Hello to all. I am finally going! Flying to Zimbabwe this August to hunt and to celebrate my 69th birthday there. I will be going for two weeks. This is worse than waiting for Christmas as a kid. I am going apologize in advance for asking some rookie questions over the next couple of months so please bear with me. Hooray! Gary

Good man!!, You have much to look forward to. Brian

Congratulations! The first was the best for me. Preparing is a lot of the fun.

The most important advice I can give is this.

Go with an open mind.

Leave any preconceived ideas at home.

And enjoy all the ups and downs.

Have fun.

Congratulations on your upcoming trip and birthday.

I was in the same boat 15 years ago; my first trip to Africa, not my 69th.

Some helpful hints can be found here:
http://forums.accuratereloadin...ms/a/frm/f/122101325

Of course, nothing is off limits, as no two hunts are the same.

I’m a mere pup when it comes to Africa compared to many here. Feel free to ask away

Most of all, have a blast!

I hope you enjoy the rhythm of Africa.

Make sure you schedule time to see the falls while you are there.

Leave the tape measure at home. Enjoy all the sights , sounds, and smells. Have a great time.

Excellent!

What area are you hunting, what outfitter or PH, and what are your primary desired species?

I'm hunting with Leon du Plessis in the Save Valley conservancy. Looking for elephant, buffalo and whatever else that might come our way!

You will love the Save! I have had the great good fortune to hunt there three times. The first couple nights there I was very tired and could easily have slept but would not let myself so I could hear all the sounds: lion, hyena, baboons, leopards.
My advice, for what it’s worth, is take LOTS of pictures, even if it means a moment’s pause while tracking something. Don’t let yourself think, “Oh, I’ll see it again.” Likewise, if you are tempted to do something or go see something, go do it; a second opportunity may never present itself!
Remember, this is *your* trip. If you’re like most hunters shooting the animals you want is important— that’s why hunting in Africa is so expensive— but don’t short yourself on the parts of the experience that don’t involve shooting something. If you want to spend part of a day sight-seeing or bird-watching or hanging around in camp journaling, do it. You are the boss.

Have you considered hiring a video professional to film your safari.

However, shop and ask for references if you elect to do that. Your Ph should have the name of a few that may be available.

Gary,
All the suggestions given are excellent. I especially identified with Saeeds and sdirks comments. (Also it goes without saying that you need to use the best bullet available. I believe that, within reason, the bullet is more important than the cartridge.)

You will have a wonderful time. Brian

Envy the man who's never been to Africa, for there is only one first time.

This is excellent.

The Save is definitely on my short list.

There is only one first trip to Africa. Enjoy it. And get used to Africa time. There's no hard starts or stops, no calendar invites, etc. I had a hard time my first time with that. Go with the flow and enjoy it.

Gary

You will never be quite the same after you return from Africa..................

Mark

When I went the first time, I considered it a once in a lifetime hunt. On the long plane ride back, I was already scheming and planning a return trip……

quote:

Originally posted by jdollar:
When I went the first time, I considered it a once in a lifetime hunt. On the long plane ride back, I was already scheming and planning a return trip……

I don’t know how many of us are like this, but I was in the same boat…

To the point of delaying retirement to keep paying for hunts!

I was in camp with Leon. Great guy. Remember you are on vacation. It is meant to be fun. Don’t ruin it y putting pressure on your self. Relax and roll with it.

Thanks everyone for the good thoughts and advice! Looks like airfare is the next purchase.

quote:

Originally posted by GaryG:
Thanks everyone for the good thoughts and advice! Looks like airfare is the next purchase.

Look at your options flying into Zimbabwe.

If you land in South Africa, you will be hit with the handling fee for your firearms.

And you will need a SA520.

Flying back i was able to have my firearm case checked to my destination.

There are a few options available to you, and they are about the same price.

Learn to cycle the bolt immediately after your first shot and stay down on the rifle. Don't follow what you see on TV where the first thing that the shooter does is lift his head to check his shot. The PH will tell you if the shot was good or not. Be ready for a follow up.

Carry $1 US bills in one pocket and $5 US bills in another (for hand out tips). Don't worry, they all recognize U.S. currency. Are you going with somebody else? If so split your clothes between two suitcases in case one becomes lost at least you have something. Wear clothes/shoes that you can get by with in case a suitcase goes 'missing'. Your PH will tell you how much to tip his staff.

Traveling with a firearm is do-able, but can be a PIA so consider renting a gun from them.

Contact Shawn at Gracey Travel for airlines info. 'Meet & Greet' services is money well spent. Buy some 'get you home' medivac insurance. If something happens to you it could cost you $50K to medivac you home.

You will thoroughly enjoy it there just remember to roll with the punches; it's Africa.

Looks like I am going to go with Emirates out of San Francisco. Only two stops; Dubai and Harare. Hope that this will be simple.

Don't do it. It's addictive!

The best advice I received here was take half as much clothes and twice as much money as you had planned. The first trip is always the most memorable and time flies. So go for as long as you can and be open to hunting animals not on your list.