Sawai Madhopur What to Pack

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Photo Equipment: I'm not a big "packing tip" guy here on VT. You'll probably notice that I seldom write them. BUT... for visiting Ranthambhore and photographing both the vistas, scenics and (of course) the animals, you need to bring along a quick telephoto lens, 300 mm or larger. You want something that can get you a low f-stop to let in as much light as possible, especially shooting under the trees. If you have a film camera, you'll want plenty of high speed quality color film. If you're doing SLR digital, set your camera to mimic ISO 1250 or higher under the trees.

And happy shooting.

Photo Equipment: Video is easier than still camera for wild animals; though if 2 people are together, both are ideal. My wife stayed at the hotel and I took both video and still camera alone. I got great video but my stills of the wildlife are few and not great. My old Canon AE1 had a manual focus 200mm zoom lense. I recommend having what I do now--a super zoom camera with image stabilization and video capture capability. Forget the little point and shoot camera--that's not much good here. But, pro grade equipment complexity can meltdown under duress in the field. So, whatever you have, make sure you know how to use it. Have a 1gb card in the still camera, and plenty of time on the video tape. You'll want to be trigger happy. Tigers here won't stop to smile, pose, or do anything to benefit your slow photography skills, so capture what you can, and edit later at home. Fill the frame with the animal features, not so much the background forest as I was forced to do with my 200mm lense shot shown here.

Luggage and bags: Don't overload yourself, especially if you are travelling by train. A smallish soft bag or rucksack is all you need. Take a day sack for the things you'll want to take out with you on safari.

Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: Lightweight clothing in neutral colours are best for game viewing.

Sturdy shoes.

Something to protect you from rain, as you will be travelling in open vehicles with no cover! A cape is ideal as it will cover your top half and your legs when you are sitting down, as well as any bags and camera equipment.

Early morning game drives can be cold, especially in mid winter. If you are going in Dec/Jan, take hat, gloves, scarf and several warm layers. The rest of the time a warm fleece and a wind proof jacket will suffice. The lodges will provide a blanket.

Toiletries and Medical Supplies: Take everything you need with you, as most things will not be available locally.

Make sure you are up to date on all your innoculations. Check with your doctor in plenty of time prior to your departure.

Ranthambore is in a malaria area, so make sure you are taking the correct prophylaxis. Most need to be taken for one week before you go and four weeks after you return.

Photo Equipment: You will need a long length telephoto lens - 400-500mm is ideal.

As most of the game viewing takes place during early morning and late afternoon, light conditions will be far from ideal. Take fast film and/or a tripod/monopod to avoid camera shake.

Take something to protect your camera equipment from dust and rain.

Take twice as much film as you think you will need, and plenty of batteries. Make sure you have them with you on the game drives - not leaving them in your room as some people did!