
Photography Guide: How to Capture the Big Five in Maasai Mara
The Challenge of Safari Photography
You’ve bought the expensive lens. You’ve traveled thousands of miles. But getting National Geographic level shots requires more than just gear—it requires positioning.
This guide shares the secrets of professional wildlife photographers.

Tip #1: Eye Level is Everything
The biggest mistake amateurs make is shooting *down* on animals from the roof of a van.
Pro Move: Get low. Our vehicles have open sides, allowing you to shoot at eye level with lions and cheetahs. This creates that intimate, intense connection in the photo.
Tip #2: The Private Vehicle Advantage
In a shared game drive vehicle, you are competing with 5 other people for the window seat. If the driver moves to get a better angle for *you*, the person in the back seat might complain.
With a Private Experience:
- You tell the driver exactly where to stop.
- You can stay with a leopard for 2 hours waiting for it to wake up (shared vans leave after 10 mins).
- You can position the vehicle for the perfect "Golden Hour" backlight.
Best Settings Cheat Sheet
| Subject | Shutter Speed | Aperture | ISO |
|---|---|---|---|
| Running Cheetah | 1/2000s + | f/5.6 - f/8 | Auto ISO |
| Portrait (Lion) | 1/500s | f/2.8 - f/4 | Low (100-400) |
| Landscape | 1/100s | f/8 - f/11 | 100 |
| Birds in Flight | 1/3200s | f/5.6 | Auto ISO |
Ready to Start Planning?
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