A. Been there done that and wouldn't recommend it if you expect to get your trophies back in a reasonable amount of time. We're going on 14 1/2 months and counting.



B. On our trip to Namibia the airline told us the same thing "checked all the way through". So I was a bit more than suprised when we get Capetown and a police officer walks by with my gun case. If I hadn't seen it and asked what was going on we would have went on to Namibia and our guns would have been in Capetown. For our hunt this year in RSA we used Air2000 and for $70 they walk you through all the red tape, it was worth not having to stand in line.

I'd check on the same day connection. At least in Cape Town, we had to claim our guns and register in RSA with about a 5 hr layover in the CT airport. We spent 10 days plains game hunting in Namibia and had a great time. 4 more days would only be icing on the cake and a good investment if leopard is the priority. Bob

1st Timer
My first trip to Africa was a 21 day hunt in ZIM. I went for lion leopard 2 buff and 3 cow elephant, and what ever plains game got in the way. I also got a bull elephant on quota 5 days into my trip. Go for it. My end result no lion or leopard, but I got great plains game and 2 buff and the 3 elephants. I had no problems of any kind.
I have heard good things about Fulton. I will avoid SA if at all possible on my next trip. I spent 2 days there on my way to Zim. I enjoyed it but SA is not warm and fuzzy.
Everybody was very friendly in ZIM.

I hunted with Vaughan last year and will be over "there" again next June. I can't recommend him highly enough. SAA and South Africa has just about cut their own throats as far as I am concerned and we're looking at going through Frankfurt next year. On one hand it makes the trip longer overall but on the other, it breakes the time spent imprisoned in an airplane into two sentences.

As far as the leopard, they're tough anywhere, and are a pretty specialized hunt. As a first hunt, where everything is new, a plains game only hunt might be a lower pressure, more "fun" hunt.

In the end though, it's your money and time. Either way, you will have the time of your life.

Avoid RSA. They don't even know what the rules are, how are you suppose to?
Time your hunt to fly Namibia Air from Frankfurt to Windhoek.

You will have a great time hunting with Vaughan. I leave for a hunt with him 6 months from today.

If you fly SAA from the US and make same day connections from Johannesburg to Windhoek you won't have any problems. Your luggage and firearms can be checked straight through to Windhoek from the states.If you have to overnight in Jo'burg though, that's when the agony starts.

Judging by Mark65X55's experience, I would seek out another PH if it were me. We got our trophies back in just over 2 months.

Good luck,

DC300

1st Timer

Now this is what I call a real first safari to Africa.

Quote:

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My first trip to Africa was a 21 day hunt in ZIM. I went for lion leopard 2 buff and 3 cow elephant, and what ever plains game got in the way. I also got a bull elephant on quota 5 days into my trip. Go for it. My end result no lion or leopard, but I got great plains game and 2 buff and the 3 elephants.

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I say if you can afford it go for it.

Remember Ruark turned up in Africa having hardly ever even shot a rifle before ( ) and hunted the works.

Why not you?!

My initial thought was "that's too much" -- but who the hell am I to say!!?? Hey, if you can afford it and get the time off work, go for it.

I've not hunted with Vaughan, but read so much here from so many folks that I can't beleive you're going wrong. I'm sure others will chime in on that.

I've only been once myself...and will be going back in 2006 for my wife's leopard and my cape buff and sable.

You're only setting yourself up for a lifetime of being perpetually broke (just back from a hunt or saving for the next one), and being horribly depressed for about 30 days after you get back from this trip.

Enjoy.

jeff