thanks for the compliment
Originally posted by ivanvernon . . . other aspects of your preparation for the great adventure. . . .
if anyone want to know more or anything I haven't discussed, please send me a pm or otherwise let me know
on our second trip, we acted entirely different, the first one we took photos of every thing we saw, despite the fact that you will get plenty of opportunity to photograph
the more " common " animals you find throughout the trip. this time we tried targeting the more rare animals and experiences - Rhinos and Painted Dogs, Leopards and Cheetahs, other rarer animals, greater Kudu, red hartebeests, topis, rarely seen small animals, etc. carnivores hunting, kills, feeding etc, etc, etc,
plan early and be wiling to adjust the plan as you learn more
make sure your paperwork, pass ports, visas and medical requirements: physicals, vaccinations etc are taken care of as early as possible
unless you are used to setting up such trips, consider using a professional to help. we did and we will refer you to her if you send me a pm.
research where you want to go and what you want to see -
not all areas of the continent of Africa offer the same opportunity
nor do different areas of a single country.
We had to go to the Selous Game Reserve in south east Tanzania to have a chance to see African Painted Dogs and in that area many of the animals we saw in north were not present.
if flying a long period of time, consider a stop to recover, we fly from the US to Amsterdam, spend a night, then on to Tanzania and do the same on the trip home
use your resources, I have only been twice but others here have been to Africa numerous times and we have at least one contributing member who lives in South Africa
practice with your equipment
have fun above all, put the camera down and just look once in a while
bring treats if possible to share with your guide.