| If you've decided an African safari holiday is for | | | | equipment. One of the highlights of a African |
| you, you're joining a long line of intrepid travelers | | | | safaris is the tremendous opportunity for taking |
| who have decided they want it all. On an African | | | | memorable photographs. For one thing, the |
| wildlife safari you can get up close with the | | | | landscapes are varied and offer everything from |
| world's most exotic creatures, marvel at stunning | | | | vast plains to soaring mountains and deep lakes. |
| natural vistas and landscapes, and just breathe in | | | | Then, of course, there are the animals |
| the beauty and mystery of the world's oldest | | | | themselves. A photograph of a mother elephant |
| civilizations. Just being in Africa is a unique | | | | leading its young to drink at a watering hole at |
| experience, but here are some ways to get the | | | | evening is something that will give a lifetime of |
| absolute most out of your African safari. | | | | happy memories. |
| The first thing is to do your homework. Even | | | | Your best option is a 35mm SLR (single lens |
| though your safari organizer will be taking care of | | | | reflex) camera with interchangeable lenses. You'll |
| all the details, and educating you along the way, | | | | want to pack a 25-70mm lens for landscapes, |
| doing some research of your own will go a long | | | | 70-210mm for moving objects and an 80-200mm |
| way towards enhancing your safari experience. | | | | lens for wildlife photography. If you use film, an |
| So what kind of homework should you do? | | | | auto winding function is a must as it will allow you |
| Bone up on the history of the country you're | | | | to capture a burst of shots quickly without having |
| visiting. The Internet makes accessing any | | | | to wind the film on. If you use digital, be sure to |
| information a snap but your local library is still well | | | | stock up memory cards and spare batteries. |
| worth a visit. Borrow a few large illustrated tomes | | | | There's nothing worse than your perfect shot |
| on Africa and sit back, read and let your | | | | appearing at dusk and having a full card or empty |
| imagination take you to that far continent. Read | | | | battery. |
| up, too, on the animals. Find out about their daily | | | | Remember not to photograph any government |
| lives, likes and dislikes. It will make it all the more | | | | or military building or instillation, including airports, |
| rewarding when you finally meet them in the | | | | railway stations, and border posts. Plus when you |
| flesh. Finally, find out as much as you can about | | | | photograph the locals, it's polite to ask permission |
| the people whose country you're visiting. It's often | | | | first. Certain tribes such as the Maasai may |
| the people you meet on your travels that make | | | | request a fee for being photographed. |
| the biggest and most lasting impression. | | | | Above all when on safari, you need to ecologically |
| Packing for your safari is also a key task. You'll | | | | and socially responsible. Remember this is not an |
| need a valid passport and visa, of course. Bear in | | | | artificial theme park set up for your pleasure - it's |
| mind that many countries require a passport with | | | | the habitat of millions of animals and home for |
| a remaining validity of at least six months. As for | | | | millions of people. You need to treat the whole |
| visas, your safari organiser will advise you on this. | | | | safari experience with the respect it deserves. |
| As for clothing, shorts and a t-shirt is standard | | | | One way to ensure this is to arrange your travel |
| wear during the day and a long sleeved shirt and | | | | with a company that takes its responsibilities to |
| long trousers in the evening for warmth and for | | | | the area, the animals and the people very |
| protection against mosquitoes. If you're sensitive | | | | seriously. |
| to sunlight, a long-sleeved light cotton shirt is | | | | Such companies focus on low-impact tourism and |
| useful during the day. As for colours, khaki, | | | | only work with environmentally responsible lodges |
| brown, olive and beige colours are best, while | | | | and camps. What's more they strive to establish |
| white is a no-no. Not only does white make you | | | | best practices for eco tourism including the use of |
| visible to the animals, it also gets dirty very | | | | solar panels and inverter power. Your African |
| quickly. Other handy items include hats and | | | | safari holiday is the occasion of a lifetime; with a |
| binoculars. | | | | little care and preparation it's sure to be an event |
| The next thing to prepare is your photography | | | | you'll never forget. |