A Photographer’s Dream Can be Stressful for Wildlife
November 01, 2024 by Heather Valey
A mother cheetah rests on an inactive termite mound with one of her cubs after feeding on a gazelle. Serengeti, Tanzania © 2024 Heather Valey
Not What it Seems
An African safari can be a wildlife photographer’s dream—a rare opportunity to capture iconic animals in their natural habitats. However, after a safari in Tanzania earlier this year, I realized that safaris can put pressure on wildlife. Before booking your next adventure, it’s important to do some research to ensure your safari is eco-responsible.
For those unfamiliar with safari tourism, the stunning wildlife photos shared from these trips often create the illusion of intimate, solitary moments between photographer and animal. In reality, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Over six million people visit Africa annually for wildlife tourism, crowding national parks with Land Rovers. This heavy human presence can be stressful for the animals, turning what seems like peaceful encounters into something disruptive.
The first photo (at top) of the cheetah mother and her cub looks idyllic, but the second photo below reveals the reality—crowds of vehicles surrounding them.
Our safari guide looks out at the number of Land Rovers surrounding the Cheetah family with frustration. Serengeti, TZ © 2024 Heather Valey
How Can You Participate in a Wildlife-Friendly Safari?
So how can you plan a safari trip that treads lightly on the land and the wildlife?
1. Choose a tour operator known for its conservation efforts, eco-friendly practices, proper licensing, and commitment to hiring local staff. By supporting a company that employs locals, you’re reinvesting in the community and promoting the importance of conservation in Africa.
2. When choosing a safari company, look for one that prioritizes eco-friendly practices and avoids the use of disposable water bottles. As travelers, we should also make a personal commitment to use Leave No Trace principles when on safari. Ask your tour operator if they can provide a safari experience without single-use plastic bottles, offering potable water on the vehicle instead to fill water bottles.
3. Make sure that your guide is licensed and trained as a naturalist or biologist. A knowledgeable guide will be better equipped to interpret the environment, locate wildlife, understand their behavior, and adapt to weather conditions. Additionally, a skilled guide will recognize when a viewing area is overcrowded or causing stress to the animals and will seek out alternative wildlife experiences.
Elephant dung with a plastic water bottle cap in it. This animal was fortunate to have been able to pass this through its system. Millions of animals die from plastic waste every year in Tanzania. Serengeti, Tanzania © 2024 Heather Valey
A Good Guide Puts Wildlife First
On a recent trip to Tanzania, I was fortunate to have an exceptional tour guide. He was a trained wild cat biologist with an incredible depth of knowledge about animal behavior and a remarkable ability to locate wildlife. Having spent years in the field, he often predicted what the animals would do before they even acted.
One of the standout indicators of our guide’s character was when he advised us against attempting to view the wildebeest migration. We had driven to a popular crossing point and saw a mass of Land Rovers lined up, waiting to rush in as soon as the animals showed signs of crossing. While the migration is one of nature’s most breathtaking spectacles, it’s also an incredibly stressful event for the wildebeests. They face broken limbs, crocodile attacks, and the exhausting journey to reach the other side of the river. The added pressure of impatient vehicles waiting to get the perfect shot only heightens their stress.
Land Rovers jockey for position as they wait for a sign from the wildebeest that there might be a river crossing. Serengeti, Tanzania © 2024 Heather Valey
A skilled guide, like the one I had, recognizes these situations and prioritizes the well-being of the animals over the tourist experience. By steering us away from the crowded viewing area, we not only respected the animals’ space but also found an alternative wildlife viewing encounter.
However, not all guides have the proper training or a genuine passion for wildlife. Some are in it primarily for the tips, and this often leads to problematic behavior. Unexperienced guides are more likely to drive off-road, intentionally spook animals to get closer for better photos (and bigger tips) orcut in front of other vehicles waiting to see the wildlife.
Before booking your safari ask the tour companies you’re considering about their guides’ qualifications. A knowledgeable and experienced guide will prioritize the well-being of the animals and the environment, offering a more responsible and rewarding adventure.
These two safari camp workers, Alex & Billy were more than happy to have their picture taken when I asked if it would be ok. Tarangire, Tanzania © 2024 Heather Valey
Ethical Photography Tips While on Safari
1. Always maintain a respectful distance from wildlife. Avoid using flash photography and making direct eye contact with animals, as these actions can be unsettling for them. Speak softly and keep noise to a minimum to avoid disturbing their natural behavior. If you notice any safari vehicles getting too close to wildlife in pursuit of the perfect shot, ask your guide to report them. It's essential to prioritize the safety and well-being of the animals during your safari experience.
2. Be patient and allow nature to unfold at its own pace. While we often see stunning photos of African wildlife in action, these moments are not guaranteed, and it’s important not to force animals into uncomfortable situations. Respect their space and timing, and you may be rewarded with unforgettable experiences.
3. To satisfy your urge to get closer to wildlife without encroaching on their space, it's essential to bring the right gear. A DSLR or mirrorless camera with a zoom lens, or a smart phone with a zoom feature is what you’ll need. On my trip, I took two camera bodies: one equipped with a zoom lens for wildlife photography and the other with a wide-angle lens, allowing me to quickly switch between capturing animals and landscapes.
4. When photographing local communities, always ask your guide for permission first. If it’s appropriate, take the time to build rapport before capturing any images. This approach not only helps you avoid unintentionally offending anyone but also often results in better photos when the subjects are willing participants.
Conclusion
Experiencing the beauty of wildlife and local cultures in places like Tanzania requires mindfulness and respect for both the environment and its inhabitants. By choosing knowledgeable guides, practicing responsible photography, and being eco-conscious, you can contribute to the preservation of these remarkable ecosystems. Remember, a successful safari is not just about the pictures you take but also about the lasting memories you create and the positive impact you leave behind. Embrace the adventure with an open heart and a commitment to protecting the natural world for future generations to enjoy.
Where to Find Licensed Companies:
l Tanzania: Tanzania Association of Tour Operators
l Uganda: Uganda Tour Operators
l Kenya: Kenya Association of Tour Operators
l South Africa: Association of Southern African Travel Agents
