What am I forgetting????

The wife and I are going to RSA in 170 days. We are working out daily. have out meds in order, becoming familar w/ the camera. I shoot a LOT & not off a bench (though I have not used shooting sticks much).

Guns going are CZ .416 Rigby topped with Leupold 1.5X6 w/ 400 gr softs, Remington .338WM topped with 3X9 Leupold w/ 250gr Nosler Particians, & maybe a Remington 7mm-08 with a Nikon 3X9 for the wife.

Bag will be lioness, oryx, kudu, impalla, blesbok, baboon & jackal. My mindset is to enjoy every minute there not just hunting.

What am I forgetting??? What else do I need or need to know???

Bwana Bill...
not sure if your question was a general one or in specific reference to guns & ammo? If in general, then definately take a cap/hat, good binoculars, good walking shoes, sun screen, insect repellant and clothes with the advise of your PH. Give aways for the hunting team and people serving you etc etc etc. Whatever you do, get your guns and ammo there!!! Have a good one.

I have the hat, binos, sunscreen, bug spray & boots. It was a general question, Shallom. Thanks for your input. What did you mean by this : Give aways for the hunting team and people serving you ?

Where you talking tips? I will have that covered, too.

I heard that a bag of jolly rancher hard candies handed out to the trackers, skinners, and camp staff go a long way to keep them working hard for you. Do you agree?

Oh, I've heard of a service that expedites guns through customs....Any advise there????

Karamojo Bill... tips is a given and good that you have that covered, but just like you have already envisioned, little gimme's such as candy, cigarettes, pen-knives, caps and simple handy or tasty items go a long way in keeping the team in good spirits and breaking the ice in terms of communication and general interaction with everyone.

Am not familiar with customs matters down south, but know from a few hunters that it is a nightmare at times. Discuss this with your outfitter for best advise on what service to use and how to go about it. Just make sure all your permits are filled-out correctly and make sure ammo numbers are correct to avoid any unnecessary hold-up.

Karamojo Bill... I have been hunting to South Africa 2 times. I have used Gracy Travel out of San Antoinio, Texas> They have sent me all the forms & permits with everything highlighted & I have had no problems at all. Make sure everything is filled out correctly, correct # of shells, & serial numbers of your guns!

PHASA has a gun permit service which I will be using this fall. My ph said it is a breeze and everything is pre approved in and out fast. I Thought that was good advice as on our last trip (i had bow) guy with rifle took 2 hours to clear customs and all the pre approved permits went to front of line. Consider using a service.

Seems like you've got things pretty well covered, however just to make certain, click here for a link to the Ultimate Safari Planning Guide which is a series of articles to help you plan your safari.

Aside from PHASA, a few other companies can assist you with your pre-approved gun permit application for South Africa, click here to find them in AfricaHunting directory.