Photos from Florida to Africa

Even though I have been taking photos for many years, I just bought my first Nikon D5100 DSLR with 18-55mm and 55-300mm zoom lenses in August 2011 in preparation for a "in between careers" vacation of a lifetime for 23 days in Southern Africa in summer 2013. SInce I purchased my excellent Nikon camera equipment, I have taken over 18,000 photos in the past 2 years--honing my skills for safari opportunities in South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Tanzania. I am planning to summit Kilimanjaro (with previous experience climbing Mount Fuji in Japan) and I hope I have enough photo equipment to take amazing safari shots.

I took a "Zootography" class locally here in Northwest Florida, which got us "up close and personal" with the animals. I am not sure how these skills will translate to the open safari, so i am interested in hearing from anyone who has been to Africa on safari and can receommend any techniques or equipment to bring along. Also, besides writing to Nikon, what does anyone recommend for climbing Kilimanjaro with an expensive camera kit? During my Mount Fuji climb, it was so cold, windy and rainy that I needed a weather-proof camera, and my climbing partner's camera was completely destroyed (with no pics!) by the time we got back down off the volcanic mountain.

I'd be interested in hearing from photographers with experience in Africa--including safety percautions for making sure my camera is not highjacked in places like Cape Town.

~Jeff at JSJ Photography