I'm going to South Africa next summer. I have many lists of what to take, but not how to pack it. Is it better to keep expensive items like binoculars, video camera, and rangefinder in my carry on, or in my checked bag? Also if takin prescription meds for allergies or sleeping pills, do they have to be in the prescription bottles with my name, or can they be stored in more convenient ways.

Keep your expensive gear in your carry on, same for any necessary medication. I would keep it in a prescription bottle. Maybe put more than one type pill in same bottle if you have that many. Take some extra clothes in the carry on in case your luggage is delayed.

We had a video camera stolen from checked baggage departing from Windhoek. I think it is a pretty good rule to carry on anything that appears to be of value that can legally be carried on. Anything that can be packed in your locked gun case is somewhat less vulnerable than packed in unlocked luggage.

By the way, the thief only got the video camera, but neither the battery nor charger. It was a semi-obsolete format (Digital 8), so its cash value was somewhere between nothing and zero. Fortunately, most of our movies were not in the camera and we made it home with them. I found a replacement camera (only needed to download the tape into the computer hard drive) for $100 at a pawn shop.

But the whole incident just goes to show what a farce airline "security" is. If an object the size of a video camera can be removed from luggage, an object the size of a video camera can be PLACED in luggage. A video camera full of plastic explosive is fully adequate to bring down a plane. The Lockerbie, Scotland tragedy was caused by a bomb in a portable radio.

Exactly what xgrunt said.

And split your ammo between bags too, if you're travelling with someone. Actually, It wouldn't be a bad idea to split your clothes between bags.

I got this from a guy in SCI and have passed it all around.
Personally, I used a .30-'06 for my plains game up to Kudu. Not a problem at all.
I never once used my binoculars. As the PH was on the animal with his, I was watching through my scope. We would make sure we were both looking at the same animal and he would say "Take him". You'll never have the experience a good PH will have in judging animals and distance in his country. Listen to your PH. Foot powder was a necessity. Never needed a knife. Bose headphones (noise cancelling) are a must for the plane.

Here is list:
May through August is winter in southern Africa and generally the dry season, especially north of Johannesburg. While midday temperatures usually reach the 70s (F), early mornings and evenings are cool and nights can be cold. The farther south, the colder it gets. In the Karoo region of South Africa, nighttime frost or even light snow at higher elevations is not unusual.

Flexibility is paramount. Bring several warm layers (down vest, jacket, sweater, gloves, warm hat, even thermals) for those early morning or evening drives in an open hunting car.

December through March is summer below the Equator. In tropical Africa — the Caprivi Strip, the Okavango Delta, inland Mozambique, the Zambezi Valley and north into Zambia, Angola, etc.— the temperature can exceed a steamy 100 degrees and may not dip below the high 70s even at night.

Temperatures are the same in desert Africa (most of Namibia, much of Kenya and Tanzania, southern Botswana and parts of South Africa), but humidity is much lower. Rain is likely in February and March, but rainfall is both welcome and of short daily duration. Generally, there is no need for special rain gear.

Clothing for the bush should be medium or medium-dark olive, green or brown. You'll need just three changes of shirts and trousers in a tough cotton. (Most hunting operations in Africa offer daily laundry service, but don't count on special treatment for delicate fabrics.) Some clients think cargo-style pants with zip-off legs are just the ticket. Shirts should have long sleeves that can be rolled up. Don't wear shirts with mesh ventilation panels in tsetse fly areas. (The flies welcome the access!)

"Bwana" clothing festooned with straps, buckles, extra pockets, epaulettes and so on is semi-useless. Straps catch on brush; synthetic fabrics scrape noisily on thorns and twigs and don't breathe; Velcro and sometimes even zippers are noisy. Stick with the tried-and-true: cotton, leather, buttons and laces.

You may have an evening or two in a city at one end of your safari. A "town outfit" is optional — blazer, slacks, polo shirt or dress shirt and tie, and appropriate shoes for the guys; a dress or pants outfit and shoes for the ladies. Leave the significant jewelry and gold watch at home.

Footwear is critical. Semi-soft-soled hunting boots, well broken in, plus at least three pairs of thick woolen or cotton socks are recommended. (If you are going to be logging many miles on foot in a day, you may want to wear a thin pair of liner socks under a pair of boot socks.) As backup bush footwear, bring a pair of ankle-high, pull-on shoes with lug soles. Pack another pair of boat shoes, loafers, or running shoes for camp.

Bring a brimmed hat in the same earth tones as your field clothing (many camps hand out logo caps as well), sunglasses with a neck cord, moisturizer, sun-block cream and lip balm.

Other essentials: daypack (not neon orange); cartridge belt or pouch; camera and batteries, film or extra data cards; binoculars; pocket knife or multi-tool (sheath knife is unnecessary); pocket flashlight; bandana; book(s); personal medications in quantities to last the trip, and spare eyeglasses if needed.

Electricity: Most fixed-base lodges have hair dryers. If you need electrical power to recharge a camera or a laptop, most lodges can loan you a converter plug. Just to be on the safe side, you may want to bring a travel multi-adapter.

Tent camps usually have generators to charge batteries to power the lights. (Fortunately, they usually run the very noisy generators during the day when you are out hunting.) You may be able to hook up rechargeable small appliances or laptops as needed.

Cash: ATMs are available at major airports and in cities. Because it's a bank-to-bank transactions, you generally get the best exchange rate at an ATM, but there may be a limit on withdrawals.

We recommend carrying a few hundred dollars in cash and (unless other arrangements have been made in advance) several thousand dollars in traveler's checks. Virtually all safari companies do business in US dollars. Most stores, restaurants and hotels take credit cards.

Gratuities should always be service-dependent. Be prepared to tip your PH and the camp/lodge staff. If the PH is not the proprietor, a tip of $350 to $500 is the norm for a seven- to 10-day hunt. Another way to figure it, if you had a successful safari, you can tip $75 to $100 per trophy. You may want to include gifts as part of your tip. PHs have received binoculars, knives, guns, wristwatches and even cigars for a job well done. The typical rate for a skinner on a seven- to 10-day hunt is $50 to $80, and the rate for camp staff is $30 to $50 for the same period.

Linking a tip entirely to hunting success can be problematic since factors beyond the PH's control—weather, poor shooting, etc.— often contribute to an unsuccessful safari. Other extenuating circumstances — a 100-pound elephant, for instance, or a "save" from a dangerous animal—may call for greater generosity.

Generally, camp proprietors don't expect tips and usually won't accept them, depending on circumstances. When in doubt, ask.

Rifles, ammo, scopes, shotguns: Reliable, accurate bolt-action rifles are excellent for all African game. Double rifles perform well, but only if you are accustomed to sliding safety catches, can reload quickly, and stay on target out to 100 yards (heavy calibers) and 200 yards (plains-game calibers). Single-shot rifles can be very satisfying on plains game, but most of us have no business hunting dangerous game with them. Each rifle should be fitted with a detachable sling. Do not assume that soft cases or gun slips will be available in camp.

More detailed recommendations for caliber and bullets (softs vs. solids for dangerous game) will be provided based on the specific hunt you book and the preferences of the PH with whom you will be hunting.

Import laws vary by country, but figure on 40 to 60 rounds per rifle. Do not count on buying ammunition in-country.

Whether in forest, thick bush or open savanna, a high-quality 1.5 - 6X variable scope is the all-around choice and the maximum magnification for dangerous game (except leopards over bait). At short range in heavy cover, a red-dot sight can also be effective. Quick-detach mounts are not vital. For plains game only, a premier scope in 2.5X to 10 or 3 x 12 may be a good choice.

For casual wingshooting, most PHs can loan or rent you a shotgun. Twelve-gauge ammunition is generally available in camp if birding is a part of the hunt.

Here is a checklist for a typical hunt that calls for both plains game and dangerous game rifles:

Plains game rifle (.300 Win Mag, .338 Win Mag, .300 H&H or 330 Dakota)
scope: 3-9X or 4-12X in Talley rings
scope caps (critical for inclement weather)
soft rifle case
rifle sling
20 rounds—210-gr. Swift Scirocco
20 rounds—250-gr. Swift A-Frame
Dangerous game (375 H&H, .416 Remington, .416 Rigby, or .404 Dakota)
scope: 1.5-6X in Talley rings
scope caps
soft rifle case #2
rifle sling #2
20 rounds—400-gr. Woodleigh solids
40 rounds—400-gr. Swift A-Frame
ammo pouch with MagLite holster
small Torx wrench to fit Talley rings
Hoppe's Bore Snake kit
small cleaning kit in double Ziploc bags (jags, patches, oil, bore cleaner)
3 self-adhesive targets to confirm sight-in at camp
small roll of electrician's tape
Dakota recommends that you add extra protection to your rifle's muzzle crown when traveling, even inside a soft case or your travel case. Bubble wrap or several layers of leather will work.

A BoreSnake or something similar in an interior pocket of your daypack is recommended.

Some form of protection for both ends of your scope are critical in any environment where you can reasonably expect snow, rain, hail or sleet. Just make sure the covers once removed are easily retrieved.

The electrician's tape can be used to seal the muzzle from weather and debris. Taping over the muzzle will not increase pressure or decrease accuracy, but it will keep out rain and dust. (Note: do NOT use duct tape on your muzzle.)

Let me know if I can help any further. I learned a lot on my first trip. No sense re-inventing the wheel.

Randy

I want to thank everyone for the input. This is an amazing site with a wealth of information, which I'm sure I'll tap plenty before my trip. I will be traveling with my son, who will be seven at the time we go. Some have felt he's too young, but he's at least as obsessed as I am about Africa, and I couldn't imagine leaving him home. Our time together will be the highlight, everything else will be a bonus. I had planned on splitting our stuff among two bags. I plan on going very light on clothing, heck I'll hunt naked if they lose my bag, but I will need my ammo. Has anyone gone on a safari with young kids? Any pointers would be appreciated. Thanks, Rich.

rholden:

I go hunting with my kids anytime I can get their interest. Last March I took my 13 year old son to Namibia. He thoroughly enjoyed it and didn't want to leave (probably he didn't want to go back to school after having all that free time in Africa). Here's a pic of him and I and my kudu.



Next March I'll be taking my 11 year old son to Namibia.

I don't think 7 years old is too young. Just take lots of pictures and videos so that he can look back and relive his wonderful childhood safari. Not too many kids have that opportunity so early in life to go on safari with their dad.

Namibiahunter
http://namibiahunter.angelfire.com

My son was 11 when I took him to Namibia in '05. He's been plotting his return ever since!

My Namibian PH, Fred Burchell made up a plains game rig for his 8 year old grandson...a bull barrel .243 Win with a bipod. Heavy gun made for almost no recoil and bipod made it steady. The kid shot cull animals for Fred's biltong business.

I personally think seven is too young for a hunting trip to Africa. In many cases, children of that age do not make good travel mates for the rest of the people on the plane. It is a long flight. Let him get to an age where he has read all the Capstick, Rouark,ect. books. Let him have a few years of anticipation. He can then join you as a partner in the hunt. Seven year olds belong at Disney World, camp, and tagging along with dad on small game hunts.

Just my opinion.

A week in Africa would be sooo much better for the youngster than any time at any theme park. As to plane travel I have had to share the ride with "adults" that were worse than any kid.

A strong reccommendation is to make certain that your prescription medication's expiration date stated on the container is in date. Some countries check for that specific item, and people have had problems due to it.

Additionally, a medium size Swiss Army knife, the Victorinox brand, is highly reccommended. This can be the handiest item you might carry. I've traveled the world since 1960 and I never leave home without one.

Thanks again for the info. In regards to the medications, I have no needed meds. I was planning on taking some allergy and sleep medications, as well as benadryl and ibuprofen, just in case. I have samples of most of them, and I was wondering if I could use a pill box or if I needed to carry them all in "official" persciption bottles? Thanks, Rich.

I would keep all meds in the original prescription bottles and all over-the-counter stuff in their original packaging. Avoids hassles and also helps identify the meds to someone else who might have to administer them to you.

Namibiahunter

Take your valuables in your carry-on, for me it was a backpack desinged to hold my laptop. Camera and bino's and prescription meds as well.

I packed too much clothing, my PH uses camo shirts, we wore jeans all the time, they worked better in the thorns, I always wear the strecth type that fit fairly snug, they worked better in the thorns that the baggier olive cotton pants I brought. Three changes of clothes, I wore sneakers on the plane and wore Ecco soft hiking boots the rest of the time.

My son and I were hunting together he used a 30-06 and I used a 300 win mag, I split the ammo between two bags, we brought 40 rounds each. I used a hard golf club case for our guns, I used soft cases inside it and packed it full with clothes.

We hunted the Northern Cape in July and it was cold in the morning and evening, so we wore for us Warm "fall" hunting coats. The other thing we found was the lodge and house were very cold at night and a few nights we ate dinner in our coats, the buildings are built to stay cool in the summer and the same thing works in he winter.

....and don't forget you 4457's from Customs...and your other required paperwork...with multiple copies. One thing you'll find in your first trip is that you will pack too many clothes....I did. They really do laundry everyday.
I hope you have a great time....there really is only one time you get to take your first trip to Africa.
Have no pre-concieved notions on how things should be...."go with the flow" is very good advice. It's all part of the experience. Not all of your experiences will rank as high as that big kudu...but it's all part of the experience.
Best of luck to you.

Gary
DRSS
NRA Lifer
SCI
DSC

Original packaging only, and prescription bottles as necessary. We always take quite a bit of over-the-counter meds and at the end of the trip, leave them with the PH. They have a lot of our general first aid stuff and meds, but can always use the extra and it seems to work better at times.