If you are a bit like us and can’t wait to get take your camera to shoot the great outdoors, chances are that you’ve got a couple of good photos sitting on a hard drive somewhere. Why not put them to use by entering the Nature’s Best Photography Africa competition? Organised by NBP Africa, in association with Iziko Museums of South Africa, NBP USA, and Nikon in South Africa, the competition runs until 3 May 2015.

Photographers from all over the world are invited to enter the competition by submitting photographs taken on their travels in Africa. The competition will culminate with a gala awards ceremony at the Iziko South African Museum on 23 June 2015. The public will have the opportunity to view the winning entries at the Nature’s Best Photography Africa Exhibition, hosted at the Iziko South African Museum from 24 June until 16 September 2015.

The competition consists of 12 categories: African Landscapes, African Culture, Wild Cats of Africa, Birds of Africa, Mammals of Africa, Reptiles of Africa, Africa Underwater, Africa Up Close, Africa Wildlife Story, Youth Award Under 13 Years, Youth Award 13-18 years, and Video. The entries will be judged by a panel of experts, and the submission process will be facilitated via an advanced online platform designed by NBP Africa.

Adult category winners will be awarded prizes in the form of specialist photographic safaris to the combined value of R1 million. The awards, sponsored by Coetzer Nature Photography Safaris and the &Beyond Group, will take the winners to the Masai Mara in Kenya or to the Serengeti in Tanzania for an unforgettable experience in Africa’s finest wildlife environs. Winners in the youth categories will receive world-class accommodation at the luxurious Thulani Lodge in Hoedspruit, sponsored by  A Spring of Hope and Coetzer Nature Photography.

Nikon in South Africa has been appointed as the official and exclusive camera partner to NBP Africa, and has agreed to participate in actively promoting the competition and exhibition.

Paarl Media will sponsor and coordinate the printing of a superior quality catalogue to document and accompany the exhibition. Painted Wolf Wines will provide the wine for the gala awards.

NPB Africa is registered as a South African non-profit entity, thereby establishing a valuable platform for the promotion of photography, conservation and the continent of Africa to a massive global audience.

As always with photographic competitions, check the rules and terms before submitting your work.

To enter the competition, get involved or find out more about Natures Best Photography Africa, visit www.naturesbestphotographyafrica.com or email info@naturesbestphotographyafrica.com.