The six shots
01
The river crossing
Wildebeest plunging the Mara River. Pre-focus on the entry point, 1/2000s or faster, framed wide enough to hold the chaos and the crocodiles.
02
Big cat at dawn
A lion or cheetah on a termite mound in golden light. Drop to eye level from the vehicle and wait for the catchlight.
03
Cheetah on a mound, scanning
The elevated-subject frame — shoot up slightly for a clean sky background behind the raised head.
04
Dust and backlight
Herds moving into a low sun, rim-lit dust. Expose for the highlights and let the mass fall toward silhouette.
05
The predator–prey moment
A hunt or a kill. Anticipate the run, hold 1/2000s+, and shoot the burst — the frame is one exposure among many.
06
The animalscape
A lone balanite tree, or a line of wildebeest to the horizon at first light. The wide-lens frame most people forget to make.
Gear: a 100-400 / 200-600 / 180-600 for reach; a 24-105 for the animalscape; a beanbag over the vehicle door; a body that stays clean at high ISO for dawn.
Before you go
The settings and kit decisions this trip will ask of you.
Before you goThe Best Lens for a First African SafariFor most first safaris, one versatile telephoto in the 100-500 / 200-600 / 180-600 class covers it, and a 150-600 does it on a budget. How to choose by reach, weight and money.Read the write-up →Before you goBest Camera Settings for an African SafariThe all-round settings for an African safari: shutter, aperture, ISO, metering and autofocus for dust, harsh midday, backlight and a bouncing vehicle. Plus how to tune them to your body.Read the write-up →Before you goBest Focal Length for Safari: 400, 500, 600 or 800mm?How much reach an African safari really needs. What 400, 500, 600 and 800mm each give you, park by park, and why more is not always better.Read the write-up →
Common questions
When is the best time to photograph Masai Mara?
Migration & crossings Jul–Oct (crossings peak Aug–Sep); big cats year-round; lush, quiet green season Nov–May
What is the best light in Masai Mara?
First hour after sunrise, last before sunset — low sun and dust give backlight; rest at harsh midday
What gear should I take to Masai Mara?
a 100-400 / 200-600 / 180-600 for reach; a 24-105 for the animalscape; a beanbag over the vehicle door; a body that stays clean at high ISO for dawn.
Your own brief
Plan your own Masai Mara brief
Ten shots, the conditions, the gear and the questions to ask your guide — built for your dates, your kit and your subjects.
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