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Hey couple questions about trip to Africa for those who been there
Anyone using less expensive equipment or looked at differently for bringing
Say
Ruger American rifle
Vortex diamondback optics
Federal blue box or Remington green box
And other type of that clothes boots shooting stic

What about older out of shape bad knees back hunter does the ph cringe when he see the client is older out shape gimpy
Is there different types or hunts for them
Is the client the boss when it comes to say I’m tired done for the day or I like to change stands
Just some thought cross our minds as we debate on a 2025 trip
Thanks any info

These sound like a great set of questions to ask the safari outfitter you are thinking about signing with.

Yes I plan to but kinda want some opinions from with experience, going to Africa and no skin in the game

So, I'm assuming a plains game trip? The rifle & scope combination needs to be hunting accurate out to ~200 yards.

I don't know anything about Vortex glass, but after the plane trip it's gonna ride daily in a rifle rack along with you in the back of the pickup on packed, bumpy, dusty roads.

The blue/green box factory ammo is probably ok depending on the live weight of animals you're after, but definitely run it by the outfitter/PH beforehand.
Get practice on standing sticks. Make 'em, borrow 'em, or buy 'em but get comfortable with 'em. Another question for the outfitter/PH - are they using 2, 3, or 4 leg sticks?

The outfitter/PH, if they've been in business for very long, have seen it all. They're just happy to have you there. Their priorities are to keep you safe, find you animals, and get you placed into high percentage shooting positions. Just be very upfront beforehand with your physical condition and any infirmities.

Google "vital zone of a <name your animal>" and learn where to place the shot. You start looking at a few and you'll notice the vital zones pretty much look the same.

Oh, yea - go and have fun!

GREAT info
THANK SO MUCH

I agree with Pudd except for the ammo. I would not scrimp on the ammo. In the scheme of an Africa trip it makes no sense to go cheap on the "tip of the spear". These beasts are heavy boned for the most part and can be hard to bring down. I shot an Impala with a .338 210gr Partition right through the shoulders-pass through. He walked out like nothing had happened_no jump, no kick, no run-just sauntered away. Found him about 75 yds out piled up. This ram is the size of a small whitetail doe. I have seen some bullets do crazy stuff over there. Save your money elsewhere, use good strong bullets . You don't need fancy boots, clothes or shooting sticks. Use what you have. As long as you're not hunting buff or Lee's, your Ruger is fine. USE GOOD BULLETS. Have fun.

"older out of shape... " You are describing me!

That is not problem for you or the PH. I usually tell them ahead of time about my physical limitation even before I book the hunt. ( Old foot injury, slow walker, etc.) If he doesn't say "no worries, we'll do fine" then get an other outfitter. That is the African hunting way.

The Ph has lots of way to encompass you or he will tell you before you book if good physical fitness is required. Things that can test the PH's patience is talking to much , moving to much and making to much noise when you are walking in the bush but it not a hanging offence!. Just hunker in behind the PH when you are stalking and don't move your head around too fast. Movement of your head/face/hands, are the easiest for the plains game to see.

When I am emailing him before the hunt I like to mention that I am guy who loves the bush and hunting and am easy going and a decent shot. That goes a long way to ease any concerns. They just don't want to spend a week in the bush with a fussy complainer. that's about it.

I used to be able tp pack a 12 lb rifle 13 clicks looking for buffalo in the Waterberg mountains behind a big strapping dutch PH. Now I burn out in under one hour. ( I'm 79 )

Sometimes when my foot hurts too much, the PH puts me in a blind ( hide) and I wait for the buffalo to come to me. I used to be disgusted with that kind of hunting but I came to enjoy it in my old age, once in a while. It can be very exciting when the animals come trotting in! It' a hell of a lot better than not hunting at all! (Bowhunters use hides a lot.)

Feel perfectly free to say to the PH, " This has been the best morning but I'm gutted and I need to sit in the shade or go back to camp." That is all part of African hunting.

Also, These fit PH's love to walk and will take a fit client on long tour of the bush just for fun when they know perfectly well exactly where the herd is. If you have kindly made clear your limitations ahead of time he may park the Bakkie (Truck) closer to the animals so the walk/stalk is shorter. That is what they try to do with me now.

Take army green clothes or Camo. Light walking shoes are fine unless you are in rough rocky country like some parts of the Eastern cape. Ask ahead of time. "How is the walking for an old geezer," or something like that. Most of the bushveld is easy walking. The tracker will carry a bottle of water for you and he or the PH will even carry your rifle or spell you off with it. It's all about you, and I don't mean to be crass but they always have the tip at the end of the hunt in the back of their mind. The main thing is always be happy and a joy to be around and that will cover a multitude of "sins."

Happy hunting! Brian

PS, where do you think that you will be hunting?

"older out of shape... " You are describing me!

That is not problem for you or the PH. I usually tell them ahead of time about my physical limitation even before I book the hunt. ( Old foot injury, slow walker, etc.) If he doesn't say "no worries, we'll do fine" then get an other outfitter. That is the African hunting way.

The Ph has lots of way to encompass you or he will tell you before you book if good physical fitness is required. Things that can test the PH's patience is talking to much , moving to much and making to much noise when you are walking in the bush but it not a hanging offence!. Just hunker in behind the PH when you are stalking and don't move your head around too fast. Movement of your head/face/hands, are the easiest for the plains game to see.

When I am emailing him before the hunt I like to mention that I am guy who loves the bush and hunting and am easy going and a decent shot. That goes a long way to ease any concerns. They just don't want to spend a week in the bush with a fussy complainer. that's about it.

I used to be able tp pack a 12 lb rifle 13 clicks looking for buffalo in the Waterberg mountains behind a big strapping dutch PH. Now I burn out in under one hour. ( I'm 79 )

Sometimes when my foot hurts too much, the PH puts me in a blind ( hide) and I wait for the buffalo to come to me. I used to be disgusted with that kind of hunting but I came to enjoy it in my old age, once in a while. It can be very exciting when the animals come trotting in! It' a hell of a lot better than not hunting at all! (Bowhunters use hides a lot.)

Feel perfectly free to say to the PH, " This has been the best morning but I'm gutted and I need to sit in the shade or go back to camp." That is all part of African hunting.

Also, These fit PH's love to walk and will take a fit client on long tour of the bush just for fun when they know perfectly well exactly where the herd is. If you have kindly made clear your limitations ahead of time he may park the Bakkie (Truck) closer to the animals so the walk/stalk is shorter. That is what they try to do with me now.

Take army green clothes or Camo. Light walking shoes are fine unless you are in rough rocky country like some parts of the Eastern cape. Ask ahead of time. "How is the walking for an old geezer," or something like that. Most of the bushveld is easy walking. The tracker will carry a bottle of water for you and he or the PH will even carry your rifle or spell you off with it. It's all about you, and I don't mean to be crass but they always have the tip at the end of the hunt in the back of their mind. The main thing is always be happy and a joy to be around and that will cover a multitude of "sins."

Happy hunting! Brian

PS, where do you think that you will be hunting?

Thanks

Puddle's and Doc's comment above are right on!

Get a paperback copy of "The Perfect Shot: Mini Edition for Africa" by Kevin Robertson. It is small enough to take with you on the plane so you can review while in Africa. I was introduced to a Kindle prior to my first trip to Africa and loaded it with a few books for the long flights. Much better to travel with instead of wasting valuable luggage space on print books. Especially valuable for the inevitable delays. Great advice on shooting sticks practice prior to your trip.

Awesome info thanks

Looking at excellent safaris
South Africa

deaner20,

Good man, I and my family including my grandson hunt in Limpopo province and the Lowveld mostly. We love it. Over the last 12 years my wife and I have spent about a year there in all. There are lots of vast and beautiful properties to hunt and explore in South Africa. I think it is the best hunting value in Africa.

It is good asking questions for your planning process.
Your rifle will be determined on what you plan to hunt. You did not provide that information.
if you are going after cape buffalo you will need a 375 on the small side and upward.

i take my Ruger rifle on all my hunt, and then a second rifle larger or smaller depending on the animals you are going after.

Bullet selection is a driving factor. pick quality ammo with quality bullets, federal, remington, winchester, hornady and barnes along with nosler make quality ammo to use. I have used, remington, barnes and hornady ammo and most animals if shot properly will only take one bullet, the PH may ask you to put in a finisher on any dangerous game you hunt.

who ever you decide to go with let them know your limitations on what you can do. they will work with you on that. Long gone are the days when you are dropped off at daybreak and they find you at noon to have lunch, then a small break and onward again.

shooting is usually standing up and on shooting sticks. i like the tri-pod over the bi-pod and have practiced enough until i am proficent.


sight you rifle in for 200 yards and know your limits on what you are willing to make a secure shot.

as for your optics, take what you have and are using now. no need to up grade.

clothing is what you wear state side, bluejeans, brown or green shirt and a hat. take a jacket as it may be cool in the early days.

you will find that the game moves early and late in the days when it is warm. some times a noon break is taken to give you a chance to fit in a nap.

Thank lot great info so far

Do your part on the trigger and your bullet choice being Blue Box, Green Box, Hornady etc. will get the job done on plains game. Certainly not the place to try to save a few cents per shot but they will work.

1 thing I always do is take an extra scope just incase.

well i am a looney so i take my rifle ,scope and my handloaded ammo serious , i hunted only plains game animals for my 1st African trip i used a very accurate Remington Tactical 300 Win.mag. with a 5.5 -22 X 56 Nightforce scope , 3 lb. trigger and my handloads that shot 3/4 inch 3 shot groups at 100 yards ,i got permits for 8 trophy animals that i did get all 8 nice animals . yes your guide will check your rifle out and your ability at shooting so be prepared , my health is decent for a 70 year old man . i brought along a Harris 27 inch swivel bi-pod too and that turned out to be an excellent choice for shooting off of over those wood sticks these guides do use. my hunt was this year 2024 end of may and yes it was great fun hope you enjoy yours . good luck ,Pete53

Thanks

Deaner:

It’s almost never too late to get to Africa. By all means GO!

1 – Every PH worth his salt will tailor your hunt to your physical capabilities/limits. They will also take into account your shooting abilities. I’ve had guys go with an artificial leg below the knee, guys who could only walk a few hundred meters. Bottom line is, if you can get up and in/out of a hunting vehicle you’ll be fine. You may spend time hunting from a blind or in some cases (if legal) from the truck.

2 – Your firearms don’t need to be expensive. They just need to be reasonably accurate. Truth is, most firearms are more accurate then the shooter is when shooting off standing shooting sticks. I’ve seen many guys who would/could shoot sub 2” groups when checking zero from the bench the first day but, have a hard time even hitting a blue w/b at 75m off standing shooting sticks. WAY too my guys think standing shooting sticks is “no big deal” and don’t even try it before showing up and they really struggle and it becomes a VERY expensive lesson when they have to pay for the game they wounded and can’t be found.

I’ve taken the entry level Savage Axis rifles in 308. They are crazy accurate, I use them for a LOT of culling when I know head shots are expected. I’ve also taken single shot H&R’s in 45-70 and 450 Marlin, Marlin 1895 lever action rifles in 45-70 and 450 Marlin. My favorite scopes are the older Leupold in either 1-4x or 2-7x. You’ll find if you just set your scope to 4x and LEAVE IT at 4x you’ll be much more effective in the bush and shooting off sticks. Leave all the twisty turrets home. You don’t need to play with them. Your nominal shooting ranges are usually sub 200m. Most medium bore calibers (7mm-9.3x6X) can be sighted in around an 1 ½” high at 100m and still be less then 2” low at 200m. It makes life soooo much easier. Just put the hairs on the vitals and squeeze. I’ve see way too many guys show up with the twisty turrets miss shot opportunities because they get up on the sticks, find the game through the bush, have to lift their head to fiddle with a twisty and by the time they get their heads back down and the relocate the game, it’s gone OR they twisted in the wrong direction!!!

Rifle calibers and bullets, take what you want. MOST countries have a minimum caliber of 7mm or larger for PG. Means, 7x57/275 Rigby, 270 win,, 308, 30-06 etc. You don’t need a hard recoiling magnums unless your hunting in the Karroo and expect long distance shots. Just shoot heavy for caliber bullets. Example, a 150gr TSX at 2900fps will be complete broadside pass through on zebra to 200+ meters just to give a reference point and so will 150gr Speer Grand Slams. My favorite bullets are Speer Grand Slams. 150’s in 308, 180’s in 30-06, 270’s in 9.3 and 375. You really need to study the bone structure on African PG. The shoulder bones/blades are NOT where they are on WT deer. On broadside shots, the only bones you’ll hit are rib and they are not that thick. The ammo you mentioned will be just fine.

Keep your kit SIMPLE. I buy the bulk of my “hunting clothes” from thrift stores. I can completely outfit with 4-5 pairs of pants, shirts, a couple of fleece zip-up jackets and zip-up sweat shirts and a medium weight coat for $50-$60 or less. Just make sure it all in browns/dark greens. I’ve seen guys show up with a $1K of the latest and greatest brand name camo and Gortex whatever. If that’s what you want to do and have the means, no worries. But, the truth is, if you take 4-5 changes of clothes with the wash being done everyday, you end up just alternating between two or maybe three changes of cloths for a 7-10 day hunt. A good set of BROKEN IN boots. You don’t need fancy Gortex or heavy lug soles. My personal favorites are L.L. Bean ankle high “chukkas”. They are a moccasin style, all hand-stitched buffalo leather and some have replaceable soles. Can find them on fleabay for $50 or so. Light weight and with the smoother soles they are very quiet walking.

Bino’s, there is some really good glass that can be found for under $300 and really good stuff for the same if you’re willing to buy used. Look, it’s not your job to determine the horn length of the game. Again, the truth is, 99% of people can’t come to within 20% of the actual horn lengths simply because of not being familiar with the game nor understanding how each species is actually measured. LEAVE that up to the PH. They HAVE to be within an 1” on multiple species just to get their licenses and they see that same species everyday. For the client, a nice set of light 8x30’s is great for general viewing and scouting etc. but, you’ll likely end up using them less than you think. You see everyone using them on all the TV shows but, they have to to satisfy the sponsors. Anyway, your eyes will NEVER be as good at spotting game as the trackers or the PH, NEVER. You might occasionally get lucky but…..

3 – Don’t select a location or outfitter until you decide on what specific species you want and if you want to hunt them free-range/fare-chase in their native areas or, if you’re willing to hunt what you want in a high-fence “put and take” situation. Example, your not going to find a Limpopo Bushbuck in the Karroo. The reality is, you can find high-fence game farms in RSA that have nearly all African species within their confines. The minimum legal high fence game farm size in RSA is 500 hectares (1235 acres) and they can also be tens of thousands of acres. Once you determine your wish list, that will drive the area you want to hunt and then start sorting out a PH/Outfitter in that area.

4 – Decide if you want to go alone, with a friend/family member or an organized small group trip. If you go alone, be sure to ask the PH/Outfitter if you’ll be in a closed camp or open camp. Closed camp means it’s just you, or your small group, alone in camp and hunting on the property. An open camp means you’ll have other hunters coming and going while you’re there and you may bump into them on the property. Going with a small organized group can be good as the person organizing the trip will likely help sort out travel to from, any lodging required along the way, any firearm paperwork and may actually travel with you.

Be sure to ask if you lodging is going to actually be on/in the game farm or concession. A LOT of PH/Outfitters don’t actually own the land, especially so in RSA. They simply have an agreement with landowners to hunt on/in their lands/game farms. The PH/Outfitter may own a hunting lodge in the area or just contract with a local lodge for rooms, board and services. As such, you may have to drive/ride for extended distances/time between lodging and the hunting areas. You’d be surprised at how many PH’s/Outfitters only actual possessions are their hunting vehicle (likely with a loan against it) and a rifle or two. Not implying they won’t provide a good hunt but this can provide you with advantages (being able to hunt multiple properties and species” and some disadvantages, like long drives to hunting properties and back and limited financial which means less likely of offer refunds or change dates once booked and deposits paid etc.

Yes, you are the boss, as far as when you want to call it a day. Keep in mind, the normal daily routine is breakfast around daylight, hunt to lunch, take a rest/nap after lunch and then back out early afternoon and hunt till dark. You don’t have to walk all day unless you want to. If you don’t like the blind you’re sitting in, the PH probably has picked it for a good reason. He’s already established a pattern the game follows and the winds and you’re there for a reason. You’re paying him a pretty good fee for his expertise and knowledge of the area and game habits but if you're not happy/satisfied, just tell him and he'll take you someplace different. Remember, IF you directed the change, don't blame the PH if you don't see what you wanr.

Meals can run the gamut. For example, most places I’ve been provide a FULL breakfast and a few places I’ve been, breakfast has been just coffee/tea, “rusks” and a piece of fruit...maybe. Lunches have been full meals or just some potted/tinned meat on a couple of pieces of white bread. Dinners are usually pretty good and I’ve never really been disappointed.

Daily rates can be hugely different, even for the same area. PG daily rates can run from $300/day to $750/day. Same goes for the trophy fees. Same species in the same general area can have a 30-40% price variation and more expensive doesn’t necessarily translate to better/bigger.

Be sure to compare with is “included” and what is “not included”. Things like rifle permits, transfer fees to/from the airport, hard alcohol/beer/wine etc.

That should be a good start on info to get you pointed in the right direction for your planning. My main point is and towards your question - It can be crazy expensive or can be very reasonable if you don’t by into all the marking hype on the TV hunting shows and do a bit of research.