South African hunt Spring 2026

[TheJeremiahSmith]

Through an unforseen turn of events, I wrote into a hunting podcast/YouTube channel for advice on hunting Africa and was actually invited to hunt in Africa with the host. I had told him I was a novice to this, but wanted to try living out one of my chief adventures. He has been very kind with advice and even chatting just to get to know me, and I'm beyond grateful I get this chance. The gentleman has a successful podcast, written multiple books, and has written and edited for outdoor magazines. He has a wealth of knowledge, and even though I'm 31, in many ways I feel like I'm 13 again preparing for this hunt.

So I'll be hunting in the Limpopo region of South Africa in March or April 2026. He has connected me with the PH and Outfitter, who has been kind enough to connect with me on WhatsApp so I can ask questions as needed. A lot of information was covered in what the PH sent me, but I'll be completely honest about the fact I'm just a good ol' boy from Indiana. I've never traveled outside the United States, and i don't want to embarass myself and my companion or give a bad impression of Americans at large. So I have a few questions I hope the community here can help me with as I continue researching and preparing, but what are some of the cultural things I should know? Are there big time no-no's and things I should be sure to avoid? I am a polite person by nature and am easy going and easy to get along with. I'm a heavy equipment operator in construction by trade and get along with other blue collar people. But are there things I can do to make sure I get along well with the people there? And are there any mistakes you've heard or seen that I could avoid?

I'm always kind to everyone, and honestly going with the gentleman I am, I'm going to be pretty much just wanting to shut up, learn, and listen to his and the PH's stories. I don't have many to contribute of my own, but I'm just thrilled to be going. This is a trip of a lifetime for me, and I can't begin to express how lucky I feel to be going.

As a side note, I'll be hunting Plains Game and looking at trying to get 3 or 4 animals. My preference list is Nyala, Gemsbok, Impala, Blue Wildebeest, and Burchell's Zebra in that order depending on what's available. My most affordable seems to be Wildebeest, Impala, and the Zebra. I'll be bringing my Savage 110 Classic .30-06 with 165 gr Hornady Superperformance CX bullets and my Winchester 1917 Custom .375 h&h with Hornady Outfitter 250 gr CX bullets as well. Still shopping for good hunting clothes, binoculars, knife, etc. to take, as I don't think my usual stuff for hunting Indiana Whitetail will carry over well.

Again, any advice will help and be very much appreciated. Thanks in advance!

 

[375Fox]

If you are going with an experienced African hunter I’d rely on him for questions for your first trip. Too much information isn’t always a good thing. I find most African PHs have a lot better people skills than most guides in the US and are good hosts. If you are there to hunt and enjoy yourself and you’ll be a good client. There is no need to worry about embarrassing yourself.

Biggest advice I’d give is don’t get too much mounted from the first trip. The photos become more important than the taxidermy after a few years and the money is better spent on your next hunt.

 

[whisk(e)y hunter]

Congrats! Have fun, trust your outfitter/guide, practice shooting from sticks, and get some shoes you’ll be comfortable hiking/walking in and you’ll be set

 

[Mekaniks]

Don't overthink it....

Practice with your rifle....not just at the range, do some hunting that builds confidence and muscle memory...

Go have fun....

 

[Brod]

What a refreshing and humble post. Don't overthink and you will do just fine.

There's no need to waste money on new gear for the hunt you described as your Indiana whitetail gear will do just fine. Get a lot of practice shooting off of sticks. Utilize this site's search feature for any questions you have then ask away. This is a very friendly and helpful group.

We are all envious of you: the first African hunt. Be forewarned, it's very addictive.

 

[Ryan]

You're doing fine, I agree don't overthink it and practice off of sticks. I guarantee you your PH works with a wide variety of people so from how you present yourself I think you'll be fine. For what you're after I'd leave the 375 at home. A 30-06 with 165 gr monometal bullets like the CX bullets will cover that list just fine, but your call. While I own my share of nice knives I wouldn't stress anything new for this hunt, the skinners will be taking care of your animals. Honestly, I just bring whatever pocket knife I need for Every Day Carry. Comfortable clothes is your call, shorts if you like them, but not a requirement. Go for dark earth tones. Khaki tends to be too light.

 

[Mtn_Infantry]

Don’t overthink it and keep it simple.

My guess is you wrote to one of maybe a 3 or 4 guys who do this and are likely joining them on one of their hosted group trips, that they plan and accompany each year for other hunters. If that’s the case, they’ve either hunted there before, or you’re joining them as they scout a new outfitter/area to potentially offer some hunts. Either way they’ll offer you a wealth of advice and likely be doing the same thing so follow their lead.

My biggest pieces of advice
1) Get you passport now if you don’t have it. If you do have it already confirm it’ll be valid for at least 6 months after your return
2) You’re flying from Indiana, you’re going to have a connection somewhere (Dallas, Houston, Newark, or Atlanta), plan to get there and meet-up with the rest of your party. They likely have a suggested airline, if you can I’d suggest getting their credit card and using it for as many purchases between now and then. This is a great way to build miles/points that you can use to redeem for upgraded seats, or get status for extra checked bags.
3) Practice Shooting off Sticks while standing. Practice taking quick, well placed shots. You don’t need to hit the bullseye every time, or keep a sub minute group. You need to be minute of vitals at 50-100yds quickly.
4) Don’t over pack - I still do it every trip I take
5) Keep an open mind on your list. You’ve got your preferred animals but enjoy just hunting to hunt. It’s not typically something we get to do in the states. We’re always after what’s in season, or what we have a tag for. Sometimes an animal not on your list just speaks to you. For me it was a waterbuck and I still think they’re one of the most underrated Plains Game animals. Other times you’ll find something truly special or large and your PH will get really really excited. If your PH is really excited about an animal, you should might want to going after it because it’s typically something special
6) Build yourself a budget for trophy fees. Break it down by species you want, but give yourself an extra animal or two. Take that dollar amount and throw-out your list of species aside from what you rank as #1 or #2

 

[Nkawu]

March into April in Limpopo could still be very hot as the Southern Hemisphere summer moves towards autumn (25-35C in the shade). The grass might be tall and bush thick. Take a good hat and some electrolytes to drink before bed. Get some tick repellent for your socks and a pair of short gaiters to stop grass seeds getting into your boots. Do you know where in Limpopo you will be hunting?

 

[Sideshow]

Learn these words Afrikaans for thank you very much……baie dankie
Helps break the ice even if you don’t pronounce it right

 

[TheJeremiahSmith]

March into April in Limpopo could still be very hot as the Southern Hemisphere summer moves towards autumn (25-35C in the shade). The grass might be tall and bush thick. Take a good hat and some electrolytes to drink before bed. Get some tick repellent for your socks and a pair of short gaiters to stop grass seeds getting into your boots. Do you know where in Limpopo you will be hunting?

I'll be in Vaalwater, I believe. I also have a set of almost to the knee dark brown hunting boots. They look more like the old school safari boots, but they're waterproof and snake proof. I use them I'm the states, and they're already broke in. I'll make sure to bring some electrolyte packets, thank you for the advice

 

[TheJeremiahSmith]

Learn these words Afrikaans for thank you very much……baie dankie
Helps break the ice even if you don’t pronounce it right

Thank you, I appreciate it. Any other phrases to know?

 

[TheJeremiahSmith]

Don’t overthink it and keep it simple.

My guess is you wrote to one of maybe a 3 or 4 guys who do this and are likely joining them on one of their hosted group trips, that they plan and accompany each year for other hunters. If that’s the case, they’ve either hunted there before, or you’re joining them as they scout a new outfitter/area to potentially offer some hunts. Either way they’ll offer you a wealth of advice and likely be doing the same thing so follow their lead.

My biggest pieces of advice
1) Get you passport now if you don’t have it. If you do have it already confirm it’ll be valid for at least 6 months after your return
2) You’re flying from Indiana, you’re going to have a connection somewhere (Dallas, Houston, Newark, or Atlanta), plan to get there and meet-up with the rest of your party. They likely have a suggested airline, if you can I’d suggest getting their credit card and using it for as many purchases between now and then. This is a great way to build miles/points that you can use to redeem for upgraded seats, or get status for extra checked bags.
3) Practice Shooting off Sticks while standing. Practice taking quick, well placed shots. You don’t need to hit the bullseye every time, or keep a sub minute group. You need to be minute of vitals at 50-100yds quickly.
4) Don’t over pack - I still do it every trip I take
5) Keep an open mind on your list. You’ve got your preferred animals but enjoy just hunting to hunt. It’s not typically something we get to do in the states. We’re always after what’s in season, or what we have a tag for. Sometimes an animal not on your list just speaks to you. For me it was a waterbuck and I still think they’re one of the most underrated Plains Game animals. Other times you’ll find something truly special or large and your PH will get really really excited. If your PH is really excited about an animal, you should might want to going after it because it’s typically something special
6) Build yourself a budget for trophy fees. Break it down by species you want, but give yourself an extra animal or two. Take that dollar amount and throw-out your list of species aside from what you rank as #1 or #2

Thank you for all those tips, I'll put them to good use

 

[AZDAVE]

Your whitetail clothes will be fine. Jut plan on simple layers depending on what months you will be hunting.
1.I take a long sleeved base layer then a fleece vest and a fleece jacket.
2. Take 3 changes of clothes as they will do laundry every day.
3. Very well broke in boots and lite easy shoes for sitting around the fire in the evening.
4. as mentioned tick repellent and set of gatiers.
6. Since you will be in Limpopo as set of 8-10 power binos
7. your rifles will be a good selection for your hunt.
8. Use a travel agent that specializes in safari travel (Travel express, Gracy travel etc) ( I have always used Gracy as they take care of the pre-approved gun paperwork, have a representative on the ground in South Africa)
9. Get health and evac insurance for the trip (Your US based health insurance won't work outside the US) (Gracy helps me with this.)
10. Get Kevin Robertson's perfect shot book and go over the proper shot placement in depth as the vitals on African animals is father forward and lower that US deer and elk.
11. PRACTICE off sticks ALOT. also practice shooting in field positions sitting , Kneeling, standing etc
12. Have a rough idea on how you would like your animal taxidermy done. I have been able to tour several taxidermy studios in Africa and the US. Decide on if you want the work done in Africa or dip and packed then sent to the US taxidermist. (A topic that could take long phone call to discuss)
13. Know that you will need a customs agent on this side of the pond to handle the import.
14. Then enjoy every second of the experience!!!! Sights, sounds and smells. Ask question of the PH on what is that bird, plant, animal etc. Every PH I have spent time with has been a wealth of knowledge and are proud of their area and will to share. Take time to watch the skinners work and prep your animals. Watch the trackers work.

 

[Flipper Dude]

My first safari was in the Limpopo. Didn’t have the slightest clue what I was doing. No access to websites like this. Found a guy on EBay wanting to trade day fees for a rangefinder and a set of Leica binos. What are day fees? Hell, I don’t know. So I hollered across the room at the wife. “ Wanna go to Africa?”

“ Sure” was the reply. Never looked up from her book.

That was 11 safaris ago. That’ll teach her.

Didn’t know anyone that had ever been to Africa. Loved the African books though. Horn of the Hunter. Death in the Long Grass. Use Enough Gun. Uhura. Something of Value. Green Hills of Africa. ( Required reading for any new African hunter, I’m thinking) My battery consisted of my 30-06 and my 20 gauge side by side. Best choice ever. Had the PH pick me up a case of shells and had the best time hunting dove and Guinea fowl and francolin. Spent several evenings walking along the Limpopo River flushing birds
and dodging hippos. Pure heaven for a bird hunter.

 

[ACE (in CT)]

Welcome!
I’ll offer just a bit of advice as I am only 2 Safaris ahead of you (3 by the time you go).

Keep reading these threads, dig around a bit, there are a bunch on topics that you’ll find very helpful. Most folks here really know what they are talking about, and are trying to be helpful. (Don’t expect the same on other Social media, some Facebook pages can be downright ugly.)

Enjoy being wide eyed, naive, and being brand new at this. You only get to be that way once, and right now you think of it as a bit scarey, in reality it’s quite special!
As hard as it may be to believe, no matter how high your expectations, they’ll likely be exceeded! I took 2 friends with us on our 2nd and to see them experience things for their first time was very cool. I’m taking another newbie and very dear friend this June, and looking forward to that again.

Take A LOT of pictures, you’ll be glad you did.
Relax a bit about the cost of things, you get to spread out paying for things AND money Is replaceable.
Pictures are great, Euro mounts are great, Shoulder mounts are great, decide What YOU value.
Even if you are on a tight budget, and only shoot the least expensive animals, you’ll have an absolute blast. Impalas, Blesbok, and Warthogs are cheap, and VERY Africa.

Enjoy this planning stage, it’s a big part of the overall process!

 

[DieJager]

Enjoy and go with the flow. Look what animals are natural in that region and make your list accordingly is my advice. It is more fun to hunt them in their natural habitat.

Also to save costs, if you want taxidermy, mix up the shoulder mounts with European mounts. Less space, less money and is a nice touch in your interior outside the trophy room.

 

[375Fox]

I'll be in Vaalwater, I believe. I also have a set of almost to the knee dark brown hunting boots. They look more like the old school safari boots, but they're waterproof and snake proof. I use them I'm the states, and they're already broke in. I'll make sure to bring some electrolyte packets, thank you for the advice

You can bring those boots, but you’ll likely be wanting something a lot lighter. I wear lightweight leather boots just above ankle. There’s really no need to be waterproof and the chances of you even seeing a snake are low. Ticks would be a much higher consideration than snakes for me.

 

[375Fox]

Don’t overthink it and keep it simple.

My guess is you wrote to one of maybe a 3 or 4 guys who do this and are likely joining them on one of their hosted group trips, that they plan and accompany each year for other hunters. If that’s the case, they’ve either hunted there before, or you’re joining them as they scout a new outfitter/area to potentially offer some hunts. Either way they’ll offer you a wealth of advice and likely be doing the same thing so follow their lead.

My biggest pieces of advice
1) Get you passport now if you don’t have it. If you do have it already confirm it’ll be valid for at least 6 months after your return
2) You’re flying from Indiana, you’re going to have a connection somewhere (Dallas, Houston, Newark, or Atlanta), plan to get there and meet-up with the rest of your party. They likely have a suggested airline, if you can I’d suggest getting their credit card and using it for as many purchases between now and then. This is a great way to build miles/points that you can use to redeem for upgraded seats, or get status for extra checked bags.
3) Practice Shooting off Sticks while standing. Practice taking quick, well placed shots. You don’t need to hit the bullseye every time, or keep a sub minute group. You need to be minute of vitals at 50-100yds quickly.
4) Don’t over pack - I still do it every trip I take
5) Keep an open mind on your list. You’ve got your preferred animals but enjoy just hunting to hunt. It’s not typically something we get to do in the states. We’re always after what’s in season, or what we have a tag for. Sometimes an animal not on your list just speaks to you. For me it was a waterbuck and I still think they’re one of the most underrated Plains Game animals. Other times you’ll find something truly special or large and your PH will get really really excited. If your PH is really excited about an animal, you should might want to going after it because it’s typically something special
6) Build yourself a budget for trophy fees. Break it down by species you want, but give yourself an extra animal or two. Take that dollar amount and throw-out your list of species aside from what you rank as #1 or #2

I don’t necessarily agree on the recommendation for an airline credit card, but definitely some sort of travel card. I look for a cash back card with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees. The 3% foreign transaction fee on a lot of credit cards really adds up if someone isn’t aware of it, especially if paying part of hunt on card.

 

[Andrew62]

Thank you, I appreciate it. Any other phrases to know?

Most important phrase to know, 'yes, I will have another gin and tonic!!'

@Philip Glass has a very nice packing video on Youtube that is very helpful. Like others said, don't overthink it, enjoy the process. With your list of animals, I'd take the 30.06 and be done with it! I do take along a little leatherman kind of thing to pull thorns out of my boots at night but not a knife for skinning, they have that covered.

Good luck with your planning!