I just sent deposit for my first trip to Africa. I am headed to Namibia to hunt PG with Omujeve July 9-July 23 this summer. Can't believe I am finally going. I have wanted this since I was a boy! Was very close to going 4 years ago and things came up that shot that trip down days before I sent a deposit. I really thought I missed my chance. I have a lot to do between now and then but the preparation will be the fun part. Let me know if anyone else is going to be flying over same time.
We are flying out of JFK around 11:00am non stop.

Congratulations!! Namibia is a wonderful place and you will have a GREAT time!

As soon as you get on the plane to head home you will be planning for your next trip.

Looking forward to seeing your hunt report when you return.

Good luck, send photos, buy a double!!!!
Cal

You only get to have one first safari. I hope it is everything you dreamed it would be.

Congrats to being bitten by the bug that is Africa! You haven't been bitten yet, but it's coming!!

Congratulations!

quote:

Originally posted by cal pappas:
Good luck, send photos, buy a double!!!!
Cal

This!

Good for you, congrats!!!!!

Hey, welcome to AR. Feel free to ask away....lots of experienced African hunters here. 10 to 1 that you'll be planning your second trip before you get home.

quote:

Originally posted by Wendell Reich:
You only get to have one first safari. I hope it is everything you dreamed it would be.

Well said Wendell. It was better than losing my virginity...at least I was ready for it.

Welcome Goose. Glad your finally able to make those boyhood dreams come true. Enjoy your first trip and by the time you're on the plane on the way home, you'll be trying to figure out how to do it again. Gets in one's blood and she never stops calling...

Congratulations! I'm not there yet but hope to be soon. Have the trip of a lifetime!

Hope you have a great time. Get ready as your life is about to change forever as you know it. Africa just has her way of doing it.

Congratulations sir!

One thing you need to pick up is an African Journal from Barnes & Nobel, one of the book types that will have room for several safaris.

On the first page list all the particulars of your booking including safari company name and the PH you hunt with.

Every night in camp do a short description of the day’s activities. You will re-read this journal for years and remember things you had forgotten.

If you will look at the bottom of this post you will see a quote in my sig-line! That quote was the last line I wrote in my journal while on the plane headed home from my first safari, and I had forgotten I had written it till I re-read the journal years later.

The one I bought was for African travel, and includes a list of translations from English to Swahili, and pages the have pictures of animals with short descriptions of each.

Good luck, and enjoy every munite of your trip from your door back to your door!

If memory serves me, you should be there at the right time for Kalahari truffles. Ask your PH about them, they are good, if you like mushrooms......Tom

gooseblitz,

I envy you. Every single detail will be new and exciting. Nothing quite matches that feeling of wonder that is such a big part of that first safari.

Mark

Congrats. I cannot wait to hunt with the Kruger's.

There is nothing like your first day in Africa. It cannot be replicated.

Congratulations!
My original trip I thought I was knocking off an item on my life's bucket list.
Got back home and that old bucket list got tossed and new one tripled...
Take lots of pics and be sure to do a write up here. Love reading first timer's experiences.

Congrats on making it happen. I remember my first safari thinking it was a trip of a lifetime and that it was a once in a lifetime event, I have now been 6 times. That Africa bug is one bad addiction.

DON'T DO IT!!! YOU'LL BE FOREVER IN HER CLUTCHES.
Seriously, take a lot of pictures and start figuring out what you can live without when you get home, cause you'll be going again.

top outfit, you will have a blast. take a LOT of pics!

I still remember mine , all details !
Have fun and be happy !

What Mark said is so true and forgotten by me. The first warthog, buffalo, snake, etc... are far more memorable than the 10th. Take in everything and if you don't think a photo is needed, take it anyway. Thanks, Mark, for reminding me of this.
Cal

quote:

I envy you. Every single detail will be new and exciting. Nothing quite matches that feeling of wonder that is such a big part of that first safari.

On my 1st day in Africa I blew an opportunity on a very large blue bull eland within 40 yds., my ph is po'd about it. I could not have cared less, I WAS IN AFRICA, and all was right with the world.

Take what Africa gives, relish every minute, remember it's an adventure and be thankful for the opportunity to live that adventure.

you will never be he same. But that's a good thing. Savor it.

First time is something special. Take as many pictures as possible.
Good hunt!.

If you need a tuffpak you know where I live. It needs a trip this year!!

Keith

Second on the journal. Record names, places as well as emotions and experiences. Keep it in a zip-lok for protection.

I remember my first safari like it was yesterday, and that was ten safaries ago.

Don't get over-enthusiastic on taxidermy. I wish I had done a lot of mounts Euro style.

Don't forget to tip the PH and staff. Take a map of Namibia or Southern Africa. If you pack properly, you can put your clothes and boots in your rifle case, and the rest in a small carry-on backpack, leaving you always with one hand free. Try to find some cheap boots with flexible soles. Less noise. I use Merrills.

Oh, and have a wonderful time!
Brice

I agree with keeping a journal. I look back at mine every now and then, brings back all the sensations, sights, smells, sounds, etc. There is not much better than a first safari. Enjoy, take it all in. You will never be the same....

Looking forward to your hunting report. I am considering using the same outfit for 2014 on my first safari.

Great stuff.

There is only one first Safari. Enjoy every moment, take lots of pictures and video, and keep a journal. You will be surprised how much detail you forget two years later.

Congratulations, you're going to have a great time. I hunted with Omujeve in 2008 for my first african hunt.

Congrats and you will not regret going with Omujeve. Definitely take the fellas' advice and get yourself a journal. Take more pics that you ever have in your life. Smell the dirt, crush the leaves, enjoy the magnificence that is Africa.

If there are truffles, Elsada will make sure you get some. They are delicious!

What game are you after?

have a great trip and enjoy the experience!

I hope to do it later this year if all goes well.

congratulations on booking your first trip. i am sure you will have plenty of fun.

Enjoy it and don't let it be your last
Regards