So, for those of you that have been there, just how HOT HOT HOT will it be?

When we were at Senuko Early Dec . 2008 it varied from 85-96 F. at mid afternoon, mostly 88-95

You going back Will?

i don't know about late Oct, but early -mid Oct is HOTTER than HELL. 105-110 AND 85-90 AT NIGHT!. plus the humidity was high around Lake Kariba. had the staff move my bed out onto the porch and hang the mosquito net over it. the rondavel was just too hot at night to sleep well.

quote:

Originally posted by Tim Herald:
You going back Will?

Maybe. We'll see.

Take plenty of sunblock!

Will,
When Hartley and I were there it was 100-106. Hot, but tolerable if you took the right stuff. Powerdered Gatoraide, "Slide" for feet/nipples, a battery operated fan for your room and a Frog Togg towel (chamois) for your head/neck. I'd do it again in a heart beat.

quote:

Originally posted by SBT:
Will,
When Hartley and I were there it was 100-106. Hot, but tolerable

Exactly - hot but tolerable, lots of people live, work and hunt there during October every year....

David knows better than anyone.

I hunted buffalo in Oct. once, but I wouldn't do it again, but I suffer from migraines and being out there all day really set them off. I'm sure those with tougher constitutions might be just fine.

Cold showers in the middle of the night just to be able to sleep. (I'm gettin' too old to need a cold shower for anything else.)

quote:

Originally posted by Cazador humilde:


Cold showers in the middle of the night just to be able to sleep. (I'm gettin' too old to need a cold shower for anything else.)

Please don't tell me that really happens....

hot, bugs and wet

I hunted Makuti in late November and early December two years ago. It was hot. I did not notice it as much during the day, most times of year it is hot during the day. Besides I am from Houston. At night though in the tent it was warm to say the least. I took a couple of Chilly Pads and would soak those down before bed, then would lay on top of the sheets and cover myself with the Chilly Pads. That seemed to work well enough to get to some sleep. Some suggested that I take a small fan. Unfortunately the fans require batteries and they get damn heavy to pack. Buy a couple of Chilly Pads, you won't regret it.

Will,

I haven't hunted in Zim, but I hunted in far northern Limpopo that time of year and it was HOT! I shot an nyala on Nov. 2, 2008. When I shot him at 4:00 pm it was 104 degrees (it was a dry heat). I can tell you that if you do a lot of walking, you really have to stay hydrated, and it's almost impossible to carry enough water on your back to stay hydrated at that temperature. As a result, it's probably best not to get too far from the truck, or wherever your water supply is. Would I do it again? Yes, but if I had the option to go a month earlier, I'd do it.

Glen

Pretty dang hot. I was in Makuti and Dande last Oct 23 thru Nov 2. Makuti was around 110 and Dande was a bit hotter than that. Take the powdered Gatoraid and battery operated fan for at night as mentioned. I never turned the hot side of the shower on the entire time there as the cold water felt great. The biggest problem I had was keeping my feet dry from the sweat. Ended up with blisters on all toes and was using silk liners. I think I'll try to find some shoes that breath a little better if I go back during that time frame.

And I would go back then as well. The hunting was really good as the animals had concentrated around the water. We were able to find tracks easily each day. I wasn't in the best physical shape for the heat so I would recommend training quite a bit extra leading up to the hunt if you go.

The rains had not begun yet so it was really dry where we were. I would think that if the rains hit and bring humidity, it could be pretty bad, but then again, the temp would probably fall some as well. All in all I think I like it better than the cold. I would recommend going during this time of year.

I hunted the Tuli area of Zim around the Bishopstone Estate during the last 2 weeks of Oct. 08. It was hot there as well but not as bad as the Zambezie. Maybe 100 to 105 if I remember correctly. We also had a swimming pool with air conditioned chalets however. Hunting was good there during that time as well. We were doing a lighted Leopard hunt though so we spent several nights in the blind which felt downright cold after the days highs.

But hey, hunting Zim is a treat anytime, right?


Cheers,

Todd

Will,

As Scott or SBT said it is hot. I am going back this year during basicaly the same time spot. It is hot, but as far as I am concerned it is worth it. The worst part is that the camps we were in had tin roofs and it was like sleeping in an over. I will be sure to take a Frogg Tog or two. My son is going with me and we will be taking 3 battery powered fans. I also plan on taking a couple of small hammocks to use when taking a mid day nap.

Hartlehy

quote:

Originally posted by safari-lawyer:
So, for those of you that have been there, just how HOT HOT HOT will it be?

I like it! You get to drink alot of beers and get a nice tan as a +

Hunted buff last Oct in Zim.

Hunted elephant/buffalo in Feb in Zim.

Feb was 1000% worse in terms of comfort. Miserable humidity even though the temps weren't as hot.

Oct in Zim is just like Tucson in May. Heat but no humidity. Very manageable.

If you can handle AL in mid summer, Zim will be a piece of cake.

Im going to Dande this november.
from your comments I understand that Im going to SWEAT!


Well. I see it as an adventure to come. Being norwegian, very white and used to snow most parts of year doesnt scare me off. Im going to Africa !

It can be seriously hot during that time Will. A lot depends on where you are at. The lower elevations will be hotter than the higher elevations. For example, Mahenye is hotter than ARDA.

We have gotten readings of 120 or more (in the shade) on the worst days. It can be a lot worse. For, example, walking down those sand rivers is absolutely sweltering. I would guess 140 or more as that sand reflects the heat. Murray Osborne, my cameraman, seriously burnt himself in the sand while kneeling to film.


The ability to tolerate the heat, at least to me, is directly related to the design of the camps. Concrete roofs suck. They make it unbearably hot. A thatch roof, in the shade with the camp angled to utilize the prevailing winds make a ton of difference.

I have gone to bed with it over 100 inside. it ain't fun.

I can personally handle it. However, I have to drink a lot. I take 4 packets of G-2 for every day I expect to be there. I go through those as well as a ton of water.

Sleep outside under a net. Get the camp to water the ground or grass around the area at sunset or before you goto bed.

Someone suggested a hammock which sounds like a plan.

Sleeping outside in a hammock . . . for some reason I get this mental image of a sort of human hotdog for lions. I am sure it would be fine . . .

quote:

Originally posted by MJines:
Sleeping outside in a hammock . . . for some reason I get this mental image of a sort of human hotdog for lions. I am sure it would be fine . . .

Me too Mike. When I was there last October in Dande, Justin and Rich both slept outside on the porch. I just couldn't do it. But then again, the windows were just open holes to the outside. Anything that wanted to get in could have. But with them outside and me inside, I figured it was kind of like not having to be faster than the lions, just not the slowest in the group.

Hunt early/late made things tolerable, but it was the nightime humidity that wore on me. Keeping the non screened windows closed due to mosquito's made it worse. One camp in Matesi had screens and ceiling fans..I was in heaven. Mostly it was lying there in a constant dampness and listening to the buzzing of the midget bombers hovering overhead, planning their next attack. Scott's battery powered fan is a must have idea; screened windows or mosquito netting would be mandantory; but native girls standing over you at night with ostrich feather fans would be the ticket

I have a friend going on some sort of truck trip from Zim to Tanzania in October and she says she looked it up and the weather is gonna be 'like Seattle' i.e. High's in the 70's and about 55 at night with low-ish humidity. Think she's in for s shock?

quote:

Originally posted by BaxterB:
I have a friend going on some sort of truck trip from Zim to Tanzania in October and she says she looked it up and the weather is gonna be 'like Seattle' i.e. High's in the 70's and about 55 at night with low-ish humidity. Think she's in for s shock?

Yes, she is in for a shock.

Richard Whittall (Roger's brother) has slept in his garden during the summer months for as long as anyone can remember.

A hell of a shock actually.

quote:

Originally posted by MJines:
Sleeping outside in a hammock . . . for some reason I get this mental image of a sort of human hotdog for lions. I am sure it would be fine . . .

Last year I did this and we had Lions in camp. best sleep I had in ages.

I hunted leopard in the low veld near West Nicholson during the last two weeks of Oct-first week of Nov back in 2007 and it was HOT, humid and like the others have also said, the rondoval was almost unbearable at night. I had all of the windows in the rondoval open(no fan available) and lay under the mosquito net on top of the covers, sweating. One interesting thing, though, the low veld went completely green, thick and lush during that time. Baits only lasted a couple of days before going bad.

quote:

Originally posted by safari-lawyer:
So, for those of you that have been there, just how HOT HOT HOT will it be?

I have no idea about what you're asking but I would sure like to know WHY you're asking!

October in pre-Zim used to be called 'suicide month'. You get the idea.

Chilly Pads? Battery operated fans?

What would Ian Nyschens say? He loved the "Months of the Sun" as he called the hot months.

I am going over in two weeks to hunt bull elephant in Kazuma with Buffalo Range Safaris. I know it will be hot and I will be taking my CamelBak hydration pack which I know Ian would have approved! No fans or wet pads for me.

Seriously, they might be just the ticket, but not for me. To each his own.

RCG

I hunted with Pelandaba last Oct 26-Nov 3. The week before I got there the temp in Beitbridge (RSA/Zim border) was 113. When Aubrey and I got to camp it was cloudy and 70. The following 7 days the high was about 95 with 95% humidity one day. The rest of the time it was extremely pleasant. Some guys have all the luck, eh?

quote:

Originally posted by RCG:
Chilly Pads? Battery operated fans?

What would Ian Nyschens say? He loved the "Months of the Sun" as he called the hot months.

I am going over in two weeks to hunt bull elephant in Kazuma with Buffalo Range Safaris. I know it will be hot and I will be taking my CamelBak hydration pack which I know Ian would have approved! No fans or wet pads for me.

Seriously, they might be just the ticket, but not for me. To each his own.

RCG

I'm with you, why be comfortable when you can be miserable. Just like being married.

quote:

Originally posted by Scottyboy:

Oct in Zim is just like Tucson in May. Heat but no humidity. Very manageable.

If you can handle AL in mid summer, Zim will be a piece of cake.

I assure you that Dande in Oct/Nov is not like Tuscon in May. The heat and humidity are oppressive-worse than Ga. in August. Daytime highs were over 115 with at least 85-90 percent humidity in 2009. The coolest temp I saw was 90 at night.

quote:

Originally posted by mrfudd:

quote:

Originally posted by Scottyboy:

Oct in Zim is just like Tucson in May. Heat but no humidity. Very manageable.

If you can handle AL in mid summer, Zim will be a piece of cake.

I assure you that Dande in Oct/Nov is not like Tuscon in May. The heat and humidity are oppressive-worse than Ga. in August. Daytime highs were over 115 with at least 85-90 percent humidity in 2009. The coolest temp I saw was 90 at night.

And I assure you that Will was specifically asking about SOUTHEAST Zimbabwe, not the Dande..

Guess my last trip to Zim in Oct 10 months ago was just a weather fluke.

Will if you are headed to Maheyne, it was about 110 in the heat of the day, which is when we took it easy. Hunting early morn and evenings made it tolerable. I hunted there late Oct/early Nov and had a great time. The weather is the least of your concerns. I know when I do my bongo hunt in Cameroon next May, I am going to be wishing for the cool weather of SE Zim in October.

Can anyone recommend a battery operated fan?

Andrew, this is one on Ebay. Prolly find one online maybe. If not, I'd think the next group/hunter coming over wouldn't mind getting you one. They are inexpensive. Cheers, David

10" battery operated Tilt fan w/ac adapter

Nicknamed the hurricane fan, this O2-Cool® product is one of our best selling fans, and is our best selling 10 inch fan. Not only does it provide consumers with *up to 40 hours of portable cooling, but its extra features will make you look twice.


Features
•Dual Power Source Capability: Plug in with the AC Adapter (included) or use 8 D cell batteries (not included).

•AC Adapter is Energy Star qualified for a better environment
•Powerful two-speed 10” fan blade offers quiet cooling.
•Convenient flip-up hook and handle
•Fan tilts for directional airflow
•U-shape base is great for uneven surfaces.
•Compact folding design makes it great for travel and easy to carry and store.

•Dimensions:
◦With base folded in: 12"(H) x 12"(W) x 3.5"(Depth)
◦With base opened: 12"(H) x 12"(W) x 10"(Depth)
•Up to 40 hours of battery life *
•Model 1054

quote:

Originally posted by L. David Keith:
Andrew, this is one on Ebay. Prolly find one online maybe. If not, I'd think the next group/hunter coming over wouldn't mind getting you one. They are inexpensive. Cheers, David

10" battery operated Tilt fan w/ac adapter

Nicknamed the hurricane fan, this O2-Cool® product is one of our best selling fans, and is our best selling 10 inch fan. Not only does it provide consumers with *up to 40 hours of portable cooling, but its extra features will make you look twice.


Features
•Dual Power Source Capability: Plug in with the AC Adapter (included) or use 8 D cell batteries (not included).

•AC Adapter is Energy Star qualified for a better environment
•Powerful two-speed 10” fan blade offers quiet cooling.
•Convenient flip-up hook and handle
•Fan tilts for directional airflow
•U-shape base is great for uneven surfaces.
•Compact folding design makes it great for travel and easy to carry and store.

•Dimensions:
◦With base folded in: 12"(H) x 12"(W) x 3.5"(Depth)
◦With base opened: 12"(H) x 12"(W) x 10"(Depth)
•Up to 40 hours of battery life *
•Model 1054

Thanks David and I will pass on the information to some AR members that are hunting with me in Luangwa next month.

I hunted buffalo in SE Zim in mid-October last year and it was mind-numbingly hot. The day we arrived in camp was the hottest it had been in that area of Zim since 1996 - a whopping 45 degrees centigrade.

Make a habit of drinking as much water as possible whenever you can. You'll sweat most of it out again in no time. The nights was the most uncomfortable for me. The camp had electricity but the supply was rather erratic, so the fan would work some nights and others not.

In spite of all the heat, you'll still enjoy it. Just bear in mind that stalking is a bit of a challenge at that time of the year as the ground will be covered by dry Mopane leaves which makes walking softly a bit tricky.

Where and with whom are you looking to hunt?