Safari Dust
#1
Original Poster

Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,007
Likes: 0
Safari Dust
Happy New Year!
We'll be on safari in Tanzania in July and I've heard comments about how dusty it will be. Does anyone have any good suggestions for dealing with the dust, both in my face and on photo equipment?
Had thought of putting camera/phone in soft cloth bags to protect them, but do I need plastic instead?
Is a bandana sufficient for my mouth/nose?
Any creative suggestions?
We'll be on safari in Tanzania in July and I've heard comments about how dusty it will be. Does anyone have any good suggestions for dealing with the dust, both in my face and on photo equipment?
Had thought of putting camera/phone in soft cloth bags to protect them, but do I need plastic instead?
Is a bandana sufficient for my mouth/nose?
Any creative suggestions?
#2
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 701
Likes: 0
Haven't been in July and don't know if you are male or female.
But in June I took a gauze like scarf which came in handy when it was a bit chilly in the early morning and when the sun went down. Then I just wrapped my camera in it when not wearing.
But in June I took a gauze like scarf which came in handy when it was a bit chilly in the early morning and when the sun went down. Then I just wrapped my camera in it when not wearing.
#3

Joined: May 2004
Posts: 4,571
Likes: 0
I've worn a gauzy fabric "bandana" (in the Sahara) buy you could perhaps instead buy a bunch of construction workers' masks at a hardware store. .
No suggestions on camera and phone, other than keeping them in standard padded fabric camera bags.
No suggestions on camera and phone, other than keeping them in standard padded fabric camera bags.
#4
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 268
Likes: 0
I always have a few dry bags in my luggage (like this https://www.cotswoldoutdoor.com/p/se...tml?colour=108).
These work well to keep dust (or rain) off camera gear. Also useful for other things like dirty laundry.
If you have a camera with changeable lenses, try not to change them out in the field.
These work well to keep dust (or rain) off camera gear. Also useful for other things like dirty laundry.
If you have a camera with changeable lenses, try not to change them out in the field.
#5

Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,991
Likes: 6
A pillowcase works fine if you like to hold the camera on your lap during the game drive (rather than fishing it out of a bag or camera case for every use).
There's really no helping the dust getting everywhere including hair, ears, eyes, etc. Especially if you have an open vehicle and you're moving a lot. Hat and sunglasses help.
There's really no helping the dust getting everywhere including hair, ears, eyes, etc. Especially if you have an open vehicle and you're moving a lot. Hat and sunglasses help.
#6
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
We were on safari in July in Tanzania & Kenya 2 years ago. Definitely take a bandana, scarf or buff for your face. I didn't see any one with construction workers masks. I would think they would be pretty hot and uncomfortable.
You really need to cover your camera. I took a small pillowcase and tried to keep my camera in that. However I found it too restrictive when we would be on a game drive and I'd need to pull the camera out quickly to take a shot. I ended up keeping the camera in my lap and using the pillow case or my jacket as a cover over it. Any piece of fabric that you can shake out or wash out would work. I don't think plastic bags would work. The dust would just cling to them.
I didn't change lens while on a game drive and made sure I dusted everything off after each time out. It was much dustier than I thought it would be but it's not dusty the entire time.
Have a wonderful time.
You really need to cover your camera. I took a small pillowcase and tried to keep my camera in that. However I found it too restrictive when we would be on a game drive and I'd need to pull the camera out quickly to take a shot. I ended up keeping the camera in my lap and using the pillow case or my jacket as a cover over it. Any piece of fabric that you can shake out or wash out would work. I don't think plastic bags would work. The dust would just cling to them.
I didn't change lens while on a game drive and made sure I dusted everything off after each time out. It was much dustier than I thought it would be but it's not dusty the entire time.
Have a wonderful time.
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Fodorite110
Africa & the Middle East
2
Nov 16th, 2017 10:19 PM
Fodorite110
Africa & the Middle East
2
Nov 12th, 2017 09:29 AM
Elizabeth_S
Africa & the Middle East
12
Aug 16th, 2009 04:44 AM




