Capturing the perfect wildlife shot takes more than just luck—it requires patience, technique, and an understanding of the natural world. At Cheesemans’ Ecology Safaris, our expert guides include professional wildlife photographers who know how to get that once-in-a-lifetime shot while respecting wildlife and their habitats.
Whether you’re a beginner looking to improve your skills or an experienced photographer seeking pro-level tips, we’ve got you covered. Here are our top wildlife photography tips straight from the field.
The key to capturing stunning wildlife images is understanding the behavior of the animals you’re photographing. Our expert guides emphasize the importance of:
👉 Pro Tip: Bring a field guide or use apps like iNaturalist to identify species and learn more about them before your trip.
Wildlife photography often involves unpredictable subjects and challenging lighting conditions. Our guides recommend practicing these essential settings before your safari:
👉 Pro Tip: Set your camera to “burst mode” to capture multiple shots in quick succession and increase your chances of nailing the perfect shot.
Great wildlife photography isn’t just about having the best gear—it’s about how you compose your shots. Use these composition techniques to enhance your images:
👉 Pro Tip: Experiment with different angles—getting low to eye level with your subject often results in more intimate and compelling shots.
Wildlife photography requires a lot of patience. Animals won’t always be in the perfect position, and waiting quietly can reward you with incredible, natural moments.
Cheesemans’ trips are designed with extended field time, allowing you the opportunity to:
👉 Pro Tip: Trust your leaders and stay with the group — our guides skillfully follow the wildlife, giving you the best chances for incredible shots without disturbing the animals.
Choosing the right gear for your destination can make all the difference in capturing high-quality images. Our guides recommend:
👉 Pro Tip: Practice using your gear before your trip to ensure you’re comfortable with settings and functionality in the field. Don’t forget to include your planned field clothing in your tests to ensure no issues with it while using your camera.
Lighting can make or break your wildlife shots. The best times for photography are:
👉 Pro Tip: Start your day early and stay out late—Cheesemans’ itineraries are designed to maximize these golden moments.
The most compelling wildlife images tell a story and evoke emotion. Try to capture:
👉 Pro Tip: Keep a travel journal to document the stories behind your photos—it’s a great way to remember special moments and share them with others.
At Cheesemans’, we emphasize ethical wildlife photography that respects the animals and their habitats. Always remember to:
While these tips provide a solid foundation, remember that photography is also an art form. Don’t feel confined by the “rules”—some of the most compelling images come from thinking outside the box. Feel free to experiment with different techniques, perspectives, and settings. Most importantly, have fun with your photography.
Our photo guides are always here to support and encourage your photographic aspirations. We’re excited to see the unique moments you’ll capture on your journey with us.
“The guides were highly skilled, warm, and always open to helping with photography.”
-Jennifer Black | Svalbard
“We spent maximum time in the field so the opportunity to spot and photograph the animals was as advertised and this is the main reason for a photographic safari. Our pictures are numerous and great. Wonderful guides and lovely accomadations at all the camps.”
-Dale and Kathy Plapp | Tanzania
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, Cheesemans’ safaris provide the perfect setting to hone your wildlife photography skills while experiencing incredible destinations.
Join us on an upcoming adventure and take your photography to the next level!
👉 Explore our photography-focused expeditions and start planning today!
Embark on an unforgettable Zimbabwe safari adventure, where breathtaking landscapes, thrilling wildlife encounters, and impactful conservation efforts come together. From the thunderous roar of Victoria Falls to the remote wilderness of Hwange National Park, this journey immerses travelers in the heart of Africa’s wild beauty.
Led by expert guide Vusa Ncube, this immersive experience offers unparalleled access to Zimbabwe’s diverse ecosystems — from elephant encounters to inspiring conservation projects that protect the country’s rich natural heritage.
The safari began at the edge of one of the world’s greatest natural wonders — Victoria Falls. Known as “The Smoke That Thunders,” this breathtaking cascade of water marked a dramatic start to the adventure. But the real heartbeat of Zimbabwe lay further afield — in Hwange National Park, home to vast elephant herds and some of Africa’s most untouched wilderness.
The group settled into Nehimba Lodge in northern Hwange, where each day brought intimate wildlife moments: lions on the move, buffalo wallowing, and elephants gathering at mineral-rich seeps — a rare behavior unique to this region.
A chartered bush flight carried the group to Jozibanini, an off-the-grid camp tucked deep in Southern Hwange. Once ravaged by poaching, this region now thrives thanks to visionary ecotourism initiatives.
Highlights Included:
Every moment took the group deeper into wild Zimbabwe — raw, unfiltered, and utterly unforgettable.
At Bomani Tented Lodge, the group experienced one of the most remarkable wildlife viewing setups in Africa — the Look-Up Blind. Just feet from a bustling waterhole, participants sat eye-level with elephants, zebras, and warthogs. The result? Emotional, unguarded encounters in absolute silence.
The group also visited nearby villages and met locals whose lives are shaped — and improved — by the ripple effects of conservation travel.
In a powerful moment of connection, the group visited Zimbabwe’s reintroduced white rhinos, now protected by the dedicated Cobra Rangers. Their story — from near extinction to recovery — is a testament to what focused conservation and local leadership can achieve.
During the visit, the group:
The journey concluded aboard the Elephant Express, a slow-moving train through golden savannahs. Wildlife sightings dotted the ride — elephants, zebras, and even a lounging cheetah.
A final sunset cruise on the Zambezi River provided the perfect send-off, with hippos, crocodiles, and kingfishers filling the group’s last golden hour in Africa.
If Zimbabwe inspired, consider joining Cheesemans’ next adventure — snorkeling with humpback whales at Silver Bank. Float in warm Caribbean waters beside these gentle giants, hearing their ethereal songs resonate beneath the surface.
From the heart of Africa to the depths of the Caribbean, every Cheesemans’ safari is a story waiting to be told. 🌍🐘🐋
At Cheesemans’ Ecology Safaris, our passion for wildlife extends far beyond observation. We are deeply committed to conservation, ensuring our adventures help protect the delicate ecosystems and communities we visit. Every journey is designed with purpose—where travel becomes a force for good.
From funding research to empowering local communities, here’s how traveling with Cheesemans helps safeguard the natural world.
Every safari supports real conservation work through partnerships with trusted organizations. From protecting endemic species in the Galápagos to funding anti-poaching in Africa, your travel directly contributes to preserving wildlife and habitats around the world.
Our Impact Includes:
Smaller groups mean reduced environmental impact and better wildlife encounters. This model allows us to tread lightly while offering you more personal and immersive experiences in nature.
What this means for you:
Travel responsibly, experience more.
Our small-group model ensures your journey is both ethical and immersive.
We actively collaborate with leading conservation organizations, giving travelers exclusive access to learn from those on the front lines of wildlife protection. We offset all trip emissions, including travel-related carbon, through trusted climate partners. This ensures each journey remains environmentally responsible while supporting renewable energy, forest protection, and sustainability efforts worldwide.
Key Partners Include:
Each partnership offers behind-the-scenes insights into real-world conservation work.
You don’t just visit—you learn, support, and contribute.
Check out our Conservsation page where you can read
about each of our in-country and global partners!
We partner with local communities and conservation groups to protect ecosystems and empower sustainable development. Your trip supports efforts like wildlife corridors, education programs, and habitat restoration globally.
How We Make an Impact:
Your travel dollars create positive ripple effects—
helping preserve culture, reduce poaching, and promote stewardship of the land.
Your photos can support wildlife conservation by raising awareness and contributing to research. Sharing images with platforms like iNaturalist or researchers helps document species, track behaviors, and inspire others to protect nature. We encourage ethical photography that respects animal space and promotes conservation storytelling.
You can contribute by:
📷 Let your lens make a difference!
Our mission doesn’t end when your safari does. We encourage guests to continue supporting conservation by donating, volunteering, or spreading awareness about the causes they connected with. By staying engaged, you become a long-term advocate for the wildlife and communities you’ve encountered.
Here’s how you can keep supporting conservation at home:
Traveling with Cheesemans is just the beginning of your conservation journey.
At Cheesemans’ Ecology Safaris, conservation isn’t an afterthought—it’s at the heart of everything we do. By joining one of our expeditions, you’re not just experiencing the world’s most spectacular wildlife—you’re becoming part of a global movement to protect it.
👉 Ready to travel with purpose?
Visit our trips page to start making a difference through adventure.
Traveling with Cheesemans’ Ecology Safaris is more than just exploring breathtaking landscapes and encountering incredible wildlife — it’s an opportunity to make a lasting impact. One of the most meaningful ways our travelers contribute to conservation is through citizen science, a powerful tool that allows nature enthusiasts to participate in real-world research and data collection.
From tracking wildlife populations to documenting biodiversity and contributing to global databases, citizen science empowers travelers to support conservation efforts while deepening their connection with the natural world.
Citizen science involves volunteers — often non-professional scientists — assisting experts in gathering and analyzing data to help answer real-world research questions. On Cheesemans’ safaris, guests can have opportunities to help in documenting species, recording environmental data, and sharing observations that directly contribute to global conservation initiatives.
By participating in these projects, Cheesemans’ travelers actively help researchers monitor endangered species, track climate trends, and protect vulnerable ecosystems.
At Cheesemans’, we design our itineraries to not only have amazing wildlife encounters but, when possible, to connect to local conservation and provide exciting opportunities to take part in meaningful citizen science projects. Here’s how you can get involved during your safari:
Imagine spotting a rare bird in flight or identifying an elusive predator in the wild — and knowing your observation contributes to global conservation. Cheesemans’ Ecology Safaris empowers travelers to turn memorable wildlife encounters into meaningful data by using trusted apps like iNaturalist, eBird, and Marine Debris Tracker.
Many of our expeditions provide opportunities to record wildlife sightings using specialized apps such as:
🌟 PRO TIP: Besides uploading to platforms like HappyWhale, Cheesemans’ offers Google Photo Sharing for all trips, making it easy for you to exchange wildlife photos and videos with your travelmates. Sharing these visuals not only enhances your memories but also directly supports conservation efforts.
Your camera isn’t just for memories — it’s a powerful conservation tool. By capturing detailed photos of wildlife, Cheesemans’ guests contribute to research projects tracking species populations, habitat changes, and environmental shifts. Whether it’s big cats, marine mammals, or delicate ecosystems, your photos play a crucial role in scientific discovery.
Your camera can be a powerful tool for conservation. Guests frequently capture valuable images that contribute to critical research projects like:
🌟 PRO TIP: Cheesemans’ offers Google Photo Sharing for all trips, making it easy for you to exchange wildlife photos and videos with your travelmates. Sharing these visuals not only enhances your memories but also directly supports conservation efforts.
Your Cheesemans’ safari extends beyond your adventure — it’s a direct contribution to global conservation. Through partnerships with organizations like Happywhale, IAATO, and Serengeti Watch, travelers actively support impactful research, wildlife protection, and sustainable tourism. Engaging with these groups offers an inspiring way to expand your impact worldwide.
Our guests may have opportunities to engage with these impactful organizations during their safari:
🌟 PRO TIP: After your safari, continue supporting these organizations by sharing your data, making donations, or volunteering to extend your impact.
Imagine your wildlife sighting helping scientists protect endangered species or shape conservation strategies. Citizen science empowers travelers to turn memorable safari experiences into impactful contributions. By collecting data, capturing photos, and sharing observations, Cheesemans’ guests play a vital role in preserving ecosystems for generations to come.
✅ Directly Contribute to Wildlife Conservation: Your data helps scientists create strategies to protect endangered species.
✅ Deepen Your Understanding of Ecosystems: Engaging in hands-on research enriches your appreciation for the natural world.
✅ Become a Conservation Advocate: Equipped with new knowledge and experiences, you’ll return home inspired to continue supporting conservation efforts.
Every observation, photo, and data entry contributes to a greater understanding of our planet’s ecosystems — and every contribution makes a difference.
Preparing for a citizen science safari ensures you maximize both your experience and your impact. From downloading essential apps like iNaturalist to packing the right gear, a few simple steps will help you contribute valuable data to conservation efforts while enhancing your understanding of the natural world.
Ready to participate in citizen science on your next Cheesemans’ expedition? Here’s how to get started:
🌟 PRO TIP: Before your trip, visit Cheesemans’ detailed packing guide for gear suggestions tailored to your destination.
Your conservation impact doesn’t have to end when your safari concludes. By continuing to submit observations, supporting conservation groups, or inspiring others with your experience, you can stay involved long after your trip — ensuring your efforts continue to support wildlife protection worldwide.
Here’s how you can stay involved:
🌟 PRO TIP: Use Cheesemans’ Google Photo Sharing platform to reconnect with your travelmates, exchange additional observations, and celebrate the impact your group made together.
At Cheesemans’ Ecology Safaris, we believe that travel should be a force for good. By participating in citizen science initiatives, you’ll play an active role in protecting the world’s most incredible ecosystems while experiencing them firsthand.
🌍 Explore our upcoming citizen science-focused trips and start planning your next adventure today!
Visit our trips page to explore eco-friendly safari adventures and get expert packing tips.
With Cheesemans’ Ecology Safaris, your wildlife safari will be an unforgettable, conservation-focused journey. Take the first step toward your dream adventure today!
So, take the leap—explore, learn, and make a difference. Your next unforgettable journey with Cheesemans’ Ecology Safaris awaits!
