If you are planning on using a tour guide, they will typicaly have binoculars or a spotting scope.

Binoculars

Binocular sizes are expressed by magnification and size of the front element. For example 10x42, the first number is the magnification and the second the front element size. So our 10x42 binoculars will have x10 magnification and 42mm diameter front elements. The larger the front element, the better the low light performance, however the larger the front element, the heavier the binoculars.

If you are travelling light, then a pair of 8x  binoculars are the best option. Suitable sizes are 8x32, 8x42 and 8x50. The optimum size being 8x42 for weight and light gathering ability. For increased magnification 10x32 are also suitable.

For general wildlife watching, 10x binoculars are perfect. 10x40 and 10x42 are widely recommended for their magnification, light gathering ability, size and balance.

To avoid dissapointment and enjoy years of trouble free viewing, it is adviseable to avoid cheap, no-name Chinese models.

For budget friendly models, try Nikon, Olympus, Vortex.

For mid range, try Nikon, Zeiss, Minnox.

For high end models, try Zeiss, Leica and Swarovski.

We currently use the following binoculars:

Walking - Minox 10 x 42 BV and  Zeiss 10 x 42 Terra ED. Both lightweight binoculars with good optics and build quality.

General viewing - Zeiss 10 x 40 Conquest. Excellent optics and build quality, significantly heavier than the minox and Zeiss terra.

Spotting Scopes

Spotting scopes typicaly have large magnification zoom eyepieces and large front elements, providing excellent long distance viewing in all light conditions.

Spotting scopes are significantly larger and heavier than binoculars, requiring a tripod for stability and useability. 

There are numerous makes and models available, again, avoid cheap scopes.

For budget friendly models, try Celestron and Vortex.

For mid range, try Nikon, Pentax and Vortex.

For high end models, try Zeiss, Leica and Swarovski.

We currently use a Pentax PF - 65.

Photographing wildlife is challenging and often dynamic. For the occasional photographer, good results can be achieved with compact cameras, action cameras and mobile phones, obviously distance shots will be impossible. For the keen photographer, a hybrid, small DSLR or mirror camera with a mid range zoom will allow you to get closer and have more control. For the serious amateur and proffessional photographer, high end cameras and large high end prime lenses and zoom lenses are the prefered choice.