Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Africa Wheels Up July 19th, Headed to Joberg

I fly to Las Vegas the day before and stay with a friend, and he will take me to the airport.

I've never flown to hunt anywhere and although I have a basic list with my guide SS Pro Safaris, I would really appreciate any help with packing etc. I tend to over pack and certainly don't want to do that for this trip. Please let me know what you pack and take for this time of year.

I'm hunting Antelope, Wildebeast, Zebra, Warthog and either Steenbuck or Duiker and I'll add Kudu. Any help would be appreciated.

I am getting to the age if I don't go now I might now make it.
Thanks for any input.

Take fewer clothes and more money.

It was quite cold in the mornings. Dress warm for that but have layers to remove as it warms up. Where I hunted they did laundry each day to I did not have to pack much at all. I could have got all my clothes in a carry-on.

Be ready to shoot real fast for Steenbuck or Duiker!! Small targets that move quick.

We spent time on the Indian Ocean, so we took beachwear. However we had some fronts move through and it was never beach warm.

If we were just going hunting, would have needed a lot less clothing. I would have liked another lightweight fleece sweater, so that I could have washed it once in a while. Wore the sweater more than my jacket.

If you ride in an open vehicle, it will be cold. I would have appreciated a jacket with cuffs that closed. Amazing how much cold air rides up your arms if your cuffs are open.

All the camp staff wore surplus South African military sweaters. Could be a good alternative?

We just returned and the one thing nobody mentions is the correct power converter

The all in ones are really not ALL that.

Email your host and get the plug configuration before you leave.....
probably three fat round prongs but check first

Layers and just light jackets or pullovers

Don't forget tick spay and use it daily

I could make a short list of what I used every day and a long list of what was never unpacked

Yup, and amen on the more money.



maddog

I had no idea there were ticks. I am bringing sun screen.

Tedthorn, good info on the plug. I use a cpap that could be a disaster if it don't work.

I like the sweater idea too. Gotta find one of them. Was planning on a Carhart zip up sweat shirt with a liner and hood. Probably need something to wear under that and gloves.

Keep it coming.

The adapter that most of the travel guide recommends has smaller pins that are closer together than it should be. Fortunately on our first trip Pieter had one he loaned us. My last trip he loaned us an adapter, a power strip, and blow dryer for Ellice.

Is your CPAP 125 / 250V? If not you will also need a transformer.

I'm not sure. It's a standard 110 as far as I know. It's a 2 prong with the round ground post. What kind of transformer do I need?

Light weight boots......you will put in some mile and pull some climbs and dump some canyons

Thin sox.......same reason

Non cotton long under wear......chilly but not cold

Long pants......thorns

Long and short sleeve shirts.......thorns and shedable layers


Pullover light jacket......chilly but not cold

Leather gloves......thorns

Your favorite hat......comfort trumps African fashion

Sunglasses.....the sun is brite

Binoculars......10X good glass

Rifle and good ammo.......go kill a pile of critters

Email your outfitter and see if he has a power strip/convertor in camp. The outfit I hunted with had one in camp for use.

Take chapstick. It's a dry climate.

I was over there exactly one year ago. Mornings I wore long sleeve shirt, pullover sweatshirt, stocking hat and brown jersey gloves. I had usually shed the hat/gloves and sweatshirt by 9:00. I also took a hooded sweatshirt just in case.

Based on your current location and dealing with cold, I'd say you'll be just fine with the Carhartt.

I also wore lightweight wool blend socks. Lots more comfortable than other socks and feet still won't overheat.

Drink plenty of water on the flight. It's super easy to get dehydrated. I found out the hard way on my first trip.

Wear on the way over one of your changes of clothes (minus any camo. I also rolled up 2 of my t-shirts and put in my carry-on (backpack) along with change of underwear and socks. Less to pack and you'll have a fresh change if luggage is lost/delayed. You'd be surprised how quick you can reach 50lbs.

And lastly, have a great time!!!!!!!

Spray your clothes before you leave with "permethin(?)"...the stuff for clothes only...it will last through at least 4-5 washings...you will not see a bug on you.
Just for grins and giggles I sprayed my arms and legs each morning with it as a back up and in seven days of walking through brush I never saw a bug on me....of any kind...in the meanwhile, my PH, wearing long and short pants got eaten alive by ticks. Tried to get him to spray down with my can and he just touched it out...sorry but I'm a wimp when it comes to getting bit by ticks in another country! No need for Cipro or Doxy if you don't get bit...................................

This worked for me:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007YLFNL4/ref=oh_details_o07_s00_i01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Most modern machines can run on both, you just need the right adapter. The back of you machine will tell you if it can run 220. The plate should read 110/220. Then you are good with just a plug adapter, but check with your CPAP provider to be sure.

I could have used an extra outlet sometimes. A power strip would have been handy.

I found good gear at Cabelas.

7 pocket hiker pants are lighter and cheaper than jeans. Lots of pockets.

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Cabelas-Legendary-7-Pocket-Hiker-Pants/1323177.uts?Ntk=AllProducts&searchPath=%2Fcatalog%2Fsearch.cmd%3Fform_state%3DsearchForm%26N%3D0%26fsch%3Dtrue%26Ntk%3DAllProducts%26Ntt%3D7%2Bpocket%2Bhiker%2Bpants%26x%3D17%26y%3D12%26WTz_l%3DHeader%253BSearch-All%2BProducts&Ntt=7+pocket+hiker+pants&WTz_l=Header%3BSearch-All+Products

7 pocket hiker shorts.

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Cabelas-Legendary-7-Pocket-Hiker-Shorts-150-734/1324928.uts?Ntk=AllProducts&searchPath=%2Fcatalog%2Fsearch.cmd%3Fform_state%3DsearchForm%26N%3D0%26fsch%3Dtrue%26Ntk%3DAllProducts%26Ntt%3D7%2Bpocket%2Bhiker%2Bshorts%26x%3D14%26y%3D9%26WTz_l%3DHeader%253BSearch-All%2BProducts&Ntt=7+pocket+hiker+shorts&WTz_l=Header%3BSearch-All+Products

Meindl Ultralight Uninsulated boots gave me the support I needed on the rocky, mountainous terrain. Could have been cooler though.

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Cabelas-Uninsulated-Ultralight-Hunter-Boots-by-Meindl/1237095.uts?Ntk=AllProducts&searchPath=%2Fcatalog%2Fsearch.cmd%3Fform_state%3DsearchForm%26N%3D0%26fsch%3Dtrue%26Ntk%3DAllProducts%26Ntt%3Dmeindl%26x%3D16%26y%3D11%26WTz_l%3DHeader%253BSearch-All%2BProducts&Ntt=meindl&WTz_l=Header%3BSearch-All+Products

If they had been available when I bought these boots 2 years ago, maybe the Meindl air revolution would have been better?

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Cabelas-Uninsulated-Ultralight-Hunter-Boots-by-Meindl/1237095.uts?Ntk=AllProducts&searchPath=%2Fcatalog%2Fsearch.cmd%3Fform_state%3DsearchForm%26N%3D0%26fsch%3Dtrue%26Ntk%3DAllProducts%26Ntt%3Dmeindl%26x%3D16%26y%3D11%26WTz_l%3DHeader%253BSearch-All%2BProducts&Ntt=meindl&WTz_l=Header%3BSearch-All+Products

Lightest quality socks I have worked well.

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Cabelas-Ingenius174-Series-1034-Sock-Lightweight/749073.uts?Ntk=AllProducts&searchPath=%2Fcatalog%2Fsearch.cmd%3Fform_state%3DsearchForm%26N%3D0%26fsch%3Dtrue%26Ntk%3DAllProducts%26Ntt%3Dingenious%2Bsocks%26x%3D-880%26y%3D-51%26WTz_l%3DHeader%253BSearch-All%2BProducts&Ntt=ingenious+socks&WTz_l=Header%3BSearch-All+Products

Cabelas had lightweight Microtex shirts which worked well. I don't see them online right now. The regular weight would be too hot IMO.

I should have worn these gloves more.

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Cabelas-Unlined-Buffalo-Skin-Gloves/1627254.uts?Ntk=AllProducts&searchPath=%2Fcatalog%2Fsearch.cmd%3Fform_state%3DsearchForm%26N%3D0%26fsch%3Dtrue%26Ntk%3DAllProducts%26Ntt%3Dbuffalo%2Bhide%2Bgloves%26x%3D-880%26y%3D-51%26WTz_l%3DHeader%253BSearch-All%2BProducts&Ntt=buffalo+hide+gloves&WTz_l=Header%3BSearch-All+Products

Saw ticks in May. May be getting too cold now for them to be out?

Suntan lotion is a good idea.

Are you guys bringing camel backs or using nalgene bottles for water...?

I'm also heading out to RSA on July 19.

Eric

Bottled water

BTW......be sure you hear it crack when you take off the lid

Thanks, Ted. Good tips!

Eric

This one works in SA and Namibia. I've used this exact one in both places.

A top of the line hard case with as many padlocks as it will hold

If you can drill more holes for more locks do it

I don't disagree, that is similar to the ones I purchased. However, having a three pack does you no good if you only one outlet. I found every place I was at only had room for one plug space per outlet. That is why an extension cord or a power strip would be handy.

I think next year I will find a way to pack a small power strip and use it...I also found only one outlet in the room.

Speaking of electrical appliances' compatibility to 220. My wife took a small hair dryer. It is quite old, but it does require a switch to be turned. She didn't do that and it nearly burned out before she asked me to look at it. A coin to turn the switch and it worked without problem, although it only had one speed.

Back home on 110W, the different speeds are available again. No harm, no foul!

I really appreciate the information. I'm going to get one of those plus a power strip.

Yes a power strip is handy as most rooms only have one outlet

Piss!!! We got cold a couple nights and with no heat I wished I had an electric blanket

Marlin - remind me to tell you about the safari package I bid on at the NRA banquet - it's all your fault!!!

Oh, and best of luck. I'm looking forward to a trip of a lifetime and I hope you have the same!

Apparently South Africans have no comprehension of insulating a building or central heat. Nights can get pretty cool, especially if it rained. Seemed to be especially cold then. The electric blankets were nice to warm the bed, but too warm to sleep with. Because of only one outlet, the CPAP won, but the space heater lost. Used the heater to take the edge off the room temp. It was never too cold, but some evenings I wondered how cold it was going to get.

I went to Zimbabwe in 12, South Africa in 13 and back to South Africa on July 21 this year. The above posts cover things well, but.....
Layers of clothes are important, its darn cool in the morning
You need two pairs of pants and shorts, one to wear and the one that's being washed for tmw
A light jacket is a must
I take a 12V to 110V power converter that plugs into a cigarette lighter and charge my cameras and I phone that way
I use the spray that you apply to clothes ahead of time to keep ticks away. Its mentioned above and is sold at Cabelas. I sprayed my clothes yesterday. And I put regular repellant on daily ti ankles, neck and arms.
I take diarrhea medicine and Aleve but have never needed them.
Obviously take what ever meds you take routinely
Pack valuable stuff like binoculars, cameras and range finders in your carry on, that way it won't get stolen

I packed my binoculars, rangefinders, etc in my rifle case (Tuffpak).

We visited our Dr with a list of medicines we had him write a prescription for

Out of our hunt party and all of the PH's we medicated nearly everyone at least 1X or another.......jet-lag.....sore upset stomach.....diarrhea

Vactruim for a bad case of sick......thank god none of this was needed

Ambium for the plane ride and to put you down if needed

Be prepared.......you're a long way from Walgreend

The electric blankets were nice to warm the bed, but too warm to sleep with. Because of only one outlet, the CPAP won, but the space heater lost. Used the heater to take the edge off the room temp. It was never too cold, but some evenings I wondered how cold it was going to get. [/quote]

Speaking of CPAP where did you get distilled water or did you bring a gallon with you? Don't want to forget that.

I just used bottled water on the trip. Easier than carting around a gallon jug.

BTW, if in a restaurant or store and order water, you have to specify "still", "sparkling" or "tap" water. That was the only language barrier I had in town.

Went and sighted my rifle in today. Using 210 grain NP's. Should handle anything I can afford to shoot. Including the Zebra, wildebeast and kudu, or the warthog. Other two don't need anything close to that.

I know what tap water is, I know what sparkling water is, what's "still" water?

Still water is regular bottled water. Not from the tap.

Eric

No wonder you make the big bucks. Thanks. Stay safe, ya hear!!!

Lol, yeah right!!!

I'm looking forward to getting out of here for a bit, especially now that we're into the really HOT season.

I spent a good part of yesterday going through details of my upcoming hunt and studying shot placement for the animals. If you haven't seen it africahunting.com has a cool shot placement guide that shows you where the sweet spot is for each animal. I plan to load up on biltong.... I love that stuff! I need to figure out whether you can carry it back through the airport.

Eric

Buy it at the duty free in the Johannesburg airport but you will lose it in ATL....get a bottle of Amarula though.........good stuff

Eric: you can't bring biltong back to the states, so enjoy it there!

The USDA employs 'Biltong Beagles' to detect the stuff in your luggage.

I didn't really enjoy biltong. Not to my taste I guess. I found I was up 5 times a night. I don't handle salt very well anymore.

I absolutely LOVE biltong. I'm heading back to Djibouti so maybe there's an opportunity to bring back a load..?

I also am a fan of amarula. You can buy it stateside at BevMo!

Eric

6 days to go... Getting excited Marlin?!

Have an awesome trip and best of luck on your hunt!!! I'm wheels up at 2 am on the 19th. 14 hour trip to Durban, then a 3 hour drive north.

Eric

Lana and I are counting down.
Leave Friday, July 18.

YOU PEOPLE SUCK!!!


Im plotting a trip to Utah to shoot jackrabbits�..

like ingwe says: all of you suck big time.............sigh...........next year...............sigh
have fun
stay safe
take lots of pictures!

oh yeah, have fun!!!!!!!

I'm so excited I can't stand it. I leave out of Vegas early on the 19th and don't get to Joberg till late the 20th. Got all my paperwork filled out and and making my list to pack. Not having been there I'm not sure. With it being winter there I'm not sure what that means, I think the list the PH gave me was just a general list. I hate getting ready but I'll be fine when I get on the plane.

Buy your plane ticket as early as possible. Will save you money and probably get you a better seat.

I'm going back through this thread as I make my list to get ready. I ordered some Soccer balls to take for the kids I hope they make it. 10 deflated balls, bought some of the filler pins for them to pump them up, got some candy, pencils, colored pencils, pencil sharpeners and color books. Looking forward to enjoying the culture as well as the hunting.

If any of you think of anything else, let me know.

Just have fun

Too bad we're 1 day apart at J-burg. We could have met up for a beer! I've been tracking the weather.. it's in the 50's to 70's. Not bad at all. Some chilly mornings. Sure beats the 120 F weather I'm getting here. I'm considering hunting in sandals... mistake?


Jackrabbits are sure cheaper! lol.

Eric

Three things to consider when wearing sandals: rocks, thorns and grass seeds. If you are like most North Americans used to shoe, your feet will not like those things. Thorns and grass seeds are EVERYWHERE.

And at least in Namibia theres these little things exactly like sand spurs we used to run into in Florida. At times it became a daily ritual to get out the needle nose pliers and remove them from the soles of our shoes...

Better put a leatherman on my list!!!

Ok, I'll bring sandals and some running shoes. Trying to avoid bringing my 8" desert boots if I can help it. I'm traveling with only a backpack.

Eric

Leatherman is an excellent idea�and can be left as it is considered an excellent gift as well.

Good idea, I've got a NIB Leatherman Wingman I'll take.

I myself will just stick with lace up leather boots and long pants for Africa.

Regardless of looking cool

Nothing I can do to look cool so I think I'll just take the same path. Denim Jeans and hiking boots. AND a good hat.

Sunglasses and sunscreen

Tick spray

I wish you the best Marlin; would be fun to ride along in the luggage just to observe. I hope you have the best time ever over there!

Pretty good bet I'll be going back. Wanna go???

Have some Amarula on ice

I really appreciate all the input I've had here. It'll go a long way toward this being a great trip. I'm already mostly packed.

I couldn't agree more...! Hope you have the time of your life Caribou!

Pictures......take lot's of pictures

Safe travels and happy hunting!

I just landed in Nairobi, next leg to J-burg.

Eric

Putting in the miles!!!

I wish it was me