Ethical Wildlife Photography on Safari

A great wildlife photo should never cost the animal anything. As more visitors arrive with cameras, the way we photograph matters more than ever, both for wildlife welfare and for the experience of everyone else at a sighting.

These are the principles our guides follow and the habits we encourage in every guest, whether you shoot with a phone or a professional camera.

Put the animal first

The golden rule is simple: if your presence changes an animal's behavior, you are too close or too loud. Signs of stress include an animal stopping feeding, staring at the vehicle, moving away, or a mother repositioning her young.

Our guides watch for these signs and will back off when needed. Please trust that decision, even if it means missing a shot.

• Never ask a guide to drive off-road where it is not permitted
• Do not call, whistle or make noises to get an animal to look up
• Do not throw food or objects or try to bait animals
• Avoid using flash on animals, especially at night

Be a considerate sighting neighbor

Popular sightings, such as a leopard in a tree or a cheetah hunt, can attract many vehicles. Good etiquette makes a huge difference. Avoid blocking another vehicle's view, keep voices low, and be willing to rotate positions so everyone gets a turn.

Patience also produces better photographs. Animals that feel undisturbed behave naturally, and natural behavior makes for the most compelling images.

Think too about the people in your own vehicle. Agree on a simple system for sharing window space, and avoid leaning across others or standing up suddenly. A calm, cooperative vehicle tends to produce better photos for everyone and makes long sightings far more enjoyable.

Drones and special equipment

Drones are tightly regulated in Tanzania, and permits are required. Flying in national parks and conservation areas without official permission is not allowed and can lead to confiscation. Drones also frighten wildlife and spoil the peace for others. If you want aerial images, ask us well in advance about the current rules; in most cases the answer for park areas will be to leave the drone at home.

Photographing people respectfully

Tanzania's people and cultures are as memorable as its wildlife. Always ask permission before photographing someone, and accept a no graciously. In markets and villages, a smile and a few words of Swahili go a long way.

When visiting a Maasai village or other community, follow your guide's lead on photography, and think about how you share images of people, particularly children, online.

Sharing images responsibly

Be careful about posting exact locations of sensitive species, especially rhinos, in real time. Consider turning off geotagging for wildlife photos, or share them after you have left the area.

Caption honestly, too. If an image was taken in a captive or controlled setting, say so. Honest storytelling helps protect the reputation of wild places.

Finally, consider supporting conservation through your photography. Sharing images that highlight the value of wild places, and supporting reputable conservation projects, helps ensure these landscapes and their wildlife remain for future visitors.