Blackwood Safaris | Wildlife Photography Tours

Join Karen Blackwood on small group photo safaris, tours, and expeditions to Africa, Antarctica, the Arctic and the Americas to see the world's best birds and animals

AFRICA

Big 5, Big Cats, Elephants, Giraffes, Gorillas, Great Migration

Epic African Safaris with Endangered Species

THE AMERICAS

Jaguars, Otters, Anteaters, Wolves, Bears & Birds Galore

See North and South America’s Wild Animals

 

ANTARCTICA

Penguins, Seabirds, Seals, Whales, Blue Ice

Journey to the End of the World, Fin del Mundo

THE ARCTIC

Polar Bears, Reindeer, Beluga Whales, Arctic Birds

Explore Inside the Arctic Circle

With Our Safari Calendar

Your Free Safari Packing List & Tour Travel Tips

Travel Insurance Quotes

Egyptian Eclipse Trip

Special 11-day Tour of Egypt to catch the total solar eclipse

July 24–August 3, 2027
From $7,800

Elephant Big 5 photo safari africa mammal tusker

Are you a beginner or experienced photographer who wants an award-winning mentor by your side to help you take better wildlife photos? Cellphone, DSLR, or mirrorless camera? Or someone who just wants to immerse in the best view at the best time to go on safari? It’s time to travel, experience adventure and make memories, isn’t it? Join wildlife photographer Karen Blackwood on exclusive, ethical and unforgettable small group photo safaris to premier destinations on three continents and the Arctic Circle.

Not a photographer? Savor the best view while we take time to let nature’s story unfold. You’ll feel welcome and included on our trips.

 

Silverback gorilla

Every journey includes professional coaching from Karen, focused on helping you improve your wildlife photography skills while experiencing breathtaking natural environments. Learn camera settings, wildlife tracking and behavior, composition, storytelling, and fun photography tricks with like-minded nature lovers on small-group tours.

Silverback gorilla
Penguins in Antarctica

Where do you want to go? What do you want to see? From Africa to the Americas, from Antarctica to the Arctic, Karen Blackwood will guide you to ethical wildlife experiences while offering you expert photography instruction. Your itinerary will be crafted to put you in the best place at the best time:

  • Big 5, Great Migration, Gorillas, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes and incredible birding in Africa
  • Jaguars, pumas, guanacos, giant anteaters and otters and the most dense birdlife in Pantanal and Patagonia in South America, plus a Peru birding trip that includes Macchu Picchu
  • Endangered penguins, fur seals, whales, wandering albatross and millions of seabirds in Antarctica
  • Polar bears, walrus, reindeer and beluga whales inside the Arctic Circle
  • Bears, eagle, moose, bison and birds in North America
Silverback gorilla

Choose from comfortable to luxurious accommodations on trips already scheduled for the best times to go, or contact Karen to create your own custom tour. Comfy beds, en-suite bathrooms and top-tier chefs are a given. Ethics, conservation and education are emphasized under the umbrella of a lot of fun.

Silverback gorilla

Choose a destination and discover why adventurers and photographers trust Blackwood Safaris for premium worldwide wildlife photography tours and immersive nature-oriented adventures.

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Want to know when the next Blackwood Safaris’ photography adventure will be? Want to see pictures from our latest photo safari?

We only send one email a month and promise you’ll love it.

Why choose Blackwood Safaris for your wildlife photography?

  • Small group experiences
  • Personalized attention
  • Expert photography coaching in the field
  • Ethical, conservation-focused wildlife encounters
  • Access to premier wildlife destinations worldwide
  • Budgeted from Comfortable to Luxury accommodations
  • Top tier chefs
  • Designed for beginner and experienced photographers.

Blackwood Safaris expeditions are ideal for travelers seeking:

  • African wildlife, gorillas, Great Migration & Big 5 safaris
  • Worldwide Bird photography tours
  • Arctic and Antarctic expeditions
  • Big cat photography workshops
  • Nature and conservation travel experiences
  • Adventure photography vacations

Elephant Photo Safari South Africa

The Best Places to Go. The Best Times to Go There.

The Best Guide.

Meet Award-Winning Photographer Karen Blackwood

Karen Blackwood

Award-Winning Photography Guide

Africa

Africa Geographic Photographer of the Year

Audubon Society
WINNER!

Karen Blackwood

Award-Winning Photography Guide

Antarctica


Included in Top Women Photographers of the Year since 2021
National Geographic

Karen Blackwood

Award-Winning Photography Guide

Egypt

National History Museum Wildlife Photographer of the Year
Nature's Best Photography

Karen Blackwood

Award-Winning Photography Guide

USA

Africa's Photographer of the Year
Nature's Best Photography Africa
Africa Geographic
Wilderness

Testimonials

Highly recommend this amazing company!

“I’ve been on 2 separate trips with Karen at Blackwood Safaris. Each trip was absolutely amazing. Karen is so thorough and plans every detail for you. All you have to do is show up, and you will have the experience of a lifetime. My first trip was a Big 5 Safari with Karen in South Africa, and I was blown away. One of the best trips I’ve ever experienced, and I’ve traveled all over the world. My second trip was with my mother, and we had such an amazing time with Karen. My mom still talks about it every time we are together. Karen is amazing at planning every detail, and I can’t wait for my next trip with her and Blackwood Safaris.”

Wander57834300644

Excellent accommodations and arranged tours!

“What an excellent experience we had with Karen! She was professional and thorough in all she arranged for us. Everything was as she described when we purchased our trip. Very helpful in finding accommodations on our way there. We saw the Big 5 right away and had excellent encounters with them! We enjoyed the trip completely and were very pleased and satisfied! Thank you!”

Judy B

Great photography safari

“If you are looking for a safaris with emphasis on photography, you found the one! When a colleague and friend told me that a spot was available on one of Karen’s trips to South Africa, I jumped in. The group on each game drive vehicle was kept intentionally small so you do not need to fight for elbow room. It was fantastic! The lodging and food were awesome and Karen is knowledgeable and caring. All transportation was organized so I only needed to worry about clicking on the shutter!”

Sara S