This Canon Powershot SX70 camera, in my opinion, is the best camera to take on a safari or any type of travel
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Wondering which is the best camera to take on an African safari? I’m going to show you why this is the perfect one.

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Planning an African safari? 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. I felt like a National Geographic photographer… and it was so simple to use.

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.

Lioness on the prowl in the Serengeti
Lioness prowling, taken with the Canon Power Shot SX70 from 150 feet away.

Why Trust My Opinion?

In over 30 years of travel, I’ve taken wildlife photos in dozens of countries — from Australian Kangaroos and Koalas to African lions to Black Bears in Alaska. My inbox is constantly full of people asking “What camera do you use?” The only answer: Canon SX70.

I’m not a professional wildlife photographer, and I don’t use huge, complicated gear. I’m a world traveler who loves nature and wildlife photography and who needs a camera that fits in my carry-on suitcase. Almost every photo you see on this website was taken with the SX70.

A lone Giraffe eating from a large tree in Serengeti National Park. Image taken with the Canon Powershot SX70.
My favorite National Geographic moment, taken with my Canon SX70.

Why the Canon SX70 Is the Best Camera for Safari

This isn’t just about specs — it’s about what actually works in the field for safari photography. Hands down in my opinion, the Canon PowerShot SX70 HS is the best camera for a safari. To capture stunning images while on safari, I want my camera to have:

Incredible Zoom (65x Optical)

I shoot a lot of birds and wildlife so being able to zoom in closer makes a big difference to me. This camera offers 0 to 65x optical zoom with its built-in lens. And it can go up to 260x digital zoom. With no lens swapping needed!

From the safety of our Safari Land Cruiser, I was able to zoom in on animals hundreds of feet away and capture close up details, as if I were only a few feet away. See the detail on his hippo’s skin texture and whiskers that I was able to capture because of the zoom?

Close up photograph of Hippo in the water, close enough to see his white whiskers
Zoomed in from 200+ feet away — no lens swapping needed.

Point-and-Shoot Simplicity

I shoot 90% of the time in Auto mode. It gets the settings right, so I can focus on framing the shot instead of fiddling with controls. And there are lots of other modes available when the situation calls for it. I use the rapid fire mode to shoot birds in flight or animals on the move. But Auto is my favorite and it consistently gets the job done.

Black round Camera dial showing various shooting choices, currently set to Auto

Easy to Learn

Once you learn where the shutter button is and how to use the zoom, you’ll be all set to take outstanding wildlife shots.

An alligator rests on his front legs, with his mouth open showing all of his razor sharp teeth!
One of my favorite safari memories — and one of the easiest shots to get.

Lightweight and Easy to Carry

This camera is comfortable to wear all day on safari. With it’s compact size, it fits nicely in my hands and I can shoot easily with just one hand. Plus, it doesn’t take up too much room (or weight) in my luggage, weighing just over 1 pound.

Black Canon Camera held in the hand of a woman with a royal blue shirt.
It just fits right in my hand – so easy to hold and carry!

Great Image Quality (20.3 MP)

The detail is fantastic — and the colors are rich and vibrant. Every time I look at my safari photos, I’m reminded just how good this camera really is. In fact, I created a whole photo gallery wall of my travel pictures.

Enormous Elephant approaching across the grasslands of the Serengeti
This elephant was way off in the distance — love the clarity at full zoom.

Real Viewfinder + Swiveling Screen

When you’re shooting into bright sunlight, you want a viewfinder so you can clearly see what you’re shooting. This one is sharp, responsive, and makes zooming so much easier. The flexible screen is perfect for reviewing photos or capturing tricky angles.

The Canon SX70 features a view finder window which helps you see what you're taking picture of, even in bright sunlight. I love having a view finder!
Camera backside with the screen opened up for viewing images already taken.

Affordable Cost

For about $700, the Canon SX70 gives you a great point-and-shoot camera that really packs a punch. It’s available with a bunch of helpful accessories, or you can buy just the camera alone.

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 you see here was taken with my Canon SX70. No fancy lenses. No Photoshop magic. Just a great safari camera and incredible wildlife moments captured. Here are just a few of the 10,000 photos I shot while on safari in Tanzania:

A close up shot of a Male Lion in the Serengeti, so close you can see the details of each hair on his mane. A great and powerful zoom is part of what makes it the best camera to take on safari.
Majestic Impala with his beautifully curved antlers, seen in Lake Manyara National Park
Zebras resting on each other, keeping a watch out for prey. With the Canon SX70 as the best camera to take on safari, you can see the intricate detail on the zebra's face
A leopard hiding in the grass while it waits for his prey to come closer.
Close up of a giraffes face, showing details such as their skin pattern, even showing the hairs. Another example of why a great zoom is part of the best camera to take on safari.
Two cheetah siblings resting in the grass under a tree, after they've completed a hunt.
A male and female lion lounge in the grass of the Serenegti, captured with my Canon SX70
Lilac-breasted roller is a very colorful bird in Tarangire National Park
Gray Crowned Crane - such a colorful and big bird

To see more photos and video of the animals we saw in Tanzania, visit our Photo Album.

What About Other Camera Options? 

Sure, you could bring a DSLR or mirrorless camera with several interchangeable lenses — but there are trade-offs:

  • Heavier to pack and carry
  • Much more expensive
  • Steeper learning curve
  • Time wasted switching lenses – when the animals are on the move, they aren’t waiting for you to finish

I saw lots of people on safari juggling big huge zoom lenses. But I got just as close with my SX70, and I was a lot more relaxed doing it.

Kari shooting her camera out the roof of the Safari Land Cruiser
Safari goers taking pictures of lions from their safari Land Cruisers

Are There Any Downsides to the SX70?

Only two things to be aware of:

  • Low light limits – like after the sun has set or in a forest with a lot of tree canopy. Then I use my iPhone instead.
  • Maximum zoom requires a steady hand: A small tripod or a place to brace helps for ultra-zoom shots. In the safari vehicle, place a bean-bag under the camera to brace against the rooftop or window.

Still, these trade-offs are tiny compared to the benefits — especially for this price.

I highly recommend getting some wildlife photography practice with your new camera before you go on your safari. Here are some ideas of where to look for wildlife.

Can’t You Just Use a Phone?

Sometimes, yes. I used my iPhone 12 Pro for selfies, stars, food pics, and low-light shots. But for wildlife? You just can’t beat a proper camera for safari photography.

Phone cameras are terrific for many things — just not for capturing that lion across the plain or the bird in the treetop. If your goal is only to share your pictures on Instagram and Facebook, then your phone camera will probably suffice.

Looking for some easy tips on how to take amazing wildlife photos?

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Accessories I Brought on Safari (and Recommend)

All of the camera accessories that I recommend using - a dual charger so you can charge two batteries at a time, batteries, memory card reader, lens covers, lens cloths and a quart-sized plastic bag to hold it all.

Here’s what goes in my camera bag (a quart sized ziplock):

These small upgrades made a huge difference in how smoothly things went on safari. If you’re investing in the best cameras for safari, you’ll want to keep them protected and ready.

The best camera to take on safari is the Canon SX70, held around my neck by a long, padded strap.
a Clear Plastic bag covers my black Canon camera to protect it from rain and dust.

My Second-Choice Recommendation

If the SX70 is out of your budget, check out the Canon SX700 HS. I used this camera for years before upgrading — and I loved it.

As you can see, the SX700 on the right is quite a bit smaller than the SX70 on the left. I could easily carry it around in my pocket or on a lanyard around my neck. It has a 30x Optical zoom and is currently available for about $300.

Comparing the sizes of the SX70 with the SX700. Either one qualifies as the best camera for safari in my opinion

Here are some examples of shots I took in Puerto Rico with the SX700:

Iguana on the ground at a park in Puerto Rico
Sunset over the beach at Cabo Rojo Puerto Rico
Colorfully painted beach-front bar in Puerto Rico
The colorful painted houses of Old San Juan, Puerto Rico

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

Q: Is the zoom really good enough for wildlife photography?
A: Absolutely. I’ve zoomed in on lions, birds, elephants — even from 200-300 feet away. It’s shockingly sharp, even at full digital zoom.

Q: Will I outgrow this camera as I get more experienced?
A: I’ve used this camera for years and have taken it on every major trip. It’s simple enough for beginners and still powerful enough as your photography skills grow.

Q: What if I’m not great with tech or camera settings?
A: That’s the beauty of this camera — I shoot 90-95% in Auto mode and still get results I’m proud to print and frame. No tech headaches here.

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

In my opinion — absolutely.

  • It’s easy to use
  • The 65x zoom is incredible
  • The image quality is fantastic
  • And it won’t break your back (or your bank account)

We took this camera across the Serengeti, through Tarangire and Ngorongoro — and it captured everything I dreamed of and more. Whether you’re new to safari photography or a seasoned traveler, this camera delivers.

Ready to Take Amazing Safari Photos?

If you’re convinced (or even curious), you can check current pricing and bundles for the Canon SX70 right here:

Click to Check Price & Availability for the Canon SX70

I hope you have a FABULOUS time on your safari. It’s a Bucket List item for sure and an experience you will never forget!

More Safari and Tanzania Information:

Here are some more posts about Tanzania and Safaris, including some that I’m still working on. If you’d like to receive emails when I’ve posted new content to the site, please complete the short form above.

More on Bird and Wildlife Watching Around the World

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