Recommended Gear for Your Photo Safari

Tips by wildlife photographer Sam Turley

Embarking on a photography safari is an exciting adventure—but knowing what gear to bring can make or break your experience in the field. In this blog, wildlife photographer Sam Turley shares his insights on building a good camera kit for safari conditions, offering practical tips drawn from years of shooting in the wild. From essential camera bodies and versatile lenses to the small-but-crucial extras that keep him prepared and productive, Sam walks us through what’s in his bag and why.

All images by Sam Turley

What’s in my camera bag

What’s in my bag does vary depending on the trip, but many of the core elements remain the same.

Camera Bodies

I always pack two identical camera bodies. This is definitely a luxury and it took me a while to be able to afford this setup but it has huge benefits in the field. With two identical bodies, you can seamlessly switch between them without fumbling around changing lenses. In wildlife photography, timing is everything. Although it doesn’t take long to change a lens (probably about five seconds for me), that’s sometimes all it takes to miss a crucial moment. I also try to avoid changing lenses in the field because dust and moisture can easily get onto the sensor, not ideal.

Lenses

My lens choices vary depending on the location and subjects, but generally, I’m a huge fan of telephoto zoom lenses over primes. Of course, there are benefits to working with prime lenses, but for me, the versatility of a telephoto lens far outweighs those benefits. I currently use a 150-600mm lens on one body, which is my primary setup, and a 16-55mm on the other for when wildlife comes closer or when I want to shoot wider to include more of the environment.

Accessories

The accessories I travel with also vary by location and subject, but I always try to take a tripod with a ball head in case any landscape or astro opportunities present themselves. I currently use 3 Legged Thing’s “Bucky” carbon fibre tripod. It’s lightweight, versatile, and works from ground level up to 1.9 metres. It can also convert to a tabletop tripod, which is great when working in hides, or to a monopod, which is useful for extra stability when shooting from a vehicle. Just like my lens choices, I favour versatility above all else.

I also carry lens filters, but to be honest, they tend to stay in my bag most of the time. I have a UV filter (useful in harsh light), plus 3, 5, and 10-stop ND filters, which stack neatly to save space.

Essentials and Extras

• I always carry a multitool, which over the years has been used for a wide range of tasks including attaching base plates to my camera, removing overhanging branches from the roadside, and, more often than not, segmenting oranges. It’s always good to have.
• I also pack a portable power bank to keep my camera, GoPro, and phone charged throughout the day.
• Snacks are another must. I don’t eat breakfast before early morning excursions (sometimes leaving at 5 am), but I find it difficult to concentrate when I’m hungry, so I always bring light snacks to keep me fueled and focused.
• If I have the space, I also bring binoculars. I was a naturalist long before I became a photographer, and even if the light isn’t great for photography, I still love to see wildlife up close. Observation is key to helping you predict behaviours and of course binoculars also help with spotting animals at a distance.
• I always carry a small notepad and pen where I jot down location specifics, interesting facts about a particular animal, or questions from clients that I need to follow up on later, it’s incredibly useful.
• Of course, I carry the usuals: plenty of spare batteries, extra memory cards, and a basic cleaning kit including microfibre cloths, a rocket air blower, and a cleaning pen. There’s nothing fancy about my cleaning kit and there are plenty of great, affordable options available online.

Have a look at our upcoming wildlife photography trips

Do’s and Don’ts of Packing for a Photo Safari

Packing is an integral part of any photo tour. Pack smartly, and you can set yourself up for success before you’ve even left the house.

Key Considerations

One of the most common questions I hear is: What gear should I bring? Should I upgrade my kit for this trip? In my view, the most important thing is to bring equipment you are familiar with. I would always prefer a setup I know inside out, even if it has fewer capabilities, over a brand-new camera with all the bells and whistles that I don’t know how to use. If you do plan to upgrade before your trip, make sure you give yourself time to properly familiarise yourself with the new gear.

Do’s

• Bring Versatile Lenses: Wildlife is unpredictable, so it’s important to cover multiple focal lengths and give yourself the best chance of capturing the action.
• Pack Light: Be critical when deciding what to bring. Is it truly necessary, or will it just get in the way and slow you down?
• Carry Plenty of Batteries and Memory Cards: Store them in an easily accessible compartment so you can swap them quickly in the field.
• Invest in a Comfortable, Travel-Friendly Bag: This can make a huge difference when you’re out for long days.
• Check the Weather Forecast: Make sure you have appropriate camera protection and are wearing suitable clothing. You need to be comfortable to produce your best work.

Don’ts

• Don’t Overpack: Heavy, bulky, or unnecessary gear can really detract from your experience.
• Don’t Bring Unfamiliar Equipment: You’ll likely miss shots and become frustrated trying to figure things out in the field.
• Don’t Forget Backups: I always bring a laptop and an external hard drive to back up my images at the end of each day. This way, if a memory card fails, I only lose that day’s work, not the entire trip. This has thankfully never happened to me (touch wood) but I do know a lot of people that have lost some beautiful shots and great memories by not backing up their work.

How Much Does Gear Really Matter on a Photo Tour?

It’s a question that comes up all the time, and I totally get it, the lure of the latest camera bodies, super-fast lenses, and cutting-edge autofocus is hard to resist. We’re in an era where technology has made it easier than ever to capture sharp, well-exposed images. But here’s the thing: while gear can certainly help, it’s not the most important factor in creating meaningful wildlife photographs.

The truth is, gear matters but only to a point. What really counts is your creativity, storytelling abilities, patience in the field, and your ability to understand light, animal behavior, and timing. I always remind myself that some of the most iconic wildlife photographers people like Art Wolfe, David Doubilet and Frans Lanting were all working with equipment that is nowhere near the technological level of what we carry today. They weren’t relying on 120 frames per second, AI subject tracking, or pre-shot capture modes. They were crafting beautiful, powerful images with what, by today’s standards, would be considered basic tools. And yet, their work still stands as some of the best the genre has ever seen.

That’s not to say gear is irrelevant. There are situations where it really does matter. For example, photographing fast-moving wildlife like birds in flight or predators on the hunt benefits from a fast, reliable telephoto lens and a camera with a strong autofocus system. Low-light conditions might demand wider apertures or cameras with excellent ISO performance to get the shot without sacrificing quality.

But more often than not, great moments can be captured with any camera. A powerful story, compelling composition, and emotional impact will always outshine technical perfection. As gear gets even better I believe we’ll see an explosion of technically brilliant wildlife images flooding the space. What will really separate photographers in this new era is not whether they have the best camera, but whether they can offer a unique perspective, craft intentional compositions, and tell stories that resonate.

So, my advice is this: focus on building your skills, developing your creative vision, and really learning to see. Your gear can absolutely enhance your work, but it will never define your success as a photographer.

You might also want to read Emil von Maltitz’s tips on packing for a photo tour

Final Thoughts

Less is often more. Research the location, weather, and species you’ll be working with and consult experts if you need help deciding what to bring. I’ve led many groups over the years and have seen clients juggling multiple camera bodies and stressing about which of their six lenses to use in a given moment. Yes, we all want to come home with great photos, but it’s just as important to enjoy the experience.

You can join Sam on wildlife photography trips to Kenya and Slovenia