Photography Tips: For general use, 200 speed film is recommended. It works inside, outside and at dawn or dusk (with slower shutter speeds). Be sure to pack enough film, as it is very expensive in Africa. Also pack an extra camera battery. Film under 1000ISO can safely pass through X-ray machines in South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe. 

Equipment: a simple point and click camera will capture the places you go and the people you see. For most wildlife shots you will need a telephoto lens. For a single all-purpose lens, a 70-210mm lens will enable you to shoot most landscape shots, while providing enough zoom to capture animals on safari. Photographing birds will require a more powerful lens of 300-600mm. Remember that telephoto lenses require higher speed film (400-1000ISO). To improve lighting, a skylight or UV filter and a polarizing filter can help remove the washed out effect of bright sunlight. A flash is necessary for photographing animals on night game drives.

Photo Tips & Techniques

Nature Photographer's Field Techniques by John Shaw
*****
An updated bestseller, this book of extraordinarily beautiful photographs of nature contains state-of-the-art instruction on how any photographer can aim for equally impressive results every time a camera is focused on the great outdoors. The author discusses each type of nature subject and how to approach photographing it. Specific advice and information cover selection of equipment and lenses; how to compose a shot; how to get close ups; and other tips covering a range of techniques. 

African Visions: A Diary of an African Photographer
by Mirella Ricciardi
*****
"Ricciardi focuses on the style and approach behind being a successful portrait photographer. Truly a unique book, full of beautiful images and wonderful ideas! Definitely a must for those tired of the standard photography books!"