BEFORE YOU GO
PHOTOGRAPHY
Most people want good photographic memories of their safari. Good equipment is essential for this. Don’t rely on a “point and shoot” to give professional results, although they can provide fun snapshots of people, places etc. Do bring a digital or video camera, whatever suits your interest and skill level. All of our guides love taking photos and have worked with the BBC and should be able to give good suggestions.
Cameras
For good wildlife shots a 35mm SLR with two zoom lenses (28-80mm or more importantly 75-300mm or similar) is essential, as are spare camera batteries and cleaning tissue.
If you are passionate about photography, consider the following:
- Two camera bodies (Africa is hard on equipment)
- Wide angle lens – 20, 24, or 28mm or zoom lens to cover 24-80mm
- Telephoto lens 300mm or above or zoom lens to cover 75-300mm
- A good quality 1.4x converter matched to your telephoto lens (you only lose one stop with a 1.4x)
- A fast 200mm F2.8 (Nikon make a brilliant 80-200mm F2.8) that is very useful in low light.
- A flash for fun in the camp after dark or a happy snapper with flash
Our Land Rovers are well prepared for photography with great vantage points high and low and plenty of positions to rest cameras. We provide BEAN BAGS in all our vehicles to help support cameras
Videos
Tanzania voltage is 220-240 volts with British type plugs. We suggest you bring a 12-volt car adapter for charging your video batteries, as it is often a lot easier than getting batteries charged at lodges.
Film
Most professionals are shooting on 50ASA or 100ASA slide film.
There are so many great films on the market these days, if you are shooting print film there is very little noticeable difference between 100 ASA and 200 ASA.
Bring a selection of 100 ASA for the brighter times. 200 ASA for a little extra speed or your slower lenses. 400 ASA for that last beautiful light in the evenings.
Bring more film than you think you need, as it can be very hard to find film in Tanzania