47greyfox Loc: on the edge of the Colorado front range

Stan, I visited "Out of Africa" a couple years ago with the intent of getting some good shots. Granted, we weren't on a tour, just paid admission with everyone else. We took one ride through an area where zebras and giraffes, etc roamed. It was the only area where our line of sight to the animals wasn't obstructed by fence. It's in dry Arizona and dust was an issue. I looked on the website via your link and it states that the tour has special access to animals and there appears to be two times during the day when the tours are conducted, 3 and 6 pm. Isn't 3pm during their normal open hours? It can get quite crowded so I'm wondering how they conduct the restricted showings?

Dossile

I have been to a few game parks in South Africa, Kenya and Tanzania. My very experienced friends, who I trust, love Botswana more than those three.

Some questions to answer before asking us.

1. When do you want to go.
2. How much do you want to spend.
3. Are you willing to pack light and take regional prop airplanes.
4. How many days do you want to ride on dusty bumpy roads at slow speeds.
5. What equipment do you have.

I recommend a minimum of a 400 lens, 2 bodies with one for wider angle shots and close ups, something like a 24-70 or 70-200. I could easily have reached out of the window and petted a lion or elephant multiple times. 400 or even 150 is too long. Never change a lens when out and about because of dust, dust and more dust.

If you are going solo or with another photographer I would go on a photography specific Safari. If you go with someone who simply wants to enjoy the beauty and magnificence of the animals and scenery, a general tour may be a better idea. Who you pick depends on your budget.

Each park in each country has its own strengths. Do some research. If you have the money and are willing to travel light you can hit more parks with regional airline travel. Laundry is available everywhere that I’ve been. You don’t need much.

UHH has had several posts on this topic. Look them up.

Amaize

It is worth watching the series “Serengeti” in Discovery channel. It is very cool. The views of animals are “great” in certain ways. You will get an interesting dialog that will expand your thinking, when you are in Africa. I have a few “issues” with the production, but still pretty intense look at the life on the plains, from the animals viewpoint.

Ken

DesignOrc

This past April, I did a 9 day photo safari in Botswana, arranged by Classic Escapes. We stayed at 3 different camps. Each camp was like a Hilton in tents. Great accommodations, great food. Each day started with a safari drive just before sunrise, a midday siesta, then a late afternoon-early evening safari drive, including sundowners. There were animals at every turn. Did not see all the Big Five. Rhinos in Botswana are in a park where tourists are not allowed. But saw everything else. You don't see the large herds like on the Serengeti. but you can get much closer. Plus for Botswana is that you do not encounter the multitude of land cruisers. If you see 2 other cruisers, that is a crowded day. It is planned that way. Botswana doesn't need the tourist dollars; they have diamonds. As far a what to take? Every camp has laundry, so figure clothes for 3 days is sufficient. As far as gear, I had two lenses; 18-55mm and 70-300mm. That is all I needed. I took a bunch of SD cards. I planned on one card a day, and had a few extras. The travel to Africa is brutally long as others have said. Get the economy upgrade. It makes a big difference. My itinerary was Denver-Atlanta-Johannesberg. Overnight in Jberg and fly to Muan Botswana the next day, and connect via bush plane to the camps.

DebAnn Loc: Toronto

For Kruger National Park, I recommend Bearded Heron Safaris. I took a 10-day safari which I thought was ideal. Take a camera loaded with a long reach zoom lens.

Vee Loc: Mountain View, CA

Great photo!

IRV-Meridan Loc: Corona de Tucson, AZ

Thanks for the info.

IRV-Meridan Loc: Corona de Tucson, AZ

thanks

Vee Loc: Mountain View, CA

I think that I have seen that before. I will be watching it again.

Judy795

I just did Antarctica with Muench Workshops. They have several good Safari workshops. I would go again with this group.

Jerry Coupe Loc: Kent, WA

I did a two week Tanzania Trip with Russ Burden (see his Weekly Tips at Outdoor Photographer-see his ad in the back of the monthly issue as well.) and Africa Nature Photography tours (ANP) in April 2019. We had 12 days in the Ngorongoro Crater and parts of the Serengeti. I think it is about the right amount of time for the geography we covered. Russ typically leads two sessions in April and another two week trip in September. Angelbert Pantaleo of ANP is very experienced and did a terrific job getting us in position to get some very good shots.

One important consideration is the number of photographers per vehicle. Russ limits his group to three per Land Cruiser. We used two vehicle for six shooters. Russ and on other pro had front seats plus the drivers. More shooters per vehicle will restrict you ability to move around and shoot from both sides of the vehicle.

I shot with two Olympus EM1 MkII bodies. One had a Panasonic 100-400 mm lens and was my workhorse-probably 95% of my shots. (200-800 FF equivalent and significant number of shots at 700 mm equivalent.) I used a 12-100 mm lens on the second body and worked well when we got closer or for landscape images. Most of my companion shooters were using Nikon D500 and either 200-500 or 100-400 lenses plus typically a wider lens on a second camera.

Have a great trip...it is a lifetime experience.

Robertl594 Loc: Bloomfield Hills, Michigan and Nantucket

I just returned on Wednesday from an 11 day safari of Kenya and Tanzania. I certainly have recent experience in planning, preparing for, packing for and making the trip as a photographer. I would be very happy to hop on a call with you to share my expectations and experiences. You will have a wonderful trip.
A few things to think about.
Time of year you will go, big difference in your experience;
Who is planning your trip;
Who will be your guide;
What kind of vehicle you will end up with;
How much stuff you take with you, including camera gear and clothing. You are subject to weight restrictions that can be expensive if you do not plan ahead.
How many people you are taking.

Make sure you get your inoculations before you go. If you are going from Kenya into Tanzania, you will need yellow fever and not every place has this.

Send me a PM and I will give you my phone number. I am in the eastern time zone.

IRV-Meridan Loc: Corona de Tucson, AZ

Thanks, we are traveling this week will get back to you upon our return to Tucson.