If you are the partner/friend of a keen photographer wondering if these trips were right for you then I would definitely say that if you are interested in watching the amazing wildlife, learning loads along the way then the answer is ‘yes’. My one piece of advice is to beg, borrow, steal or buy a decent set of binoculars for your trip – so much happens at a distance that they are an essential piece of kit for the avid non-photographer. But one advantage is that, unlike photographers, your memories do not rely on hardware – or the correct light! And they can’t be spoiled by ‘operator error’ or inadvertently deleted……

One of the reasons (perhaps even the main reason) that Ed is such a good photo guide – is that he is a great nature guide as well. That means he can spot opportunities worth checking out. I lost count of the number of times the vehicle would stop and after a quick look at the ground Ed would announce that lions/leopards had gone that way probably x hours earlier, or he would recognise the alarm call of a puku or baboon and know there was something worth checking out.

Anyone with any interest in wildlife photography or African animal sightings could not do any better than a trip with Ed. We have had four trips to Africa, three with him and all have been amazing. His expertise in finding the best spots for sightings/photography in various locations around Africa are second to none. Accommodation and staff at the camps was exceptional.

Edward Selfe has been our guide for six photo safaris now—and certainly not our last. His rare combination of expertise as both a licensed safari guide and a professional photographer makes every trip exceptional. He has a deep understanding of animal behavior and consistently positions the vehicle for the best possible shots, taking full advantage of light and action. From dawn to dusk, Edward is fully dedicated to his clients—ensuring an immersive bush experience, helping capture stunning images, and offering thoughtful guidance on editing. His passion and commitment truly elevate the entire safari experience.

We had already for the third time a wunderfull and exited photosafari in Zambia with Ed. With his humor and experiences he takes, if you want, lots of time to help you out to make the right photos. Of course all based on your needs, equipment, position and situations.

This was our second photo safari with Edward. There really is no other photographer that compares; he is focused on making your experience the best possible. A great tutor, you will expand not only your knowledge of photography but the land, people and animals that make Africa so incredibly special. He is an exceptional guide and tracker. There is no rushing to get from place to place; since there is such a small group of photographers Edward is able to get the best locations and fantastic light. He works diligently to line up shots that are unique. Somehow he finds incredible animal life! Whatever your skill level, he will always find ways to help make you better in a positive manner. I wish I could go every year!

Edward Selfe is an amazing safari guide, photographer and host. He has an incredible understanding of the wildlife and their environment, then uses that knowledge to determine the best possible locations for both photography and game viewing. He assists with camera settings, composition and photographic techniques on sightings and then back at camp he makes himself available to review and critique photographs and provide tips on workflow and post processing.

Not only is Edward a pleasure to safari with, each safari is planned around his guests – the safari areas, the types of camps, comfort levels etc. He communicates with the camp operators to ensure we get the most out of our safari time, be it vehicles, early starts to make the best use of light and breaksfast in the bush.

I look forward to travelling on safari with Edward again in the future.

For many people, a trip to Africa is the adventure of a lifetime.  If you are a photographer who’s never been there, or who’s been there several times before, nothing can be more important than having a knowledgeable cooperative guide who is himself a photographer.  Not one who is going to get himself in the best position, but one who is going to make sure he gets You in the best position.  Edward Selfe is that guide!!.  He lives in South Luangwa and is intimately familiar with the environment, the animals, the camps and the people.   I’ve been to Africa 11 times and after the most recent two with Ed I can tell you that no one does it better.

I have been on safari several times in different African countries, but never on a bespoke photo safari, so after extensive research I decided to go on a photo safari in the South Luangwa National Park with Edward Selfe. Ed is both a great guide and photographer, with a wealth of knowledge and many years of experience. I was particularly impressed that he always knew how to provide us with special moments and photo opportunities and at the same time always made sure that nature and wildlife were respected and protected. We always had enough time to observe animals, take photos and wait and see how situations developed.

With a lot of patience and his skills as a guide, he tracked down leopards, for example, explored the birdlife of the Luangwa Valley with us and taught us new photographic techniques or the best camera setup. Even as an experienced (sports) photographer there was plenty to learn for me. I am very happy that I was able to go on this trip with Ed and will certainly go on safari with him again in the future.

In fact, the next trip is already being planned 🙂 I can’t wait to be back in Zambia and can’t recommend Ed highly enough as a photo safari guide. If you are planning a photo safari, then you should definitely consider doing it with Ed!

Ed is truly an excellent teacher and guide. When on safari with him, expect to learn a lot. Certainly, photography approaches and techniques in various scenarios. But also, insightful observations about animal behavior, biology, ecology, conservation. A much more complete safari experience than merely going from sighting to sighting to sighting.

Ed is a keen observer. Distress calls, alert animal behaviors, spatial pattern breaks. And he’s a good teacher in articulating how these all fit together – he can predict what animals (lions, leopards, painted dogs, etc) might do next, where likely they will subsequently go, what behavior to expect. At minimum, he positions the safari jeep for taking good photos. More importantly, he lets you experience, just a little bit, what it feels like to be in that environment: predators, prey, flora, terrain all inter-connected.

Plus, Ed is such fun company. A truly nice person, easy to be with, the right kind of curious.

Not only did Edward always make sure the truck was positioned in the best possible way, but he also encouraged us to try new things, to challenge ourselves. He gave lots of guidance and advice but also gave us lots of freedom to explore. It must be added that he has an incredible eye for spotting photo opportunities. He was always available in camp to help with editing, deal with technical problems, discuss different ways of culling, etc. I have been on many safaris but never have I come back home with so many photos worth editing and keeping. I couldn’t possibly have wished for a better trip! Thank you Edward, and thank you, driver John! I will now become one of Edward’s many returning guests.