Another day closer..........

[Marc Retallack]

A little motivation for you Jack...

[TARNATION !!!]

Thanks Marc. Yep, they are on the agenda, along with as many species as we can get close to. Daughter has been a giraffe nut forever, which was the spark on her end to get on with this adventure sooner than later. What lens were you using? How close were you getting to the animals? Motivation is setting in alright - just have to deal with roosters for the month of October and then give them a go again in December, if I can still hike after a month through lion country.

Cheers,
Jack

[Marc Retallack]

Jack

Space was a consideration on the trip, so I left my film SLR and lenses at home. I was using a simple Sony DSC-H5 point-and-shoot with it's 12x Zeiss lens. Distance on the lions was maybe 100yds +/-. I was on horseback for the shot on the wildebeest which seemed to put them more at ease. Maybe 50-60yds.

A couple more. The top is a sunset in the Matopos region of Zimbabwe. Also, one for your daughter. Sorry about the quality. That little fella wouldn't let me closer than a couple hundred yds so my lens was maxed. Finally, game bird storage, native style (Apologies again. I couldn't use a flash in the hut and the shutter speed was awfully slow.)

[TARNATION !!!]

Thanks for the pics. She will be thrilled to see the giraffes up close and personal, especially the young ones. I thought about leaving the heavy camera gear at home, but... then I thought this is likely a once in a lifetime trip, so the gear has it's own backpack (won't bother with a tripod). I'll take a pocket camera, and two Canon backs so I don't have to change the lenses. The two going are 100-400 and 17-85. I'll go light on clothing (except good boots). Any advice on any aspect of spending a month in Africa will be appreciated. Some of the nights are in tents (but from what I have seen in pics, these tents would beat a Motel 6 or Super 8 room.) She has it organized that all the game drives are just the two of us with a local driver/guide.

Cheers,
Jack

[C.O.B.]

When I have hunted in Africa you only needed a couple days clothing and yesterdays laundry is washed, pressed and laid out on your bed when you get back to camp. Camp will have hot and cold running water and a flush toilet complete with shower.

Take extra batteries for the camera as they are VERY hard to find. I assume your going on a photo safari and not taking a rifle

Kenya was THE hunting destination for East Africa. The Norfolk Hotel in Nariobi has seen it's share of famous hunters such as Raurk, Hemingway, O'Connor, Kings, Princes and Presidents grace its doors. It was a wild and crazy place back in the day. Tanzania is the Alaska of Africa very few roads and everything just about is flown in. Its the most expensive country to hunt in Africa.

If I ever come into a wad of cash a 30 day safari to Tanzania would be the crown jewel to my hunting sorties.

You'll have a wonderfull time..tell sis I'm so jealous

[TARNATION !!!]

I'll let her know. Yes, photo safari. I would be forever exiled from the family if I were to take any animal. As a kid, that was a dream but I'm happy enough now to just view.

Cheers,
Jack

[Marc Retallack]

Jack

The first thing I'd suggest is choose your traveling companion wisely. Sounds like that one's taken care of. When I was in Zimbabwe, I was with a good friend who had lived there for the better part of a decade. It was great spending a month there with someone who knew the country so well.

If you have opportunities to do some foot safaris, take em. Seeing game from a vehicle is enjoyable but not the same as face to face. Along with that, see if you can opt for a night or two of "real camping". I spent a few nights sleeping with a ground mat/sleeping bag under the African sky in Hwange National Park. You'll never see a more amazing sky or hear more things go bump in the middle of the night. Hwange is a "park" in name only. You are required to be accompanied by a PH while you're camping there. My PH Dennis Paul had a Win Mdl 70 .375 H&H with us at all times.

Try as much game meat as you can while there. My favorites were warthog and eland.

I can't speak for the part of Africa you'll be in, but the people I came in contact with were very friendly. If you reciprocate that friendliness, I think it will make your trip all the more enjoyable.

You won't regret going Jack. I hope I may return someday.

All the best
Marcus