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

[JimP]

In two hunts I never needed chapstick, however I do a daily nasal flush with distilled water and salt packets. I ask the contact person on my last trip for some distilled water and she had no idea of what it was. Turns out it was marketed as battery water. There was gallon of it waiting for me in my boma.

So between that my supply of nasal spray I had clear sinuses for the trip.

The hunts were from the middle of May to the middle of June

 

[Trappernewt]

In regards to the professional filming of the hunt.

The thing that keeps me from doing this, although I really like the idea is the price. On a 10 day trip you could be looking at $7,000 or more for the film. I think it is really cool, and if you have that extra money to spend and it is enough value for you to do it, I love it. I love seeing when people post their videos on here. However, for me, I can't help but think about the other animals I could have hunted for that money.

No way I could justify that.

 

[Smitty]

In regards to the professional filming of the hunt.

The thing that keeps me from doing this, although I really like the idea is the price. On a 10 day trip you could be looking at $7,000 or more for the film. I think it is really cool, and if you have that extra money to spend and it is enough value for you to do it, I love it. I love seeing when people post their videos on here. However, for me, I can't help but think about the other animals I could have hunted for that money.

I was offered a videographer and completed video for $800. $7k seems crazy expensive.

 

[Sabre]

I was offered a videographer and completed video for $800. $7k seems crazy expensive.

That is a great deal. Was it an employee of the outfitter that filmed? Did they do a good job for you?

A lot of places that do it, that aren't tied to the outfitter charge a daily rate, travel expenses, and you cover their daily observer fee with the outfitter for the duration of your hunt/stay. It adds up quick that way.

 

[JimP]

On my first hunt 10 years ago we hired a person to film us. He charged $150 a day

 

[Smitty]

That is a great deal. Was it an employee of the outfitter that filmed? Did they do a good job for you?

A lot of places that do it, that aren't tied to the outfitter charge a daily rate, travel expenses, and you cover their daily observer fee with the outfitter for the duration of your hunt/stay. It adds up quick that way.

It is a great deal. I accepted the offer and I will find out next month (can't wait). I was offered a break on the price in exchange for agreement to let the video be used for advertising purposes, so the outfitter is providing the room and board for the videographer, and I am paying the day rate for him. This trip is my second, and special as I am bringing son #3. I had planned for my son to take pictures and video, but realized if he was taking pictures, he wouldn't be IN the pictures with Dad. I really don't like being on camera, but will cherish having video memories of our hunt together.

 

[KIH]

End result is always premium, but price is $390 pr day for all video related + travel and stay. https://africansunproductions.com/

 

[Green Chile]

Wow...that first trip. We are all a little jealous of that! You've gotten a lot of good advice. Tell Gilbert we all said hello!

Relax and keep your eyes/ears open for all of the different things in the southern Hemisphere...even the sky is different. Don't guide the guide. Take more photos than you think you will need...you won't regret that. Enjoy the meals and the evening campfire...each time I'm back in Africa, I whisper to myself...welcome home. Don't put too much pressure on yourself and only take shots you are comfortable with. We look forward to hearing a report when you return!

 

[JimP]

One thing that I never did but should have was to look up in the sky at the Southern Cross

 

[DieJager]

The most important item to pack has honestly become chapstick for me

This cannot be overstated. This and sunscreen lotion. First time Africa was in SA Kalahari area. My lips just split after a while, lesson learned.

 

[Ridge Runner]

I had read about the sketchy PHs on here prior to going. That said i never actually saw our camp staff besides the cook and couldnt find the cook before we left. I 100% trusted our PH/wife but you do never know. Also PH told me night before we left "get with the tracker if you plan to tip him as he's leaving before sunrise for a hunt" which made me feel like he was honest.

I will say i dont plan to hunt with same PH again so if they stiffed their staff, i'll never know. Was great place but i felt like i saw everything i was going to see in my 7 days so next time will be different concession. Part of the adventure for me is seeing new things.

I agree on one and done with an outfitter /PH setup that limit themselves to a certain area and saying I saw everything here and done.

My first trip to Africa was to SOUTH AFRICA and had a great time at KUBUSI SAFARIS in the East Cape. Grahamstown is about 10 minutes from the lodge. James Williamson owns and operates the outfit and has or tries his best to have, as there was one exception on my first trip, the best possible PHs on staff. A couple of PHs and James' former head taxidermist and I became good friends, so when I return to Africa I plan for a return visit to KUBUSI to visit and hunt with them.

Since each of James' PHs have their own contacts for various farms/concessions to hunt and each PH has their own style of how to hunt. I can say I have been to different places /areas, seen and done a lot of different things using the same outfitter.

There's more to "This Is Africa" than just going to hunt and/or on a photo safaris.

There's nothing wrong with just going to Africa to just hunt and/ or a photo safari.

IMO the true Africa experience is to mingle/adapt into the locals way of life. "When in Rome, do as the Romans." mentality.

 

[Ridge Runner]

I thought about it but had no idea where to even start the process.

There are a couple of OPs here on the forum that members have mentioned who they used to film their adventures. IIRC, One member's OP is asking other forum member's about having their hunts videoed.

 

[Ridge Runner]

Chapstick and nasal spray. Idk about this time of year i usually go in August and the air is very dry.

Chapstick is recommended for any time of year. The summer time it's the heat, sun, and dry air; in the winter time it's the cold, wind, and sometimes dry air.