Ken,

I sent you a PM.

Regards,

Mark

Get a book that shows all the plains game and choose the wish list animals. Your wish list may determine the area you hunt.

Join SCI and if possible go to either the Reno show or a Chapter banquet. You'll get invaluable info there.

I went on my first trip this year-my wife and I. We went with Vaughan Fulton-do a search on here and you willsee lots of good recommendations. Look up Classic safaris on the net and you will find him. Namibia was a great country to start!

2007? Great ... lots of time to read, plan, exercise, and practice. From a novice who vividly remembers the first time:

The most important warning anyone can give you ... Make sure this is what you want to do. What they say about wanting to go back is absolutely TRUE!

Locate the packing list here and read it thoroughly. It is one of the best resources available anywhere! It has lots of hints about the things you should assure are present in the contract with the PH or outfitter.

The choice of outfitter/PH is very important. You want to go to hunt, and come back having made a new and important friend.

Folks seem to worry too much about rifle caliber. 30-06, 9.3x62, or .375 are easy on you and useful forever.

Practice enought to gain confidence in your ability. Shoot over sticks. Looking back at it, I was amazed at how little time there is when things start to happen. It's kinda like shooting IPSC. Being ready, able to acquire the target quickly, and shooting accurately enough to hit it is what it's all about. This is not bench rest shooting.

Get a copy of "The Perfect Shot." The field guide is well worthwhile.

Have a good time doing the planning. Suspend disbelief on the airplane ... it really is worth being cooped up and uncomfortable for 14+ hours, but toward the end you'll be wondering.

I would suggest getting a short book from a fellow AR poster, JJHack. The name is "Africa - The First Time", by Jim Hackiewicz. If you look him up in the forum user list, I'll bet his email is in his profile.

Then study this forum religiously and ask questions as you go. This is the best forum, with the most experienced hunters in the world.

Planning the details insures no (few) surprises. Use a travel agent that specializes in this sort of thing; Gracy Travel or fellow poster "Kathi". If anything comes up, they know how to get it fixed.

Get involved with your local (closest) Safari Club Chapter. You will meet wonderful people who have been there, done that and usually will go out of their way to help you.

SCI auctions "can be" a good source for quality hunts (read the details and look for what isn't said as much as what is said, then ask questions b4 the auction).

I'm not in the business and only been once, or rather have only gone on my first safari (2006 next), but would glad to be a sounding board if you get stuck, you can PM me.