First off, I would like to thank all of you for the great posts on this forum. Secondly, I was hoping to ask a few questions about Africa. I recently booked my first trip over there (South Africa) for plains game.
My outfitter has been very helpful so far and has helped me out a lot. Having said this, I would still like to get some advice/opinions on the trip. Thanks in advance.

1- Rifle- Should I go through the hassle of taking my rifle?

2- Travel. This is the stage we are in now. I have read about Gracy travel. Should I use a travel agency or do it on my own???

3- What do you wish you did, but did not do, on your 1st trip to Africa??

BTW, I am going the first two weeks of July. I will be hunting Eland, Kudu, Wildebeest, Warthog, and I will probably add a few others. A lot of my questions have already been answered; due to these forums!!

I would prefer by own rifle, but since we were connecting through London I decided not to take one.

We were traveling on airline miles. Only reason for connecting through London. I just don't see the need for a travel agent going to South Africa.

I wish we had extended the trip a few day. We spent the first few days in Kruger Park so I ended up with less hunting days that I had planned on.

A common tip on this forum is take less clothes and more money. That is a truism that can not be stated often enough.

One more tip. Be flexible on your trophies. Our time in Kruger Park was great for looking over potential alternate animals. You could kick yourself later if a absolutely perfect Gemsbok presents itself, you pass it up and then don't get one of the animals on your wish list.

My friends use Gracey Travel all the time and swear by them. I used them for all the details of my upcoming trip to So. Africa. Shawn has been wonderful to work with.

Great advice; thanks. When i first started shopping for plane tickets, I thought I could get one ticket for my 160,000 sky miles. I am finding out that I am about halfway there with those miles.

I like your idea of being flexible on the tropies. I'll definately go there with an open mind!

Jason

The relatively minor hassle of taking your guns is far, far outweighed by the benefit of taking your own rifle(s). The paperwork is not that bad.

I have been to SA 3 times to hunt. Brought my rifle the 1st time and used my PH's the other 2. After 17 hours on a plane the last thing I want to do is spend 2 hours in JNB airport clearing my rifle and getting permits. Unless you have to have "the" rifle in hand to pet while you display your trophies it's not worth the bother.

As far as air travel, you have basicaly 2 choices. SAA through Dakar or Delta direct. I've done both and much prefer the Delta direct. It cuts at least 2 hours off the travel time.

The only recomendations I can give you re don't over pack and do as much as you can possibly can while you are there. Don't have any regrets about I wish I would have......

It's a great experience. Enjoy it and savor it!!

Jason,

1.There is no reason to not take your own rifle. I think it is a mistake to depend on the outfitter having good rifles and scopes to rent or lend.

2. Use Gracy Travel and they will not only arrange your flgihts but walk you though all the gun issues making it all seamless.

3. I wish I had taken the leopard that was offered to me. Go with an open mind and go with the flow.

Mark

Take your own rifle(s). Just fill out the paperwork prior to your trip and things are pretty seemless.

Make sure you take extra money for species you hadn't planned on. You'll get over there and see something that had never crossed your mind before and on the plane ride home think, "I wish I would have taken that XYZ."

I've done both regarding the use of a travel agent and really don't have a preference one way or the other.

Remember to go with the flow, you're on safari!!!

Ck out Steve at Travel with Guns. he used to run Gracy's
Take your own gun
Steve has the SA gun permit downloaded easy to fill out
Remember its Africa not all things go as planned
Fly BC your ass will thank you.
other options flying to SA are through Parris
Germany and there are others.
Steve can help you with your points you may can get a full fair coach ticket and upgrade to business with points.

I've used loaner firearms twice, a shotgun in RSA and a Rem 700 custom in New Zealand. Both times they were poorly maintained and failed at critical times. Take your own firearms.

Many years ago while on my first safari I passed on a magnificent Kudu in the East Cape because I had one on reserve in Zim and not in RSA. Discuss the issues of "other" animals with your PH/Outfitter prior to your first day in the field.

I've always booked my own trips to Africa since I had a major agent lie to me about fees early on. Contact Air 2000 if you want meet & greet and pre-clearance of your firearms at JNB.

Plan what animals do you want to hunt and on wish list. Since I was there, RSA I wished I did at least 10 hunting days and travel day for arrival and a few to tour also.
Take your rifle and use a firearm clearing company in RSA, painless. Take enough gun like a 300win or a 338.
Take some ambien pills for sleeping aid. Upon arrival in RSA do not take a nap. stay up till after dinner and pill and bed.
8 hours good sleep.
Ask all the questions you want and don't shoot if you are not comfortable.
Any glitches, my wife and I look at each other and say its Africa!!! and laugh.

Mike

Wow!!!

I am amazed at all the advice! It is very much appreciated. If any of you ever have any questions about hunting the West; especially Utah; I would be happy to re-pay you!

My gun is a 300 Win Mag and I think it would work well for my intentions.

Its hard to contain my excitement for something that I thought was unrealistic a few years back. I have finally decided that there is never a perfect time to do anything and me and my wife are just going to go....

We will hunt for 10 full days, 2 days for pick up and drop off, and another day for Kruger National Park. I have been on some amazing deer, elk, antelope, and free ranging bison hunts. However, I do not think anything will compare to Africa. At least thats what everyone tells me lol..

Thanks again for all the help and keep it coming. I am all ears!

Take your own Gun, Have Fun, DONT take a Tape measure with you, Enjoy "the total experience"not the Size of the Horn. Watch & marvel at the skills of the trackers.I have used Gracy several Times , no regrets.

Congrats again. Nice to see you on here now, and soaking up the experience. Like everyone else before has stated, enjoy every part of the experience! The 300 is a great choice, because it is familiar and you probably shoot it well. Remember, if you mark it up - you bought it!

1. Take your own rifle. It won't be your last trip over there, so you might as well get used to the forms, airline requirements, etc.

2. Use Gracy, or Kathi or one of the other good agents -- DO NOT -- try to make the travel arrangements, visas, shot records, rifle permits in various countries, etc., yourself. Hire a professional and you will be grateful for it.

3. On a first trip, shoot every "representative" trophy you have any interest in. Don't get picky and shoot some stuff you wouldn't normally have been intersted in.

Don't worry. You'll be back and can better those first trip trophies. But you can't ever unpass a shot at something you wish you had taken.

Have fun.

I took my own gun, but I enjoy rifles. I think it's a personal choice, but I've never had good luck with borrowed guns. Can't comment on Gracy, I've only gone once, that's not enough experience to give good advice.
Take a spare camera to give to your PH and tell him to take a few pictures when the mood strikes him. Take a little extra time to see the country and the people. There is a lot more to Africa than hunting and animals. Don't forget to take a good attitude and plan on having a good time.
Bfly

Thanks again. Along with all the other advice, giving my PH a camera to take pictures with is something I would not have thought of.

Blank: I didn't know you was from IF. My in-laws own Hart Photography. I love it up there!

I think I have decided to take one gun, my 300.

As with others, I've used Gracy with excellent results. Both Shawn and Debbie provided first class service, but admittedly, my trips were a bit more complicated than just a ride down to RSA.

And I always take my own rifles. I know what they will do.

Have fun and get ready for the next trip.

My comments are below in RED.

quote:

Originally posted by Jason P:
First off, I would like to thank all of you for the great posts on this forum. Secondly, I was hoping to ask a few questions about Africa. I recently booked my first trip over there (South Africa) for plains game.
My outfitter has been very helpful so far and has helped me out a lot. Having said this, I would still like to get some advice/opinions on the trip. Thanks in advance.

1- Rifle- Should I go through the hassle of taking my rifle? ONLY IF YOU WANT TO USE YOUR OWN RIFLE. I SURE AS HELL DO, SO I ALWAYS TAKE MY OWN. DEPENDING ON A BORROWED RIFLE IS TOO RISKY, IMHO, AND FOR ME UNSATISFYING. I'M A RIFLEMAN AS MUCH AS A HUNTER, AND SO I SIMPLY HAVE TO USE MY OWN RIFLES.

2- Travel. This is the stage we are in now. I have read about Gracy travel. Should I use a travel agency or do it on my own??? I ALWAYS USE A TRAVEL AGENT, WHERE AFRICAN TRAVEL IS CONCERNED. TOO MUCH CAN GO WRONG. THE BEST LAID PLANS GANG AFT AGLEY, WHICH IS TO SAY, REQUIRE ADJUSTMENT ON THE FLY. TRAVEL AGENTS ARE PROFESSIONALS, AND THEIR SERVICES ARE WELL WORTH THE FEES, IMHO.

3- What do you wish you did, but did not do, on your 1st trip to Africa?? IF TIME AND MONEY PERMIT, ALLOW EXTRA TIME FOR NON-HUNTING ACTIVITIES.

BTW, I am going the first two weeks of July. I will be hunting Eland, Kudu, Wildebeest, Warthog, and I will probably add a few others. A lot of my questions have already been answered; due to these forums!! BEST OF LUCK AND ABOVE ALL ELSE, HAVE FUN!

Very important do not ovedue it on the taxidemry yes its your first of everything but believe me when that bill comes home you will say well maybe I didnt need to get everything mounted.

Especially on cheaper game like impala and wartghog unless its a top trophy do euro mounts and flatskins saves space and money for your next trip.

Take good pics blow them up and hang them under your euro mounts.

quote:

Originally posted by Black Fly:

"...Take a spare camera to give to your PH and tell him to take a few pictures when the mood strikes him... Take a little extra time to see the country and the people. There is a lot more to Africa than hunting and animals. Don't forget to take a good attitude and plan on having a good time..."
Bfly

The second camera idea for the PH is brilliant if they will play along with you. You might get some great shots of things you didn't even know about.

Some of my favorite photos were taken by my hunting partners!

I ALWAYS tell people to see more of the country. Make the time to do this.

Always use a specialist travel agent,their back up while you are traveling is priceless if something goes wrong!

Les

Thanks, Many of you have suggested to make it more than just a hunting trip. This for me is an absolute must. Not only for me, but for my wife. As this trips main focus is hunting, we will still make as much effort as possible to experience other things as well.

Great, great advice. I wish I would have started on this form looong ago...

quote:

Originally posted by Jason P:
First off, I would like to thank all of you for the great posts on this forum. Secondly, I was hoping to ask a few questions about Africa. I recently booked my first trip over there (South Africa) for plains game.
My outfitter has been very helpful so far and has helped me out a lot. Having said this, I would still like to get some advice/opinions on the trip. Thanks in advance.

1- Rifle- Should I go through the hassle of taking my rifle?

Take it, there's nothing like the memory of looking at that rifle and knowing what you did with it when you get back. It's just not that big of a deal to get through JNB.

2- Travel. This is the stage we are in now. I have read about Gracy travel. Should I use a travel agency or do it on my own???

I'd recommend it with the help they'll provide in getting your gun through. I believe they'll have a rep at the airport who of course knows the ins/outs as well as the officers at the SAPS office.

3- What do you wish you did, but did not do, on your 1st trip to Africa??

BTW, I am going the first two weeks of July. I will be hunting Eland, Kudu, Wildebeest, Warthog, and I will probably add a few others. A lot of my questions have already been answered; due to these forums!!

Perfect time to be there, that's when I went last year. It will be cool weather and well that's the type of weather I prefer to hunt in. I would recommend more than a day at Kruger. There is a lot to see in the park itself as well as private game reserves bordering on the west side of the park.

Seeing how you live in Utah, I'm going to presume you will be flying out of SLC. If so, that's perfect as it is one of Delta's hubs with I'm sure plenty of flights leaving for Atlanta from where you can fly directly to JNB. So for you I'd recommend flying out of SLC early in the day for the evening flight out of Atlanta. Yes, I would maximize my layover in Atlanta for the simple reason that if something happens to your flight from SLC there's a backup to catch other flights later in the day. This is what I did last year leaving from Phoenix. You're not going to be able to sleep anyway so you should just as well start the vacation as early in the day as possible.

Atlanta is as I'm sure you know a very large airport with as much to do as any other airport. So if you get to Atlanta early in the day with a long layover, just kick back, relax and know that your dream vacation has begun. The alternative is to be sitting at home anxiously awaiting for your dream vacation to begin worrying about whether your flight is going to leave SLC on time.

If you've not invested in digital SLR camera gear, now is an excellent excuse to do so. A laptop computer is also not a bad idea as you can download your photos and use it to also keep a journal. If you do this, don't delete your photos of the memory cards (which you should bring 2 or 3 of), this way you'll have two backups of your photos.

Lastly back to travel, if you do the Delta flight to JNB from Atlanta, you'll arrive at roughly 5-6pm in the evening, so an overnight in Jo'burg will be in order. The Afton Guest House is a good choice for this, they cater to hunters. It is close to the airport, reasonably priced, clean and they serve a fine breakfast in the morning. Dinner is a little pricy but is good. The owner's son typically comes in for the evening meal and prepares steaks or chops on the outdoor grill aka braai in South Africa. My wife and I enjoyed our stay there. It is as the name suggests a house in a neighborhood. After the long flight while waiting for your dinner, you stretch your legs and get plenty of air while roaming the backyard/garden.

Take LOTS of pictures. Good acvice to take a laptop and download (or download them onto your ipod). Have fun.

Here are a few other tips:
1. Wear an outfit you could hunt in on the trip over including boots and pack another change of clothese in your carry on. Put slippers in your carry on and change from your boots when on the plane. This way you'll still have clothes if your luggage is delayed.

2. Don't pack any valuable items in your luggage. Carry on only.

3. Put half your ammo in your companions bags and half of his in yours. That way you'll both have ammo if one bag is delayed.

4. Make sure you have some ambien or other sleep medication for the long flight.

5. Wear a travel/tactical vest and put as much heavy stuff in there as you can. The vest goes in the overhead as soon as you board the plane. This will help you avoid additional luggage fees.

6. Don't buy anything at the shope in the Joberg airport. Everything is overpriced.

7. Take a small canvas carry on bag with you. Put all the stuff (ammo, camera, sunglasses) etc. in that bag when hunting. That way you can just grap your bag and gun in the AM and head to the PH's truck. Saves having your stuff all over the PH's vehicle.

8. Take a roll up (I use bore stores)gun case with you. Keeps your gun from getting beat up in the truck.

I suggest that you do take your own rifle. When you take aim at your first strange animal, in a strange country, jet lagged, with witnesses looking on, it is good to have something in your hands that you are familiar with.
Don't spit in the eye of the hunting Gods: I passed on a 56 inch kudu once, wasn't hunting kudu, ended up not taking the wildebeest that I wanted, nor the kudu that the hunting Gods sent my way.
Take a journal and write down your observations, feelings, etc each night. You will read it more ofter than you think.
Remember that efficiency is not an African word; roll with the punches and enjoy the adventure.

Take your own rifle(s) and make sure to shoot often before you go and preferably off sticks. If you go back and you will - you may try dangeroud game and I myself think it foolish to trust my life and possibly that of others to a borrowed gun that is not known by me to be RELIABLE & ACCURATE.

Use a reliable agent its worth any minor extra expense & may even save you money & will save time & trouble.

Take as many photos as you can, you cant take enough.

Leave tape measure at home - enjoy the HUNT and the total experience.

Prepare yourself and be in good physical condition and you will enjoy it even more.

Dont bring too much gear or stuff you can travel lighter than you think.

Ask as many questions as you can before you go so you are prepared and confident - this forum is a valuable tool.

ENJOY EVERY MINUTE OF YOUR SAFARI - there will be many people trying hard to make sure you do.

DO NOT GO TO AFRICA!!! You will never be the same.

quote:

Originally posted by Safari-Hunt:
Very important do not ovedue it on the taxidemry yes its your first of everything but believe me when that bill comes home you will say well maybe I didnt need to get everything mounted.

Especially on cheaper game like impala and wartghog unless its a top trophy do euro mounts and flatskins saves space and money for your next trip.

Take good pics blow them up and hang them under your euro mounts.

I fully agree with Fred, after paying for a good bit of taxidermy from my trip with him and Charl, I'm doing mostly Euro mounts next time! Also, I've run out of room. My wife says my little trophy room looks like an overstocked museum.

This of course does not apply to special animals like Nyala or exceptional specimens.

Before you take too much extra gear talk to your PH and people that have hunted with your PH. We found our PH had a better camera than we do. He has a laptop. He added a folder for our photos and copied his and our memory cards to that folder each day. I carried some blank DVD's and at the end he copied all of our photos to DVD's. He had hundreds of candid photos of us when we were just enjoying the trip. Those photos are better than the posed ones.

Who are you hunting with?

1. Bring your own gun.
2. Yes, use Gracy Travel.
3. I wish I would have left my tape measure home on my first trip.

Where are you going to? Certain parts of our country get down right silly cold in winter!

Take one set of warm clothes that you can easily take off, like a propper thick jacket, gloves and some decent head gear. It can be freezing cold in the mornings when you drive out of camp on the back of the bakkie (truck).

Have a fantastic trip, and remember.....Aim low and aim slow.....!!!!

Work things out with your bank how to make a wire transfer of funds while you are there. It amazes me sometimes what is offered at bargain prices because it is still on quota.
Be open minded on what animals to take. On my first trip I passed a genet because it wasn't on my list. Haven't seen one since. I passed on a record class reed buck because it wasn't on my list and shot an average impala. I spent a lot of time on subsequent trips getting a reed buck that wasn't as good. Be flexible with what your target animals are.
In SA I would definitely take my own gun. I have had more long range shots in SA than anywhere else in Africa. I always ask what the camp guns are and only once has the outfitter had a gun I thought was suitable. Lots of low magnification and low end scopes!

Again, I amazed at the advice I have received. I checked two travel agencies and although both would most likely be fine, I was very impressed with the professionalism and courtesy of "Travel with Guns". I will be using them and taking my gun.

Infiniti:

I'll be hunting in the Limpopo region. I realize it might be cold. I'm not too worried about since I have Bern suffering through -30 degree temps here at home! But I do appreciate the heads up and will prepare accordingly.

I'll be hunting with Motshwere Safaris. I have spoke with the owner several times received good references, and am impressed with what they
have to offer. I only wish I would have signed up on Accurate Reloading years ago!

This is an absolute dream hunt/experience that I never thought would be possible. It will be hard to wait until July!

Jason, I'm no expert and have only one trip to Africa under my belt, but...I see from your location that you are accustomed to the cold, so take all the warnings of freezing temps with a grain of salt. After all, most of them are coming from thin-blooded southern Yankees, and the apparently-even-more-thin-blooded Africans themselves. (Relax, guys...just kidding! )

I took a compressible down jacket that I never wore and left with the PH at the end of the trip. It seemed to be cool only in the early mornings, and I found the locals were bundling up as though we were assaulting Everest while I was bemoaning the fact that I had to wear long sleeves instead of a t-shirt (I sunburn easily, and was using doxycycline which exacerbates the problem). I was starting to wonder if African Musk Ox might be a possible trophy. A fleece sweater, perhaps an uninsulated windbreaker, and a polypro watch cap and gloves will keep you warm, weigh nothing, pack down tight and small, and can be left behind. I never even took my gloves and hat out of the duffel.

I am jealous...you are sooooo going to have a great time!

John

Jason/jwm - There is definitely a lot of difference in peoples definition of "cold/cool" weather. I ALWAYS pack a down vest or jacket that compresses on most EVERY hunt I go on. Usually never take them out of the duffle. It was -16 degress below 0 Faren a couple of weeks ago here at 8,500 feet in the Jemez Mountains of NM. So I guess it's what one is used to that makes a difference? Have to agree that a lot of the Southern folks tend to whine the most about this chilly condition situation.

Larry Sellers
SCI Life Member

Hi Larry:

Yeah, I guess it comes down to what one is accustomed to doing. I'm actually looking forward to the temps there! We are still freezing here and the lakes have 2 feet+ of ice.

I noticed you are from NM. I'll be heading to your great state this Thursday. I drew a Stallion Range oryx tag.

Once again, thanks!

Jason - Congrats on the Oryx draw/hunt. Are you hunting with a guide or someone who knows the area? The weather looks to be in the mid thirties at night and mid sixtes for the days you will be here. Have a great hunt and let me know with a PM if there are any questions you have about the Oryx hunt. Same goes for your Africa hunt. Been there, done that.

Larry Sellers
SCI Life Member

quote:

Originally posted by Jason P:
Hi Larry:

Yeah, I guess it comes down to what one is accustomed to doing. I'm actually looking forward to the temps there! We are still freezing here and the lakes have 2 feet+ of ice.

I noticed you are from NM. I'll be heading to your great state this Thursday. I drew a Stallion Range oryx tag.

Once again, thanks!

I agree with about everything everyone has said, except: the tape measure idea.

Things I wish I had known for my first trip: That I would be coming back many times. Now that might not be a reality for some people, but if you are big into hunting, and taking paid trips is something you're accustom to...then this will be a destination you will want to experience multiple times!

Meaning, I would be very selective over trophy size. I think often on first time hunts people (myself included) get super excited and start blasting many animals. First time hunts are usually more economical hunts, bc you're looking for deals, and there's many to be had now on plainsgame. SO think about what you're top animals are...then go to the places that will give you the best chance for large trophies. Ask the outfitters what their expectations are for the trophy size, and then make them accountable. Bc, if you're paying 1500 for a kudu trophy, and a they say a trophy is 50", and they tell you to pull the trigger a 45"...I doubt they will give you a break in price! Funny how that works, but they are cool with charging more if it's over 55"...just something to think about!

So if this is a once in a lifetime deal..shoot it all, if not, then definitely look for serious trophy's...I know from experience and from duplicating some animals...looking back some of the first ones, I wish I hadn't of shot!

I think mark said "Never pass on leopard!!!" +1000

Bring your own guns, it's not that big of a deal, I've used custom travel, with Anelise Dubose multiple times, she's out of San Antonio, her family owns the Afton House, make life simple for dealing with joberg.

Go with someone...wife, buddy, gf...it's great to have someone who you can re-tell stories with!