Edward Selfe Photo Safaris

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Edward Selfe Photo Safaris Edward Selfe is a specialist photographic guide offering superb photographic safaris in Zambia's world-famous South Luangwa National Park.

Edward Selfe moved to Zambia early in 2009, pursuing his love of wildlife and the outdoors. Working first as a camp management assistant and then as a safari guide, he has built up 9 years' of wild-Luangwa experience and honed his knowledge of its astonishing array of life. Edward also holds Luangwa's coveted Grade 1 walking licence, allowing him to lead safaris on foot in dangerous game areas, an

d proving his exceptional understanding of mammal behaviour. Edward has been a keen photographer since the age of 10, learning from his Dad with an old film SLR. Finding a perfect environment for his skills in Zambia, he has since turned his passion into a successful wildlife photography and guiding business. He has taken many photographers on safari, assisting keen amateurs to develop their skills and helping professionals turn Luangwa's great sightings into award-winning photographs. Edward's guiding style is one of 'exploring with his guests' and he loves nothing more than to discover new areas, try new techniques or sit and wait for a sighting to develop. As a highly skilled naturalist, he is as interested in wildlife as he is in photography and is the ideal guide for someone with a passion for both.

NAMIRII’ve just confirmed a second long trip to Namiri Plains in early 2026, and two trips are brewing for 2027.On a rec...
14/07/2025

NAMIRI

I’ve just confirmed a second long trip to Namiri Plains in early 2026, and two trips are brewing for 2027.

On a recent trip in March 2025, a lioness killed a Spotted Eagle Owl which was roosting too close to her chosen den site.

There is so much going on in this part of the Serengeti!

Join me in March 2027 for an Amboseli & Serengeti tour that covers tuskers, big plains, lion prides, rocky kopjes, cheetah hunts & spectacular scenery.

FRINGEOne of my favourite times of day in the bush; when we can combine it with a dark background, it makes magic.• ...
08/07/2025

FRINGE

One of my favourite times of day in the bush; when we can combine it with a dark background, it makes magic.
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EXTREME BRAVERYPredators are undoubtedly armed with all the physiological tools required to be effective killers. In the...
03/07/2025

EXTREME BRAVERY

Predators are undoubtedly armed with all the physiological tools required to be effective killers. In the case of a leopard, these include explosive ambush speed, sharp claws and a devastating bite. But I would argue that leopards also require astonishing bravery to hunt successfully. This is because prey species are fighting for their lives and are well able to inflict terrible injuries on a leopard in the process.

Every single time a leopard targets a large prey, it gives 100% of itself to that endeavour. To begin to understand what is involved, we would have to imagine running at full speed and throwing ourselves onto the back of an angry Doberman or Great Dane and trying to subdue it with our bodyweight….

On the occasion in the photo above, a leopard concealed herself in a thicket while a troop of baboons approached. She waited until they were within just meters of her before charging out in pursuit of an old female. After a short pursuit, she bowled it over and killed it with a bite to the back of the neck.

Moments later, while she was still gripping the dying baboon, more than 10 large male baboons (imagine that Doberman again) had surrounded her. They were grabbing her (now a Doberman with opposable thumbs…) and barking aggressively. The sound was phenomenal, even from where we were sitting some 40m away.

Once she was sure the baboon was dead, she could drop it and defend herself. The baboons take a step back now that her teeth are no longer occupied with the job of killing their colleague. Now the leopard stands, growling defensively, while the whole troop of more than 100 individuals surround her completely.

This is where the risk is at its greatest; if the baboons can overcome their collective fear, they could rush in and — using their gripping hands and 2 inch canines — shred her in seconds. It has happened many times.

Despite knowing this risk, the leopard had chosen to throw her whole body-weight, at full speed, into the front edge of an approaching troop of baboons. A 45kg predator rushing into the middle of a troop of 100 Dobermans with opposable thumbs….. To me, that is extraordinarily brave.

EXTREME BRAVERY•Predators are undoubtedly armed with all the physiological tools required to be effective killers. In th...
03/07/2025

EXTREME BRAVERY
•
Predators are undoubtedly armed with all the physiological tools required to be effective killers. In the case of a leopard, these include explosive ambush speed, sharp claws and a devastating bite. But I would argue that leopards also require astonishing bravery to hunt successfully. This is because prey species are fighting for their lives and are well able to inflict terrible injuries on a leopard in the process.
•
Every single time a leopard targets a large prey, it gives 100% of itself to that endeavour. To begin to understand what is involved, we would have to imagine running at full speed and throwing ourselves onto the back of an angry Doberman or Great Dane and trying to subdue it with our bodyweight….
•
On the occasion in the photo above, a leopard concealed herself in a thicket while a troop of baboons approached. She waited until they were within just meters of her before charging out in pursuit of an old female. After a short pursuit, she bowled it over and killed it with a bite to the back of the neck.
•
Moments later, while she was still gripping the dying baboon, more than 10 large male baboons (imagine that Doberman again) had surrounded her. They were grabbing her (now a Doberman with opposable thumbs…) and barking aggressively. The sound was phenomenal, even from where we were sitting some 40m away.
•
Once she was sure the baboon was dead, she could drop it and defend herself. The baboons take a step back now that her teeth are no longer occupied with the job of killing their colleague. Now the leopard stands, growling defensively, while the whole troop of more than 100 individuals surround her completely.

This is where the risk is at its greatest; if the baboons can overcome their collective fear, they could rush in and — using their gripping hands and 2 inch canines — shred her in seconds. It has happened many times.
•
Despite knowing this risk, the leopard had chosen to throw her whole body-weight, at full speed, into the front edge of an approaching troop of baboons. A 45kg predator rushing into the middle of a troop of 100 Dobermans with opposable thumbs….. To me, that is extraordinarily brave.

PATH•The black lechwe herds of the Bangweulu floodplains are every bit as impressive as the shoebill storks for which th...
16/06/2025

PATH
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The black lechwe herds of the Bangweulu floodplains are every bit as impressive as the shoebill storks for which the area is better known.
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These antelope - a special subspecies - make a daily journey into the swamps at night to avoid hyaena predation, and then back onto the grass plains by day.
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The rushing of their bodies through the deep water sounds like sudden waterfalls throughout the night. They are plucky, brave and elegant and Zambia is home to their whole population of around 40,000.
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I’ve just returned from the Bangweulu wetlands - keep watching for more from this expedition to explore these vast wetlands.
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GRASSLANDS•One of many very special mornings of epic light in the Okavango Delta last month. Ostrich, antelope, baboon…w...
29/05/2025

GRASSLANDS
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One of many very special mornings of epic light in the Okavango Delta last month. Ostrich, antelope, baboon…whatever it is, we have to make the best of this light!
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I’ll be back in the Okavango twice next year and I’m planning 2027’s trip now. Give me a shout if you’d like to join me.
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CHOBE•I’ve just spent 4 days on the Chobe River with Pangolin Safaris. So much to share from those amazing days includin...
15/05/2025

CHOBE
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I’ve just spent 4 days on the Chobe River with Pangolin Safaris. So much to share from those amazing days including a lot of elephant action, African skimmers, crocodiles, water birds & raptors.
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More soon!
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FLOAT•Photographic African Skimmers with my group at •Join me in 2027?•
12/05/2025

FLOAT
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Photographic African Skimmers with my group at
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Join me in 2027?
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SPLASH (CAMP)•I’ve been running a safari in the Okavango Delta for the last 10 days. It’s been a blast - check out my st...
12/05/2025

SPLASH (CAMP)
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I’ve been running a safari in the Okavango Delta for the last 10 days. It’s been a blast - check out my story highlights for the details.
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Red lechwe, one of my favourite creatures of all, charges boldly and bravely into the flooded channels to find safety on a nearby island.
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Botswana safaris for 2027 are in the pipeline — please contact me if you’d like to join.
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STARS & STRIPES•I’m heading to Botswana in a couple of days. 2 weeks exploring the Delta and shooting on the Chobe River...
29/04/2025

STARS & STRIPES
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I’m heading to Botswana in a couple of days. 2 weeks exploring the Delta and shooting on the Chobe River.
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It will be great to meet up with 4 guests who’ve travelled with me in the past too!
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As always, I’ll be looking forward to for the best light for photos….and loading updates along the way. Thanks for following.
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LEAP•Luangwa’s dry season forces everything to move close to the shrinking channel of the main river.•Crossing the sand ...
25/04/2025

LEAP
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Luangwa’s dry season forces everything to move close to the shrinking channel of the main river.
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Crossing the sand to reach the water is a perilous journey, where prey are potentially caught between lions & wild dogs on the bank and crocodiles in the water.
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Having drunk, they flee from the water’s edge, seeking the cover (and shade) of the riverine trees. This image is a favourite from many years ago and illustrates the angst of that journey.
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Join me for dry season drama in the Luangwa and Zambezi Valleys in Sep 2026.
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prey

WILD•Photograph wild lions with me in the Luangwa & Zambezi Valleys Sept 2026. 1 space remaining.• ...
22/04/2025

WILD
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Photograph wild lions with me in the Luangwa & Zambezi Valleys Sept 2026. 1 space remaining.
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My Story

Edward Selfe moved to Zambia early in 2009, pursuing his love of wildlife and the outdoors. Working first as a camp management assistant and then as a safari guide, he has built up 9 years' of wild-Luangwa experience and honed his knowledge of its astonishing array of life. Edward also holds Luangwa's coveted Grade 1 walking licence, allowing him to lead safaris on foot in dangerous game areas, and indicating his exceptional understanding of mammal behaviour. Edward has been a keen photographer since the age of 10, learning from his Dad with an old film SLR. Finding a perfect environment for his skills in Zambia, he has since turned his passion into a successful wildlife photo safari business. He has taken many photographers on safari, assisting keen amateurs to develop their skills and helping professionals turn Luangwa's great sightings into award-winning photographs. Edward's guiding style is one of 'exploring with his guests' and he loves nothing more than to discover new areas, try new techniques or sit and wait for a sighting to develop. As a highly skilled naturalist, he is as interested in wildlife as he is in photography and is the ideal guide for someone with a passion for both.