Boots- will you be doing any walking? If so, it might be wrth it, but you should be OK without.

Camera - Today I saw a 12 x zoom from Panasonic that was the size of a pack of cigarettes. A SLR would be about 5 times that size. Your choice -will you be competent in the SLRs use? If so, it might be worth it (and it sounds as if it won't add too much to the overall cost of your trip :-))

Sounds amamzing, be sure to take the ferry to La Digue and hire some bikes to tour the island. La Reserve is a lovely resort with very beautiful views. Whole trip sounds fabulous and I have the same camera dilema for our Botswana trip next year. Having done a little research I've decided not to buy a DSLR and go for a "super zoom" instead - will probably gowith the Canon SX1 IS. I just don't do enough photography to warrant investment in a DSLR and good zoom lens.

Thanks all, for the replies. I'm considering a DSLR like the Canon Rebel T1i because in addition because it also shoots very good HD video. It's pretty small, even for a DSLR. I currently have a small Nikon Coolpix P80 with 18x zoom that I think my partner is going to take if I upgrade.

I think I'm going to skip the boots, but I still need to find some decent footwear. We may be doing some bush walks or walking safaris, but nothing extensive. I am wondering whether I need some sort of covered footwear or if I should look at some sturdy sports sandals, a la Teva.

You want something to protect your toes. Lots of thorns out there.

Your itinerary sounds awesome. I just returned from Botswana and Cape Town. The area around Paarl is the most beautiful in the Wineland area in my opinion! I took a Canon SX 10 IS which is a point and shoot with a 20x zoom and I was VERY happy with it. I saw others with big, expensive cameras that were envious of my zoom capabilities.

Clothing in the Okavango delta - do not wear cotton pants (or sweatpants) during walks. They will get covered in stickers and burrs. Technical fabrics work best.

Camera - I think you'll be disappointed with a point and shoot in the delta. Most animals are not very close. I bought a used Nikon D80 for $500 and rented an Nikkor 80-400mm zoom for $135 for the month. When I returned, I sold the D80 on Craig's List for $550. It can't get much cheapre than that. The D90 is a great way to go if you do not want to lug around a video camera as well. I'm sure Canon makes comparable equipment, but definitely rent a big lens for the trip.

I poseted some photos of our trip. Most of the wildlife photos were taken with the 80-400mm lens.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/92973754@N00/sets/72157622129106070/

Sounds like an awesome trip! Good luck.