African Safari

[Sid52]

Originally Posted by hollis_f

Wow! I hope they've had it fixed since I went to Botswana with the same company three years ago! We had it break down in the middle of Chobe. But I'm going back there with them again. Was your guide KB?

When I went to Botswana I only had a 70-300 DO lens. And that was long enough 90% of the time. When I've been to East Africa since then I've used a 100-400 which was a bit short most of the time. For my return trip to Botswana I think I'll take to 300 f2.8 and a couple of extenders.

No breakdowns although we got stuck in deep sand on the way to Savuti, but that was part of the experience.
Our guide was Bibi, although stressed at times, he worked like a Trojan and went the extra mile in getting us superb viewings of the wildlife. I took a 55-250 although this was a little short for some of the birdlife it was mostly fine for the mammals.

If you did'nt do it first time take a sunset boat trip on the Chobe, highly recommended and brilliant for getting really close to the birdlife and all the animals drinking and bathing on the river banks.

From what you say do you think a longer lens would be recommended for East Africa (where I may go next) because you would'nt be as close to the game as in Botswana?

Sid

[hollis_f]

Originally Posted by Sid52

If you did'nt do it first time take a sunset boat trip on the Chobe, highly recommended and brilliant for getting really close to the birdlife and all the animals drinking and bathing on the river banks.

From what you say do you think a longer lens would be recommended for East Africa (where I may go next) because you would'nt be as close to the game as in Botswana?

Sid

Yup, we did the Chobe trip last time. Was the only place where the 70-300 was long enough for the birds.

If you can do it then I really would recommend something longer than 250mm for East Africa. While you do sometimes get close to the animals they can be quite distant. I was so glad I had the 400mm when I took this shot in particular.

[sfgp]

In july of 2007 I was able to spend 3 days in the Amboseli National Park in Kenya.

On one of the game drives I ran into this guy - he didn't have much to say - just wanted to take a nap.

[sfgp]

Originally Posted by ctranter

what sort of vehicles were you in for the game drives?

At Amboseli most of the vendors used a van with a swing up roof.

Seemed to work pretty well.

They kinda looked like this.

[condyk]

Originally Posted by babos02

this is a question to those who have done African safaris and those who have researched them. About how much does the whole trip cost? including air fare, guide ,food ,and other stuff. how long do you usually go for? a week? two?

just curious about it they look like a great oppurtunity.

thanks

Impossible to say without more details about what you want. I've took two groups and taking another next Aug/Sept for 3 weeks using hired 4x4's and staying in national park accommodation, hotels, guest house as appropriate. I think we stay in nice places and eat pretty well. Average has been £1800 plus flights per person, plus personal spending money. Have been to Namibia, South Africa and Botswana.

Solid research and self-drive/guiding will get you the best prices and freedom ... going on a luxury organised trip costs most and keeps you largely insulated from Africa and guys find the animals for you ... a bit like sitting on yer fat ass watching a wildlife show on TV Then you have options in between.

[AdamJL]

I've not been on Condyk's trips (yet!), but he does an incredible amount of research and planning work, so if you are looking to do a solid safari, without spending an arm and leg and being pampered instead of seeing the real Africa, then listen to what that man says.

The only safari I've been on has been on a low budget private tour - my father, my sister, myself and one other French lady with a single guide.
Keeping numbers to a minimum is essential.