Penda Photo Tours

Botswana’s Serolo Bushcamp nestled in the Tuli Wilderness, is a wildlife photographer’s dream. The terrain features wide rivers and rocky cliffs. But the real magic? You’re the sole audience to a wide variety of wild animals. No safari traffic jams; just you, the lens, and animals in their natural habitat. The Serolo rangers, friendly and knowledgeable, ensure prime photo ops. Plus, unexpected riverside meals from the talented Serolo staff added a gourmet twist. Our photography and wildlife guide was more than an encyclopedia of wildlife facts and expert photography advise. He knew the stories behind each animal—their quirks, their struggles, and their triumphs. You walk away with better photos, and a love and understanding of the animals in them. The staff at Penda Photos Tours planned a thoughtful and easy to execute itinerary that went off without a hitch. They answered every question promptly. As a solo traveler, I felt secure that Penda Photo Tours had my back if I needed help. So, if you’re seeking a unique photographic opportunity with the unfiltered beauty of Africa, book your safari with Penda Photo Tours. They’ll take you beyond the lens, into a world where every frame tells a story.

This is an experience I’ll remember and will be of use to me for the rest of my life. Definitely something that has planted the seed of a mighty oak tree in me. Doing photography work in Africa has always been at the top of my bucket list. Additionally, my dream job is to be a photojournalist. That being a competitive field, I felt having this under my belt would really help me. Being able to help Zambians with something I was passionate about was also a huge bonus! I learned a lot about the ethics of how to talk to people and build rapport, getting shots that help further the client’s message, and why we don’t take pictures that would provoke pity for the people we’re trying to help. This program will help me in MANY ways! Just the experience of being in a totally new place so far from everything I know gave me invaluable skills and highlighted strengths I didn’t know I had. As for the photography program, for someone trying to make a career for themselves in photojournalism… I have no words! Personally, I learn best by experiencing things. Going out, getting my hands dirty and learning from my mistakes. Getting to spend two weeks working alongside a seasoned professional in such an incredible environment was truly something I thought I would only dream about.

A big personal takeaway was learning to establish and build trust with your subjects and the people you work with. More than just the photography involved, I was really immersed with people's stories and how I would want to best portray them through my lens. In a sense, this enables me to have a greater internal purpose and obligation with my work. Having Anna Lusty as my mentor grew my photography skills and knowledge immensely over the span of three weeks. Her acknowledgement of my growth as a photographer made me very proud to have joined this program.