Zambia Q&A Time...

22 July 2017, 21:39

Heym 450/400

Zambia Q&A Time...

Time to pull out all my Safari gear and find out what needs replacing or doesn't fit anymore...damn stuff shrinks just sitting there!

Alright..

Going to the Luanqwa in a few weeks and need some help.

1. How are the Tsetse flies?
2. Long or short pants/ Long or short Sleeves shirts?
3. Treat my clothes with permethrin?
4. Bug spray/wipes?
5. Any good sunscreen/bug repent combos?
6. ..and any advice on the 100 other things I won't think of till the plane takes off.

I like to pack light...

22 July 2017, 21:45

dogcat

Do not know that area, but I use Avon Skin So Soft for all bugs. Works on tsetse flies. In Cameron, the local guys used up 4 tubes of it and liked it.

22 July 2017, 22:10

d.unger

I used skin-so-soft expedition while there and believe that saved me from the tsetses. Wouldn't want to sit a leopard blind there without smearing it on.

22 July 2017, 22:59

MARK H. YOUNG

quote:
1. How are the Tsetse flies?
BAD BUT IN BANDS IF THAT MAKES SENSE
2. Long or short pants/ Long or short Sleeves shirts?
IMO LONG SLEEVES AND PANTS
3. Treat my clothes with permethrin?
I'VE NEVER DONE IT
4. Bug spray/wipes?
AVON SKIN SO SOFT EXPEDITION
5. Any good sunscreen/bug repent combos?
I JUST USE SOMETHING WITH 30 SPF. I USE A SEPARATE PRODUCT AND I USE VERY LITTLE OF IT
6. ..and any advice on the 100 other things I won't think of till the plane takes off.
DO NOT GET ALL LATHERED UP WITH BUG DOPE BEFORE GETTING IN THE BLIND. YOU WON'T NEED THE PROTECTION BUT YOU'LL STINK TO HIGH HEAVEN

YOU'RE GOING TO HAVE A GREAT TIME

Mark

22 July 2017, 23:13

Biebs

I was in Zambia last year, not sure how close to this area. We had absolutely no issue with Tse-Tse or any other types of flies, mosquitoes, etc. Very pleasant.

23 July 2017, 00:33

fairgame

quote:
Originally posted by Biebs:
I was in Zambia last year, not sure how close to this area. We had absolutely no issue with Tse-Tse or any other types of flies, mosquitoes, etc. Very pleasant.

That was the Kafue mate. Few Tsetse and virtually no thorn and mild climate.

23 July 2017, 00:36

fairgame

quote:
Originally posted by MARK H. YOUNG:
quote:
1. How are the Tsetse flies?
BAD BUT IN BANDS IF THAT MAKES SENSE
2. Long or short pants/ Long or short Sleeves shirts?
IMO LONG SLEEVES AND PANTS
3. Treat my clothes with permethrin?
I'VE NEVER DONE IT
4. Bug spray/wipes?
AVON SKIN SO SOFT EXPEDITION
5. Any good sunscreen/bug repent combos?
I JUST USE SOMETHING WITH 30 SPF. I USE A SEPARATE PRODUCT AND I USE VERY LITTLE OF IT
6. ..and any advice on the 100 other things I won't think of till the plane takes off.
DO NOT GET ALL LATHERED UP WITH BUG DOPE BEFORE GETTING IN THE BLIND. YOU WON'T NEED THE PROTECTION BUT YOU'LL STINK TO HIGH HEAVEN

YOU'RE GOING TO HAVE A GREAT TIME

Mark

As Mark states but with the burns probably less Tsetse.

23 July 2017, 00:38

MARK H. YOUNG

Andrew,

Ain't that the truth about the Kafue but driving off the establish roads..................

Mark

23 July 2017, 05:08

blackdogsrule

Two trips to Moz with lots of tsetse flies and this is what I have found. Avon Skin so Soft clogs my pores and makes me smell like something I don't want to be. Plus, when walking through burned country the ash sticks to me making me hotter and my skin less breathable.

What I have found that works well is spraying all my clothes and hats with permethrin and using liberal doses of "Picaridin" insect repellent on my skin and head( I am bald and the little buggers will bite through a ventilated cap}.

They are quite annoying but eventually you get used to them. Sometimes it seems like the PH gets a perverse pleasure in stopping the car where they are the worst and watching us all do the Mozambique "macarena".

23 July 2017, 08:54

quote:
Originally posted by Heym 450/400:
Time to pull out all my Safari gear and find out what needs replacing or doesn't fit anymore...damn stuff shrinks just sitting there!

Alright..

Going to the Luanqwa in a few weeks and need some help.

1. How are the Tsetse flies?
2. Long or short pants/ Long or short Sleeves shirts?
3. Treat my clothes with permethrin?
4. Bug spray/wipes?
5. Any good sunscreen/bug repent combos?
6. ..and any advice on the 100 other things I won't think of till the plane takes off.

I like to pack light...

Spent 21 days in Luwangwa with Muchinga (Johnny Du Plooye), need you to keep all precautionary:
My answers of your query as under:
1. Tons of Tsetse.
2. Long pants and long sleeves are must.
3. Treat pants, Shirts and Socks too with Permathrin, it does effects.
4. Were using repelent in camp after dark.
5. No idea in USA.
6. Full kit of first Ad kit with useful medicnes even if it is not to use. (I left all at camp for others use).

Wish you all the best for great hunt!...

IH

23 July 2017, 09:43

DLS

If one is concerned about bugs when sitting for a leopard, what about using a thermacell? They do a fantastic job on mosquitos, don't know about tsetse's. I wonder if the very faint smoke they give off would be a problem for leopards?

23 July 2017, 10:28

SquirrelNut

I've hunted the Luangwa with Johnny DuPlooy's outfit. He is first rate and you will have a great experience.

Short pants and short sleeves are fine unless you are a pussy worried about bugs. Some idiots on here worry that if a fly bites a tracker and then bites you that you will catch AIDS. I'm still here after sharing tsetse fly bites with a ton of blacks. Had an HIV blood test a year ago, I;'m fine. They don't bite that hard anyway.

Yeah, I did permethrin on my clothes. Bugs weren't that bad. Wouldn't bother with it again. I hate spiders so I wasn't crazy about the wall spiders in Johnny's camp chalets but I only wound up in bed with one that I dispatched pretty quickly with that Doom shit in a spray can they leave in your chalet.

Tsetse flies are there but they are in bands as Mark said. Their bite is over-rated, compared to American deer flies they are pussies. Hard to kill though, you have to grab them in mid bite and crush them to kill them.

See? I just gave you lots of good advice even though you called me an asshole on another thread.

You're going to have a great time.

23 July 2017, 11:47

Ridgeman

I wouldn't get too concerned about bugs and things.
Sure there will be a few bitey flies but in scattered localities and it's still early in their intensity season.
I wear short trousers and shirts every day and rarely get bit. But keep in mind it's still quite chilly in the a.m. and evenings. More so if you're getting up early for Leopard blind duty !
Thorns can rip your gear or your skin easily. A topical antibiotic cream is good.

I would take a simple head net. Keeps those pesky flies or bees away when you're standing around at bait sites or waiting for the vehicle.

IMHO cheap synthetic footballs (the round ball game) , deflated but with a pump, would be the single most valued item you can leave for community schools. They are crazy for the game here.

Other than good scotch and a few cigars , the best thing you can bring is a desire to enjoy every minute of the day.

23 July 2017, 11:50

fairgame

quote:
Originally posted by DLS:
If one is concerned about bugs when sitting for a leopard, what about using a thermacell? They do a fantastic job on mosquitos, don't know about tsetse's. I wonder if the very faint smoke they give off would be a problem for leopards?

Not sure that Leopard are bothered about Tsetse but that is very considerate of you to think about them.

23 July 2017, 12:35

larryshores

quote:
Originally posted by DLS:
If one is concerned about bugs when sitting for a leopard, what about using a thermacell? They do a fantastic job on mosquitos, don't know about tsetse's. I wonder if the very faint smoke they give off would be a problem for leopards?

Isn't it against the law to fly with those cartrtdges?

23 July 2017, 16:20

Heym 450/400

quote:
Originally posted by SquirrelNut:
I've hunted the Luangwa with Johnny DuPlooy's outfit. He is first rate and you will have a great experience.

Short pants and short sleeves are fine unless you are a pussy worried about bugs. Some idiots on here worry that if a fly bites a tracker and then bites you that you will catch AIDS. I'm still here after sharing tsetse fly bites with a ton of blacks. Had an HIV blood test a year ago, I;'m fine. They don't bite that hard anyway.

Yeah, I did permethrin on my clothes. Bugs weren't that bad. Wouldn't bother with it again. I hate spiders so I wasn't crazy about the wall spiders in Johnny's camp chalets but I only wound up in bed with one that I dispatched pretty quickly with that Doom shit in a spray can they leave in your chalet.

Tsetse flies are there but they are in bands as Mark said. Their bite is over-rated, compared to American deer flies they are pussies. Hard to kill though, you have to grab them in mid bite and crush them to kill them.

See? I just gave you lots of good advice even though you called me an asshole on another thread.

You're going to have a great time.

If you were looking for a little revenge after the A-hole remark, you've found it with "spiders in the chalet" Damn do I hate spiders...I'd rather sleep outside and get drug off by a lion.

ps...I never thought to worry about catching aids from a fly. I'll add that to my list of things to talk with Mark about.

23 July 2017, 16:23

Heym 450/400

quote:
Originally posted by fairgame:
quote:
Originally posted by DLS:
If one is concerned about bugs when sitting for a leopard, what about using a thermacell? They do a fantastic job on mosquitos, don't know about tsetse's. I wonder if the very faint smoke they give off would be a problem for leopards?

Not sure that Leopard are bothered about Tsetse but that is very considerate of you to think about them.

We must hunt together someday, Mate.

...it's fun to hunt with guys that aren't afraid to bust balls.

23 July 2017, 19:11

spike.t

quote:
Originally posted by Heym 450/400:
quote:
Originally posted by SquirrelNut:
I've hunted the Luangwa with Johnny DuPlooy's outfit. He is first rate and you will have a great experience.

Short pants and short sleeves are fine unless you are a pussy worried about bugs. Some idiots on here worry that if a fly bites a tracker and then bites you that you will catch AIDS. I'm still here after sharing tsetse fly bites with a ton of blacks. Had an HIV blood test a year ago, I;'m fine. They don't bite that hard anyway.

Yeah, I did permethrin on my clothes. Bugs weren't that bad. Wouldn't bother with it again. I hate spiders so I wasn't crazy about the wall spiders in Johnny's camp chalets but I only wound up in bed with one that I dispatched pretty quickly with that Doom shit in a spray can they leave in your chalet.

Tsetse flies are there but they are in bands as Mark said. Their bite is over-rated, compared to American deer flies they are pussies. Hard to kill though, you have to grab them in mid bite and crush them to kill them.

See? I just gave you lots of good advice even though you called me an asshole on another thread.

You're going to have a great time.

If you were looking for a little revenge after the A-hole remark, you've found it with "spiders in the chalet" Damn do I hate spiders...I'd rather sleep outside and get drug off by a lion.

ps...I never thought to worry about catching aids from a fly. I'll add that to my list of things to talk with Mark about.

they are only the flat wall spiders and they are everywhere......its the ones creeping around on the floor with big fangs you want to keep an eye out for........

24 July 2017, 19:33

butchloc

been using picaridin for a bit now and find it work well also not to forget treating gaiters and socks with permethrin to keep ticks away
don't use t shirts - tetses bite right them
calamine lotion works pretty well afterwards

24 July 2017, 20:08

jorge

quote:
Originally posted by larryshores:
quote:
Originally posted by DLS:
If one is concerned about bugs when sitting for a leopard, what about using a thermacell? They do a fantastic job on mosquitos, don't know about tsetse's. I wonder if the very faint smoke they give off would be a problem for leopards?

Isn't it against the law to fly with those cartrtdges?

Yes it is, Larry, but ignorance is bliss. I took them and the Thermacell worked. At least in Dande North.

24 July 2017, 20:21

DLS

quote:
Originally posted by Heym 450/400:
quote:
Originally posted by fairgame:
quote:
Originally posted by DLS:
If one is concerned about bugs when sitting for a leopard, what about using a thermacell? They do a fantastic job on mosquitos, don't know about tsetse's. I wonder if the very faint smoke they give off would be a problem for leopards?

Not sure that Leopard are bothered about Tsetse but that is very considerate of you to think about them.

We must hunt together someday, Mate.

...it's fun to hunt with guys that aren't afraid to bust balls.

Agreed, I've always enjoyed Andrew's sense of humor.

24 July 2017, 21:57

AFRICAN LEADWOOD

I was there quite a bit for business over the last 10 months and did a few trips, but wasn't hunting.

The tsetses are fine thank you.

Take a positive attitude and sense of humour; best advice you will get.

Try to shoot and walk enough before.

I like Techniblock amd take getting bitten over sunburn.

Good boots amd socks, gaiters. Shorts and longs too if in doubt... glasses and binos. Ammo and ammo belt and gps and knife. One jacket to keep warm not dry this time of year. Comfortable amd warmish clothes for evenings in camp. Rehydrate.

Malaria meds... well it depends on you.

Have a great trip.