How to pack your Camera Bag for a Safari ?
One of my most asked question is what is in my camera bag - Safari Edition -
Let's see! Save this Checklist for your future trips and make sure you don't forget anything 😃 👇🏼
Photography Gear
1. Camera Body: SONY A7RThe backbone of my wildlife photography, my Sony A7R might be an oldie but a goodie, it delivers stunning image quality and versatility, perfect for capturing fast-moving animals in their natural habitat. I am looking at upgrading my Camera Body to the Sony A7RV but for now mine does the job.
2. Zoom Lens: SONY 200-600MM
This lens is my go-to for capturing distant subjects with incredible clarity. This is the ultimate lens for Safari photography, the most versatile and delivering lens I ever owned. Most of my subjects are within a 10s of meters range and the 200-600mm range ensures I never miss a moment.
3. Close-Up Lens: TAMRON 70-180MM
If the Animal gets closer to me that 2/3 meters away I will use my 70-180mm, this lens provides sharpness and flexibility. Perfect for close encounters with curious wildlife 🙊
4. Extra Charged Batteries
Safari days can be long, and there’s nothing worse than running out of power. I always carry several fully charged batteries to keep shooting without interruptions.
5. Charger (+Adaptor)
A must-have for overnight recharges at the lodge. Or during the day break I can recharge my batteries and be fully ready to go out again at night. Bring an adaptor each African country has their sockets peculiarities your gear might not be compatible to be plugged in.
6. Cleaning Kit:
Keeping my gear clean is critical, especially in the dusty safari environment. My kit includes:
- Blowing Pear: Removes dust particles without touching the lens.
- Lens Wipes and Glasses Cloth: Keeps lenses and glasses crystal clear in case of a greasy print, or finger print. I never wipe the glass cloth directly on the lens without using the blowing pear before, I also make sure the cloth is super clean and have no particles on it. I am extra careful to not scratch the lens.
- Soft Brush: i use a Klair Haus Brush made with goat hair. It gently removes stubborn dirt and dust, especially on the corners that are difficult to access and on the camera body.
Random Important Items
1. Cloth/Scarf for Camera: Protects my camera from dust and scratches during bumpy rides.
2. Pen: Get your own pen to fill up your permits early in the mornings or sign waivers. Don't wait in line and waste precious morning minutes on admin when you can be in the wild already.
3. Bean Bag (Optional): Provides stability for my camera when shooting from the edge of a vehicle. Very convenient especially when there are no built in resting cushion on the vehicle.
4. Map of the Park (For Self-Drive): Essential for planning routes estimating your driving time and stay oriented. You won't always have network where you go. Plus most maps have all the animals (mammals, reptiles and birds) represented on it so you can keep track of your sightings.
Personal Items
1. Sunglasses : We are always shooting in low light conditions and the sun will hit right in your face.
2. Eye Drops: Very handy to have if you get dust or particles from trees or small pebbles, mud, insects etc... The open vehicles especially are by definition open.. You will be exposed to the environment. Try to photograph with dust or an mini insect that flew in your eyes tell me how it goes 🤣
2. Hair Ties: A lifesaver for keeping hair out of my face when focusing on a shot. As much as I find dreadlocks super cool I don't wish to have some when I come back from the bush.
3. Scarf: Multifunctional for both warmth and as a shield from dust. The wind will strike your throat if you go on elevated vehicle you will want it.
Seasonal Essentials
For Winter Safari ❄️ :
- Puffer Jacket: You will freeze in the morning and once the sun sets. Take one with you they are lightweight and highly compressible.
- Gloves and Beanie: Keep extremities warm during your drives. Photographing with frozen fingers that go numb is unnecessarily painful.
For Summer Safari ☀️ :
- Insect Repellent: Protects against pesky mosquitoes, tsetse flies and others.
- Sunscreen: Vital for shielding skin from the intense African sun. The UVs are strong in the bush and you don't want to burn.
For Bush Walks
1. Hat: Protect your head from a heat stroke you will have no shade out there.
2. Long Pants: Offers protection from thorny bushes, insect bites, ticks and being scratched
3. Ankle Boots: Better support for uneven ground and helps with insects crawling on you or trying to bite you.
4. White Socks: Ants bite, they climb on you and they are attracted to black or bright colors, wear white or neutral color socks.
Why This Packing List Works
This list has been carefully curated based on my own safari experience as a wildlife photographer. I learned the hard way when I didn't had this with me and I can now tell you I am prepared for every situation, and to avoid Savanna Drama!
Pin this for later !
Let me know in the comments—what’s in your safari camera bag? 😊
