South Africa it's a go
Jan 12, 2022 10:18:31 #
Well i did it. I booked the Safari, my flight and more flights. everything is paid so here I go.
At 86 this is my dream trip. 15 days in the bush with 4 other shooters in the van. Everyday is nothing but us and our cameras. The only down side is the concern that either the us or sa will shut down the trip. I got all of my gear packed and ready to go. will leave sfo on march 3 and return march on march 20. Really looking forward to this trip.
At 86 this is my dream trip. 15 days in the bush with 4 other shooters in the van. Everyday is nothing but us and our cameras. The only down side is the concern that either the us or sa will shut down the trip. I got all of my gear packed and ready to go. will leave sfo on march 3 and return march on march 20. Really looking forward to this trip.
Jan 12, 2022 10:20:15 #
Jan 12, 2022 10:32:10 #
You will have a wonderful time, I have been on several trips a great time to go. I am hoping to go to Kenya later this year, fingers crossed. Have a safe and hassle free journey philo, looking forward to seeing your posts on your return. 
Jan 12, 2022 10:36:05 #
zug55
Loc: Naivasha, Kenya, and Austin, Texas
philo wrote:
Well i did it. I booked the Safari, my flight and more flights. everything is paid so here I go.
At 86 this is my dream trip. 15 days in the bush with 4 other shooters in the van. Everyday is nothing but us and our cameras. The only down side is the concern that either the us or sa will shut down the trip. I got all of my gear packed and ready to go. will leave sfo on march 3 and return march on march 20. Really looking forward to this trip.
At 86 this is my dream trip. 15 days in the bush with 4 other shooters in the van. Everyday is nothing but us and our cameras. The only down side is the concern that either the us or sa will shut down the trip. I got all of my gear packed and ready to go. will leave sfo on march 3 and return march on march 20. Really looking forward to this trip.
Superb! Looks like you booked a dream trip! I am sure that you will have a superb time. South Africa is such beautiful country, and I am sure that you will come back with tons of great images.
I will travel to Kenya for several months in early February--my partner lives in Nairobi--so I have been watching Covid politics globally. I think that chances of a lockdown in the US or SA that would force you to cancel your trip are slim. Omicron is already retreating in SA, and it will be in decline in the US as well by early March. Also there is less of an appetite for lockdowns and travel bans globally than there was early in the pandemic.
Jan 12, 2022 17:17:17 #
Genessi
Loc: SoCal
Fantastic! What fun..I wish I was going on safari with some one..
philo wrote:
Well i did it. I booked the Safari, my flight and more flights. everything is paid so here I go.
At 86 this is my dream trip. 15 days in the bush with 4 other shooters in the van. Everyday is nothing but us and our cameras. The only down side is the concern that either the us or sa will shut down the trip. I got all of my gear packed and ready to go. will leave sfo on march 3 and return march on march 20. Really looking forward to this trip.
At 86 this is my dream trip. 15 days in the bush with 4 other shooters in the van. Everyday is nothing but us and our cameras. The only down side is the concern that either the us or sa will shut down the trip. I got all of my gear packed and ready to go. will leave sfo on march 3 and return march on march 20. Really looking forward to this trip.
Jan 13, 2022 06:33:31 #
Jan 13, 2022 07:45:10 #
philo wrote:
Well i did it. I booked the Safari, my flight and more flights. everything is paid so here I go.
At 86 this is my dream trip. 15 days in the bush with 4 other shooters in the van. Everyday is nothing but us and our cameras. The only down side is the concern that either the us or sa will shut down the trip. I got all of my gear packed and ready to go. will leave sfo on march 3 and return march on march 20. Really looking forward to this trip.
At 86 this is my dream trip. 15 days in the bush with 4 other shooters in the van. Everyday is nothing but us and our cameras. The only down side is the concern that either the us or sa will shut down the trip. I got all of my gear packed and ready to go. will leave sfo on march 3 and return march on march 20. Really looking forward to this trip.
Have a wonderful trip and say Hi!! to the country I was born in. If you are going to a malaria aera take precautions.
We will be looking for your trip report and photos at the end of March. Which part of S.A. are you going to visit?
Go Well.
Jan 13, 2022 09:09:47 #
Jan 13, 2022 09:23:49 #
Go. Enjoy. Take lots of pictures. And share them with us when you get back!!!!!
Jan 13, 2022 09:27:37 #
Congratulations on booking your trip. Have a great time and be sure to let us see the results.
Dennis
Dennis
Jan 13, 2022 09:50:43 #
Long before COVID there were other infectious disease concerns for a trip to South Africa.
Hepatitis A - this is a viral illness which is very common in underdeveloped countries - you get this from eating food that has been touched by someone with the virus on their hands. Most people in these areas get Hep A as infants and are immune for life. It causes minor illness - with a little diarrhea - in infants. Mom takes care of her sick child, then goes to work in the cafe or the restaurant at the lodge, and handles food. This is a two-shot series - you should at least get the first shot. Your family doc might have this, or your local pharmacy may carry it. You may have had the Hep B vaccine, but more than likely you have not had Hep A. You do not need Hep B unless you are planning on swapping body fluids with folks in South Africa. (You can also get Hep B from getting a tattoo. You have to go out of your way to get Hep B, but anyone who eats can get Hep A).
Malaria: the areas near the border with Zimbabwe and around Kruger are South Africa's malaria-risk zone, especially during the rainy season. You might want to discuss malaria prophylaxis (medication to prevent malaria) with your physician or a travel clinic. Most travel physicians will tell you that you should take it. I personally feel that with anyone over 65 we should try to limit the number of different drugs you take, not increase it.... However - malaria in this area is the more dangerous falciparum type. It can be fatal. One of the problems you will face is that the mosquitoes that carry malaria bite at night. If you are in a well-screened room or air-conditioned room you will not have a problem there (kill any mosquitoes you find in the room before going to bed) but when you go out on night-time game drives or are sitting at a nice outdoor area for dinner you are at risk.
So - AVOID mosquito bites as if your life depends on it:
Before you go: treat your clothes with permethrin. This is an insect repellent that is used on clothes (not skin). You can get it at Bass Pro Shops or Amazon. One spray can treats two sets of clothes - socks, pants, shirt. I lay my safari clothes out on a sheet, spray them until damp, turn them over, and get the other side. There is only a faint odor while damp, and the permethrin will last through 4 or 5 washes. For exposed skin, I really like the DEET wipes (Deep Woods Off, etc.). They are not greasy and you don't have to worry about over-spray. AND - you can keep some on you and only use them if you are aware of mosquitoes around. I have been on trips where I encountered zero mosquitoes, and others where I was swarmed. SO - the most important thing is to plan ahead to avoid getting bit.
Hepatitis A - this is a viral illness which is very common in underdeveloped countries - you get this from eating food that has been touched by someone with the virus on their hands. Most people in these areas get Hep A as infants and are immune for life. It causes minor illness - with a little diarrhea - in infants. Mom takes care of her sick child, then goes to work in the cafe or the restaurant at the lodge, and handles food. This is a two-shot series - you should at least get the first shot. Your family doc might have this, or your local pharmacy may carry it. You may have had the Hep B vaccine, but more than likely you have not had Hep A. You do not need Hep B unless you are planning on swapping body fluids with folks in South Africa. (You can also get Hep B from getting a tattoo. You have to go out of your way to get Hep B, but anyone who eats can get Hep A).
Malaria: the areas near the border with Zimbabwe and around Kruger are South Africa's malaria-risk zone, especially during the rainy season. You might want to discuss malaria prophylaxis (medication to prevent malaria) with your physician or a travel clinic. Most travel physicians will tell you that you should take it. I personally feel that with anyone over 65 we should try to limit the number of different drugs you take, not increase it.... However - malaria in this area is the more dangerous falciparum type. It can be fatal. One of the problems you will face is that the mosquitoes that carry malaria bite at night. If you are in a well-screened room or air-conditioned room you will not have a problem there (kill any mosquitoes you find in the room before going to bed) but when you go out on night-time game drives or are sitting at a nice outdoor area for dinner you are at risk.
So - AVOID mosquito bites as if your life depends on it:
Before you go: treat your clothes with permethrin. This is an insect repellent that is used on clothes (not skin). You can get it at Bass Pro Shops or Amazon. One spray can treats two sets of clothes - socks, pants, shirt. I lay my safari clothes out on a sheet, spray them until damp, turn them over, and get the other side. There is only a faint odor while damp, and the permethrin will last through 4 or 5 washes. For exposed skin, I really like the DEET wipes (Deep Woods Off, etc.). They are not greasy and you don't have to worry about over-spray. AND - you can keep some on you and only use them if you are aware of mosquitoes around. I have been on trips where I encountered zero mosquitoes, and others where I was swarmed. SO - the most important thing is to plan ahead to avoid getting bit.
Jan 13, 2022 12:13:35 #
Larelain
Loc: Myrtle Beach, SC
You will have a great trip. South Africa offers great oppurtunities for viewing wildlife. I will be leaving for Kruger on March 6 and will be returning on April 7. This will be my fourth trip in 3 years. Please share your pictures with us. I really enjoy the ones that two other members have been sharing from their trips recently.
Jan 13, 2022 12:29:22 #
JFCoupe
Loc: Kent, Washington
Did you purchase travel insurance? Yes, it is expensive, about 8-10% of the trip costs, but in our current environment, it could be a godsend. Consider that medivac from Africa to the US could be extremely expensive.
Consider how non-refundable cancellations are covered by the carrier.
If all is a go, have a great trip. You will love the experience.
Consider how non-refundable cancellations are covered by the carrier.
If all is a go, have a great trip. You will love the experience.
Jan 13, 2022 13:13:06 #
Jan 13, 2022 14:10:59 #
philo wrote:
Well i did it. I booked the Safari, my flight and more flights. everything is paid so here I go.
At 86 this is my dream trip. 15 days in the bush with 4 other shooters in the van. Everyday is nothing but us and our cameras. The only down side is the concern that either the us or sa will shut down the trip. I got all of my gear packed and ready to go. will leave sfo on march 3 and return march on march 20. Really looking forward to this trip.
At 86 this is my dream trip. 15 days in the bush with 4 other shooters in the van. Everyday is nothing but us and our cameras. The only down side is the concern that either the us or sa will shut down the trip. I got all of my gear packed and ready to go. will leave sfo on march 3 and return march on march 20. Really looking forward to this trip.
Philo - have a wonderful trip. enjoy every single minute and soak it all in. Spend some time just realizing where you are and how lucky you are to be there. THEN take photos until your shutter finger hurts!!
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.