Most of you know that I've hunted with John previously and that I think he's the non-plus-ultra of PHs, so I won't say any more on his qualifications. I will try to give some insight into the entire trip that some of you might deem useful.

First, use a good, africa-experienced travel agent, There are a few, I used Debbie at Gracy Travel and the travel portion of the safari could not have run smoother. I also engaged the services of OPTIMA and that was money well spent. Can you get by without them? I did on my first trip, but between the myriad stories of Jo'Berg regulations, SAA morons, etc, I did not want my bags and guns winding up in bumfuck Egypt. As an aside, there were at lest three hunters on my return flight to the US that hunted with either borrowed clothes or guns for the first few days.

AVOID AT ALL COSTS using SAA as your airline. I've already spewed enough on the shortcomings of the AIRBUS, but the SAA cabin crew was simply atrocious on both flights. Their attitude was curt at best and downright rude at worst and it is obvious that they don't much care to serve us "ex colonials." A scathinbg letter is on the way to SAA BTW on this very subject.

Don't overpack. This of course goes out the window if you're traveling with a female, as my wife deemed it nessesary to "dress for dinner" in the bush. IT does get quite chilly in the am and eves, but nothing a good wool sweater with "windstopper" lining can't handle. Good boots are a must and although I had my Russells with me, I had ordered a pair of COurtneys for me and my wife and they were superb, particularly for Kpje climbing. Bottom line is use Terry Carr's packing list and you'll do just fine. Carry a compass or better a GPS. We had the IDIOT game scout get lost with my wife in tow and a 15 minute walk turned into a two hour search and rescue mission. I WAS NOT HAPPY.

Anyhow, enpugh on that. We had a great, albeit tough hunt with the buffalo, but I have to tell you it was the most rewarding hunt of my life. I PAID for that bull in blood ( my shins were a mess!) toil, tears and sweat to quote Mr. Churchill. I used 400gr Swifts as well as Hornady (old style) solids and they performed admirably as did the 180gr Partitions although I must say that for lighter game, the Hornady 180s seem to anchor the animals faster than the Partitions, lending credence to Roy Weatherbys theory of "shock," at least that was the case with the Warthog, impala, bushbuck and bushpig.

Good binos are a must, the smaller the better. My 10X42 SLCs were great for long distance glassing from the kopjes, but a bitch to carry on prolonged marches. Think I'll get a set of smaller 10x32s since light transmission is not a factor for most african conditions, save of course for leopard/lions off bait at dawn and dusk. PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE off shooting sticks. I got to the point were I flet totally comfortable and it paid off with the 125 yard shot I had to make on that buffalo!

Bring all the money you can, then bring some more! I should have. Bring your wife! even if she isn't a huntress, the "african experience" is beyond description! Well I've rambled enough. please feel free to email or call if you have any specific details that I left out. Good hunting and if you are considring going, do yourself a favor and look into hunting with John. He is just great! jorge

gorge,

Even though I've been over there a few times I do like to hear suggestions from other hunters, thank you, I noticed SAA wasn't "overly" nice also, besides the seat problems.

What kind of Game Scout did you have? Got lost! That's not good, glad to hear your wife got out of it ok!

I used Shawn at "Gracy Travel" this past May trip, I do agree with you, they do a excellent job, my trip was smooth as silk.

Good you had a great trip jorge!!!!!

Jorge:

I sure enjoyed reading your report and I want to thank you for taking the time to share.

What is this OPTIMA you mentioned? I did a search for "optima" and "africa" and "guns" and got a gazillion hits. What is it they do; ensure your guns arrive (or are secured immediately upon landing)?

Russ

jorge,

Thanks for the report, its very interesting....What sort of strap were using on the binos? I bought one of those harness things which spread the weight over your shoulders. They do that quite well and reduce the amount of "swing" when you bending under trees, as well..Somefolks don't like the feel of being "strapped into a harness" but for the price they are, its worth a try..

Did your wife have her own bino's?

Regards,

Pete

Russ: if you do a search here, Terry Carr posted a link to them. It's kind of hard to find on the web as they have a funny way of displaying it. I'll try and find it for you. Basically, they meett you at the gate and escort you to your connection gate or ticket counter, get you checked in and more importantly, they physically sight your bags/guns and ensure thye make the connecting flight.

PeteE: I sued the standard "african carr" where they strap is across my chest and I just swing them up. I tried one of those harnesses but did not like it. Yes, my wife carreid a pair of Cabelas' "Alaskan Guide" 4X42s, which I find them to be a great buy and very ergonomical. Great glass also, I really can't tell the difference. jorge

Jorge,

I'll admit, I've still not made up my mid about the harness as yet...

In hindsight, considering the way we hunted in RSA and the frequency the bino's were used, I think the African carry might have been a less complicated solution that would have worked just as well... I actually think the harness might better suit the style of stalking we do here in the UK, but the jury is still out on that as yet..

One of the PH's did a interesting modification to the standard African Carry.

He had a small loop of para cord hanging from the centre hinge of the bino near the front...He carried the binos in the standard African carry so they were over his shoulder/across his chest and rested by has waist/hip...

There on his belt he had a little "dog clip" which he could clip that loop into...It stopped the bino's swinging when he crawled and also I assume took some of the weight off the neck/shoulder...He simply had to click back the clip when he wanted to raise his bino's..

Regards,

Pete

Russ

At the top of the page go to the third burtom from the left, go to FIND. Click on it, then go to ADVANCED SEARCH, it'll open another window. You then type the word "Optima" and you'll find what you're looking for.

quote:

Originally posted by Russell E. Taylor:

What is this OPTIMA you mentioned? I did a search for "optima" and "africa" and "guns" and got a gazillion hits.
Russ

I'd imagine you can thank Beretta for quite few of them probably being on Optima chokes

I enjoyed your story and tips. Thanks! It`s much needed for a "beginner" like my self..

Thanks for the information and tips.

jorge

Good information, well presented. Glad your safari turned out well. Post some pictures when you have time.

CFA

Jorge:
Post some Pictures please?

Dave

Guys: go over to the Africa Hunting Forum here: https://forums.accuratereloading.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/1411043/m/428107092. I posted several pics and stories there. jorge

jorge,
As usual your assumptions are correct..I would add that the Hornadys are a good bullet, but if you have to poke one up the bum then the Noslers shine better, and that can easily happen so you made the correct choice...A little run hurts nothing as long as you have blood...

I might also add that after years of playing the binocular game, I finally settled on a pair of Leica 8x32s and been happy as a pig in poop with them...easy of hold off hand and that counts for a lot with me when hunting buff and plainsgame in Africa...

The old Hornady solids were a good solid, hope the new encapsulated are as good, always bothers me when these guys fix something that ain't broke!!!

I personally don't share your feelings for the Swift A frame bullets, prefering the Woodliegh softs, Noslers, GS Customs, and Northforks..but I suppose thats what makes a horse race, dog fight or why blondes have more fun!

Congrats on the hunt and where are the pics?

Ray: thanks for the comments and I also respect your predilection for Woodleighs if you look at the post directly above yours, there's a link to my post with pictures. Regardless, here's the buff jorge