Gearing Up: Safari

Wildlife professionals favor Swarovski field glasses, which range from $1,800 to $3,500. However, the Zeiss TERRA ED 8x42 binoculars, at around $400, are entirely adequate.

Canon makes the best wildlife lenses, especially the EF 100-400mm f/4 zoom. The Canon PowerShot S110 is a great point-and-shoot with an excellent video. For sheer style, the ultrasharp Fujifilm X100S comes with a safari-appropriate brown leather case.

Globe-Trotter makes a peerless “Safari“ range of luggage. I also like the “Cavalier” duffels by Ghurka.

It’s often cold in the early morning, so take a Patagonia fleece, also a thick Orvis safari shirt to ward off tsetse fly bites. And you’ll need big sunglasses that keep out the dust — Ray-Ban Aviators are still the best.