Chris_GA_Atl

We also took a hiking staff that doubled as a monopod with us, but we were specifically told that we could not bring it to the site where the gorillas are located on all four of our gorilla treks. I have read elsewhere that objects like that make the gorillas nervous becuase the MGVP people who give medical care to the gorillas use blowguns to dart them, and that the gorillas get suspicious of items that resemble the blowguns. I certainly would have liked to take our hiking staff/monopod with me, because it really would have helped, not only with the picture-taking, but also with the tough hiking we sometimes did after dropping our gear!

Having said that, I have read other people's accounts of actually taking tripods up to see the gorillas, so perhaps my experience is not representative. I can't fathom trying to use a tripod in that terrain, but people have done it.

I guess the bottom line is, take it with you and then ask the guide who is leading your trek, but don't count on being able to use it when you are actually with the gorillas.

Have a great time! Seeing and photographing the gorillas is an incredible experience that will stay with you forever!

Chris

mytmoss

I cannot see taking a tripod either. You are not allowed to stand up in the vehicles. Personally I have not and will not waste my valuable luggage space with something that large and heavy that I for the most part cannot use.

Mike

afrigalah

I don't like to see people misled. You <b><i>are<b></b></i> allowed to stand up in some vehicles sometimes. I have done so in an open vehicle, with the guide's permission, on a number of occasions to get a more suitable camera angle (and to operate the spotlight for him at night when more elevation was needed). Most of the time, though, the best camera angles are from low down, so standing is rarely necessary.

I have also taken a tripod on safari twice, and still kept within my 12 kg check-in luggage allowance. It was of course a fairly light tripod, suitable for a small medium format camera</b>

afrigalah

I'm another Fodorite who dearly wishes editing was possible here to correct trigger finger mistakes (premature posting ) and typos! I didn't intend my whole post to be in bold type.

To finish my say: It's frequently possible to get out of vehicles in some concessions, even in predator country, so as a sometime landscape photographer, I've enjoyed taking the opportunity with a tripod from time to time. If you're interested, don't rule it out as a possibility.

John

mytmoss

afrigalah

I suppose different reserves have different rules, however I have not been allowed to stand at any of the reserves I have visited and I would not assume I could. My camera equipment and bag weighed in at 40 pounds, so having a heavy duty tripod added to that would not be practical. Also getting out of a vehicle would be special permission of the ranger and they may have rules about that also. Be aware that you unless you are paying for a private vehicle, you will be with other people. The ranger has to take that into consideration. If you want to stop and take pictures and other people do not, there may be conflict. Bottom line is if you take the tripod, you may not be able to use it effectively while on the game drives.

Mike

afrigalah

Mike,

The important thing is that people are aware of what may be possible. Those who have read this thread and weren't aware before, are now informed. It is not a matter of assuming anything; nor is it a matter of ruling something out completely, as some newbie might have done on reading your post in regard to standing in vehicles. I've stood in both reserves and private concessions. It may be a rare privilege, it may not, but it is possible, and once aware of the possibility, it is easy enough to find out before going what rules apply in the destination of your choice.

John

mytmoss

Hi John, You are correct. I would not rule it out. I guess I was thinking more of carrying the extra weight vs not being able to use it often enough to warrant lugging it around. Its a personal choice for sure. I have been allowed to sit high in the back of a vehicle for extra viewing, but that was allowed because the knew me and knew I would not do anything stupid. A lot is at the discretion of your ranger and their expertise.

Mike

afrigalah

Yes, Mike, I wouldn't think of taking my heavy tripod, though some private-vehicle pros do (along with a lot of other gear that's way beyond my resources). The most camera gear I've ever taken was about 17 kg...it was all cabin baggage, so I was certainly pushing the boundaries that trip. Those days are long gone. When I've taken my light tripod, it's gone into the bottom of my check-in bag, and on drives, has fitted easily on the floor under the seat, out of everybody's way. Of course, you have to know in advance what your safari vehicle can take.

John

Cheweyhead

Last safari we had a Camera Backpack. It was so heavy I felt like we were training to be firefighters. I would like to take a roll on, carry on type this time. What is the situation with weight on the small planes if it is camera equiqment instead of our clothing duffle?

afrigalah

Cheweyhead,

I've always encountered flexibility but I know from what others have said that pilots can be strict. In fact, on one trip, an American looked at my lenses in camp and asked in astonishment how I had got them there. He then explained that he had been required to pay for an extra seat for his luggage before boarding the light plane. Among other things, pilots would take account of their passenger loading for each flight, their safety margin, weather conditions and so on, so while one might feel he can be flexible, another wouldn't. Having flown a lot in small planes, I fully approve, and have always been prepared to pay extra.

John

Cheweyhead

To photograph the gorillas in Rwanda would you use your Canon 20D x1.6 or the full frame 5D?