Join our Fun Wildlife Photo Safaris to the World’s Best Destinations

How would you like to join award-winning wildlife photographers Ernest Porter and Karen Blackwood on small group Wildlife Photo Safaris? Let us take you to South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Peru, India, Sri Lanka, and Antarctica to see the Big 5, Great Migration, Gorillas, Chimpanzees, Leopards, Lions, Elephants, Penguins, Whales, Tigers, and Birds.  You will improve your wildlife photography skills with our guidance on all of our Photo Workshop trips. Browse our quick-glance schedule of all of our worldwide Wildlife Photo Safaris and choose your adventure by dates, or click on “Safaris” in the header to select your destination by year.  

It’s a big world — let’s explore it together!

 

 

We’ll personally coach you as part of our Photography Workshop on every one of our Wildlife Photo Safaris.

We’ll teach you the fundamental functions of your camera and how to use each mode correctly. Our suggestions about settings and composition will help you envision a way to tell a unique story, improving your photography skills. Everyone is welcome, from beginner to advanced, from Camera Phones to DSLR to mirrorless photographers. You can even rent a professional level camera and lens and play professional photographer–we will teach you how.

What if you aren’t a photographer? What if you want to just want to watch the animals while the others click away?  We welcome non-photographers, too. Here’s a secret – Photo Safari vehicles are always in the best spots with a clear view of the most active animals, so don’t hesitate to join us.  You want to come away with beautiful, once-in-a-lifetime memories whether in print or in your mind’s eye, don’t you? Our personally guided small group photo safaris take you to the best places for wildlife photography during the best times of year:  

South Africa –  Go to top luxury and traditional lodges in Sabi Sands and Manyaleti, part of the Greater Kruger. We can go off-road to get close-up photographs of rhino, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and lion — Africa’s Big 5. The Sabi Sands Game Reserve is world renowned for the quality leopard sightings for good reasons: we know their territories, favorite trees, and waterholes. You’ll also see African wildlife like zebra, giraffe, hippo, antelope, monkey, and endangered species. Birding is outstanding with eagles, hawks, buzzards, rollers, wagtails, shrikes and so many other bird species. Red-headed, Masked, and Buffalo Weavers nest at the lodge so you can watch them during downtime. We know where raptors historically nest and frequently see fledglings and chicks, plus the adults with food. We have excellent success finding the wildlife you want to see and photograph with the assistance of our experienced local trackers and highly trained rangers. The best time for a South African Wildlife Photo Safari is fall, winter, and spring, so that’s what you’ll find scheduled.  All of our Big  5 Safaris are scheduled so you can do back-to-back Safaris with us, trying out both the Traditional and the Luxury Lodge experience. You definitely won’t want to go home after immersing yourself in this kind of nature.

Kenya and Tanzania – The Great Migration of millions of wildebeest on the rolling Masai Mara plains and the vast Serengeti savannah are must-sees for wildlife photographers! Why join us? We know the crossing points on both sides of the Mara River, so we can see the Migration from either country. Most people don’t realize that the herds go back and forth between Kenya and Tanzania before moving deep into the Masai Mara Reserve. We ethically place our vehicle for excellent viewing without impeding the wildebeest and zebra as they frantically try to avoid crocodiles and lions while crossing. Our local Maasai guides know where leopards, cheetah, lions, and serval hang out and where elephants like to take dust baths. Our Tanzania trip meanders through the Serengeti and the World Heritage Ngorongoro Crater for rhino, flamingos, buffalo, lions, leopards, elephants, cheetah, and the list goes on. On our Kenya Safari, we include a night at Lake Nakuru Lodge in the Rift Valley where we can find tree-climbing lions, huge Greater and Lesser Flamingo flocks, rhino, zebra, warthogs, fish eagles and more. The Great Migration starts in July, so we get there before the big chaotic tourist crowds. Our guests enjoy the best safaris possible in Kenya and Tanzania. We combine time on the Mara River with game drives through the parks searching for the Big 5 and other wildlife so that you get the best of both worlds, and the best photographic opportunities on the vast plains of Central Africa. If you choose to take one Wildlife Photo Safari with us, put Kenya and Tanzania at the top of the list.

Uganda and Rwanda – See critically endangered species like Mountain Gorilla, Chimpanzee, and Golden Monkey by joining Eagle Eye Safaris on Wildlife Photo Safaris through the Pearl of Africa.  We’ll spend time with habituated Mountain Gorilla and Chimpanzee families for sweet photographic opportunities. On our drive through the countryside of Uganda, we’ll look for tree-climbing lions and the national animal of Uganda–the kob, and the national bird, the Crested Crane. We might meet forest and savannah elephants. Time spent with the Batwa Tribe will educate you about this former forest culture and the challenges of displacement. A hike in the Bigodi Swamp might find up to 7 kinds of monkeys including Red Colobus Monkeys, Black and White Colobus Monkeys, Grey-cheeked Mangabeys, Olive Baboons, Red-tailed Monkeys, rare L’hoest Monkeys and mischievous Vervets. We’ll float peacefully on a unique Crater Lake at one of the most beautiful, luxurious lodges you’ve ever seen. If you join us in Rwanda, we will go to the Virungas for Rwandan Mountain Gorillas–the Dian Fossey’s Gorillas in the Mist trip–and also search for the beautiful and shy glowing Golden Monkeys in the surrounding forests.  We’ve paired this trip as a back-to-back to Kenya because the best way to get to Uganda is via Nairobi.

Egypt and Jordan – Pharoahs, Pyramids, and Petra. On these two trips, we hit the highlights like the 4600-year-old Pyramids of Giza, Valley of the Kings, King Tut’s tomb, a Nile Cruise, the Dead Sea, and the Treasury at Petra, and then we offer so much more. Most visitors don’t get to see the night market of Luxor, participate in Egyptian and Nubian culture, go to Mosques and Churches, eat meals with Egyptian families, and get a bird’s-eye view of the Nile River valley from a hot-air balloon. In Jordan, not only do we visit Petra during the day, we’ll go back again at night to see it lit by candlelight for a magical experience. A side trip to less touristy Old Petra is where we’ll meet Beduin nomads with handmade, authentic crafts for sale. We will camp in Wadi Rum, hike through the creek at Wadi Mujib slot canyon and climb Mt. Nebo, where you can stand in the spot where Moses saw the Promised Land. We can drink from the sacred springs Moses brought forth, float in the Dead Sea, ride camels through the desert, and eat with Jordanians. We’ll go deeper than just the sights by exploring current and ancient cultures throughout each country on our multi-day back-to-back trips. You can join one or both, and we’ve scheduled these trips for pleasant temperatures.  It’s a quick two-hour hop between Cairo and Amman for a seamless adventure. Although these are primarily cultural and historical tours, we still consider them Wildlife Photo Safaris as we might see endangered Arabian Oryx, hyenas, shy sand cats, Nubian Ibex, foxes, jackals, and several species of gazelle. Between the landscapes and the people, you’ll have no shortage of incredible photographs in your portfolio.

Antarctica – Can you say Penguins! Seals? Icebergs? Glaciers? Whales? Set sail with us on a luxury Expedition cruise ship through the notorious Drake Passage on our way to the Antarctic Peninsula. It’s a 10-day Wildlife Photo Safari Workshop! We’ll climb snowy hills to photograph penguins and chick colonies on the Antarctic Continent and surrounding islands. Zodiacs will take us through iceberg fields with whales and rafts of swimming penguins while we search for blue ice sculptures. They create unique abstract-art photographic opportunities, and if there’s a penguin on one, you’ve hit the jackpot. Birds such as Antarctic Terns, Albatross, and Petrels are great photography subjects as they fish and scavenge their meals. Terns are quick, but Albatross and Petrels are good practice as panning subjects for slow-speed photography. Of course we know where Emperor, Adelie, Gentoo, Macaroni, and Chinstrap Penguin colonies nest, and in which bays humpback whales and orcas like to hunt. This expedition includes intensive photography and editing workshops, plus adventure in the most beautiful place on the planet. Non-photographers will have plenty to do and see, so bring them along! By the way, did we mention that we are going to double-dog dare you to do a Polar Plunge? 

Peru  – Birding galore! We’ll explore Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu as we look for colorful endemic and rare birds – Andean Condors, Cock-of-the-Rock, Parakeets, Parrots, Trainbearers, Siskins, Grosbeaks, Tanagers, Hummingbirds and more. This Wildlife Photo Safari combines colorful Inca and Peruvian culture, ancient history, and birding for a mystical and educational experience. When you see the intricate and impossible stones that create the structures, you’ll understand why people wonder if the Inca’s had outer-worldly help. You definitely want to see Machu Picchu before the World Heritage Organization closes it to begin work on platform viewpoints and stops allowing visitors to wander through the ruins.  We’ll see if we can spot Spectacled Bears, Chinchillas, and Condors while we are there, and we’ve always got roaming llamas to make delightful photography subjects.  Additionally, we have add-on excursions up into the Andes to see Condors in their canyon habitat and to view the Painted Mountains of Peru at dawn.

India – It’s Tigers, Temples, and Taj Mahal as we journey through this this colorful and wonder-filled country. We’ll start with sunrise photography at the Taj Mahal to capture the majesty of the world’s most recognizable building. After coffee at the establishment run by acid-attack survivors, Sheroes Cafe, our trip immerses you in the history and culture of India.  We’ll travel south to the tiger reserves, where our local guide knows which waterholes in which they like to bathe on hot afternoons. Sloth bears, leopards, and Indian elephants roam the forest too. This trip tags with Sri Lanka for a well-rounded trek through two incredible countries. April is the perfect time of year to visit both countries. It’s not too hot for humans but warm enough that tigers head for pools of water.

Sri Lanka – Leopards, Asian Elephants, Blue and Sperm Whales and Buddhist Temples are on the itinerary in this special island country with fabulous wildlife reserves. Our Sri Lankan guide knows the territories of the leopards and which ones have cubs at any particular time. Elephants like to wander down to the reeds in the afternoons, and we’ll be there to spot them. Sacred, native peacocks fly overhead and offer beautiful photographic displays. The largest populations of Blue and Sperm whales populate the coast, so we’ll take a boat out to meet a few, passing by the few stilt fishermen who still practice this dying tradition. We’ll visit Temples and tea plantations while learning about the history of a nature-loving country that has existed for thousands of years. There are so many wildlife and cultural photo opportunities in Sri Lanka, and if you can combine it with our Tiger Trek to India, you’ll spend two of the best weeks you’ve ever experienced!

Ask about Back-to-Back booking discounts on our Wildlife Photo Safaris. Easily see color-coded back-to-back safaris HERE!

We teach our successful Wildlife Workflow editing process in Adobe Lightroom as part of Photoshop Workshops on most of our trips. Learn to edit your photos like a pro! Visit our Photo Gallery to see examples of our award-winning photos taken on our worldwide safaris.  You’ll get incredible photos like ours on Eagle Eye Safaris’ wildlife photo safaris.

Who are “we” — Ernest and Karen — and why should you go with us on a Wildlife Photo Safari? We are award-winning published photographers with a passion for helping others improve their photography skills, for supporting wildlife conservation and for showing people the natural jewels of the countries and wildlife reserves to which we go.  Check out our About Us page to learn more about the people with whom you are trusting your bucket list safari trip.

Don’t worry about how to get there because we can help you plan your trip. We know where to stay before and after your Wildlife Photo Safari, and what to do if you’d like to extend your stay. We’ve even got a free printable Safari Packing checklist and a collection of Travel Tips  for you; they’ll come in handy any time you are traveling. Leave on your trip with peace of mind.

We LOVE making birthdays, anniversarys, marriage proposals, or other occasions extra special!  Just let us know how we can assist you in your celebration and we’ll make it happen.

Be sure to sign up for our NEWSLETTER at the bottom of the page. It’s short and sweet, sometimes offers extra discounts, and keeps you up to date on interesting Wildlife Photo Safari and wildlife conservation news. We send it monthly, on average, and we NEVER share or sell your email address.