Photographic equipment used by the author.

A Canon EOS 1Ds. A great camera that holds up to the rigors of African travel. Any good SLR will work or indeed a point and shoot. The light conditions can be excellent but can also be 'dusty' in late Jan/Feb due to wind blowing down from the Sahara. Depends what you want to shoot and where. For specific advice drop ,me an email and I'll try and help.

Canon 200mm 1.8. My main choice of lens for photographing the Dakar Rally.

For birding the bigger the better! A 600mm a 500mm or a 400mm can all be coupled with a 1.4x or 2x converter. My 200mm is not quite enough for birds but perfect for desert shots of vehicles.

1.4x and 2x converters. As mentioned above, help to get a little bit closer to the wildlife. I am a rare user of my 2x convertor and often travel without it. I always carry my 1.4 though.

Digital Battery backup. Don't get caught out without power! Depending on your set-up make sure you are covered to be without any mains power for extended periods once you leave the coastal area's. We have charging facilities in Georgetown but beyond into Senegal power is erratic.

Tripod:- I carry a carbon fibre tripod for the weight saving this offers.

Flash:- A Canon 540 speedlight.

Storage I'll add shortly.

Cleaning:- Dust! It's everywhere! If you travel ay distance you will become covered. If your caera is not sealed for extreme conditions the store it well. Take your usual cleaning kit and also store it well tgo avoid contaminating it before use. Don't change lens too often is a good rule.

Carrying:- I use a lightweight backpack for general use.

I'd also suggest buying a copy of either A Field Guide to the Birds of West Africa (ISBN 0002192047) by: W.Serle G.J.Morel & W. Hartwig or A Photographic Field Guide to the birds of The Gambia & West Africa (ISBN 90-808284-1-6) by: Marcelia Silva & Cees Scholtz. We have spare copies available at Jukes bar Georgetown but cannot guarantee availability.