"Must Haves" for a Plains Game Hunt in RSA?

Making my maiden voyage to RSA in 2012 for plains game hunt. I intend to discuss this with my PH, but I would appreciate any suggestions on "must haves" so that I can get them together.

Thanks-

It depends on where you are going to hunt.

Congrat's Vanderlaan on "taking the plunge"! You won't be disappointed, just broke from now on since you'll be planning your return trip before you even get home from this one! No matter where you go, East Cape, Limpopo, Free State, etc... Practice, practice, practice. Practice off of shooting sticks, offhand, prone, etc. Know your rifle and your load. If you are hunting the East Cape or Free state, practice at extended ranges and invest in a quality rangefinder. Study the anatomy of the plains game you will be hunting and those that "you might have an interest in". Concentrate on your primary animals, but if your budget allows, be open to taking any "exceptional" animals that your PH gets excited about. Listen to your PH and trust him, you won't regret it. Slow down and enjoy the whole African experience, it's the best part. The animals are secondary. Have fun! If things are not happing as soon as you would like, that's okay. Have a positive attitude and the trackers and your PH will work that much harder for you. Take in what your PH and trackers are doing during your hunt. Watching their amazing skills will be one of your fondest memories. Take lots of pictures, Not just those of harvested animals, take plenty of scenery, people, campfires, etc... Last but not least, share with AH on your return. Good luck and have a great time.

Originally Posted by Nyati

It depends on where you are going to hunt.

Mpumalanga.

For PG, Nyala, Kudu, Eland, Blue Wildebeest, Bushbuck, Reedbuck, these would be my favorites.

Then I could go on, It depends on your budget.

To be a bit more clear, I am seeking input on gear. Stuff like the minimum magnificantion for binoculars (if at all), an extra toothbrush for getting dust out of the gun or six pairs of extra wooly socks because it can be cold and you can leave them with the locals. In short, tell me about the items that veterans find useful that is not obvious to a first-timer like me.

For what it is worth, I already have my wish list of critters in my head - Kudu, Waterbuck, Gemsbok, Zebra, Impala and Warthog. That said, I am open to taking something that gets the PH excited. Reedbuck is one that I hope the PH will tap me on the shoulder and say "Oh, my! That one is magnificent. You better shoot him."

Well I can give you my take on optics....I used 8x binos, and my dad used 10x. I would say if you are buying a new set for this trip first buy a quality set. Don't go cheap. As far as power go with the 10x. My 8x(Buris) where great. I could see everything my ph and dad could see. I had my 8x before I ever thought of going to Africa. That is why i used them. The 10x will make everything just a little closer! As far as other tips, what time of year are you going? That could help peope give you better awnsers on clothing. One other thing is a soft side gun case for travel from camp to hunting grounds. I used a cheap one that was padded and I could fold up. I had it sitting arround. Check with your ph cause they may have one for you to use. (save space in suite case).

For binos 7X should be the minimum, much depends on terrain. If on the desert areas 10X aint too much. But for most bush country 7-8X is about right. You wont need heavy socks for the cold and not too many pairs, as laundry is done daily in most places. Take a basic cleaning kit, a rod that fits in your rifle case and a little solvent and a few patches is about all you need. No need to clean the rifle after every shot or even every day unless you are doing a LOT of shooting. Do always check the bore for obstructions in the morning before heading out. Its easy to overpack and you wont use half the stuff you take. Most outfits have soft cases to keep your rifle in while driving around. Dont forget personal meds and all, but chances are you wont need an anti malarial in RSA, check with your outfitter on that. Our CDC tends to be over cautious on that front, but in the winter in RSA mosquitos are rarely seen. Have fun, RSA is a great place to visit.

Gear wise:
I took 10X dcf ed glass - I saw things most could not in dim light.
Chest harness for the binos
my favourite rifle
Skip the gun cleaning crap any good PH will have that stuff on hand.
A big soft bag for all your cloths.
The best rifle case you can get for the trip.
Gaters and bug off/ deet for the TICKS.
range finder - just cause I had no idea what sizes these critters really were. It helped. I carried it everywhere.
Barnes tipped TSX for going through that damn bush that always got in the way of almost every shot.
Light socks, almost liners. One pair of wool socks to sleep in when it got cold.
Rain gear, it never rains in Natal, except one of the coldest winters on record.
Camera to take your pictures when nothing big enough comes by.
neck pillows for the flight
Buy leg room unless you are small statured.
Patience to deal with the inevitable issues that will happen.
Two days before you start hunting to get your brain together. Fish, tour, sit, anything.

Originally Posted by VanderLaan

To be a bit more clear, I am seeking input on gear. Stuff like the minimum magnificantion for binoculars (if at all), an extra toothbrush for getting dust out of the gun or six pairs of extra wooly socks because it can be cold and you can leave them with the locals. In short, tell me about the items that veterans find useful that is not obvious to a first-timer like me.

For what it is worth, I already have my wish list of critters in my head - Kudu, Waterbuck, Gemsbok, Zebra, Impala and Warthog. That said, I am open to taking something that gets the PH excited. Reedbuck is one that I hope the PH will tap me on the shoulder and say "Oh, my! That one is magnificent. You better shoot him."

Originally Posted by Nyati

For PG, Nyala, Kudu, Eland, Blue Wildebeest, Bushbuck, Reedbuck, these would be my favorites.

Then I could go on, It depends on your budget.

Man that is funny, I was doing the same thing as you till I got to the next post.

Take a journal with you and record the happenings of the day each evening. You will be amazed at how much you forget as the years go by and how fresh the memories when you read it.

jaustin is right with this one. I have been keeping an Africa journal since my first safari in 1985 and its great to read it now years later.

You know if you're inclined, a nice cigar goes really well with a cold Castle....

Skip the stogie (no offense Phil) and down an Amstel Lager (not light!), watch the sunset at the end of another glorious day in Africa. There is no equal to that!

Man all this talk of Africa makes me want to go back! Lol

Quality 8x Binos are adequate. Rangefinder?...few if any shots over 200, most PH's have built in RF & will call the shot anyway. Sight your rifle for spot on at 200. If you are walking a lot the least amount of crap you carry the better. Lightweight boots.
A good insect repellent...mainly for the tics.
Good camera that can take a knock & a small spare digital... Very minimal gun cleaning kit...you likely wont fire 20 shots. Go real easy on clothing..1 warm jacket. 1 warm hat. 1 fingerless gloves...the rest lightweight cotton.
Take a pack of cigars...if only for the PH and tracker. A bottle of scotch or borbourn or whatever lites your eyes up.
Above all leave the stress & urgency at home... "no pressure" ensures success.

Good thread..I also am embarking on our first safari next spring.

My wife and I have been reading anything about Africa--she is reading about the culture and history..I've been covering the classics Rob Ruark, Boddington, etc, etc.

I have a few questions..10 day hunt in late April on the East Cape...what clothing/how much clothing should we take. Like most outfitters laundry services are there-like to hear people's experiences.

Also..footwear hunting boots, hiking boots...?

Chapstick
Nail clipper/fire
LED headlamp
Permethrin treated clothing

Gun
Boots
Bullets
Loin cloth

Everything else is extra.

Loin cloth?...that's a mental picture I don't need....specially if it don't match ya boots.
Practise packing...get it light..then lighter. You'll need little in way of clothing.
1 Clothes bag... 1 carry on bag..(each). 1 bang stick...Ammo.
Loin cloth?...AAAGH!