I have been to Africa on 3 safaris. Just returned from Uganda.
1. It is very dusty, so do not plan to changes lens in the field. Take 2 cameras, you can not afford to have one fail on an expensive trip
2. On first trips, I used Nikon 28-300 on a D80. Reach was too short for some pictures (e.g. rhinos, lions over 100m away). On last trip, I used Tamron G2 (150-600) on the D80, and the 28-300 on D500. A great combo and no need to field change lens. Never missed a shot.
3. Get a good camera "backpack" that will hold cameras/lens as above, plus chargers and spare batteries
4. Most Africa is 240 volts. Take a voltage transformer with you. Need a true "transformer, not a voltage adapter. I used a device by Bestic (sp)--about the size of a brick. Also need plug prong adapter specific for the country.
5. Take extra camera cards. No place to buy anything when you are in the bush
6. Do not drink the tap water, despite what the lodge may say. Used only bottled water--especially for brushing teeth. Take meds "imodium" for any diahrrea, and some antibiotics if it is really bad/persistent. Also, I avoided eating any uncooked vegatables unless they were/could be peeled. Salads were out, because I suspect they were washed with tap water.
7. With the increased capabilities of cell phone cameras, one might serve as a back up. On Uganda trip, that is all my companions were using.
Good luck with the trip.
I have used OAT for 2 trips to East Africa countries. Outstanding in all respects, but more "culture visits" in itinerary than I cared for.
Just got back from 2 weeks in Uganda; highlight was trekking to see gorillas. At the time we made the safari plans for Uganda/gorillas (2 years ago), OAT did not have such a plan. Went with "Gorilla Safari Company". Absolutely great outfit. They set up itinerary custom made to your desires; with different levels of lodge accommodations. We used "intermediate" which was more than satisfactory.
And they should never be allowed to drive alone unless they know how to jump start a car, how to change a tire, and what the red warning light means on the instrument cluster. Because of ignorance of the latter, my grandson had an engine seize up.
Definitely YES. A sled was the first table saw gadget I made, nearly 30 years ago. I use it more then any other. Probably less than $10 in scrap material. Just make sure base is solid and everything is square. And you have the slot covered where saw blade exits the sled.
In California in the late 70's, we had a blackboard at work devoted to the unusual license plates we saw. Even better when the car was "matching". Noteworthy:
Large black Mercedes sedan; IRS BAH
Yellow VW convertible with somewhat flamboyant driver: IMRU12
1. Make sure your immunizations are up to date; and you have what is required for entry to each country especially if entering from another African country. Covid rules are changing--understand the latest. Don't get stranded because of a mandated quarantine.
2. Take a long lens, or zoom, capable of at least 500mm. Some animals get close (lions, 10 ft), others don't (rhinos 100-200 yards)
3. Never change lens in the field; you have never seen such dusty places as Africa during dry season (May-Sept). Which in my opinion, is best time to go--no rain or insects; but can get cold at night in southern Africa; less so in East Africa
I started with a Nikon 18-200; but changed to Nikon 28-300 because of longer reach. Had them originally on a D80; now on D500. I am not into landscapes/cityscapes that much, so 28mm is OK.
I started with a Nikon 18-200; but changed to Nikon 28-300 because of longer reach. Had them originally on a D80; now on D500. I am not into landscapes/cityscapes that much, so 28mm is OK.
I bought the D500 for sports photography, specifically for grandsons HS football ( placekicker/punter). Shot both outdoor and indoor (at Indy Lucas Oil Stadium for state championship games). It was the 10 fps that sold me--only way to get the right image in fast-moving kicking, especially indoors. I suspect the same happens at other fast-moving sports. 3 fps is not fast enough to catch the right action.
A.D.1914 my father was born. Was with me for only 36 years. RIP King Size Mac.
For us Packer fans, where was this originally posted, so I can send to other non-UHH friends. Thanks.
Been to all 50 states. Longest single trip: Washington D.C to Paris to Mauritius and return. Best trip: D.C. to Amsterdam to Kenya/Tanzania and return--a great safari with lots of photo ops. Virus wiped out trip this year to Uganda/Rwanda--gorilla trek and photo ops; resched for next year.
Been to all 50 states. Longest single trip: Washington D.C to Paris to Mauritius and return. Best trip: D.C. to Amsterdam to Kenya/Tanzania and return--a great safari with lots of photo ops. Virus wiped out trip this year to Uganda/Rwanda--gorilla trek and photo ops; resched for next year.
Some innovative thinking. Many years ago the University of Rochester (NY) made the dandelion the "school flower". No more struggles to control it. Campus lawns beautiful in the spring with "dandelion yellow".
$1.29 at BJ's in central Virginia