If you’ve ever dreamed of capturing Lions on the African savannah, exotic coloured birds as close as Europe, or elusive Snow Leopards in spectacular mountain scenery, a wildlife photography safari might be your ultimate adventure. That said, planning the perfect trip requires more than just a camera, suitcase and sense of adventure, it’s about choosing the right destination, right tour company, and honing the right techniques before you go, to ensure you return with breathtaking images (they are also the best places to learn from those around you!).

In this guide, we’ll cover everything we think you need to know, to plan your perfect wildlife photography trip.

Choosing the Right Wildlife Photography Destination.

The first step in planning your safari is picking the destination that matches your interests and skill level. Here are some top wildlife photography destinations around the world:

Africa – Home to the “Big Five” (Lion, Elephant, Cape Buffalo, Leopard, and Rhino), African safaris in Botswana, Kenya or South Africa are ideal for capturing large mammals in their natural habitat, but they also offer so much more – abundant birdlife, beautiful scenery and arguably the best sunsets you will ever see. An African safari is the ultimate stage for wildlife photography, the continent delivers a powerful blend of wildlife, landscapes, and light that is unmatched anywhere in the world.

The Nordics – The Nordics offer a rare combination of charismatic species - Golden Eagles, Goshawks, Musk Oxen, Arctic Foxes, all set against some of the most dramatic and pristine landscapes in Europe. For wildlife photographers, it’s not just about the animals, but about capturing them in the raw, elemental environments that define true wilderness.

Asia – An Asian wildlife photography expedition offers something truly unique: encounters with some of the world’s most elusive and charismatic predators, set against remote and dramatic landscapes. Nowhere captures this better than the vast wilderness of Mongolia, home to two of the most sought-after subjects for photographers: the Snow Leopard and the Pallas’s Cat.

Iberian Peninsula – The Iberian Peninsula (Spain and Portugal) is one of Europe’s most exciting wildlife photography destinations, offering a rich blend of Mediterranean landscapes, unique birdlife, and some of the continent’s rarest predators. Its warm climate, diverse habitats, and abundance of wildlife make it an exceptional choice for photographers seeking both colour and drama.

United Kingdom - It may be compact, but its varied landscapes and rich biodiversity make it a rewarding destination for wildlife photography. Nowhere is this more true than in Scotland, where dramatic coastlines, ancient forests, and rugged highlands provide the perfect stage for some of Britain’s most awesome species. Among Scotland’s many treasures, the Isle of Mull stands out as a premier location for wildlife photographers.

Photographing Griffon Vultures in flight.

DESTINATIONS IN FOCUS

Africa:

1. The Big Cats – Lions, Leopards, and Cheetahs

Africa is unrivalled when it comes to photographing big cats. Lions basking in golden light, Leopards draped across tree branches, or Cheetahs sprinting across open savannah, these moments are the epitome of safari photography. The drama of predator vs prey interactions provides both action and emotion, making every game drive a chance for unforgettable images.

2. Elephants and Other Giants

From the vast herds of Elephants in Amboseli, to the prehistoric profiles of rhinos in South Africa or the large ‘towers’ of Giraffes of Botswana, Africa is home to the world’s most photogenic megafauna. Their size and presence, especially when set against sweeping horizons or dramatic skies, offer endless creative possibilities.

3. Birdlife – A Hidden Gem

Africa is also a paradise for bird photographers. From vibrant Lilac-breasted Rollers and soaring Fish Eagles to the comical Hornbills, and rare Pel’s Fishing Owl the variety is staggering. Seasonal migrations add another layer of richness, ensuring bird photography can be just as rewarding as photographing mammals.

5. Diversity of Landscapes and Light

The dry riverbeds of Botswana’s east to the lush Okavango Delta wetlands, Africa’s landscapes are as photogenic as its wildlife. Each habitat creates unique backdrops and moods, while the continent’s light, soft dawn hues, golden sunsets, and dramatic storm skies elevate wildlife photography to an art form.

A male Lion photographed in Africa in 2024.

The Nordics:

1. Golden Eagles & Northern Goshawks

The vast forests and mountains of Norway, Sweden, and Finland are strongholds for the golden eagle. These powerful raptors thrive in the untamed northern landscapes, and specialist hides provide photographers with unrivaled opportunities to capture their intensity up close. Against a backdrop of snowy peaks and pine trees, Golden Eagles embody the wild spirit of this wilderness region.

2. Musk Oxen in Dovrefjell National Park, Norway

The high mountain plateaus of Dovrefjell are one of the only places in Europe where you can reliably see and photograph Musk Oxen. These prehistoric giants, with their shaggy coats and imposing horns, roam freely across the tundra landscapes. The combination of rugged mountains, delicate alpine flora, and the Musk Oxen’s primeval presence creates extraordinary photographic opportunities, especially in winter when the tundra is covered in snow.

3. Arctic Foxes in Iceland

Iceland offers the rare chance to photograph the Arctic Fox in its natural habitat. In the remote Westfjords, particularly Hornstrandir, these foxes can often be observed at surprisingly close range. Their seasonal coats, white in winter, darker in summer, mirror the dramatic volcanic and coastal landscapes around them. Photographing Arctic Foxes here combines intimate wildlife encounters with some of the most striking backdrops in the world.

4. The Magic of Nordic Light and Landscapes

Beyond the species themselves, the light of the Nordics is a gift to photographers. Long summer days provide endless golden hours, while in winter, low light and snow create moody, atmospheric conditions. Whether it’s deep blue twilight of Arctic winter, or the midnight sun, the interplay of light and landscape elevates every wildlife encounter, and then there is the possibility of seeing the magical Aurora Borealis.

One of the Arctic Foxes that we photographed on our 2025 tour to Iceland.

Asia:

1. Snow Leopards – The Ghost of the Mountains

The Snow Leopard is one of the most elusive big cats on Earth and the ultimate prize for wildlife photographers. Found in the high, rugged ranges of Mongolia, these “ghosts of the mountains” move with stealth and grace across rocky ridges dusted with snow. Photographing a Snow Leopard in its wild habitat is not just an image it is genuinely a once-in-a-lifetime story, capturing the essence of wilderness and survival at high altitude.

2. Pallas’s Cats – Masters of Expression

Few animals are as photogenic as the Pallas’s cat. With its rounded body, piercing eyes, and expressive face, this small wild cat is both endearing and fierce. Found on the steppes and rocky outcrops of Mongolia, it provides rare opportunities for intimate portraits. Their thick, fluffy coats and low, stalking posture create unforgettable compositions, especially in the stark landscapes they inhabit.

3. The Mongolian Landscape – A Wild Stage

The vastness of Mongolia is as much a subject as its wildlife. From its sweeping grasslands to dramatic mountain ridges of the Altai Mountain range, the environment frames every shot. The simplicity of these wide open spaces allows the focus to remain on the animals, while still telling the broader story of survival in a land of extremes.

4. Other Wildlife Encounters

While snow leopards and Pallas’s cats are the stars, Mongolia also offers encounters with other fascinating species: Ibex, Argali sheep, Wolves, and Golden Eagles. Together, they create a full portfolio of life in the high-altitude steppe and mountains, where predator and prey are locked in a constant battle of survival.

5. The Light of the Steppe

Mongolia’s high-altitude light adds a special quality to photography. At dawn and dusk, the sun casts long golden shadows across the barren ridges, while in winter the sharp, clear atmosphere creates dramatic contrasts.

A Pallas’s Cat photographed in Mongolia.

The Iberian Peninsula:

The Iberian Peninsula (Spain and Portugal) is one of Europe’s most exciting wildlife photography destinations, offering a rich blend of Mediterranean landscapes, unique birdlife, and some of the continent’s rarest predators. Its warm climate, diverse habitats, and abundance of wildlife make it an exceptional choice for photographers seeking both color and drama in their portfolios.

1. Bee-eaters & other birdlife

The European Bee-eater is among the most photogenic birds in Europe. With dazzling plumage of turquoise, yellow, and chestnut, they are a delight to capture in flight as they swoop and dive after insects. Colonies often gather along sandy banks, giving photographers the chance to photograph their vibrant interactions, from aerial acrobatics to courtship feeding. In addition, few birds are as distinctive as the Hoopoe. With its striking black-and-white wings, cinnamon body, and flamboyant crest, the hoopoe brings a sense of character and playfulness to any image. Often seen probing the ground for insects, their unique shapes and behaviors are a joy to photograph against rustic Iberian backdrops of olive groves and stone walls. The elusive Golden Oriole is a treasure for bird photographers. Bright yellow males and green toned females slip silently between treetops, offering bursts of colour amid the greenery. Capturing their shy movements in woodlands and river valleys requires (a lot of) patience, but the reward is extraordinary portraits of one of Europe’s most beautiful birds.

2. Golden Eagles and Vultures

Spain is one of the best places in Europe to photograph large raptors, especially Golden Eagles and Vultures. The Golden Eagle, with its immense wingspan and piercing stare, is a powerful subject often seen soaring above rocky sierras. Meanwhile, Spain hosts the continent’s largest populations of Griffon Vultures, alongside rarer species such as Cinereous (black) Vultures and the striking Egyptian Vulture. Feeding stations and hides across regions like Extremadura and the Pyrenees allow photographers to capture breathtaking images of these birds in flight, feeding, or interacting in dramatic aerial displays.

4. Eurasian Lynx – Europe’s Rarest Cat

The Iberian Peninsula is the last stronghold of the Eurasian Lynx, one of Europe’s rarest and most endangered predators. In Andalusia, carefully managed reserves provide some of the best chances in the world to photograph this elusive cat. With its tufted ears, spotted coat, and piercing eyes, the Lynx is a symbol of Iberia’s conservation success story, and a dream subject for any wildlife photographer.

A Golden Eagle from the hide that we visit in Spain.

United Kingdom

1. White-tailed and Golden Eagles – Britain’s Biggest Predators

The Isle of Mull is famously known as “Eagle Island” thanks to its thriving population of white-tailed eagles, the UK’s largest bird of prey. With wingspans reaching up to 2.5 meters, these birds are a breathtaking sight as they soar along Mull’s sea lochs or swoop down to snatch fish from the water. Mull offers some of the best opportunities anywhere in Europe to photograph these magnificent raptors both in flight and in action. In addition to sea eagles, Mull and the surrounding Scottish Highlands are home to Golden Eagles, providing photographers with the rare chance to capture both of Europe’s great eagle species in a single trip. These powerful birds epitomise the wild spirit of Scotland, often seen gliding above remote glens and mountain ridges.

2. Otters of the Coastline

The rugged coastline of Mull is also one of the best places in Britain to photograph Otters. These charismatic and beautiful mammals are often spotted along kelp lined shores of Mull’s sea lochs, where patient photographers can capture intimate scenes of them fishing, grooming, sleeping and playing against the backdrop of rocky shorelines, mountains and hillsides.

3. Landscapes and Light

The magic of Scottish wildlife photography is amplified by its landscapes and light. Mull’s sea lochs, rugged mountains, and shifting skies create dramatic backdrops, while Scotland’s famously changeable weather brings moments of golden sunshine, romantic rainbows, moody mist, and stormy drama (all within a single day!!).

Selecting the Best Wildlife Photography Tours

Choosing the right tour can make or break your safari. Consider these tips:

Expert Guides: Look for tours hosted by knowledgeable local conservationists/naturalists or ran by photographers who can help you spot and photograph elusive wildlife.
Small Group Size: Fewer participants mean more flexibility, better wildlife access, and less competition for shots.
Photography Focused Itineraries: Some tours are specifically designed for photographers, with optimal lighting times, hide setups, and extended safari hours, meaning the best possible chances of capturing memorable images.
Equipment & Logistics Support: Check if the tour provides equipment hire, tripods, purpose built hides, or other crucial photography gear. Do these suggest flights and arrange land transfers? Is it possible to enquire and book single supplement? Is there support throughout the duration of the trip, or will the guides appear and disappear outside photo sessions?
Budget: There is a trip and destination to suit every budget, from UK based trips, short haul European destinations to longer haul, bucket list tours. Choose a tour that meets your budget and itinerary. Tours typically start from c.£1,500 and increase to c.£6,000 - all trips can be paid in full, instalments or we can build you a bespoke payment structure.

Essential Wildlife Photography Tips

Even with the best tour, capturing stunning wildlife shots requires preparation and technique:

Gear Up Smartly: A DSLR or mirrorless camera with a telephoto lens (region of 300-600mm) is ideal - other ‘wider angle’ lenses may be recommended by your guides for landscape or environmental images. Don’t forget extra batteries and memory cards as well as all necessary adaptors and chargers. We also recommend bringing a laptop if you have one. There is nothing worse than having to watch other photographer look through their images at the end of the day!

Master Light and Timing: Early mornings and late afternoons provide the best natural light for dramatic shots. Winter light can be softer, but metering for the snow can take some getting used to.

Respect Wildlife: Maintain a safe distance and never disturb animals in the name of ‘the shot’. Patience often leads to the best photo opportunities but also, capturing the most natural behaviours.

Focus on Composition: Use the rule of thirds, capture behavior, and include environmental context to tell a story. Backgrounds and direction of light, are often overlooked but are almost as important as the subject.

Practice Post-Processing: Editing software like Lightroom can enhance your images without making them look unnatural.

The gorge that we visit with our clients in Spain.

Planning Logistics & Safety

Best Time to Travel: Research seasonal wildlife patterns; some animals are easier to spot and photograph during specific months – pick a tour that has been designed with this in mind.

Vaccinations & Health: Depending on your destination, you may need vaccines or malaria prophylaxis. Always ask your tour provider if in doubt.

Travel Insurance: Make sure you get some, and that it covers photographic/adventure activities and camera gear.

Accommodation: What does it offer? Where is it located? What room types are on offer? What meals are provided.

IN SUMMARY

A wildlife photography tour, trip or safari is more than a holiday, it’s a chance to immerse yourself in nature, learn from experts, return home with unforgettable images, but most importantly, make and share incredible memories with likeminded people. This is something that you just do not get if you travel solo. By carefully selecting your destination, tour, and photography strategy, you can ensure your trip is both memorable and safe.

For any questions that this blog may have provoked, please free to drop us an email or fill out a form on our Contact Us page.

Adam Juckes - September 2025