Photos and Souvenirs: Travel Africa

Photography on tour Photography is hugely rewarding on an overland trip where you travel Africa. Overland travellers are blessed with opportunities to photograph Africa's wildlife in national parks and from moving overland trucks. Snap away at the ever changing African landscapes as you drift toward your next exciting African photographic opportunity. Remember to insure your photography equipment as you will be navigating rugged terrain when you travel Africa!

Africa is a continent of contrasts and avid photographers are rewarded with images of perfect sunsets, never ending desert roads, red sand dunes, snow-capped mountains, quaint cities, savannah grasslands, "Big 5" land animals, birdlife, marine life, azure waters, palm fringed beaches and a unique geology. Africa's wildlife and dramatic landscapes make for some award-winning photographic opportunities.

It is easy to develop pictures in Southern Africa but not in East Africa, so bring plenty of film, spare camera batteries, plastic bags (to keep the dust out we suggest using a ziploc bag), digital cameras and memory cards. Charge your cameras whenever you have the opportunity, as you never know when you will next have electricity when you're travelling in Africa!

Africa Photography etiquette

Taking photos of the locals It is always good to check if you are allowed to take photographs of the locals, the churches and the more religious places when you travel Africa. Many of the countries, especially in East Africa are deeply religious and it may be considered a sign of disrespect if you do not ask for permission. We would NOT recommend taking photos of borders, military posts or areas that are protected by the government such as large power stations. At best, you will get a warning not to take photos, at worst your camera and film will be confiscated.

Other useful items

Bringing along a pair of binoculars is also a good idea so that you can spot animals in the distance. Bear in mind that if you are on a tour that visits the gorillas in Uganda, that you will need plenty of low-speed film (800 ASA) as you are not allowed to use flash when taking photos of these amazing primates. Think of the amount of photos you are planning on taking and then bring twice the amount of film. There is nothing more disappointing if you hear your camera rewinding because you have finished your last role, and the large silverback is just striking that pose!

Arts, Crafts and Souvenirs when you travel Africa

Africa is renowned for its fine wooden crafts, souvenirs and artworks. Each region in Africa offers different types of craftmanship and homemade African souvenirs.

Uganda offers drums made from cowhide.
Kenya's speciality is Masai beads, batiks, sarongs and wooden giraffes.
Tanzania colourful artwork, shell jewellery, wooden crafts and jewellery made of Tanzanite.
Malawi plenty of wooden carvings including chess boards and crafts made out of dried grass!
Zambia has wooden crafts and many trinkets.
Zimbabwe local crafts include an abundance of soapstone statues, wood carvings and baskets.
Botswana offers the normal wooden crafts as well as traditional baskets.
Namibia craftsmen sell East African souvenirs.
Mozambique sells a variety of crafts made out of shells and also wire toys.
South Africa has souvenirs from all over Africa. It is also home to the gold, wine and diamond industry.

Please note that other items are available in Africa and there are plenty of shops, stores and malls to browse around in when you travel Africa. The souvenirs mentioned above are items which are indigenous and renowned African artifacts. Before you leave home please check with customs & immigration as to what you are allowed to bring back into your country.

Devon Close13 Jun 2012: If I were to do an overlanding trip I only have one camera that i would bring; Nikon D5000. And i know for a fact that I would take millions of pictures. I know that there wont be a sorce of electricity most of the time; but If my camera ran out of battery are there other ways to recharge it while camping perhaps? What would be best way to keep my camera going
Minette - OverlandingAfrica.com11 Jan 2012: Hi Khushdeep; we only sell scheduled overland truck safaris and do not get specialise in the logistics of customs at airports. I would reccommend you contact the airport direct or your nearest Congo embassy or consulate for more information. Happy Trails!
khushdeep singh10 Jan 2012: hi; i want to know something. i am planning to visit republic of congo in few weeks. i am professional cameraman from india; so i am gonna carry camera and few lights. let me know what is the process to get clearence at customes in airport. even the process to take it back.
Minette - OverlandingAfrica.com15 Jun 2011: Hi Susanne; in the camp sites that are used there are plugs where you can charge your camera batteries etc. You just need to make sure you have the correct plug that fits for the respective countries you will be visiting. Cheers!
Susanne15 Jun 2011: If i am on one of the overlanding camping tours; how will i get my camera or video batteries recharges; is there a charger in the car or electriciti on the campcites?

Africa Travel Tips

We suggest you read the below pages to help prepare for your Africa budget tour.

Recent Feedback

The highlight of my trip had to be Gweru in Zimbabwe, it was my idea of paradise. So much to do there with the animals and the location of it was just beautiful!