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Photos and Souvenirs on Tour
Photography is hugely rewarding on an overland trip. 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 along the way!
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!
Africa Photography etiquette
It is always good to check if you are allowed to take photographs of the locals, the churches and the more religious places. 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 in 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. 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.
Africa Travel Tips
We suggest you read the below pages to help prepare for your Africa budget tour.
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Okavango Delta Mokoro Excursion
Do this on the Kalahari and Okavango Delta.
Tours with Okavango Delta Mokoro Excursion
Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
Do this on the Cape Town to Nairobi with Gorilla Trek.
Tours with Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
Serengeti National Park Excursion
Do this on the KT Adventure.
Tours with Serengeti National Park Excursion
Mt Kilimanjaro Trekking
Do this on the Mount Kilimanjaro Trekking.
Tours with Mt Kilimanjaro Trekking
Victoria Falls Flight of Angels
Do this on the Complete Desert and Delta.
Tours with Victoria Falls Flight of Angels
White Water Rafting on the Zambezi River
Do this on the Kalahari and Okavango Delta.
Tours with White Water Rafting on the Zambezi River
Kruger National Park Game Drive
Do this on the Kruger Safari.
Tours with Kruger National Park Game Drive
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Etosha National Park
Visit Etosha National Park on the Cape Town to Nairobi with Gorilla Trek
Tours through Etosha National Park
Okavango Delta
Visit Okavango Delta on the Nairobi, Gorillas to Johannesburg
Tours through Okavango Delta
Serengeti National Park
Visit Serengeti National Park on the Eastern Discoverer
Tours through Serengeti National Park