Our Top 10 Wildlife Photography Tips

1. Light Matters

When it comes to photography, particularly wildlife photography, lighting can make or break your shot.

The golden hour – early morning or late afternoon – is the best time to capture animals (and your surroundings) to their best advantage.

Our twice-daily game drives take place over these time periods anyway and set you up for success before you’ve even started. Not only are most animals particularly active at dawn and dusk, but the cool glow of morning and warm light of sunset are soft and perfectly diffused by the sun’s lower angle.

(This makes for interesting and hypnotic images.)

2. Practise Patience

Wildlife photography isn’t about instant gratification; it’s about waiting for the perfect moment. (Just ask those National Geographic film crews who camp out for months in pursuit of the perfect shot!)

Granted, we don’t have months to work with and our expert guides will in all likelihood track down the animal you’re most keen to photograph, but patience is always a must.

It’s important to remember that we are in the animals’ space. These are wild creatures, not performers for our benefit. Getting the perfect position, angle or moment takes time. But, we find that the more time you spend observing and waiting, the better your chances are of capturing a unique shot – perhaps even better than the one you dreamed up in your head!

Be prepared to sit quietly, allow the scene to unfold, and seize the moment when it presents itself.

3. Know Your Gear

Understanding your camera gear is crucial in wildlife photography.

Whether you’re using a DSLR, mirrorless camera, or even a smartphone, familiarity with your equipment ensures you’re ready when the perfect moment arrives.

Make sure you know how to adjust settings like aperture, shutter speed, and ISO on the fly, so you can adapt quickly to changing conditions. For professionals: Don’t get bogged down by wanting to shlep too many lenses around on every excursion. Plan, select what you think you’ll need, and keep your camera at the ready. There’s nothing worse than missing a wonderful sighting because of a lens change!

If photography is simply a hobby and not a profession, we encourage you to have fun with the process nonetheless. Ask fellow guests, or your guide, for advice and tips – at a respectful time.

There is so much we can learn from each other!

4. Wear Neutral Clothing

Dress in neutral colours to avoid startling wildlife, and wear light, breathable fabrics for comfort. Don’t forget sturdy shoes for walking safaris, a hat to protect you from the sun, and sunscreen and insect repellent to ensure you stay comfortable while you focus on your photography.

5. Talk To Your Guide

Your guide can be an invaluable asset when it comes to getting the best wildlife shots.

At Jaci’s Lodges, our expert guides know the animals and the landscape like the back of their hand. They can help position the vehicle or suggest the best angles for capturing incredible shots.

Don’t be afraid to speak up and share what you hope to capture; a collaborative effort can result in some truly unforgettable moments.

6. Aim For ‘Clean’ Backgrounds

A cluttered, distracting backdrop can pull attention away from your subject. Look for clean, simple backgrounds like wide-open skies or rolling hills that complement your subject.

At Jaci’s Lodges, the diverse landscapes of Madikwe Game Reserve – from sweeping grasslands to peaceful waterholes – offer stunning natural backdrops that can enhance your images.

7. Look Beyond The Big Five

While the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino) are iconic and certainly photo-worthy, don’t overlook the smaller creatures that make the wilderness so rich and diverse.

Birds, insects, reptiles, and even plant life offer incredible opportunities for close-up shots and Madikwe is full of these hidden gems. From lilac-breasted rollers to dung beetles, everywhere there is a beautiful subject in this pristine landscape.

8. Use Autofocus & Burst Mode

Autofocus doesn’t mean you’re cheating – it’s actually a very handy setting!

Wildlife is often fast-moving, and in some cases, you’ll have to be quick on the draw to capture the action.

We recommend using continuous autofocus (AI Servo or AF-C mode) to keep your subject sharp as it moves, and engage burst mode to take several shots in rapid succession.

This gives you the best chance of capturing a fast-moving animal in the perfect moment, whether it’s a bird in flight or a big cat during the hunt.

9. Get Low

One of the most effective ways to create engaging wildlife photos is by getting down to the animal’s level.

Shooting from eye-level adds intimacy to the image, making it feel more personal and powerful.

Whether you’re photographing a lion or a drinking zebra, lowering your camera to their level brings out the emotional impact of the shot and allows you to connect with your subject on a deeper level.

These types of shots are best captured during a walking safari, from one of our lodge’s viewing decks or from a hide.

10. Respect Your Subject

Ethical wildlife photography is all about respecting the animals and their natural environment.

Never disturb an animal by making distracting sounds or gestures. Use a zoom lens to photograph animals from a safe distance, ensuring that you don’t cause stress or disrupt their behavior.

Your photos will be more meaningful when you capture the beauty of wildlife in a respectful, natural way.