This page gathers the most frequent questions guests ask before joining a Tanzania photographic safari with Africa Photography. It is designed to give you a clear, honest overview so you can decide if our safaris are right for you.
If your question is not covered here, you are very welcome to contact me directly via the enquiry form on the Home page, by email at info@africa-photography.ch or on WhatsApp at +41 79 874 69 29.
When you send an enquiry through the online form, you will be redirected to a short Thank You page confirming that your message has been received.
How do I reserve a seat on a scheduled safari?
You can reserve a seat in three ways: by sending an enquiry through the form on the Home page, by emailing me at info@africa-photography.ch, or by using the booking option on the specific safari page in the shop. I will always confirm availability personally before anything is final.
What deposit is required and when is the balance due?
In most cases a non-refundable deposit is required to secure your place, with the remaining balance due several weeks before departure. The exact amounts and deadlines depend on the safari and will be clearly stated in your individual offer and confirmation.
Which payment methods do you accept?
Bank transfer is the preferred and most common method. For some safaris it may also be possible to pay via credit card or online payment; if so, this will be specified in your offer.
What documents will I receive after booking?
Once your booking is confirmed and the deposit is received, you will receive a written confirmation, a detailed itinerary, practical information about luggage and packing, and an overview of what is included and excluded. Before departure you will receive final joining instructions with meeting details and emergency contacts.
What are the cancellation or change conditions?
Basic conditions about cancellations, date changes and no‑shows are included in your offer and confirmation. In general, deposits are not refundable and cancellation fees increase as the departure date approaches. I strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance to cover unexpected events; I am happy to clarify the conditions with you before you book.
What is usually included in the safari price?
Typically, the price includes accommodation in lodges or tented camps, all or most meals, park and conservation fees, private or shared safari vehicle with professional driver‑guide, bottled water in the vehicle and on‑location photographic guidance. The exact inclusions are listed for each safari.
What is usually not included?
International flights to and from Tanzania, visas, vaccinations, personal travel insurance, tips and personal expenses (drinks, laundry, souvenirs) are normally not included. Some itineraries may also exclude certain optional activities or internal flights, which will always be specified.
What level of fitness is required?
Most photographic safaris are suitable for guests with normal mobility who can comfortably climb in and out of a 4x4 vehicle and sit for several hours with breaks. There are no technical hikes, but we do have early starts and long days. If you have specific mobility or health concerns, please contact me so we can assess together.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes, I strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, evacuation, trip cancellation and interruption. This protects you in case of illness, flight disruption or other unforeseen events.
Who is responsible for visas and vaccinations?
You are responsible for obtaining the correct visa and any recommended or required vaccinations for Tanzania based on your nationality and travel history. I will gladly share general guidance, but you should always confirm requirements with the relevant embassy and your doctor or a travel clinic.
What does a typical safari day look like?
A typical day starts before sunrise with coffee or tea, followed by a long morning game drive when light and animal activity are at their best. We return late morning or around midday for rest, image review and battery charging, then head out again in the afternoon until sunset. After dinner we often discuss images and plan for the next day.
How early are the starts and how long are the days?
Expect early wake‑ups, usually around 5:00–5:30, depending on the season and park rules. Days can be long, but they include breaks, and the rhythm is adapted to the group’s energy and the photographic opportunities.
How many photographers are in the group?
To guarantee enough space and individual attention, I limit groups to a maximum of 4 photographers per vehicle. This is one of the key advantages of travelling with Africa Photography.
What kind of vehicle do you use?
We use professional 4x4 safari vehicles with large windows and an open or pop‑up roof, well suited for photography. Each guest has a window seat and access to a stable shooting position, with room for camera bags and support such as beanbags.
What is your approach to wildlife and ethics?
Ethical and responsible wildlife viewing is non‑negotiable. We respect distance, avoid disturbing animals, never ask guides to harass wildlife for a better shot, and follow park rules. I will always prioritise the wellbeing of the animals and the long‑term health of the ecosystems over any single photograph.
What camera equipment do you recommend?
A DSLR or mirrorless camera with reliable autofocus and good high‑ISO performance is ideal. Many guests bring two bodies to avoid changing lenses in dusty conditions. A telephoto zoom (for example 100–400 mm or similar) is very useful, and a standard zoom (24–70 mm range) is perfect for wider scenes and landscapes.
Do I need very long lenses?
Super‑telephoto lenses can be helpful for small or distant subjects, but they are not essential. We often work at medium focal lengths because we position the vehicle carefully and look for strong light and behaviour rather than only extreme close‑ups.
What support gear should I bring?
Beanbags or a stable support for shooting from the vehicle are highly recommended; I can often provide or help fill beanbags locally. A sturdy camera bag, plenty of memory cards, spare batteries, chargers and a backup system for your files are important. A lightweight laptop or tablet helps with image review and feedback.
What level of experience is required?
You do not need to be a professional photographer. Safaris are open to motivated beginners through to advanced photographers. The most important thing is enthusiasm and a willingness to learn.
How is photographic guidance adapted to different levels?
I offer individual support tailored to your experience and goals: for beginners we focus on mastering the basics, camera handling and simple but effective compositions; for more advanced photographers we work on refining technique, anticipating behaviour, storytelling and advanced use of light. We regularly review images together so you can progress throughout the trip.
Which languages do you speak on safari?
Safaris with Africa Photography can be conducted in Italian, French, English and German. On most departures I guide personally and can support you in at least one of these languages; for mixed groups we agree together on the main language used.
How quickly do you respond to enquiries?
I normally reply to emails and form enquiries within 24–48 hours, often much sooner. During active safaris response times can be slightly longer due to limited connectivity, but I always do my best to keep you informed.
What are the best ways to contact you?
The easiest way is by email at info@africa-photography.ch or via the enquiry form on the Home page. For short questions or urgent matters you can also write on WhatsApp at +41 79 874 69 29.
What is a scheduled photographic safari?
Scheduled safaris are fixed‑date, small‑group trips with a detailed itinerary and price published in advance. Examples include the Serengeti Migration Photo Safari – November 2026 and the Green Season Predator Photo Safari – June 2027. They are ideal if you enjoy travelling with other passionate photographers and prefer a ready‑made program.
What is a tailor‑made photographic safari?
A tailor‑made safari is designed from scratch around your dates, preferred parks, budget and photographic interests. The Tailor‑Made Photographic Safari – Tanzania in the shop is the starting point for this: together we build an itinerary that fits you, your family or your private group.
Which option is best for me?
If you like the idea of a small group with a clear structure and cost from the start, a scheduled safari is often the best choice. If you have specific dates, want complete flexibility or prefer a fully private experience, a tailor‑made safari is usually more suitable. I am happy to discuss both options with you before you decide.
If you cannot find the answer you are looking for, please feel free to reach out. I am happy to clarify details, check availability or help you understand which safari format fits you best.
You can contact me by email at info@africa-photography.ch, via the enquiry form on the Home page, or learn more about my background and approach on the About page.