POTN Great African Photo Safari IV 2011 - limited places available!

JAZZ D.P.G. wrote in post #12504073
That bean bag is interesting, definitely "purpose built". I see it has a zipper so you can empty it out to transport.

That Colourspace looks interesting too. I guess if you're buying a second you're happy with the first.

I have a hyperdrive too and am considering upgrading mine to the latest.

JAZZ D.P.G. wrote in post #12504073
That bean bag is interesting, definitely "purpose built". I see it has a zipper so you can empty it out to transport.

That Colourspace looks interesting too. I guess if you're buying a second you're happy with the first.

Yes, im very happy with my Hyperdrive. I have used mine for the last 3 years. I have thought about changing the harddrive with a SSD disk, for more crash safety

Nalle, that bean bag would be fine for use in an open vehicle but I think you'd fine it a bit of a pain on our trip. We drive around with windows closed and a/c usually on until we spot something. We then find our position and open windows. This means we get minimal dust problems in the vehicles and travel in comfort (tho' open vehicles are great too). So, lugging a sand filled bean bag from lap to window and then sorting your gear may mean a shot is missed. Just my thoughts based on how we travel. The advantage of the Pod for this kinda travel is it screws into the lens tripod mount so single action from lap to window. I took a similar style polystyrene foam filled one last year instead of my pod and kinda regretted it.

condyk wrote in post #12504664
Nalle, that bean bag would be fine for use in an open vehicle but I think you'd fine it a bit of a pain on our trip. We drive around with windows closed and a/c usually on until we spot something. We then find our position and open windows. This means we get minimal dust problems in the vehicles and travel in comfort (tho' open vehicles are great too). So, lugging a sand filled bean bag from lap to window and then sorting your gear may mean a shot is missed. Just my thoughts based on how we travel. The advantage of the Pod for this kinda travel is it screws into the lens tripod mount so single action from lap to window. I took a similar style polystyrene foam filled one last year instead of my pod and kinda regretted it.

I also find it very smart, that the pod can be mounted into the lens tripod mount, im just not sure, that the pod is big enough for my Canon 500mm. But I might by a pod, just to test it

The Outlaw wrote in post #12488150
£1500/$2500 usd is seriously all it costs to do something like this? i cant believe i never noticed the price in the threads before. i've noticed the thread every year and read a couple of posts and wished i could go but just daydreamed about it assuming these things cost 5-10x that. its a shame i actually had the time and money the past couple of years and just never realized. sadly now thats not the case, with time being the issue now that i got a second child on the way.

For you US guys then it's still a pricey trip because of the flights. For me, in the UK, it probably works out around £2400 with flights, car hire to/from airport, spends, small gear additions, etc. Still brilliant value and I really enjoy being with others with similar interests, as Jim said. A specialist photo safari is very expensive. A typical tourist safari isn't really suited to photography.

You could actually do this same trip with one or two people for similar price, but using a small non-4x4 saloon hire vehicle, shared accommodation or even tents and self catering. Kruger is a premier wildlife/safari venue but also very visitor friendly and easy access from Johannesburg airport.

I know it's way too soon, but I am officially adding my name to a possible trip with you guys in 2012.

I've been researching safari possibilities and what you do looks perfect (not to mention AWESOME).

Originally, I thought I was looking at 2013, in order to save up enough money, but the prices I've seen here (even if they change somewhat by then) are much more manageable.

BTW, safari is my 70th birthday gift to me (March 17, 2012), and if you guys don't mind an "old" young woman along, it would just add to the gift to be with some of my POTN "family." Ribbon and gift wrap will not be necessary!!

And to those of you going this year, have a wonderful time. I know you will!!

Will any of you other, bring your tripod on the trip, or will it only be monopod?

I plan on bringing my monopod and a small gorilla pod

I am taking neither tripod or monopod but you just gave me the idea to bring a gorillapod which I recently bougth.

I plan on buying the bigger Gorilla Pod Focus, which can hold up to 5kg, just for evening landscape shoots. My monopod is not so heavy and can easily be in my suitcase

I got the dslr version because they did not have the small version. My idea for buying 2 of these was to use them with my flashes/Pocket wizards.

I already got the Dslr version, and I will keep that, for using with flashes, it is great for that

My plan is to bring a CF tripod. Looking at the 4 section Monfrotto one as it should fit nicely with my travel bag, and is quite light even though it can hold a full size DSLR and heavy lens.

Like all plans, this is subject to change.

I'm undecided on the tripod. Each time I take one and haven't regretted it but also true that usage is very infrequent ... maybe 2-3 times over a three week trip, at camp water-holes or for camp bird shooting. I hardly use it at home either TBH. I may sell the whole set up to pay for good lens hire.

Ah, Patrick, the wonderful Magnum. I had one over the weekend. I'm sure it'll be available in camp shops for us to scoff during the mid-day madness! Was it in Etosha we had them?

Yes I believe it was the third camp we stayed. I remember it well because we had it in the noon day sun by the pool.