What are your Tips & Must Haves - 2nd Safari - Namibia

[RLP]

Agree with all above.
- PH or tracker will carry sticks or tripod, use theirs as they will set them up. Don't want them carrying something they don't normally set up.
- Leatherman/tool knife/ allen wrench for optics (bag)
- imodium & ass wipes (bag)
- binos & hearing protection (walker's) so you can hear the PH (on your person)
- warming layers/ rain gear (bag)
- snacks/water (bag)
- more ammo than you think you need (bag), I keep 3 in the mag, 6 on my hip and up to 40 in the bag.

Good luck

 

[Sabre]

I have seen a couple people suggest not using your own sticks. I strongly disagree with this.

If you get a set you like and practice with them at home, you will be more proficient and quick on them in the field.

If you hunt with the same outfitter and know he will have sticks you like on hand, no big deal. But if you like shooting off quad sticks and show up and the outfitter only uses a trigger stick, that would be detrimental in my opinion.

 

[Mtn_Infantry]

I’m part of the crowd who tends to use all the space I’m given. A normal trip for my is 12-14 Days. I also pack a little heavy since I’ve had laundry service not done, shredded clothing, not water, flight delays/issues, etc. I also typically bring a bunch of stuff for the PH/Outfitter that they’ve asked for.

I use the PH’s sticks and have used damn near everything you could think of from Trad Homemade Wood Sticks, African Sporting Sticks, Stable Quad Sticks, Primos Trigger Sticks, and BogPod

My must haves
Flip Flops
Wet Wipes
Rifle/Ammo/Optic
Bow/Arrows (spare rest, extra broadheads and 1/2 dozen field points, tools to work on bow)
Binos (Swaro 8x42’s or 8x30’s) w/ Strap
2 Pair Pants (Kuiu Solids, I’ve got 2 pairs that are shredded)
2-3 Pair Cotton Shorts (Tag Safari, Wangler, 5.11)
1 Pair old BDU pants (wear around camp)
4-5 Pair SS TShirts (2-3 Kuiu Merino Wool, 2 random dark cotton)
1 Thermal Top
1 Light Long Sleeve (typically Sitka or Kuiu type)
1 Insulated Jacket
Ammo Belt w/ Multitool & Fixed Blade
1 Pair US Hiking Boot (Merrell or Salomon)
1 Pair Leather Boot (Jim Green or Courtney)
1 Pair Tennis Shoes
5 Pair ea Boxers & Socks
Baseball Cap
Polarized Sunglasses
Boonie Hat
Shower/Shave Kit & Microfiber Towel
Liquid IV


I wear 1 set of pants/shirts and boots, pack a spare short/shirt in my carry-on with flip flops, Binos, Wet Wipes

Most of the other stuff goes in a Red Oxx Duffle with my ammo, and some will go in my gun case.

 

[NIGHTHAWK]

Courtney Boots, gaiters, short shorts, and an outfitter provided Safari shirt - with their logo, oh and one of their baseball hats for pictures.

 

[Sideshow]

As someone who needs some ankle support but also likes a quiet boot, I went with Russells 20 years ago. I still have the first set and now a 2nd set with a little softer sole. Not everyone likes Russells...but there isn't a boot that has universal appeal. The closest thing to that would be the Courtenay's but they are heavy, noisy boots that just don't work for me. I have a pair but they feel like clown shoes to me. Many PHs love them and are used to them...but they are also used to wearing rugby shorts like Tom Selleck so whatever.

I love my rugby short Tom Selleck look! Wow I need to grow a big Mo! The wife will just love that

 

[henandhunt]

I believe The Nitro Express Podcast had a recent episode similar to your question called “Safari Kit”.

This was a great episode and have enjoyed listening to the podcast! Thanks for the recommendation.

 

[henandhunt]

I understand that preparing for a safari, especially your first, is part of the excitement! It is possible, however, to sweat the small stuff a bit too much.

Clothing is one of the most discussed elements, and in my opinion, the least important. Sure, you don’t want to show up in flannel shirts and snow boots, but Safari is one of the least gear-intensive forms of hunting. The keys are durability, comfort and quietness. Dark green, olive, or brown are the only colors to consider. Stay away from light khaki….its too bright and you’ll stand out. Cotton is your friend.

You could make a trip to Sam’s or Costco and buy three dark green, cotton tee-shirts, three pair of cotton trousers, a green boonie hat, four pairs of cotton or wicking poly-type undergarments, a dark green fleece jacket, and you’d be set. Maybe $100 US…probably less. eBay is another great source of new and hardly used safari clothes.

If you would get more enjoyment from wearing $170 Westley Richards shirts and matching $300 pants, then by all means do so. It’s your safari. I have spent a considerable sum over the years trying to look like Stewart Granger. I’ve decided that clothing is just not that important.

BOOTS and socks are another matter! Light, all-leather, well broken in boots are the best choice for Namibia. When I was there in April, I was amazed at how thick and tall the grass was. This is due to the great rainfall they got earlier in the year. I brought a pair of leather and Cordura boots. From the moment I stepped into the grass I regretted that decision. The super sharp grass seeds penetrated the Cordura and I was constantly taking my boots off and pulling seeds out of my socks and my person! I’ll admit, this was a unique situation on this trip. On previous trips to Namibia I never had a problem with grass seeds. I like light, Marino wool socks…. stay away from cotton socks. Cotton socks, get wet from sweat and hold onto that moisture which is the leading cause of blisters.

I have felt like I need to put the money where it matters. So you’re right on not sweating the small stuff.

One example, my optic is 4.5-18x52 leupold mark 4HD
Trying to decide if I really need to invest in a red dot for short close up shots…thoughts?

 

[Rare Breed]

On meds, I often take an Imodium when getting into an area with different food/water. It can really help with adjusting quickly and settling your stomach. I certainly would have some around.

I take doxy, Cipro and anti diarrhea from my local doc before I go just to be safe

 

[Green Chile]

That's wise. It's also important to know how you react to airplane food, travel, etc and prepare accordingly. I've been taking my own snacks on airplanes as I don't like their food.

 

[Bandera]

Prefer sticks over a tripod for your rifle?
This hunt I used a quad stick similar to the stable stick. The brand I used was a Nordiske Precision, it is a 4 legged stick but it has a strap that holds the upper at a proper distance. A must have.

Best hunting boots you prefer for safari hunts?
I like the Courtney boots. I very comfortable. The Jim Green boot has hump down the middle that I find uncomfortable. My wife has also picked a pair of Courtney’s for her hunting boots.
A boot with nylon or cordura on the side is noisy in the grass. You a swish as you move through tall grass. So for me all leather boots.

What are you packing in your gear bag when you're out on a hunt? what to leave behind at camp?
A pair of Binos, small first aid kit, ammo. When I don’t take a pack. Ammo and knife is on my culling belt.
Binos are on me in their harness.
Water bottle or bottles in pocket.

Best shooting bags you prefer for African hunts? If I used a bag it would be what ever the PH has. I personally do not like shooting from the truck. I also will not knock somebody does.

Another item for a hunt is a decent pair of leather gloves. This last hunt I ended crawling about 130 yards to get into a position to shoot my Buffalo. I left my gloves in the truck. Always take your gloves.

 

[Doug3006]

I have felt like I need to put the money where it matters. So you’re right on not sweating the small stuff.

One example, my optic is 4.5-18x52 leupold mark 4HD
Trying to decide if I really need to invest in a red dot for short close up shots…thoughts?

I don’t see the need. If you’re thinking about replacing your Leupold with a red dot, you’ll be limiting yourself. Most shots are taken between 50 and 150 yards. But there is a chance that your Kudu of a lifetime stands at 300 yards and there’s no way to get closer. Your Leupold is perfect for that….and on 4X can handle short range shots too.

If you’re thinking about mounting the scope and red dot in detachable rings….and swapping back and forth I’d say that’s not really practical. Things move quickly in the field and you won’t have time.

 

[Bandera]

I have felt like I need to put the money where it matters. So you’re right on not sweating the small stuff.

One example, my optic is 4.5-18x52 leupold mark 4HD
Trying to decide if I really need to invest in a red dot for short close up shots…thoughts?

My thoughts… the MK4 is a tactical scope. Has busy reticle that is not needed.
The MK4 is also heavier than a comparable VX5.
The 2-10 Leupold VX5 with the CDS and the fire dot to me is the perfect set up.

 

[Roger Cox]

If it hasn't been mentioned, gaiters. I hate grass seeds getting in my socks.

 

[375er]

For those that have used Salomon boots, what model are you using?

 

[Wyfox]

@henandhunt use what you shoot best, that is most important. Your rifle will work just fine especially in the open country of Namibia. An auxiliary red-dot on top of your current optic really isn't necessary. A 4x bottom end is fine, if it's first focal and the reticle is small at 4x turn on the illumination if you have it.

If your setup with a tripod and arca rail that will be 10x more stable than any shooting sticks, I use them extensively for hunting and my daughters really appreciate the stable shooting platform.

@375er I use the Saloman Quest 4d for most early season hunting and the Speed Assault 2 for light weight hikes/hunts in moderate terrain.

 

[Spearhead]

Less of everything.

Amen to this Joe!!! The one thing I didn't think about was lip balm (chapstick, blistex...). Bought some in the airport and used/needed it daily.

 

[henandhunt]

I don’t see the need. If you’re thinking about replacing your Leupold with a red dot, you’ll be limiting yourself. Most shots are taken between 50 and 150 yards. But there is a chance that your Kudu of a lifetime stands at 300 yards and there’s no way to get closer. Your Leupold is perfect for that….and on 4X can handle short range shots too.

If you’re thinking about mounting the scope and red dot in detachable rings….and swapping back and forth I’d say that’s not really practical. Things move quickly in the field and you won’t have time.

No the red dot would be mounted on top of the scope. Not replaced and not swapping.

 

[henandhunt]

My thoughts… the MK4 is a tactical scope. Has busy reticle that is not needed.
The MK4 is also heavier than a comparable VX5.
The 2-10 Leupold VX5 with the CDS and the fire dot to me is the perfect set up.

It’s not busy to me IMO. I’m shooting 8.6 blackout so I need more than the fire dot.
Not looking to change my primary optic, I’m very happy with it, love it, has illuminated reticle.
My rifle is lightweight already so the addt 9oz really doesn’t feel like much.

 

[henandhunt]

@henandhunt use what you shoot best, that is most important. Your rifle will work just fine especially in the open country of Namibia. An auxiliary red-dot on top of your current optic really isn't necessary. A 4x bottom end is fine, if it's first focal and the reticle is small at 4x turn on the illumination if you have it.

If your setup with a tripod and arca rail that will be 10x more stable than any shooting sticks, I use them extensively for hunting and my daughters really appreciate the stable shooting platform.

@375er I use the Saloman Quest 4d for most early season hunting and the Speed Assault 2 for light weight hikes/hunts in moderate terrain.

Ok then I’m not going to spend the additional coin at this point on a red dot.
It’s 4x FFP with illuminated reticle.

It’s interesting, so many folks say quad sticks.
One guy was adamant about a tripod vs sticks.

Quad to me at least seems sturdy for a newer shooter like myself.

I haven’t practiced a ton with any though and I’m leaving in a few weeks so at this point was thinking to just pick up the 4 stable sticks $119 aluminum on Amazon prime as an option to practice and take with.

I almost bought the African shooting sticks from African Sporting creations at DSC this weekend but they were $429 and the price hurt my heart.
I know it’s prob a buy once cry once situation but I’ve had a lot of that prepping for this trip.

Definitely just want something that I can easily change the height and maneuver on my own, and pack easily.
Looked at Spartan Springbok quad (sold out) and the tripod version.