About Chris' Travel and Photo Tips - A Living Document

Wildlife photography has a boatload of challenges - specifically, being in the right place at the right time with relaxed subjects in the right lighting - and with few other folks around.  Plus, one needs to be armed with the right tools, positive vibes, and best shooting techniques on auto-pilot.  In my humble opinion, it's better to be overly prepared than mildly handicapped because if not, the mental game is compromised.  And when the mental game is off, the fastest camera in the world can't deliver home runs.

When I prep for wildlife safaris/photo trips, there are a zillion things that I do in order to insure success with the least amount of hassles or gotchas.  I'm a list junkie and this started out as the typical what to bring pack list on my first African safari back in 2004.  As you will see, this list continued to grow because the "whys and how" are just as important as the "whats". 

After 50+ photo trips, I painstakingly documented what worked and didn't - ranging from travel prep and logistics to clothing, shooting techniques, tools and workflow - because:

• Airlines are continually cracking down on carry-on size and weight and I'm always trying to reduce weight;

• Reducing stress is always top of mind and I want travel adventures to be efficient and comfy; especially, when traveling 40+ hours door:door and when it's impossible to run to a store when something breaks, leaks, is forgotten or is taken; 

•  I want good value from my investments - especially, since products that weigh the least - aka every ounce counts - usually cost a premium.  I have no affiliation with any vendor mentioned.

Since I often get requests for advice, I'm sharing my personal trip planning/prep bible in this living document/blog which is primarily about African safaris (lessons learned from 20+ trips) and cold weather Wat'chee Lodge prep (from 7 visits to see polar bear cubs). Yep, it's a ton to do and think through; but, no pain, no gain.   

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Chris Prestegard
www.wildliferhythms.com

Favorite Wildlife Sightings

I'm a bit behind in finding time to edit photos but here are a few favorite cheetah images from my annual Ndutu Safari Lodge, Tanzania visit.  

2019 was a home run with 8 lions cubs at 6 -7 weeks old, 5 cheetah babies at 2.5 weeks old and rare moments with this Sweetest Serval Baby.

Nothing is more special than observing playful 5 week old leopard twins at Mala Mala in South Africa.  See my most favorite leopard images at Blue Eyed Babies.  

Another cherished Ndutu sighting includes this spunky 3 week old cheetah  cub.  See more of his images at  Meet Sparky 



These 6 week old old cheetah cubs were animated and beyond precious - see Adorable Triplets 

Finding healthy cheetah quadruplets during a very tough drought year made this sighting extra special - see Four Furballs 

It's rare to find a leopard mom with 2 week old cubs and sometimes prayers get answered - see Precious Twins.  

My other love is photographing 2 month old polar bear cubs emerging from their den which I did for 7 years in a row.  2013 was my favorite year because we watched the most animated polar bear family on the planet - see Polar Bear Cubs: Romp and Roll Twins  and stay tuned for more galleries.