I would like to buy a digi SLR. My plan is to take lots of animal and landscape pics, what type of lenses would you buy(size)? Also if taking "action" type photos what would be needed. I am completely new to this photography game. I have seen several camera recommendations, but don't know what else I would need to get a good set up.

Nikon d80 w/ kit lens out to 135mm should cover most of the bases with what sounds like a possible steep learning curve with technology to grow on!

I'd go with either a Nikon D80 or something like a Cannon D30. Then don't concern yourself with most of those super program's they have but rather learn to take a good photo. Next I get a decent lense in 28-200 and maybe a really long one, I have a 150-500 Sigma. Cannon makes a 28-300 and Nikon makes a 28-200. Get a decent tripod too. Light meter is nice but both cameras have good spot meters built in.

Get an extra battery, a charger and an extra card or two. Keep them with you.

I have Nikon's and would like to say they take better picture's than Cannon but they don't!

thanks for the tips, guys, definately a steep learning curve, hence why I am starting over a year out prior to safari.

Check outB&H online They have a great help center that can point you in the right direction.

We have a Canon 20D and it takes great pictures. I bought it for my wife and in the 18 months we have had it she has taken over 5000 pics. I got my 300MM lens from B&H for about 50% off after christmas clearance.

We use a harness system similar to the bino systems and it is alot easier to carry. I also bought a Taramak holster bag that we've setup to put two lenses inside with the camera body so it is quick and easy to take pic's.

We have four memory cards, but recently bought a 4GB compact flash Ultra II. Holds 1000 pics at the highest setting. Great for vacations and trips.

we use the nikon mostly with 2 lenses - one 28-200 and the other 200-400, plus we'll take a doubler. that does most of the photo's but the little minolta goes in the shirt pocket all the time. I can't count the number of times we got a good photo because the little minolta was in the pocket and the big nikon was left behind at the time.

Either Nikon or Canon are good choices. The reason being both of them will sell any accessory you may need later. I would have to give the edge to Canon's glass though.
One thing to beware of is that most consumer model digitals use a different size sensor and there fore multipy the focal length of your lens. This is usually a great help when using a telephoto but not so good when you are using something like an 18-35 for landscapes.

It may be too late for my response now, but here it goes: buy a camera such as the Canon Rebel XTi (400D), and a couple of good lenses. The Xti costs around $800.00, which is much less than some other cameras with similar features. Spend on some good lenses you can use on the next XTi model, or even the next version of 30D in a couple of years.

Instead of buying the body with the kit lens, skip this lens and buy a Tamron 18-55mm f/2.8 lens. You will end-up using this lens most of the time, from landscapes to indoors photos. Now, the Canon telephoto lenses are expensive, but second to none. These lenses are the place where you will really spend money, since cameras can cheaply be upgraded. The lenses are backwards compatible from the canon rebel XT up to the 20D, and 30D series. The top of the line Canon cameras use a full-size sensor that is equal to a 35mm camera, and other Canon lenses are recommended for these.