Africa Photo Safari's- any recommendations?

My husband and I are looking into going on a photo safari Oct. 2011. Have found several outfits that cater to photographers- but was hoping to find a resource that rates them!

Any suggestions?

I'd look into the trips offered by the Gerlachs. Usually 2, maybe 3 people per vehicle so you have plenty of space to work in, knowledgeable and well organized. I've known several people from their Africa trips and haven;t heard a negative.

Beyond that, I've run across them on my own personal trips, especially in the UP and have been able to listen in on how they treat their clients. Of all of the tour/workshop leaders I have run across, they probably interact the best with people. I've heard them answer essentially the same question a couple of times, give an answer that was clearly appropriate to the person who asked it and never miss a beat. I've also talked to both of them a couple of times. (Disclaimer: I've never actually taken a tour with them - just observed how they interact).

Thanks very much, Dan. Will look into what they have to offer.

Hi Beth, sorry I do not know of a resource that rates photo safari's so I cannot help you with that. However, I do run a photo safari in Botswana in November 2011. Feel free to have a look at what I have to offer by following the link in my signature below. The pdf and price are still for 2010, but will soon be updated. If you have any further questions you can e-mail me at vincent@wildscenics.com.

I would highly recommend Robert Winslow in Durango, Colorado. My wife and I went with him in 1997 and thoroughly enjoyed our 2 weeks in Kenya. He goes every year and always chooses the best drivers and places to visit. Maximum of 3 per vehicle. His email is rwinslow@mydurango.net and his website is www.robertwinslowphoto.com
Disclaimer: I've known him for over 20 years and have photographed with him in Africa, Alaska, California, Colorado, Churchill, Montana, and Arizona.

Andy Biggs is a great guy and regularly runs safari's to Africa. He even occasionally posts to NPN. www.andybiggs.com

- Dan.

There sure are many good ones, and everyone will the one they used. It's hard not to have a great experience there. I went on a great photo safari that was very personally customized for each member of the party. David Anderson puts photography as the top priority, an his guides are studied in wildlife management and truly accommodating of a photographers needs.

http://www.davidandersonsafaris.com/

Many thanks, everyone. Will spend some time at each of these websites to see what they have to offer.

I have been with Joe and Mary Ann McDonald twice. They are extremely well organized and have been doing Africa photo safaris for about 20 years. Don't know if they have any spaces for this year, though.

Although I haven't done a photo safari specifically, I've met Andy Biggs and picked his brain a bit. He was incredibly helpful, so I feel like I should offer another vote for him.

And I'm sure you can't go wrong with some of the pros who are members and moderators here.

btw- my wife and I did nearly a month in Rwanda and Tanzania shooting wildlife, but not with a "photo safari." If you're more interested in simply having an excellent private guide to help you find wildlife rather than actual photo instruction or a group experience, I highly recommend Roy Safaris in TZ. We felt Habib from Roy was the best guide in the country based on all the stuff he was finding with the naked eye that other guides couldn't spot with their binoculars.

Max

Thanks, Max. Making the safari a photo instruction safari was my husband's input. Our thought was there would be fewer people in the vehicles, and therefore less issues with non-photographers. But a private guide is a possibility, if it's reasonable.

Many thanks.

I have to give another nod to Andy Biggs. He's an exceptional photographer and very sharing with his knowledge. The McDonalds are also very good, but I have never interacted with them to have first hand info, just what I've heard from others. Andy spends a LOT of time in Africa, and his photos show it. Plus, his safari tours look VERY classy and well thought out. Have a great trip either way!

Hi Beth
It must be an exciting time for you planning your photo safari, but as you’ve mentioned, it can also seem like a daunting task – who do I pick as an operator, where should I go, what should I take, etc, etc?
I can recommend having a look at African Safari Journals: www.africa-safari-journals.com. They list and rate various different photographic safari operators and areas to visit. There are also useful tips on African wildlife photography in general and things to consider in the planning of your safari.
Also, please feel free to visit my website at the link below.
Enjoy your trip.
Kevin