With the March/April holidays right around the corner, many of us are heading off to the South African bush with its chilly mornings and breathtaking sunsets. Time as we know it slows down and we absorb moments that usually go unnoticed. To record and relive your holiday memories in the best way possible, we decided to give you a few must-have items that will up your content game and leave you with stunning shots worth printing and sharing.

Cameras

There is such a wide variety of affordable and practical cameras for you to use on your bush vacation, for example the Canon PowerShot SX70 HS Digital Bridge Camera and the Nikon Coolpix P950 Digital Bridge Camera. They offer excellent zoom capabilities making them ideal for enthusiasts looking for practicality!
If you’re looking for a camera that uses interchangeable lenses, something like the Canon EOS R7 Mirrorless Camera offers ultra-high speed, crisp detail in both photos and videos.

Lenses

You don’t want to miss a striking, once in a lifetime moment, so using the right lens for your surroundings is crucial. Depending on your subject and the location you’re traveling to, either a standard telephoto or a super telephoto is needed.
Whether you’re shooting in the thickets and at private game lodges, photographing medium to large animals, a standard telephoto lens such as a 70-200mm, 70-300mm or 100-500mm range is preferable. When photographing in vast open spaces with little vegetation, shooting small animals and birds, a super telephoto lens such as a 500mm and above is ideal.

Binoculars

The African bushveld is such a magical place, early mornings and late afternoons spent around watering holes allow you to view small animals as well as larger species like lions buffalo and elephants. During the midday, smaller creatures and birds come out and you always need to be ready with your camera setup and binoculars.
Whether you’re a photographer or a nature enthusiast, a good pair of binoculars for spotting and identifying different a species of animals and birds is always a win.

Clothing and accessories

Layering is essential as it can be very chilly early in the morning and late at night, with scorching temperatures during the day. You don’t want to wear colours that absorb or reflect light, so keep it light and neutral, and if it has pockets, buy it!
With regards to shoes, opt for something high-top and high-rise socks to help protect your ankles from dangerous critters like snakes and scorpions, who blend into their habitats flawlessly and strike before you even see them.
You’re going to need a hat too, and something like a buff to protect your face and neck from the blazing sun.

Other necessities include a high SPF sunblock which you should apply thoroughly and often, as well as insect repellent for those pesky mozzies.

Make the most of your next photo safari trip and stay safe!