Photography & Souvenirs

Sunset in Serengeti N.P		Namib Desert		Game walk in Zimbabwe

Photography in Africa

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 risks

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 governement such as large powerstations. 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!

Types of Arts, Crafts and Souvenirs in Africa

Africa is renown 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 artefacts.