Photography Ethics on Safari: The Rules That Protect Wildlife

The rule that governs all ethical wildlife photography is simple: the animal’s welfare comes before the image. In practice, this means keeping a respectful distance, never requesting that a guide drive closer than is comfortable for the animal, and never making sounds or movements designed to provoke a reaction.

Baiting — placing food to attract predators or other species for a photograph — is prohibited in all Kenya Wildlife Service parks and in most conservancies. It disrupts natural hunting behaviour and, in the case of large predators, can create dangerous associations between humans and food rewards that ultimately cost the animal its life.

Drones are not permitted in Kenya’s national parks or most private conservancies without advance written permission from the relevant authority. The noise causes significant stress to nesting birds and young animals, and the footage collected does not justify that impact for recreational use.