kak113

The time is finally approaching. I've started looking at the awesome packing list, been buying some things to keep us comfortable on the plane, and set up our dinner reservations in Cape Town (Jardine and the Roundhouse). A few last minute questions:

- Using the Canon D40 - how many extra batteries do I need? My one lasted for about 600 pics so I doubt I can take that many on one game drive.
- Beanbag - necessary or no?
- Any pointers for my wolverine hard drive? it came with little instructions so I assume it's a slam dunk.
- I can't recall how many days before the safari we're supposed to take our Malarone - think it's 2 and then a week after?
- last minute advice?
I've enjoyed planning this trip so much that I think I might cry on the flight home.

Kavey

Canon 40D
My husband took 3 batteries with him (because one came with the camera and we already had two from our older Canon 20D which takes same ones).
He only changed battery once every several days.
Although he did charge the used one after changing, he could almost have got through the entire 3+ week trip on just those 3 full batteries!
He took 2000+ photos in RAW format.
Then again, it depends on how much time you spend reviewing your photos on the back of the camera, how much power your lens pulls when focusing, especially if you have an IS lens, that pulls a lot more power.
There are too many variables.
I would take at least one spare battery and a charger unit.

Kavey

Sorry, hit post too soon.

Malarone, we did 2 days before 5 after but you're probably correct it should be 7 after.

We did use our beanbag occasionally but ONLY where we had pop top landcruiser in Tanzania, not in any of the open vehicles in Kenya or elsewhere.

Battery takes a while to charge so don't assume if you empty it on morning drive it will charge fully in time for afternoon one. It might but I would time it at home before you leave.

aowens

In your Mala Mala vehicle there isn't anywhere to set a beanbag as I recall. I didn't have one with me, but I do remember thinking about where on earth I would put it.

kak113

thanks. I have one battery and one spare so as long as I keep both of them charged I think I'll be okay. plus a point and shoot with 2 batteries as a backup.

Kavey

Yes 2 batteries should be FINE as you've power points in your Mala Mala tent, I think?

I only had 2 and it was occasionally harder as we stayed in quite a few places with no power outlets in the tent though we managed OK.

We also had a solar power charger unit but it only coped with charging our PSDs and not our camera batteries...

aowens

Yes - there are plugs ins in the room at Mala Mala. Also, the wolverine is very easy to use. Just put in the memory card and watch the progress counter til it gets to 100%. Then take the card out!!

KayeN

Hi kak113

I found a battery plus a spare was good. If MM still on winter timetable not as much time in the middle of the day to fully recharge, but if on summer timetable plenty of time to recharge when you get home after the morning gamedrive. I have never used a bean bag, and the only place to use one would be if your sat in the seat beside the ranger.

Have a great time, the gameviewing on the last cyberdiary looked really good, and hopefully all the lion and leopard cubs are doing well.

Kind regards

Kaye

wildlifepainter

I used 2 wolverines in Tanzania last Feb. for my 7000 photos. I downloaded to both every night and they worked perfectly but they are slow so plan accordingly. I would do a test run at home so you have an idea. I hate surprises in the field. I also carried one on my person at all times and my husband carried the other. Have fun.

emowens

I took a bean bag on my safari to Mala Male and never used it.

kak113

thanks all!
will test out the wolverine this weekend.

Kaye-
I am glued to the sightings! I want to have a bit of knowledge about the different lion prides and leopards so I'll have some context when we see all them. hoping for good weather and an abundance of sightings as we are sadly only there for 4 nights.

KayeN

Hi kak113

4 nights is not a lot of time, but you can see see quite a bit in that time frame. I think it is great that you try and have a bit of knowledge regarding the different leopards and the different prides. Far more interesting to know a little information regarding their history then just looking at a leopard or lion!

Have a great time!

Kind regards

Kaye

ShellCat

kak114-

What is your actual arrival date at Mala Mala? I arrive on October 29, so may miss you by days, but it would have been fun to hook up with you.

You are sure to have a fabulous time, KayeN-thanks for the continuing input and applause for Mala Mala. I am so looking to getting back there and am counting the days down every minute.

The last update from Mala Mala was full of exciting sightings, just sad for the blinded cub.

Packed and ready to go!

KayeN

Hi Shellcat

Very sad to hear of the blind juvenile. I just hope it is a quick death, as he would be unable to hunt for himself or keep up with other young males. Living in the wild is very tough for the healthy animals let alone the sick or disabled!

Wishing you both fantastic gameviewing!

Kind regards

Kaye

scfphoto

Just returned yesterday from Rattray's at Mala Mala. I found something better than a sand bag and it does double duty. Much lighter and softer than a sandbag. It is one of those circular neck pillows for sleeping while flying. I set it on the headrests of the seats in the front where ranger sits. Also put it on the rails between rows. You will be in a lot of low light situations so it came in very handy.Most of our leopard sitings were near dusk.

kak113

shellcat-
will be there october 20-24 so will just miss you. would have been great to meet another fodorite. we are staying 2 nights in main camp and 2 nights in sable since main was booked and I had my heart set on MalaMala. enjoy!