There’s no other place like Africa for wildlife photography. But not all safaris are created equal. At Akari Photo Tours, our safaris are crafted by photographers, for photographers—so you’re not just along for the ride, you’re in position for the shot of a lifetime. For over a decade, our guides and pro photographers have explored Africa’s most iconic landscapes with groups of passionate photographers, tracking wildlife, waiting on perfect light, and creating unforgettable images. With our deep experience, carefully chosen locations, and in-the-moment mentoring, this isn’t a sightseeing trip. It’s a photography journey.

Why Africa is the Ultimate Destination for Wildlife Photography

Africa is where nature still writes its own rules. The drama of predator and prey plays out on open plains. Elephants and giraffes silhouette against the rising sun. Birds explode from wetlands in bursts of color and motion. The quality of light, the proximity of wildlife, and the diversity of ecosystems make Africa a dream destination for any photographer.

And if your camera has never been to Africa, it’s overdue.

What Makes Akari Photo Safaris Different

Not all safaris are built for photographers. Ours are.

Small groups, significant advantages: We keep our groups small so everyone has room to shoot, time to learn, and flexibility to adapt. There’s no shooting over heads or waiting for a turn. We tried running the large group safaris, it just did not work for a photographer.... action can happen on the wrong side of the vehicle, you don't get enough mentoring when the action happens, and certain locations do not cater to larger groups... forcing the larger groups to stay farther away from the wildlife than we liked.
Photographer-first access: We choose lodges and reserves that cater to photographers—places that allow us to stay out past sunset, go off-road when we can, and put you at eye-level with the action.
Real instruction, right when you need it: We teach as we go, reviewing your images after the sundowners, helping you with settings in the moment, and working with you before and after each outing to build confidence and results.
A decade of experience: This isn’t our first game drive. We’ve spent over ten years leading photo tours across Africa. We know which waterholes to watch, which light to chase, what lodges and camps work best, vehicle configurations that work for photographers and how to read a lion’s body language just before the action starts.
Best access doesn't have to break the bank: Sure, photo safaris cost more than your average tour, but they don’t need to break the bank. At Akari, we are proving that world-class photography experiences don’t have to come with a $20,000 to $30,000 price tag. We price our photo safaris fairly while still giving you access to the best locations, guides, and shooting opportunities without sacrificing quality—or your savings account.

Where We Go: The Best Photo Safari Destinations in Africa

We’ve handpicked our African safari locations with one goal in mind: giving you the best possible opportunities to create once-in-a-lifetime images. Whether you're chasing golden light or great migrations, these are the places that have delivered for us in the past, and will continue to be our preferred locations.

East Africa (Tanzania and Kenya): Think wildebeest migrations, calving seasons, and big cats on the move. You’ll witness drama, movement, and the pulse of the wild in some of the most iconic safari landscapes on Earth. See our photo safaris here
South Africa (Private Game Reserve): Purpose-built photographic hides put you at eye level with wildlife, day or night. A favorite for capturing behavior, interaction, and perfect compositions. See that safari here
Namibia: From the private conservancy of Ongava to the wildlife-rich Etosha, Namibia blends surreal landscapes with rich wildlife encounters. Deadvlei, Kolmanskop, Spitzkoppe, and the Himba culture provide opportunities beyond the typical safari scene. See those Namibia safaris here
Uganda: Trek into misty mountain forests for intimate encounters with mountain gorillas and wild chimpanzees. Uganda offers one of the most emotionally powerful and photographically rewarding experiences in Africa. See that safari here

What You’ll Learn On Our Photo Safaris

Our workshops are designed for learning. You’ll go home a better photographer, not just with better photos.

Learn to anticipate animal behavior to capture storytelling images.
Master settings for motion, low light, and extreme contrast.
Explore techniques for wildlife portraits, wide-angle scenes, and environmental storytelling.
Participate in daily image reviews, group critiques, and optional post-processing sessions.
Get pre-trip consultation and even post-trip image feedback to extend the learning beyond the field.

One guest said it best: "I came for the wildlife. I left with images I didn’t know I was capable of making."

What You Are Investing in When You Book a Photo Safari With Us

When you join an Akari Photo Tour, you're not just booking a trip—you’re investing in a highly curated experience designed to maximize your time, comfort, and creative growth.

Proven locations: Every destination we offer is one we’ve either scouted or led tours in personally. We don’t roll the dice on your bucket list.
Time well spent: We know the patterns of local wildlife and how to read their behavior. That means more time photographing action, and less time waiting and hoping.
Photographer by your side: You’ll have an experienced pro with you at all times—ready to help you anticipate moments, dial in your settings, and walk away with images you’re proud of.
Stress-free travel: We handle all the logistics so you can focus on your photography—and on choosing what drink pairs best with that evening’s spectacular dinner.
Small group camaraderie: You’ll be traveling with like-minded people who share your passion for wildlife, adventure, and getting the shot.
A personalized approach: From pre-trip calls to post-trip reviews, we get to know you, your goals, and the images you dream of creating.

This is more than a tour—it’s an investment in your growth as a photographer, and in memories that last a lifetime.

Who Our Photography Safaris created For

You don’t need to be a pro. You don’t need a $10,000 lens. You just need a willingness to learn and a love for the natural world.

Our tours are perfect for:

Enthusiastic amateurs looking to get serious about wildlife photography.
Intermediate photographers who want to fine-tune their technique.
Advanced shooters who want rare access and local knowledge. You may have been to Africa in the past, and now want something special.

Whether you’ve been on ten safaris or none, we meet you where you are—and help you take the next step.

Final Thoughts: Africa Will Change the Way You See Nature

Would you rather scroll your phone or sit beside a lion as it rises with the morning sun? Being on safari isn’t just better than watching nature documentaries or flipping through your feed. It’s immersive, real, and thrilling. Whether you’re behind the lens or sharing the moment with a partner who just loves the wild, nothing beats being truly present out there.

We promise that there’s a moment on every Akari safari where time seems to slow. Maybe it’s the crunch of hooves in the morning mist. Maybe it’s a cheetah resting just meters away, unconcerned with your presence. Maybe it’s the quiet after you've just experienced few people will ever see. - That moment stays with you long after you have returned home.

Africa will change your photography. But more than that, it will change the way you see nature.

Ready to experience it? Browse our upcoming Africa Photo Safaris here

Why Join an Akari Photo Safari For A Wildlife Photography Safari In Africa