The Accurate Reloading Forums THE ACCURATE RELOADING.COM FORUMS Hunting Hunting Reports - Africa What little things did you notice in Camp?Outfitters, Take Notes!Go | New | Find | Notify | Tools | Reply | |
| What little things did you notice in Camp?Outfitters, Take Notes! | Login/Join |
One of Us |
While staying in a Bush Camp in Tanzania when we were woke up in the morning the staff would give us a tray with Coffee and Tea. That way they new we were awake and had our morning Coffee. Later when we were ready to go we put our Guncases and Kit outside our tent and the staff would make sure all was loaded on the hunting vechicle while we had breakfast. In RSA and Namibia I was shown were I could make my own Coffee as i am a early riser. Little things like this helped make things even more enjoyable. Can any of you folks add to this? | ||
|
One of Us |
1. A cold beer in a bowl of ice and some biltong and peanuts on the table by your chair, a canvas sink with water and cloth towel and a fire going when you first get out of the Cruiser in the evening. The book I left on my bedside table, my reading glasses, a cigar and an ashtray by the peanuts, too! 2. A spotting scope set up to view game in the river plain in front of the camp 3. both a bench rest and a standing rest for checking gun accuracy 4. An ice machine or often refilled bowl of ice 5. lit lanterns so you can see up and down the path to your tent 6. multiple choices of wines at dinner 7. table napkins in different folded designs each night (don't know why I like that, but it is fun to speculate if I'd have a rabbit or a flower or a turkey). The guy at Deka is a master napkin folder! 8. Staff gathering to wish us well each morning when you leave camp... and assembled when you return 8. Sat phone for a reasonable price 9. fishing gear available if near a river 10. If not on a power grid, no generater at night. Batteries charged while away hunting so no noise at night. 11. Real coffee!!!! 12. Amazingly white and healthy teeth surrounded by a honest smile on a coal black face.... and a genuinely sincere desire to please. (Good food, comfortable quarters, decent booze/wine are very important, but a staff that busts their butts for you and have a good attitude about it is one of the best parts of the safari experience, IMHO). JudgeG ... just counting time 'til I am again finding balm in Gilead chilled out somewhere in the Selous. | |||
|
| One of Us |
Judge, You are dead on. That is why I like Africa better than hunting in North America. I would add - 1. They are nice to my wife and daughter. 2. The trackers and spotters hand my rifle to me when getting out of the truck like is was worth a million dollars. 3. Clean clothes each day. | |||
|
one of us |
Ernest, C'mon buddy, I know what you were looking at with my spotting scope and it wasn't game!  More seriously, The one thing I notice most camps lack is rifle racks in the tents. It always suprises me that so many people know clients are going to be coming in with very expensive rifles and then expect them to be content with proping them up in the corner where they might get damaged. | |||
|
| One of Us |
Steve: Of course you are talking about the topless Russian woman on the other side of the Ruaha. Damdedest thing I ever saw. No one would believe us if we told them about it. JudgeG ... just counting time 'til I am again finding balm in Gilead chilled out somewhere in the Selous. | |||
|
One of Us |
So JudgeG just curious but the Rusian women,were they Rowland and Ward or SCI quality or merely representative quality?? Also do you and the PH discuss possible mounts for those trophies?? As I said just curious. Thanks Wesley | |||
|
| One of Us |
Guns wiped down at the end of the day Properly sorted laundry, I prefer my own skidmarks. Judge, Those were intepretors... Jeff | |||
|
| one of us |
Ernest, You're dead right there. No one but no one would believe how stunning she was huh! Wes We discussed possible, probable and improbable mounts extensively! With a great deal of hilarity!  | |||
|
| One of Us |
Here's what happened: I was on a 10 day hunt in the Selous with Pierr'e van Tonder. Sharing the camp was Steve and his two clients. For some reason, we all ended back in camp that day for lunch and we sat down to some delight that Moses had prepared. Steve had left a spotting scope on a tripod which we had been using to look at hippo and crocs in the river (and a bushbuck or two). As we were awaiting the food, we noticed that Trigger, the sales manager for Westley Richards (London) hadn't made it to the table but was looking through the scope. We noticed his intensity and aske what he saw. He replied, "A naked white woman." We brushed him off and started to eat... he didn't come. Finally I got up and asked if I could look. No crap!... there was a woman with tiny shorts on and no top with a fishing pole on a rock on the far bank... alone, so far as we could tell. She had blonde hair in pigtails if I remember correctly. After about 5 minutes, she walked back in the bush and we never saw her again.... but we looked every day, you betchya! Only the next year at Dallas Safari Club did I find out for sure what was going on. The concession across the river had a camp about two miles down stream. The woman, "an interpreter" for some Russian clients, on some days didn't go hunting, so she'd stay in camp. To the severe distress of the black guys, she had the habit of walking around the camp half-dressed. The PH, of course, couldn't get his staff to do much while she was parading around, so he got her to walk down the river and do her sunbathing, fishing, etc. out of sight of his folks... with a askari with her, of course, but out of sight of us. I was telling the story on one of the aisles at the convention and a PH from the "lady's" camp heard me and gave me the explanation of who she was and why she was "banned" from exposing herself to his staff.... and how it came about that she gave us a little show that day at lunch. I think a couple of guys who post on AR heard my tale of the naked white woman in the Selous and also the explanation of the PH??? JudgeG ... just counting time 'til I am again finding balm in Gilead chilled out somewhere in the Selous. | |||
|
| One of Us |
Larry you may hunted with 3rd class Outfitts... Seloushunter Nec Timor Nec Temeritas | |||
|
one of us |
Upon returning to camp, a basin of warm water, soap and a fingernail brush. "There are worse memorials to a life well-lived than a pair of elephant tusks." Robert Ruark | |||
|
| One of Us |
No, I just like to get up early and watch the Sun come up in Africa without distrubing anyone. | |||
|
| One of Us |
Where can I sign up? | |||
|
| one of us |
Ernest, Those little niceties are what makes safari what it is. These are the details that are often missed by safari operators but not by the clients. Once you've been in a PROPER camp all else pales by comparison. I think every safari operator should do himself a favor and book a safari in East Africa just to see how it should be done. As a safari client one should be made to feel special and not just a guy paying to follow his guide around. Most of your very well thought out points actually cost the safari operator very little but go very far to make client comfortable. Mark MARK H. YOUNG MARK'S EXCLUSIVE ADVENTURES 7094 Oakleigh Dr. Las Vegas, NV 89110 Office 702-848-1693 Cell, Whats App, Signal 307-250-1156 PREFERRED E-mail markttc@msn.com Website: myexclusiveadventures.com Skype: markhyhunter Check us out on https://www.facebook.com/pages...ures/627027353990716 | |||
|
| One of Us |
I could not agree more--doing this makes the client think he is the focus of the safari rather than horning on on a relationship between other folks!!!!!!!!!!!! Bob Clark | |||
|
| One of Us |
This past year in Zim. a couple of hammocks in the shade would have been a much better to take a mid afternoon nap than in our cabins. | |||
|
| One of Us |
All good and true. I am a pretty down to earth client looking only for a good hunt in a safe camp with a clean kitchen. But the extras are what makes the experience special. I'd only add that clients can also make or break the experience. Yes, we are paying customers but those we are paying are humans too. Treat the staff well and you'll be surprised what a difference it will make. 114-R10David | |||
|
One of Us |
Very bad form to speak Afrikaans around a client. Or German. Had it happen with a whole crew of South Africans including 2 PHs, the landowner, his friends, etc. Went on all day and into the evening. It is the difference between farmers who want to make money off foreigners and professional hunters. ______________________________ "Are you gonna pull them pistols,...or whistle Dixie??" Josie Wales 1866 | |||
|
One of Us |
1. Hot sauce, nothing like an assortment of Tabasco, Piri Piri and other hot sauces to liven dinner time up. 2. A portable frig that runs off a car battery to keep the beer cold for the drive back to camp in the evening.  Mike | |||
|
One of Us |
Koeksister , rusks and good coffee in the morning. Also enjoyed the warm welcome from Sheena, our ridgeback guard dog. Slept in front of our door everynight. Come to think about it now , maybe she was there to keep us in until we paid the bill ? hmm. will have to ask my ph that one. Africa Bug " Embrace the bite , live for adventure " EJ Carter 2011 | |||
|
One of Us |
Mopane smoke, snacks and drinks around the fire after hunting all day, bed turned down every night and made every morning, clothes (including your underwear) ironed by the heat of hot coals, "good" items you've thrown in the garbage rescued by the staff and placed with your personal items due to their thinking you've accidentally disposed of them, Big smiles, Silence, Local fare, Flower arrangements on bed, dining table, in chalet. Will J. Parks, III | |||
|
| one of us |
I guess I'm way too plebian for the likes of this crowd. Cold beer(s), a nice fire, and good food are plenty for me. Good coffee would be a real plus, but that's asking too much of most of the places I've been with a couple of notable exceptions. That said, I can make my own coffee and do. All the rest of that stuff is way over the top for my tastes. I don't need, nor do I want many of the extras that most of you seem to find so endearing. I'm not knocking it, to each his own. I don't aspire to be an aristocrat, nor do I want to be treated like one. xxxxxxxxxx When considering US based operations of guides/outfitters, check and see if they are NRA members. If not, why support someone who doesn't support us? Consider spending your money elsewhere. NEVER, EVER book a hunt with BLAIR WORLDWIDE HUNTING or JEFF BLAIR. I have come to understand that in hunting, the goal is not the goal but the process. | |||
|
One of Us |
1. brewed, not instant coffee 2. lots of ice for sundowners and a good frig that keeps the beer cold. 3. hammocks in the shade. 4. a wash cloth in the bathroom. Vote Trump- Putin’s best friend… To quote a former AND CURRENT Trumpiteer - DUMP TRUMP | |||
|
One of Us |
A PH that enjoys real coffee and ensures that it is always available. A cooler that has bottled water and sodas during the day that magically turns to cold beer at sundown.  A PH that has an ear tuned to the sound of clinking ice and knows how to cure it. A PH that will explain what was being said when he has to speak Africans with others so I am included in the conversation. DSC Life Member NRA Life Member | |||
|
| One of Us |
- Bob Nisbet - Supporting US Army Aviation, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama Bob Nisbet DRSS & 348 Lever Winchester Lover Temporarily Displaced Texan If there's no food on your plate when dinner is done, you didn't get enough to eat. | |||
|
| One of Us |
I didn't want for anything (except a naked Russian woman). I had simple tastes. Made it easy on the staff with just me in camp. Told them to speak Swahili so I could improve mine. Studied on the Rosetta Stone program. All were very respectful and courteous. Did require my bottle of Gordon's every night, though. Dutch PS. Judge, Steve, would she go 40"? | |||
|
| one of us |
After a couple of weeks in the busg, a naked blonde woman would be stunning indeed, even at the distance of a telescope! JPK  Free 500grains | |||
|
one of us |
I too would include mopane smoke as one of those niceties around camp. I liked how the housekeeper would always go back into my tent right after I exited and clean up whatever little messes I might have made. As for fresh coffee, this too is one of those things I miss often while on safari. There is always hot water for tea and instant coffee but rarely fresh brewed coffee. My wife and I stayed in several B&B's and lodges last September that seem to cater more to tea drinkers than coffee drinkers and here was the typical solution to the fresh coffee dilemma, which produces pretty good coffee:  "...Africa. I love it, and there is no reason for me to explore why. She affects some people that way, and those who feel as I do need no explanation." from The Last Safari | |||
|
One of Us |
We come into camp three years later and many of the staff are greeting mama chopchop. I received the name bwana chopchop because I shot so fast. And Alex the assistant chef says, mama chopchop, I make your orange bread for you! Trying to stay seated and not get up for my sundowner. Finally my wife says stay seated. I love the Selous, its pristine wildness. Right in front of camp.  Mike | |||
|
| one of us |
Staff introductions upon arrival Kububi singing and dancing | |||
|
| Administrator |
No thanks. I prefer to deal with my own guns, thank you. | |||
|
One of Us |
ok guys thanx for the input. 1.fresh coffee check 2. cold beer check 3.ice check 4. naked woman in camp . . . awe crap. 5. alot more booze then?? double check  dave Dave Davenport Outfitters license HC22/2012EC Pro Hunters license PH74/2012EC www.leopardsvalley.co.za dave@leopardsvalley.co.za +27 42 24 61388 HUNT AFRICA WHILE YOU STILL CAN Follow us on FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/#!/leopardsvalley.safaris | |||
|
| One of Us |
Though I haven’t been to "Africa" One of the things I really REALLY appreciated about one of the fly in Fishing camps (Salmon, Northwest BC) Was that they had each and every staff member waiting on the dock to shake your hand and welcome you to the resort. This puts a bunch of nervousness to the side and makes a guy feel welcome. Calgary Guy | |||
|
| one of us |
On cold evenings, a box full of hot coals under the table made dinner even more enjoyable. | |||
|
new member |
My safari just happened to coincide with my wife's birthday (I was asked along on a trip with a friend, I didn't set the dates). Both PH's drove with me to the top of a nearby mountain to get cell service after dinner that evening, and let me use their cell phone to make the international call. TANSTAAFL | |||
|
One of Us |
I'm a man of simple tastes and don't even require coffee since I prefer tea, but the one thing I've never seen in seven trips to africa is a proper shooting bench. Every camp should have one so you can check your rifles after the long flight before you go hunting. Shooting over the hood of a vehicle with a rolled up jacket just doesn't cut it for me. Tom Z NRA Life Member | |||
|
One of Us |
A personal thing for me is I like to have a well lit sink with a mirror; sounds kind of silly, but when you wear contacts it really helps. Caleb | |||
|
one of us |
I'm with Labman in the simple tastes camp. Tea instead of coffee. I'm not really keen on the staff waiting on me hand and foot, lining up to meet me at the end of every day etc etc. In fact the only thing I could not do without is a bowl of hot water in the morning. ------------------------------ Richard VENARI LAVARE LUDERE RIDERE OCCEST VIVERE | |||
|
| One of Us |
Good vibes are the most important thing. No camp politics. Everybody on an even keel. Everyboody does their jobs and only their jobs, and does them well. And no matter how many I have seen, I never tire of African sunsets. | |||
|
One of Us |
 | |||
|
| Powered by Social Strata | Page 1 2 |
 | Please Wait. Your request is being processed... |
|
The Accurate Reloading Forums THE ACCURATE RELOADING.COM FORUMS Hunting Hunting Reports - Africa What little things did you notice in Camp?Outfitters, Take Notes!
Visit our on-line store for AR Memorabilia