The Accurate Reloading Forums
Advice for a first timer to Africa
12 October 2012, 21:43
customboltAdvice for a first timer to Africa
Yeah. I'm a new guy on here and after reading about others going hunting to Africa, I'm re-considering the trip. What scares me the most is the long flight. I'm not the most patient person to say the least. My longest flight so far was 4 hours and I felt trapped. I reluctantly sent my Wife to Australia and New Zealand alone, largely due to my impatience. Any advice? I'm 58 years old and would like to treat myself before the eyes and other organs wear out to hunt some deer-sized game. None of my friends hunt so I may have go it alone.
Life itself is a gift. Live it up if you can.
12 October 2012, 21:50
TerryRThe flight is a pain, but well worth it. Get a kindle, download a bunch of books and read. Watch movies. Take ambien and sleep. Upgrade to business for more room. Take your Ipad with movies and music on it.
Don't hesitate, there are lots of strategies for passing the time. All you have to worry about is going over, you'll spend the trip back planning your next one.
12 October 2012, 21:53
DulcineaWelcome Custombolt,
You will find all the info you need on AR. There is a contingent of AR members right here in Central PA. Unfortunatly you missed our gathering by a month.
http://forums.accuratereloadin...1411043/m/5081027971A good piece of advice from a neighbor would be take your wife, you will not regret it!!!
She will want to go back as soon as you get home.
Dulcinea
What counts is what you learn after you know it all!!!
12 October 2012, 22:06
StonecreekThere is simply no way to avoid some of the longest air legs in the world when going to Africa, so you just have to find ways to cope.
If you travel through Europe (which is either optional or necessary for many African destinations) both your U.S-Europe leg (typically about 7 hours) and your Europe-Africa leg (typically around 10 hours) will be mostly at night. This means you that if you'll manage your wake/sleep cycle you can spend much of the time sleeping. A sleep aide that works for you (simple dramamine or benzedrin allergy tablets work for me) can help assure that you can actually sleep.
The rest of the time, distractions like reading material or electronic entertainment will help pass the time.
I'll profess that the plane ride was absolutely the least enjoyable part of our trip, but the fantastic experience of the hunt and seeing a completely new part of the world was well worth the "pain of the plane".
Incidentally, I don't think I would have enjoyed the experience nearly as much, perhaps not at all, without someone to share it with. If your wife is not interested, then you should look around for some other "single" hunter who has no hunting friends and see if the two of you are compatible and might share the trip.
12 October 2012, 22:56
bwana cecilWelcome to AR!
I understand you being impatient & feeling trapped on long plane rides. BUT, it is well worth it!
Take your wife & just survive the long ride knowing there is a pot of gold(incredible hunting opportunities) at the end of the rainbow.
On the plane ride home, I'm planning my next safari everytime.
JUST GO!
LORD, let my bullets go where my crosshairs show.
Not all who wander are lost.
NEVER TRUST A FART!!!
Cecil Leonard
12 October 2012, 23:17
customboltquote:
Originally posted by Stonecreek:
There is simply no way to avoid some of the longest air legs in the world when going to Africa, so you just have to find ways to cope.
If you travel through Europe (which is either optional or necessary for many African destinations) both your U.S-Europe leg (typically about 7 hours) and your Europe-Africa leg (typically around 10 hours) will be mostly at night. This means you that if you'll manage your wake/sleep cycle you can spend much of the time sleeping. A sleep aide that works for you (simple dramamine or benzedrin allergy tablets work for me) can help assure that you can actually sleep.
The rest of the time, distractions like reading material or electronic entertainment will help pass the time.
I'll profess that the plane ride was absolutely the least enjoyable part of our trip, but the fantastic experience of the hunt and seeing a completely new part of the world was well worth the "pain of the plane".
Incidentally, I don't think I would have enjoyed the experience nearly as much, perhaps not at all, without someone to share it with. If your wife is not interested, then you should look around for some other "single" hunter who has no hunting friends and see if the two of you are compatible and might share the trip.
Thanks much Stonecreek & every one. I'm warming up to the idea a bit more and who knows, maybe I'll surprise the Wife around Christmas time. I guess AAA travel might be a start. Sounds like the flights for an African trip are actually shorter than her Aussie one via Hawaii which the latter leg is like 14 hours in the air. I'd sure like to hear some recommendations on outfitters and some sort of ball park cost for 2 for say 5 (whitetail-sized/bush hog, etc.) hunting days down there plus a day or 2 leisure. I'd like to take my 6.5 Creedmoor Mauser or one of my 7X57 Mausers along. No narrated bus tours or anything of that nature. I find that type of thing a real snore. Bless you all for the welcome's. R. Copenhaver
Life itself is a gift. Live it up if you can.
12 October 2012, 23:30
customboltquote:
Originally posted by Dulcinea:
Welcome Custombolt,
You will find all the info you need on AR. There is a contingent of AR members right here in Central PA. Unfortunatly you missed our gathering by a month.
http://forums.accuratereloadin...1411043/m/5081027971A good piece of advice from a neighbor would be take your wife, you will not regret it!!!
She will want to go back as soon as you get home.
Dulcinea
Thanks Dulcinea for the link.
Life itself is a gift. Live it up if you can.
12 October 2012, 23:48
mmassey338Custombolt,
I'll share with you the advice I was given by a man who has taken lots of long trips:
1. Sleep aid
2. Compression socks
3. Bose noise canceling headphones
Prior to my 16 hr flight to Joberg, my longest flight had been 5.5 hrs and it was miserable. My flights to and from Joberg were actually enjoyable.
Good luck
13 October 2012, 00:59
customboltThank you. I found your brief information very interesting, especially the compression socks. I totally forgot about the blood circulation issue. Have a fine weekend.
Life itself is a gift. Live it up if you can.
13 October 2012, 01:09
MuletrainGetting out of your seat every couple of hours helps for people who are restless or feel confined. You can try walking laps around the cabin or standing at the back of the plane near the galley. Technically you are not allowed to do that but most times nobody will say anything. If they do then just get up and take the long way to the toilet, wait in line, when it is your turn go in and just stand there and make faces at yourself in the mirror or whatever entertains you for fifteen minutes. Then go back to your seat. Then get up a couple hours later and do it again.
Being the restless type, you are probably the type who can't sleep on a plane. Take a sleep aid. They are miracle drugs for arriving at your destination not feeling like a zombie.
Elephant Hunter,
Double Rifle Shooter Society,
NRA Lifetime Member,
Ten Safaris, in RSA, Namibia, Zimbabwe
13 October 2012, 01:27
DivernhunterLike you I am going on my first hunt in 2013.
Things I have learned so far is to use a travel agent who specializes in hunting travel. She got me the best prices on travel etc than others and was highly reccomended. I am a AAA member and they will be little help with the issues about guns and such. I did my research and found an excellent travel agent who has done well for me on travel/gun permits/orther info I wanted and hotels to stay at before and after the hunt for some sightseeing I want to do.I am hunting South Africa in the east cape area near Port Elizabeth with a really good outfit. I spoke with them at a sportsman show here and have spoke to people on the phone who have hunted with them and some were not even on their reference list. If you want you can contact me and I would be glad to share with you the info etc I have. Email
www.Doug50cal@bigvalley.net13 October 2012, 01:27
customboltThanks. I suppose some meds are in order. Probably need a few. Oh...I almost forgot. AAA has some info on Africa for me. Later everyone.
Life itself is a gift. Live it up if you can.
13 October 2012, 01:42
FrostbitIf you have airmiles or if you can afford it otherwise consider making business or first class part of the plan. We used Alaska Air miles on British in 1 st class and it was like a flying 5 start restaraunt/hotel with pods that convert into flat beds. Well worth it if you can do it.
13 October 2012, 01:53
LittleJoeTalk to the doctor about a strong sleeping pill. An iPad and some reading literature is a must. The flight going over is not so bad; enough adrenaline that you make it through quite easily. The flight home is the rough part for me. It is such an amazing place that it will be worth it. I hate the flight as well but would fly tomorrow to get back there if I could.
13 October 2012, 02:22
Frostbitquote:
I'm not the most patient person to say the least
I would humbly submit that could ruin your trip if you let it. Not everything will go smoothly on Safari. It's Africa!! accept that and you will be much happier in the end.
13 October 2012, 02:25
LittleJoeI am not a patient person either but it does not take long to learn patience in Africa. When in Rome do what the Romans do on their terms. When in Africa do what the Africans do on their terms and you will have a great trip. If you don't; you won't most likely.
It is such an amazing place; just go and sit back and enjoy. There is no other place like it.
13 October 2012, 03:01
MartyDitto on using a travel agent who specializes in this kind of travel. I have had very good luck with Kathi, of Wild Travel, who posts here. Others have spoken highly of Gracy Travel. Use a specialist, you will be glad you did.
13 October 2012, 03:19
RustyCB,
Once you get it all arrange and get there. Don't forget to take the time to enjoy your hunt! It goes by in a flash! Speaking of flash. . . .take a bunch of pictures. More than you think you need!
Have FUN!
Rusty
We Band of Brothers!
DRSS, NRA & SCI Life Member
"I am rejoiced at my fate. Do not be uneasy about me, for I am with my friends."
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13 October 2012, 03:38
Bwana3381st use a travel agent that specializes in travel with guns.
Secure seats by the window or isle.
I don't sleep on the long flight so i take magazines to read and leave in camp. and a book to read on the flight back. or pick up magazines in the SA rifle permit/pick up room.
tight Socks are a must, go with calf height. Get up and walk every 2 to 3 hours...
Elevate your feet a few inches off the cabin floor.
wear loose fitting clothing...and have a vest or jacket along to put on...it gets cool on the airplane..
Take snacks to munch on if you have any meds you have to take while on the flight...set your alarm to get the times right..also purchase a bottle of water or get one when on board to help take your meds...
Drink a lot of liquids while on the flight...
Take a tooth brush and crest/mouth wash to do your brush your teeth...
watch the movies, i usually get in about 4 movies, my magazines and 1 book on the flight...
Just sit back and have a great flight over and one back...
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
"You've got the strongest hand in the world. That's right. Your hand. The hand that marks the ballot. The hand that pulls the voting lever. Use it, will you" John Wayne
13 October 2012, 04:30
geoffI am mildly claustrophic and like you, hate long flights. I insist on an aisle seat. This allows me to get up anytime, just to stretch or walk around frequently.
Like the others suggested, entertainment and reading material are essential to help take off some of the rough edges. What has really helped me over the many long flights from Hawaii to Namibia or RSA, is an IPOD or MP3 player loaded with all of your favorite music via noise cancelling earphones that we usually neglect to listen to while back home. This really helps me go "brain dead" for the better part of the 11 hr. flights.
An overnight in Europe will help tremendously to recharge for the next long leg of the trip.
I note that you are not asking much of the desired species. Take a slightly larger caliber rifle like a 30-06 and you will not be limited, should a nice kudu, oryx, or wildebeest be available.
Geoff
Shooter
13 October 2012, 05:47
wsjcustombolt,
Do it! Everything you've heard and read about how additictive going to Africa is, is true. The flight's a mild (and long) inconvenience and expense (OK, big expense) but the experience of being and hunting in Africa simply cannot be replicated here.
Unless you have serious hunting buddies you are thinking of going with, take your wife. And then add some quality touring time either before or after your hunt. There is no way for her to grasp the experiene, whether she hunts or not, without being there.
I was a 'first timer wannabe' at 54 until last month, despite yearning to go there most of my sentient life. You can read my post about the hunt, which lived up to every expectation, but having my spouse-equivalent get interested in the whole thing and join me at the end of the hunt really made it our experience instead of just mine. She was talking about what we might do and see if we can manage a return trip even before we started home.
You've already gotten tons of encouragement and good practical advice from folks here, many of whom provided me the same. You're more than mildly interested or you would not have joined this forum and posed your inquiry. Now keep at it and get there. -WSJ
13 October 2012, 07:58
MJinesCall Steve Turner or Susan with Travel with Guns. They will be a big help. Break the trip over up over several legs and overnight on one of the legs.
Mike
13 October 2012, 10:00
Otjandaue Hunting SafarisCustombolt I've send you a pm.
13 October 2012, 10:34
rnoviMy advice? Enjoy the Dream.
Regards,
Robert
******************************
H4350! It stays crunchy in milk longer!
13 October 2012, 10:56
NakihunterWhen I fly from mew Zealand to india it is a long leg too. Just before one trip I got a pinch in my back & had a buch of physiotherpy execrcises to do. This kept me active during the flight & far lest bored and far less tempted to just drink!
Have a great trip.
"When the wind stops....start rowing. When the wind starts, get the sail up quick."
13 October 2012, 11:03
cal pappasI didn't read the whole thing above so forgive me if this has been mentioned. I use a sleep aid (ambien) on the flights but I avoid jet lag by taking the sleeping pill when it is night where I am going. It's 11 hours of time difference between Alaska and southern Africa and since I've doing the above I am rested when I land and sleep when it's night. No jet lag for me in the last several trips.
Cheers,
Cal
_______________________________
Cal Pappas, Willow, Alaska
www.CalPappas.comwww.CalPappas.blogspot.com1994 Zimbabwe
1997 Zimbabwe
1998 Zimbabwe
1999 Zimbabwe
1999 Namibia, Botswana, Zambia--vacation
2000 Australia
2002 South Africa
2003 South Africa
2003 Zimbabwe
2005 South Africa
2005 Zimbabwe
2006 Tanzania
2006 Zimbabwe--vacation
2007 Zimbabwe--vacation
2008 Zimbabwe
2012 Australia
2013 South Africa
2013 Zimbabwe
2013 Australia
2016 Zimbabwe
2017 Zimbabwe
2018 South Africa
2018 Zimbabwe--vacation
2019 South Africa
2019 Botswana
2019 Zimbabwe vacation
2021 South Africa
2021 South Africa (2nd hunt a month later)
______________________________
14 October 2012, 01:08
customboltquote:
Originally posted by Otjandaue Hunting Safaris:
Custombolt I've send you a pm.
PMessage read and I did take a look at the Website. Thank you.
Life itself is a gift. Live it up if you can.
14 October 2012, 01:23
customboltWow! Thanks everyone for the wishes and suggestions. I went to AAA travel here yesterday and they said they don't assist with hunting trips. Oh well. A slick total package would have been nice. Certainly isn't that easy for hunting trips. I did manage to find rules for firearms /import registration with the Namibian police Service. I'm not saying I'm going there. However, it would fit the bill for what I'd like to hunt. Lots of paperwork involved in this if I take one of my own rifles. Lots ot think about. Sincerely....Thanks everyone. Ray
Life itself is a gift. Live it up if you can.
14 October 2012, 02:09
Bwana338Ray
Check with Gracy travel international 800-299-8558 They will assist you with your rifle paperwork and have a meet and greet person in South Africa...most of this is free with your ticket purchase...
I use the VIP service this year and was walked to the front of the line while going through customs and was moved to the front of the line in the rifle permit room...was then taken to the motel and meet in the AM and taken back to the airport for my next flight and was taken step by step through the process...all the bugger with a hand out was by passed...worth the money...can you say sweet...
All they need is your passport number, rifle paperwork, your invitation letter and they do the rest...
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
"You've got the strongest hand in the world. That's right. Your hand. The hand that marks the ballot. The hand that pulls the voting lever. Use it, will you" John Wayne
14 October 2012, 02:50
dande_jacktry Gravol, I took one in Edmonton Alberta and slept until I was over the Sahara.
14 October 2012, 04:50
pagosawingnutAfter reading all the posts, weighing the options, DON"T GO!!!!!
Remeber you still have the same long flight home and there is always the nagging feeling in the front of your mind that you ARE GOING BACK!
Instead, just send me the money that you would have spent and I will take lots of pictures, shoot some of the wonderful trophies that you wanted me to shoot( I promise to send you pics of them), have the great time that you would miss out on because you are dreading the long flight. (If it will help you make up your mind about sending me money, I can outline the LONGGGGG, BORING, MONOTONOUS flight)
Seriously, The flight can be broken up by any good travel agent. I personally hate the travel time probably more than you do but the suggestions from the members here are great. I personally break my flight out of the US up into travel into Frankfurt and then on to Johannesburg. You end up with 2 9 1/2 hour flights and a decent layover to relax, shop, wander.
And to end, if you still can't talk yourself into the best time of your life, go ahead and send me the money...............
14 October 2012, 13:10
shakariMy advice would be not to sweat the flight at all. I appreciate it's a really shite journey but it's just something you and everyone else has to accept as part of the process.
Better to focus on doing your research properly so you get the right safari for your needs, tastes & finances. If you get that right, the flight will seem like a breeze.
14 October 2012, 16:04
bwana cecilDANGITMANJUSTGO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
LORD, let my bullets go where my crosshairs show.
Not all who wander are lost.
NEVER TRUST A FART!!!
Cecil Leonard
15 October 2012, 00:25
Mike_DettorreBring less equipment and more money
MikeLegistine actu quod scripsi?
Never under estimate the internet community's ability to reply to your post with their personal rant about their tangentially related, single occurrence issue.
What I have learned on AR, since 2001:
1. The proper answer to: Where is the best place in town to get a steak dinner? is…You should go to Mel's Diner and get the fried chicken.
2. Big game animals can tell the difference between .015 of an inch in diameter, 15 grains of bullet weight, and 150 fps.
3. There is a difference in the performance of two identical projectiles launched at the same velocity if they came from different cartridges.
4. While a double rifle is the perfect DGR, every 375HH bolt gun needs to be modified to carry at least 5 down.
5. While a floor plate and detachable box magazine both use a mechanical latch, only the floor plate latch is reliable. Disregard the fact that every modern military rifle uses a detachable box magazine.
6. The Remington 700 is unreliable regardless of the fact it is the basis of the USMC M40 sniper rifle for 40+ years with no changes to the receiver or extractor and is the choice of more military and law enforcement sniper units than any other rifle.
7. PF actions are not suitable for a DGR and it is irrelevant that the M1, M14, M16, & AK47 which were designed for hunting men that can shoot back are all PF actions.
8. 95 deg F in Africa is different than 95 deg F in TX or CA and that is why you must worry about ammunition temperature in Africa (even though most safaris take place in winter) but not in TX or in CA.
9. The size of a ding in a gun's finish doesn't matter, what matters is whether it’s a safe ding or not.
10. 1 in a row is a trend, 2 in a row is statistically significant, and 3 in a row is an irrefutable fact.
11. Never buy a WSM or RCM cartridge for a safari rifle or your go to rifle in the USA because if they lose your ammo you can't find replacement ammo but don't worry 280 Rem, 338-06, 35 Whelen, and all Weatherby cartridges abound in Africa and back country stores.
12. A well hit animal can run 75 yds. in the open and suddenly drop with no initial blood trail, but the one I shot from 200 yds. away that ran 10 yds. and disappeared into a thicket and was not found was lost because the bullet penciled thru. I am 100% certain of this even though I have no physical evidence.
13. A 300 Win Mag is a 500 yard elk cartridge but a 308 Win is not a 300 yard elk cartridge even though the same bullet is travelling at the same velocity at those respective distances.
15 October 2012, 04:21
customboltYou guys are great. I appreciate all the help, encouragement, wit and wisdom. Hopefully some day (soon) my hot button will light up and I'll know just where I want to go and how to get there with the least amount of undue stress. Good day, evening to all.
Life itself is a gift. Live it up if you can.
17 October 2012, 04:38
Wendell Reichquote:
Originally posted by TerryR:
The flight is a pain, but well worth it. Get a kindle, download a bunch of books and read. Watch movies. Take ambien and sleep. Upgrade to business for more room. Take your Ipad with movies and music on it.
Don't hesitate, there are lots of strategies for passing the time. All you have to worry about is going over, you'll spend the trip back planning your next one.
Ummm ... what he said. Especially Ambien.
29 October 2012, 23:15
customboltThanks. Definitely need something. My Wife just went to Australia and she didn't take anything. The 14 hour trip was brutal.
Life itself is a gift. Live it up if you can.
30 October 2012, 02:06
ravenrOct 9th 2012
I had never been to Africa,I can't say that now.
All of your question will be answered here.
The flight is a pain but bearable with meds.
Yes on getting up and moving around,yes on C. socks,reading material.....
Especially Yes on leaving the impatience at
home, the adventure starts when you lock your door and it isn't all going to happen the way you "think" it should but I promise you, the trigger pulling is the least of the stimulus.
You will be overwhelmed,overjoyed,overcome
and enchanted by the entire experience.
Don't wait another minute wondering and worrying. Do it NOW!!!!!!
30 October 2012, 02:28
clayman216Do NOT keep yourself from an African safari due to that issue. I will assure you that if you are a hunter it will be the most memorable of your hunts and an experience like no other. Get some sleeping pills, fly through Frankfurt, and condition yourself mentally and you will be fine. After you do it one time you will kick yourself for waiting !
30 October 2012, 03:28
boltshooterquote:
Originally posted by custombolt:
Yeah. I'm a new guy on here and after reading about others going hunting to Africa, I'm re-considering the trip.
Welcome,
But just a wee bit of advice on your typing skills and I quote "I'm re-considering the trip."
ONCE YOU GO, THERE WILL BE TRIPS. THIS IS NOT A ONE TIME FUNCTION; Just ask anyone who has ever been to The Continent.
Enjoy