For a first Safari nothing will beat the classic animals and scenery of East African. You can do Southern Kenya, Northern Tanzania, and even work in a side trip to the Chimpanzees and Gorillas.
There are many excellent camps, guides, and locations. From large crowded tourist camps and lodges, to private camping in private reserves. All available to fit just about any level of comfort from 5 star to sleeping on the ground.
For Northern Tanzania, and Southern Kenya, plan your trip around the great migration. Since you prefer the tawny colors, and the red earth of the dry season the animals will be easier to find. In the dry season they congregate around the water. In the wet season they disperse into the bush more. Travel is easier in the dry season, more difficult due to muddy roads in the we season. A well planned trip can get you a bit of both wet and dry. The migration follows the rain from North to South, then back up South to North. Dry season in one place is wet season in another. Like the animals, follow the rain.
You will get your big 5 with plenty of cats in East Africa for sure. Timed right you may get to witness and photograph a large migration crossing of the Mara River. Always a special event. Back in the day the migration was millions of animals. It is still tens or hundreds of thousands, and still a magnificent thing that should not be missed.
Sorry, I can't be much help with tourist operators. I usually go on my own or with a group of my local friends. We send a truck out with our camp and staff and meet them at various places.
Your camera choices of the R5 three zooms and TC sound like fine choices. African animals in the various parks, are big, well acclimated to people and easy to photograph. It is hard to take a bad shot of the East African landscape.
The vaccinations, testing, and procedures required due to Covid seem to always be in flux. I would monitor for current requirements as you approach you trip dates. In general you will only be required to have a Yellow Fever Vaccination and health card in East Africa. Get this well in advance. I would consult a Doctor with a travel medicine practice for a full set of recommendations of other vaccinations and precautions tailored to your own situation. You will also likely want a Malaria preventative pill. I have had malaria 6 times. Not fun.
For a first Safari nothing will beat the classic animals and scenery of East African. You can do Southern Kenya, Northern Tanzania, and even work in a side trip to the Chimpanzees and Gorillas.
There are many excellent camps, guides, and locations. From large crowded tourist camps and lodges, to private camping in private reserves. All available to fit just about any level of comfort from 5 star to sleeping on the ground.
For Northern Tanzania, and Southern Kenya, plan your trip around the great migration. Since you prefer the tawny colors, and the red earth of the dry season the animals will be easier to find. In the dry season they congregate around the water. In the wet season they disperse into the bush more. Travel is easier in the dry season, more difficult due to muddy roads in the we season. A well planned trip can get you a bit of both wet and dry. The migration follows the rain from North to South, then back up South to North. Dry season in one place is wet season in another. Like the animals, follow the rain.
You will get your big 5 with plenty of cats in East Africa for sure. Timed right you may get to witness and photograph a large migration crossing of the Mara River. Always a special event. Back in the day the migration was millions of animals. It is still tens or hundreds of thousands, and still a magnificent thing that should not be missed.
Sorry, I can't be much help with tourist operators. I usually go on my own or with a group of my local friends. We send a truck out with our camp and staff and meet them at various places.
Your camera choices of the R5 three zooms and TC sound like fine choices. African animals in the various parks, are big, well acclimated to people and easy to photograph. It is hard to take a bad shot of the East African landscape.
