Just how dangerous is The Dark Continent?

01 December 2009, 17:40

I know a Masai trackers that got completely blinded like that a few years ago, and (at night) I always wear a pair of yellow tinted shooting glasses when I'm on the back of the truck now...... also keep a couple of spare pairs for clients if they want to make use of them.

I also seem to remember a PH getting his neck broken by an overhanging branch at night a few years ago? - Don't remember where but it might have been Zim or SA?

On the subject of ticks, a PH friend of mine was right at the end of his season when (to cut a long story short) got up on a freshly killed Elephant for a few pics and then promptly got on the charter flight back to Dar and then transferred to a flight home to France. As he stepped off the flight in Paris, he collapsed. They rushed him to hospital where he ended up on a life support machine and his heart stopped twice. He recovered, but it turned out that he picked up a shed load of ticks around his belt line from the Elephant and the collapse was a result of anaphylactic shock.

01 December 2009, 19:13

500nitro

I used to get the odd bit of tick bite fever, and have just recovered from a mean bout of malaria which i got while hunting elly up in Tete, Mozambique.
A dose of Coartem tablet, painkillers as required and 4 days flat on my back in bed being useless to man or beast, and 2 weeks recovery and I am almost back to normal.
The worst scorpion bite was one I got while staying with friends in Dallas, Tx.

01 December 2009, 19:37

465H&H

Let's see if I can remember them all. Two spider bites on my left lower leg at night while in bed. Took forever for them to heal and I still have scares to show for it. Broken toe while running after elephant while wearing Tivas. A severe case of malaria picked up in Omay from the cook who was down with it and not removed from camp. He ended up infecting every mosquito in camp and both the PH and I came down with it. His showed up a few days after we left camp but mine didn't show up until over a month after my return. My wife had a heck of a time convincing the local medical staff that it was malaria.

465H&H

01 December 2009, 22:17

safari-lawyer

I usually get sick right before I leave. No joke. I'm always so busy getting my business ready to leave for three weeks that I work myself into an exhaustion related illness. I have fever, head and body aches, chills, cough, runny nose, basically all the cold and flu systems.

I have quite literally been in my doctors office (and his home) to receive last minute injections and medications the last three or four times I've hunted abroad.

Once I get there I heal pretty quickly and I am fine.

01 December 2009, 23:14

Gerrypeters375

A very interesting thread (and as a one time hunter to Africa, I read many of the posts with happiness in my own good fortune)

I spent nearly a month in the bush (Chirisa, Zim)when I was 63. Never had the least problem with anything. (I always have attributed the lack of diarrhea problems to the fact that I developed a real liking from the first morning in camp for "meali-meali".

(hope I'm spelling it right - a cornmeal eaten at breakfast) Some fair amount of experience in living in tropical countries also probably helped. Don't drink the water -don't stick even a toe into any tropical river, brook or just plain "run-off" water. Africa doesn't seem any more dangerous than any other tropical area -and safer than some,perhaps. It's just necessary to never forget that visitors from the Temperate Zones of the world are not acclimated to the tropics. Hate to sound like a teacher and certainly don't mean to be. It's just that Africa is a marvelous place to see and I don't want any prospective first time hunters to be put off by stories of fever and stomach upsets. You take precautions and then you just go and enjoy yourself.

01 December 2009, 23:40

Blacktailer

Nothing but safari fever and a few tsetse bites. Nearest we came to dying was a late night return to camp with a young PH at the wheel who could put most Paris to Dakar drivers to shame.

02 December 2009, 03:32

J D

quote:
Originally posted by BEGNO:
New Orleans is very dangerous. (Sorry, couldn't resist)

You tell me, in the last 40 years I got 60 lb over weight, cranky and ache all over. I wish I could find a cure.

JD

02 December 2009, 04:07

MacD37

The only thing that I have ever had a problem with in Africa is the damn Tsetse fly bites. The mosquitoes and ticks have never been a problem, and I had no ill effect from the Larium Malaria prophylaxis at all. But the fly bites bother me for weeks after I get home.

The only real serious problem we have had is once in the Luangwa Valley they had cut a new dirt track from camp on the river to the Upper Lupande to go around a wash out. There are a lot of sausage trees in the Valley, and the new track went under one of them. On the way back to camp in the dark, one of the boys in the back was standing up when we went under the tree. One of the seed pods was hanging down and he saw it just in time the avoid being hit in the face with the 10 pound seed pod, but it hit him in the right shoulder breaking his collar bone and knocked him flat. We had to take him to main camp so he could be flown to a doctor.

In my case the only thing I can't seem to shake off is the addiction that makes me want to go back to Africa again, and again and Again, and..................Cold turkey is not much of cure. It's hell trying to kick this habit!

02 December 2009, 14:31

yes

quote:
Originally posted by J D:
[QUOTE]Originally posted by BEGNO:
New Orleans is very dangerous. (Sorry, couldn't resist)

You tell me, in the last 40 years I got 60 lb over weight, cranky and ache all over. I wish I could find a cure.
Here is your cure

a one year long safari

10 miles per day walking in the bush

eating low fat antilope meat instead of high fat humburgers and believe me all your problems are gone after that year of safari

Yes

02 December 2009, 15:18

ghundwan

Interesting out of all the posts, unless I missed one, not one snake bite yet some people just seem compelled to kill them on sight

02 December 2009, 15:25

ozhunter

quote:
Originally posted by ghundwan:
Interesting out of all the posts, unless I missed one, not one snake bite yet some people just seem compelled to kill them on sight

Last July in Moz we where forced to back away from a huge Mamba with much momentum

. It sure gave us a good wake up.

02 December 2009, 15:28

yes

are mambas protected or can be waisted with a shotgun blast? man i hate snakes

yes

02 December 2009, 22:54

Gerrypeters375

yes:

I always knew that I liked the Scandinavians -and now I really like the Swedes. You and I are brothers! I have hated snakes since I was 6 and was struck by a copperhead. (a poisonous North American snake) I visited Zimbabwe (Chirisa)in May once and never saw a snake -and I couldn't have been happier. ( I was told it was "winter") I do not want to tell you the stories my PH told me about mambas. All I will say is that you will shoot any mamba in preference to the #1 listing in any record book for whatever animal you are out for.{if it comes to one or the other} (At least, that's what I would do. He told me stories about leopard stands that discouraged me from hunting leopards -except in broad daylight -with hounds. But don't let me discourage you from anything!

(BTW, it really is documented fact that the chance of being bitten by snakebite on a safari are practically nil. That's really a fact. But I do share your dread of snakes -but don't let it stop you from going to Africa. It's an unforgettable experience.

03 December 2009, 00:46

yes

hi
thanks for your kindness gerry .peoples here in sweden are brain washed that snakes are harmless , but believe me they can damage more than one can even imagin even those harmless protected vipers in sweden. once i saw a little child biten by snake att a hospital and the look was horrifying. i usually go with walking stick in high grass and not really afraid of snakes but mamba and cobras are extremly dangerous . i hope it is allowed to shoot them if they come too close!!
regards
yes

03 December 2009, 00:49

cable68

I just remembered that the closest to a disaster I've had on safari was when the PH ran over a dead donkey outside of Bubi River at about 80MPH. If his cruiser didn't have bull bars I probably wouldn't be writing this.

03 December 2009, 03:48

Buliwyf

Very dangerous.

03 December 2009, 04:37

chuck5656

My wife got nailed by a scorpion on her hand in the Selous. Several VERY uncomfortable days, but then every thing was OK. I hate the TseTse
flies the worst.

04 December 2009, 02:18

clayman216

Two safaris. SA for first & returned with tick bite fever and suffered for a week. Second again to SA and no problems but was now careful and took drugs for just in case. Always ask a lot of questions if you are not sure. On first trip my PH said nothing until almost the last day - might have been preventable.

04 December 2009, 03:30

JBoutfishn

In the Selous I had a tsetse fly chew on my wrist. It would heal then swell and I would squeeze crap out of it, then it would heal. This went on five or six times over a few months, went away.

In SA had a bad stomach reaction to what I believe was OJ/water (?) at a ranch brunch. Lasted only a day.

The PH ran a thorn through the sole of his shoe, through his foot and out the top. Tough SOB. He calmly said Jim, could you give me a hand. I used my multi tool to remove the thorn, he never took off the shoe. We continued on our pursuit of buff. Never heard another word about it.

04 December 2009, 05:29

Woodmnctry

Two years ago in Namibia -- way to late discovered that the so called bottled water was not what we thought it was --- they were taking the bottles and filling them out of the cistern. Talk about decorating the landscape with intestinal offal --- whew!----- I’m guessing there still may unsafe areas to walk in following several days of dynamic passing’s!

04 December 2009, 09:12

shakari

Doesn't matter where you are in Africa, it's always advisable to carefully check the seal on bottled water before you drink it.

04 December 2009, 22:20

jetdrvr

Got deathly ill with an intestinal bug in Asmara in what was then Ethiopia in December, 1987. No running water in the hotel except twice a day. Town was surrounded by the rebels and nothing much worked. Recovered on my own.

Also got deathly ill in Angola in 1991. Coming out, we RON'd in Lisbon. I stayed in bed for two days at the Holiday Inn by the airport and said the hell with it, I'm going home. Bought a ticket in first class on TAP to JFK because if I died in the airplane, I was going to die in first class.

Made it home and saw my tropical medicine doc at Doctors' Hospital in Coral Gables and she couldn't diagnose me. Spent about thirty days at home very weak but finally recovered. The insurance form showed "undiagnosed tropical fever." It wasn't malaria or dengue, thank God, but I was really sick for a month or so.

I've never been sick on safari. Just a few Tsetse bites in the Selous.

04 December 2009, 22:44

On last trip, my wife had a very adverse psychological reaction to Malarone, which is very rare. As for me, out of ten trips, other than a couple of days with slight intestinal discomfort and slight fever, tse tse bites have been the most serious matter I've encountered.

05 December 2009, 12:15

yes

eb
there is another drug called RIAMET which dosen't belong to the same kind of drug as malarone. try it next time. if you are sensetive to malarone.
good hunting
yes

05 December 2009, 14:46

ovny

Reading your experiences with diseases, parasites and other problems of Africa, removed the desire to go Safari jejeje.

Oscar.

05 December 2009, 17:27

Oday450

quote:
Originally posted by yes:
eb
there is another drug called RIAMET which dosen't belong to the same kind of drug as malarone. try it next time. if you are sensetive to malarone.
good hunting
yes

A problem for those of us living in the US has been that a number of newer antimalarials have not available in this country. Coartem (for treatment - not prophylaxis) was just approved in April of this year for example. This is because of the intensive research required to establish effectiveness and safety before approval.

Riamet was developed I believe by Novartis, a major international provider of antimalarials, who also markets Coartem. I would expect that it will be a number of years before it is available in the US. It is available in both Europe and Africa for those willing to take a non FDA approved drug.

05 December 2009, 20:19

matt u

Caught the Africa bug and have not been able to get rid of it yet

06 December 2009, 01:00

Gerrypeters375

matt u:

Many years ago I read a ditty in a bar in Panama that said: "The spell of the tropics -it gets you worse than rum -you get away and you swear you'll stay -but she calls and back you come". (Ever since I saw Africa in 1993, I have always remembered that ditty.It's true. I have to tell you that you have the disease for life. There are worse ailments.

06 December 2009, 18:11

JBrown

quote:
Originally posted by JBoutfishn:

The PH ran a thorn through the sole of his shoe, through his foot and out the top. Tough SOB. He calmly said Jim, could you give me a hand. I used my multi tool to remove the thorn, he never took off the shoe. We continued on our pursuit of buff. Never heard another word about it.

Jim

You really have to tell us the PH's name. That is one heck of a story!

Jason

"You're not hard-core, unless you live hard-core."
_______________________

Hunting in Africa is an adventure. The number of variables involved preclude the possibility of a perfect hunt. Some problems will arise. How you decide to handle them will determine how much you enjoy your hunt.

Just tell yourself, "it's all part of the adventure." Remember, if Robert Ruark had gotten upset every time problems with Harry
Selby's flat bed truck delayed the safari, Horn of the Hunter would have read like an indictment of Selby. But Ruark rolled with the punches, poured some gin, and enjoyed the adventure.

-Jason Brown

06 December 2009, 20:57

John Hipwell

The worse shit I caught was from my PH after running after this little fellow to get a better picture! Afterwards I did my homework on Black Mambas, they sure can move in a hurry.

06 December 2009, 21:38

Robgunbuilder

7 trips to Africa. Got stung by a scorpion in the foot and that "HURT". a few ant bites and a little intestinal bug once in Botswanna. Scariest episode was nearly getting charged at very close range by a bull Ele. when the tracker got stung by a bee. Beware of the green tortalines on Lufthansa. Nuke em twice just to be sure!-Rob

07 December 2009, 09:36

JBoutfishn

quote:
Originally posted by JBrown:
quote:
Originally posted by JBoutfishn:

The PH ran a thorn through the sole of his shoe, through his foot and out the top. Tough SOB. He calmly said Jim, could you give me a hand. I used my multi tool to remove the thorn, he never took off the shoe. We continued on our pursuit of buff. Never heard another word about it.

Jim

You really have to tell us the PH's name. That is one heck of a story!

The PH was Con Van Wyk.

08 December 2009, 08:05

tait

quote:
2

With three trips to Namibia and Tanzania. One 24 hr bug with very high fever.

Cut lip and hand from Giraffe "necking me"

Over 100 thorn punctures to my leg carrying my kudu head down a small mountain in Naimbia. Worth every minute.

08 December 2009, 08:49

craig boddington

Guys, collective years in Africa and I've never missed a hunting day to any illness or injury. I'm knocking on wood 'cause stuff happens! The sickest I've ever been was in Africa, but in Egypt when visiting the pyramids, not hunting. The lunch menu had fish or chicken. The tour guide said, "The chicken is good." I had the fish. Thought I was going to die for a week. On safari, very few issues. There are bug bites, they hurt, itch, and so forth. There are snakes to be avoided--but you usually can. Hell, I got malaria--but I got it in Los Angeles, running in the Sepulveda Dam area after an exceptionally wet year! I truly think the greatest hazards in Africa are bad roads and light aircraft. In general it's a pretty safe place for hunters with good operators--but it's a good idea to pay attention and listen to your PH. Or your tour guide!

09 December 2009, 13:47

Tapper2

Been on 6 safaris. Drank the wrong water once in Namibia, lost a day of hunting. One of the PH's was a medical doctor and gave me some enzimes that fixed me right up. Had a buff try to kill me in SA. There are times when a 10 second dance is a long time. Stopped the hunting truck for breakfast next to a Bee hive in Tanzania and got stung close to 30 times, very agressive little bastards. The PH went nuts, fearing I would go into shock but I don't have a reaction to bee stings, thank God. Everyone got stung, I just got the most. My wife had a bad reaction to Tse-Tse flies. She looked like she had been shot at with 9 shot at about 30 yards. The itching made sleeping difficult. She still has some small scars. Her legs were covered with bruises from the bites. To her credit she never stopped. I really hate tse-tse flies.

10 December 2009, 08:13

jetdrvr

quote:
I truly think the greatest hazards in Africa are bad roads and light aircraft.

You're close to right. A bad road took me out during the last trip. Cruiser took a little flip and I herniated two discs. The ensuing few months have been extremely unpleasant, taking me down for the count for two months with severe sciatica. But I'll be in shape for 2011.

Fying in single engine aircraft, including turbine powered aircraft, can be quite hazardous. There have been several crashes of light singles in Namibia over the last few years.

I always flew four-engined turbines in Africa and our contract fuel was always excellent, but I have heard stories about contaminated aviation gasoline on several occasions.
Hang around the bar in the East African Flying Club at Wilson Field in Nairobi and you will hear some stories.
A traffic accident can really mess you up, also. The traffic in most African cities is chaotic.

Many years ago, I learned not to ride in the front seat of any vehicle, if at all possible. Wear seat belts. Sit in the back. Given the state of medical care in most places, you'll probably last longer.

10 December 2009, 23:42

Scriptus

I know that this should do with the funny stuff, but considering the topic it is about right. Maybe at a later stage it can be moved.

A bloke after spending a week in the African bush hunting to his heart's content, finds upon returning home, his pride and joy standing to attention. No matter what he does the little beggar will not relax. His wife gives him plenty of assistance, it will not relax. He spends a fortune on a couple really classy hookers. That does not help. He gives himself a hand several times a day. The damn thing refuses to change status. It is so bad that he cannot go out of the house, cannot go to work. He tries hot baths, cold baths, hot showers, cold showers, no change. He even packs it with ice. It is like a British Guardsman on parade, ramrod stiff. After a month he can take the situation no longer, phones his doctor for an appointment. Wearing a baggy joe jersey he sneaks into the doc's rooms. Doctor asks what the problem is. Takes a blood sample, then tells the bloke to get undressed for an examination. At first the doctor sees nothing, he then takes a magnifying glass, and has a closer look. He discovers right at the base, in a fold of skin a tiny little tick. The doctor takes a pair of tweezers and gently removes the little blood sucker. Instantly the problem subsides. The grateful bloke ask the doctor how much does he owe him. The doctor replies" f#rk that, how much do you want for the tick?"

11 December 2009, 00:32

jetdrvr

quote:
Originally posted by yes:
hi
thanks for your kindness gerry .peoples here in sweden are brain washed that snakes are harmless , but believe me they can damage more than one can even imagin even those harmless protected vipers in sweden. once i saw a little child biten by snake att a hospital and the look was horrifying. i usually go with walking stick in high grass and not really afraid of snakes but mamba and cobras are extremly dangerous . i hope it is allowed to shoot them if they come too close!!
regards
yes

All you need to do to get an education in snakes is take a walk in the South Texas bush around Uvalde, but you'd better be wearing snake boots. The rattlesnakes are legendary, and they are big and numerous. They'll nail you in a second.

11 December 2009, 00:37

jetdrvr

quote:
Originally posted by Scriptus:
I know that this should do with the funny stuff, but considering the topic it is about right. Maybe at a later stage it can be moved.

A bloke after spending a week in the African bush hunting to his heart's content, finds upon returning home, his pride and joy standing to attention. No matter what he does the little beggar will not relax. His wife gives him plenty of assistance, it will not relax. He spends a fortune on a couple really classy hookers. That does not help. He gives himself a hand several times a day. The damn thing refuses to change status. It is so bad that he cannot go out of the house, cannot go to work. He tries hot baths, cold baths, hot showers, cold showers, no change. He even packs it with ice. It is like a British Guardsman on parade, ramrod stiff. After a month he can take the situation no longer, phones his doctor for an appointment. Wearing a baggy joe jersey he sneaks into the doc's rooms. Doctor asks what the problem is. Takes a blood sample, then tells the bloke to get undressed for an examination. At first the doctor sees nothing, he then takes a magnifying glass, and has a closer look. He discovers right at the base, in a fold of skin a tiny little tick. The doctor takes a pair of tweezers and gently removes the little blood sucker. Instantly the problem subsides. The grateful bloke ask the doctor how much does he owe him. The doctor replies" f#rk that, how much do you want for the tick?"

Where can I find one of those ticks??

11 December 2009, 01:15

RobinOLocksley

quote:
Originally posted by yes:
quote:
Originally posted by J D:
[QUOTE]Originally posted by BEGNO:
New Orleans is very dangerous. (Sorry, couldn't resist)

You tell me, in the last 40 years I got 60 lb over weight, cranky and ache all over. I wish I could find a cure.
Here is your cure
a one year long safari 10 miles per day walking in the bush eating low fat antilope meat instead of high fat humburgers and believe me all your problems are gone after that year of safari
Yes

What about the knee caps with all that walking?

Kidding. I guess that is an extremely effective medicine.

Best-
Locksley,R