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African Safari: Back to Basics and Reflections on the Creation

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The Swahili word “safari” originally meant “journey” which is further correlated to “hunting for survival” and “exploration of lands”.

The safari is typically traveled by foot amidst the vast lands. This is of course deemed to be the best way of experiencing the circle of life in the safari since you can reach to the core of the natives and their unique cultures.

Walking trails are continuously maintained so that the explorers are guided along their courses better. However, visitors can always widen their safari options with many forms of travel available with each safari tour package. Other modes of transportation include hot air ballooning, fly-in safaris, driving safaris, canoeing safaris, horseback riding safaris, and elephant back riding safaris.

These do not only add ease on travel but may also allow access to the deeper domains (and often uncharted places) which contribute more thrills while on tour.

As for the categories, African safaris are normally offered in three basic types: permanent tented safaris, lodge safaris, and mobile safaris. There are also a couple of other safari choices customized depending on the traveler’s needs. One good example is the honeymoon safari for newly-wed couples.

One complete safari tour that will take you from the Eastern region to the Southern parts lasts around 10 to 21 days. If you are planning to journey this long, it would be best if you avail from a local tour operator or a specialist so you are sure that you what you get is a complete safari adventure.

It is helpful if you have the knowledge of some of the practices, culture and etiquette to adopt well with the localities. As for your choice of safari package, consider the factors such as meals, accommodation, transportation, driver and guide service, excursions, itineraries and supplemental packages.

There are hundreds of conservation parks and wildlife sanctuaries that display the continuous interplay of the wild in its natural setting, marvelous places untouched by technology, and vast array of flora and fauna.

Life in the safari is more serene and offers more grounds for realizing how beautiful creation is. And all these are topped with the unique (and sometimes peculiar) cultures of different African tribes that mark the richness of their history.

African safari seems to remind us how the sixth day of creation looks like. They are the living remembrances of how the Creator intended things to be- the perfection, the diversity, the coexistence between man and his nature, and the life that surrounds everything.

Visiting the Endangered Gorillas of Congo

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The Democratic Republic of Congo is another home to Mountain Gorillas in Africa. The country has both Lowland and Mountain Gorillas. Gorilla trekking safaris in Congo are becoming popular worldwide! The country is safe and open to all International visitors. The critically endangered mountain gorillas are found in Virunga National Park accessed from Kisoro town in south western Uganda. Kisoro town (Nearby town to the Boarder) is 2-3 hour drive from Kigali in Rwanda, and 6-8 hours from Kampala (Uganda’s Capital).

While on your tracking journey, be sure to hike further into the impenetrable jungles to watch the gorilla families in the wild. The guides and parks rangers will lead you for they can without doubt determine the common area where these gorilla families will be. These are experts in tracking and they keep records of the gorillas for purposes of conservation and protection from poachers.

At the break of day, a drive to Bukima- a warden’s post in the elevation of the Virunga National Park which is a gorilla tracking starting point slightly out of the Goma City will mark the beginning your gorilla tracking quest. Along the way be certain to see natives from the small agrarian villages waving tirelessly at any signs of modernization that they may see. This will most likely give you a glance at the different ways of life nearby.

The length of the trek is wholly dependent on the gorillas which hardly follow a clear path. You will get to understand that they wander a lot and that these itinerant gorillas voyage the jungle in families, only staying in an area long enough to clear it of food. Guides will sometimes be able to track them down in less than two hours but during other times it might take much longer.

Your first sighting might be that of mother apes holding their babies or the juvenile gorillas getting playful or even better the dominant silver backs keeping an eye out for their family! The guides are sure to do more explaining on their range of behaviours.

Mountain gorillas are very social, highly intelligent and great animals to observe and they live in families, the Mountain gorilla also known as the Gorilla beringei beringei exists in two population where by one population of these gorillas is found in the three parks that lie in the Virunga Volcanoes, such as the Virunga national park in the east of DR Congo, Volcanoes national park in North western Rwanda and the Mgahinga national park in south western Uganda, and another population is found in Bwindi Impenetrable National park in the South West of Uganda.

Having a gorilla trekking safari in DR Congo is something one wouldn’t want to miss in a lifetime, watching the Gorillas in the Virunga National Park. The fact that these primates live in families, each family requires a leader where by each family group is headed by a dominant silver back, there are also female gorillas that are in charge of care taking especially to the young gorillas, also there is nothing as amazing as watching the playful juvenile gorillas in the trees. Trekking starts at Bukima Patrol post, so all trekkers are supposed to be there early enough to go through the briefing and also meet their guides.

The Democratic Republic of Congo is still not yet so much explored by various people and if one is adventures this is the way to go since it doesn’t provide the mountain gorillas only, but there is also an opportunity of hiking the Nyiragongo Mountain. So the time to take the safari is now!

Experience Gorillas and Wildlife Safaris in Uganda

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Uganda has a sheer density of wildlife, but with 500 species of mammal it has amazing diversity; and with the opening of the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, the big five are all here again that’s (elephants, Rhinos, Lion, Buffaloes and the Leopard),. Uganda is also home to more than half the world’s mountain gorillas, and viewing them in their natural environment is one of the main attractions for visitors, these are habituated in Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga national parks in the southwestern Uganda. On top of this, Uganda has a good number of gorilla safaris and chimpanzee trek holidays and there are several places where you can track them such as Kibale national park in the western Uganda.

With well over 1000 species recorded inside its small borders, Uganda is one of the best bird-watching destinations in the world. Birds which can be viewed include, Shoe bills, Gulls, Herons, Eaglets among others.

There are four national parks in Uganda that offer the opportunity for wildlife drives: Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth, Kidepo Valley and Lake Mburo. With more mammals and bird species than any park in Uganda, Queen Elizabeth offers the greatest variety; however, Murchison Falls offers the larger mammals in greater concentration and also giraffes, which are basically for it. At both parks you’re very likely to watch elephants, buffaloes, hippos, bush bucks and kobs but the Uganda Kobs are mainly observed in Semliki and Rwenzori Mountain National parks.

Although it’s not so easy to spot predators, with a bit of luck you’ll also see lions and leopards with Queen Elizabeth national park have the amazing tree climbing lions around the Ishasha areas which are rare in the world.

Wildlife drives at Lake Mburo National park are very popular because it’s the only place in the south with zebras and eland; other animals in this park include the Impala which are claimed to have been the source of the name of Kampala city because of their massive stay around the area for some years back. These beauties can also be found in Kidepo Valley National Park, which offers the chance to see cheetahs, ostriches, Kudu, bat-eared foxes and many other animals found in no other part of Uganda. Game drives are available in Toro – Semliki Wildlife Reserve too, although most people come here for chimpanzees.

Regardless of where you drive and what you’re seeking, due to the toughness of some predators such as leopards and lions, game rangers who are always equipped with guns are provided to escort the tourists for security purposes. Surprisingly, visitors with yellow fever, colds and those who feel unhealthy are prohibited from tracking some mammals such as gorillas and chimpanzees since they are prone to human diseases.

The different gorilla groups that can be tracked at Bwindi Impenetrable National park include the Nshongi, Busingye and Rushaga among others and these are tracking depending on the sectors in which they reside such as Rushaga sector and the Buhoma sector.

Planning Small Group Tours in Uganda

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Ideal Uganda Safari

Group safari tours are a great way to experience Africa for those who prefer to travel with like minded individuals to new and exciting safari places. Group tours in Uganda are a new travel trend for budget and cheap travel experience in small size groups of people. The tours are open to everyone from eight years and above with a minimum of 8- 12 people. Each traveler benefits from all other group members from not cost cut down aspects but also making new friends.

Travelling this way helps many to explore several travel destinations of interest at affordable rates available. If you are up to joining a group safari in Uganda find bellow the list of most organized tours and make a choice. All group safaris in Uganda offer comfortable accommodation for either camping safaris or self contained lodging facility. Join others with the same travel interest as one on a particular group safari and enjoy experience and save big.

Gorilla Safari Group Tours

A fantastic most exciting primate safari trip to Bwindi impenetrable National Park that offers a great mix of mountain gorilla viewing and culture. This is excellently organized with everything inclusive that is transport, gorilla permit, accommodation and all other activities included in the itinerary. Most trips start and end in Kampala the capital city of Uganda. Usually, a typical gorilla safari runs for atleast three days (two nights) that is only to the gorilla national park, but changes can be made depending on traveler’s interests especially in the tour duration for those whom need to explore other national parks and attractions of the country.

Wildlife Group Tours

Travel in company of wildlife lovers as a team and explore the best wildlife parks in Uganda. Enjoy fan viewing wildlife experience in Queen Elizabeth national Park a home of incredible views, tree climbing lions, birds, hippos, crocodiles and chimpanzees. This trip involves morning and evening game viewing experiences, chimpanzee trekking, boat cruise and nature walks to natural reserved forests. Same applies to tourists who visit Murchison falls on a wildlife group safari. Though park tour activities look same the experience is totally different for those who visit either Murchison falls or Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Day Trips & Excursions

There are many group day trips & excursions open to everyone Monday –Sunday. Most organized are the one day trip to Ngamba Island to view chimpanzees, 1 day white water rafting tour, city tour excursions to Kampala, Jinja and Entebbe.

Walking & Biking Tours

In Uganda theses are commonly organized in remote settings areas especially in communities near prime attraction are a great for travelers with interest in community well being of the locals. There are many chances of mixing up with locals and witnessing their life in Africa.

Safari Addict: Why I can’t get enough!

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African Wildlife Safari

The frustrating thing about going on safari in the bush is that nothing is guaranteed. But that also makes it the best thing. If you go to a zoo, you know you are going to see the animals. It’s not a surprise. On safari, however, you have no idea if you are going to see anything at all. So when you turn a corner and bump into a huge male lion, or are taking a quiet sundowner drink and a herd of elephants just happens to walk by – these are the moments that take your breath away. You work harder for them, and sometimes you don’t get lucky at all. But I would trade a thousand days walking around a zoo for that one moment in the wild. It’s what I live for. It’s what makes me a safari addict.

On the last day of my very first cycle in my new job, I had one of those moments. The kind that you always read about but it never actually happens to you. Except it finally did. Driving my guests out one chilly morning, we hadn’t been on the road more than 5 minutes when we hit the bridge that runs across the Klaserie river. Dubbed ‘one beer bridge’ because it’s so narrow, I slowed to a crawl and began my traverse. Just then, to my right, I saw a flash of movement. Paying more attention now, I focused on the rocks hugging the river and standing right there were two spotted hyena. Although not especially uncommon to see them in the day, they are generally more active at night so this was already turning out to be a good morning.

I stopped the car to allow us to enjoy the sighting when one of my guests called out suddenly. A leopard! Right in front of us, so camouflaged as to almost be invisible, the young male was lying in the shade on the rocks. Not 100m from the hyena, he had his eye on the pair and casually got up and ambled round the back of the rocks towards them. Hardly believing my luck, I quickly started the engine and crossed the bridge; there was a dirt track running directly behind the rocks that I hoped to spot our guy from again. Sure enough, as we spun around the corner there he was. He stopped for a moment to regard us then, without a care in the world, carried on walking parallel to the road.

Creeping behind him now, we watched as he lightly jumped onto another rock and lay down. His eyes were still firmly locked on the hyena. Maneuvering myself into a better position, I managed to set the car so that we were staring right into the river. With the hyena 40 metres to our left and the leopard just 20 metres to our right, we were perfectly set. All focus still on the leopard, the guests and I and reveled in the moment, snapping away with our cameras to try to capture it forever. We were so enraptured, it took a full 10 minutes for any of us to realize that the hyena were actually eating something. They were on a kill!

Making more sense now, I realised that was why our young friend was paying the hyena so much attention. With a rather plump belly himself, we figured he had probably made the kill in the night and now the hyena had come along for the spoils. Another 20 minutes went by as we soaked up the incredible scene unfolding around us. It really doesn’t get much better than this – or so I thought!

As if out of nowhere, a rhino had magically appeared in the river ahead of us! Taking a long drink from the cool water, he didn’t seem to notice the three predators lurking nearby at all. Attention now back onto the river, another guest chimed in that they had seen an elephant. Thinking they were joking now – I turned around to laugh and saw they were deadly serious, pointing up river. Getting my binoculars out, sure enough there was an elephant! Hyena, leopard, rhino and elephant all in the same sighting – I couldn’t believe it!

Calling in the latest development over the radio, the other guide was just as incredulous. “Stay there a bit longer and the lions and buffalo will come through as well” he joked. Well, there were no lions or buffalo in the end but 3 of the big five plus a couple of hyena on a kill thrown in for good measure – I’ll take it! In total, we spent over an hour enjoying our special moment, no other cars or tourists to contend with. It was absolute heaven. Eventually, the leopard decided to move on and thus, so did we.

So yes, you can see all of these animals and more in the zoo. But you will never have that unforgettable moment that takes your breath away. Don’t get me wrong – I think zoos have their place in conservation and to help educate people about animals. The problem is, they’re just not as awesome as seeing animals in the wild! As I drive along with my guests, desperately trying to turn a quiet morning into one more interesting and entertaining, the knowledge that something spectacular could be just around the corner keeps me going. In the bush, you never know what is going to happen next. That is why I am a hopeless safari addict and why, without a doubt, I have the best job in the world.

Visiting the Virunga Gorillas

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There are about 880 mountain gorillas left in the world. Nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas live in the Virunga Mountains of the central Africa, at the intersection of Uganda, Rwanda and the democratic republic of Congo. Unlike the gorillas you find in the zoos, there are no mountain gorillas within the zoos and if you are to see them, you have to visit them in the wild on a gorilla safari in one of the 3 countries in Africa; Uganda, Rwanda or the Democratic Republic of Congo (former Zaire).

The Virunga National Park, the oldest park in Africa is one of the few places where travelers for gorilla tracking. For long travelers have traversed the parks of Bwindi Forest, Mgahinga and Volcanoes National Park to see the mountain gorillas. The Virunga gorillas however have been less covered given a multitude of problems that have been existing in the region. The park has been sand witched between the 1994 Rwanda genocide and the brutal on going civil war in Congo, poaching and more problems. has become a battle ground for the militia groups and the Congolese army. In addition, severe poverty in the region also pushes the poachers into the park to hunt the gorillas for either meat or sale. The locals also generate the income by cutting down the trees to create the charcoal, nearly $ 30 million trade that the wreaks havoc on the critical habitat. The gorillas are so good to experience and they have brought in many people to enjoy gorilla tracking safaris to Uganda. Today the park sits within a conflict where several oil companies seek to start oil exploration operations within the park.

Today the Virunga National Park is home to nearly 200 gorillas, and is now safe for gorilla tracking in Africa. These unique species have greatly attracted many gorilla tracking safaris which has increased the amount of revenues to the country. The volcanic slopes here are lush with the tropical forests and the diverse mammals, birds and the reptile species; these are also in the heart of a region in crisis. Many travelers have visited the gorillas within the park, and the success rate is over 90%. There are a few lodges where travelers can stay for a night but they are up to the standards that one need.

With the help of the dedicated wildlife rangers, comprehensive monitoring and the community education programs, these endangered gorilla population in the virungas also experienced a nearly 20 % increase in the early 2000s. However in 2007, at least ten gorillas in the virunga National Park were lost to murder and the chaos which took place. Also with the help of the dedicated wildlife rangers, comprehensive monitoring, and the community education programs, the endangered gorilla population in the virungas also experienced a nearly 20 % increase in the early 2000s.

The gorillas in Virunga parks are also faring a bit better, as it is the other half of the world’s remaining mountain gorilla population, which also lives in Uganda’s bwindi Impenetrable National Park, just 15 miles north of the Virunga Mountains. These virunga gorillas have greatly contributed to high revenues to the country due to the increased gorilla safaris.

A Practical Guide to Gorilla Trekking in Africa

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Gorilla Trekking has become one of the most popular adventures to take in Africa. This wildlife experience is rated as the most thrilling wildlife safari experiences in the world and you can check out its reviews on travel review websites like Trip Advisor. With so many travelers opting for gorilla trekking in the jungles of Uganda, Rwanda and DR Congo, here is a practical guide for beginners looking to planning this world known adventure;

What is Gorilla Trekking?

Gorilla Trekking is the observation of gorillas in their natural forested jungle home. This recreational life time safari experience unveils the secret beauty of rare primates in the world. You may have seen multiple primate species but that of mountain gorillas is filled with exceptional beauty  that make it one of the most loved wildlife encounter  in Africa. There is so much to enjoy on your gorilla trekking safari in Africa from the lush green jungle forest, ancient local tradition, golden monkey trek, Nyiragongo trek, nature walks, primate viewing, bird watching, cycling, hiking to the world class wonderful hilly landscape.

Gorilla Tracking Process

Tracking mountain gorillas starts at before sunrise which means early wake up with a healthy breakfast, packed lunch and a quick drive to the park briefing point. The sense of excitements increases as you set off into the jungle to search for the beautiful habituated primates. The hikes are rewarding so you need to be fit enough to manage.Remeber to carry enough drinking water, insect repellant and dress right in long sleeved and a rain jacket because nature can’t be predicted. The trek can last between one and half hours and six hours depending on how far you’re the gorillas could be. Once you find then enjoy a full hour of photography and observation a moment that require good cameras plus good recording device.

Where to Track Gorillas

Mountain Gorillas live in Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo in the four national parks Mgahinga National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Volcanoes National Park and Virunga National Park. The parks have a wide number of habituated gorillas ready for tourists each day provided one has a gate pass to the jungle-“Gorilla Permit”. However in all the three countries the gorilla trekking experience is same with a difference in gorilla permit prices and programs. Gorilla permits in Congo go for $350 per a trek , Uganda $600 and Rwanda $1500.But those who want to spend more time with gorillas can either track gorillas twice or book the gorilla habituation program that allows tourists to spend a full day in company of the wonderful apes.

Those interested in trekking low land gorillas visit Kahuzi Biega National Park, and Odzala- National Park in Congo for the top low land gorilla trekking safari destination in Africa. Though low land gorillas can also be found in West Africa but Congo is the best.

How to make your Trek a success

When you follow these steps definitely your gorilla safari tour will be a success either in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo. Chose your trekking destination, followed by gorilla permits and later head out for the trek. Make sure you reserve your gorilla trekking permits a few months to the trek in order to make your trip flexible. Use the right experts and you will never regreat.Remember tracking gorillas in Africa is conserving for generations.

Exploring Nyungwe Tropical Rain Forest

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Nyungwe Nature Walk

Nyungwe is a true rain forest, typically receiving in excess of 2, 000 mm of precipitation annuary. It is also one of the oldest forests in Africa, which is one of the reason it boasts such a high level of diversity. Scientific opinion is that Nyungwe Forest Park, along with other forests of the Albertine Rift, was largely unaffected by the drying up of the lowland areas during the last ice age, and thus become a refuge for forest plants and animals which have subsequently recolonized areas such as the Congo Basin.

One of the central planks in ORTPN’s tourism – diversification programme is Nyungwe National Park, 980 square kilometers of hilly jungle cloaked terrain in the country’s South – West, o the boarder with Burundi and the DRC, and surely one of the undiscovered gems of African environmental tourism.

Ranging between 1,600 and 2,950 meters in altitude, the park is contiguous with Kibira National Park in Burundi, together with the two protected areas form the largest block of forest in East Africa. Nyungwe was originally set aside as a reserve in 1933, which although relatively effective, still saw it lose about 20 per cent as its area by 1984, when a coordinated forest-protection plan was implemented. It was elevated to national park status in March 2004 and is famously known now for primates trekking in Rwanda.

Safari School: How do you Become a Safari Guide?

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I am often asked, what exactly is involved in training to become a Field Guide (the industry term for a safari guide)? Well, first of all safari school isn’t like going to a ‘proper’ school – our lecture hall is the bush itself! We sleep, eat and learn in the bush, 24 hours a day, for a minimum of 55 days. A typical day involves a morning game drive or walk. Each day, one student gets the chance to practice guiding by taking us on a safari and imparting their knowledge. This way we all learn from each other. During the drive the instructor will also periodically cut in with added information and advice. Over 55 days, we all saw a huge improvement in our knowledge and skills!

Back in camp, there is time for breakfast before a lecture from one of the instructors. This could be on anything from animal behaviour to the anatomy of a spider! Our free time is mostly taken up with completing the compulsory workbooks and revision. There is a friendly study area with lots of books and research material where many of the students get together. After lunch, we head out again on a second game drive or walk, this time with the obligatory sundowner drinks. Finally, at the end of the day we congregate at the fire for dinner – often a popular safari school special, a bush braai.

Overall, safari school is pretty intense, especially when the exams begin to loom over us. However, we almost always find time for a game of volleyball or a cheeky documentary to keep us going. Not to mention plenty of nights drinking by starlight around a fire, or even the odd sleepout in the bush! Having experienced it myself, and spoken to many other trainee guides, I know that the friendships made during these few short months often last a lifetime. After all, we are all there for the same reason – for the love of the bush.

What next?
After completing FGASA Level 1 (the minimum requirement for guiding in South Africa), you can enhance your qualifications further by learning to become a trails (walking) guide and begin building knowledge in certain specialist areas, such as birding.

Ecotraining (who I trained with) also offer a 6-month internship to get that crucial lodge work experience in the hopes of getting a job at the end of it. I can honestly say that my time at safari school was one of the best times of my life! It was hard work, and it certainly had more than one moment that brought me close to tears, but the friendships and memories I made, not to mention the skills I learnt, will hopefully last a lifetime.

Want to know more? Find out out my life on the safari guide internship here.

Taking Your Camera on Safari

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Don’t you like going through your vacations photos? We all take pictures when we go on a vacation. It is a great way to perpetuate the experience and remember it for years to come. However sometimes taking pictures is not smooth. Unexpected problems pop up such as running out of film, running out of battery or just forgetting the camera in the hotel. In this article we will provide a few easy to follow tips that will help you in carrying your camera and taking pictures.

The first decision when taking a camera with you on a trip is which camera to take. One of the common mistakes people do when traveling is taking a camera that does not fit their needs. For example they take a high end heavy camera just to leave it in the hotel room since it is too hard to carry with them. It is important to take the right camera for the trip. For example if you are going to be walking a lot or trekking it is better to have a lighter weight smaller camera. If you are going to be driving a lot you can take heavier equipment and more accessories. You should also match the camera to the destination and to your photography level. If your goal is to capture memories a cheap small camera is more than enough. If your goal is to take high quality photos for future enlargements a professional high resolution camera is adequate.

Carrying the camera and its accessories is much easier with the right carrying bag. Most people are tempted to buy a bag specifically designed for their camera. These bags are easier to use and have the right compartments for the various accessories but they have a big drawback: they can draw the attention of a thief who is lurking for tourists. It is better to use a normal bag such as a backpack that does not look new or like a bag that holds an expensive camera.

Digital cameras have many accessories some are optional and some are not. It is a good idea to make a checklist and use it when packing for a vacation. Make sure that you take the battery charger, the right adapters for the power outlets in your destination, lenses, memory cards and more.

Two very important things to remember when traveling are batteries and memory. Always carry a fully charged spare battery with you. One of the worst experiences is running out of batteries just before a great photo opportunity shows up. Charge both batteries at least every night when getting back to your hotel. Even if you did not take many photos that day and you think the batteries have enough power in them it is better to make sure by fully charging them rather than to take the risk. Also remember that batteries slowly lose their power even when not used so always recharge your spare battery too even if it was not used.

The equivalent of running out of film in old cameras is running out of memory in digital cameras. Make sure that you are taking enough memory cards for the whole trip. Unless you have a laptop with you to dump the photos to you will need the memory to last the whole trip. Try to guess how many photos you will take daily and then get enough memory to hold double that number. Remember that with digital cameras it is easy to take many pictures. It is better to take a few smaller capacity memory cards than one high capacity card. When a card is full you can leave it in your luggage in the hotel room. If worst happens and you lose your camera with the memory card in it you will at least have some memories in a safe place.

If you are an experienced photographer and want to take a tripod with you it is important to find the right compromise between a good tripod and carrying ease. If the tripod is too bulky and heavy you will end up leaving it in your hotel. You can also decide to carry two tripods a miniature one for when walking or trekking and a heavier one when driving around and stopping for photo opportunities.

Taking pictures when traveling is a great way to capture memories. When you get back home dump the photos to your desktop computer make backups and enjoy them for the rest of your life.