Get in touch with us and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.
Why Choose Us
Here's what sets us apart from the competition
Value for Money
We deliver exceptional experiences at fair, transparent prices, ensuring every journey offers genuine quality, comfort, and unforgettable adventure without unnecessary costs.
Personalized Itineraries
Your journey is crafted around your interests, pace, and travel style, giving you a custom-made adventure that feels authentic, meaningful, and entirely your own.
Here for You
From planning to your final day of travel, our dedicated team is available to guide, assist, and ensure your trip runs smoothly and stress-free.
Pack lightweight, neutral-coloured clothing, a warm layer for early-morning drives, sturdy shoes, sun protection, insect repellent, a good camera/binoculars, and any required medications or vaccinations after consulting your healthcare provider and local travel advice.
We work with a curated network of vetted lodges, camps, guides, and ground operators selected for local knowledge, safety standards, experience, and suitability to the traveller’s interests and budget.
Yes; itineraries can be tailored for wildlife photography, birding, family-focused activities, honeymooners, and adventure travel, with appropriate accommodations, vehicle options, and guide specialisations arranged on request.
Zimtrek specialises in safaris across Southern and East Africa, with core destinations including Zimbabwe, Botswana, Zambia, South Africa, Namibia, Kenya, and Tanzania.
Zimtrek designs tailor-made safaris including game drives, walking safaris, mobile tented camps, photographic safaris, and combined wildlife-and-cultural itineraries to suit solo travellers, couples, families, and small groups.
In This Article
Essential Gear
Key equipment for capturing stunning safari photos.
Timing & Light
Best times for wildlife photography on safari.
Family-Friendly Tips
Engage kids in the photography experience.
Why Wildlife Photography Enhances Family Safaris
Embarking on a family safari is an opportunity to create memories that will last a lifetime. Wildlife photography not only enhances this experience but also allows families to capture and relive these moments long after the safari is over. The thrill of capturing the perfect shot of a lion on the prowl or a herd of elephants grazing in the wild can bring an added layer of excitement to your adventure.
Connecting Through Photography
Photography offers a unique way for families to connect with each other and with the natural world. By engaging in photography, children can learn about animals, their habitats, and the importance of conservation. Parents can share their love of photography with their children, fostering a shared interest and bonding over a common hobby.
Tip: Involve children by giving them a camera or smartphone. Encourage them to take photos of what interests them.
Photography as a Tool for Conservation
Photography plays a crucial role in conservation efforts. By capturing the beauty and majesty of wildlife, families can share these images with a wider audience, raising awareness about the importance of protecting these precious ecosystems. This shared purpose can add a meaningful dimension to your safari experience.
Essential Photography Gear for Family Safaris
When preparing for a family safari, selecting the right photography gear is essential to ensure you capture the best possible images. Here are some recommendations for equipment that balances quality with ease of use, especially for families with children.
Cameras and Lenses
DSLR or Mirrorless Cameras: Offer high image quality and flexibility.
Zoom Lenses: A 70-300mm lens is ideal for capturing distant wildlife.
Compact Cameras: Consider easy-to-use options for kids.
Info: Ensure that your camera gear is weather-resistant and comes with protective cases for dust and moisture.
Accessories to Enhance Your Shots
Tripod: Stabilizes your camera for clearer shots.
Binoculars: Helpful for spotting wildlife before photographing.
Spare Batteries and Memory Cards: Essential for extended photo sessions.
Equipment
Recommendation
Camera
DSLR or mirrorless with a zoom lens
Lens
70-300mm for wildlife
Tripod
Lightweight, portable
Mastering Timing and Lighting for Wildlife Photography
Timing and lighting are critical elements in wildlife photography, especially on a family safari. Understanding how to use these elements effectively can elevate your photos from ordinary to extraordinary.
Golden Hours: The Best Time to Shoot
The golden hours, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, provide the best natural lighting for photography. During these times, the light is softer and the colors are warmer, creating more visually appealing images. Encourage your family to embrace these early and late hours for the best photo opportunities.
Warning: Avoid harsh midday sun, which can create strong shadows and wash out colors.
Understanding Animal Behavior
Familiarize yourself with the behavior and daily routines of the animals you hope to photograph. Knowing when they are most active can greatly increase your chances of capturing dynamic shots. For example, predators like lions are more active during the cooler parts of the day.
Utilizing Natural Light
Backlighting: Creates dramatic silhouettes and highlights.
Side Lighting: Adds depth and texture to your images.
Front Lighting: Illuminates the subject clearly, ideal for portraits.
Engaging Children in Wildlife Photography
Incorporating photography into your family safari can be a fun and educational experience for children. It can spark creativity and curiosity about wildlife and conservation.
Simple Tips to Get Kids Involved
Scavenger Hunt: Create a list of animals or scenes for kids to capture.
Storytelling: Encourage kids to create a photo story of their day.
Photo Challenges: Offer themes or subjects for them to explore.
Tip: Provide children with durable cameras or smartphones with protective cases to withstand the safari environment.
Review and Reflect
After each day of your safari, make time to review the photos taken. Discuss what worked well and what could be improved. This reflection can be a valuable learning experience and will enhance your children's skills and confidence over time.
Get in touch with us and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.
Why Choose Us
Here's what sets us apart
Value for Money
We deliver exceptional experiences at fair, transparent prices, ensuring every journey offers genuine quality, comfort, and unforgettable adventure without unnecessary costs.
Personalized Itineraries
Your journey is crafted around your interests, pace, and travel style, giving you a custom-made adventure that feels authentic, meaningful, and entirely your own.
Here for You
From planning to your final day of travel, our dedicated team is available to guide, assist, and ensure your trip runs smoothly and stress-free.
What Our Clients Say
Don't just take our word for it
“I had a perfect Christmas holiday in vicfalls, best Christmas ever!!!Very special thanks to zimtrack travels for helping me out with the booking and accommodation, you came in handy your service great,I had a wonderful Stay at Victoria falls Oasis, the place is breathtaking, full of life and warm,their hospitality is top notch 10 out of 10 minus nothing!!!! I'm surely doing this again with you!!”
TM
Tafadzwa Mucheche
Tafadzwa Mucheche
“Zim Trek Travels were great. They sorted our trip to Victoria Falls which was fantastic. The contact and feedback with Peter was amazing. Jim Mc Sorley Harare.”
JM
Jim Mc Sorley
Jim Mc Sorley
“They've planned trips local and abroad and they have become my trip planner!!! Absolutely impressed.”
RM
Rudo Mudzura
Rudo Mudzura
“Zimtrek Travel looked after our family so well. Peter planned and organised our trip to Namibia to perfection. He listened well and selected the best fit accomodation for our needs/requests. I will highly recommend this company.”
