Best Camera for Safari? Simple to Use & Stunning Results

Planning an African safari and wondering which camera to bring? After 30+ years as a travel photographer, I’ve used this camera around the world — but it truly proved itself on our safari in Tanzania.

If you want stunning wildlife close-ups, sweeping landscapes, and an easy-to-use setup that won’t break the bank, this guide will show you why the Canon PowerShot SX70 is my go-to safari camera — and why it might be perfect for you too.

Why I Recommend the Canon SX70 for Safari

If you want a safari camera that is easy to use, lightweight to carry, and powerful enough to capture animals that are far away, I think the Canon PowerShot SX70 HS is the best choice for most travelers.

It is best for:

• travelers who want great wildlife photos without learning complicated camera settings
• people who do not want to carry a heavy DSLR and multiple lenses
• safari-goers who need strong zoom for animals that are far from the vehicle

It may not be the best fit for:

• serious photographers who want interchangeable lenses
• people who plan to shoot heavily in very low light
• travelers willing to spend much more for pro-level gear

After 30+ years of travel photography, this is still the camera I reach for because it gives me sharp wildlife close-ups, rich color, and point-and-shoot simplicity in one lightweight package.

Why Trust My Opinion?

I’ve spent more than 30 years photographing wildlife around the world, from kangaroos in Australia to lions in Africa and black bears in Alaska. My inbox is full of people asking “What camera do you use?” The only answer: Canon SX70.

I’m not a professional wildlife photographer, and that’s part of why I recommend it so strongly. I’m a traveler who wants great photos without hauling heavy gear, and almost every photo on this website was taken with the SX70.

Why the Canon SX70 Is the Best Camera for Safari

In my experience, the Canon SX70 is the best camera for safari because it gives most travelers the three things they need most: powerful zoom, easy handling, and great image quality without heavy gear.

Incredible Zoom (65x Optical)

The 65x optical zoom is the biggest reason I recommend this as the best camera for safari. From the vehicle, I was able to zoom in on animals hundreds of feet away and still capture impressive detail — no lens swapping needed.

Point-and-Shoot Simplicity

I shoot in Auto mode 90% of the time, and it consistently gets the job done. That means I can focus on the animal instead of fiddling with camera settings. Once you learn where the shutter button is and how to use the zoom, you’ll be all set to take outstanding wildlife shots.

Lightweight and Easy to Carry

At just over a pound, this camera is comfortable to hold all day and easy to pack in a carry-on.

Great Image Quality (20.3 MP)

The colors are rich, the detail is sharp, and I’ve been consistently impressed by how good my wildlife photos look. In fact, I have a whole gallery wall of my travel pictures.

Real Viewfinder + Swiveling Screen

The viewfinder is especially helpful in bright sun, and the flexible screen makes it easier to shoot from awkward angles.

Affordable Cost

If you want the best camera for safari without spending thousands on a DSLR and multiple lenses, the Canon SX70 offers a lot of value for about $700.

Curious about how much it costs today? Check the current price for the Canon SX70.

The Proof – Safari Photos I Took with the Canon SX70

Every photo here was taken with my Canon SX70. No fancy lenses, no complicated gear, and no Photoshop tricks — just a camera that performed beautifully on safari and helped me capture some incredible wildlife moments.

Here are just a few of the 10,000 photos I shot while on safari in Tanzania:

What About Other Camera Options? 

You could absolutely bring a DSLR or mirrorless camera with interchangeable lenses, but for most travelers, there are real trade-offs:

• heavier to pack and carry
• much more expensive
• steeper learning curve
• slower when animals are moving and you do not have time to switch lenses

I saw plenty of people on safari juggling giant zoom lenses. Meanwhile, I was getting great close-up shots with my Canon SX70 and feeling a lot more relaxed.

Any Downsides to the SX70?

Can’t You Just Use a Phone?

For some shots, yes. I used my iPhone for selfies, food photos, and a few low-light situations (like the amazing night sky full of stars). But for wildlife, a phone just cannot compete with the zoom and reach of a real camera for safari.

If your goal is simply a few casual snapshots, your phone may be enough. But if you want close-up wildlife photos you’ll actually be proud of, I strongly recommend bringing a proper camera like the Canon SX70.

Accessories I Brought on Safari (and Recommend)

If you’re bringing the best camera for safari, these small accessories can make a big difference. Here’s what goes in my “camera bag” (a clear quart sized ziplock):

• 8 Batteries (you’ll go through them!)
• Dual Battery Charger (electricity is often limited in the camps and lodges at night so you can charge twice as fast)
• 128 GB SD Cards (I brought 3 — better safe than sorry)
• USB Card Reader (to back up photos to my laptop each night)
• Lens cloths + spare lens cover
• Rain Sleeve Protector (because lots of dust and occasional rain) – I call it my “raincoat” for my camera! The SX70 needs the smallest size.
• Padded Camera strap with battery pockets (my favorite feature!)

These simple add-ons made a big difference in how smoothly things went on safari. If you’re investing in the best camera for safari, you’ll want to keep it protected and ready.

My Second-Choice Recommendation

If the SX70 is out of your budget, my second choice is the Canon SX700 HS. I used it for years before upgrading, and I loved it.

The SX700 is smaller and lighter than the SX70, so it is even easier to carry in a pocket or on a lanyard. It has a 30x optical zoom and is a good lower-cost option if you still want much more reach than a phone camera can offer.

Here are a few photos I took in Puerto Rico with the SX700:

Still Deciding If It’s the Right Camera for You?

Q: Is the zoom really good enough for wildlife photography?
A: Absolutely. I’ve used the SX70 to photograph lions, birds, and elephants from 200–300 feet away, and the results are impressively sharp.

Q: Will I outgrow this camera as I get more experienced?
A: I’ve used this camera for years on major trips around the world. It’s simple enough for beginners but still powerful enough as your photography skills grow.

Q: What if I’m not great with tech or camera settings?
A: That’s one of the best things about the SX70. I shoot in Auto mode 90% of the time and I still get photos I’m proud to print and frame.

Summary: Is the Canon SX70 the Best Camera for Safari?

In my opinion, yes.

It’s easy to use, the 65x zoom is incredible, the image quality is impressive, and it is far easier to carry than a heavy camera setup with multiple lenses.

We took this camera across the Serengeti, Tarangire, and Ngorongoro, and it captured everything I hoped for and more. If you want the best camera for safari without a huge learning curve or a huge price tag, the Canon SX70 is the one I recommend.

Ready to Take Amazing Safari Photos?

I hope you have a fabulous time on your safari. It is a true Bucket List experience you will never forget!