Species profile
About this species
The olive baboon is a large, ground-dwelling primate found across equatorial Africa, named for its distinctive olive-grey coat. It is a highly social species, living in troops of up to 150 individuals with complex social hierarchies. Adults are powerfully built, with males displaying prominent canine teeth & a distinctive mane around the shoulders.
Savanna, woodland, steppes & montane forest across equatorial Africa, often near water sources & open grassland areas
Where to photograph
Where our trips feature this species
You can photograph Olive Baboon with us in Tanzania.
These departures are part of our Africa programme.
In the field, David Miles helps guests make the most of these encounters.
Field notes
Photography notes
Early morning & late afternoon throughout the dry season, typically June to October, when troops gather around water sources & open grasslands
Approach troops slowly & avoid direct eye contact, as baboons can interpret this as a threat - patience allows you to capture natural behaviour without disturbing the group. Use a telephoto lens of at least 300mm to photograph interactions & facial expressions from a safe distance. Dawn & dusk light brings out the warm tones in their olive coats & often coincides with peak social activity such as grooming & feeding.
Available holidays
Trips featuring Olive Baboon
The holidays below are pulled from the same species relationship, so the guide stays tied to live departures rather than becoming a static article.