Abuttolph wrote:
Recommendations for camera bag for safari needed.
Right now, I have a Shimoda bag with the large DSLR insert. This was sufficient to carry the gear to Namibia that I listed in the previous post. However, for my trip next year, this bag is not sufficiently large to carry the A1 + 200-600 attached, A1 + 70-200 f2.8 ii attached, and (hopefully) the new 300mm (could be attached depending on which lens that I am using), as well as one or two more wider angle lenses. Is there a bag that will fit at least two of the longer telephotos attached to cameras, as well as the remaining lenses? I was looking at the Kiboko 30L and the Mr Jan Boris.
Also, I need a pack with good support and one that will fit the frame of a smaller person. Any suggestions?
My husband is adamant that I get the new 300mm prime. Lucky me! ...Show more →
I got everything I needed into the Mindshift 36L. It fits in the overhead no issues. Two A1, 300 and 400, plus 1.4x, 20, 50, and 135.
guitardirky wrote:
I got everything I needed into the Mindshift 36L. It fits in the overhead no issues. Two A1, 300 and 400, plus 1.4x, 20, 50, and 135.
I posted this to the Trip Location Advice forum but was encouraged to post here for more responses. This is quite the thread! I searched every page for info on Botswana and incorporated a few things into my post.
************
I have been to Africa once - Tanzania. Amazing wildlife, amazing experience. Botswana is on my bucket list and want to do some initial planning to figure out time of year, length of stay, "must go" places, guides to consider, etc.
I don't have specific species I want to see. I want to see a lot of wildlife and a lot of different wildlife. We are retired, so we can go at any time for (pretty much) any duration.
WHEN TO GO:
I understand that November through April is wetter and greener. It makes for nicer backgrounds but harder to spot wildlife. May to October is dry season so easier to spot wildlife (especially around watering holes) but less appealing backgrounds.
In order to have lots of photo opportunities and lots of variety, what's the best time to go?
Note from this thread: Somebody mentioned less heat shimmer during the wet season. Is that a significant enough factor to effect the timing of a trip?
WHAT ARE THE "MUST VISIT" AREAS IN BOTSWANA (THE WILDLIFE HOTSPOTS):
And Is it reasonable to see them all in one trip or does that result in spending too much time moving between locations?
Possible areas from this thread:
Moremi (game reserve), Khwai, Savuti, Chobe NP, Okavango Delta, Caprivi Strip
Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe; just north of N. Botswana)
Anything along eastern Namibia that is worth diverting for? (focus is Botswana)
HOW LONG TO GO FOR:
Somewhat influenced by the last question, what is a reasonable duration for such a trip?
COMPANIES/GUIDES TO CONSIDER:
My experiences in Tanzania, Galapagos and Costa Rica have taught me guides are everything for a trip like this. A good guide makes for a great experience, so I am looking for recommendations for guides for Botswana.
There was a Pangolin recommendation so I took a look at their site. It does look interesting and the prices seem somewhat reasonable for African photo trips. I would like to look at other companies/guides though based on the experiences of others here.
I have down two trips with Pangolin. Absolutely top drawer. They have a trio package of Chobe, Okavango, and Kalahari that is great. The boat on the Chobe is a must.
ps: currently in process in booking another for September.
Somehow I missed this link to your photos, but I just saw it as the feature thread winner. Congratulations, and well a well deserved win for a amazing set of images.
Given the success of your trip, would you mind filling us in on the logistics? Any recommendations for tours/guides, accommodations, etc.?
robert_in_ca wrote:
Go with the Kiboko 30L. I have the 22L and use it for my trips to TZ which carries my unattached Z 400mm 2.8TC, Z 70-200mm 2.8, x1.4TC and my Z8 and Z9 with room to spare.
Right now I am in SA and I using my ThinkTank Airport XT roller. It carries the kit as above but with my Z 600 4.0TC instead of the 400mm + Swarovski 10x42 binoculars. However, because I’ve added in my 135mm Plena I carry my Z8 in my small carry on.
Thanks for the suggestion on the 30L Kiboko. That is what I ended up purchasing. B&H had it on sale for $90 off and I was able to order at the sale price. It is really a nice pack and very roomy. Also, it is really comfortable - more so that my Atlas or Shimoda bags, which are both very good.
Another question - for people who take two bodies but have more lenses, do you simply pick two lenses for the day and shoot with those, or do you change lenses in the field, which does not seem to be recommended in Kenya and Tanzania? After Namibia, I certainly understand the reasoning for not swapping lenses unless at the lodge.
Abuttolph wrote:
Thanks for the suggestion on the 30L Kiboko. That is what I ended up purchasing. B&H had it on sale for $90 off and I was able to order at the sale price. It is really a nice pack and very roomy. Also, it is really comfortable - more so that my Atlas or Shimoda bags, which are both very good.
Another question - for people who take two bodies but have more lenses, do you simply pick two lenses for the day and shoot with those, or do you change lenses in the field, which does not seem to be recommended in Kenya and Tanzania? After Namibia, I certainly understand the reasoning for not swapping lenses unless at the lodge.
Abuttolph wrote:
Thanks for the suggestion on the 30L Kiboko. That is what I ended up purchasing. B&H had it on sale for $90 off and I was able to order at the sale price. It is really a nice pack and very roomy. Also, it is really comfortable - more so that my Atlas or Shimoda bags, which are both very good.
Another question - for people who take two bodies but have more lenses, do you simply pick two lenses for the day and shoot with those, or do you change lenses in the field, which does not seem to be recommended in Kenya and Tanzania? After Namibia, I certainly understand the reasoning for not swapping lenses unless at the lodge.
You can still change lenses in the field unless it's super windy and blowing a lot of dust. I changed lenses in all conditions even though I had a 4 body setup with 4 lenses attached, I still had to change between video and still setups in the field. I suggest bringing a small microfiber towel and keep it in your bag. Take it out and wipe down the lens and camera to get rid of dust so that you aren't creating a lot of dust when you make the swap. if you have someone to help you hold the new lens it makes it even that much quicker/easier.
artsupreme wrote:
You can still change lenses in the field unless it's super windy and blowing a lot of dust. I changed lenses in all conditions even though I had a 4 body setup with 4 lenses attached, I still had to change between video and still setups in the field. I suggest bringing a small microfiber towel and keep it in your bag. Take it out and wipe down the lens and camera to get rid of dust so that you aren't creating a lot of dust when you make the swap. if you have someone to help you hold the new lens it makes it even that much quicker/easier....Show more →
Time of year and location have a huge effect on how much and the nature of the dust in the air. In the rainy seasons (there are 2, the long and short rains) dust is often a non issue.
Many of the best game areas are on plains that used to be lakes. The soil there is super fine, often almost talc like in grain size. This will hang in the air, settle on and penetrate everything wind or not. You will need to develop methods to deal with it.
1bwana1 wrote:
Time of year and location have a huge effect on how much and the nature of the dust in the air. In the rainy seasons (there are 2 the long and shirt rains) dust is often a non issue.
Many of the best game areas are on plains that used to be lakes. The soil there is super fine, often almost talc like in grain size. This will hang in the air, settle on and penitrate everything wind or not. You will need to develope methods to deal with it.
Agreed. I've been to the "moon dust" areas in Amboseli in September and October which are considered the driest and dustiest time of the year and it was not an issue for me unless the wind was howling. You have to pick your spots where to park and swap lenses. I should mention though that I ride enduro motocross all over the world so "dusty conditions" to me are a little different than what's considered dusty to most people. We are literally eating dust for hundreds of miles at a time on our bikes. For Safari, I prefer the dry/dusty season and areas because IMO the dust makes for good photos. In the rainy season it obviously wouldn't be as much of an issue.
When I do travel with more than 2 lenses - I rarely change lenses when I am out for the day.
Abuttolph wrote:
Thanks for the suggestion on the 30L Kiboko. That is what I ended up purchasing. B&H had it on sale for $90 off and I was able to order at the sale price. It is really a nice pack and very roomy. Also, it is really comfortable - more so that my Atlas or Shimoda bags, which are both very good.
Another question - for people who take two bodies but have more lenses, do you simply pick two lenses for the day and shoot with those, or do you change lenses in the field, which does not seem to be recommended in Kenya and Tanzania? After Namibia, I certainly understand the reasoning for not swapping lenses unless at the lodge.
As a hold over from the nerve wrecking sensor cleaning Visible Dust swabbing days, I don’t change lenses during my entire safari unless I’m blessed with an over the top, up close wide angle opportunity. That’s because my nightly gear wipe downs tend to be quick/sloppy using the same brush/microfiber towel; and my dri bags only get a few quick shakes. I don’t even do the nightly dust blower inside the camera anymore. I guess I’ve gotten lazier over the years but at least I don’t worry about dust getting inside my camera/lemses/TCs.
One reason I didn't change lenses much was because I assumed that if something got close enough for an amazing wide-angle photograph, I could use my Iphone 14 Pro. It produces surprisingly good images and can shoot raw.
EverLearning wrote:
I posted this to the Trip Location Advice forum but was encouraged to post here for more responses. This is quite the thread! I searched every page for info on Botswana and incorporated a few things into my post.
************
I have been to Africa once - Tanzania. Amazing wildlife, amazing experience. Botswana is on my bucket list and want to do some initial planning to figure out time of year, length of stay, "must go" places, guides to consider, etc.
I don't have specific species I want to see. I want to see a lot of wildlife and a lot of different wildlife. We are retired, so we can go at any time for (pretty much) any duration.
WHEN TO GO:
I understand that November through April is wetter and greener. It makes for nicer backgrounds but harder to spot wildlife. May to October is dry season so easier to spot wildlife (especially around watering holes) but less appealing backgrounds.
In order to have lots of photo opportunities and lots of variety, what's the best time to go?
Note from this thread: Somebody mentioned less heat shimmer during the wet season. Is that a significant enough factor to effect the timing of a trip?
WHAT ARE THE "MUST VISIT" AREAS IN BOTSWANA (THE WILDLIFE HOTSPOTS):
And Is it reasonable to see them all in one trip or does that result in spending too much time moving between locations?
Possible areas from this thread:
Moremi (game reserve), Khwai, Savuti, Chobe NP, Okavango Delta, Caprivi Strip
Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe; just north of N. Botswana)
Anything along eastern Namibia that is worth diverting for? (focus is Botswana)
HOW LONG TO GO FOR:
Somewhat influenced by the last question, what is a reasonable duration for such a trip?
COMPANIES/GUIDES TO CONSIDER:
My experiences in Tanzania, Galapagos and Costa Rica have taught me guides are everything for a trip like this. A good guide makes for a great experience, so I am looking for recommendations for guides for Botswana.
There was a Pangolin recommendation so I took a look at their site. It does look interesting and the prices seem somewhat reasonable for African photo trips. I would like to look at other companies/guides though based on the experiences of others here.
If it was up to me, I would be headed to Mashatu in the dry season. You mention worse backgrounds in the dry season, but I think they are better with less foliage. It depends on your aesthetic preference. You can drive off-road at Mashatu as well, so heat shimmer won't be as much of an issue. They have a lot of leopards down there. Check it out on Youtube, there's a lot of content on the Mashatu game reserve. I would go in July or August and spend my time at a couple different Mashatu camps.
Thanks for the reply artsupreme. Given its remote location and distance to other notable areas (mostly in the north), I gather if one chooses to do the camp(s) here, one wouldn't do other parts of Botswana in the same trip?
EverLearning wrote:
Thanks for the reply artsupreme. Given its remote location and distance to other notable areas (mostly in the north), I gather if one chooses to do the camp(s) here, one wouldn't do other parts of Botswana in the same trip?
I think it all depends on budget and time constraints. People usually tie in Victoria Falls, the Delta, or similar. Everyone's tastes and photographic styles are different so I would ask yourself what season you like (green/wet or brown/dusty) and then also what terrain you are interested in. Some people like green bushy vegetation for a background, and others like dry/dusty/open backgrounds. I really like what I see at Mashatu as it has everything I would need for my photographic tastes on a safari. It has very cool terrain with a variety of rugged/rocky hills and wide open plains. You can drive off-road which is huge for me, and they have a high density of predators to photograph. They also have some cool hides which checks another box off the list. It's top shelf so expect top shelf experience, game viewing, and high pricing. I sent you a PM.
EverLearning wrote:
Thanks for the reply artsupreme. Given its remote location and distance to other notable areas (mostly in the north), I gather if one chooses to do the camp(s) here, one wouldn't do other parts of Botswana in the same trip?
I lived in Botswana for nearly 9 months and as nice as Mashatu is along with much of the Tuli Block I prefer Savute (March/April - October) and the Central Kalahari Game Reserve (Dec - March is the best time to visit).
In Savute you'll see large elephant herds and my favorite which are the Marsh Lion pride which numbers roughly around 30 lions. The CKGR is the most remote reserve in Southern Africa and the second largest wildlife reserve in the world. In my personal opinion those 2 areas blow Mashatu out of the water - unless of course doing 5 star lodging is more important then Mashuta is better.
Glad to hear that Mashatu has come such a long way from when I visited. Do they still require an unnecessary guide in the vehicle along with the driver? That wasn’t cool IMHO.
Given that it's 70 or 75% private I seriously doubt that has changed.
ChrisHA wrote:
Glad to hear that Mashatu has come such a long way from when I visited. Do they still require an unnecessary guide in the vehicle along with the driver? That wasn’t cool IMHO.
