Wear loose and easy on and off shoes for the airport.
Take half my cash in small bills. 5s 10s and 20s.
Change seats in the SAA plane when my headphones didnt work. It was much easier comming home when i could actually watch movies and hear music.
Allot more money for trophy fees, i could have shot Nyala, eland, bushbuck, waterbuck and duiker if i had budgeted more. Take a watch.(i always use my cell phone)
Take a GPS, just for kicks, and something to play with since I never did get my sense of direction over there.
Take several books, i had 2, but it wasnt enough.
One thing i regret is not going on the track of the Zebra i shot. I waited in a blind while they looked for him, I really thought they would find him in the daylight. I should have went along just to be there when he was finally shot. Ken and his crew put, in my opinion, extraordinary effort into his recovery, expecially since the wound was probaly non fatal.
Anyone else have any tips for those about to make the trip.
Noise reduction headphones were mentioned, and I highly recomend them, they cost a little, but well worth it in my opinion. Less clotes, but not too few, could have really froze my ass off last year, temps down to 29 F. I wore pretty much everything I took that day. But this year used like 2 pair of shorts and 3 shirts, it just depends on where and when.
I also like to spend an little while driving around the consessions, especially if you get in early in the afternoon, and have some time to kill.
Don't neglect the camera, and next year I will also take a video camera, I'm not a big "film your hunt" guy, but many of the blinds are setup perfectly for taping the shot, I feel that looking at the replay of arrow placement can be a big help as well as entertainment around camp in the eve.
Also don't get in a hurry, slow down and enjoy it, plus things in africa move much slower than we Americans are used to. Except those damn Impala, they are fast!
Overall, just have a positive attitude and have fun.
JIM
Things to bring:
Comfortable camp/plane shoes.
A non-hunting pullover, sweatshirt, pair of pants, etc. Sitting at the braai you will get some smoke on your clothes.
More small bills, esp. SA Rand which the locals appreciate. Dollars have to be exchanged and they get screwed---particularly the airport porters who use Amex, Charles Cook, etc.
More reading materials--3 books JUST covered a 10 day sit in the blind.
My fanny cushion SAVED me on 2 long flights and 10 days sitting on concrete and plastic chairs.
Cards and batteries for your camera, just in case.
A tripod...I left mine home. My #1 regret!
100 ml. toothpaste, some bath wipes, etc. to freshen up on the plane.
Sound attenuating earphones or "Skull Candy" soft rubber earphones for your IPod.(Good idea, thanks to my son!) Playing 6 hrs. of Mozart down low and the plugs in my ears, I slept like a baby flying over Africa at night.
Hard candy.
Zip ties, esp. with soft luggage.
Spare batteries for the flashlights. SA batteries SUCK.
Clip on shades if you wear glasses.
Power/protein bars. The food was great but the SA idea of a "sandwich" at lunch and mine differ greatly, esp. the amount of ribsticking protein (MEAT) vs. carbohydrate (bread).
Just like deer hunting--the ends of TP rolls, in zip lock bags. For those times you HAVE to get out of the hide.......
Things to do differently--
I got some nice souveniers, and put them in my checked luggage. Next time I would put the clay items in my carry on. The rest survived but not the peddler pots.
The 100 ml. rule for carry ons is funny if you shop the duty free stores. The duty free liquor lady wouldn't sell me anything since I changed planes in Zurich. The food lady sold me hot sauce in 12 oz. bottles with no problem.
In Zurich I had to exit the airport, go back in through departures, and go to customer service for my airline. Swiss was very kind in boxing up my SA Duty Free hot sauces and checking them for me as a free 3rd bag.
thanks for the help, dv
Great idea for a thread. I started a list of things I'd do different as soon as I got home from Africa the last time. My items are largely covered above, but I think the one that was the most important to me was to wear a shirt with a good front pocket! I didn't have a shirt pocket and having to either put my passport in my pants pocket and get it bent up, or dig it out of luggage, each time it was requested was a pain. I large button down pocket to keep it secure would probably be perfect.
Maybe have more money for trophy fees.
Spend more time out of the blinds hunting rather than just waiting in the blinds for something to come in.
Take a Zebra.
LBB
Other than that I wouldn't do anything differently. I couldn't have asked for a better experience in Africa.
If you are hunting "als carte" (each species has a price) don't confuse a nyala ($2300 avg.) for a bushbuck ($850 avg.) or a red vs. grey duiker.......stoopid is expensive!
I AM glad I brought the Tevas along tho, 'cause after 3 days of Eland hunting in my oh so (when not walking 15 miles a day) comforable boots, I could barely walk! It was worth the heels cracking (to the point of copious bleeding) from the dust - just for the comfort of those soft rubber soles. I will for SURE invest in a pair of Russells for the next trip - possibly two! My dad wore his and had no problems at all.
I think I might try the bow next time - was a rifle hunt in '08 - and if I wind up 'needing' a rifle, I'll just borrow one. The guns caused the single worst experience of the trip - VAA lost 'em, I got stranded in Joburg, with 9 dollars in cash. Fortunately the guest house took Visa! Speaking of which - I'll be carrying EVERYTHING in cash next time. Having to leave the country (Zimbabwe to Zambia) to cash traveler's checks SUCKED!
Lastly, even though it costs a bit more, I'm flying first class next time. Full reclining seat/beds is part of it - since I couldn't sleep at all, I just drank for most of the 17 hours of flying. What makes it worth it is the first class lounges in the airport - Mom & Dad were able to take me in as a guest on the return leg. After a full day of travel, the relative quiet (London's airport is LOUD!), a great meal cooked to order, and a nice hot shower were TOTALLY worth it in my eyes.
Secondly, I would take more candy for the kids. The poorest American kid has got it "made in the shade" compared to an African kid.
As Americans, we are blessed beyond measure. We take so much fir granted.
Secondly, I would take more candy for the kids. The poorest American kid has got it "made in the shade" compared to an African kid.
As Americans, we are blessed beyond measure. We take so much for granted.
nd
Here in the US I spend time admiring them and giving thanks in my own way for their harvest while field dressing, dragging, loading, skinning, etc.
I think the "slow down" advice given above applies here. In RSA it was hurry, hurry, hurry to the next hide. If there is a next time it will include fully inspecting the animals and maybe even riding to the cold shed with them and helping to hang them up.
Also, I regret not attempting to harvest a baboon. I never had any desire until I saw them in action in the field; violent, marauding and some with mauled and atrophied limbs. Some males easiliy as large as my skinny arse.
happy hunting, dv
make sure Ph you will be with have had Many bowhunters..
and that they bowhunt themselves
that the Ph realize that the Exit hole is what you are ainming for ( tell 3d Guys that)
take even more photos and Videos.
try to get the Ph to watch you Shoot before going out each day , as there may be a time on a stalk or In a Blind that the Ph needs to know What you can do with your Archery Equipment. ( only had one of 6 do this on my Zimb and African Hunts) . Try to No thave a PH that Does NOT smoke ( even in the truck)
Your list is darn good.
I agree with more candy and coloring books for the kids. On our Namibia hunt in 2009 the only kid in camp did not know what a coloring book, crayons or licorice was.
Wet toweletts to freshen up on the flight is very adviseable. Cabelas World Traveler shirts have a lot of pockets. Slippers are comfortable on the flight and around camp in the evening. Definitely a fanny pad for the plane ride and sitting in a blind.
I had an alarm clock that changed with the time zones. A can of Permetrin spray for ticks and other bugs. A small lite day pack to put things like your headnet (if you want to wear one), gloves, camera, binocs and warm underwear (for chilly evenings). Yes, it does get cold at night.
On our 2010 trip our place accepted charge cards and let us use his camera battery charger. Also, he let me use his tripod. Bring one along for sure.
We didn't take along a backup bow. I took along way to many arrows. On my first trip I used two arrows to harvest 5 animals. Last year I used three arrows to harvest 7 animals. If you hit them in the correct place it should go straight through them.
Long underwear has been mentioned once, but I can not emphasis it more: July/ August in RSA was nasty cold in the blinds and long underwear was a life saver. Same time of year was not nearly as bad in Namibia during the day, but it got down to the freezing mark at night for about a week.
A wool or fleece watch cap: good for traveling in early or late hours particularly if cold.
If blind hunting you only need comfortable dark clothing: period. No expensive camo stuff... and comfortable shoes to stand around a lot in. High top sneakers " chuck Taylors" with soft rubber soles go a long way.
Shirts with large front button down pockets make travel much easier. I have all kinds. the Cabela ones with zippers and wrinkle proof are ok, but they are hot to wear unless that is what you want, and the material does not like to stay tucked in so you always look sloppy. I much prefer the cotton Orvis shirts with the epaulets and big button down pockets
Old clothing is the name of the game: old pants and shoes are greatly appreciated if left behind for those who have nothing and do lighten your load and leave room for goodies.
*** I have never yet seen anyone talk about this: Carefully checking out the quality of the skinners and the job done on a particular operation to process the skins and horns and get them to the packers. The product that they produce for the packer is never given much thought, although everyone fusses about the packing and the FINISHED TAXIDERMY. The final taxidermist is seriously impacted by the quality of the stuff that gets to him. Badly skinned pelts, poorly salted capes, over boiled horns are all materials that will cost you a large amount of money to harvest, process and ship home only to find out that the stuff is a wreck and your memories have to go in the garbage can. I have been very lucky on each occasion that I have gone over. BUT I have seen and heard lots of bad, bad stories.
Know your animals. Really know what a trophy size is if you want that. BUT in addition, study the coats of the animals as some will have much nicer coats, manes, beards etc. Not important you say? Wait until you invest thousands in processing, shipping and taxidermy for a poor quality pelt.
Enjoy ever darn second of the trip like it might not happen again. The memories do last a lifetime
Steve
I'd like my next trip to Africa to be a bit more raw. I want wild, old Africa with tents and meals cooked over fire. No fancy lodges and game farms. That's just me.
If you find one that's priced the same as RSA, I want to know about it.
Have done the tented safari, and it's an awesome experience, but that one trip probably cost more than five (5) subsequent trips to RSA combined (including airfare)
That being said, I wouldn't have missed the experience of going to SA. I learned a lot from just being with the people, and once again came to appreciate how great it is to live in the USA.
LBB
Steve
Ken Moody
I wouldn't have got married the first time. And I wouldn't have got married the second time.
I wouldn't have got married the first time. And I wouldn't have got married the second time.
Great advice here;...”Enjoy ever darn second of the trip like it might not happen again.” Last time I was pretty sure that one time would be enough. It wasn’t. I’m not going to pretend this will be the last time, but I’m sure not going to “save” anything to enjoy the next time. Wish I could find a way to avoid sleeping for the 2 weeks I’m there so I don’t miss anything. :)
1. Take a lot of arrows and broadheads...and SHOOT THEM. At least 18-24 arrows for 10 days. If you see a guinea fowl on way to blind or way out...take a shot. That $12 arrow isn't much in the scheme of things. Have fun and shoot stuff. You won't regret it.
2. Take pictures of everything. From your bedroom to the food. You will try and describe the great food to your friends at home but nothing describes Eland Shish-ka-bobs like a picture.
3. Take a small trail camera in your carry-on. You can always get cheap batteries over there. It is neat to have africa trail cam pics in your collection and it lets you know what came to that waterhole you chose not to hunt that day. Also serves as a good tip to your PH.
4. Write down the name of camp staff, trackers, etc. This is always neat to look back and remember peoples names and faces. Easy to do but most of us forget it. Also helps when you come back (which you will) to remember names.
John S: I was wondering how you were holding up, and the time is closing in fast at this point. I picked up somewhere that you had decided to take your son with you. I am starting to get the itch again, and wish that I had committed for this year. Good chance I will be back in Africa next year. I hope to hear ( and see) a great story when you get back..
Steve
Packing very light this time. One duffle that will maybe hit 40# and a carry-on. Took too much last time of everyhing. Suspect I;ll still have stuff I don't need.
Have considered a back up camera. Used a video camera for everything last time, still shots and video. Have been thinking it's almost as important as my bow. Almost. Would hate to have a malfuntion.
SO, practice from a popup blind or cut a hole in a large plywood sheet to get used to shooting through a smaller space. Sounds easy but it is a bit different the first few times you do it.
This is especially true if you shoot traditional equipment as the limited vision really plays with your depth perception. At least it does mine.
Number two is more flexibility --- if it ain't happening for you, and the outfitter suggest moving to another property, why not? A move of 30 minutes or 2 hours may be just the ticket. Surely worked for me.
Pack lighter -- you'll likely have daily laundry. Just how many drawers do you need?
Most importantly -- leave everything you can behind. Boots, jeans, socks, pocket knives, whatever, but most importantly cash. The last trip ('11) I didn't have a PH, but hunted with a locl guide. Never hunted with a finer man. I feel that I tipped hin well, but could have done so much better with some small things that really meant nothig to me.
I just learned of the SCI blue bag program. Seems they'll pay the extra baggage if you will take it full of stuff for the local schools. Next trip.
Best of luck to each of you.
1) Add 30-50% onto whatever your trophy fee budget. That way when something comes in that you had zero interest in before you left, you won't be sick because you didn't budget for an extra animal or two.
2) Stay longer. If you think 7 days is enough, make it 10. If you think 10 is enough do 14.
On the budget thing -- you'll see animals you never knew existed. Some quite handsome and worth shooting. Some you did know about, but maybe never considered. For me, that was the Zebra. Probably not a more wary or worthy game animal around. Never knew it 'till I experienced it.
Our first trip was for 7 days hunting. Not nearly enough. I was on the verge of tears when I had to leave. Next trip was for 14 hunting days. Much better. Twice the hunting for the same airfare.
One other thing to keep in mind --- there's no such thing as "the one and only" trip, or, as far as I can tell, the last trip. I should have my rear kicked for waiting so long --- maybe you should too!
Car charger for cell phone and video camera. The only reason we ever turned on the generator was to charge cell phone and camera batteries.
Soft bowcase. I have never seen one listed on anyone’s packing list. I bought one for $14, rolled it up and stuffed it in my suitcase. I hung it from the gun rack while driving and set my bow on it in the blind. It kept my bow from being beat up and kept the dust off of it. It also allowed my hands to be free while riding in the vehicle. I left it with the PH when I left.
More cash for animals. As stated above you want to have flexibility on animals. In addition if you wound something and you really want a representation of that species, you may have to pay for two in order to bring one home.
More cash for tips. It took 7.5hrs of extremely intense tracking over a 9hr period before I was able to finish off my eland. In total I tipped an extra $600 for the PH and tracker’s efforts that day. The PH even called a friend with a helicopter, but it was too windy that day. I would have felt awful had they put in that effort and I not had additional money available to show my appreciation.
Hunt for as many days as your schedule will allow. Additional daily rates are cheap in the great scheme of it all. If you run out of trophy money ask if you can shoot culls and camp rations.
If you your bowcase even slightly resembles a rifle case, be prepared for hassles. Also never assume that your bowcase has been checked through. My bows would still be in Johannesburg if it wasn’t for my travel agent. My bags where checked through, but my bowcase got stuck in the police station with the rifle cases coming and going.
I wouldn't go without one. Marked the main lodge and all the hides I hunted so I could plot them on Google Earth.
There's always the very slim chance your guide could be injured, snakebit, or whatever. Some even have alarms clocks.
Chasing my partners gemsbok, he and I fell way behind. We never realized it would turn into a high speed marathon. Didn't need the GPS that day, but I felt better having it in my pocket.
First trip we overnighted in Amsterdam (before the broadhead ban) and wandered around downtown. Wish I had taken it to mark the train station.
I brought a small package of zip ties in my day pack which I carried on. I zip tied all of the zippers on my luggage as a deterrent. I also found them handy on several occasions while hunting.
I used gallon ziplock compression bags (freezer bags) for all of my small items. It made it much easier to repack my bowcase in the Johannesburg airport police department and in Atlanta customs.
An important one I nearly forgot --- and I forget who makes it --- but it's a sock-like affair for your bow that covers cams and strings. And a cover for your sight. It's really dusty and your bow will likely ride in the back of the truck.
Russell
????
South Africans are on "Bush Time." They are never in a hurry. Don't be freaked out if and when they tell you they will leave for hunting at 8 am and at 8am they are still chilling in camp. They get in no hurry to do anything. They know what time you need to be hunting and you will be extremely successful if you just sit back and relax. Where I was at....the left to hunt at 800-830 regardless of where you were hunting. If you were driving 15 minutes to your hide or 2 hours, it didn't matter.
Ken Moody
On my second hunt to RSA with Ken Moody we were at hide at or before day break. Here is a sunrise I witnessed with Ken Moody.
On both hunts I saw game coming to waterhole shortly after sunrise. In fact I shot my nyala right after "good light". I passed on many animals on both hunts at "good light". I believe that the warmer the morning temps the sooner the game will come to water. By 8:00 AM the first shift could have already left the water hole and the "second shift" could be just arriving. JMHO based on experience.
On my second hunt to RSA with Ken Moody we were at hide at or before day break. Here is a sunrise I witnessed with Ken Moody.
On both hunts I saw game coming to waterhole shortly after sunrise. In fact I shot my nyala right after "good light". I passed on many animals on both hunts at "good light". I believe that the warmer the morning temps the sooner the game will come to water. By 8:00 AM the first shift could have already left the water hole and the "second shift" could be just arriving. JMHO based on experience.
It didnt bother me a bit that we werent in the hides early. I trusted the PHs and they told others, I didnt care enough to ask, that the animals were conditioned to come in on "their time." Also...if they were interested in watering they would come while we were actually there simce they closed water holes when not hunting.
I will say though....one of the guys in our group was kinda freaked out about it but he hammered like 7 or 8 animals in 7 days of hunting.
Also.....I had heard from others that South Africans sandwiches were not like american sandwiches. I figured lunch would be weak but that was not the case with us. They packed so much food into our coolers that I never came close to eating all of my food.
Did you stand and shoot or did you shoot from chairs?
Also did you tip in American dollars or SA Rand?
They are dug in blinds, so you can stand when you shoot which is really nice. You should tip in American money.
A cushion can also provide butt relief when flying 15-18 across pond from U.S. to Africa.
Here's the kudu I shot with Sebra last year: [img]http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/Kudu.JPG[/img]
Bud Meadows's Link
Good luck to all.
Sitting at a waterhole and seeing 4-5 species at the same time can be mind boggling. Seeing 8-10 different species in a days time is really neat. Seeing a herd 50 eland walking around in a waterhole at the same time can also be mind boggling.
This type of animal action has honestly spoiled me. The only thing close to comparing these above stated experiences in North America would have to be witnessing a caribou migration, hunting Pronghorns or hunting pigs/exotics in TX.
I find it amazing that once a hunter makes it to Africa, a very high percentage returns and many with many returns either for plains game to moving into dangerous game.
It's been said before but, save up enough money for trophy fees. You don't want to have that Zebra, Nyala or some other animal come in to the waterhole and then regrets not shooting it.
Don't pack too many clothes. The camp staff will wash your hunting clothes daily. Two sets of camo should be enough. Bring three pairs max if you're worried about losing a set.
I wish I had spent more time when in South Africa at Kruger National Park and also made it to Victoria Falls.
Any must sees in Cape Town? My wife and I are spending 4 days there next April. We are touring the usual attractions (Roben Island, Cape Point, Table Mountain...etc) but anything else that you thought was cool would be great to know.
My wife & I will be in Cape Town in about 2 weeks at the end of our safari with Limcroma. We will be doing a helicopter tour, winery tour, penguins,Table Mountain as well as some shopping.
Can't get here quick enough!
Peyton,
Spend a day in Stollenbach- neat town and good shopping
Spend a day in wine country
Spend time at the local craft market at the water front- great selection & super prices. (it is a large blue metal building)
Go on the open top/audio bus tour of Capetown- you get to see a lot of the highlights of Capetown area
Go to the Cape Point-
Go see the African penguins
Go to a rugby game if one is scheduled.
how do they do that??
I would directly inquire with your outfitter to see what they provide.... South African electric is 220V. You will likely need to bring both a 220/110V converter, as well as an adaptor plug. Radio Shack sells a kit for around $50, or you can usually find these conversion plugs at most international airports.
Also keep in mind that most American electric razors, hair dryers have 220/110 selector switches on them. Only an adaptor plug is needed with these types of appliances.
I would recommend taking a power converter. They make an international version that has the adapters for N. Europe, S. Europe, Africa, Asia, etc. They can be purchased at Walmart for about $25.
Take the stuff that you need to shoot with, a few sets of comfortable clothing, the right assortment of medications and good cameras. Then just enjoy yourself. We all tend to overthink this AND take more stuff than you need. You will have a blast and it will be with you forever. I have been to Africa 4 times and I would love to go again when the time is right.
Also something I will do next time is put my trail cams out the first day there instead of waiting several days before doing so. I took 2 trail cameras with me & gave them to my PH at the end of the trip.
Reviewing the trail camera pics each night was a blast. Next time I will bring 3-4 with me! The only negative is you will start to second guess which blind you should go to!
