We did 11 days with the Tip Top IV In October 2017. Photo tour, outstanding. Daniel Fitter was our guide, his cousin Joed was the naturalist. Google Dan. I would not hesitate to go with them again.
Id recommend checking out a guide book to find the best time for what you would like to do. I went in May a few years back. On boat is the best bet for getting around...I cruised with about 8 others plus crew and guide. Primary lens was 24-85 on crop sensor, for easily 90% of shots on land. 70-300 on another crop sensor body for the rest...more used from the boat.
Other key gear: knapsack with rubberized bottom (or go full waterproof if you want), also underwater P&S for snorkeling; kneepads (really), GPS logger (not a tracker...too creepy...I just bought a GlobalSat DG-500) so you know where you took each shot, short learning curve, but also another thing to keep charged. I set camera time to GMT to make it easier.
My fiance and I did that same trip in November 2014 and the weather conditions were wonderful. Enjoy the trip.
Thanks for all the help and information on the trip! Looking forward to planning the trip and had not thought of the dry bag! Looks like most people who responded went at the end of the dry season (November). Thinking about that time of year.
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