Camera vs camcorder vs Binoculars etc..

[Trichelia]

Hi All,
I am riding the west coast from the UK to South Africa on a xt600e the end of this year and am in the process of planning my gear and appropriate packing methods.

I have a few thoughts which are taking me circles, hopefully someone has some advice for me.

The issues are:
1. I am a very keen birder and this trip will certainly get me a few lifers.
2. I love taking photos...landscape, etc....but also of mates and general experiences.
3. I wouldnt mind keeping a diary, but im a bit lazy to write.


My current gear
1. Relatively compact Bushnell 10x42 waterproof binoculars
2. Canon IXUS970IS and Canon 7D, Canon 24-105mm lens, Canon 100-400mm lens
3. Nothing electronic, only pen and paper. Was debating buying a small camcorder to record daily/ weekly updates, with visuals.

My initial thought was to take the binoculars along with the canon point and shoot. After some deliberation I thought rather take the binoculars and the 7D with the 24-105mm lens to get some better shots. Now Im debating ditching the bino's all together and just taking the 7D with both lenses.

My wife and I were in Ghana in December. Attempting to get my wife enthusiastic about birding, we took some walks, I used the 400mm lens while my wife used the bino's.....the camera approach worked fine for me, and gave me a copy of anything unusual.....Happy days.
A mate of mine threw in the camcorder idea last week, just to confuse things.

I addition, Im not sure if there are issues in any African countries regarding having binoculars ? Camera taxes, etc etc....

If I do end up taking the 7D and both lenses, my concern is not destroying the kit while riding ie: being vibrated to pieces. Any suggestions how one should carry this gear on the bike ? - tank bag versus rucksack verusus duffelbag, and what kind of padding. My bike has the acerbis 23l tank btw, I havent even started looking for a tank bag that will fit yet.

Thanks for all suggestions .