jeffy Loc: Albuquerque NM

Hello fellow photographers!
I have a question for those who have been on an African safari:
Did you bring a tripod?
If yes, was is useful? If no, do you wish you brought one?
Of course, the wildlife is the primary photography goal for me. However, I would like to photograph Serengeti landscapes and other non wildlife scenes. I’m also thinking there would be some low light photo opportunities and possibly some nice Milky Way/night scape opportunities. I appreciate your comments and suggestions.

bdk Loc: Sanibel Fl.

Get a good, light weight travel tripod that folds up into a nice small case. You'll be glad you did.

Photolady2014 Loc: Southwest Colorado

I have been on 3 salaries, all wildlife oriented and have not needed one. Depending on your tour person and type of vehicle they should provide bean bags for you. Most trips you are in the vehicles 99% of the time, so no tripod. There is a panning plate that can be quite helpful to put on the bean bag for your larger lens. These are not provided. If for some reason your tour does not provide bean bags I would take one.
It is a trip of a lifetime! I have fallen in love with Africa!
Look on the window ledge. Some bean bags were attached with Velcro and could be moved, some were u shaped and fit over the side.

See the bean bags. They have them for standing and shooting out the top as well.

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Your vehicle may have a lay down door so you can get more eye level. It is awesome and makes for great shots!

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jeffy Loc: Albuquerque NM

Thanks for the advice!

Wallen Loc: Middle Earth

I brought a lightweight tripod, but it was because i was using a light camera too. Used it both as a tripod and a selfie stick.
If your going to lug a 600mm lens, a lightweight tripod it won't cut it, but you probably won't need it either as such rig won't be leaving the vehicles. They actually won't let anyone leave the vehicles when there are animals around. A beanbag or just your bag with a jacket inside resting on the vehicle would suffice. Personally, I match a good monopod with the 600mm instead of tripods if i needed support. As what i did when i took this photo:
https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-757095-1.html

zug55 Loc: Naivasha, Kenya, and Austin, Texas

You will be in a safari vehicle when you encounter animals. You will not be allowed to leave the vehicle unless you arrive at an observation point that is considered secure. You will not have the space to set up a tripod in a vehicle. Furthermore, as both the vehicle and animals are moving, your angles will change, and you constantly will have to negotiate space with your fellow travelers--particularly if you use a large lens. Often, you will have to take a shot quickly and will not have time to set up a tripod. Also consider that you may have limited luggage allowance on vehicles as well as the small planes that may carry you to the wildlife reserve or park. For all these reasons, a tripod is not practical.

I would focus on bringing camera equipment that allows you to shoot in difficult light situations--animals are often seen during twilight. Modern mirrorless cameras have outstanding low-light capabilities--I often shoot at ISO 6400 with my Sony A7RIII (with the Sony 100-400mm GM lens) without noticeable noise. Also in-body stabilization and stabilized lenses are essential.

jjanovy Loc: Lincoln, Nebraska

If you’re going to Botswana and will be in several small planes, that will be a major consideration because of the weight restrictions. Take a small but very flexible backup.

jam Loc: Beaufort, NC

I have been on three safaris to Kenya. I took a tripod on my first trip and did not use it. Your safari vehicle should have bean bags in them. I found the bags provided were heavy. I was constantly moving around to get the best shot and by the end of they day I was getting tired of moving them. On the last two safaris I carried my own bean bag filled with Buckwheat Hulls and it was much more manageable

neco Loc: Western Colorado Mountains

I used a monopod. Worked well in the Jeep.

jeffy Loc: Albuquerque NM

Thanks for your suggestion.

jeffy Loc: Albuquerque NM

Thank you for your detailed reply!

jeffy Loc: Albuquerque NM

Didn’t think about a monopod, thanks!

jeffy Loc: Albuquerque NM

Excellent! Thanks!

jeffy Loc: Albuquerque NM

Thank you!

philo Loc: philo, ca

been to South Africa twice and found a tripod/monpod useless. They provided a bean bag and i didn't like their at all. Next time I will take my own beanbag. I hope to return to Africa again this year, and i'm looking for someone to share the trip.