I recommend a pair of binocs per person, but no extras beyond that. It is annoying for you to be waiting for someone to finish looking through the glasses. It is annoying for others to endure all the binoc chatter and movement.

"Can I have them now?" "Do you want the binocs?" "Who has the binocs?" "Let me see, let me see." "Okay, my turn." "Did so-and-so get to see yet?" etc. etc.

The movement of putting the strap on and off and handing the binocs around is annoying for anyone trying to photograph and not wanting a lot of movement in the vehicle.

Then you'll have to adjust them from the last person, not only the magnification, but the eyecap for sunglasses may be up for some, down for others. That detracts from viewing time.

The only time you'll probably want the binocs is when something interesting is a ways off. Then everybody will want them at once and it's an urget mad rush for the limited pairs. It's not like sharing popcorn where you pass it around leisurely.

If you don't think you'll use the binocs again, you could leave them behind as a very nice guide gift. On the other hand by Day 2, you may very well be planning a return trip to Africa where the binocs will come in handy again. So I'd want my own and not want to count on sharing.

Here are some binoc threads.

http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...p;tid=34948209

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34660178

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34662770

I agree with Bushnell for a first pair that's not too expensive.

I agree with KIBOKO and the others who have recommended the Canon 10 X 30 IS binoculars. I have been on several trips with the hard core birders and after they have tried them (image stabilized) they were converted. With binos, people tend to like and recommend whatever they purchased last. That is why it is always best to go to a store that carries a large variety and try them. Remember, on safari you will probably what to view at an animal sighting for a longer period of time than the typical birder takes to identify a bird. Fatigue becomes a real problem and most prople can't hold the binos still enough for more than a couple of minutes maybe you 20 year olds can?). Another thought, I would rather share a house with a single bathroom and 15 women than a one pair of binoculars with six other people :-).
Cheers-Chuck

Thanks, again, to all of you! I have learned so much about binoculars. I think we will go with the Canon that so many of you recommend. Will definitely go and try them out at our camera store first.

Appreciate all the help!!!

<b>safarichuck</b>:

Sentiment perfectly expressed!