THE ULTIMATE SAFARI Q&A: YOUR MOST-ASKED QUESTIONS ANSWERED
- All Out Safaris
- Apr 1
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 3
Going on safari is an adventure like no other! Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or planning your first trip, you likely have plenty of questions. In this blog, we answer some of the most common queries we receive about safari destinations, photography, and essential tips. Let’s dive in!
Prime Lens vs. Zoom Lens for Wildlife Photography
One of the hottest debates among wildlife photographers is whether a prime lens or a zoom lens is the better choice. The truth? It depends on your photography style and location.
Prime Lenses: Known for their superior sharpness, low-light performance, and fast autofocus, prime lenses are the gold standard for wildlife photography. However, they can be expensive and lack zoom flexibility. If an animal is too close, you might struggle to frame your shot properly.
Zoom Lenses: More versatile and practical, zoom lenses allow you to adjust your focal length depending on your subject’s distance. While not as sharp as prime lenses, modern zoom lenses offer excellent image quality.
For a destination like Kruger National Park, a 400mm lens or longer is ideal. If you prefer flexibility, a 100-400mm or 200-600mm lens is a great option.
Our Favorite Safari Destinations
Shelby’s Pick: Kruger National Park
The sheer size and diversity of Kruger make it a favorite. You can easily spend three weeks exploring from north to south and still discover new landscapes and wildlife daily.
Josh’s Pick: Southern Kruger
Having spent countless hours in the southern part of Kruger, I’ve come to appreciate its dense wildlife populations. The familiarity with the terrain has allowed me to understand animal behavior better, making it my go-to safari destination.
Most Memorable Sightings
It’s impossible to pick just one! Here are a few unforgettable moments: We do go through these awesome encounters in more depth in our podcast which you can listen to by clicking the button below this article.
A male leopard at Pilanesberg: One of my first successful leopard photos was a male perched on a tree, staring directly into my lens.
A female leopard and her cub: I once spent hours watching a leopard cub play while its mother kept a close watch from above.
A mating pair of leopards: Hearing leopards vocalizing during mating was an experience I’ll never forget.
Two male cheetahs in golden winter light: Watching them climb termite mounds made for incredible photographic opportunities.
Why Do We Name Leopards and Lions?
Many people wonder why safari guides and researchers name wild animals. The simple answer: for research and conservation purposes.
Each leopard has a unique whisker spot pattern and rosette markings, helping researchers track individuals over time.
Lions, especially males, are monitored closely to understand pride dynamics and territorial shifts.
Naming allows us to document genetic lineages, helping conservationists understand population health.
Top Bucket-List Safari Destinations
While we love South Africa, there are still places we dream of visiting:
Shelby: Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park (for its arid landscapes and black-maned lions)
Shelby: Tswalu Kalahari (a remote luxury safari destination)
Josh: Lower Zambezi National Park (for its stunning forests and unique photography opportunities)
Josh: The Pantanal, Brazil (for jaguars hunting caimans in riverine habitats)
Most Misunderstood Animals
We’ll be doing a full episode on this soon, but here are some animals that often get a bad reputation:
Hyenas: Contrary to popular belief, they are intelligent, social, and highly skilled hunters.
Wild dogs: Often mistaken for aggressive scavengers, they are among Africa’s most effective predators with a 90% hunting success rate.
Elephants: They are sometimes seen as destructive, but their role in shaping ecosystems is crucial.
Male lions: Often thought of as lazy, they actually play a critical role in protecting their prides.
Snakes: Vital for controlling rodent populations, yet widely feared.
Underrated Safari Destinations
If you’re looking for a hidden gem, consider Madikwe Game Reserve.
Located in the northwest of South Africa, this 75,000-hectare reserve offers diverse landscapes, from open savannas to rocky outcrops.
It’s one of the best places to see rare species like aardvarks and brown hyenas as well as the Big 5
Less crowded than Kruger, making for an exclusive safari experience.
Do You Need a Camera for Safari?
No! Many of our guests enjoy their safaris without carrying a professional camera.
Smartphones today capture great wildlife shots for those who aren’t photographers.
We offer camera rentals for those who want to try their hand at wildlife photography without investing in expensive gear.
Sometimes, it’s best to put the camera down and just enjoy the moment!
How to Become a Safari Guide
If you’ve ever dreamed of leading safaris, here’s a quick roadmap:
Choose a training provider: Look for accredited courses through organizations like FGASA (Field Guides Association of Southern Africa).
Complete a field guide course: Courses range from 60 days to a year and provide Level 1 certification.
Gain practical experience: Work at lodges or reserves to build your guiding skills.
Obtain a professional driver’s permit: This is required to transport paying guests and you must be 21 years old.
Advance to higher levels: With experience, you can achieve Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications, opening doors to more prestigious guiding roles.
Safari Essentials: What Should You Pack?
One item we always recommend? Binoculars!
They allow you to see details you’d miss with the naked eye.
Enhance your experience by letting you observe birdlife, facial expressions of predators, and intricate animal behaviors.
Many guests don’t think to bring them, but they make a massive difference!
Final Thoughts
Safari is about more than just ticking off the Big Five—it’s about immersing yourself in nature, witnessing incredible wildlife moments, and creating memories that last a lifetime. Whether you’re a photographer, a wildlife enthusiast, or a first-time visitor, there’s always something new to discover.
Do you have more safari questions? Drop them in the comments or send us a message—we’d love to answer them in our next Q&A!
Happy adventuring,
The All Out Safaris Team
To listen to our podcast on this topic, click the links below to listen on your desired streaming platform.
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