Aldeer.com Forums Alabama Deer Talk Aldeer General Forum Going to Africa.

the coolest part of hunting Africa is all the different animals you see while hunting/travelling.

16.55 on an airplane. I know the route very well. ATL to JNB. If you’re flying Delta you will ride a new A350.

May want to check this guys video's out:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCz2VCjzsKttDW7WE9Jed7Xw

Yep, need to save up and splurge on a business seat for that flight.
Another option is flying with Qatar Airways or Emirates business class. Their lounges are unreal as is their seating and service.

What calibers you toting? Shooting buddy told his wife Safari was Afrikaans for new rifle. Butch got the Ruger 77 in .375 H&H.

Here are a few travel trips when heading over to Africa:
1) Pack light- they do laundry every day. I pack two pairs of pants, two shirts, underwear and medications all in carryon;
2) Take TONS of pictures with your IPHONE. Instead of taxidermy blow up pics to 8”X10” and hang those;
3) Buy a nylon moneybelt off EBay for about $9.00. Mine holds $2400 in folded $100 bills:
4) If your PH offers them use camp rifles. You save the expense and hassle of TSA and the permits required by RSA.
5)Never pack valuables like tablets, IPHONES or cameras in checked baggage. The incidents of baggage pilfering in Joberg is off the charts.
6) Keep a daily journal during your trip. Write down interesting events like animals spotted, meals in camp and details of stalking game. After six trips to Africa, I still look back in my journal and relive past hunts in Namibia.

[quote=Bud Meadows]Here are a few travel trips when heading over to Africa:
1) Pack light- they do laundry every day. I pack two pairs of pants, two shirts, underwear and medications all in carryon;
2) Take TONS of pictures with your IPHONE. Instead of taxidermy blow up pics to 8”X10” and hang those;
3) Buy a nylon moneybelt off EBay for about $9.00. Mine holds $2400 in folded $100 bills:
4) If your PH offers them use camp rifles. You save the expense and hassle of TSA and the permits required by RSA.
5)Never pack valuables like tablets, IPHONES or cameras in checked baggage. The incidents of baggage pilfering in Joberg is off the charts.
6) Keep a daily journal during your trip. Write down interesting events like animals spotted, meals in camp and details of stalking game. After six trips to Africa, I still look back in my journal and relive past hunts in Namibia.

Good advice Bud.

Im torn on bringing my own rifle or using one of their rifles. Its 25.00 a day rental. Tell my your experience with camp rifles. BGH- thoughts on camp rifles???

Do you have to get a malaria immunization

No.

X2

There is some really good advice in this thread. Bud has given some very good specific advice.

I wouldn't worry so much about your luggage getting lost but it is smart to at least wear Jeans & a Shirt you can hunt in on the flight over. If you get over there and your luggage is missing you would be able to find a place to buy an extra pair of cloths to get you by until your luggage shows up. It is a pain in the ass but I would definaly wear the boots you are going to hunt in onto the plane. Put some light shoes in carry on that you can change into once you are on board. It would suck to get over there and not have your boots.

I know every outfitter is different but I am very glad I took my own rifle. What he had available was a really old 30-06 and a .223 with old scopes. I would take one that didn't have any sentimental value to me and make sure it is insured for loss on the trip and let it ride. If you are worried about the rifle import stuff they have guys you can hire for not alot that will meet you at the airport and get you through the process. I wish we had done that going into Cape Town because the first guys we were working with could not get it thourgh their heads that as Americans we do not have a gun permit.

Use your hunting pack as a carry on but do not use a camo one, buy a plain colored backpack that can be your daypack on the trip. I have been told when you are seen walking around with a camo backpack they know you are a hunter and people will hassel you for money.

Unless you have a reason to go to Cape Town the direct flight to J-berg is the way to go even if it costs a little more. It shaves hours off of the travel time.

If I had it to do over again anything I wanted mounted I would have it done over there. It goes against every grain of mine to not have hands on control, but it is alot cheaper. My friend that has been several times has all of his mounts done over there and they look just as good as mine.

Last piece of advice is take a few different hats to wear, I thought it was dumb advice but once you are done and you go back through your pictures they look alot better with a couple different hats.

Lastly, like Fred said, crap is going to happen, just roll with it, take a deep breath and say "This is Africa"

The camp rifles my PH uses are a Savage .308 with a silencer and a Mauser in 8 x 62 mm for larger Plainsgame like Eland or Waterbuck. Both guns are tackdrivers and my PH handloads MOA capable ammo.

Great info. Thanks.

Thanks Bud.

Sounds like it’s gonna be an awesome trip

BGH sent you a PM

Make sure post a lot of pics! Sounds like a blast

Regarding taking your rifles or renting rifles in camp; I'd find out what type of rifle, caliber and scope was available before I made that decision.

These days most reputable PH's have good gun with quality scopes. I'm like all of you and would prefer my own guns but it is MUCH easier to use theirs. It has become more and more of a hassle to take your own. You'll have to get your rifle certified with Homeland Security for starters. They will issue you a 4457 Form that has to stay with the rifle at all times while out of the country. Bribes are the norm not the exception once you get to J'Berg and those bribes are paid to the cops. There is a company that I'd recommend to handle your gun permits once in country if you decide to take your own.

I responded to your PM as well.