101 (or more) Things to Know Before Hunting Africa

[KuduKiller]

Bryce, somehow I manage to put an empty bass casing in my backpack that was found at the xray machine leaving ORTambo,,, again,,, small denominations in my front pocket took care of that.

 

[Pilgrim]

I strongly disagree with this, especially DG hunts.

Perhaps true for DG. Some of us can pick up almost any rifle, make corrections for wind and distance, and hit the bullseye as long as the rifle has been sighted in. Sure, if you dig down in the science of it you might argue that one needs to be well practiced with their specific rifle, but for many, that science is well beyond the point of diminishing return. Every Africa hunt I've done (plains game only) I've used hired rifles for myself and my family members and every bullet hit its mark.

 

[uplander01]

From start to finish including taxidermy, tips, approx trophy fees, airfare, and trophy import dollars, get as close to what you think it will cost as a cumulative then add 50%

 

[Ryan]

The less assumptions you make, the less frustrations, regrets or worse you will have.

Read your contract completely. Understand what is covered, what is not.

Talk to taxidermists before the hunt whether it's stateside of in country to understand costs.

 

[375Fox]

Perhaps true for DG. Some of us can pick up almost any rifle, make corrections for wind and distance, and hit the bullseye as long as the rifle has been sighted in. Sure, if you dig down in the science of it you might argue that one needs to be well practiced with their specific rifle, but for many, that science is well beyond the point of diminishing return. Every Africa hunt I've done (plains game only) I've used hired rifles for myself and my family members and every bullet hit its mark.

If you shot a round of clay targets with your preferred shotgun then I gave you a Mossberg 500 would you shoot the same score? I don’t have a problem renting a rifle for certain hunts, especially a short PG hunt, but bringing a rifle to South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe is extremely easy for an American. Too many hunters have decided it’s too difficult before they even try. Most hunters are going to shoot better with their own rifle and scope that fits them best and they’ve practiced with.

 

[375Fox]

I had my first African hunt last summer, and plan on going again next summer.
My advice would be to slow down and take it all in. Other than the first animal I took, they got pics, gutted and loaded as quickly as possible and then on to the next. Next time I will slow down to feel the horns the hair, etc. take in the scenery. This was the first time I was ever so close to these animals. The PHs have seen them thousands of times, so it is nothing new to them. This is not a slight on my PHs, it would probably be the same if they deer hunted with me her in the states.

No one can really know before their first safari but choosing PHs I actually want to hunt with and would enjoy hunting with is the biggest change I have since I booked my first safari. I talk to references on the phone and try to get details about the PH’s work ethic and how much he enjoys hunting and being outdoors. A lot of outfitters have access to properties and can take you hunting but just because they have a PH license doesn’t mean they actually passionate about what they do.

 

[steve white]

Safaris are like Lay's potato chips...nobody can have just one!

 

[coreydb]

Trip insurance and emergency medical evac insurance in case you have to be lifted out or flown back to the states. Also, max 3 pr of clothing. Laundry is done daily except on the weekends....hence the third pair....unless you want to stink. Find out the gratuities in the event you get great service. Although not necessary, there is a guide posted here on AH. Don't worry about getting a lot of money converted to the African Rand. They really like US dollars.

 

[coreydb]

Safaris are like Lay's potato chips...nobody can have just one!

Thank God I bought a case!

 

[franzfmdavis]

Trip insurance and emergency medical evac insurance in case you have to be lifted out or flown back to the states. Also, max 3 pr of clothing. Laundry is done daily except on the weekends....hence the third pair....unless you want to stink. Find out the gratuities in the event you get great service. Although not necessary, there is a guide posted here on AH. Don't worry about getting a lot of money converted to the African Rand. They really like US dollars.

After reading about the recent death by cape buffalo in Uganda, I contacted the insurer I use for scuba diving (DAN) and they told me they also cover medical evacs and treatment if injured while recreational hunting (non-commercial). I thought I would pass this along in case someone already have that coverage too.