How important....
 

I am leaving for Tanzania in about five weeks. (!!!!) I have gotten a lot of good info from this site (as I did when I went to London a number of years ago), but have a couple of questions:

camera---I have a very small Nikon coolpix L1 I purchased a couple of years ago before going to Italy. I have wonderful pictures from Italy.
BUT, I am the kind of person that likes some pics as a reminder of the trip, but prefer to "be in the moment" and experience rather than always have a camera to my face. (I did take about 600 pics in 2 weeks in Italy) So is my tiny Nikon okay?

Clothing--I will be in northern Tanzania most of the time, then a few days in Zanzibar and a few days in Selous. I am a naturally warm person--do I really need a hat and gloves? Lots of layers? (I am going on a balloon ride over the Serengeti, and suspect I may need a hat for that).

Shoes--I have some New Balance country walkers, am planning on picking up some Tevas (the tour co. said to bring water proof sandals). If there weren't weight restrictions on interior flights I wouldn't be so concerned, but I am trying to limit my shoes to two plus croc flip flops.

Thanks for all your info!!

If you can possibly afford it, upgrade to a 10x-12x optical zoom with image stabilization. I don't know if Nikon has one of those but Canon does with the S4, S5, rumors of S6; Panasonic Luminix has them; and Sony does with their DSC H2, H7, H9 series.

These will not turn you into an f-stop fiddler who misses all the action in front of you. They will allow you to capture better reminders of the trip where you can really see the animals you are observing with your naked eye or the binocs.

Just become comfortable zooming in and out and using the automatic feature before you go. No need to become an expert on all the features on the dial. Take your manual with you. To pass time on the plane or in the airport you could review other features besides the automatic mode.

If you are in the crater, you'll want at least a hood you can pull up and tie to keep your eyes warm. Since gloves take up so little room, why not throw in a pair? Remember, you will not just be sitting still, you'll be in a vehicle with the top up or off so air will be circulating as you drive 20+ mph or faster.

Layers? Yes, absolutely. If you use layers, then you do not have to include real heavy items because two lighter layers can equal one lined fleece. Take the lighter items and forget the lined fleece.

Footware looks fine. I am a New Balance gal, myself.

Thanks! I will check out the camera possibilities.

Don't leave your L1 behind, though. A backup camera is important. One time I needed my backup and was glad to have it.

It sounds like we'll be in Tanzania about the same time. I'm arriving with my group on Sept. 8 for two weeks, then will be going on to Zanzibar. I assume that it will be a bit warmer in September (Spring) than when I've been there in June (winter.) Still, I think that the nights will be cool. It was VERY cool on the balloon ride, so bundle up for that. Layers are your best way to go. Zanzibar will be very warm and humid. I think that Selous will be warmer than the northern circuit parks, as well.

I'd second the suggestion to update your camera, as you'll need a good zoom lens (10x to 12x for a digital camera). Otherwise, you'll just be frustrated that you're not getting the photos you want. The suggested cameras also have image stabilization, which is important for the long zooms.

Are you traveling on your own or with a group? I wonder if we'll overlap anywhere. We're already planning a "mini GTG" of Fodorites at Maramboi Camp on Sept. 12 (myself, Aknards, and SDTravelers.) Enjoy your trip!

I want to thank you all for the suggestion regarding the camera--I did get one of the ones recommended (Canon S5) and my pictures are great. As the actual trip recedes from memory, the pictures become more powerful.

The balloon trip turned out to not be so cold after all, in fact it was rather warm! but I was prepared. I did have plenty of layers for the Crater. I never did use my gloves or earwarmers though.

Again, thanks for the great advice!

As far as heat, Zanzibar wasn't too bad for me. I was very worried that the heat and humidity would be a big problem for me, but it never was. It was very hot in the Selous during the mid-day, but I hung out at the pool from 1-3 and the pool was COLD! I don't think it ever went below 80 (my travel clock gives the temp), but I was always comfortable--the ceiling fan in my tent was enough.

ShayTay, sorry I didn't get back to this message before my trip--I wonder if we did overlap! I went with National Geographic Expeditions/Global Adrenaline for the Northern Circuit with an extension to the Selous.

Thanks for the follow-up posting, Diane. Yes, I wonder if we passed by each other somewhere along the way. Do you plan to do a trip report? I'd love to hear about your travels and see any pics that you might post online. Akards did the report for our safari.

One of our group used a Canon S5 and got great pics, as well. I'm glad to hear that you liked the camera. I'm thinking of using the updated version on my next trip, the Canon SX10 IS.

So the Selous was hot... I'm thinking that some of the areas we'll be in on our southern/western Tanzania will be the same this September and will plan accordingly. On Zanzibar, you can catch some of the sea breezes, which help with the temps.

I should probably qualify what I said about Zanzibar---I returned drenched after a walking tour, but I drank enough water and never felt like I had to stop or sit down and rest. I also brought a hand held fabric fan (that folds into a silly looking hat) that was very useful when sitting on a plane or in a bus. I was concerned about the no air conditioning in the Selous, but I really enjoyed not having it--in fact when I got home, I opened all my windows and doors and let the breeze in as long as I could!

I should do a trip report--but it seems like I hit the ground running when I returned and never got around to it. I will put it on the top of my list!

here it is two years later, and still no trip report! :-(