Trip to Africa--Need Recommendations

[April Campbell]

I'm planning a trip to Africa and wondered if any one has recommendations for best destinations for wildlife and travel companies/outfitters from a photography/biological perspective. Thanks

[Mike Hitchen]

Africa's a big place!
Eastern (Kenya, Eritrea etc), Central (Uganda, Rwanda), Western (Gambia, Sierra Leone), South (South Africa, Mozambique, Namibia) all have very different wildlife and opportunities. Can you narrow it down a bit?

[April Campbell]

I hope this will not be my first and last trip, but for the first one I would like to be able to see as much as the larger animals as possible (elephant, rhino, etc.).

[Morkel Erasmus]

Hi April.
I cannot even imagine (as one living in Africa) the excitement someone must feel when planning their first trip.
I can highly recommend the photographic safari and travel company I have been involved with up to now - Wild Eye. Due to pursuing my own studies from next year I won't be leading any trips for them. They can assist with any and all travel logistics as well, and offer private photographic guiding for individuals and families, as well as group photo safaris.

www.wild-eye.co.za
You can speak to Marlon (marlon@wild-eye.co.za) or Gerry (gerry@wild-eye.co.za) or Andrew (andrew@wild-eye.co.za), they will even phone you to discuss options personally...and tell them I referred to.

Destination wise there are SO many options...
Mana Pools in Zimbabwe is my absolute favourite - not in terms of amount of game but in terms of pristine safari experience on foot.
Botswana's game-rich areas are amazing.
Kenya and Tanzania have lots of options.

Happy planning...!

[Steve Kaluski]

April, where are you based, US?

If it's in the US then B&H for photo kit, Cabelas or any US outdoors will do, but avoid the 'safari' look. Also what time of year are you going, as that will dictate what to pack clothes wise too. Also check if you need any 'jabs' & Malaria tablets, Malarone is good, but double check with you Doc or Pharmacy.

There will be plenty of Tour operators offering 'escorted' trips i.e. A&K, Expert Africa etc, plus there are also other more tailor Photo operators too based in SA, i.e. two ex Members of BPN (Wildlife) that come straight to mind or a continued BBC Wildlife of the Year winner too, who runs operations out of SA. If you want Botswana there is also two more ex BPN's, great guys who know their stuff and you would have a ball. The hardest part is to choose the destination, then start to 'drill' down so to speak, as planning is key.

If you want more info or help then shout, happy to forward their details on too.