Congrats on your trip, Dave. My wife and I are looking at 2017 for an African trip. Its a huge continent; where are you considering going? I too am interested in other folks experiences particularly on places and times to visit.

I've mainly looked at western Kenya and Tanzania in the Jan./Feb. time frame. Its not the heavy rainy season but hopefully not dry brush and so much dust either.

I also am open to a two-destination trip. Perhaps one more photo intensive and another with a little more scenery and cultural emphasis (like the OAT Travel trips).

I hope others will jump in with suggestions.

Firstly this is a photographic web site.

Secondly as a person who works in Africa in the wildlife business I can assure you that the populations of many of the species are being reduced significantly.

I know you people love to shoot things and justify yourselves with the delusion that you individually have no impact on the general population but as you like to shoot the biggest and the best and the business of hunting is money oriented with no concern being exhibited for the natural balance and order of things there is a significant impact.

Still when there is nothing left to shoot you can all amuse yourselves looking at the trophy heads on your den walls.

Oh but most of the airlines won't fly meat products now. Shame eh?

You really need to educate yourself. There is no shortage of animals in Africa. They do have a problem in some areas with poaching I will concede you that but the reality is most of the safaris you are hunting on private land where the land owner's own the game. It's a BUSINESS. No different than ranchers in the US or the UK where they raise cattle for food. Get a grip as you are very clearly misinformed. In africa most safaris allow up to 10 animals where here I need to apply for a tag and hope for the chance to take one animal to help feed my family. Huge difference if you stop and think about it. Something I question you can do.
Perhaps you call yourself a vegan and don't eat meat. Thats fine and a choice we can all make, but to criticize others for not agreeing with your beliefs is plain stupid. Things always balance out if and when they get out of control. It's a fact of life. :roll:
I made it clear from the opening statement if you disagree with hunting move on. I guess some just don't respect others and only wish to spew their own BS regardless. Now please move on or go do something useful like educate yourself.

Before I became such a fanatic about photography I was invited to a safari in Africa to hunt Cape buffalo. First, I was lucky enough to come back alive: we were the ones being stalked and hunted by the buffalo; second, I was fortunate to bag one using a 0.910" NitroExpress bullet. Needless to say, it took me several weeks to get over a dislocated right shoulder resulting from the recoil. My next trip will strictly be dedicated to photography and my new Nikon 200-500mm zoom. I am quite sure it will be a lot more fun and more relaxed. No more guns.