Whether you’re capturing a kudu through a lens or a rifle scope, the African bush demands specific gear tailored to your experience. At Avula Safaris, we welcome both passionate safari adventurers and dedicated hunters. Each group brings different goals, equipment, and packing needs.

Here’s a side-by-side guide to help you prepare, whether you’re tracking game through the camera shutter or the crosshairs.

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1.

Objective: Moments vs. Meat

 

• Photography Safari:

  • Capture wildlife behavior, landscapes, and storytelling visuals

  • Requires patience, positioning, and quiet observation

   

• Hunting Safari:

  • Ethical pursuit of plains or dangerous game

  • Involves stalking, precision, and situational awareness

   

 

Your end goal shapes what you carry and how you move.

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2.

Essential Gear Breakdown

 

Photography Safari:

 

• DSLR or mirrorless camera

• Lenses: 100–400mm or 600mm (wildlife), 24–70mm (landscape)

• Beanbag or monopod for vehicle stability

• Extra batteries and SD cards

• Rain covers and lens cloths

 

Hunting Safari:

 

• Bolt-action rifle (typically .30 caliber or larger)

• Rifle scope with appropriate magnification

• Rangefinder or ballistics app

• Shooting sticks or bipod

• Ammo belt or pouch

 

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3.

Clothing Considerations

 

• Photography Gear Priorities:

  • Comfort and flexibility for long hours in the field

  • Quiet fabrics and breathable layers

  • Neutral tones to avoid startling wildlife

   

• Hunting Gear Priorities:

  • Camouflage or natural colors for concealment

  • Durable, thorn-resistant outerwear

  • Boots with ankle support for tracking

   

 

Both should dress in layers and prepare for sudden weather changes.

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4.

Field Bags & Storage

 

Photographers:

 

• Padded camera backpack or sling with quick access

• Dry bag or waterproof shell

• Compartments for lenses, filters, power banks

 

Hunters:

 

• Field pack for ammo, water, gloves, tags, rain gear

• Rifle case (hard for travel, soft for field use)

• Optional: hydration system or bino harness

 

Organization is key for both pursuits.

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5.

Optics: See the Bush Clearly

 

• Photographers:

  • Telephoto lenses, potentially with extenders

  • Spotting scopes for distant animals

  • Polarizing or ND filters

   

• Hunters:

  • High-quality binoculars (8×42 or 10×42)

  • Rangefinder or scope reticle with range estimation

  • Scope lens covers and anti-fog cloths

   

 

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6.

Silence and Stealth

 

Both photographers and hunters must respect the natural quiet of the bush.

Best practices:

• Silence phones and alerts

• Avoid synthetic clothing that rustles

• Minimize sudden movement

• Use soft-closing bags and cases

 

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7.

Tech Tools

 

Photography:

 

• Lightroom mobile or Snapseed for quick edits

• Gimbal or stabilizer for smooth video

• Drone (only if permitted)

 

Hunting:

 

• Ballistics app (Strelok, Hornady, etc.)

• Wind checker or Kestrel device

• GPS or digital maps for terrain awareness

 

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8.

Evening Activities

 

• Photographers: Back up files, clean gear, edit photos, journal sightings

• Hunters: Clean rifles, prep for next day, reflect on the pursuit with your PH

 

Evenings at the lodge offer time to recharge and reconnect.

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9.

Ethics and Respect

 

Both safari types require deep respect for wildlife, guides, and local culture.

• Practice leave-no-trace principles

• Follow your guide’s instructions

• Respect hunting laws or ethical shooting distances

• Avoid invasive flash or camera settings

 

At Avula, we believe in sustainable, respectful encounters with the wild.

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10.

Two Roads, One Wild Heart

 

Whether you’re aiming for the perfect photograph or your dream trophy, the bushveld delivers. Prepare with the right gear, travel with purpose, and let Africa work its magic.

Want to plan a custom safari—with or without a rifle? We’ll help you build the perfect trip.

Get in Touch with Avula Safaris

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