Safari Info
After years of chasing animals around the world, I have learned a few lessons. In this section of my webpage, I will discuss some of what I have learned as well as some other sources of information you may find usefull if you decide to try a wildlife photo safari.
Safari Equipment and Info
When I was considering a replacement for my Minolta film camera, I visited several local camera stores as well as checking to see what photography magazines were touting. Everything I heard or read pointed to Canon and Nikon as the leading camera companies. Soon I was in the equipment swamp stumbling aimlessly. But I got some good advice. “Your equipment decision should be driven by your photography goals.”
Wildlife safari photography, as I want to do it, requires that I travel to the native environment of the animals. Conditions in the wild are challenging with respect to weather, light, and mobility. My equipment must be weather resistant, light weight, and flexible. Sometimes I find myself in a position where I can not use camera supports such as a tripod or monopod. I often shoot from a jeep or boat, on foot or on the back of an elephant. Airline restrictions regarding carry on luggage as well as the limits of what I can physically carry on my back are key decision factors.
I looked at the technology in use as well as the directions things seemed to be going. I looked at the amount of money I had to spend. And I got some more good advice regarding lenses. The lens decision is more important than the camera decision. You should buy the best lenses you can afford and skimp on the camera.
For me, the best choice was Canon! You have to decide what is the best fit for your type of photography.
- My Camera Bag
My Camera Bag(Moose Petersen Camera Bag)
Canon EOS 1D Mark II
Canon 20D
Canon 300mm 2.8L(IS) lens
Canon 70-200mm 2.8L(IS) lens
Canon 28-70mm 2.8 lens
Canon 17-35mm 2.8 lens
Canon 1.4 extender
Canon 2.0 extender
Gitzo Explorer Tripod
Manfrotto monopod
Lexar Compact Flash Cards
Apple 12” G4 Laptop
This equipment allows me some flexibility on my safari journeys. I can use the 300mm lens with a 2.0 extender and the Canon 20D to make a 960mm 5.6 lens for bird photography. I can use the 70-200mm zoom lens, a 1.4 extender and the Canon 1D M II to make a 127-364mm 4.0 lens for mammals.
[Close]
- Safari CompaniesOne of the questions I frequently get is about how I arrange my photo safari adventures. Through the years I have established contacts in many parts of the world. I use these contacts to gather information and to help plan my journeys. I can confidently recommend these people and the companies they represent as competent and trustworthy.
[Close]
- Photographer FriendsMany of the best things that have happened to me in my safari travels is the opportunity to meet new friends. It is my pleasure to introduce them to you so you may admire their photography work.
[Close]
- Typical Day
A typical day begins with a 5 a.m. wakeup with coffee and cookies. The morning game drives are between 6am and 10-11am in the morning, followed by breakfast. As the day gets warmer, the animals tend to seek shade and are generally not active until late afternoon. Between game drives, you refresh and renew yourself. Lunch is served around 12?. I use this time to read, clean my camera equipment, and write my notes. Often you take a little nap in the heat of the day. A walk in the bush around camp is another afternoon activity. Your guide is armed with a gun or spear as you walk about. This is a different experience than a game drive. The animals are very aware of your presence and do not let you approach them. Perhaps a trip to a local village will be arranged. This enables you to meet some of the local people and perhaps get some snapshots. Around 4pm is high tea followed by the afternoon game drive. There is a tradition in Africa and India called "Sundowners". This consists of, in my case, a Jack Daniel's whiskey as you take in the magnificent sunsets. It is a good time to review the events of the day and to swap stories with the other guests at camp. A shower and dinner follows ending up with a chat around an open fire. By 9pm I am ready for bed! A guard escorts you to your tent where you must remain until the next morning. Wild animals frequently wander through the camp at night.
[Close]
- Lodging
Safari camps range from permanent tented camps to four star accommodations and they price is proportional to the luxury. Tented camps are the most common type of accommodation and are really quite comfortable. Almost all have a private attached shower/toilet. Furnishings include two single beds, a chair, and someplace to stow your clothes and gear. Most have a covered wooden floor and most have a patio/deck in the back. Electricity is available at specific times during the day. The bedding is clean and comfortable. At night, you need a blanket despite the hot days.
[Close]
- Food
The food was one of the most pleasant surprises we encountered in Africa. After the morning game drive, you can enjoy a traditional breakfast of eggs, bacon, etc. Lunch is a salad, with perhaps a sandwich or an African dish. Dinner is served after the evening game drive. The menu can be chicken, beef, or pork. Often an African game dish is served. For example, boboutti or warthog (wild pig). While I am not too adventuresome when it comes to food, I have never been disappointed or hungry while on safari. In Africa, the food will be very familiar to European and American tastes. Food in India tends to be spicy and not all dishes appeal to me. However, there are always several entrées that will be satisfying. Likewise, in South America, food is familiar and very tasty. At teatime, cakes or quiche may be served along with coffee or, of course, tea. I never pass up the opportunity for a snack before the evening game drive.
[Close]
- Facilities
All camps have showers! Some are like your shower at home while other are the overhead "bucket" variety. Either way, the water is hot. Toilet facilities are similar to home and generally very comfortable.
[Close]
- Companions
One of the great things about safari travel is the opportunity to meet other people who share you sense of adventure. We have met many people this way, some of whom we stay in email contact. It is a good opportunity to find about places you have not visited and learn from others about their experiences.
[Close]
- Night Music
One of the wonderful things about safari camp is the sound of the animals in the area. If you are fortunate, you will hear the sounds of lions, an unforgettable experience. If you are near water you will hear the grunts of Hippopotamus as they graze during the evening hours. Hyena has a distinctive cry. Elephants move noiselessly through camp and you may be see their bodies framed against the starry sky. I recall watching a large Kudu eating the flowers from a sausage tree just outside my tent as I lay in my bed. To hear the jungle sounds at night is to fall in love with Africa.
[Close]
- Favorite Camps
Among my favorite camps are Londolozzi in South Africa, Mombo Camp in the Okavango Delta of Botswana, Savauti in the Moremi Reserve of Eastern Botswana, the camps at Mana Pools, and Musango in Zimbabwe, the Jungle Lodge at Bandhavgarh N.P., and the Royal Tiger Resort in Kanha N.P, both in India.
[Close]
- What To Pack
I spend a great deal of time preparing for each safari adventure. In order to malke sure I have everything I need but not more than I can carry, I have developed check lists.
One checklist deals with my cameras and supporting equipment including electrical items.Another check list is for clothes and a third for personal items. Then I plan how to pack these items.My cameras and lenses are in my "carry on" bag. It is critical that I protect my expensive and delicate equipment, while meeting airline and TSA requirements. Next comes my "personal" carry on bag where I have my laptop computer, itinerary, tickets, and satelite phone. Last is the checked bag with my clothes, electrical equipment, camera supports, and miscellaneous items.I have to weigh my bags at home before I go to make sure they conform to airline regulations as well as the small planes which take me to remote areas. And I have to consider how much I have to lug through airports making connections.If you would like a copy of my generic ckeck list, send me an e-mail request.[Close]
