POTN Safari around South/West Africa - we are baaack :-)

condyk wrote in post #2247023
One problem is that if all my shots suck then it will spoil the book for everyone else.

Oh !!

BeccaNH wrote in post #2247391
I'm sure that all of you are going to have much better photos than I am

And double !!!!

tommykjensen wrote in post #2247028
I am going to make a test book with 20 pages (smallest book) and see how my photos will look.

I think it's a great idea Tommy. Let us know how that test book works out.

So, after printing out my "packing practice" lists, I started wandering around the CDC site and then some clinics to get an idea of cost.

Here's what CDC reccomends that you be up to date on... travel or not

Tetanus $45
Measles $70
Varicella $70
Influenza $20
Pneumoccoccal $30
Hep A $60 2x so $120
Hep B $50 3x so $150
Meningoccal $115

Specifically reccomended for trips to Southern Africa

Hep A $120
Hep B $150
Malaria (specifically Malarone) (couldn't find $$)
Rabies (couldn't find $$)
Typhoid $82

eenorton wrote in post #2248076
Here's what CDC reccomends that you be up to date on... travel or not

Ouch ... I should be up to date on most. I won't get Rabies done as the way we travel will make risk exceptionally low IMO. Luckily, we have a National Health Service so costs are either free or somewhat lower and not so 'painful' tho' you guys get cheaper lenses

I think I'm probably up to date on most of the first list, other than the flu. And I think I'm with Dave on the rabies. I checked with my health insurance and it doesn't cover travel medicine, so I guess I'll add this into my budget!

Hell looking at that list of things you have to be up to date on I'm amazed I'm not dead yet. But something you do need to think of is Malaria. I have not read the whole thread, but if you are going Kruger park and north of that you must take Malaria pills. And you need to take them before you get into a Malaria area.

You guys will have a great time. If you are in Cape Town you should think about going on a Great White shark trip. I worked for one a few years back. You WILL get cool shots of the oceans apex preditor.

We're heading to Namibia and Botswana Renboy. I lived in CT for 18 months and loved the place: first in Nordhoek for 6 months and then moved closer to the city in Kenilworth, which was a great location, especially from a practical point of view.

I live with in walking distance of Cape Town central. And can see Table Mnt from my bedroom. If you guys are going to be in Cape Town at all we should meet up for a beer.

As I was watching an episode of "Big cats diary" on Animal Planet today I thought about if it would be an idea to bring binoculars to help spotting animals?

tommykjensen wrote in post #2252157
As I was watching an episode of "Big cats diary" on Animal Planet today I thought about if it would be an idea to bring binoculars to help spotting animals?

Yup, they are useful. I will take mine. Sometimes you may not want to shoot but just watch, or you may want to check if something is worth shooting.

I have a small pair of binoculars that I had planned on bringing. They're not super powerful (8x21) but I think they will work ok.

Ok what brand / type should I look for ? I have no idea what 8x21 means.

tommykjensen wrote in post #2252249
Ok what brand / type should I look for ? I have no idea what 8x21 means.

Check here for all the basics including brands here

I have a pair of Pentax 10x 50 which means 10x magnification and the front optic is 50mm across. It's a little similar to lenses with a larger optic giving better lower light visibility, but we won't use them at night as such because the camp water holes at Etosha are floodlit.

I would say 10x is good, but less is fine too. I have had these about 5 years and bought them SH in Cape Town for about £45. Never felt like upgrading. They are a tad worn with Namibian sand, general travel and such but still work great. Anything larger would be a bit of a pain.

Leica and Swarovski are probably the top brands, but you don't have to spend big bucks. I'd try some in a shop if you can and get the cheapest that feel good and give the magnification you need. For me they're not something you would ever sell again so whatever does the job is good rather than worrying about brand.

Ok I'll check that link and check in shops.

eenorton wrote in post #2248076
So, after printing out my "packing practice" lists, I started wandering around the CDC site and then some clinics to get an idea of cost.

Here's what CDC reccomends that you be up to date on... travel or not

Tetanus $45
Measles $70
Varicella $70
Influenza $20
Pneumoccoccal $30
Hep A $60 2x so $120
Hep B $50 3x so $150
Meningoccal $115

Specifically reccomended for trips to Southern Africa

Hep A $120
Hep B $150
Malaria (specifically Malarone) (couldn't find $$)
Rabies (couldn't find $$)
Typhoid $82

well atleast I can get some of them up here... I'm not sure about the malria, typhoid or rabies shots... I'm gonna have to do some hunting.. somehow I doubt that McCall is equipped for them though..

sari

Superb shot ... and thanks for reviving the thread I wonder what happened to Patrick? He coming or what? He bought the tickets?