BEST TIME TO VISIT
I must begin to allude of the current weather by the time we visit the destination. Is the first thing we must evaluate, partly. On a normal day, the nighttime temperature can drop by as much as 10 degrees relative to the daytime temperature. By mid-morning (between 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.) the temperature can reach an average of 27°C.
The rainfall lasts an average of 8 months during the year. The climate corresponds to two (2) climatic seasons. From October to March, the warm winds prevail: from April to September, prevail the cooler and more humid. There are two periods of rain, the “long rain season” from March to May, and the less intense “short rain season” from October to December.Read more
MEDICATIONS AND VACCINES
I recommend you to meet all mandatory vaccinations for your protection and also protect the local fauna. This way we prevent to import endemic diseases from the countries of origin and protect ourselves against local diseases that could be catch. The recommended vaccines (depending on your country of origin) are:
1. Hepatitis A and B
2. Yellow Fever
3. Polio (poliomyelitis)
4. Tetanus
5. Diphtheria
6. Typhoid fever
7. Cholera
8. Meningococcal meningitis
Although it is requested that you must present your vaccination card upon arrival in the country of destination, personally in none of my trips I had have to present it, but it is better to prevent…. to be precautious I take thiamine which is supposed to preventively protect against mosquito bites.
It is highly recommended to bring mosquito repellants in any of its presentations (spray, lotion, etc.).
CLOTHING & LUGGAGE
When traveling to Africa it is important to carry lightweight suitcases such as bags or backpacks, specifically mountain type suitcases. Partly for convenience and if you have a domestic flight included, hard shell suitcases are not allowed on the planes. Comfort definition is everything and may vary depending of the personal style of everyone. Personally, I prefer to wear long pants and shirts. As I said before, protection and prevention is essential.
Relating temperatures, use light clothes for the day. Depending on the season the heat and humidity can go really high. Without recommending clothing brands, there are technologies developed in clothing that make it very refreshing.
Footwear is essential. You can wear sneakers, but my recommendation as far as possible to you is better to wear boots. Remember that you are in a natural region and in the rainy season a lot of mud or sludge is usually generated.
PHOTOGRAPHY EQUIPMENT
Now let’s talk about another of the important points of your visit. The equipment that you must carry out.
Just a note. If you go for the first time or you just go as a wildlife lover without the photography spirit, I highly recommend no to take photos with your mobile device. Make such a long trip (depending on where you live) and take a photo of a lion on the flatlands with your mobile, will be a regret once at home.
Many will tell that their mobile have professional lens, with “X” number of pixels or who knows what else. Those photos will never make justice to that postcard you have experienced, since you won’t be able to see the picture details. A camera that allows you to get home and print the memories you are creating, is a guarantee.
BASIC EQUIPMENT:
1.- Simple Operation camera.
2.- 16-35 mm lens (landscape).
3.- Lens 100 – 400 mm or higher.
4.- Fisheye lens (personal option)
5.- Memory cards. (the best possible quality and largest storage capacity).
6.- Cleaning equipment (for Reflex or Mirrorless).
7.- Cleaning towels.
8.- Tablet loaded with movies or series.
9.- Laptop, if you want to edit photos.
10.- External hard drive (backup for your photos). Optional Equipment:
1.- Binoculars.
2.- Lens 400 mm or higher.
3.- Full Grain Bags. (support for glasses in the car).
4.- Extra batteries.
5.- Multiplier for telephoto lenses (1 X or more).
6.- Military type flashlights for nighttime.
Enjoy your next trip! Live and create memories !!!
