Any Tips and tricks for first time South Africa hunt

[GuggaOn]

Hello my name is Zach and I have booked a hunt for may of 2025. I am going to be 22 time of trip and will be going with my family my dad has been previously back in 2010.

Was curious if anyone has any tips or tricks or something when you went to South Africa that would have been game changing to bring or something that you noticed that you didn’t think about when you got there.

I’m super excited for this trip and just want to learn and gather all information I can. Thank you for your time and excited to read all your responses.

 

[Zambezi]

I'd suggest searching the site for packing tips, there are several threads that give comprehensive lists and tips.
Good luck with your hunt.

 

[Denvir Tire]

Get the best binos you can and practice shooting from the sticks

 

[Jonathan Kashouty]

Go very easy on the drinks on the flight over. Drink plenty of water instead.

 

[Sika98k]

Don’t overpack. With daily laundry you don’t need a lot.

 

[Garrett89]

First and foremost you better be able to shoot. Nothing is more embarrassing than screwing this up. Your PH may be polite about it but you and I both know poor marksmanship is a Cardinal sin here. You owe it to everyone around you and most of all the animal you're after to put it down humanely.

Absolutely no alcohol after 10 pm. I don't care what anyone in camp might say lol

Socks. Get the absolute best socks and hiking boots/shoes you can afford. I like Darn Tough wool socks and for boots I prefer Lowa and Keen. Take a walk in both and choose whichever you prefer

Shorts are going to be much lighter and take up less room in your luggage than full length pants. Also pants are noisier but they do protect against the cactus better than shorts obviously. For the sake of mobility I recommend Duluth Trading Company firehose flex shorts in whatever length you want. I go shorter just because you can run easier and nobody cares what you look like anyway. If you prefer quick dry athletic shorts of some kind even better.

Binocs are extremely important as well as any optics you're using. If you're taking your own I like Leupold but if you can afford Swaros or similar by all means go for it. I also recommend you don't wear a binocular bra with your glass situated on your chest. That rifle gets snagged on it every time. Keep them on a sling near the hip on your non-shooting side

Don't wear camo. Not a rule just isn't necessary. Go with earth tones of green and brown. In fact 99% of the hillsides there are some kind of brown or rocky tan. Absolutely no bright khaki or jungle Jim-looking attire. You'll look like a white beacon against the green/brown background.

Wide brim hats are a matter of preference. If you're running through brush they're the worst. They get caught on everything. Baseball caps are way more manageable and convenient they just don't look as "cool" in pics. Personally I'd take smart over cool any day over there.

Take some kind of good whiskey or bourbon with you as a friendly gesture to share with your new buddies. They'll appreciate it even if they never stop talking about how light it is lol I took a bottle of Whistle Pig 25 year old rye with me and everyone enjoyed it. Honestly though any kind of Jameson, Woodford, Walker, etc would do just fine. A few extra gifts for the trackers, skinners, and other staff is always a great idea.

TIP WELL, BE HUMBLE, AND SHOW GRATITUDE TO EVERY SINGLE PERSON IN CAMP. These people are working their butts off to provide for their families and they are very proud to be doing so. They will go the extra 10 miles for you if you treat them right

Leave the Rambo knife at home. You won't use it

Keep your human scent under control. It gets windy out there so take a good scentless soap geared towards hunters just for that extra layer of concealment

Other than that it's just the usual. Comfortable subdued clothing, shades, scentless sunblock, nothing flashy like rings, necklaces, etc. TAKE A TON OF PICTURES AND VIDEO

Most importantly have fun and LEARN ALL YOU CAN and get to know the people over there. Come back having grown in some way and tell us all about it

 

[LivingTheDream]

Practice off sticks.

Pack less clothes.

Listen to your PH.

Bring your own Booze (just buy a duty free).

Don't stress it, have fun!

 

[G Skinner]

Take extra SD cards ..... take lots of pictures and videos , and you can use them in your Outfitters trail cameras for even more pictures .
Good luck and play safe !
Glen

 

[Philip Glass]

Hello my name is Zach and I have booked a hunt for may of 2025. I am going to be 22 time of trip and will be going with my family my dad has been previously back in 2010.

Was curious if anyone has any tips or tricks or something when you went to South Africa that would have been game changing to bring or something that you noticed that you didn’t think about when you got there.

I’m super excited for this trip and just want to learn and gather all information I can. Thank you for your time and excited to read all your responses.

Check out all of my safari planning videos here (Safari planning section) and on YouTube. I hope they will help with a few good ideas for y'all on your Safari! Best of luck.

 

[Ridge Runner]

Welcome to AH.

Check out the forums Before and After the Hunt Section, ask questions.

South Africa is really diverse in its weather and terrain. Thus a bit more info would help.

Where will you be hunting?
What will you be hunting?
Who is your outfitter?
Are taking or renting weapon(s)?

May is late fall in South Africa. Plan for: sunny, cloudy, overcast, hot, warm, cool, cold, wet, dry, calm, windy, and multiple combinations of forementioned weather at the same time and in the same day.

Clothing: Plain dull neutral colors, shorts, pants, short and long sleeve shirts.

Outerwear: light jacket and/or moderate weight and/or hoodie, vest, mid weight jacket, and good rain jacket.

Footwear: comfortable, broken in, light, soft sole, hiking/walking/climbing, provides good traction in rocky areas and in soft soil. I wear either sneakers or Rocky boots.

Insect repellent: spray your clothing with Permetherin, at least a day preferably 3 days in the air to help reduce the scent, and pick up an Insect repellent for use on skin.

Check with your outfitter on laundry. Some outfitters have daily laundry service, some have every other day laundry service.

NEVER CARRY ALL YOUR MONEY IN ONE POCKET!! Divide your money into at least to safe pockets. One easily accessible pocket for spending cash for nit nacks and at least a second pocket with cash to replenish the nit nacks cash. I go a bit further.

There are several post on packing list here on AH you can check out.

Have fun and enjoy your trip.

 

[mark-hunter]

Was curious if anyone has any tips or tricks or something when you went to South Africa that would have been game changing to bring or something that you noticed that you didn’t think about when you got there.

Follow the advise of PH (your guide) ask him on time everything that you have in mind and will be ok.

I will cut short, to most common failures that I have seen in 3 safaris with hunting groups I was with.
The most common failure each time observed is - wounding.
Each time I saw some hunters paying for wounded game.

Wounding comes from two reasons.
1. Poor shooting skills (from stick) - bad shot placement
2. Poor choice of ammo. Speaking of rental guns. Rental gun will be Ok, but ammo will be whatever is available locally, can be of lower quality.

To tackle this:
1. Train from sticks
2. bring your own rifle, and your own PREMIUM ammo.

Then shortcut for preparaitons is to follow the advice of PH, and you will be just fine.

If you want to go longer route, get educated by reading books, watching hunting documentaries and shows, and ask questions here on forum, and after all this again, follow advice from your PH, and you will be fine.
keep in mind, your first duty is proper bullet placement. Your PHs job is to bring you safely in shooting position.

 

[dchum]

Don’t over pack and have fun.

Bring a fleece it’s chilly in the morning.


I suggest you do stay up and have some drinks around the campfire. It’s your vacation, have fun. I always have the best luck hungover Just have to work for it in the morning lol. While we are young my man!!

 

[bohannon]

If you're importing your own rifle, I highly recommend using the folks at RiflePermits.com to handle the SAPS paperwork. Well worth the money to have everything pre-approved and avoid any hassle when you arrive.

 

[Nyati]

Great advices above, except for the hat, which I find very important, use a wide brim, it will protect your ears and neck, a sunburnt neck is very uncomfortable.

Anything will do, even an old Army issue one. You can give it to your tracker at the end of the hunt, he´ll appreciate it.

Shooting gloves, will also protect the back of your hands.

 

[Ridge Runner]

Really, currently there has been no good advice nor bad advice offered so far.
If you are wanting specific advice you really need to answer my previous questions.
You don't need to pack warm clothing if you are going to Africa in last of Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, as these are Africa's summer months.
You don't need to pack summer clothes if you are going to Africa in mid to late June, July, August as these are Africa's winter months.
Then there is the rainy season you want to also avoid.

Location is important because like the USA, not all of RSA has the same type weather. Think New England States compared to Florida in the winter. Or comparing Arizona dessert to Florida in the summertime.

And if you have read any threads on calibers for Africa. You know it is a very opinionated topic.

 

[Mekaniks]

Take a good attitude and just go have fun

 

[Ontario Hunter]

First and foremost you better be able to shoot. Nothing is more embarrassing than screwing this up. Your PH may be polite about it but you and I both know poor marksmanship is a Cardinal sin here. You owe it to everyone around you and most of all the animal you're after to put it down humanely.

Absolutely no alcohol after 10 pm. I don't care what anyone in camp might say lol

Socks. Get the absolute best socks and hiking boots/shoes you can afford. I like Darn Tough wool socks and for boots I prefer Lowa and Keen. Take a walk in both and choose whichever you prefer

Shorts are going to be much lighter and take up less room in your luggage than full length pants. Also pants are noisier but they do protect against the cactus better than shorts obviously. For the sake of mobility I recommend Duluth Trading Company firehose flex shorts in whatever length you want. I go shorter just because you can run easier and nobody cares what you look like anyway. If you prefer quick dry athletic shorts of some kind even better.

Binocs are extremely important as well as any optics you're using. If you're taking your own I like Leupold but if you can afford Swaros or similar by all means go for it. I also recommend you don't wear a binocular bra with your glass situated on your chest. That rifle gets snagged on it every time. Keep them on a sling near the hip on your non-shooting side

Don't wear camo. Not a rule just isn't necessary. Go with earth tones of green and brown. In fact 99% of the hillsides there are some kind of brown or rocky tan. Absolutely no bright khaki or jungle Jim-looking attire. You'll look like a white beacon against the green/brown background.

Wide brim hats are a matter of preference. If you're running through brush they're the worst. They get caught on everything. Baseball caps are way more manageable and convenient they just don't look as "cool" in pics. Personally I'd take smart over cool any day over there.

Take some kind of good whiskey or bourbon with you as a friendly gesture to share with your new buddies. They'll appreciate it even if they never stop talking about how light it is lol I took a bottle of Whistle Pig 25 year old rye with me and everyone enjoyed it. Honestly though any kind of Jameson, Woodford, Walker, etc would do just fine. A few extra gifts for the trackers, skinners, and other staff is always a great idea.

TIP WELL, BE HUMBLE, AND SHOW GRATITUDE TO EVERY SINGLE PERSON IN CAMP. These people are working their butts off to provide for their families and they are very proud to be doing so. They will go the extra 10 miles for you if you treat them right

Leave the Rambo knife at home. You won't use it

Keep your human scent under control. It gets windy out there so take a good scentless soap geared towards hunters just for that extra layer of concealment

Other than that it's just the usual. Comfortable subdued clothing, shades, scentless sunblock, nothing flashy like rings, necklaces, etc. TAKE A TON OF PICTURES AND VIDEO

Most importantly have fun and LEARN ALL YOU CAN and get to know the people over there. Come back having grown in some way and tell us all about it

I barely drink at all and certainly no more than a light beer at night. I'm at the age where alcohol screws up my sleep pattern. Very important to be well rested when hunting. Would rather not deal with the customs hassles of bringing booze or smokes along for gifts.

I wear camo shirts from Cabelas simply because they are the most comfortable, cool, lightweight shirts I've ever owned. They have a "strata" pattern that's great for Eastern Cape. The camo Columbia fleece jacket I wear is an old design. Excellent fit and just the right weight for cool winter mornings. And it was cheap. Sadly, it's almost worn out. Camo is not important but I wouldn't say it's a no-no. No shorts for me. I've seen frosty mornings there in August. I have a green fleece vest to add as an extra layer on cold days. Like new at Goodwill Store for five bucks.

I don't think binocs are terribly important. PH and tracker will have good stuff and they know what they're looking for. I have a pair of 10x40 Nikon knockoffs I bought new in box at a pawnshop for eighty bucks. Then made a leather belt holster from a lady's purse I bought at Salvation Army Store. They work well enough. My PH thought the holster a better setup than his chest harness. Those things restrict ventilation.

You won't need high top boots. Too hot. Mid height hiking boots are the ticket. Two pairs. Wear one pair on the plane and backup pair in checked bag. My backups were cheap all leather hikers from Cabelas. Good enough for that job. Not a great boot but they last me till soles are worn out, usually two hunting seasons. Primary boot was Georgia Boot Co Eagle Trail. Most comfortable footwear I've ever owned. And they have held up better than I expected. Toss the paracord shoe laces. Garbage. Buy waxed braided nylon laces. I have a pair that cost twenty bucks at a work clothing store. Have no doubt they will last the rest of my life.

Leave the hunting knife at home. You won't need it.

I agree, ball cap is the ticket.

 

[Rubberhead]

Make sure your PH has quadpods not just a tripod or traditional shooting sticks. It can make the difference of an animal or two over a 7 day safari.

 

[dchum]

Take a good attitude and just go have fun

That’s why you were a pleasure to share camp with! Really good Good advice here.

@Mekaniks is great hunter and a good man!

 

[Mekaniks]

That’s why you were a pleasure to share camp with! Really good Good advice here.

@Mekaniks is great hunter and a good man!

Same to you sir! Thank You