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Dec 30th, 2007, 08:14 AM
#121
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cutter
good question. i am one of those guests who prefers being next to the "driver" (no offence intended by using that term) it is true in my instance that i feel more at eye level with the subject instead of looking down upon it. i have also been treated in the past on the odd occasion when the ranger (who i'm sure wishes to remain nameless) let me lie underneath the vehicle and photograph from there. it's rather thrilling i must say. of course i happened to be the only guest on the vehicle and knew the ranger quite well at the time. of course i had signed the indemnity form back at the camp...
the down side is that there are instances when it is unavoidable that the sighting is not on the passenger side ofthe vehicle.
eric
good question. i am one of those guests who prefers being next to the "driver" (no offence intended by using that term) it is true in my instance that i feel more at eye level with the subject instead of looking down upon it. i have also been treated in the past on the odd occasion when the ranger (who i'm sure wishes to remain nameless) let me lie underneath the vehicle and photograph from there. it's rather thrilling i must say. of course i happened to be the only guest on the vehicle and knew the ranger quite well at the time. of course i had signed the indemnity form back at the camp...
the down side is that there are instances when it is unavoidable that the sighting is not on the passenger side ofthe vehicle.
eric
Dec 30th, 2007, 08:25 AM
#122
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interesting cutther, about saying you're a birder - probably be my luck though that there would actually be a group of keen birders in camp and I'd be with them!!!!
So, it would be better to say "I'd like to be with experienced guests" than have a negative tone about first timers. Ok, but, the honeymooners are indeed a class by themselves!!! They are likely to be on safari because it is the "thing to do" for honeymoons. They may have never even seen a National Geographic program on Africa. AND, the husband may have arranged the safari as a SURPRISE for his bride. Whether she wanted it or not. Ok, I'm done, I'm just a bitter love starved old man
Sitting back rows in the vehicle often gives you an unnatural perspective on the animals. Unless it's birds. My favorite seat is the first row behind the driver. The worst is probably the one next to the driver especially when a tracker is on that front fender/wing. And I'm doing video.
regards - tom
ps - thanks eric i stand corrected on the "your". is was that originally, now corrected to "you're". but - my capital letter keys are no longer working !!!!!
So, it would be better to say "I'd like to be with experienced guests" than have a negative tone about first timers. Ok, but, the honeymooners are indeed a class by themselves!!! They are likely to be on safari because it is the "thing to do" for honeymoons. They may have never even seen a National Geographic program on Africa. AND, the husband may have arranged the safari as a SURPRISE for his bride. Whether she wanted it or not. Ok, I'm done, I'm just a bitter love starved old man
Sitting back rows in the vehicle often gives you an unnatural perspective on the animals. Unless it's birds. My favorite seat is the first row behind the driver. The worst is probably the one next to the driver especially when a tracker is on that front fender/wing. And I'm doing video.
regards - tom
ps - thanks eric i stand corrected on the "your". is was that originally, now corrected to "you're". but - my capital letter keys are no longer working !!!!!
Dec 30th, 2007, 08:58 AM
#123
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tom
i believe that the word "your" in the first line of your most recent post should in fact be "you're" HOWEVER i actually think i would appreciate you sitting behind me in a safari vehicle as we probably share similar views on many things and we won't fight for the same seat!
no hard feelings
eric
i believe that the word "your" in the first line of your most recent post should in fact be "you're" HOWEVER i actually think i would appreciate you sitting behind me in a safari vehicle as we probably share similar views on many things and we won't fight for the same seat!
no hard feelings
eric
Dec 30th, 2007, 09:21 AM
#124
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Very interesting about the birders. I love the birds and have got pretty darn good at identifying most of them except all the little brown ones. That is my next challenge. Anyway, I used to mention this before we ever leave the lodge on the first game drive. I've had people actually step out of the vehicle at that point and demand another guide. Now, I keep my mouth shut, but driving for half an hour to locate a sole "dagga boy" for someone to add up the big five is so boring for me as we pass by and scare away beautiful bird sightings. I even like to stop for beautiful flowers, landscapes and my other favorite: dungbeetles at work. To me, if you don't enjoy what you see and chase around hoping for greener grass on the other side, you miss out on what is the meaning of a safari - to me. I think the guide's job is to relax the guests and make even a no animal game drive interesting. The scenery, the trees, the sunsets are usually to die for. And there are always the birds to admire of course. If you enjoy what you see, every game drive is a success.
Dec 30th, 2007, 09:51 AM
#125
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safarimama - I'm with you. I love it all. I'd love to get a good photo of a dung beetle at work. I'd also like to have photos of the little 5. I like all birds. And if the lions are hunting, I want to be there also. And , I also hate driving around for 30 mins just to find a giraffe.
Also, you did confirm what cutther said about getting your own vehicle. At the vehicle just announce that you want to see lots of birds and the other guests will abandon it to you!!!!
regards - tom
Also, you did confirm what cutther said about getting your own vehicle. At the vehicle just announce that you want to see lots of birds and the other guests will abandon it to you!!!!
regards - tom
Dec 30th, 2007, 09:51 AM
#126
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So if my request info. states that I have wild tics. that cause trashing about and loud sounds will I get a private vehicle?
Should I add the fact that my affliction is only contagious when touched and that I am an avid birder?
Actually I'm wondering what will make me different on my 2nd upcoming safari. How does one progress from being a newB? Is it an initiation or somewhat like boyscout badges on one's khakis?
Although my upcoming safari is at a peak time, I do hope I don't get stuck with a "Spa Girl" or anyone obsessed with timely eating sessions.
My first safari was private but only by default. Now I'm wondering if I should remortgage my house and sell my cats for the upgrade on this trip.
Peace.
Should I add the fact that my affliction is only contagious when touched and that I am an avid birder?
Actually I'm wondering what will make me different on my 2nd upcoming safari. How does one progress from being a newB? Is it an initiation or somewhat like boyscout badges on one's khakis?
Although my upcoming safari is at a peak time, I do hope I don't get stuck with a "Spa Girl" or anyone obsessed with timely eating sessions.
My first safari was private but only by default. Now I'm wondering if I should remortgage my house and sell my cats for the upgrade on this trip.
Peace.
Dec 30th, 2007, 10:11 AM
#129
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Tom, I will be more vocal in the future about being an avid birder and add spiders and dung beetles to my list of interesting sightings. Actually, I do enjoy seeing them out in the wild in their own environment. Like Lynda said, I have an incredible picture of a baboon spider with it's fangs pointing straight up that a maasai guide lured out of its hole on a walking safari somewhere in Lewa Downs. This was not the same spider that crawled over my face in he night, but I can imagine that it could be a cousin. It had hairy legs.
Yes, me too, I enjoy the small five.
I hope I haven't highjacked this thread to some other topic?
Yes, me too, I enjoy the small five.
I hope I haven't highjacked this thread to some other topic?
Dec 30th, 2007, 11:28 AM
#130
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There were several references to camps where one can experience the real Africa, or that are more basic. I'd love to know which camps in Kenya reflect the real Africa...
but suppose that can't be said?
Or does that mean mobile tent camps? Yes, I'm planning for my first safari, and hoping to see fabulous scenary, trees, and the small 500.
but suppose that can't be said? Or does that mean mobile tent camps? Yes, I'm planning for my first safari, and hoping to see fabulous scenary, trees, and the small 500.
Dec 30th, 2007, 01:16 PM
#131
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cutther,
Re photography seats. My preference with wildlife is almost always for the lowest possible perspective-- subject's eye level or a tad below, but there are always exceptions, some forced, some chosen. So the front passenger seat figures largely in my safaris and has given me many of my best shots. But I cope well in any of the other seats.
There are always occasions when lying on the ground is the only good way. I've tried the trick of getting under the vehicle-- once. The grass was too thick to see what I wanted to photograph! I've also lain on my stomach outside the vehicle for a closeup of a tiny sand snake. Like tom, I wouldn't mind macro of a dung beetle either.
John
www.afrigalah.com
Re photography seats. My preference with wildlife is almost always for the lowest possible perspective-- subject's eye level or a tad below, but there are always exceptions, some forced, some chosen. So the front passenger seat figures largely in my safaris and has given me many of my best shots. But I cope well in any of the other seats.
There are always occasions when lying on the ground is the only good way. I've tried the trick of getting under the vehicle-- once. The grass was too thick to see what I wanted to photograph! I've also lain on my stomach outside the vehicle for a closeup of a tiny sand snake. Like tom, I wouldn't mind macro of a dung beetle either.
John
www.afrigalah.com
Dec 30th, 2007, 03:56 PM
#132
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great stuff guys especially the birding advice.
Monkeypooshoe, on the topic of buying a lodge (lotto pending) and with the luxury of having a lot of experts on this forum, i was wondering if their is a way to find safari properties for sale. i've seen a website but thought maybe some of you managers may have a better avenue to seeing property on the market or maybe just a website i don't know about. from here in the states the info is tough to come by. I'm probably not really in the market but the thought has difinitely crossed my mind. any advice would be appreciated.
thx in advance
Monkeypooshoe, on the topic of buying a lodge (lotto pending) and with the luxury of having a lot of experts on this forum, i was wondering if their is a way to find safari properties for sale. i've seen a website but thought maybe some of you managers may have a better avenue to seeing property on the market or maybe just a website i don't know about. from here in the states the info is tough to come by. I'm probably not really in the market but the thought has difinitely crossed my mind. any advice would be appreciated.
thx in advance
[-o<
Dec 30th, 2007, 06:32 PM
#136
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I think sniktawk posted something not long ago (may be wrong about the poster) that led to a link for a site listing properties for sale, but now I can't find it... And we are probably hijacking this thread at this point... Start a new one, bigcountry?
Dec 30th, 2007, 06:48 PM
#137
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Dec 30th, 2007, 07:15 PM
#138
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Quote "Hey Tom & anyone keen on photography
I have driven the lot, from snap & go to the real serious photographer. I have never been that into it. A few people prefer to sit in the drivers seat for photography because they say you get a better perspective on the animal. If you are on the higher seats you are more often then not looking down on the animal. Is this down to personal preference or what?"
Front seat next to the guide is the best spot in the vehicle for photography.
(As John said) from under the vehicle if the guide allows me to.
I've also taken images standing outside the vehicle using the bonnet or rear bumper as a camera support.
Geoff.
I have driven the lot, from snap & go to the real serious photographer. I have never been that into it. A few people prefer to sit in the drivers seat for photography because they say you get a better perspective on the animal. If you are on the higher seats you are more often then not looking down on the animal. Is this down to personal preference or what?"
Front seat next to the guide is the best spot in the vehicle for photography.
(As John said) from under the vehicle if the guide allows me to.
I've also taken images standing outside the vehicle using the bonnet or rear bumper as a camera support.
Geoff.
Dec 30th, 2007, 09:07 PM
#139
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I agree that the front seat next to the guide is (usually) the best perspective for photography. And this works fine for me -IF- I have a private vehicle and the guide positions it exactly to my advantage.
regards - tom
regards - tom
Dec 30th, 2007, 09:48 PM
#140
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For bigcountry
Here is another website:
andersonwildlifeproperties.co.za
I know a very good realtor in the Kruger Park area but probably best if you are interested to let me know and give me your email address and I will get them to contact you.
Of course you could consider me for a partnership and I could set up the lodge/camp side of things?
Happy hunting
Here is another website:
andersonwildlifeproperties.co.za
I know a very good realtor in the Kruger Park area but probably best if you are interested to let me know and give me your email address and I will get them to contact you.
Of course you could consider me for a partnership and I could set up the lodge/camp side of things?
Happy hunting
