It’s time for a NEW “What’s In My Bag, Africa Edition!” Video!
This is the 2024 version so you can see what I currently bring to Africa – and why! We’ll talk cameras, lenses, accessories, computers, backup, and even clothing choices! I also include some alternative ideas for cameras and gear for a more budget-friendly approach to an African Safari. A must view before your next Africa trip! (Heck, this kit works really well just about anywhere!)
Below are links for the products mentioned in the video. Note that these are affiliate links and I get paid a small commission when you make a purchase after clicking the link. Thank you for your support.
Gura Gear 30L+
https://guragear.com/products/kiboko-30l-camera-backpack-with-laptop-sleeve?ref=xwU9xYfYfCW7HD
10% Off Code: bcg10
Nikon Z9:
https://bhpho.to/4dfasOa
Nikon Z8:
https://bhpho.to/3JwxHFJ
Nikon 24-120:
https://bhpho.to/3JvIDTU
Nikon 100-400:
https://bhpho.to/44hgREs
Nikon 600TC
https://bhpho.to/3U6dr2k
Alternatives:
Nikon 180-600:
https://bhpho.to/44AXTYL
Nikon 600PF:
https://bhpho.to/49WQMLU
Sony 200-600:
https://bhpho.to/3xOHKU3
Canon 100-500:
https://bhpho.to/44aCTbT
Batteries
Z8 Battery:
https://bhpho.to/3JuHqMN
Z9 Battery:
https://bhpho.to/3w5KZWA
Binoculars (CL 8×25)
https://bhpho.to/3Weybrx
Lens Wipes:
https://bhpho.to/4ddo647
Microfiber cloth:
https://bhpho.to/4b0pdCq
Lens Pen With Brush:
https://bhpho.to/3QiOJLa
Rocket Blower:
https://bhpho.to/49MZVqd
Sensor Swabs:
https://amzn.to/4d64j6N
Visible Dust Smear Away Solution:
https://bhpho.to/3U81OYS
Delkin Black Memory Cards (325GB):
https://bhpho.to/4b7wU9Z
3rd party lens body / rear lens caps:
Nikon: https://amzn.to/44evCHQ
Sony: https://amzn.to/4aTRgUn
Canon: https://amzn.to/4d9D7E5
4TB Samsung T7 SSD (backup drives):
https://bhpho.to/3xNzJ1E
Apple AirTag:
https://bhpho.to/3xRxMBg
OFF! Wipes:
https://amzn.to/4d9RB6Z
Permethrin Spray for clothing:
https://amzn.to/3QmpgR9
(Note, this is VERY harmful to cats when wet – make sure your clothes are thoroughly dry and use outside only)
Laptop Bag & Accessories:
GuraGear Chobe 16 Laptop Bag:
https://guragear.com/products/chobe-16l?ref=xwU9xYfYfCW7HD
10% Off Code: bcg10
Apple 16″ MacBook Pro (I have an M2, the new ones are the M3 – I have a 4TB SSD and 64GB RAM)
https://bhpho.to/3WglA7m
Delkin CF Express Card Reader:
https://bhpho.to/3w3Z46V
JBL 660NC Noise Cancelling Headphones
https://bhpho.to/3Wy8Vgf
Amazon Kindle:
https://amzn.to/49UAFP9
You recommended the Gura bag some time ago and boy have I loved it – Africa, all over Europe, Mountain West, what an inspired design. Two bodies, 200-600mm, 70-200mm, 24-70mm, 3 Samsung 1 TB hard drives, 13″ MacBook Air, 4 x Sony CF Express cards 80GB ea. 4 extra batteries and charging dock, cleaning supplies, rocket blower. The bag swallowed this up! I love the little details like the side zipper compartment for small stuff like phone charger and cables. Best feature, it is light weight and was no problem in the bush planes. Thanks, Steve.
https://andrew-udall-lee.smugmug.com/Africa-2021/i-QH6w3b4
Wow Andrew! Your wildlife images are AWESOME! I assume most were taken with the 200-600, as those lion/lioness images look like you were “up close and personal”! Great work!
Very interesting video Steve! I find the Z8 with a Nikkor Z 180-600 and a Z7 with either the Nikkor Z 14-30 or the Nikkor Z 24-120 to be a nice combo for local wildlife shooting…(Not yet fortunate enough to be on safari!) Do you ever use a tripod/monopod, or do you always shoot handheld? And BTW, Steve’s ebooks on Nikon settings and BIF Shooting Settings are SUPERB!! Highly recommended, as I managed to capture an osprey plucking a fish from a local lake recently! Thanks, Steve!
Battery usage and CFexpress card data increases tremendously when shooting video. I keep a 2TB card in the #2 slot of the Z9 camera for video.
I have been using the Gura Gear Bataflae 32L for many years and if it was stolen I would buy a used one on ebay. I want less weight in the main bag and adding 5-8 lbs in laptop and power brick is not what I want. I use a neoprene slip case for the laptop. Permethrin is a great insect repellent and I buy a 37% solution by the quart and then dilute it with water and use a garden sprayer to treat all the clothing (shirts, pants, and socks) at a cost of less than $0.10 per item.… Read more »