Compact Flash Express A: you'll have to add a new reader - when we travel we use a Dell Laptop (1700 series; really lightweight (XPS 1700 series - a great lightweight machine with a fine screen), and there is only an SD card slot. So keep this in mind...
My impression with the CF A cards (I have two) is that they currently do not read/write as fast as the best SD cards. (IN the future I imagine they will...but do your research on the speed you need.) I tend to use them for high quality videos, and the SD cards for images. But do your research. For me the price was right for the extra room on the card in case I am out all day, or cannot edit any images on my laptop for several days. I would not get one as my primary card - they do get hot!
We are still on our own self-drive in South Africa (since 7 November). Right now in Wakkerstrom that has one of the best freshwater wetlands for birds (all native large mammals have long since been extirpated.) For birds, So Africa is amazing...see attached photo of a Grey Crowned Crane in flight from Thursday (12 Dec.). This area is about 3 hours SE of Johannesburg.
Previous to this we were in Underberg/Himeville (about 5 hrs ESE of Wakkerstrom). Birding up at the Sani Pass (border of Lesotho) and then into Lesotho. Food (restaurants) better there in Himeville, and less (by 20%) extensive than Wakkerstrom. For the Sani Pass Stuart McLean (age 65) is a superb guide (1000 rand [$55 USD approx) per day if you have your own 4WD)...has lived there all his life. He has a web site. In Wakkerstrom the best guide (via BirdLife International) is David Nkosi who has lived in this area all his life (he is about 40). Birdlife charges 1650 Rand for a full day of guiding (with your own vehicle - not theirs). We might go with him on Monday. His phone is +27 (83) 922-3733 and he is on WhatsApp (and email but he never reads his email).
Hope that helps...for anyone who has seen enough four legged creatures...We love them...but the birds are so much more diverse (and colorful). We do get our mammal photos too...see attached.
