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African safari talk...recommendations?

Methodical
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p.88 #1 · African safari talk...recommendations?

Alan Kefauver wrote:
Love them. Have used them 4 times. Excellent lodge choices. Excellent drivers, and the photo hosts are very knowledgeable guides. Vehicles always nearly new. Usually one person in a row in the Land Cruiser, so lots of room for gear and easy to change from side to side. No complaints whatsoever with Pangolin. Will go again.

I am off to the Pantanal in July, and although not with Pangolin, they just told me they would be offering the Pantanal in the future.

Great. Thanks for the info. This is what I was hoping to hear because I am leaning towards this being my 1st Safari.

Any tips on the best time of year to visit? I will do more research but just thought I'd ask since you've worked with them 4x.

Again, thanks...

Oct 13, 2025 at 03:53 PM

artsupreme
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p.88 #2 · African safari talk...recommendations?

Methodical wrote:
Great. Thanks for the info. This is what I was hoping to hear because I am leaning towards this being my 1st Safari.

Any tips on the best time of year to visit? I will do more research but just thought I'd ask since you've worked with them 4x.

Again, thanks...

See the bottom of page 18 for starters:
https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1734990/17#16108865

This thread has everything you could possibly need to plan a Safari. I highly suggest reading it when time permits. All the homework has already been done for you

Oct 14, 2025 at 03:24 AM

SafariBob
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p.88 #3 · African safari talk...recommendations?

artsupreme wrote:
1. Your favorite camps for shooting the big five and what time of the year to go? I really like big cats especially (not too interested in birds). I would also be interested in shooting the native people in their habitat. I would prefer a more expensive tour with less photographers in the vehicle assuming that's an option, or, is there enough room even in a "full" vehicle for everyone to shoot? Pros and Cons for going during the dry and wet seasons? I prefer the look of dry season photos over the greener wet season photos.

I like the Kruger rest camps. it depends on budget and travel style.

2. Two body FF camera setup - assuming the lenses will mostly be glued to each body. 200-400 and 70-200? Or, would you suggest a 500mm or 600mm instead of the 200-400? 100-500 would be much easier, but I like the larger apertures. I would also bring a wider option like a 24-70 on a 3rd body that I could give to the lady in case I need to shoot wide.

all modern ff mirrorless bodies are fine. I do 35-150 samyang & 200-600.

3. Do they allow drones?

generally no.

4. Batteries and battery charging?

generally not a problem.

5. How not to over pack? What's the bare minimum you would bring to pack as light as possible. Safari clothing brand recommendations?

you need something to wear during the day, and in the evening. can be the same every day.

6. Inoculations, Malaria prevention, vaccines required?

get a full set of boosters, malaria optional most places.

7. Any contacts you have for booking and any travel tips.

just fly to joburg and rent a car. drive to Kruger and take it from there.

8. If you are willing, please share the estimated cost per person of your ideal safari 2-week safari in USD. I'm assuming a really nice two week safari experience might cost 15-20k USD per person? Where's the best bang for the buck? I'm okay with an inferior camp if it gets me the best photography experience as long as the food is good

$3k with flights pr person economy. I would try to do 5 weeks first time so you get the feel for it and are not in a rush.

Oct 15, 2025 at 11:03 AM

rdcny
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p.88 #4 · African safari talk...recommendations?

Thank You SafariBob in NYC! You don't have to spend a lot to do a great trip. Kruger (especially the northern section) is wonderful. You can book the in-park lodges online (use the SansPark web site - get the one year SansPark membership - you'll get discounts that way.). You'll get air-con and a kitchen...but you can eat out as well.

If possible go June/July/August/Sept - weather is cooler and drier (but warming considerably by mid-Sept)

Rent a vehicle at the JoBerg airport (all major companies there) - shop via internet several months in advance. Get an SUV...you don't need 4 WD for Kruger in the dry season.

Use google maps - easy. Get a SIM card (Airolo) for GPS navigation. Get Starlink Mini if you want to be fancy and 100% reliable at all times.

Just go - you'll figure things out (make sure you have the proper plug adapters for So Africa - available Amazon). Figure about $200/day for one person...$250/day for two people.

You DON"T have to do an all inclusive safari and spend $10K or more for one week...and yes try for 30-40 days. After Kruger there are a lot of other great So African parks.

Oct 15, 2025 at 12:27 PM

artsupreme
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p.88 #5 · African safari talk...recommendations?

SafariBob wrote:
I like the Kruger rest camps. it depends on budget and travel style.

all modern ff mirrorless bodies are fine. I do 35-150 samyang & 200-600.

generally no.

generally not a problem.

you need something to wear during the day, and in the evening. can be the same every day.

get a full set of boosters, malaria optional most places.

just fly to joburg and rent a car. drive to Kruger and take it from there.

$3k with flights pr person economy. I would try to do 5 weeks first time so you get the feel for it and are not in a rush.

Nice, that was way back when I was doing research for my first safari. I've since been to many camps all over Kenya and Rwanda. Here's the report where I answered my own questions after my first safari. Not much has changed other than the introduction of the 100-300 which I took back to Africa after I got it. My go to lenses are still 70-200 f/2.8, 100-300 f/2.8, and 400 f/2.8 with TCs. If I was younger and single or retired and had the time to go over there for more than a month and do a self drive I would, but that's not possible for many more years until I'm into my retirement. Until then, I'll need to visit the expensive camps in the conservancies to maximize the game viewing while there:

https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1734990/16#16070088

Oct 15, 2025 at 02:19 PM

big country
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p.88 #6 · African safari talk...recommendations?

The Tanzania Great Migration Safari that I am leading August 2026 has spots open. Price $6500 per person based on double occupancy. Own row in vehicle $500. Single Supplement $1200

I will have Swarovski Optics available and possibly some canon lenses.

Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, Jason and our Tanzania ground crew will greet you and provide a brief introduction to your safari adventure. You�ll then drive to Arusha for an overnight stay, preparing for the journey ahead.

Meals: Dinner

Day 2: - After breakfast, depart for Tarangire National Park. Tarangire National Park, located in northern Tanzania, is renowned for its majestic baobab trees, large elephant herds, and sweeping savannah landscapes. The Tarangire River, a vital water source during the dry season, attracts a rich variety of wildlife, making it a prime spot for game viewing as well as being renowned for its ancient baobab trees and large elephant herds. Enjoy a full-day game drive, observing diverse wildlife along the Tarangire River.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: 12th August 2026 - After an early breakfast, embark on one last morning game drive in Tarangire National Park, where we will keep our eyes open looking for lions, leopards, zebras, and buffalos before departing in the afternoon. Along the way to Karatu, we will have the opportunity to visit a traditional Maasai village. During this authentic cultural encounter, we�ll experience traditional Maasai dances and songs, explore traditional bomas (huts) made of mud, sticks, and cow dung, learn about the Maasai�s semi-nomadic lifestyle, cattle herding traditions, and distinct dress codes. Hear firsthand from a village elder about their customs, beliefs, and relationship with wildlife and visit a small local craft market, where Maasai women sell handmade jewelry and beadwork. After this enriching experience, continue your drive to Karatu, where you will check in at your cozy lodge. Spend the evening relaxing, enjoying a hearty dinner, or strolling through the lush gardens surrounding your accommodation.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: We explore a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Ngorongoro Crater, a massive, unbroken volcanic caldera in northern Tanzania, home to an incredible density of wildlife including the Big Five. Its lush, self-contained ecosystem offers one of the most unique safari experiences in Africa, with dramatic scenery and abundant game viewing.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Another early morning game drive down the Ngorongoro crater to explore this unique ecosystem. Later in the afternoon, we will depart for the Serengeti National Park for an overnight stay

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 & 7: Central Serengeti - We will be exploring the central Serengeti. The Serengeti is Tanzania's most iconic national park, famed for its vast open plains and the spectacular Great Migration of over a million wildebeest and zebras. It's a wildlife haven where predators like lions, cheetahs, and leopards roam freely, offering some of the best year-round game viewing in Africa.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Northern Serengeti (Mara River Crossings) Depart for the Northern Serengeti, home to the iconic Mara River crossings. Spend the day witnessing thousands of wildebeest brave the crocodile-infested waters during their migration.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Days 9 & 10: Enjoy two more full days exploring the Northern Serengeti near the Mara River. This area offers stunning scenery, abundant wildlife, and exceptional opportunities to witness one of nature's greatest spectacles.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11: Departure After breakfast, enjoy a final game drive en route to Kogatende Airstrip for your flight back to Arusha. Upon arrival, have lunch before being transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure flight.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Oct 15, 2025 at 02:54 PM

flash
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p.88 #7 · African safari talk...recommendations?

Methodical wrote:
Does anyone here have experience with Pangolin Safaris?

Have done 1 trip with them. Excellent. Have booked a second one for February with them to Kenya.

Gordon

Oct 15, 2025 at 04:11 PM

Methodical
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p.88 #8 · African safari talk...recommendations?

flash wrote:
Have done 1 trip with them. Excellent. Have booked a second one for February with them to Kenya.

Gordon

Thanks. I got someone from the company and will be looking into things.

Oct 15, 2025 at 05:13 PM

robert_in_ca
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p.88 #9 · African safari talk...recommendations?

artsupreme wrote:
Nice, that was way back when I was doing research for my first safari. I've since been to many camps all over Kenya and Rwanda. Here's the report where I answered my own questions after my first safari. Not much has changed other than the introduction of the 100-300 which I took back to Africa after I got it. My go to lenses are still 70-200 f/2.8, 100-300 f/2.8, and 400 f/2.8 with TCs. If I was younger and single or retired and had the time to go over there for more than a month and do a self drive...Show more →

You can always slum it with me on a roadtrip!

Oct 31, 2025 at 12:31 AM

Alan Kefauver
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p.88 #10 · African safari talk...recommendations?

robert_in_ca wrote:
You can always slum it with me on a roadtrip!

If you are serious we need to talk. I really don't want to go solo and my former travel partner said..."That's enough" (two trips)

Oct 31, 2025 at 09:29 AM

robert_in_ca
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p.88 #11 · African safari talk...recommendations?

Alan Kefauver wrote:
If you are serious we need to talk. I really don't want to go solo and my former travel partner said..."That's enough" (two trips)

I am... I am mostly driving solo these days. Just picked up a new SUV as my friend bought me out of our Land Cruiser 76 Series. I am in SA for a bit - heading to Namibia in a couple of weeks but I might take another week trip up to Bots. Drop me a PM whenever you like.

Nov 02, 2025 at 12:02 AM

guitardirky
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p.88 #12 · African safari talk...recommendations?

Headed back to Kenya in 10 days. Was going through my archives to debate what lenses I would return with this time and Ive been debating mixing it up between the 400 and 600 this year. I'm thinking that the 50-150/F2, 300 +1.4x, and 600 makes the most sense for me now. Here's why.

Last year's breakdown.
20mm G - 80
50mm GM - 1976
135 GM - 4505
300 GM - 4180
400 GM - 6466 (2154 in crop mode)
400 +1.4x - 3012

That breaks down this year as:
50-150mm - 6500
300/400mm - 8500
600mm+ - 5000

Do any of you juggle a 300/600 over a 400?

Nov 02, 2025 at 04:53 PM

artsupreme
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p.88 #13 · African safari talk...recommendations?

guitardirky wrote:
Headed back to Kenya in 10 days. Was going through my archives to debate what lenses I would return with this time and Ive been debating mixing it up between the 400 and 600 this year. I'm thinking that the 50-150/F2, 300 +1.4x, and 600 makes the most sense for me now. Here's why.

Last year's breakdown.
20mm G - 80
50mm GM - 1976
135 GM - 4505
300 GM - 4180
400 GM - 6466 (2154 in crop mode)
400 +1.4x - 3012

That breaks down this year as:
50-150mm - 6500
300/400mm - 8500
600mm+ - 5000

Do any of you juggle a 300/600 over a 400?...Show more →

That's a tough call, but I don't think you can go wrong. My preference has always been the 400 with TC's in the conservancies where you can drive off road. I never felt like I missed shots with not having enough lens but I have at times had too much lens with the 2x mounted to the 400. Some grevys zebras were going at it and I had to jump out of the vehicle and run toward a rhino and her calf to get farther back, but that was at 800. 600 would have worked well there but I still prefer the 400 FL and for dusk/dawn shots where f/4 isn't as friendly.

Nov 02, 2025 at 08:36 PM

Primus
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p.88 #14 · African safari talk...recommendations?

I just got back from a trip to Kenya a couple of weeks ago. Visited Loisaba starbeds and tented camps, Mara - Sand River camp and finally 6 nights at Tortilis in Amboseli - as is evident, all Elewana properties.

Loisaba was interesting, nice area but badly infested with prickly pear cactus which has overgrown everywhere. There were just the camp vehicles - Elewana has 3 properties in the conservancy, so no crowding, relaxed and nice sightings. Problem is that there seems to be a paucity of game animals - antelopes and such, so the lions looked very lean and almost emaciated.

Mara Sand River - nice camp, but remote location and yet crowded with tourist vehicles. Almost had a great crossing but the animals moved away and then came back a couple of hours after we had left. They kept crossing into TZ and back over several days, the rains were such.

Amboseli and Tortilis - my favorite place, simply because of the elephant sightings. At this time of the year the place lived up to its name, dust everywhere. Good thing though, the lake bed was dry, so even though there were only sporadic animals crossing it, the viewing was very nice. Saw another supertusker - Michael in the main park and then Palma on the lake. Did not go to see Craig, that has become another scam with the local people. So far, I've seen 6 of these magnificent animals.

Amboseli as a park without the conservancy is not worth it, there were 25 cars at one time at a lion sighting, a lioness was crossing the area. Without access to a conservancy, you deal with too many cars.

Problem with the Kitirua conservancy (Tortilis camp) now is that there is another huge camp coming up in the area, almost completed - I think it used to be Ker and Downy, now another company has taken over.

An even bigger issue IMHO is that some people in the local Maasai community have started renting Land Cruisers and taking people into the conservancy and the lake. These guys are not paying Elewana or the community anything but pocketing all the money they make. Since they are part of the Maasai community, nobody can stop them and they can go anywhere. They are also more aggressive than the guides at Tortilis since they have not been trained properly. It has become a mess, I saw six different Maasai guys doing this. In fact they formed the majority of the vehicles at many sightings.

I brought this to the notice of the managers and the community elders but they shrugged and said, they have tried but nothing seems to work. It's a shame because the local school and village could certainly do with that money.

Nov 02, 2025 at 09:02 PM

VKM2F
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p.88 #15 · African safari talk...recommendations?

guitardirky wrote:
Headed back to Kenya in 10 days. Was going through my archives to debate what lenses I would return with this time and Ive been debating mixing it up between the 400 and 600 this year. I'm thinking that the 50-150/F2, 300 +1.4x, and 600 makes the most sense for me now. Here's why.

Last year's breakdown.
20mm G - 80
50mm GM - 1976
135 GM - 4505
300 GM - 4180
400 GM - 6466 (2154 in crop mode)
400 +1.4x - 3012

That breaks down this year as:
50-150mm - 6500
300/400mm - 8500
600mm+ - 5000

Do any of you juggle a 300/600 over a 400?...Show more →

I'm on Canon but take a similar setup. 100-300 F/2.8 with 1.4x on one camera and the 600 F/4 on the other. It has suited me really well on my last two trips to Kenya.

Nov 03, 2025 at 12:28 PM

VKM2F
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p.88 #16 · African safari talk...recommendations?

Primus wrote:
I just got back from a trip to Kenya a couple of weeks ago. Visited Loisaba starbeds and tented camps, Mara - Sand River camp and finally 6 nights at Tortilis in Amboseli - as is evident, all Elewana properties.

Loisaba was interesting, nice area but badly infested with prickly pear cactus which has overgrown everywhere. There were just the camp vehicles - Elewana has 3 properties in the conservancy, so no crowding, relaxed and nice sightings. Problem is that there seems to be a paucity of game animals - antelopes and such, so the lions looked very lean and almost emaciated.

Mara Sand River - nice camp, but remote location and yet crowded with tourist vehicles. Almost had a great crossing but the animals moved away and then came back a couple of hours after we had left. They kept crossing into TZ and back over several days, the rains were such.

Amboseli and Tortilis - my favorite place, simply because of the elephant sightings. At this time of the year the place lived up to its name, dust everywhere. Good thing though, the lake bed was dry, so even though there were only sporadic animals crossing it, the viewing was very nice. Saw another supertusker - Michael in the main park and then Palma on the lake. Did not go to see Craig, that has become another scam with the local people. So far, I've seen 6 of these magnificent animals.

Amboseli as a park without the conservancy is not worth it, there were 25 cars at one time at a lion sighting, a lioness was crossing the area. Without access to a conservancy, you deal with too many cars.

Problem with the Kitirua conservancy (Tortilis camp) now is that there is another huge camp coming up in the area, almost completed - I think it used to be Ker and Downy, now another company has taken over.

An even bigger issue IMHO is that some people in the local Maasai community have started renting Land Cruisers and taking people into the conservancy and the lake. These guys are not paying Elewana or the community anything but pocketing all the money they make. Since they are part of the Maasai community, nobody can stop them and they can go anywhere. They are also more aggressive than the guides at Tortilis since they have not been trained properly. It has become a mess, I saw six different Maasai guys doing this. In fact they formed the majority of the vehicles at many sightings.

I brought this to the notice of the managers and the community elders but they shrugged and said, they have tried but nothing seems to work. It's a shame because the local school and village could certainly do with that money. ...Show more →

Great report, thanks for sharing your thoughts!

Shame about your experience in Amboseli. I stayed at Elewana in February, and I think the camp being built nearby is the new one from Abercrombie & Kent. I really enjoyed Tortilis as well and had some great elephant sightings but I agree overall I found the national park disappointing from a sightings/traffic perspective.

Nov 03, 2025 at 01:41 PM

guitardirky
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p.88 #17 · African safari talk...recommendations?

Just returned from Amboseli, Ol Pejeta, and the Mara Conservancies in Kenya. It was very dusty in Amboseli, but they had some rain the week prior but the Mara conservancies had not seen rain in nearly 2 months. Grasses were turning towards brown and the wind was blowing dust everywhere. With all that said, the photo opportunities we quite rich! Here's a link to a few frames below if anyone is interested.

https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1924713/0?nc=1#16938944

For those always curious what focal lengths performed the best, here was my breakdown:

Sony 50-150/F2: 8086
Sony 300mm GM: 5744
Sony 600mm GM: 12085

First time taking a 600 over and I was quite surprised how much more I used it over the 400 in previous trips.

Nov 30, 2025 at 11:14 AM

rdcny
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p.88 #18 · African safari talk...recommendations?

Have been in Botswana for 30 days, and now South Africa for 14. These two Leopards from Moremi Wildlife Reserve in Botswana (Okavango Delta)...Paid about $225/day/person (with three others) for a 21 day trip through the Delta (in November Moremi and Savuti were our favorites). Camped out with great food three times per day...and good tents at night. Brought along Starlink Mini so had 24/7 internet. Would do it again but in June-July-to mid-August or so. And yes that $225/person per day covered all parks, food, transport...from Maun (start) ending in Kasane.

Leopards (five this trip) but the grazing animals and owls were the best: Roan are magnificent and great looks at Pel's Fishing Owl and of course the Bee-eaters (6 species). Robert DeCandido PhD/NYC

Leopard in Moremi 10 November (200-600mm at F8)

Leopard in Moremi 111 November (200-600 at F8)

Dec 04, 2025 at 04:23 AM

rdcny
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p.88 #19 · African safari talk...recommendations?

An obituary of Iain Douglas-Hamilton, Elephant Expert and Protector...free article from the NY Times:

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/12/09/world/africa/iain-douglas-hamilton-dead.html?unlocked_article_code=1.7U8.nw7b.UhpvEuI6psTm&smid=url-share

Okavango Delta (Botswana) on 9 November

Dec 09, 2025 at 01:44 PM

artsupreme
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p.88 #20 · African safari talk...recommendations?

I woke up to several messages from my friends in Kenya this morning. Unfortunately Craig the Super Tusker has passed. RIP Craig, the gentle giant of Amboseli.

Jan 03, 2026 at 10:58 AM

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