For many travelers, a safari is the journey of a lifetime—days spent following elephants across the savannah or watching lions at dawn. Beyond the thrill of the experience, it’s also an extraordinary opportunity to capture images that tell stories of nature at its rawest and most beautiful. But what happens after the trip? One way to honor those moments is by sharing them with the world through wildlife photography contests.
Competitions not only give your images recognition but also connect you to a global community of photographers who share a passion for conservation and storytelling. Below, we explore some of the top wildlife photography contests you can enter with your safari shots, along with tips to prepare your entries.
Why enter a wildlife photography contest?
Submitting your safari photographs to competitions offers more than just the chance to win prizes. It’s an opportunity to:
- Gain visibility: From online galleries to published books, contests expose your work to a wider audience.
- Contribute to conservation: Many wildlife contests support conservation projects or raise awareness for endangered species.
- Grow as a photographer: The discipline of selecting, editing, and presenting your images sharpens your creative eye.
- Tell stories that matter: Great safari images capture not only beauty but also the challenges facing wildlife in Africa.
Major international wildlife photography contests
Wildlife Photographer of the Year (WPY)
Hosted by London’s Natural History Museum, WPY is the world’s most prestigious wildlife photography competition. Winning images are exhibited globally and published in widely distributed collections. Categories include animal behavior, portraits, and photojournalism—perfect for safari material.
Nature’s Best Photography Awards
With categories ranging from African wildlife to landscapes and birds, this contest emphasizes storytelling and conservation. Winning entries are displayed at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, giving photographers immense exposure.
Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards
A lighthearted but globally recognized contest celebrating the funniest animal moments. Safari images often shine here—think hippos mid-yawn or baboons caught in awkward poses.
Bird Photographer of the Year (BPOTY)
If you’ve captured lilac-breasted rollers, secretary birds, or African fish eagles, this competition is ideal. It’s highly respected and has a strong conservation component.
African Geographic Photographer of the Year
Focused entirely on African landscapes, people, and wildlife, this contest is a natural choice for safari-goers. Entries often celebrate the continent’s unique biodiversity and cultural richness.
Pangolin Photo Challenge
Run by Pangolin Photo Safaris, this online challenge is accessible and fun, with monthly themes that encourage regular submissions. It’s particularly friendly to safari beginners building confidence.
Local and regional contests
Many African lodges, parks, or tour operators run their own competitions, such as Kenya’s Greatest Maasai Mara Photographer of the Year. These contests not only celebrate individual reserves but also offer strong community ties.
Tips for preparing your safari images for contests
Submitting to contests is not just about selecting your favorite photo. The preparation process can elevate your entry and improve your chances of standing out.
1. Curate with intention
Less is more. Choose images that evoke emotion, tell a story, or reveal behavior rarely seen. Judges look for originality and impact rather than technical perfection alone.
2. Respect authenticity
Avoid heavy editing that alters reality. Adjustments to contrast, exposure, and sharpness are acceptable, but excessive manipulation (such as removing elements or adding skies) often leads to disqualification.
3. Pay attention to technical details
Make sure your images are high resolution and meet contest requirements for file size and format. Double-check deadlines and category rules before submitting.
4. Tell the story behind the image
Many competitions ask for captions or background notes. Share what was happening in the scene, the animal’s behavior, or the conservation context. This adds depth to the photograph and connects with the judges.
5. Embrace variety
Don’t hesitate to enter different contests with the same image—one photo might win a humorous category while also succeeding in a behavioral storytelling competition.
Beyond winning: the deeper rewards
Even if you don’t take home a prize, participating in contests enriches your photography journey. It pushes you to revisit your safari images with fresh eyes, refine your editing process, and connect with others who share your passion. Many photographers describe the contest process as a powerful way to relive their safari moments and turn memories into narratives that inspire others.
Conclusion
Entering your safari shots into wildlife photography contests transforms them from personal keepsakes into part of a larger global dialogue about nature and conservation. Whether you aim for prestige in world-renowned competitions or simply want to celebrate your images in more playful challenges, the act of sharing your safari experience ensures those fleeting wild moments live on.
FAQs
Yes. Many competitions welcome amateurs and even have special categories for first-time entrants.
Not at all. Judges focus more on creativity, timing, and storytelling than on the gear used.
Yes, as long as each competition’s rules allow it. Many photographers do this to maximize their exposure.
Some are free, while others charge entry fees. Fees often contribute to conservation or organizational costs.
No. While safari photos are excellent candidates, most competitions welcome global wildlife, from backyard birds to polar bears.
Stick to global adjustments like exposure, color balance, and cropping. Avoid manipulations that change the scene’s authenticity.
Absolutely. Contests like the Comedy Wildlife Awards thrive on humorous moments, making safaris ideal sources of quirky images.
