mborn Loc: Massachusetts

CNP SAFARIS use a specialized boat on the Chobe River Botswana with free use of Nikon equipment Just Google the name. I went with them and had a great time

Yaya

Went to South Africa this July. I can highly recommend Karen Blackwell and Ernest Porter. They are professional photographers and they own Eagle Eye Safaris. They take care of everything and are right there with you throughout your safari. The Safaris are small (ours was 8 people). We got up close to all the animals. I never used any lens longer than 200 mm because we were so close. We were able to go off road. Karen and Ernest were always their to assist with photography if you needed help. I really can’t say enough good things about Eagle Eye Safaris so I do hope you will check them out. My husband and I are planning to go back with them just as soon as we can. That’s how great the entire trip was.

george19

I visited Galapagos in 2007 and met Gary Strand of Wildlife Explorer (.com). We bonded over our new Nikon D200’s. I never took a safari with him, but after a week plus with him, wife, and daughter, I would go in a heartbeat. Very down to earth, easygoing, fun.

xt2 Loc: British Columbia, Canada

Go to Google, however, we did enjoy Sabi Sabi better than two other safaris we have taken...

Have fun.

Cheers!

CWGordon

I went to Kenya a year or so ago. Amboselli and the Masai Mara were awesome. Two great Parks. We used Kensington Tours out of Toronto. I do not recommend you use them. Much of what they sold us was unnecessary and additional expense. Many problems because of things we were told that did not turn out to be “accurate.” Things we paid for, like a Hot Air balloon trip turned out to only be partly paid for. You don’t need to waste a day driving to the Mara; there are planes flying in and out. We took one back, but drove to the Mara. Roads are bad and very slow. We stayed at both Amboselli and the Mara. Luxury tents are truly fantastic and ten feet off the ground, or close to it. Great facilities and meals. We went to the camp called Kichwa Tembo. I’d go back in a heartbeat. Our Butler was with us for every meal. Brought Tea to our room every morning. Armed bodyguard provided after dark. Lions and such are around. Guard a good idea. Guides can usually be arranged through the camps. Easy to do. Our guide was awesome. Private tour allowed flexibility time and “space” wise. Too bad Kensington did such an awful job with most things, but guide was awesome.
We stayed a couple days in Zanzibar on back end of trip. R&R on the Beach. Very different kind of place. Many things to photograph. Dhows and Palaces and the like.
Suggestions of others on guides, etc. all sound good. Consider Kichwa Tembo in Mara. Awesome views, food, and warm hospitality. Much food grown on-site. They all come to sing when arriving and departing. Moving when you leave. You really have made friends. Nairobi fascinating. Go to the bead factory if you can. Awesome ceramics, made on-site by local women. Prices phenominal. Tour great. Stuff sold in Harrod’s among other places. Your trip is one of the greatest experiences you will have in your lifetime. Educational, cultural, eye-opening and the animals are often cooperative. You will love the people. But, in Masai areas, do not take their pictures w/o first asking. Often a small gratuity will get you smiles and posing.
Greatest trip of MY lifetime. Hope it is for you, as well.

FredCM Loc: Central Illinois

Collette Vacations has a trip to South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Botswana. Starts at Cape Town for 3 days then off to Entabeni Game Reserve. A fun trip, Victoria Falls, Zambeze River, Chobe, etc. The Collette person who works with our local travel club recently went to Tanzania and she said everything we saw on our trip can be multiplied by 10 in Tanzania. We hope to go there in 2020.

Yes, the air plane ride is awful. We had to go home through Dubai and it was 42 hours from the door of the lodge in Botswana to my front door. Friends went directly home from Johannesburg through Atlanta to St. Louis and I think their trip was "only" 19 hours. Africa is a long way away.

I met a fellow from Jo-burg on the flight home and he said he will not drink tap water anywhere on the continent, it's all contaminated. Everywhere. We didn't, bottled water was fine. Remember, no tap water when brushing your teeth.

SafetySam Loc: Colorado

I am planning a trip to Africa and have centered on what appears to be a very good opportunity with excellent photography and accommodations . . . isn't cheap, but a "once in a lifetime" trip shouldn't be compromised (as much as possible) to get the best . .

Check out this blog from the Angama Mara reserve area: leavingoutthedullparts@angama.com

I'm not looking forward to the 14 hour flight and two "hops" by small plane and vehicle for another 2-3 hours and the reverse coming back, but it looks amazing and the local Angama guides, images from safari's and the professional photography assistance appear to be first class.

"If you don't work for it, it doesn't mean as much . ."

Best of luck and post lots of pics when you get back!

crphoto8 Loc: Anaheim, California

I went with Overseas Adventure Travel to a Southern Africa safari. I was very happy with them and recommend them. Be aware that it's NOT a photographer's tour but you'll have plenty of opportunities to shoot. I asked the guides and drivers to stop whenever I spotted something to shoot; it's almost impossible to get a good image when the vehicle is moving.

DesignOrc

I went to Botswana this past April, arranged through Classic Escapes ( https://www.classicescapes.com) Safaris in Botswana tend to cost more than other countries because, while it wants tourism, it is not needed to support the economy; they have diamonds. The result is you will not be competing with dozens of other safari vehicles each day when you go out on your game drives. Usually 2 game drives a day; leave early morning before sunup, and late afternoon until past sunset. Sundowners at a hippo pool is incredible.

I went early April. The weather is good, not the rainy season. Unfortunately, this year the floods into the Okavango Delta were late. While we missed the lagoons, the flood plains were just packed with animals; elephants, hippos, wildebeest, kudu, zebra, giraffes, warthogs, baboons, impala, vervet monkeys, lions, leopards, wild dogs, all kinds of birds, crocodiles, cape buffalo, on and on. The only big five animal we missed was rhinos; they are in a strictly protected area.

Accomodations run a wide gamut, but all comfortable. Plenty of food and drink.

I came back with 3900 pictures I am still sorting through.

DesignOrc

I went to Botswana this past April, arranged through Classic Escapes ( https://www.classicescapes.com) Safaris in Botswana tend to cost more than other countries because, while it wants tourism, it is not needed to support the economy; they have diamonds. The result is you will not be competing with dozens of other safari vehicles each day when you go out on your game drives. Usually 2 game drives a day; leave early morning before sunup, and late afternoon until past sunset. Sundowners at a hippo pool is incredible.

I went early April. The weather is good, not the rainy season. Unfortunately, this year the floods into the Okavango Delta were late. While we missed the lagoons, the flood plains were just packed with animals; elephants, hippos, wildebeest, kudu, zebra, giraffes, warthogs, baboons, impala, vervet monkeys, lions, leopards, wild dogs, all kinds of birds, crocodiles, cape buffalo, on and on. The only big five animal we missed was rhinos; they are in a strictly protected area.

Accomodations run a wide gamut, but all comfortable. Plenty of food and drink.

I came back with 3900 pictures I am still sorting through.

Esko

Been to both Kenya and Tanzania a few times. Both excellent. In Tanzania went with Ecological Wilderness Adventures, a smaller outfit. Cater to photographers and guides are top notch in both wildlife and bird identification/behavior. February is good in the Serengeti/Ndutu for calving wildebeest and possible predation action. August good time for Wildebeest migration with large numbers in Serengeti.

2buzzby

I have been on six African safaris with Paul. He was born in Kenya and speaks fluent Swahili. He is the only one to go on a photo safari with, he gets enough vehicles so there are only 4-6 per vehicle. Call and talk to him directly https://m.rennersafaris.com/

jotaele

I have traveled 14 times with Natural Habitat Adventures (NHA) and they have never failed me. whatever they promise you they deliver. I went with them to Botswana and Victoria falls. Fantastic trip. Not as many animals as you could see in Kenya and Tanzania ( I went there years ago), but you will not have to deal with 10 or more other trucks trying to photograph a leopard. Most of the time we were the only ones and only 5 of us with the local guide. 5 star accommodations, small plane flights between camps and superb food everywhere. Check them out. Richard Avelino was our guide.

neco Loc: Western Colorado Mountains

We went with OAT also. Wonderful experience. We count is as our best overseas trip.

neco Loc: Western Colorado Mountains

You might look at N&T (Newland and Tarlton) & CO. They offer customized trips and the owner (Don Young) is a wonderful photographer.