ragsi

One more thing....I keep reading posts about how chilly it can be. But if one is in their own car, that's not a problem. Another post was about avoiding crowds having their own vehicle.

This trip is expensive and a long way to travel, as all of you know. I'd like to do it right and have the freedom to enjoy viewing the animals without the concerns I've read in here. At least on day. Thanks for that tip about the sound a camera makes. My husband bought a camera with a major zoom lens just for this trip. I'll be sure to mention to get the sound off it. We'd probably never thought about that had you not taken the time to inform. Much thanks....ragsi

cary999

Well, there's cars and then there are game drive vehicles. Game drive vehicles in SA tend to be wide open, no windows, usually no top. Here's photo of one from MalaMala - http://tinyurl.com/35nnst
It is a Land Rover with 6 guests, ranger and tracker. Game drives in these open vehicles can be chilly in the winter (early morning, late afternoon).

I don't know what kind of vehicle you will use out of Thornybush Lodge.

regards - tom

ragsi

WOW! Incredible photography. I wasn't expecting to see some of those scenes with animals eating other animals. I had no idea Kruger Game Preserve could be that raw and blunt. Wow.

Just returned from a "safari" on YouTube. Watched a video titled "Kruger Battle". I didn't expect any sort of that would happen. Very emotional.

I'm so glad those of you that recommended reading and watching video before traveling. I am awed by the beauty, yet stunned by the horrific.

Also, Tom, those zebras are so extraordinary. I'd love a copy of the picture. Is it available?...ragsi

skibumette

Tom: the photos are beautiful. What size lens were you using for the close-ups? (That leopard guarding his kill in the tree was a good ways up there!) Am planning to rent a larger lens for our August trip.

Regarding the vehicle (#15 and others), in the open SA vehicles there doesn't seem to be much way to steady your camera (with the East African pop-tops you can use a bean bag or small tripod on the roof). Any suggestions about what worked for you? Thanks!

cary999

ragsi - you think watching lions hunt or eating a kill is horrific on YouTube, wait until you see it from about 20 yards away!!!! Is it the zebra photo of the mom and calf #6? This one? http://tinyurl.com/29b9b5
Or thae next one #7? What size do you want, any size up to 12x18 inches is easy for me. Let me know and I'll make one and mail it to you.

skibumette - the lens was a 70-300 zoom. Probably was zoomed out all the way to 300mm. The photo just before it (see also above link) of the whole tree was taken with another lens at about 20mm so is hard to compare the two for distance. You're right about the big difference in vehicles. My lenses have the VR thing and I always try to use a high shutter speed. And I'm too lazy to use a camera support, just hand held. I have seen bean bags used on the low door sill. Also seen special clamps that clamp on to bars and sills and of course monopods. Something like that is necessary if your lens is a much larger than my zoom (Nikon 70-300mmVR). I'd feel a monopod would be easiest to use in this type of open vehicle but I haven't tried it. Maybe someone else can chime in here that knows more.

regards - tom
ps - in SA, unless you're into birding, a 300mmm lens is long enough.

cary999

skibumette - here's a Fodors discussion on tripods and such in vehicles.
http://tinyurl.com/39eu2l

regards - tom

skibumette

thanks, Tom -- and the link should provide food for discussion at the next visit to the camera store!

ragsi

Hi Cary999...all the pictures are extraordinary and I love both zebra pictures. My favorite is number 7, the closeup shot of the zebras.

Here is the link to what I saw on YouTube. Hope this works.

Baby Cape Buffalo:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LU8DDYz68kM

I also post on Trip Advisor under "ragsi". Maybe we can connect there better than here.

cary999

ragsi - I haven't gotten into "Trip Advisor". Is it as good as Fodor's?

I'll make a print for you of the zebras #7, what size would you like (up to 12x16 inches)? Drop me an email - tdgraham at sbcglobal dot net.

ps - FWIW, my email also for anyone. Also, what do others here think of "Trip Advisor"?

ragsi

Oh..it's far better. I've been posting on the south africa forum lately. Under the name "ragsi"

ragsi

Cary999..That email address didn't work.

cary999

ragsi - did you replace the "at" with an "@" and the "dot" with a ".", and, run it altogether no spaces?

Should work, post again here if not.

regards - tom

ragsi

oops..ok, just tried it again...thx.

matnikstym

Tom~I like TripAdvisor. Easy to navigate (everything is sorted by country) plus I've gotten some pretty cool stuff from them free. A hat, backpack, t-shirt and luggage tags. I prefer Fodor's but do spend time there also.