They’re small, lightweight, always with you, and increasingly provide incredible photographic moments. Your smartphone has evolved from a simple point-and-shoot camera of marginal quality to a photographic device at times rivaling larger digital cameras.
Not long ago it would have been unheard of to bring your smartphone as your primary camera on safari. But today, more visitors, especially the tech-savvy are relying on their handy smartphones to capture stunning images of that leaping gazelle and the leopard racing after it.
The newest phones sport high-megapixel cameras with up to 5X optical zoom and 15X digital zoom with amazing resolution and quality. Color rendition now rivals dedicated digital cameras and special advances like portraiture adjusts focus and depth for previously unthinkable results.
This is not to say that a thousand-dollar smartphone completely rivals a ten-thousand-dollar dedicated digital camera… but the results come remarkably close.
The Tricks You Need
All still cameras have video capabilities these days but the newest smartphone cameras dazzle with their ready assortment of shooting modes. Of course, they shoot in HD but now they can also record 4K, time-lapse, slo-mo, close-up, and night video. And you’ve only been using your phone for texting and TikTok?
Shooting in low light situations like sunrises and sunsets, even night photography has also improved with new 48-megapixel cameras and advanced electronics. And improved automatic image stabilization means your telephoto shot of that lion standing out on a high bluff will be remarkably steady and clear.
Of course, such features only previously found on high-end pro cameras like burst shooting mode, red-eye correction, photo geotagging, and portrait lighting effects are now standard. All in that tiny little box.
Get Up Close to Your Subject
The new smartphones also have beautiful close-up or macro abilities. Flowers, insects, and the textures of the savannah’s grasses – perhaps with wildlife in the background or a setting sun will reward you with images you’ll want to print and show off.
And don’t forget, these close-up capabilities apply to video shooting as well, so you can capture the tight action of that tiny dung beetle doing its thing.
Finally, the new smartphones offer vastly improved battery life and memory to let you keep shooting throughout your entire safari day.
Then instantly share your photos and videos with friends and family anywhere in the world.
Here’s Some Smartphone Safari Advice
- Your phone has image stabilization but you can help it by keeping as steady as you can when shooting
- Safaris are known for producing plenty of dust so keep a lens cloth handy and clean your phone camera often
- Get familiar with your camera’s many photo and lighting modes for the best shots and some fun creative effects
- Consider joining one of our photographic safaris. Your guide will know the most scenic spots, times of day for lighting, and where the most exciting wildlife can be found
With just a little advance prep, your ever-present companion, your smartphone can be a quick, handy, and versatile recorder of your safari adventure.
Choose Your East Africa Safari Tour
Our Africa Safaris in Kenya, Tanzania & Zanzibar
Check out our many East Africa safari tours:
NAIROBI EXCURSIONS
Africa Kenya Safaris offers you full and half-day excursions & trips from Nairobi
KENYA SAFARI FROM NAIROBI
Explore our multi-day Kenya safari adventures ranging from 2 – 12 days from Nairobi.
NAIROBI TO DIANI BEACH SAFARIS
Enjoy a Kenya wildlife safari then finish up your holiday at Kenya’s Diani Beach.
DIANI BEACH KENYA SAFARIS
Explore our Kenya safaris from beach resorts of Diani – voted Africa’s leading beach destination
AMBOSELI KENYA SAFARIS
Explore Amboseli – famous for large herds of elephants and scenic views of Mount Kilimanjaro
KENYA FLIGHT SAFARIS
Book Kenya flight Safaris and explore Masai Mara, Amboseli, Samburu & Lewa Conservancy.
MASAI MARA KENYA SAFARIS
Masai Mara is home of the Great Wildebeest Migration, Big Five of Africa, Big cats, Masai culture etc.
KENYA BEACH TO NAIROBI SAFARIS
Book Exciting African safaris starting from/to the beautiful Diani beach resorts
KENYA-TANZANIA SAFARIS
Experience wildlife parks, beaches and mountains of Kenya & Tanzania.
KENYA SAFARI & DIANI BEACH
Experience the best of both worlds – a thrilling Kenya safari and a dream Diani beach vacation
KENYA SHORT GROUP SAFARIS
Join our exciting Kenya short Group safari Tours from Nairobi in 4×4 safari jeeps
TANZANIA SAFARI HOLIDAYS
Exciting 4×4 Tanzania safaris from Arusha town. Explore Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Manyara & Tarangire.
ZANZIBAR BEACH HOLIDAYS
Pre/post your African safari holiday in Kenya & Tanzania, ‘escape’ to Africa’s leading beach destination – Zanzibar!
MOUNTAIN CLIMBING TOURS
Best Africa mountain climbing adventure tour packages and safaris. Climb Mount Kenya and Mount Kilimanjaro
EAST AFRICA BEACH HOLIDAYS
Best family-friendly beach holidays on the sandy beaches of Mombasa, Diani, Malindi, Watamu, Lamu & Zanzibar
HOLIDAY EXPERIENCES
You came to Africa to live an experience – to see the Big 5, Big cats, wildebeest migration & so much more!
Customize your dream African safari
At Africa Kenya Safaris we are always flexible with your options, we will offer our thoughts on seasons, budgets, lifestyle, accommodations, first-hand experience of the parks, and all the possible activities to fill out your safari story. We’ll work with your impressions and dreams and add our ideas on which to build your adventure.
