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

[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