I appreciate all the past advice, that members have given me on these forums.

I have a question for South African PH's. What would be some good items to bring from the states, for gifts for the PH(s). I already have clothes, and gloves I am taking for the trackers.

I know there are a lot of things down there that are hard to find or, more expensive. I would appreciate some suggestions. Thanks

Cash always works.

Depending upon how generous you are, scopes, ammo, jackets, watches, binos, cameras, LED flashlights, day packs, lap tops, ipods, cell phones, a list of 15 potential clients, and of course cash as stated above.

Remember, if it comes from the States, it costs twice as much in RSA and most of the time almost impossible to find. I used to basically dump the contents of my bag and kit before leaving.

Realize the cash-tip. Readily agree. 15+ clients are already taken care of.

Just want to pick up a few things for the
PH and staff that may be less available and/or more expensive down there.

Great suggestions.

Take a bunch of Casio digital watches ($20), they can go a looong way with the staff. Plus, they are harder to convert into alcohol - appreciated by the PH.

I always email my PH before I leave and ask him if there is anything that I can bring over from the US. In Zimbabwe my PH wanted duct tape.

If you take anything that requires batteries for the PH, make sure you take spare batteries.

Optics for sure and small digital cameras.
One PH asked me for 6x fixed scope Leupold. Cost me $ 450 and he about shit himself when I asked him how much ( little ) it cost.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but some of that stuff can be 3 to 4 times more there or unavailable.
And Yes, cash goes longest way

Money is first on the list.

However take any of the following:

1. candy
2. knives
3. gloves
4. shirts - t-shirts
5. shoes - any kind and try to find sizes. 8 to 10 are common - second hand store or find on sale.
6. Tooth brush and paste - they are $1 and i take a few along.
7. ball caps

my PH asked for knife sharpers to bring this year.

the question was about gifts for the PH. is that what you would take for him as opposed to the staff?????

quote:

Originally posted by Jason P:
I know there are a lot of things down there that are hard to find or, more expensive.

RSA is the most economically advanced country in Africa and just about anything the heart desires is available.

Price may indeed be the difference and in view of this, it might be an idea to ask the PH if there is something in particular he might fancy;
other than that, nothing beats money.

I've hunted with PH before, and know him well. Therefore, I have some ideas but there are some great suggestions that I never thought of.

I have been stashing clothing for the trackers for the past few years. Never thought of shoes. I have several pair of hunting boots that my kids grew out of. Thanks for the suggestion, I'll be sure to take those.

People keep mentioning cash, and I agree. The tips are separate from the items I am taking and by no means are they a replacement for the tips.. Thanks again

There are some really kind and considerate folk around. The cost of imported items is a problem, import taxes/duties, agents fees [seem to be on the increase all the time,] and because of these, some importers limit stock until a decent demand is realised. The biggest pig in the poke is that the Rand is becoming worthless. Thanks to strikes on the mines and the fantastic work ethics here.
The story doing the rounds here is that the SA Minister of Finance is to be awarded an Honoury Doctorate of Science, for turning the Rand into shit!

I believe that a 500 Nitro Double is standard practice for tipping PHs now.
Anything less and you will be considered a cheapskate and be made to walk to the airport.

Small multi tools are very popular with my guys. They are always tinkering with their cell phones, and plugs and radios. I think it is a handy gift. Also, the gloves and scarfs will also be appreciated, but bring a pair for everyone.....Cash always king!

"I believe that a 500 Nitro Double is standard practice for tipping PHs now"

I better get myself one first

"Small multi tools are very popular with my guys"

This will surely be on my list.

reloading components is scares at the moment and if you see stock you must buy because it might not be there tomorrow

barnes x is always appreciated we are even struggling with hornady and noslers at the moment

Cash IS king and I'll always do that. However, I'm going to try something different next year unless someone has a different idea -- Fujo, I welcome your thoughts.

I'm hunting in western Tanzania again and the tsetses are relentless -- as Fujo told me they would be, but I couldn't have even imagined. In addition to the usual burning of elephant dung to repel them, the guys usually wear their coats all day, despite the 100 degree plus heat.

My thought was to bring mesh bug suits and pass them out day one. Bear in mind, I will have hunted with most of these folks before, subject to turnover.

Hell, I'm going to wear one next time. And if I do, so should everyone else in the gari.

Cash is best.
With a gift it is all or nothing whereas cash can be lessened to a degree if the hunt is not as expected.
Ian--next time we hunt I will bring my .500 Watson and leave the .600 Wilkes at home as I know now you won't want it.
In Zim last year I tipped Andre my ash bottle.
Cal

Infinito made a great point. If your going to bring gifts for the crew make sure to bring something for everyone to avoid discourse in camp. I personally only take money now as it packs so much better.

Mark

Make sure to leave your extra ammo.

Well, thanks again. Might be my last post on AR for awhile, since
I will be leaving Saturday.

Great advice, and I added a few things that were suggested. I believe we have everyone covered and we are just about ready to go.

Hopefully, I will get my work in order before I leave! I am ready for a vacation and hunt. And, if you can't tell I am a little excited!

The clients that left yesterday gave the trackers and skinner binoculars, skinning knife sets as well as cash. They brought out colouring pencils, colouring books, soccer balls, candy, t-shirts and various small toys for the children.

The ladies doing the cleaning etc. will also appreciate small things like lipstick or other general cosmetics. This is things that they usually cannot afford.

It was all very well received. I will never forget the joy on the face of Joe, the main tracker, he is a excellent tracker and he deserved the binoculars. Most of the workers on the hunting areas are honest hard working people that really appreciate what the receive.

Cash is always more appreciated but that is used to buy necessities and are seldom spent on luxury items. By combining cash and small gifts you really spoil them a bit for the effort they put in to make your hunt a success.

CASH is KING. Trust me.

1. Cash
2. extra ammo
3. all of your clothes. I buy Magellan clothes at Academy and leave shirts, pants, socks etc. behind everytime.

I have found that the cheap wrap-around polarized sunglasses are hugely popular and appreciated. I was always amazed by the amount of eye problems with staff and the limited number of staff that had or used sunglasses given the intensity of the African Sun!!

If you are thinking of divorcing your wife you could leave her and also save on the return airfare!