calling recent safari returnees
 

For those of us who are heading on safari in the next 2-3 months,(or 2 weeks in my case), what last minute advice do you experienced safari travelers have for us neophytes? Besides taking lots of pictures and thoroughly enjoying ourselves? As the Pointer Sisters said so aptly "I'm So Excited". Thanks to all.

"I'm about to lose control and I think I like it. Oh Yah!"

Jot down some notes as often as you can after your game drives or other activities, even if it is not in report form, so you don't forget. I use the margins of my printed itinerary.

Here is a thread on some things not to do. Hope this doesn't put a damper on your excitement.
http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...p;tid=34654764

You should consider taking a audio recording device of some sort. My wife did that and was able to synchronize the recordings of birds and wildlife to the computerized slideshow of our photographs.

Have a great safari.

BillionSafari's answer reminded me of this recent thread on what people wished they had brought. But if you pack all this your plane won't be able to take off.
http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...p;tid=34929931

I carried a small notebook and pen with me and recorded sightings, my feelings & impressions, and whatever else came to mind. At the time it seemed like a lot of effort, but now (7 months later), I'm so glad I did it. I cherish my dusty little notebook. My husband was in charge of using our wildlife book and marking the pictures of each animal we saw. We're also glad to have that record. Other than that, we just showed up for our game drives and meals. Everything else was taken care of. It was wonderful.

Remember to take your camera away from your face once in a while and just take it all in.

Have a wonderful trip. We look forward to your report when you get back.

agree with calo, put the cmera down once in awhile and just enjoy it.
spend some time with the less "famous" animals..baboons are fascinating to watch as are the wart-hogs, dung beetles etc.
ask questions-amazing how these wild animals exist, what plants are used for, how the people live..if you don't ask, you won't know.
have fun, relax and enjoy it all!

I have posted this prior, but on the first trip brought the Canon AE-1 with all the lenses. Real pain.

This trip, new Panny TZ3, pocketable with plenty of zoom and if I get the great picture, good, if not, oh well.

Second safari is for the pictures we retain in our minds. Also, that's why it's private.

Thanks for the replies. I haven't owned a camera since 1985 because I take lousy pictures. I hope to take some good pictures to remind me of my journey but I also want to immerse myself in what TZ has to offer. Believe me, I am not one to keep the camera to my face for the entire trip. When I went to Iceland 2 years ago I only took 10 pictures (with a borrowed camera). I have a notebook and 2 pens at the ready. I think I will be like a kid in a candy shop.

The gameviewing will be fantastic, no doubt about it. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know our guides, trackers and the service people. Each has a fascinating story of their personal life in Africa, complete with joys and sorrows. I learned a great deal about Africa through their eyes and experiences. Some of my favorite safari photos include the beautiful smiles of those people who enriched my life through conversation. Enjoy your trip and return many times thereafter!