Austin Mann tests the new iPhone 16 with The Safari Series in Kenya - Here’s why it should be on your 'must visit’ list
Photo credit: Austin Mann, shot on the new iPhone 16
Renowned iPhone photography expert Austin Mann jetted into Kenya, armed with an exclusive, pre-release iPhone 16. His mission? To push Apple’s hottest new device to its limits and uncover just how far its game-changing camera features could go. Joined by an elite crew of three photography and videography pros, the team embarked on a week-long, adrenaline-fueled journey - flying, leaping, and driving through Kenya’s wild landscapes. The result? Jaw-dropping footage that not only showcases the iPhone 16’s epic capabilities but gives us a front-row seat to the untamed beauty and thrill of an African safari.
From sweeping aerial shots from atop a helicopter to intimate wildlife moments, this adventure is more than just a camera test - it’s a masterclass in capturing the magic of the wild.
The iPhone 16 spent most of its undercover mission in Kenya at The Safari Series, an intimate, owner-hosted tented camp nestled on the breathtaking foothills of Mt. Kenya. Cloaked in secrecy and hidden from prying eyes, this boutique camp served as the ultimate testing ground for Apple’s new, cutting-edge tech.
With its prime location in a private wildlife conservancy, The Safari Series provided the perfect backdrop: sprawling savannahs, dramatic snowy peaks, and skies that seemed to stretch endlessly. Fast-moving lions prowled the plains, giving the iPhone’s new camera features a chance to capture action in real-time, while sweeping vistas and vibrant sunsets allowed the device to show off its jaw-dropping landscape capabilities.
The result? A stunning collection of photos and videos that showcase the iPhone 16’s ability to turn even the wildest of settings into high-definition masterpieces. The Safari Series didn’t just provide scenery - it became the stage for one of the most talked-about tech tests of the year (and just in case you missed out on the last 10 years of iPhone releases - Austin’s reviews of the iPhone’s camera capabilities are taken as gospel…).
The Safari Series is deeply committed to conservation and sustainability, offering guests more than just a safari - it’s a chance to actively engage with the landscape. Through hands-on citizen science projects, conservation-focused activities, and thought-provoking discussions with owners and staff, visitors gain a deeper understanding of the region’s social and environmental challenges. This immersive approach transforms guests into environmental stewards, inspiring them to continue their commitment to ecological and social regeneration long after they’ve left the camp. Austin, and his iPhone, brought this into sharp focus (literally… the new iPhone 16 features a new ‘48MP Ultra Wide camera for higher-resolution photography, including macro; a 5x Telephoto camera on both Pro models; and studio-quality mics to record more true-to-life audio’) by spending an afternoon with Lolldaiga Hills’ wildlife guardians, understanding how their work is vital to the health of the landscape and the protection of its wildlife, for now and future generations.
