7 SURPRISING WELLNESS BENEFITS: Of Going on an African Photography Safari
There’s something about being in the wild that works its way under your skin—in the best possible way. A photo safari isn’t just about the thrill of the chase or capturing that perfect frame. It’s also an antidote to modern life. From mental clarity to physical wellbeing, here are seven unexpected health benefits of going on safari that just might nudge you closer to booking that trip.
1. Mental Reset in the Wild
We live in a world where everything moves fast—emails, deadlines, traffic, and tech. So when you find yourself in the middle of an open savannah with no rush, no noise, and no signal, your nervous system begins to recalibrate. On safari, you’re encouraged to slow down, observe, and be present.
It’s a kind of natural mindfulness—what psychologists call “ecotherapy”—where nature itself becomes the healer. Just sitting quietly by a waterhole, listening to the distant rumble of elephants or the trill of birdsong, can restore a sense of balance that’s hard to come by in daily life.
Without screens to distract, your senses sharpen and your awareness deepens. You reconnect with your surroundings, your travel companions, and maybe even yourself. Image ©Thru The Lens
2. A Gentle Kickstart to Mental and Physical Activity
You don’t need to run marathons to feel the benefits of movement. Safaris offer a different kind of physical and mental engagement—gentle, immersive, and often awe-inspiring.
Whether you’re wading quietly through the Okavango Delta on a guided mokoro walk, following elephant tracks across the Kalahari sands, or climbing the ochre dunes of Sossusvlei at sunrise, every movement connects you more deeply to the land. And for those who like a challenge, the multi-day hike to the top of Namibia’s Brandberg Mountain offers serious elevation—and serious bragging rights.
3. Unplug to Reconnect
Yes, many camps have Wi-Fi. No, you don’t need it.
Disconnecting—even for a few days—gives your brain the chance to exhale. The wild doesn’t ping you. It doesn’t ask for passwords. It just exists, quietly and powerfully, all around you. Without screens to distract, your senses sharpen and your awareness deepens. You reconnect with your surroundings, your travel companions, and maybe even yourself.
And the best part? The digital world will still be there when you return, but you won’t feel so chained to it.
4. Nature’s Stress Relief
Fresh air. Open space. Gentle movement. Deep rest. Add those up and you’ve got a recipe for lowering blood pressure and reducing heart rate—two essential markers of health.
And if you’re craving the extra indulgence of a massage beneath a canopy of trees or a spa treatment in the heart of the bush, many camps offer world-class wellness experiences. A safari spa isn’t just about pampering—it’s about fully exhaling.
If you live somewhere where winter means grey skies and early sunsets, you’re probably familiar with the sluggish feeling that comes from a lack of sunlight. Safari days are drenched in golden light. Time outdoors, under the vast African sky, naturally tops up your vitamin D levels—great for bone health, mood regulation, and immune support. Drew Sproule Wildlife Photographer and Safari Host
5. Better Sleep Than You’ve Had in Years
When the sun goes down, it gets dark. Really dark. And quiet. The kind of quiet that only exists in places untouched by traffic, sirens, and screens. OMG - the stars!!
Instead, the night sounds come courtesy of hyenas calling, lions grunting, or owls softly hooting in the trees. It’s nature’s own white noise machine—and it does wonders for your sleep. Many camps even let you sleep beneath the stars (OMG - the stars!!) on raised decks, turning your dreams into something truly unforgettable.
6. A Boost of Sunshine and Vitamin D
If you live somewhere where winter means grey skies and early sunsets, you’re probably familiar with the sluggish feeling that comes from a lack of sunlight. Safari days are drenched in golden light. Time outdoors, under the vast African sky, naturally tops up your vitamin D levels—great for bone health, mood regulation, and immune support.
Swapping seasonal gloom for warm days and wild horizons? That’s self-care in its most rewarding form.
7. Perspective That Lasts a Lifetime
“Nothing has changed, but everything’s different.” That’s a common feeling when returning home after a safari.
Witnessing nature in its rawest form—elephants nurturing their young, predators on the hunt, ecosystems unfolding without interference—gives a new sense of perspective. The things that once felt overwhelming tend to shrink a little. You begin to see what truly matters.
It’s not just a holiday. It’s a recalibration of how you see the world—and your place in it.
Final Thoughts
A safari (whether photography related or not) isn’t simply an escape; it’s a return. A return to rhythm, silence, connection, and breath and dare I say it—a return to home! And while the photos you take will capture the beauty, the real reward is how you’ll feel—more grounded, more awake, more you.
Please do not hesitate to contact me at info@drewsproule.com with any questions you may have.
