Checking with the rangers is a good place to start as well as the supply stores. I found critters all through the park at different times so you have to keep checking daily for rumors. I also got good pics towards the Tetons of moose, elk, bears and cubs close to the lodges towards the northern Teton area meadows. Take the longest lens you can.

Wait until you have had my experience with a very rough ride in a vehicle in the bush country that had you and equipment flying with the $2,000 lens getting whacked. If not for the lens filter I would have been out of pocket for a new lens not to mention shooting the rest of the trip without one.
A little insurance for sure.

I went to South Africa and Kenya on photo safaris and found that I used everything from close up to the longest lens I could mount which was the 200-400 with 1.4 extender. Depending on where you go, the guides will get you right in the middle of a lion pride for example where the animals will be very close. We had a couple of young lionesses place chase around us once and the hyena pups wanted to climb in to check us out!. Two cameras are almost a must to keep from lens changing quickly.. Remember that anything running in Africa is considered game so no jogging in the bush.

Cannon Dx1
Canon 5DIII
Canon 7D

Hey Moose
You might want to check out the Sealife under water cameras too. Their newest one is rated quite highly and is what I am planing on buying so that I won't have to lug my big gun under the water.
Any relation to Moose Peterson from Photoshop World's stable of pros?
I see you are located in No Carolina. Im in Ft Bragg, CA on the coast. Most people automatically think of the army base.

It's been a while since I tried the cheapies but when I did the colors just didn't come out and the pics were a bit blurred. Slow shutter speeds and crummy lens for the price. Rent if you don't want to buy a good one.

Without going through all of the pages of replies to see if someone mentioned it, I would also suggest that you look into a tutorial on using your camera to get the most out of understanding how to make it do what all the things it can do. Maybe some company like Blue Crane has a video on your particular camera. I know it helped me when I got started with my Canon. I also very much agree with those who suggest trying lenses at a camera store and shooting examples through them on your camera to see the results before you buy. You can also rent a lens to try before you buy too. I always say that the lens takes the picture and your camera stores the data so get the most you can afford.

I live on the north coast and never get tired of the beautiful scenery we have all along hywy 1 and 101. You also have a great place in Fort Bragg to take the Skunk train ride into the old logging route up the hills. Lots of motels along the ways. Many state parks to visit and you will enjoy the Redwood Valley on 101 along the way after hywy 1 meets it headed north. Stop and talk to the locals to get ideas of places to visit. I do this whenever I travel to new areas and have found some really interesting places off the grid. If you like water falls, visit the Columbia River scenic route from Portland east. The list is endless of things to see.

I read a recent post about someone using a questionable method of external backups of photos on HDs. Being of somewhat limited experience with computers and not having a 10 year old around to give me that exasperated look before helping, I would turn to the group for the question of how to best use external HDs to store and back up LR and/or PS. I would like to use multiple external drives to store and work with photos without using my laptop because of limited storage on it. Also after working with photos to be able to put all new data on the different units as updates. I wish there were a local expert to help but living in the boonies has it's limitations.
Thanks

Absolutely!! Learned that in Costa Rica/ Panama and Africa trips. Pretty much applies to anywhere you travel though.

Thanks for the info. I will be doing this trip mainly from the comfort of a boat with cabins via Lindblad Expeditions (National Geographic) but will have most of the things you mention. I will have some time on shore so "Be Prepared Rules"
I may go back later on for a land tour.
Howard

Thanks everyone. It is decided to do both trips!!
Do you think the 200-400 lens with extender would be a good lens to take. It is heavy and luggage is limited but could be worked in probably.

Hi Group
I am considering the Lindblad Expeditions Galapagos trip in Feb and also considering the Amazon trip as a continuation trip with it. I'm sure I'll do the Galapagos as it seems a no brainer for wildlife experience but I am not sure about the Amazon trip because I don't wan't just a river cruise without a lot of animal action especially considering the expense. Has anyone here done the Amazon with Lindblad and what were your experiences if so. . What lens did you take and use.
Thanks for your input in advance.

Great Shot!! I fished at Topaz lake as a young 13 yrs old to start when living in the Reno area. Nevada has a lot of hidden gems that most people will never see from the usual routes.

Hi Thanks for the reply. I am looking for a bit more image quality is the reason for looking at changing. That's another reason for trying to get info on the 2.8 s the F4.