I'm headed to Zambia in September (first trip to Africa) and thought it would be a good idea to take some gifts for the staff to go along with the staff monetary tip. I have heard many suggestions from packs of cigarettes, knives, sunglasses, etc. I'm sure the average native staffer is no longer impressed with junk, so I would like some realistic suggestions as to a reasonably priced item that would be appreciated. I would also like an opinion on a few special gifts for my trackers and/or other key personnel. Thanks.

GL, I gave trackers hats even shirts I brought..Even brought some of our colorful hankies so they can give as presents to wives..
Some long sleeve shirts and ask Ph what they would like..

Mike

Don't think these people are used to items we take for granted. Last fall I had about 4lbs of Worthers Original candies left and you would have thought they were gold coins on the table. Most natives out in the bush are grateful for the smallest of scrapes.

I have said this here before. I took a poloraid camara and took pictures to give to the staff. One of the pictures only developed about 40% and I threw it in the trash can in my tent and later I saw the tent girl showing it to the other staff members and would not let go. It was a prize to her.

These camp personel are appreciative. That is not to say a tracker won't take the new knife you give him and sell it for some booze.

On my trip this summer I took some sling shots, whistles, candy, clothes and boots along with the usual monetary gifts also. The sling shots were almost fought over. But as always the fellows were very happy. A few small tubes of nice smelling hand cream always work well for the guys and their wives also.

The road to hell is paved with good intentions comes to mind...

These gifts take up room in your luggage, the camp has plenty of candy for them and they would prefer $1.00 as opposed to a knife, cap or T-shirt, that is what they NEED, money...They hock the other stuff for pennys and get ripped off by their own....

So give them a little more money..We seldom say anything about this because it makes the hunter feel good to give trinkets to the staff, so be it....but in the real world, sorry.

Any type of ballcap, cigs, small compact bino's (inexpensive ones) and of course a fair tip seem to be most popular items in my trips.

Skinners make very good use of a scapula an assortment of blades.This is the ticket when working on heads.

I always take over goodies to eat while on the hunt, and enough to share with trackers, skinners and of course, my PH. He loves M&M's so I bring him 5 or 10 pounds every safari.

the trackers, skinners and camp staff I bring some shirts, knives, and sneakers, They are very happy to receive them. This past safari I brought my PH's head tracker a new pair of work boots, he didn't stop thank me for the whole day! They can't get that stuff....

Yes, it does take up weight and room in my bag, but I plan for these extras,

Let me tell you, these guys really enjoy the candies, smoked meats, and cookies I bring along!

Before I left, I bought a good quality Soccer ball and an air pump. I deflated the ball so it didn't take up too much space in my baggage.

When I left I gave it, and a hundred bucks to Simon, our incredible tracker. His smile said it all. He stuffed the cash in his pocket without looking at it. He dribbled the ball 10 or 11 times without letting it hit the ground and then passed it to Tracker Willie, and the game was on.

Within two minutes it was....

Limpopo Trackers 1
Ph's United Nil

The crowd went wild

Elmo

Atkinson,

Amen brother.

I go on a hunt........to hunt.

I have the feeling the trinkets and goodies are given to make the giver feel good, not necessarily the givee. To each his own.

Excellent idea about the soccer ball! I must remember it.

Check out http://www.shirtwholesaler.com Good prices on shirts and caps. Just remember to get a neutral olive or tan/sand color. I got this site from an AR poster sometime back. Can't recall who, but thanks.

I agree that cash is king, but a little gift goes along way in addition.

RCG

quote:

Originally posted by Kensco:

Amen brother.

I go on a hunt........to hunt.

I have the feeling the trinkets and goodies are given to make the giver feel good, not necessarily the givee. To each his own.

My feeling exactly. You go for the hunt. My first few safaris, I took all kinds of trinkets; hats, flashlights, radios, etc. Because I read in some book that it was the thing to do, and they do seem to appreciate it. However, it is now 2005, and in my opinion, the day of giving trinkets is past. They want cash. Most of us are hunting in Southern Africa, and most safari areas are a short ride from town, where the guys can buy candy, knives, hats, or pretty much any thing they want. We are in a global economy, and you can get pretty much get the same things most places in the world. I often think we should just up the daily rate on safari hunting and do away with tipping everyone in sight. I personally get tired of everyone expecting a tip for services rendered. Same goes for all those little carvings, and other trinkets we buy and bring home. You can buy the same thing at SCI or DSC or even ebay, maybe pay a little more, but you don't have to drag it home. Just my humble opinion. Like the man said, "to each his own".

I agree cash is the most important thing to give the staff but I don't think it hurts to bring some fairly inexpensive knives, tee shirts and ball caps. The crew certainly appreciates it.

Regards,

Mark

Baboon,
If you give a skinner a scalpel or any sharp knife I assure you your capes will be ruined..I have seen this on more than one ocassion, they are not used to using sharp knives and will cut off lips and eye lids that they would normally do perfectly, then when a good knife is dulling a little they will sharpen it on a piece of sandstone and it will be the same as they are provided with by the Safari Company...

My favorite gift's are shirt's in brown or green and the French Oppinal knife.
The shirts they can wear during the hunt and the knife they can use on my game.
It might sound selfish but haven't heard a complaint, and once while driving through a communal area we gave a lift to a tracker I used on a previous trip,my hunting partner noticed that this tracker was showing off the knife I had given him only to see the new trackers show off theirs happily.

this past safari I gave my skinners a set of knives from cabelas, the guys really liked them and used them on the safari. And they did a great job on all my animals as usual...

I've seen shirts and knives that I gave trackers on earlier hunts still being used and worn, and yes I do feel good about it, especially after seeing what is worn by these people. I do tip the workers but I enjoy giving things I know they can use. The area I hunted, well it's not like they can "run" into town and pick something up at Walmart!

quote:

Originally posted by ozhunter:
My favorite gift's are shirt's in brown or green and the French Oppinal knife.
The shirts they can wear during the hunt and the knife they can use on my game.
It might sound selfish but haven't heard a complaint, and once while driving through a communal area we gave a lift to a tracker I used on a previous trip,my hunting partner noticed that this tracker was showing off the knife I had given him only to see the new trackers show off theirs happily.

Opinel knives sound a good idea. Good stuff. A gift is a gift and something in kind is better than money. Cash tips are just substitutes for wages.

I gave my PHs trackers small cigars one day when we shot something good. Two smoked them, the other crushed his and mixed it into his normal tobacco. A man with a future.

I like small cheap knives, hats, T-shirts etc. If you can take a photo and give it to them before you leave they like that a lot. Photographs are rare in the bush. (they don't sell them either )

Ray, It would appear that once again experience and wisdom are to be ignored. History indeed repeats itself!



But since we are all human and want to see the positive response to our actions... a few gifts couldn't really hurt, if appropriate funds are also exchanged. Now let's go hunting.

I understand the cynics on the board and I guess they´re mostly right BUT I still like bringing stuff -t-shirts from Finland with reindeer really made the guys laugh. But "trinkets" are no replacement for hard cash.

My tracker Tom was vey happy when I gave him my binos (plain Jane Minolta, nothing fancy) as he was using a pair that we´re really cheap and totally useless.

Just so there is no confusion 308 the original topic was 'what gifts?' Not 'what Tip's'.
The Knives spoken of have been used for many skinout's since given out and were still in good condition when I last saw them ,I also would'nt give them my own knife nor would I give the camp skinners knives as they prefer their own tools.
PS,I have been fortunate to get back skins well prepared. Cheers,Adam

quote:

So give them a little more money..We seldom say anything about this because it makes the hunter feel good to give trinkets to the staff, so be it....but in the real world, sorry.

I do not give things to people to make myself feel better! I give things to people because that is what they need. The Whistles were for the trackers kids to play with and use in their soccer games, the Sling shots were for the taking of small rabbits for them to eat and the candy as a treat so they wouldn't have to spend their pitence of a salary for it since they need it for their "daily bread". And it never hurts to give a little money on top of that.

Yes gifts are seperate from "tips" some gifts are very simple things as I found out last year hunting with Vaughan in north west Namabia far far from the "towns" of RSA. Some one on here had suggested Poloriad prints for the staff. I don't care what Ray or anyone says this is a nice "gift" as these people are in the hunters photos but never see them and I'll be damn if any one will convince me this is every day to these people. Candy for their kids is good - Hell our kids or grandchilderen look forward to a lolypop at the drive thru bank.

Yea I am there to hunt but a little kindness never hurt anyone.

quote:

Originally posted by 308Sako:
Ray, It would appear that once again experience and wisdom are to be ignored. History indeed repeats itself!

Some people are individuals. Some are born followers.

quote:

Originally posted by Die Ou Jagter:
Yea I am there to hunt but a little kindness never hurt anyone.

Myself I give gifts because I like to. I give gifts to poor friends, wealthy friends, people who give me gifts. A gift is not a payment. They should be given freely and willingly or not at all.

As for "hard cash" I give enough of that as payment to the outfitter. It is his job and duty to pay adequate "wages".

I found a deal on some cold steel factory seconds that were rubber handle high quality blade knives they were a little off on the grinding on the edge i fixed that in a few seconds with a file and re sharpend them they came with a high quality sheath nylon i gave one to each of the trackers i hunted with. now these were about 40 dollars for the seconds and about 135 new retail. I met a guy who hunted with the same outfit as me at sci show who had a picture with these trackers one of whom was wearing his knife on my monagramed belt i gave him and this was 6 years later. it was a way cool feeling It did make me feel good to give them stuff but thats ok with me I like to feel good. I would say that giving cheap shit that you would not use yourself is the height of arrogance but a high quality knife is a nice gift that i would like and I nearly live at my local sporing goods store not out in the bush. I also gave a good folding knife to my ph I had a bunch because I worked at a gun shop at the time and I dont like to give cheap crap for gifts and thats what they were gifts to friends not tips that is a seperate issue.

also gathered up all the sweatshirts or sweaters that anyone would give away before i left and gave everyone in camp one of those. they just looked cold in the pictures on those chilly mornings.

Well, I really did the trinket bit (as well as soome other things. A native New Orleanian, I brought a bag of mardi gras beads and they were a huge hit. Also brought a soccer ball, a football, and then our family and friends raised some money and bought school supplies to send to the new kindergarten which was woefully short of supplies. It made me feel good and the recipients too. A classic win/win in my book. Bob

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Atkinson:
Baboon,
If you give a skinner a scalpel or any sharp knife I assure you your capes will be ruined..I have seen this on more than one ocassion, they are not used to using sharp knives and will cut off lips and eye lids that they would normally do perfectly, then when a good knife is dulling a little they will sharpen it on a piece of sandstone and it will be the same as they are provided with by the Safari Company...[/QUOTE

Ray,
I guess the skinner that I've known for 6 years is the exception.He's been using them way before I met him on the heads.Last June one of the other hunters in camp wounded his waterbuck.I rode up with the skinner as he brought the dogs in.The P.H.s left me to help the client as he was an old man.We pulled up in the truck after they finished off the waterbuck.It was dark and the animal was out in the thick shit.They decided to gut it where it layed rather then screw around getting the truck in and have the skinner pull it out.I was the only one with a knife,so I handed it the skinner.Old Andres never has much to say,but he whould not shut up about my knife.

quote:

Originally posted by NitroX:


Some people are individuals. Some are born followers.

Those with a higher intellect will benefit from the experience of those who preceded them. The rest just have to piss on the electric fence themselves.

Dave

quote:

Originally posted by almostacowboy:

quote:

Originally posted by NitroX:


Some people are individuals. Some are born followers.

Those with a higher intellect will benefit from the experience of those who preceded them. The rest just have to piss on the electric fence themselves.

Dave

"Almost",

How appropriate.

Never tried pissing on an electirc fence. What did it feel like?

Nitrox. That was good...the classic " Do you still beat your wife?" question. Thanks Packy

As always in life the best way to leave them is laughing. I for one am laughing at how the serious question degenerated into a laughing matter. Issues at hand have been bantered about, but not to extremes. Seems appropriate to see how much further afield we can toss this one. Catch...

PS, or piss... this is from th bottom of a Woolsey Road "99 Chard, Ah the pleasures of being an Infidel.

On my recent trip to Namibia I took several gifts for the staff including hats, knives, sweat shirts, t-shirts, my hunting clothes, screwdriver kit, etc. I left the PH some hunting items, dust tape and a large quantity of first aid supplies. Two things that amazed me were Slim Jims and butterscotch candy. I shared these each day with the trackers/skinners and then to the adults and children at a villlage when we dropped off meat. After coming home my wife and I gathered some clothes and things to send to the camp staff and the villagers. Does it make me feel good - sure does and I bet they like the gifts also. After a few days in the bush I considered them friends. I gave tips to each of the staff in addition to these gifts.

Lucky1

I took caps, stocking caps, knives and belts (canvas military style dress belts - one size fits all kind). I took the belts to go with the sheath kives I took. Also took some pocket knives. You would think the trackers would have a ton of new caps. No, they had old faded caps. They immediately put on the new caps and wore the stocking caps every morning.

The PH also suggested bringing watches for the guys, as most don't have a watch. Another thing you might consider is socks. The guys were wearing old worn out socks (of every color). Also consider warm gloves. I took a pair and gave them to the PH. I have never met an African in safari camp that had enough warm clothes. I picked up the gloves and stocking caps at Walmart early this summer for half price.

I took a couple of knife sharpeners which were well received. I also took a couple of smaller military surplus duffel bags. The PH immediately laid claim to them. I left my backpack (a cheap one I bought on sale) with the head tracker.

Take some magazines (no porn) and leave in camp. The PH is always looking for something to read.

I took a couple of quart-size Nalgene bottles and 3 tubs of powdered Gatorade. Nice to have the Gatorade on those long buffalo hunts. Used about half of the powdered Gatorade and left the rest along with the Nalgene bottles with the PH. He really appreciated it.

Regards,

Terry

My Ph asked me not to give the staff cash. A german crew earlier this year give the each staff member 50 US Dollars. A third of the crew did not show up for work for a week or two afterwards, They go on drinking for days when they have too much cash, after too much of there home brew they beat the crap out of each other,cut each other up and get thrown in jail. If you give money to the little ones the parents may take it and drink it away.

It realy messed his opperation up. He suggested that I give cash to his wife and that she would provide for them.

When my wife and his went shopping, she pulled out cutouts of about 7 pairs of feet and bought shoes. My tip money was being put to good use.

I asked my PH if he need anything from the states, His request was for Barnes TSX in 3006. I gave him a 100 each of 150's 165's 180's and 200's gr TSX. And neck turning eq from sinclair for 30 cal. He could not have been more Happy!

JD

Along with the "tip" money, I wanted to give something a little more personal so I e-mailed the PH a couple months before my trip and asked the PH what I should bring. He said money, they needed money more than anything. So asking him didn't help, so I asked my wife,she came up with some great ideas. Some of the best gifts were a good quality chef's knife for the chef, he absolutely loved it. A bottle of perfume for the PH's wife and also I bought a huge machete at Cabela's as sort of a joke for the PH. He told me he had enough pocket knives and such so I jokingly gave him "a little bigger knife".He absolutely loved it! We also ended up using it to cut a waterbuck, a gemsbuck and my kudu in half so we could pack them out of the mountains! The chef's knife and the machete ended up being very good gifts. I also gave my tracker a clip-on pocket watch that I used during the hunt, he really liked that. I wish I would have had a nother pair of binos to give him, he really needed a pair, but I couldn't bring myself to give him mine, my Dad gave me my Zeiss Classics and I can't find my old Cabela 8x25 like I have anymore.
Keep your eyes open and I agree that if you wouldn't use it yourself you have no business giving it to someone else. Just my opinion.
Joe