Yes i have already read a number of threads. This will be our first safari, we had organized this twice before, but had to cancel once of back surgery of my wife and once for Covid. We hope third time is a charm.
1. I already know to take two cameras (D7200 and D3200), batteries and SD cards up the kazoo. Still undecided about monopod and type of camera support (window clamp, bean bag or forget it).
2. Taking my Tamron 100-400mm (4.5-6.3) and Tampon 18-400mm (3.5-6.3), have not decided which lens on which camera (question #1 : makes difference? : probably the 100-400 on the D7200)..
3. I do have 2 other lenses Sigma 30mm 1:1.4 and Meike 85mm 1.8 . (question #2 : would this be helpful if you go out early in the morning while it is still dark and the other lenses might simply not hack it in that little light, versus the extra hassle, weight and need to change lenses for which I have been warned).
4. and finally: I might have considered taking my Tokina for the wide views especially when we will be at Victoria Falls, but it was stolen on my last trip returning from Egypt (see my posts). I had not used it that much. Question #3: is my 18-400 wide enough or is a new Tokina too much money and weight to carry anyway ?
Looking forward to the responses.

I have been to 3 different Africa countries for safaris. Here are my thoughts on your questions.

1~check with the company you are going with. Some provide window supports, if not we bought bags of rice used a plastic bag to cover & then gave the rice to some people when we left. I don't think you need a monopod, hard to use in a truck. Some trucks you can stand up if it is open on the top.

2~I don't think you need both the Tamron 100-400 and the Tamron 18-400. I think I would go with the 18-400 since sometimes the animals are very close. Don't bring more than you will need. You might consider using the long lens on one camera and the Sigma 30 on the other camera.

3~I think that covers it all. I would suggest bringing a towel to cover your cameras when you are not using them. It gets so dusty so protecting them is the best way to go.

4~Another thought is to think about the Samyang AF 14mm f/2.8 Lens for Nikon. This is great if you want to shoot the night sky & milky way.

Here is an image from I took to Kenya 4 years ago. We all had long lenses on and this beautiful leopard walked right under our window. All we could do at the time was just watch her. Our friends were in another truck and took the image.
The second image was at the Elephant bedroom camp. This huge guy, Obama, was so close we could have touched him. My friend was in the next tent and took this image. That is me with the blue shirt. There was a security guard nearby.

What country are you going to?

Don't forget your phone, takes great pics when the wildlife get close. Or forget taking pictures and enjoy the experience when the wildlife get very close. As others have advised, I wouldn't bother with a tripod or monopod. The advantage of taking both your Tamron 100-400mm (4.5-6.3) and Tamron 18-400mm is redundancy, in case one lens breaks, etc. Just as taking both cameras. Not sure that the 85 mm f/1.8 lens is of much use, it is too short. If you want to "splurge", you could buy a 70-200mm f/4 and take it instead of the 18-400mm lens. It is light, gives you more light and optically sharper than the 18-400mm. Then put that on one camera and the 100-400mm on the other camera. Considering the cost of the trip, it wouldn't be that expensive to buy a used 70-200mm.

Getting close with lions is common on safari:

1- Placing your sd cards in your kazoo is not recommended. It can cause pain and may damage the SD cards.


Get a hold of the tour operator and see what kind of vehicles you will be using. That will determine your camera support. And, find out if your safari locations allow off road viewing of the critters. This is KEY. Off road means you could be right up on the animals. Confined to a road means you will be viewing at a distance.

2- I have no idea.

3- For some reason people think an African trip is all about the animals. Then they discover there are people there too! Fascinating cultures and warm people. They saying goes, "one goes to Africa for the animals and returns for the people." I found that to be true. Going to see the Masai or other tribes? Be ready for great people photography. For example, we went to a grade school near Vic Falls. The kids were great.

When we go back to Africa, I have decided to take a few small, cheap point and shoot cameras. When we come across kids, I am going to hand 'em out and tell them to take pics and give me back the cameras. Hopefully I get them back! If not, no biggie... In any event, be ready for people photography. Meaning, you need a more normal lens unless you want to rely on the 18-400.

Low light? Maybe, depending on your location and provider of safari stuff.

4- Yep, I'd take a wide with me. Also, you will see vast expanses of landscape. Be ready.

I could type a lot here, but here are a few things I think are important.

- Don't ever be far from your camera. We were walking to dinner one night and some bush-babies were peeking out at me from a hole in a rotted tree. I had my camera and a flash. Typically flashes are not allowed on safari, but this was in camp and for once in my life, I was ready. I took maybe 20 pics of that critter and it remains one of my favorite photos. I know people cringe when other folks attach a photo, but in this case it does illustrate my point. It captured a nice memory for me.

Remember people photography.

Be as generous as you can. The Africans suffered through Covid like nothing we've experienced here it the US.

I took quite a lot of lens cleaning stuff and it was used. In desert enviorns, I covered my cameras with a nylon bag that was perfect. Each night I cleaned my gear thoroughly.

Unless you are taking astro pics I don't see a reason for a tripod. But it may be a consideration...and maybe the tour operator has a tripod for you to use.

I don't know your cameras, but if they have a custom saving feature, set one up for a potential animal chase..shutter priority, rapid fire, etc. If and when that happens, you want to be prepared by simply switching to C.

If Vic falls is really flowing, your camera is going to get wet. Really wet. Be prepared.

Some tour operators / guides are very accomplished photographers. See if that is true in your case.

Consider getting some photo practice at a zoo. I did't and should have.

I have been to 3 different Africa countries for safaris. Here are my thoughts on your questions.

1~check with the company you are going with. Some provide window supports, if not we bought bags of rice used a plastic bag to cover & then gave the rice to some people when we left. I don't think you need a monopod, hard to use in a truck. Some trucks you can stand up if it is open on the top.

2~I don't think you need both the Tamron 100-400 and the Tamron 18-400. I think I would go with the 18-400 since sometimes the animals are very close. Don't bring more than you will need. You might consider using the long lens on one camera and the Sigma 30 on the other camera.

3~I think that covers it all. I would suggest bringing a towel to cover your cameras when you are not using them. It gets so dusty so protecting them is the best way to go.

4~Another thought is to think about the Samyang AF 14mm f/2.8 Lens for Nikon. This is great if you want to shoot the night sky & milky way.

Here is an image from I took to Kenya 4 years ago. We all had long lenses on and this beautiful leopard walked right under our window. All we could do at the time was just watch her. Our friends were in another truck and took the image.
The second image was at the Elephant bedroom camp. This huge guy, Obama, was so close we could have touched him. My friend was in the next tent and took this image. That is me with the blue shirt. There was a security guard nearby.

What country are you going to?

Yes i have already read a number of threads. This will be our first safari, we had organized this twice before, but had to cancel once of back surgery of my wife and once for Covid. We hope third time is a charm.
1. I already know to take two cameras (D7200 and D3200), batteries and SD cards up the kazoo. Still undecided about monopod and type of camera support (window clamp, bean bag or forget it).
2. Taking my Tamron 100-400mm (4.5-6.3) and Tampon 18-400mm (3.5-6.3), have not decided which lens on which camera (question #1 : makes difference? : probably the 100-400 on the D7200)..
3. I do have 2 other lenses Sigma 30mm 1:1.4 and Meike 85mm 1.8 . (question #2 : would this be helpful if you go out early in the morning while it is still dark and the other lenses might simply not hack it in that little light, versus the extra hassle, weight and need to change lenses for which I have been warned).
4. and finally: I might have considered taking my Tokina for the wide views especially when we will be at Victoria Falls, but it was stolen on my last trip returning from Egypt (see my posts). I had not used it that much. Question #3: is my 18-400 wide enough or is a new Tokina too much money and weight to carry anyway ?
Looking forward to the responses.

Yes i have already read a number of threads. This will be our first safari, we had organized this twice before, but had to cancel once of back surgery of my wife and once for Covid. We hope third time is a charm.
1. I already know to take two cameras (D7200 and D3200), batteries and SD cards up the kazoo. Still undecided about monopod and type of camera support (window clamp, bean bag or forget it).
2. Taking my Tamron 100-400mm (4.5-6.3) and Tampon 18-400mm (3.5-6.3), have not decided which lens on which camera (question #1 : makes difference? : probably the 100-400 on the D7200)..
3. I do have 2 other lenses Sigma 30mm 1:1.4 and Meike 85mm 1.8 . (question #2 : would this be helpful if you go out early in the morning while it is still dark and the other lenses might simply not hack it in that little light, versus the extra hassle, weight and need to change lenses for which I have been warned).
4. and finally: I might have considered taking my Tokina for the wide views especially when we will be at Victoria Falls, but it was stolen on my last trip returning from Egypt (see my posts). I had not used it that much. Question #3: is my 18-400 wide enough or is a new Tokina too much money and weight to carry anyway ?
Looking forward to the responses.