that limit vehicle numbers and group sizes so that you get more one-on-one time with your photography guide.

2. Photography-Focused Guiding

Avoid generic safaris and look for a safari geared towards photographers. You want to be with guides (and drivers) who understand the needs of photographers, especially those just starting out. That means positioning the vehicle for light, waiting for moments to develop, and offering fieldcraft advice and creative suggestions without overwhelming you.

3. On-Location Tuition

Photography safaris should include daily guidance, in-the-field tips, and sometimes casual editing sessions back at camp. The best trips give you the space to ask questions, experiment, and make mistakes in a supportive environment.

4. Pace and Patience

A general safari might rush you from sighting to sighting. A photography safari takes time, time to sit with lions at golden hour, or wait for the perfect lift and splash of water from an elephant’s trunk in the morning light. This slower, intentional pace is ideal for beginners to think, try, review, and try again.

5. Pre-departure advice

Make sure you can contact your photography guide on the run up to departure. Ask about photography equipment and the day-to-day schedule and discuss any concerns or other burning questions. Your photography guide will also be able to advise on other things, from safari clothing to packing gear safely and efficiently.

What You Can Expect to Learn

A well-run beginner-friendly photo safari will help you build a solid foundation in:

• Camera settings – how to take control of your exposure, focus, and frame rates.
• Composition techniques – framing, anticipation, and storytelling.
• Animal behaviour – learning to predict moments by observing the wildlife itself.
• Editing and review – guidance on sorting and improving your images afterward.

And perhaps most importantly, you’ll learn that wildlife photography is not about perfection. It’s about practice, patience, and being there in the moment.

It’s Not a Competition

Remember, every expert wildlife photographer once took their very first safari game drive with a camera, unsure of what to expect. Feeling intimidated is normal. But if you let that feeling stop you, you’ll miss out on one of the most transformative experiences a wildlife photographer can have. A good photo safari isn’t a competition, it’s a chance to learn from each other, enjoy nature, and come home with your first African wildlife portfolio.

If you’re still unsure whether it’s for you, get in touch with the trip leader or tour operator and have an honest conversation. Any good operator will welcome your questions and help you feel prepared, supported, and excited, not judged.

Final Thoughts

A photo safari is about so much more than taking photos. It’s also about waking up to the roar of lions, sipping coffee as the dawn breaks over the savannah, and watching an elephant family bathe in golden light. So, if you’ve been waiting until you’re “good enough” to join a photo safari, here’s the truth: The safari is how you get good.

About the author: Alan Hewitt is a wildlife and conservation photographer, writer, and workshop leader. Mainly driven by his appreciation for and fascination of wildlife, Alan’s aim with his photography is to document our natural world and use this as a tool for conservation. His work has been used to support wildlife conservation organisations in Kenya, as well as ones closer to his home in the UK, including campaigns to save nature reserves that are home to iconic and endangered species. Alan is an official UK ambassador for Fujifilm. You can join him on wildlife photography tours in Botswana, South Africa, Zambia, India, and Estonia.