postoak,
I would practice with whatever you're going to use in Africa. On my first trip to Africa, the PH used a tripod. I had not practiced. I am a reasonably good offhand shot and have spent a gazillion hours shooting offhand at targets and dry firing. I found that the tripod required me to stand a little more facing the target, as opposed to sideways. Initially, I had a tendency to shoot a little to the left as opposed to how I shoot offhand. Stuff like this is why you should practice.
