July 29, 2010 | Posted by Safari Guide
Guide to Bush & Safari Jackets for Men
Some people go on Safari thinking that Africa’s weather is hot and so a good jacket is not that necessary. Not true, winters can be very, very cold in many safari locations and even in summer it can be pretty cold on an early morning game drive, on night drives or even in the evenings sitting around the boma enjoying your evening meal.
I have owned a number of safari and bush jackets in my time, some very good and some not. In this article I will go through some of the features that I find useful and point you in the direction where you can find your ideal safari jacket.
Origins
The style of jacket similar to that of the main image in this article was made popular by around the beginning of the 20th century by the early European adventurers who came to Africa.
Safari & Travel Jacket
You must remember that a true safari jacket or bush jacket is a garment designed for the purpose of going on safari in the African bush and therefore function and comfort are far more important than style. But also remember that before you get to to the bush, you will also be doing quite a bit of travelling. To save on luggage space it makes sense to use the same jacket for travel, so make sure that it is comfortable and at least a little stylish!
Colour
As with most of you safari clothing, stay away from bright or shiny colours. On safari you want to blend in as much with your surroundings as possible. So stick to green, brown, beige and khaki Jackets.
Also try not to pick a jacket with camouflage colouring. I know that it seems ideal and makes popular urban wear in the west, but in Africa only the military wear camouflage and indeed in some African countries you can be arrested for wearing it.
Materials
Many Jackets will be made from a materials that are waterproof, but make a noise as you rub against it. This is perfectly fine for camping in a wet environment, but if you are trying to sneak up to skittish animals like an antelope, the noise made by your clothing can often frighten them away. Cotton drill type materials work the best and if you need your jacket to be waterproof, look out for ones that have a waxy type covering.
Pockets
Pockets to me are really important and cannot be underestimated! Look out for ones that will make it easy for you to carry your camera, binoculars or guide books.
Buy Safari & Bush Jackets
Below are a few examples of ideal jackets to travel with and take on safari.
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Joe Browns Forces Bush Jacket
Stylish as well as hardy, this bush jacket from Joe Browns has retro military styling and is a great laid-back jacket that’ll stick by you through thick and thin. Loads of large pockets ideal for storing binoculars, a compact digital camera or safari guide book.
The outer is made from 100% Cotton, the lining: 65% Polyester, 35% Cotton. Note the Shirt and T-shirt are solde separately.
 Buy on Amazon.co.uk
 Buy on Amazon.com
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Mens Workwear Safari Jacket
Made from 100% cotton canvas, the Workwear Safari Jacket has 2 bellowed hand warmer pockets, front placket with stud fastening, 2 chest pockets with stud fastenings and Studded cuffs to sleeves.
Buy on Amazon.co.uk
Buy on Amazon.com
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Mens Jack Pyke Hunter Jacket
Waterproof – Breathable – Noiseless. The ideal safari jacket.
Outer shell: 100% Polyester brushed tricot with laminated membrane. Lining: 100% Polyester brushed mesh & taffeta.
Details: Full length double opening zip, Concealed hood in pocket, 2 lower front bellow pockets with cartridge holders, 2 hand-warmer pockets 1 internal chest pocket, Fold-down waterproof seat flap, Elasticated weather shrouds on wrist, Available in olive green or english oak.
Buy on Amazon.co.uk
Buy on Amazon.com
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Safari Gilet / Safari Vest
As an alternative to a long sleeve Jacket, ideal for wearing in warmer weather is a safari gillet or vest. Good ones like the Result Adventure Safari Gilet pictured on the left come with many pockets an are ideal for photographers or indeed anyone on safari as the pockets can be use to store your binoculars, guide books or anything else.
Buy on Amazon.co.uk
Buy on Amazon.com
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Safari Wear
For more, take a look at this section of the safari guide on Safari Clothing and Advice, it includes Men’s and Women’s Safari Wear.
Categories: Safari Advice, Safari Wear | 
Tags: Mens Safari Clothing, Safari Advice, Safari Clothing, Safari Jackets, Safari Wear | 
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June 15, 2010 | Posted by Safari Guide
Do I Need Waterproof Binoculars for Safaris?
The MOST important thing is that you do have a pair of binoculars for your safari, it is the single most important piece of equipment that you can take with you and will transform your experience.
Ok now that we have established that we are going on safari with a pair of binoculars, which pair of binoculars is the next question? I have written a guide to choosing binoculars for safaris, which goes over all the important features you should look out for. One of them is waterproofing, which I will go into more detail here:
Whilst having a pair of waterproof binoculars on safari is not absolutely essential, it is preferable. We all hope that it does not rain on your holiday, but if it does, you should be prepared. Whilst it is true that spotting some types of game is harder in the rain and depending on how hard the rain is you may not even go out on game drive. But on the other hand I have also had some of my best experiences in the rain.
A particular example was sitting for hours watching a cheetah sheltering from the rain under a tree. Sure everyone and everything got wet, but hey it is only water and everyone on the game drive had a magical experience watching one of the most elusive creatures in the bush.
Dry and Sandy Environments
It is not only wet and humid conditions where water and fog-proofing can help: in an extremely dry and dusty climate, like on safari the O-ring seal used to make your binoculars waterproof will also prevent dust and tiny debris from entering the unit.
The Waterproof Fogproof Binocular
Many binoculars are either waterproof, fogproof or both where as some manufacturers call their optics weather protected or even weather proof. But what exactly does it all mean and just what do they do to make a pair of binoculars waterproof and fogproof?
Waterproofing
Waterproof binoculars are sealed internally using O-rings to prevent moisture as well as dust and other small debris from entering the inside of the unit.
Fogproofing
Fogproofing means that the optical barres are filled with nitrogen or argon gas to prevent internal fogging caused when subjecting the optic to temperature extremes, especially in high humidity. Fogproofing is sometimes referred to as nitrogen-purging. This term is probably more descriptive of the actual process; O2 (oxygen) is purged from the barrels and replaced with an inert gas (usually nitrogen) which doesn’t condense.
A pair of binoculars or can be waterproof without being fogproof. What this means is that the binoculars are sealed, but the oxygen inside the barrels haven’t been purged and replaced with an inert gas. But if an optical instrument is fogproof, it has to be waterproof (sealed) as well.
Today even fairly inexpensive binoculars are both waterproof and fogproof. Just look out for manufacturers that claim that their optics are “weather protected” or “water protected” this usually means that they are not 100% water or fog proof, If you are paying for it, make sure that they are 100% waterproof.
Water Repellent Lens Coatings
Another feature to look out for and one that is often found on high end optics are special lens coatings that are actually water repellent or sometimes known as “hydrophobic coatings”. These water and dirt repelling properties, not only repel water, but they are have more resistance to abrasions and make it much easier to remove your fingerprints and dirt particles from the lenses. Lenses treated with the hydrophobic coating allow water to just roll off them.
Popular Waterproof Binoculars for Safari
Could these be the ultimate safari binoculars?
The perfect combination of shock resistance, visual performance and comfortable handling. Designed with glare and UV blocking, these Steiner Wildlife binoculars also have the ability to offer clear, distortion free images in bright sunlight. The High-Contrast Optics offer excellent visual experiences and all at a reasonable price.
>> Full Review and Where to Buy
Very Compact: The new 8.5 x 26 Wildlife Pro binoculars from Steiner are easily small and light enough to fit in a shirt or coat pocket, but offer great performance. They have a wide field of view, perfect for birdwatching. They are phase corrected and come with fully multi-coated lenses for superb resolution and brightness. On top of this they are tough, waterproof and shockproof making them ideal safari and birding binoculars especially if you plan on a walking.
>> Full Review and Where to Buy
Fully waterproof, fog-proof, lightweight, with their unique wrap-around grip that enables comfortable operation even with one hand. This combined with the best quality fully multi-coated lenses and Bak-4 prisms available:
We take a look at the excellent Swarovski EL 10×32 binoculars and discover just why the Safari Guide rates them as some of the best safari binoculars ever made.
>> Read Full Review and Where to Buy
Categories: Safari Binoculars, Safari Equipment | Tags: Binoculars, Steiner Binoculars, Swarovski, Waterproof, Waterproof Binoculars | No Comments »
June 8, 2010 | Posted by Safari Guide
If the idea of working with primates in Africa then this program,where you will join a pioneering rehabilitation center in South Africa to help conserve the Vervet monkey, could be what you are looking for:
The Vervet Monkey Foundation is currently home to more than 700 monkeys, most of which are Vervet’s and they are in much need of volunteers who not only want to work with animals, but have a love for them as well. You should be willing to become completely involved in the care and rehabilitation of these wonderful primates.
The Vervet Monkey Foundation is located near Tzaneen in the Limpopo province at the foot of the Wolkberg mountains and is only an hour and a half drive from the Kruger National Park, so during your visit you can also explore one of the most beautiful regions of South Africa. During your stay as a volunteer, you will be living in a tent village. It is a bush camp so be prepared for a truly outdoor experience! Although your accommodation is fairly basic the living and sleeping conditions are pretty comfortable as the village is equipped with a sink, fridge, showers with hot and cold water and eco-toilets.
As a volunteer, you can join for a minimum of two weeks but can stay much longer and will be fully trained in all aspects of animal care needed for this project. Not only will you learn about these primates, you will also experience the fascinating flora and fauna of South Africa and enjoy life in a traditional African bush camp.
Those volunteers who are interested in furthering their studies on Vervet monkeys are also very welcome to do so: Back in 2006 the Vervet Monkey Foundation became a full member of the Pan African Sanctuaries Alliance (PASA) and they have a purpose built sick bay area for the monkeys which may also appeal to Vet nurses / students.
More Details & Enquiry Form >> Vervet Monkey Volunteer Program
More on Volunteering Wildlife Work in Africa and Volunteering in South Africa
Photo Credit: Arno & Louise
Categories: South Africa, Volunteer Projects | Tags: Limpopo Province, South Africa, Tzaneen, Vervet Monkey, Vervet Monkey Foundation, Volunteer | No Comments »
May 5, 2010 | Posted by Safari Guide
Of all African kingfishers the most beautiful is the brilliantly-coloured and aptly named Malachite Kingfisher (Alcedo cristata). This tiny, agile bird is widely distributed throughout southern Africa on streams, lakes and even small pools where it stands out like a small blue jewel in the surrounding vegetation.
You wil often see many species of kingfisher including the Malachite bobbing their head up and down and side to side, I have heard this is to judge the depth of potential prey under the surface of the water as the light behaves differently as it penetrates the denser medium.
The bill is black in young Malachite Kingfisher’s and reddish orange in adults and their legs are bright red. There is only a small amount of sexual dimorphism (Sexes are similar), but juveniles are a duller version of the adult. Their call is a short shrill ’seek’, whilst the breeding song is a chuckling li-cha-cha-chui-chui.
Nesting & Breeding
The Malachite Kingfisher breeds from August to November and nests in burrows which it excavates in the vertical bank of a stream or river. The tunnel, often up to a meter in length, may also be used for two or more consecutive seasons, and opens up into a chamber where the glossy white eggs are laid.
The litter of fish-bones and insect remains found on the foor of the chamber were once believed to constitute the kingfisher’s nest and the British museum was preppaired to pay the handsome reward of £100 for an intact specimen! Actually these birds do not build nests but lay their eggs on the bare earth. Te debris which surrounds them is merely the regurgitated remains of indigestible food. Most birds remove faeces from the nest; however, in the case of burrow-nesting species this is not so easily done and represents a waste of precious energy in a bird that must work hard to find its food. The kingfisher’s chicks cope with this by defecating in particular spots in the burrow so that the nest is not itself fouled but, by the time they are od enough to emerge from the tunnel, it is – needless to say – evil-smelling!
Feeding
To feed, it perches close to the water, often on a reed stem, from which it will dive for small fish, tadpoles, beetles and other insects. On the wing it is a glorious sight, moving with lightning rapidity, darting off when disturbed over the water surface.
Large items of food are beaten on a branch or rail to either stun or kill the victim, whilst small fish and insects are swallowed immediately. A fish is usually lifted and carried by its middle, but its position is changed, sometimes by tossing it into the air, before it is swallowed head downwards.
Back to Birds of Africa main page
| Beat About The Bush: Birds |
Beat About The Bush: Mammals |
Beat About The Bush |
 |
 |
 |
Highly Recommended
The Beat about the Bush Birds Book delves into the fascinating lives of birds – discussing in detail their myriad forms, survival strategies, breeding and feeding behaviours, movements, migrations and vocalisations. The result is a comprehensive reference work in a style that appeals to novices, birders, twitchers, tourists, bush enthusiast and field guides alike |
Highly Recommended
Sitting between basic mammal guides and extensive academic texts, this resource answers everyday questions about mammals in the African bush in an understandable fashion that will appeal to safari tourists, bush enthusiasts, and professional safari guides. With verything from how an elephant’s trunk works to why the blue whale is not a fish, it is a must-have for anyone wanting to know about the mammals of Africa. |
More comprehensive than a field guide yet more accessible than an academic text, this authoritative reference answers fundamental questions about mammals and birds in the African bush such as How does an elephant’s trunk work? Is the cheetah really the fastest animal? and Why do some bird species sit on animals? Photographs, charts, and tables accompany the question-and-answer format, making this all-in-one guide user-friendly for both wildlife enthusiasts and professionals. |
| Buy from Amazon.co.uk |
| Buy from Amazon.com |
Photo Credit: Arno & Louise
Categories: African Birds, African Wildlife | Tags: African Birds, Alcedo cristata, Birds, Kingfisher, Malachite Kingfisher | No Comments »
May 4, 2010 | Posted by Safari Guide
It is still not to late to go on safari in South Africa during the World Cup
You can be on a small group safari in the Kruger National Park in South Africa with your own safari guide and chef AND never miss a game as you can watch all the World Cup soccer (football) action on our private satellite TV!
This South African safari and tour operator specialises in small group and private wildlife experiences in the the world famous Kruger National Park and what is more they are one of the few specialist Kruger operators that will not be increasing their normal rates during the world cup period and because there are a few places left, you can now get up to a 40% discount.
All safaris are full board (includes all accommodation, meals, professional guiding in open-sided game viewing vehicles and all conservation and entrance fees in the Kruger National Park. They do not use tents your accommodation will comprise of en-suite serviced lodges with air-conditioning.
Safari activities include 2 game drives per day and an optional bush walk with an armed ranger.
Satellite television (all matches shown) will be made available so you wont miss a game while you are out in the bush.
Available Cheap Safari Deals
Please Note: The available dates are listed below, but The safari operator has informed us that they only have limited spaces left on their safari itineraries in the Kruger National Park during the soccer world cup in June and July 2010 and they are going fast:
6 Day Safari (5-nights)
Dates: Anytime between 28 June and 9 July 2010 – 40% discount on their standard rate
More Information & Make An Enquiry
4 Day Safari (3-nights)
Dates: Anytime between 28 June and 9 July 2010 – 40% discount.
More Information & Make An Enquiry
3 Day Safari (2-nights)
Dates: Anytime between 21st June and 23 June 2010 – 40% discount.
More Information & Make An Enquiry
Dates Not Available?
If the exact dates that you are looking for are not available, take a look at all the World Cup Safaris on offer.
Safaris Include:
- Private en-suite accommodation
- All meals and refreshments with meals (refreshments: SA wine, beer and bottled water)
- All entrance and conservation fees
- All guiding courtesy your own safari guide
- All game viewing activities in our private open safari vehicle
- All itineraries are conducted inside the Kruger National Park
- Road transportation from Johannesburg or Nelspruit return.
Categories: Safari Deals, South Africa | Tags: Cheap Safari Deals, Kruger National Park, Safari Deals, Safari Discount, South Africa, World Cup | No Comments »
April 23, 2010 | Posted by Safari Guide
The Fish Eagle (Haliaeetus vocifer) is a splendid creature, its imposing appearance and challenging call symbolic of the African wetlands. Not that it is confined to the wilderness: indeed it sometimes makes it home close to large cities.
African Fish Eagles are a common sight on many African lakes and Dams, including one of my favourite places, Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe where I took the photo used in this article.
The expressive term ‘raptor’ fits this bird well for it swoops down to pluck fish from the water with its fierce talons. They like almost all raptors have excellent eyesight and they can detect movement near the surface of the water indicating prey from distances of up to 200m or more. I recall once on a windy day, marvelling as a Fish eagle swept down again and again in a magnificent stoop to snatch fish carried along by the wash. Several times, as I sat watching, my attention was caught by a cormorant that had followed a fish towards the shore, but, on surfacing, the bird suddenly made off into the lake as fast as it could go. Next moment, the eagle flashed down and seized the fish but the cororant was obviously taking no chances that the indisputably superior bird might suddenly decide on a change in diet.
This is not the Fish Eagle’s only way of hunting. They will occasionally plunge dive and in the dry season, when when the fish are crowded together in shallower water, it may alight and hunt on foot, and will make a meal of any stranded fish it may chance upon. Chicks in the nest are another delicacy. A few years ago, at Rondevlei Bird sanctuary near Cape Town, a Fish Eagle took up its perch each day on a water tower overlooking a heronry. Its patience was never rewarded for the birds were only nest buildling, but so sinister was its vigilant presence that it inhibited laying and the whole colony was abandoned for that season.
It is likely, however that this particular eagle was a youngster, for immature birds prefer to feed off nestlings and carrion rather than take the risks of hunting in water. A great many inexperienced Fish Eagles do not survive their attempts to emulate the adults’ hunting methods. This species either flies at great speed along the water and snatches fish from near the surface, or – more dangerous – dives to capture its vistum. If it does not succeed on its first try, it will dive again, each time becoming more water-logged. Younger and less proficient birds often find themselves too wet and weak from repeated efforts to lift themselves from the water and occasionally drown or are snapped up by cruising crocodiles.
Some Fish Eagles will harass and bully herons, storks, pelicans, kingfishers and osprey into disgorging their prey. I have seen this happen only twice myself, and each time – unfortunately for the eagle – it had chosen the biggest South African heron – the Goliath. The heron crouched down with its dagger-like beak thrust upwards and the eagle, after one or two abortive stoops, gave up and went in search of an easier meal.
For more information: African Birds
Categories: African Birds, African Wildlife | Tags: African Birds, African Fish Eagle, Fish Eagle, Goliath Heron, Haliaeetus vocifer, Raptor | No Comments »
April 15, 2010 | Posted by Safari Guide
As its many common names ‘Lily-trotter’, ‘Lotus Birds’, ‘Jesus Birds’ indicate, the African Jacana (Actophilornis africana) is highly specialised for life on floating vegetation, and despite its extraordinarily long toes it has a certain grace. The large splayed feet which effectively distribute the bird’s weight over a wide area are excellently adapted to running over a yielding mass of water-plants. The Jacana is a tropical bird whose distribution is limited by the availability of suitable waterplants. This is also reflected in the Jacanas genus name of Actophilornis which means “shore-loving bird”.
African Jacanas are good divers and strong flyers. They squawk during flight and carry a pitch that resembles a loud, mournful, whining sound. The bright blue shiny covering on top of the bill and up the forehead is known as a frontal shield.
One Leg
It is quite common to see a Jacana (and other water birds) standing on one leg, with the other tucked up under their body. Most people would assume that they are just resting one leg, but it is actually thought, as it most often happens on colder days that they are keeping the uncovered leg warm.
Their essential dependence on water vegetation is reflected in its nesting habits. On some sheltered backwater, using a platform of emergent vegetation as a base, it builds a small floating nest by drawing plants together. Chicks hatched on this precarious structure must, perforce, be precocious to survive and immediately take to water and walk freely on the vegetation. However when in danger or moving greater distances and the chicks are still young, the male African Jacana will carry a few under each wing to get the chicks to safety. This only happens until they are about 2-3 weeks old and by then only one chick can be carried at a time.
Breeding
Polygamy is not uncommon among birds but polyandry is rare indeed. By its very nature it can only take place in areas where food is abundant and the jacana, living as it does in the tropical mashlands of southern Africa, is ideally placed for this activity. Here the female takes her mates one at a time and then leaves them to incubate and rear the nestlings while she flies off to find her next suitor and breed again. The fathers apear to adapt well to this apparent reversal of the traditional male/female roles and have been known to carry the chicks under their wings to safety when a predator is about.
Snakes, otters, water mongooses and many other birds will all eat the African Jacana’s eggs. Since African Jacana’s eggs and young chicks are often preyed upon, the survival of this species is largely dependent on the mother’s ability to lay several clutches of eggs in one season and that is probably why it has evolved for the male to stay back and look after the eggs and chicks, whilst the female goes off to find another mate.
The female African Jacana defends a large territory which contain the smaller nesting territories of the males. It is also not uncommon for the female to kill the chicks produced by other females when she takes over a new territory (Infanticide).
The eggs are distinctive, being remarkably glossy, pear -shaped and profusely marked with lines and scrolls of black on a yellowish ground.
Food
The African Jacana eats insects and other invertebrates picked from the floating vegetation or the water’s surface, they will also flip over lilly-pads to get at larvae underneath. They will also forage along the shoreline and I have seen them digging in elephant dung for insects.
Jacana Family
The jacanas are a group of waders in the family Jacanidae, which are identifiable by their huge feet and claws which enable them to walk on floating vegetation in the shallow lakes that are their preferred habitat. They are found worldwide within the tropical zone.
For more information: African Birds
| Beat About The Bush: Birds |
Beat About The Bush: Mammals |
Beat About The Bush |
|
|
|
Highly Recommended
The Beat about the Bush Birds Book delves into the fascinating lives of birds – discussing in detail their myriad forms, survival strategies, breeding and feeding behaviours, movements, migrations and vocalisations. The result is a comprehensive reference work in a style that appeals to novices, birders, twitchers, tourists, bush enthusiast and field guides alike |
Highly Recommended
Sitting between basic mammal guides and extensive academic texts, this resource answers everyday questions about mammals in the African bush in an understandable fashion that will appeal to safari tourists, bush enthusiasts, and professional safari guides. With verything from how an elephant’s trunk works to why the blue whale is not a fish, it is a must-have for anyone wanting to know about the mammals of Africa. |
More comprehensive than a field guide yet more accessible than an academic text, this authoritative reference answers fundamental questions about mammals and birds in the African bush such as How does an elephant’s trunk work? Is the cheetah really the fastest animal? and Why do some bird species sit on animals? Photographs, charts, and tables accompany the question-and-answer format, making this all-in-one guide user-friendly for both wildlife enthusiasts and professionals. |
| Buy from Amazon.co.uk |
| Buy from Amazon.com |
References: Beat About The Bush Birds book By Trevor Carnaby
Photo Credit: Mister-E
Categories: African Birds, African Wildlife | Tags: Actophilornis africana, African Birds, African Jacana, Birds | No Comments »
April 14, 2010 | Posted by Safari Guide
If you buy a Nikon EDG binocular or spotting scope, Nikon will send you a FREE D3000 camera kit with 18-55VR Nikkor lens worth $549.95.
Ideal Camera & Binoculars for Safaris
This promotion is even better if you are planning on going on safari as now you can get some of the best safari binoculars available (or spotting scope), with a free Digital SLR camera that also makes an ideal a safari camera, but hurry, the offer ends on October 31st 2010.
Where can I get this offer?
The Take it to the EDG Promotion from Nikon is only available to consumers within the 50 United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands by Nikon Inc., Melville, New York. Purchases made in or delivered to other countries are ineligible. There are two major binocular online retailers in the US who are also authorised dealers of Nikon EDG Binoculars and Fieldscopes who are participating in the promotion:
Nikon EDG on Binoculars.com
Nikon EDG on Eagle Optics
Nikon EDG Binoculars
Truly some of the finest binoculars available, Nikon EDG Binoculars use Nikon’s own ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass lenses that deliver superior sharpness and color correction for unmatched detail resolution with Dielectric coated prisms meaning that Nikon’s coatings deliver brighter views. The optics are fully multicoated meaning that there are multiple layers of anti-reflective compounds on every glass surface for bright, vivid sight pictures.
The design of the binocular has open bridge style which is ergonomic making sure the binoculars balance perfectly in the hand for extended use. A quick, central focusing knob has been paired with pop-up diopter adjustments for unparalleled speed and convenience. The Horn-shaped detachable eyecups are ergonomically contoured to block out peripheral light for a clear field of view on top of this you get a long eye relief with ratcheting eyecup adjustments that allow for a perfect view, with or without eyeglasses.
All EDG Binoculars are O-ring sealed making them 100% Waterproof and fogproof as they are dry nitrogen filled to handle the toughest conditions on the planet.
The Nikon D3000 Digital Camera
The Nikon D3000 is Nikon’s entry-level digital SLR camera designed for anyone who wants to take quality digital photographs without worrying too much about settings. It features a 10.2 megapixel sensor, EXPEED processing system, 3-inch LCD screen, 3 fps continuous shooting and 11-point autofocus system.
You can select from a choice of subject parameters and the camera will do the rest, and the instant response time means you never miss a moment. The 11-point autofocus system ensures everyone is in focus, and the bright viewfinder means you get what you want, when you want it.
More Information
Best Binoculars for Safari Holidays
Digital SLR vs Compact SuperZoom Cameras for Safaris
Categories: Safari Binoculars, Safari Cameras, Safari Equipment | Tags: Binoculars, Nikon, Nikon D3000, Nikon EDG Binoculars, Promotions, Safari Cameras | No Comments »
April 9, 2010 | Posted by Safari Guide
Womens Combat trousers and Cargo Pants are very similar and in some cases they refer to the same item of clothing. But in general Combat pants are less formal than cargo trousers which in a way is surprising considering the military connotations.
The term “combat” also implies that the garment is more likely to be made with a camouflage print but this is not always the case and I would suggest that you stay clear of ex-military camouflaged clothing when going on safari as I have heard that it is illegal in some African countries.
Having said all this there are many combat trousers for women that are ideal to take with you on safari and they often end up being much cheaper than buying specifically designed Safari pants or trousers from specialist safari stores.
In general what you are looking for is a pair of combats that are comfortable to travel and walk in, they must also be tough, but without being too warm to wear in hot conditions. The colour should help you blend in with your surroundings, so go for khaki, beige, greens, browns and stone colours. Any extra pockets can be really useful for holding things like cameras, binoculars and birding books.
Where to Buy Combat Pants
Safari Wear
For more, take a look at this section of the safari guide on Safari Clothing and Advice, it includes Men’s and Women’s Safari Wear.
Categories: Safari Advice, Safari Equipment, Safari Wear | Tags: Combat Trousers, Safari Clothing, Safari Trousers, Safari Wear, Womens Safari Clothing | No Comments »
April 9, 2010 | Posted by Safari Guide
Just remember the ideal safari pants are comfortable to travel as well as walk in, tough, without being too warm to wear in hot conditions. Their colour must help you blend in with your surroundings and any extra pockets can be really useful for holding things like birding books, cameras and possibly binoculars.
Cargo pants are so named because of their ability to carry so much “cargo” in the pockets. But as safari trousers, womens cargo pants are ideal because most are designed for tough, outdoor activities and have several large pockets, most often with button, snap or Velcro closable flaps. In addition to these front and back pockets, they will often have side pockets as well.
Cargo trousers often come in stone, khaki or beige colored and cotton, but can come in other colors and fabrics as well.
Where to Buy Cargo Pants
Safari Wear
For more, take a look at this page on Safari Clothing Advice, that includes Men’s and Women’s Safari Wear.
Categories: Safari Advice, Safari Equipment, Safari Wear | Tags: Cargo Trousers, Safari Clothing, Safari Trousers, Safari Wear, Womens Safari Clothing | No Comments »
April 9, 2010 | Posted by Safari Guide
The image above is one of the most iconic images of the Sixties and depicts German model Veruschka in Kenya, defiant and pouting, with a rifle hitched behind her shoulders, wearing nothing but an over-sized floppy hat and a skimpy khaki Yves Saint Laurent tunic for a Vogue shoot, photographed by Franco Rubartelli. What it did was start a new and exciting fashion trend: “Safari Wear” and all of a sudden it meant that you could not only look great whist on safari, but you could take some of the clothing onto the streets of Paris as well.
Safari dresses are not as piratical as wearing a shirt and trousers, but they are ideal for wearing around the lodge and are fine whilst on safari in a vehicle. I would however not recommend using a safari dress for walking safaris, here trousers to protect your legs from thorny bushes and plants are far more suitable. I would look at using a safari dress once you have returned to the lodge after your game drive, they are ideal to wear around the pool and to breakfast and lunch.
As with all safari wear, look out for dresses in colours that blend in with the bush, so khaki, browns, greens and stone colours work best. As a dress will not really be worn out on walking safaris, things like extra pockets and the thickness of the material is not that important.
There are far more durable dresses available (see below) than the dress shown on the right that may be that little bit more suitable for travelling with.
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Safari Wear
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April 9, 2010 | Posted by Safari Guide
Fiscal Flycatcher (Sigelus silens)
At first glance the Fiscal Flycatcher (Sigelus silens) might be mistaken for a Common Fiscal (Lanius collaris), not only because both have a habit of perching conspicuously on telephone poles. But to confuse the birds would do an injustice to the Flycatcher for it does not share the Fiscal Shrike’s notorious habits of preying upon and impaling small birds and reptiles. Yet the resemblance is not merely fortuitous: it is an example of the phenomenon of ‘mimicry’ for the Fiscal Shrike is a tough and savage bird and it is much to the Flycatcher’s advantage to be mistaken for it, since other birds are glad to leave it alone. One of the big differences between the two species of birds is that the Fiscal Flycatcher does not have the hooked bill of the Common Fiscal.
Its scientific genus name of Sigelus means silent or lack of a call and the species name of silens translated from Latin to English also means silent or still which is rather strange in that it does have a call of high pitched wheezing notes and whistles. The Fiscal Flycatcher can also mimic the calls of other birds and whilst it is not common, it has been recorded. I have however not been able to confirm which birds it has been recorded mimicking.
The Fiscal Flycatcher is endemic to Southern Africa and can be found from South Africa, to the extreme south of Mozambique, Zimbabwe and the south-eastern part of Botswana. In general it prefers open habitats with scattered trees or bushes to use as perches for foraging, but a fairly dense thicket or dense bush used for nesting. It occurs in the following biomes: moist and semi-arid grassland, fynbos, Nama Karoo, valley bushveld, scrub Acacia and kloof bush in highveld.
The female Fiscal Flycatcher builds an open cup nest in a dense bush often in thick forked branch or a branch next to the trunk. It is constructed from thin dry grass stems and other plant material such as everlastings (Helichrysum) and slangbos (Stoebe), as well as string and rags if the nest is near urban areas. The nest is then lined with feathers, plant down and rootlets and there is even a record of a Fiscal flycatcher attempting to pluck hair from a person’s head!
Between two and four eggs are laid from about July to February, with a peak around October to December. They are incubated solely by the female which lasts between 13 and 16 days, during this time she is fed by the male Fiscal Flycatcher. Not the best parent, she will often leave the nest for long periods, where it is more vulnerable to predation. Once hatched, the chicks are fed only by the female and the male shows little interest. The chicks will leave the nest after about 15 to 17 days and as fledglings they are still fed by their parents for a short time longer. An interesting note is that a Cape robin-chat (Cossypha caffra) was once observed feeding beetle larvae to the fledglings and then hiding when their parents approached!
The Fiscal Flycatcher feeds on insects, foraging from a high perch, pouncing on prey on the ground and occasionally hawking prey aerially, but sometimes taken in flight. It will supplement this with some fruit. Predators include the Ovambo sparrowhawk (Accipiter ovampensis)
Brood Parasite Hosts
The Fiscal Flycatcher also occasionally unwittingly plays host to the Jacobin Cuckoo (Clamator jacobinus) and less often the Red-chested Cuckoo (Cuculus solitarius) although both these Cuckoos prefer other species and only use the Fiscal Flycatcher as a host occasionally.
Names in Other Languages
Fiskaalvlieëvanger (Afrikaans), Icola (Xhosa]), Klauwiervliegenvanger (Dutch) Gobemouche fiscal (French), Würgerschnäpper (German), Papa-moscas-fiscal (Portuguese)
References:
SASOL Birds of Southern Africa. Ian Sinclair, Phil Hockey and Warwick Tarboton.
Roberts Birds of Southern Africa
Hockey PAR, Dean WRJ and Ryan PG 2005. The Trustees of the John Voelcker Bird Book Fund, Cape Town.
For more information: Birds of Africa
Photo Credit: Lip Kee
Categories: African Birds, African Wildlife | Tags: African Birds, Birds, Clamator jacobinus, Common Fiscal, Cossypha caffra, Cuculus solitarius, Fiscal Flycatcher, Fiskaalvlieëvanger, Lanius collaris, Sigelus silens | No Comments »
