Folks, I’m intrigued by this as an option. I’m doing a first plains game hunt to KZN in 2025.
As a side note when thinking about it, rabies vaccines worthwhile for over there? Suppose getting bitten by a dog or anything is possible..
I’m sure you will enjoy KZN
@wildfowler.250
I am fortunate to have hunted a few hyena in KZN that were causing damage to cattle and wildlife. They are fun to hunt and can be quite challenging. Spotted hyena can be baited successfully, but it is quite challenging. The other method is to call them in which can sometimes result in the whole pack charging in immediately, or it can take quite a bit of skill to call in a lone hyena.
As to your question about rabies vaccination, I agree with Marius @KMG, rather be safe than sorry. The eastern part of Southern Africa is riddled with rabies, from the Eastern Cape, KZN, Mpumalanga, Mozambique and so on.
To be vaccinated you receive 4 shots, on Days 0,3,7&14 respectively. This is indeed also protocol when exposed, except you then also receive the rabies immunoglobulin in the wound site.
I have treated multiple patients in Northern KZN who have been exposed to rabies, the one eight years ago having been bitten at night whilst sleeping in his tent by a spotted hyena, that turned out to have had rabies. I have seen one patient in my career pass away because of rabies and know of another, both are from northern KZN. It is a horrible way to go, I can assure you. I have multiple patients at my practice, amongst others farmers, PHs, wildlife photographers, game rangers and staff on game lodges that all stay up to date with their rabies vaccination. Also take into account that the Government veterinary services have fallen apart, and most rural dogs are not vaccinated, and can potentially carry the disease onto any property, in addition to all the wildlife vectors like vervet monkeys, blackback and sidestripe jackal, mongoose, and others.
