Any tips or advice for the African safari newbie?

[rvtrav]

  Hello to all,
 
  Well, I finally just went ahead and did it. I've dreamed about a safari in Africa for years, I've read all the hunting and adventure books since I was old enough to read about africa.
 
 I booked with Somerby African Safaris, So now that I've recovered from the "what the heck did I just do" shell shock I've got to ask a few questions to those that have been there and done that before.
 
 Has anyone used with this outfitter and what did they think of the experience?
 
 Traveling with firearms (I'm reseaching all the forms and such) the outfitter gave me lots of advice and many how tos and what tos, but if anyone has any tips I am very interested in how to make the trip as easy and hassle free as possible
 
 Any tips or advice about hunting or what to take (or what not to take) on a safari.
 
 Hunting techniques, or advice on what to look for, that may be unique or beneficial to to africa and it's game animals.
 
  I'll be hunting plains game, Kudu, Impalla, Blesbuck, warthog, and gemsbuck
 
 any advice or opinions would be greatly appreciated, thanks in advance, Rvtrav   

[kynardsj]

Don't know much about it all but an article I read sometime back recommends that you don't put all your ammo in one bag or container. Spread it out over your different baggage and such so if part of it happens to come up missing you still have some. Other than that all I can say is have fun, be safe and don't get eaten by anything.

[rvtrav]

  Thanks Kynardsj,
 
  I'll try my best not to get any "inside views" of the flora and fauna.

[Grumulkin]

 I booked with Somerby African Safaris, So now that I've recovered from the "what the heck did I just do" shell shock I've got to ask a few questions to those that have been there and done that before.
 
 Has anyone used with this outfitter and what did they think of the experience?
 
 Traveling with firearms (I'm reseaching all the forms and such) the outfitter gave me lots of advice and many how tos and what tos, but if anyone has any tips I am very interested in how to make the trip as easy and hassle free as possible
 
 Any tips or advice about hunting or what to take (or what not to take) on a safari.
 
 Hunting techniques, or advice on what to look for, that may be unique or beneficial to to africa and it's game animals.
 
  I'll be hunting plains game, Kudu, Impalla, Blesbuck, warthog, and gemsbuck

I don't know anything about that particular outfitter.


As far as traveling with firearms goes:


1.  Make sure you know and comply with FAA rules and with airline rules.  The airline rules especially change from time to time so it helps to have a travel agent that is used to booking for hunters going to Africa.  For instance, for a time it was required in South Africa that ammunition be packed with the firearms.  The last I knew, it couldn't be packed with the guns.  Some airlines require that ammunition be packed in some type of locked container, etc.


2.  I would recommend getting pre-approved firearm permits as it will make your transit through customs much smoother.  Check out Air2000.


Most outfitters will provide you with a list of recommended equipment.  Several things I've found useful:


1.  A document wallet to hang around your neck to keep your passport, firearms permits, etc. handy and with you.


2.  A couple of hunting vests.  I wore mine daily so it was handy to have an extra one so one could be washed if it became too grody.


3.  A hat.  I like Tilley hats since they will stay on your head even in wind and when riding in the back of a bakkie.


4.  Remember, when it's summer in North America, it's winter in South Africa and it can be a bit chilly so take a jacket.  Africa is not all pith helmets, sweat and sweltering heat.


5.  A travel scale such as you can get from AAA to weigh your luggage.  If you're even a pound or two over weight on a suitcase you'll probably pay an excess baggage fee.  I knew I was close to the weight limit the last time I traveled home from an SCI convention.  It was quite gratifying to get to the baggage weigh in and find the one suite case was 1 pound under the limit and the other a couple of pounds under the limit.


Your PH/outfitter should be able to give you all the advice you need on hunting.  The ones I've been with have been VERY knowledgeable and I learned a lot from them.

[rvtrav]

  Thank you Grumulkin,
 
 you've got some sage advice that I will print and heed!
 
 The outfitter advised a lot of what you mentioned, but you added a few more things that I will remember and do/bring.
  I don't think that south africa is totally like the old Tarzan movies(darn it), but If I forget something there may not be a wallmart just around the corner either.
  There is just so many things that I worry about bringing, or that I might waste a lot of space/weight to bring that I won't need at all, and of course traveling out of country with firearms, ammo, binculars, cameras, and other valuable luggage concerns me the most, the outfitter and travel agent requested that I fax a copy of firearms forms and other documents to them weeks in advance to ease customs woes when I get there, like you mentioned.
   of course the fear of arriving there and my rifles not making it to the same destination as my attention too.
  I'm glad to get advice from someone whos "been there done that" to save a lot of wrong or unnessesary packing.
 
  What were your trips like?
 
  typically what type of shooting did you have to do, ranges and type/angles of shots and such?
 
 would a rangefinder be a real benefit, or a useless gadget to weigh down your pack?
 
 did you shoot off sticks or do a lot of freehand shooting?
 
 sorry to ask so many questions,
 
   Thanks again, Rvtrav

[Grumulkin]

1.  There are several way of dealing with airline baggage rules.  If it's something you can put in a coat and carry or wear on your body, the weight isn't counted so put heavier items in your coat if you're close to being over weight.  You can have a personal item such as a camera bag or large purse (if you're into the man purse thing) to carry on with you that's not counted in your carry on baggage; I have a fairly large camera bag.  You also get a piece of carry on baggage.  My carryon baggage is a back pack in which I put quite a bit of stuff like binoculars, maybe another camera, one of my 3 sets of underwear or socks, etc.  Do not put a knife or anything that could be considered a "gun part" like a scope in the back pack.


2.  My trips have been good but long.  It's about 16 hours across the Atlantic from the U.S.A. to get there.  For that reason, I'll never go there for anything less than 10 days.  Actually, my trips have been for 3 weeks and 2 weeks and the one I'm planing this fall will be for about 3 weeks.


3.  My closest shots have been maybe 50 yards, the average shot 75 to 125 yards and the longest shots about 200 yards with a rifle on a Zebra and 180 yards on a Klipspringer with a handgun.  There wasn't anything particularly challenging about the angles and wind was never a factor.


4.  I don't use a range finder.  If you like to use one take one or better yet, ask your PH if he has one.  Most of the professional hunters are very good at range estimation and with a flat shooting gun on a large animal at up to 200 yards, you can be a bit off on range estimation and still get your animal.  Remember, your PH will probably be more comfortable in thinking in meters so have an idea of the difference between 100 yards and 100 meters.  Also, though they speak good English, some have a little accent that might throw off some and some words in South Africa have a little different connotation than they do in the U.S.A. so make sure you understand the range they give you.


5.  Give your PH an honest assessment of the ranges and shots you're comfortable with and they'll try to help you get in the optimal situation to get your animal.  I don't think I ever did on off hand shot on an African animal; I always used some type of support though frequently not shooting sticks.  Shooting sticks are frequently used and I'm quite comfortable with them as I use them in the U.S.A. as well.  Ah, now I remember, I did on off hand shot from about 35 yards on a Black Wildebeest with a 357 Herrett handgun and maybe a 15 yard shot on a Springbok with the same gun and collected them both.  I'll freely admit I'm not that good at off hand shots so take a rest whenever possible.

[us920669]

I haven't been in over 10 years so quite a bit of the paperwork has probably changed, but it sounds like your outfitter is on top of things.  If you are going in spring or summer remember that it is fall or winter in SA.  Layers you can shed or put back on are good.  I did the lowveld of Zimbabwe, just across the river from SA, and mornings and evenings can be quite chilly.  You may find yourself driving back to camp at twilight with no windshield after getting all sweated up.  I bought some good quality lightweight boots and am glad I did, but whatever goes on your feet, walk in them a lot before you go to make sure they fit right.  And walk a lot anyway, or ride a bike, just get in the best shape you can.  PHs like to get you out of the vehicle to see what you are made of.  One of the most rewarding memories I have was hearing one of those remarkable men tell me that I could shoot and keep up, and that was really all he could ask.


My rifles first time were 300 H&H and 416 Rigby, but that was the massive Ruger Magnum, far too heavy for a day in the field.  Next trip I took 30-06 and 375 H&H and bagged a lot more stuff, including the Buff that got away first time.  After seeing how they are built, I think if I was going for Buff again I would take something with a 4 in front of it, but not as heavy as the Ruger Magnum.  Your outfitter might like 7 or 300 Mag, but maybe not.   They earn their living in part with their ears, so try not to shoot if he is in front of you.  Most of my shots were 50 to 75 yards, one at least over 200, but I would leave the rangefinder at home unless the outfitter advises.
 
You have made the best decision of your life.  With respect and more than a little envy, I wish you luck. 

[us920669]

I meant to add that I was usually able to take a rest on something.  There was often time to sit down.

[rvtrav]

Thanks again Grumulkin, and Thank you us920669,for the advice, and insight, and the luck wishes!
 
   I'm glad for the info, It's helping a lot with my choices of what to take, and what (or where-carry on or checked baggage) to pack, and mostly what to expect when I get there.
 
  I bought a .375 Ruger, for the "heavy rifle" and am developing loads for it right now, although it seems to shoot everything reasonably well, thank goodness, I wouldn't want to do a lot of shooting with this gun from a bench.
 
 And some accuracy checks with the "flat shooter" that I plan on taking, I'm leaning towards my .270 Win, with nosler partitions-so far. My trip is scheduled for april and I've bought the plane tickets, as well as the deposit for the Safari.
 
  Grumulkin, an African handgun hunt would be really cool, I've used some of mine for deer, Antelope, and bear, I would love to take a few species in Africa too, but I don't want to make this trip too complicated, you make me jealous!
 
 Thanks again, Rvtrav 

[us920669]

I like your cartridge choices.  Be sure to post some pictures.

[jager]

RV - I didn't catch what country you would be hunting in? I've only been on one for much the same animals you will be hunting. I went to the Customs office at the airport with the guns l planned to take, and some I thought I might take on another trip. The Custom's agent was helpful and I found the paperwork easy to fill out, and hauling guns in an out of the office the most onerous. Having the proper forms filled out "in hand" at the airport was a real "plus".
    I used South African airlines and they were used to working with hunters. Another plus, was their travel schedules kept us out of countries that are not gun friendly (England, for one).  I took a .300WSM and a .30/06, but hardly used the "Mag".  Most PH's seem to have a preference and will suggest "minimum" calibers, but those you have chosen will do fine.  As Grumulkin has said, it is your hunt and you are to set the distance you want to shoot and what you are willing to pull the trigger on. You'll have to pay for every animal you shoot, whether you "collect it" or wound and lose it, so don't let anyone talk you into too long a shot!
    I noticed you have "Warthog" on your list of animals.  I did as well, and because of the FDA's policy regarding "Swine Flue" at the time, I wished I'd have taken 50 picture of my "kill" and left the warthog in S.W. Africa. It was quarantined for 5 days when I got back to the "States", even though the airlines would only store my trophies for 2 days without my incurring a "storage" fee. (They also would not release all my trophies, except through a local taxidermist because the warthog had to be "treated"; I had not made any prior arrangements!) This restriction may no longer exist, but you might check with your "carrier" or "Booking Agent".  (You can have your trophies handled entirely in Africa by a taxidermist that come recommended by your PH or "agent".  Worth a "look" if you don't have a local taxidermist you already trust.)
    Also, if you are using "reloaded" ammunition (I did), make sure all the brass and boxes are marked and correspond with the caliber on your rifle.  I know this sounds "trivial"; however, having .270Win ammo in a .30/06 box or brass stamped .25/06 (resized) confuses custom agent in some countries.  When I went, I was told to pack my ammo separate from the rifles. I also used many small locks to discourage "pilfering". 
    I still to this day have a tendency to "over pack"; resist if you can. I did take a small range finder and found it helpful. I also wore a couple of pairs of clothes, vests, jackets, and heaviest pair of boots on my feet to avoid having to pay for extra weight.  I don't know how that will be considered with the latest TSA rules, but I have not heard of a complete "strip search" to date!
    You are in for the "time of your life", in which the amount of money you have invested will go away before you step on that plane! Congratulations on your good fortune to go on this trip and may it be a most memorable event!

[rvtrav]

  Thanks, Jeager.
 
  I'll be hunting south africa, Limpopo province, I think, the outfitter has consesions in several areas.

[Ramhunter]

Here is a website that offers a wealth of good advise for anyone planning an African hunt.  It is written by an African outfitter with years of experiance: http://www.shakariconnection.com/index.html

[rvtrav]

  thanks for the link ramhunter, lots of good reading

[Sweet 6.5]

The 270 will be fine just use premium bullets. The Limpopo
is one of the more dense parts of our country. Shots will be
close but at could be up to 150 meters.
 
I do all my hunting from a tripod. (Vangaurd)

[us920669]

The Limpopo was "the river" I referred to in Reply 6, so I was basically in the same drainage.  Dense cover may be your biggest problem.  Take a little extra dough if you can, you might get a crack at a trophy Eland.

[rvtrav]

  us920669,
 
 I'm taking some extra $ and they accept visa! problem is, almost every pic of African game interests me, and it's legal, I may really want some of the more exotic beasts for mounts on the wall. there I may shoot a LOT of stuff over the agreed menu ( which includes a discount on more trophies)if given the opportunity.....
 
  I haven't even went on my first Safari, and I'm already thinking that I'll HAVE to take at least a couple more.....
 
  Rvtrav