VKM2F
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I've been on many safaris and am always planning my next one, so I'll try to give you some insights.
1) Most people's first safari usually takes them to the Serengeti in Tanzania (also typically includes visits to the Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire) or the Maasai Mara in Kenya (perhaps including a stop in Lake Nakuru). The infrastructure is very good, there's lots of providers, and getting to the locations is simple. The big 5 are all present so with any luck you'll see lots (these parks are famous for a reason!). The main downside is that they are very busy in the high season and in the national parks you have to stick to the roads. So if you see a cheetah off in the distance, you can't approach if it means leaving an established road. In private reserves, conservancies, etc. you are typically allowed to approach respectfully.
So, if you are going to be in one of these national parks, reach is a priority when it comes to lens selection. I have the 200-400 on one body and the 70-200 on another. But you can easily make use of a 600mm prime. Reach is critical. I love the flexibility of the zooms and enjoy environmental portraiture but I still often find myself cropping photos taken in these parks.
My favourite park off the beaten path is South Luangwa NP in Zambia. Harder to get to but not busy, the wildlife is incredible, and you can go off road.
2) My #1 priority when booking a safari is ensuring the best guiding experience possible. If you book a tour off the shelf with any generic provider, you'll end up being grouped in the safari vehicle with other guests. This is my nightmare. If you end up with people who have different priorities than you, it can make for a terrible safari. If your priority is photography, patience is key. If you find a leopard, you don't leave! Sit with her, enjoy everything about the scene, and wait to see what she does. You may very well get that image of her coming down the tree and heading to a kill she has hidden somewhere else. Or maybe meeting up with cubs. If you're with a group that gets bored after 15 minutes and wants to move on, it's a recipe for disaster.
That said, I either book with a photo specific tour group so I know I'm with like minded people or I book a private guide. I'd rather stay at a comfortable but simple lodge/camp and spend the money on the guiding. That's what you're there for!
3) No drones allowed.
4) Camps are typically very good about catering to photographers and will have ways for you to charge your gear. Big lodges will have permanent power and smaller camps may run off a generator for a few hours a day so you have a window to charge all your gear.
5) Safari is not a fashion show, so don't over pack. More upscale lodges will have laundry service. Otherwise, pack neutral colours and don't feel you need a different outfit each day!
6) Each country has its own requirements for vaccines, so consult your local travel clinic and they'll get you sorted. You'll likely need malaria pills as well. Make sure you take them as directed and with food.
7) $15-20k USD per person can buy you a very high-end two week safari. You certainly don't have to spend that much, but if you're willing to, you will have many options. At that budget, you may want to also consider the Sabi Sands in South Africa. Very premium lodges/camps, private reserve so low density and ability to go off road, and lots of big cats.
I'll stop now as this has grown into quite a long post! If there's anything you'd like me to go into more detail on, let me know.
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Roy is one of the best guides. I plan on going with him to Africa in 2023. I know him through mutual friends. He just did a 1:25 talk with the Mountain Lion Foundation. You can watch it here. Or you can go on Youtube and look it up.
