Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Africa First Post, First Safari.

Wear gaiters and don't forget the deet. The pepper ticks will eat your azz up.

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Besides that like said before practice walking, getting out of breath and shooting quickly off of sticks. Also, if you are bringing guns, don't skimp on the gun case. It will get destroyed. Also be willing to trade animals if your PH will allow you to. Sometimes unusual trophies present themselves.

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Lots of good info there, thanks for taking the time to put that together!


No, but I did post something similar on arfcom.



That sounds awesome. Do you have any pics of the bags?

Sorry I don't they are being right now.

Good job! Know that your PH has donated this safari. If you have a first class time, tip him as generously as you can afford and see fit. In other words, scratch his back a little. These donated hunts keep our sporting organizations going. Your PH is hoping you'll have a good hunt and be a good reference.



Good time of year, but could get warm in the afternoon. Sunscreen and DEET are in order. Your menu there is outstanding, but I don't see springbok. How can you go to RSA and not get the national symbol??



Good choice. It will not let you down.



I was that age at the time of my first trip to RSA. Ruined me for life! A dozen trips to Africa including Zambia, Tanz, and Cameroon. Going back to Zambia next year.

There is not a day that goes by that I haven't thought of Africa since I first went. It will be a great experience.




The guys have told you good stuff. You will do a lot of shooting off of sticks. It works so practice. Take a camera with extra batteries charged. Take a small journal and write down each days experiences. Learn about the country, the people, the history and the land.

James Mitchner's The Covenant is required reading.

If you have NOT read Horn of the Hunter by Robert Ruark, order it today. It will fire you up.

This is one time in your life that it is ok to stretch the budget a bit. Like Ingwe said, take half the clothes and double the cash.

Enjoy!

Great advice about the journal. I refer to the ones from my hunts with some frequency.

Beautiful example you have there. I'm bringing a pelican 1750 that's seen it's fair share of airline abuse. I hear they're a little more rough in RSA...


I may have to throw in a springbok in there as well.

I'll definitely be going back, but I have a few things I want to get to first... Water buffalo in Australia and a Marco Polo/ Mid Asian Ibex combo hunt in Kyrgyzstan to be the most noticeable two.

I have read the Ruark book, but picked up The Covenant off of Amazon today!

Where are you going? It is a cheap hunt but you want to have a good hunt. YMMV on hunting concessions in South Africa.

Use a meet and greet like Air 2000 for importing rifles.

Carry a copy of all airline and TSA regs regarding firearms.

Get a Hep A and tetanus vaccine.

Bring a notepad and right about your experiences each day.

Take more pictures. Bring a spare camera.

Research trophy cost while you are still here and semi rational about such things.

Electrical adapters for South Africa.

Warm coat for cool mornings.

This is a copy of my checklist for my wife and I on our last trip to Botswana. I edited it for personal items but it gives you and idea what to take.

Airline Itinerary
Passports
Copies of both Passports
U.S. Customs 4457 Forms
Safari Contract
Firearms Importation Paperwork
Copy of TSA and Airline Regs regarding Carriage of Firearms
Travel Cancellation Insurance
Folder to Carry Papers
All Paperwork/Files transferred to Laptop
Credit Cards
Credit Card Pin#
Money (Bring plenty for tips and extra animals + another $1000)
Money Travel Pouches
Address, phone number, and e-mail address of Safari Lodge and Afton Guest House
Driver’s License
Cell Phones and Charger
Rifles
Ammo
Ammo boxes
Belted ammo case for 9,3
Rifle Slings
Ballistics in Cellphone
2 Gun Socks
Cleaning Rod, Patches, Jag
Guncase with name in several places Plus Safari info on case (final destination)
Extra Locks and Keys
Shooting Sticks (check they have some at camp)
Torx Wrenches to fit Scope Screws
Swiss Army Knife
Leatherman Multitool
Oily Rag
Ear Plugs
2 pair Binoculars
2 Binocular Straps
Lenspen
2 Fenix Flashlights
Extra Flashlight Batteries
2 Cameras
4 Camera Batteries
2 Camera Chargers
5 SD Cards
Computer and Charger
1 Gal Ziploc Bags
Fanny Pack
220/110 AC International Adapters
Sunglasses and Case
Leather Belt
Jacket
Gloves (yes bring them)
Balaclava (that, too)
Hat
Bandana
Gaiters
Extra Shoelaces
2 Reading Glasses
The Perfect Shot and African Field Guide
Drugs both prescription and OTC
Cough Drops, Dramamine
Cipro, Doxycycline
Saline Solution Spray (dry air)
Band-Aids Neosporin Moleskin
Neck Pillows
Chapstick
Sunscreen (bring extra)
Sunburn Lotion
Needle, Heavy Duty Thread, and Safety Pin
Wet Ones, Clorox Wipes, Flushable Wipes, Tissues
Deet (small)
Duct Tape and Masking Tape
Envelopes, Notebook, and Pen
Expense sheet from Taxidermist so you do not get to excited bringing everything back

This is a quick list of what you should pack BEFORE you leave on your trip (and keep in a safe place while you're traveling):
Color copies of your passport. At minimum, one for your luggage (or the hotel safe), and another to leave with a friend back home.
Extra passport photos
A list of emergency contact phone numbers, since nobody even remembers their parents' number any more
A list of international 800 numbers for your bank and credit cards
A list of the US Embassies/Consulates (with addresses and phone numbers) in the countries you'll be visiting
A cheap second wallet or one of those hidden travel pouches. Split your credit cards, cash, and other IDs between two wallets – one that you carry and one left back at the hotel.
A copy of your travel itinerary

Whoa... That's a lot of stuff. I've packed for a 15+day field op with much less haha. Good, comprehensive list though.

I'll be hunting with Theron African Safaris in Limpopo.

I decided to make a last minute decision and bring my bow. Mathews Z7 xtreme shooting a 460gr FMJ with a magnus buzzcut BH. Should be good enough for plains game. I always feel the hunt is much more rewarding with a bow.

Wear your hunting boots on the plane and pack a pair of hunting clothes in your carry-on in additions to your camera's and bino's. If the airlines loose your luggage then you can still hunt. Ask me how I know this :>)

Take lots of pics and enjoy. Bring twice the money you "think" you need and half the clothes.

Good luck!