Shot last night before 9 PM mountain time with a 70-300 zoom lens on a crop Nikon. I preset the camera to F 4.5, 4 sec, ISO 3200, on a tripod with VR off. Low in the NW sky in central AZ. Got 3 shots and it dropped below the horizon. It will be higher in the sky as days pass. First located it with 10X50 binocs.
Good luck!

Had the same issue when using a polarizer filter with that lens. Took the filter off and the searching for focus quit.

I have a long lens that did this because of a polarizer filter. There wasn't enough light to lock the focus.

So, from what I was told in some country on one of my 5 safari trips to Africa the Toyota Land Cruisers are ordered pretty much to be built up. The Safari seating is a bolt on piece made in several configurations. Each outfitter will have their own setup likely the same on all their vehicles.

Once you select a tour company you will have whatever they use. That's it. Forget all the banter about what people saw on this trip or another. All that matters to you is what your company uses and follow what they suggest. Not one of us who have responded know what vehicle configuration you will have. The tour company does. Not the one who made your booking perhaps, but the one on the ground. Ask for photos if you like. Geez this is tedious. Take your best gear and great photo hunting!

So true. We've had 4 deaths in flooded creeks near Payson in about a month. Three were small children. It's so sad! Good advice and let's all be safe.

As to road conditions use our DOT web page. AZ511 will give current closures (as the Apache Trail, rt. 88).

BTW I live in Payson and the snow on the mountains and Mogollon Rim north of Phoenix are incredible.....as I look over to the Mazatzals. Roads are clear!

Ive been to Africa 5 times for safari treks and I've seen a total of one bean bag. Otherwise see the suggestions of others.

The Apache Trail was a great drive, but much of it is closed due to washouts. It is a gravel road but after fires and flooding it is impassible. There are discussions of not even making it travel worthy of automobiles. That would be a shame.

The drive up 87 is beautiful with many changes in vegetation and geology. Drive up to Payson and have lunch. It's a nice day trip. If possible, Lake Mary Road north of Payson is a great drive to Flagstaff. Sweet forestation and if there is snow with clear roads it's very nice. This is also the most scenic way to get from Phoenix to Flagstaff.

You might look at driving the intact parts of old Route 66. It's quite fun.

Other than that Phoenix and South would be my suggestions. Once you get into higher elevations things can get dicey.

Have one and it mostly sits on my shelf. Difficult to use if not on a tripod. Just my experience.

A polarizer caused that for me on a similar lens. You didn't mention it, but was a problem for me. Took it off and focus was fine.

I had a similar problem on a Nikon 80-400. When I took the filter off it was fine. The camera wouldn't focus because of the low amount of light hitting the sensor.

There is a man "standing on the corner" and also a "flatbed Ford" in a window. While a block away is La Posada a restored train station and hotel. Worth a visit to have a great meal and just to walk around in. If lucky you may meet Tina Mion who created the interesting paintings and helped restore the magnificent structure. Furthered out the same road (Rt 66) is a 9-11 memorial which includes pieces of the WTC.

If possible take the short hike to Mesa Arch in Canyonlands near Moab (It's the Arch pictured on U haul trucks from Utah). I believe you get the best light around 10:00am or so but you may find this link helpful.

https://www.fototripper.com/mesa-arch-canyonlands-photo-guide/

When going from Phoenix to Flag on day 1 instead of taking I-17 North which gives you few photo opportunities, take HWY 87 (AZ scenic byway also called The Beeline) to Payson, then Lake Mary Road (I think it's Hwy 3 but it's the road that goes through Happy Jack and not Camp Verde) to Flag. There are many geologic features, beautiful mountain views, winding two lane roads through Ponderosa Pine forests and many changes in ecosystems. I'm a local living in Payson and that's what I would do unless I was very cramped for time. BTW 14 years ago after taking part of that drive I quit my job in NYC and moved here.

For many a safari in Africa is a once in a lifetime trip, so do your homework to determine what you want to see then decide where you want to go (there are many countries and ecosystems over vast distances) and when. I've been to Africa 5 times and there are many things I'd still like to see (or see again). I'd like to see the Great Migration at points I have not. I'd like to see the thundering movement of the wildebeests and zebras from a hot air balloon. I'd like to see the height of calving with as many as 8,000 young ones being born in a single day, and of course the crossing of the Mara and Grumeti Rivers. A highlight is to see both prey and predators at a single watering hole (dry seasons). I'd like to do a microlight over Victoria Falls, but this time at its maximum flow (wet season). The point is these events are often months apart so be clear on what you want to see and plan well. Also, any companies trips may not take you to what you want to see so booking with a tour company may be the last thing I'd do, though they can be great sources of information. As to photo info you are getting good information. Oh, and a few sets of good hiking or fishing clothing (quick wash and dry) work well for me.