Advice- Planning your first Safari

woodruffhunter · Aug 3, 2011

Since I returned a few weeks back, I have had several people ask me questions about planning a Safari. Therefore, I thought it might be a good idea if we could get advice from those that have been.

Specifically, some "do's" and "dont's" as you are planning"

With my limited experience, and having only been once, here is what I would offer.

1- Use a travel agency that has experience with hunting in Africa. I used travelwithguns.com. They booked my flights, sent me a map of the Johanesberg Airport, and helped me with my gun import paperwork. The owner is South African and has an emergency contact number in case you have problems. All this for $75 per hunter. He also changed our flight plans when we decided to extend for 2 days. Unbelievable service.

2- References- Check several references with your Outfitter considerations.

3- Take 2 guns. I took a shotgun in addition to my rifle. There were literally hundreds of game birds we would see, everyday.

4- Book far in advance. If you have a good Outfitter, most likely he will be booked far ahead. I didn't do this and wish I would have.

5- Take plenty of ammo. If you have extra, you can leave it with the Outfitter. Ammunition is 3X the cost in South Africa. He might trade you some credit for a future hunt.
Don't over pack on clothing. Our Laundry was done daily. No need to take 10 shirts.

6- Stay as long as you are able. I would never go on a 7 day Safari. With Jet Lag, weather etc.... You will probably lose a day or two of hunting. Longer was better for me.

7- Trust your PH. When it comes to judging, stalking, and overall hunting methods, let them direct you. They will most likely do a great job and also appreciate you letting them do thier job!

Thats just a few suggestions, lets hear some more.

YukonDall · Aug 3, 2011

IT ALL SOUNDS LIKE GOOD ADVICE WOODRUFF, BUT #1 SEEMS LIKE GOLD TO ME.....A GREAT SERVICE FOR SURE. ...........YD.

foundation · Aug 3, 2011

That is all very good advice , and gave me a few things to think about .

So when you say 7 days wouldn't be the best deal , are most packages offered in a 10 day hunt ? In my mind 10 days seems like the right amount of time .

littlejoe · Aug 3, 2011

+1 to everything Woodruff said.

I used Gracy Travel and it was worth every penny.

I took (2) rifles for a plains game hunt. 300RUM and 375H&H. Leave the H&H home for plains game and take a small caliber for the little stuff.

To my knowledge you can only take 11 lbs of ammo total including the carrying box. Take 10.90 lbs.

I learned this from experience. Take an extra set of clothes on board. I hunted in a polo shirt, levi's and Dr. Martens for four days.

I called dozens of references before I booked it and was 100% glad I did as I absolutely picked the right place and had the trip of a lifetime.

Take (2) sets of clothes. No more no less.

Don't go unless you want to become addicted. It is addicting and I cannot wait to go back. My days in Canada and AK are limited since I have been to Africa. It is consuming.

littlejoe · Aug 3, 2011

Another suggestion my buddy gave me and I did it as well.

Take a half dozen or so Vitrinox paring knives or something like it for your skinners. You would be surprised to see what they use. I would give the skinner a new knife every other day or so. Don't give them an expensive knife or they will just sell it.

Also, take some hard candy and give to the tracker, skinners, camp staff, etc. You will be shocked what a difference this makes. I would give a little each day and they were like kids at Christmas. I took laffy taffy, salt water taffy, jolley ranchers etc.

I will do it again next time as well.

littlejoe · Aug 3, 2011

Also, there are so many species to hunt. I knew I could not afford what I really wanted being a Buff but Kudu and Nyala were right behind a Buff.

I researched and found out that where I was going had high numbers of Kudu and Nyala then took it from there.

They also had a chance at a Vaal Rhebok and Copper Springbuck.

I did get a Vaalie and never had a chance to hunter a Copper Springbuck.

woodruffhunter · Aug 3, 2011

LAST EDITED ON Aug-03-11 AT 09:38PM (MST)[p]I think most hunts are offered at 10 days+. Most hunters will shoot several animals and more than they think. If an Outfitter doesn't want to give you a good deal and offer you 10 days, at least, I would look elswhere.

My next Safari will be for 17 days. There is just too much to do. Night hunting, sight seeing, wing shooting, fishing, and as I said earlier, there are always a few things that might hold up your hunting.

Paying so much for your flight, you might as well add some days.

I am a firm believer in that most things can be done with proper planning.

Here is some more advice I would offer:

1- Call ahead with your credit card company and tell them exactly where you will be. Capitol One Visa was absolutley great to work with. I had zero problems.

2- Give most of your money to your PH to lock up in his safe.

3- Do not stay the night in Jo-Berg. I would insist on your PH meeting you at the airport, and taking you directly to the lodge. Its just safer that way.

4- Try not to complain about the food! Its a little different and its not America. We ate what they gave us and it was great. Sure we missed a few things from home, but I believe our hosts appreciated us being open minded!

5- Give all tip money to your PH or the owner. Let him distribute it accordingly.

6- Do not let South Africans do your taxidermy. Us Taxidermists are better. Our PH told us this as well. Its worth the extra $$$

7- Study shot placement. Its a lot different than our game. If you aim behind the front shoulder, you will gut shoot the animal. Shoot low to middle, right on the front shoulder.

8- How many animals you plan to shoot, double it. That should be about right!

littlejoe · Aug 3, 2011

One thing I can say, we ate different game meat every day and I could honestly not tell Kudu from beef. It was amazing. We tried warthog for fun, nasty! Had bushpig, springbuck, etc and I did not mind any of it really.

I was told on all broadside shoots to go straight through the shoulders in the lower 1/3 of the body. Not behind the shoulder and if I did we would track all day.

I did meet an exceptional taxidermist and his prices were cheaper for sure but I checked into freight and ouch, same cost as home once freight was added on. I am bringing them all home anyway but checked just for fun.

The owner actually told me to distribute the tips as I saw fit and gave me some recommendations and ranges so that was very nice.

10 days is an absolute must. I felt really good about it but would have loved 14 or even 12 for that matter. It goes by so so fast.
If you have to stay in Joburg overnight stay at the City Lodge. It is part of the airport and you don't have to leave the airport.

The credit card thing was a must. I did call and had not issues. Buddy did not and had issues.

I hate taking cash and made wire transfer arrangements for before and after the Safari and that worked really good.

TAGATTRACTER · Aug 4, 2011

The first 2 trips to Africa we waited over an hour to clear the Rifles with South African Police. Our 3rd trip we paid $100.00 for the pre approved permits. Afton house helped us fill out the forms in advance and had a gentleman meet us when we arrived to Johannesburg. Our rifles were cleared in less than 10 minutes and our helper took us through the airport process and rechecked the rifles for our connecting flight. We were on a short layover but even if Joburg was our final destination the 100 we spent for the pre approved permits was a great choice.

My second bit of advice would be don't forget the small stuff. If it is your first trip to Africa I understand the desire to shoot Kudu, Wildebeest, Zebra, Impala etc but don't forget the small stuff. Animals like Blue Duiker, Steenbuck, Klipspringer, Grysbok etc are a ton of fun to hunt. Ask your PH about these type of hunts , you may be surprised.

littlejoe · Aug 4, 2011

I agree on the little stuff. I took a Cape Grysbok with 2" horns and it is one of my favorites. Shot a huge Duiker with just under 6" horns and he is huge and old but most people would not have any idea. I would love to eventually be able to take the Tiny 10 over there.

woodruffhunter · Aug 4, 2011

Great advice Tag. Doing your paperwork in advance is must!! Well worth the $100. The travelwithguns.com rep was there waiting for and we were on our way- FAST!!

TAGATTRACTER · Aug 4, 2011

I just thought of something else. Hold back a few desirable animals from your list. When you get a few days into the hunt and you start to pile up the animals that you really want, ask the PH if he has any discount priced animals that you could hunt. Any that are over populated or past their prime type animals. We have been able to shoot Impala at a rate of $100.00 each. I took an ancient Eland Bull with about 3 inches broke off one tip for $600.00. I was also offered an Nyala for $1,000.00 which I jumped on as well. Bring extra cash and try to bargain. You can get some great discounts this way.

woodruffhunter · Aug 4, 2011

LAST EDITED ON Aug-04-11 AT 01:21PM (MST)[p]LAST EDITED ON Aug-04-11 AT 01:20?PM (MST)

Dang Tag.... More good advice!!!

I thought of asking PH about some "cull" hunts next time we went. You could have some great fun as well! I'd like to line up some extra animals for my kids as well.

On my next trip I'll have two suitcases full of hunting clothing, electronics, candy etc...

Our PH gave me a few examples: here a $10 camo walmart jacket $10, there $60, ammo here $30 a box, there $90. A bottle of name rand shampoo: here $2-3 there $10.
Not only do I want to donate some items, I'd like to apply some of these items to our hunt costs!!

CAelknuts · Aug 4, 2011

I'll contribute a few random thoughts about things I've learned from 4 safaris over the years.

First, use a travel agency that is experienced in handling hunters and Africa. It matters. The two mentioned above are both good, as is Stever Turner of Total Travel Solutions (I'm pretty sure that's the name of his company). There are others, but use someone experienced in regularly sending hunters to Africa.

Second, if you're flying to or through South Africa, use a service that will arrange your SAPS permit well in advance. It'll cost you around $100 or so, but is worth every penny of the fee, and they'll meet you at the airport and walk you through till you have your gun.

Third, overnighting in Jo'berg is not necessarily bad, but if you do you should stay at a place like Afton House. There are a couple other good lodgings that cater to hunters that I can't remember at the moment, but a little checking will turn up their names.

Fourth, go for as long as you can. Of my 4 safaris, two were 24 day hunts (one in Zim and one in Botswana), one a 15 day affair (Zim again)and finally 14 days in South Africa on a family trip, but with only 5 days of hunting. Go for as long as you possible can stay. You will never regret staying longer, but sure will want to stay longer if you make a short trip.

OK, enough thoughts for now. More later.

YukonDall · Aug 5, 2011

THANKS ELKNUTS..........GOOD STUFF...............YD.

woodruffhunter · Aug 5, 2011

LAST EDITED ON Aug-05-11 AT 03:41PM (MST)[p]"First, use a travel agency that is experienced in handling hunters and Africa. It matters. The two mentioned above are both good, as is Stever Turner of Total Travel Solutions (I'm pretty sure that's the name of his company). There are others, but use someone experienced in regularly sending hunters to Africa."

Steve Turner actually is the owner of Travelwithguns.
He definately knows what's going on.

CAelknuts · Aug 6, 2011

LAST EDITED ON Aug-07-11 AT 01:39AM (MST)[p]Thanks for that catch woodruff on Steve Turner's company. He's a good guy.

Another option to stay with in Jo'berg is African Sky Guest House. They're getting some very good reviews right now over on AR. They also offer a nice meet and greet service that many will want to take advantage of.