Heading to SA in 4 days....last minute tips?

[Trappernewt]

Its finally almost time to leave after months of impatiently waiting. I have scoured the forums here and the wealth of information available is priceless even though it's free. I have done my best to prepare and have secured all of the correct paperwork etc required for travel. Booked an overnight stay at Africa Sky and also had them handle the rifle paperwork. Some things I have struggled with are.... what to do as far as taxidermy? Should I go ahead and hunt extra animals while there?

I am nervous on tipping even though I have read the numerous posts here about and the PH is avoiding answering the question like the plague. Seems as though some tip a lot and some tip what they feel is reasonable. My concern is knowing what to expect as being good service or great service for this type of hunt. I have hunted all over North America and I have had good experiences on 99% of the hunts and everyone seemed thrilled with a 8-10% tip but only once was there ever anyone other than a cook to tip. Heck the two outfitters in Canada wouldn't even accept tips and that was probably the best service I had on a hunt in my life.

All that rambling only to ask if anyone has any last minute advice to share for a first timer?

 

[SETH RINGER]

PICK UP SOME BILTONG!

 

[BryceM]

Have fun. Keep a journal, even if it’s just a few notes. You’ll be surprised how quickly you forget names, dates, and situations. Take lots of photos. Don’t forget to relax and have fun.

 

[BJH65]

You’re going to have a great time! To answer some questions in the order you mentioned:

Taxidermy- euro mounts or shoulder mounts? If you are uncertain, I recommend having euro mounts done with tanned caped hides in SA then you could always later have shoulder mounts done in the U.S. at a later time.

Extra animals: sure if it’s in your budget! You may come across animals of opportunity so I recommend being a little flexible, maybe you’re looking for a Kudu bull but come across a world class bushbuck. Shoot the bushbuck you may not get another opportunity!

Hunters can really make tipping complicated, me included. Bottom line, you tip what you are comfortable with period! I recommend personally giving your tip to each individual that you plan on tipping. I put mine in envelopes for them and personally thanked each of them.

Be flexible with potential flight delays and work with your travel agent to work through it, it’ll be okay, you’ll get it worked out if it happens, don’t worry. Sounds like you are very experienced going on guided hunts in North America so it goes without saying and you already know this but having a positive attitude, willing to help out and being flexible goes a long way towards having a great hunt.

You’re going to have an awesome hunt and experience! Don’t forget to do a hunt report and share your experience with us!

 

[Rattler1]

The tipping thing is a recurring topic can add undue stress for a trip. Try not to let it distract from the enjoyment of the hunt I have and do feel your pain. Tip what you are comfortable with the fact that you are thinking about this means you have a conscious and care. Kudos (hopefully Kudu too). Go have fun you'll sort out the tip thing. Generally there is an extra second or two for the shot aim small put it in he X ring!!

 

[AZDAVE]

First relax and enjoy every second! Take in the sights, sounds, and smells that are a new experience.
Have a idea of adding a couple animals that just speak to you when you see them. But know the trophy fee structure. Watch the trackers and skinners work. Go out a couple night hunts. The transition to night kritters is something your shouldn't miss. Take a look at the tipping guide that is o here on AH and go from there. Go have a fun trip.

 

[Ridge Runner]

You’re going to have a great time! To answer some questions in the order you mentioned:

Taxidermy- euro mounts or shoulder mounts? If you are uncertain, I recommend having euro mounts done with tanned caped hides in SA then you could always later have shoulder mounts done in the U.S. at a later time.

Extra animals: sure if it’s in your budget! You may come across animals of opportunity so I recommend being a little flexible, maybe you’re looking for a Kudu bull but come across a world class bushbuck. Shoot the bushbuck you may not get another opportunity!

Hunters can really make tipping complicated, me included. Bottom line, you tip what you are comfortable with period! I recommend personally giving your tip to each individual that you plan on tipping. I put mine in envelopes for them and personally thanked each of them.

Be flexible with potential flight delays and work with your travel agent to work through it, it’ll be okay, you’ll get it worked out if it happens, don’t worry. Sounds like you are very experienced going on guided hunts in North America so it goes without saying and you already know this but having a positive attitude, willing to help out and being flexible goes a long way towards having a great hunt.

You’re going to have an awesome hunt and experience! Don’t forget to do a hunt report and share your experience with us!

+1. TIA. If the opportunity animals present themselves and in your budget; Don't pass up the opportunity. I'm leaving on my fourth trip and still looking to get another opportunity on a jackal. I haven't seen a jackal since I missed the first one on my first trip.

 

[wesheltonj]

The outfitter should really tell you what to tip the camp staff and will most likely want you to tip them in Rand. The PH 10% - 15% usually in Dollars or around $100 a day. You really need to know who to pay in Dollars and Rand. Get your Rand at a Bank ATM in RSA - better rate then "buying" at your local bank or currency exchange.

Taxidermy just get them dip and shipped back to the USA then decide which ones you want to shoulder mount and which ones euro mount. If you are going to keep the back skins, have the RSA taxidermist tan those.

Have a great trip. and looking forward to your report.

 

[Philip Glass]

Its finally almost time to leave after months of impatiently waiting. I have scoured the forums here and the wealth of information available is priceless even though it's free. I have done my best to prepare and have secured all of the correct paperwork etc required for travel. Booked an overnight stay at Africa Sky and also had them handle the rifle paperwork. Some things I have struggled with are.... what to do as far as taxidermy? Should I go ahead and hunt extra animals while there?

I am nervous on tipping even though I have read the numerous posts here about and the PH is avoiding answering the question like the plague. Seems as though some tip a lot and some tip what they feel is reasonable. My concern is knowing what to expect as being good service or great service for this type of hunt. I have hunted all over North America and I have had good experiences on 99% of the hunts and everyone seemed thrilled with a 8-10% tip but only once was there ever anyone other than a cook to tip. Heck the two outfitters in Canada wouldn't even accept tips and that was probably the best service I had on a hunt in my life.

All that rambling only to ask if anyone has any last minute advice to share for a first timer?

Don't over think it and have a great first safari!

 

[JimP]

I agree with Philip, just go and enjoy and don't worry about the small stuff.

If you have a budget stick to it, however if your PH tells you that a animal is a very good one you might need to decide quite quickly on if you want to shoot it or not. On my last hunt we had a fantastic black wildebeest at 100 yards, if I didn't already have a great one hanging on my wall I would of taken the shot.

 

[Field28]

If you want to add a really cool extra animal that is usually a reasonable price, think about a Bushbuck!

 

[Trappernewt]

Thank you all. It really is overwhelming compared to many other hunts I have been on. All the extras can really make someone second guess a lot of things,

 

[MarkB]

I can say from experience the cheapest trophy fees on unexpected and non planned for species are while you are on safari in Africa. To this day I regret NOT shooting when my PH said because I worried about extra dollars, even though I had them available. Turned down a truly wild 44" sable 3 times due to the $2600 TF and an injured giraffe on same safari for $600. Took me 18 years to get a 38" sable for $2800 and giraffe still not done. Now I shoot when told if its a new to me species.

As for taxidermy, I have a big room, do all my own work so its easy, D&P every thing I want home. Expect costs to be high, higher than stated and get QUOTES, do not trust your outfitter recommended company to always be most cost effective.

I will not speak to tips as there are 1000's of posts on here, none are right or wrong. I always have a planned amount, just divide as I see fit based on work effort and PH's recommendations.

Lastly, go over, relax, immerse in all safari has to offer. My best ones are the ones we had cooler box lunches beside a water hole, not in camp, one sundowner, bed earlier then out earlier in morning. Safari is stressful but slow down and fully enjoy.

Good luck, understand that this IS about to be an amazing life changing event.

MB

 

[VertigoBE]

Don't worry, let it all overwhelm you, a first safari to Africa is just about the best thing there is.

On taxidermy, everyone tends to go overboard on their 1st safari, but if you can, keep it to euro mounts (you'll need the wall space for future safaris)

On tipping, you give what you are comfortable with. Don't let anyone make your head spin.

On extra animals, just have an amount ready in your mind (or wallet) for unexpected additional animals. That way you can act quickly in the field. But make it clear to the PH that this would be for exceptional animals only.

Mostly just let it all sink in. I envy you!

 

[JimP]

On my first trip I made a list of what was packed into both my checked luggage, my carry on, and my rifle case. I then made a few columns to the right of the list. If I removed something I marked that it was removed, when it was replaced I marked that it was back into the bag. This way I knew exactly what I was taking.

On your carry on, keep it on the smaller size such as a backpack or small suit case. If you have a connecting flight and have even a slightly oversize carry on it may not fit in the overhead and will need to be gate checked.

I'm sure that it has been said before, but take a lot of pictures. But not so many that you need to look at the pictures to see where you have been. On my first trip between three of us we took over 5,000 pictures on a 8 day hunt and a 13 day tour. Most were taken by just one person, which wasn't me.

 

[Tex .416]

Best travel tip for any trip, take half as many clothes and twice as much money as thought needed.

 

[Hogpatrol]

When anything doesn't seem to be going at the same speed it does in the states, remind yourself you are in Africa and a guest.

 

[BeeMaa]

Be a good client and pay attention to what your PH is asking of you.

It’s OK to make suggestions, but understand that he’s the one in charge of your safety as well as making sure you’re happy. My grandfather would say that you have two ears and one mouth, so you should listen at least twice as much as you talk.

All the best and have fun on your safari.

 

[Doug3006]

Treat your clothes with permethrin before you go and again every 3 washings. That’ll keep the ticks at bay.

 

[wyosteve]

This is more broad based than just Africa, but it's been in the back of my mind. Have you thought about/explored options on what happens if you need some type of medical attention while on your trip. I ask because a fellow I work with was in either Sweden or Switzerland vacationing with his wife and she had a bike accident that needed immediate medical attention. Before they would treat her, he had to provide a $40,000 deposit for treatment. I assume many, or most, foreign countries do not accept U.S. healthcare coverage, Medicare, etc. so it gave me something to contemplate. Not sure if a service like Global Rescue covers the treatment cost or just transportation. Anyway, I should probably start a new thread or search if there has been one, but it's better to have things somewhat in place if treatment was needed. Good luck in your adventure.