Random Things I Learned in Africa - Please feel free to Add your Own!

I just concluded my first African adventure. It was a family trip for my two sons and me. Here are a few things I leaned in my African Hunter Rookie Season.

The last two weeks will remain legendary in our family story since I had the privilege of spending this time with our two sons. Our dates even included Father’s Day.


Random Things I Learned in Africa

Africa is every bit as special as people claim. As I write this in bed on my last night in camp, I am already pondering my return.

Everyone who has the opportunity and the means, should visit Africa.

The VIP Arrival Service and firearm permitting and clearance offered by Africa Sky is more necessity than luxury.

Pack lighter. Much lighter. Especially clothes.

Bring your own snacks. Candy. Protein Bars. Nuts.

You could easily do a Buffalo and Plains Game hunt with one 375 Caliber Rifle. But, I’m a gun nut and I probably won’t ever bring only one.

A videographer is well worth the cost. Frank Dyason/Safari On Film worked exceptionally hard. I can't wait to see the finished product.

A great PH is worth their weight in gold. Ernest and his Spear Safaris team could not have been better.

My perspectives on hunting certain species has shifted after the trip. I would still not be interested in shooting a Lion or a Rhino although I do not see anything wrong with it. I would now most certainly hunt Elephant, Giraffe, Hippo and Leopard.

Nothing in the world is more awe inspiring than a mature male, African Lion at close range.

Baobab Trees are not actually rare. They are also not actually trees but rather succulents like a Cactus. They are also incredibly beautiful, each one with its own personality.

I am going to build an African style fire pit at home.

Plan your trip so that it allows a slower pace to take in as much as possible.

Come back to Greater Kruger both as a hunter and a tourist.

A sixteen hour flight isn’t as bad as it sounds. Let’s see if I feel the same after the return leg. *Confirmed upon arrival back in ATL.*

South African gas stations are way better than the US versions. They are clean throughout and have good food options.

KFC is the King of fast food here.

South Africans drive on the edge of chaos.

Toyota is the undisputed leader of the automotive landscape. They have models that we don’t have that make me envious. Diesel fuel runs the show.

The Chinese vehicles all look like a knockoff of something else but they are very nice. Nice, but far from original.

Volkswagen and Mercedes both offer pickup trucks here. The VW Amarok is super cool and would sell great in the states.

South Africans know how to (over)load a utility trailer like none other. It looks like a circus act.

The Ford Ranger is very popular.

Cigarette smuggling from Zimbabwe to RSA is a thing to avoid heavy taxes.

Citrus is a cash crop. Orange and lemon groves are plentiful. Also macadamia, banana and avocado are big.

The scale of Trophy Solutions Taxidermy is shocking. I am quite sure there are many others like this but as a whitetail deer hunter, most of the taxidermists I have dealt with over the years are garage or small shop based.

Things I’ve learned in Africa…

1. I’ve lived and traveled to a lot of places with huge economic disparity. But no where has reiterated to me that life is unfair like Africa. There are incredibly skilled, hard working people there that are working to fulfill baseline needs - food, security and education for their family. Being born in a developed country is like winning the lottery.

2. Living the adventure you’ve read about in books is part of the point. Wear a pancho villa culling belt, blast a double like you just walked into the OK corral, and crack jokes with the phs as if you know what you’re talking about.

Go slow and take it all in.

No matter how much time you're allowing for your safari, it's not enough!

Leave your phone in airplane mode the entire safari. Just use it for pictures.

Reading your report on other thread I don’t think you could have had a better first trip. Funny though I disagree on several of your main points. I always get the rifle permitting service, but I think VIP assistance is just a luxury. You are a regular tourist until you walk into the arrival hall then have to walk to SAPS. If an ordinary tourist can do it, I can too. I’d rather save the money and get met in arrival hall rather than off the plane for extra cost. Everyone advocates packing lighter, but if you are entitled to a checked bag what’s the difference if it’s 20 lbs or 44 lbs? I’d rather have more than I need than need something I don’t have. Also, there are days changing camps where laundry can’t be done or I’ve had other clients leave camp with my clothes on their last day by accident. For snacks, I’ve never seen a shortage of nuts, biltong, or sweets. I really look forward to Chomp bars in Southern Africa. If you are in Namibia I think they have some of best dates in world. Just let outfitter know what you like. I’ve had to eat KFC in south Africa before, but if we have a few minutes I really like stopping at a Wimpy’s.

I love hunting Africa. I want to see as many areas as I can. I learn something more with each trip. I’ve pretty much decided as long as I have some Excedrin and chapstick and a good PH/outfitter I can make do regardless what happens. I’ve lived out of my backpack comfortably for a hunt before. There is a lot more available for sale in Africa than people realize even in 3rd world countries.

375Fox said:

Reading your report on other thread I don’t think you could have had a better first trip. Funny though I disagree on several of your main points. I always get the rifle permitting service, but I think VIP assistance is just a luxury. You are a regular tourist until you walk into the arrival hall then have to walk to SAPS. If an ordinary tourist can do it, I can too. I’d rather save the money and get met in arrival hall rather than off the plane for extra cost. Everyone advocates packing lighter, but if you are entitled to a checked bag what’s the difference if it’s 20 lbs or 44 lbs? I’d rather have more than I need than need something I don’t have. Also, there are days changing camps where laundry can’t be done or I’ve had other clients leave camp with my clothes on their last day by accident. For snacks, I’ve never seen a shortage of nuts, biltong, or sweets. I really look forward to Chomp bars in Southern Africa. If you are in Namibia I think they have some of best dates in world. Just let outfitter know what you like. I’ve had to eat KFC in south Africa before, but if we have a few minutes I really like stopping at a Wimpy’s.

I love hunting Africa. I want to see as many areas as I can. I learn something more with each trip. I’ve pretty much decided as long as I have some Excedrin and chapstick and a good PH/outfitter I can make do regardless what happens. I’ve lived out of my backpack comfortably for a hunt before. There is a lot more available for sale in Africa than people realize even in 3rd world countries.

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To your point on the permit service. I'm told it just takes one guy screening your rifles to decide to hold them hostage for payment.

My PH tells me to always use the service to insure a smooth transition in South Africa. Too many people on the take there.

At the end of the day, to each their own.

In Africa all wild game meat is referred to as “venison”, whilst here in the UK we only refer to deer meat as venison and for example wild boar meat is just known as wild boar (insert product e.g sausages). But warthog is known as venison instead of pork as it’s a wild game meat. This definition certainly confused me at first!

ftrovato said:

To your point on the permit service. I'm told it just takes one guy screening your rifles to decide to hold them hostage for payment.

My PH tells me to always use the service to insure a smooth transition in South Africa. Too many people on the take there.

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There is VIP service where you are met off the plane and walked through customs, through baggage claim, then exit to SAPS.
Standard meet and greet/rifle assistance meets you after baggage claim then you walk to SAPS together. I pay for standard meet and greet. I’m not saying the permit service is unnecessary. I’m saying paying extra for VIP off plane is. You are the same as any other tourist until you walk to SAPS to collect your rifle. It’s a question of what 20 minutes is worth to you to bypass customs line.

375Fox said:

There is VIP service where you are met off the plane and walked through customs, through baggage claim, then exit to SAPS.
Standard meet and greet/rifle assistance meets you after baggage claim then you walk to SAPS together. I pay for standard meet and greet. I’m not saying the permit service is unnecessary. I’m saying paying extra for VIP off plane is. You are the same as any other tourist until you walk to SAPS to collect your rifle. It’s a question of what 20 minutes is worth to you to bypass customs line.

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Understood and agreed.

Sometimes the VIP line can take longer than regular customs processing too (I'm told).

ftrovato said:

Understood and agreed.

Sometimes the VIP line can take longer than regular customs processing too (I'm told).

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Sample size of one for me, but the VIP service in JNB breezed me through what I'm sure would have been a two hour customs line otherwise. Highly recommend.

1. Practice shooting over tall shooting sticks (from standing position).
2.
Either practice at home with the same type your PH will be providing or, bring your own that you prefer.
3.
I definitely prefer the simplest 2 legged type.
4.
Whatever type sticks you prefer, learn to settle in smoothly and quickly to fire that all important first shot accurately within 2 or 3 seconds after quickly settling your rifle onto said sticks.
I have noticed that many visiting hunters all too often take way too long aiming and aiming and aiming, typically inspiring whatever animal to suddenly leap back into the foliage before any shot is fired.
5.
Most shots at African animals is at relatively close range.
So avoid today’s trend in huge, over powered scopes with a narrow field of view, especially ones with a lot of options and over-complicated reticule.
6.
I know I’m the odd duck who prefers a simple rugged 4x scope, with nothing in it but old fashioned cross hairs.
If your scope is a variable power one (most rented rifles in Africa are variable power these days), just set it on 4x and leave it throughout your entire time in the bush, including for day 1. sighting it in.
If however you are hunting in wide open geography such as much of Namibia, the Easyern Cape of South Africa and such, set your scope on 6x and just leave it there.
7.
Aim quickly, exhale, steady pressure on the trigger and bang, critter down, high five and big smile.
8.
If you insist on using an extra-high velocity calibers (.270 Winchester, 7MM Magnum, .300 Winchester and the like), use the heaviest bullets available.
On that note, the popular with my fellow Americans, 7MM Remington Magnum is a decent “plains game” caliber.
And, 175 grainers are a good game getter.
But, cartridges like the .30-06 and 220 grain round nose soft, the 9.3x62 Mauser with 286 grain round nose, are better, especially when shooting larger species like zebra, water buck and especially eland
9.
Bring the best quality binoculars of at least 8 power or better yet, 10 power that you can afford.
Africa is beautiful and the small, pocket size binoculars will not be as satisfactory for enjoying all there is to see there, especially when glassing from a high spot out in the magnificent bush.
10.
Walk a lot in your hunting shoes at home.
You will be happy you did.

Agreed with most comments, but using a "rifle permits" service (esp. in RSA) is not necessary. You got your passport at home, you can also be a big boy and fill out the simple paperwork (at home, ahead of time-SAP 520 etc.-it's almost no different for other countries!) I once met a very young college gal that was there to "whisk" me through the popo with guns in-tow (I knew more about the process than she and her boss showed up and basically admitted to me it was an idea borne in college to make extra $. An Unnecessary service. Why do you think your PH et. al. recommended it? Hmmmmm? LOL If you're uninclined to do paperwork yourself (or don't have time) use the service by all means. One of the BEST ways to get your visa and temp import permit for guns is with your PH (who picks you up from the airport and you go straight to camp, bypassing yet another unnecessary service and maximizing Safari time!) Except IF your PH is picking you up from a neighboring Country and he's NOT a licensed Hunter in the country you've landed in (i.e. Zim, Bots, Namib PH picks you up at OR Tambo.) The popo there do NOT like the interference (and I've been right in the thick of it!) 'NEVER had a problem with ANY of the police in ANY of the southern African countries. They were actually all quite nice and many were really friendly women just documenting what's necessary (serial numbers, round count, etc.) VIP can spare long lines (once in 2.5 hrs both ways on one trip,) but I've even up-bought VIP for just that flight to get us through quickly (in the US and Africa!) As said above, we got ourselves to the destination airport and we can certainly handle the rest! I almost rented a Hilux once but the PH agreed to make the 5 hr cross-country drive (as to avoid anymore airport or hospitality nonsense in a city close to the airport) so we could see the country, interact with the people, go shopping (even if for bags of roadside fruits/veggies) etc. The less time spent at airports, in cities, etc. whilst on safari-the Better! Nice story and agreed with most points that most of us have encountered prior. *On one cross-country trip 'had to drive a 6 sp fancy Toyota turbo diesel truck for hours across the border, in order for the PH to drop off his hunting cruiser for service (which he/his wife picked up when they drove back by.) You get accustomed to right hand drive and left handed shifting straight away-or not! lol Diesels are the BEST. Great mileage, low maintenance-super reliable (esp. the way the African versions are built-the money is in durability NOT emissions and extra safety gear for driving on the highway by LAX!) Although driving at night in Africa certainly has its additional dangers (and I thought deer/bear were bad)... Thanks for sharing!

*a mugger in OR Tambo dressed like a VIP guy, moved some ropes and pretended he was going to get us around the long lines...we had $, guns, etc. He was going to try an mug us! But, I was with my PH and he absolutely scared the hell out of the guy..and then we went on our merry way! Neither the VIP people or guns-r-us permitting people would've been there, or have been of any service in such a case! Like most cities these days (and for many prior), Joburg is a naughty place that you should endeavor to minimize any time spent! SAA VIP lounge between flights out to other African countries? No problemo! Highly recommended.

375Fox said:

There is VIP service where you are met off the plane and walked through customs, through baggage claim, then exit to SAPS.
Standard meet and greet/rifle assistance meets you after baggage claim then you walk to SAPS together. I pay for standard meet and greet. I’m not saying the permit service is unnecessary. I’m saying paying extra for VIP off plane is. You are the same as any other tourist until you walk to SAPS to collect your rifle. It’s a question of what 20 minutes is worth to you to bypass customs line.

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While I don’t disagree with @375Fox after a 15 hour flight getting to City Lodge ASAP is worth the extra cost for me not standing in line so I always get the VIP service just me

If you see an animal that flips your switch if available on quota SHOOT IT, an extra trophy fee or two is cheaper than another overseas plane ticket and you may never see that quality critter again.

You're going to build a Braai (Afrikaans-endemic to S. Africa or camps run by S. Africans elsewhere.) 'Hard to pass up building a smoker grill (a la the African-Americans down South!) They're just fantastic and dual-purpose. You must've been in the Limpopo to witness the smuggling. 'Have witnessed it many times hunting atop cliffs on the other side of the River in Zim. More of a curiosity to witness. You encountered the beautiful Euphorbia "Candelabra" plant or forests (all over Limpopo!) IF you learn the language, it will open doors you've never imagined...

I learned how to shrug!
It’s the one thing that I thought oh yeah. But until you live and travel through Africa you don’t really get. Travel the great North road up through Zambia and get stopped at 2 in the morning at the police stop just the other side of Kapiri Mposhi and haggle your way past the corrupt cops with a pair of Tupperware containers you learn to shrug. See some of the road conditions and transportation solutions you soon get it!
Even watching mum elephant snap of a branch to give her unruly calf a beating yep there’s that shrug again!
AWA…. is the beast way to describe this shrug……Africa Wins Again!

​

Velo Dog said:

1. Practice shooting over tall shooting sticks (from standing position).
2.
Either practice at home with the same type your PH will be providing or, bring your own that you prefer.
3.
I definitely prefer the simplest 2 legged type.
4.
Whatever type sticks you prefer, learn to settle in smoothly and quickly to fire that all important first shot accurately within 2 or 3 seconds after quickly settling your rifle onto said sticks.
I have noticed that many visiting hunters all too often take way too long aiming and aiming and aiming, typically inspiring whatever animal to suddenly leap back into the foliage before any shot is fired.
5.
Most shots at African animals is at relatively close range.
So avoid today’s trend in huge, over powered scopes with a narrow field of view, especially ones with a lot of options and over-complicated reticule.
6.
I know I’m the odd duck who prefers a simple rugged 4x scope, with nothing in it but old fashioned cross hairs.
If your scope is a variable power one (most rented rifles in Africa are variable power these days), just set it on 4x and leave it throughout your entire time in the bush, including for day 1. sighting it in.
If however you are hunting in wide open geography such as much of Namibia, the Easyern Cape of South Africa and such, set your scope on 6x and just leave it there.
7.
Aim quickly, exhale, steady pressure on the trigger and bang, critter down, high five and big smile.
8.
If you insist on using an extra-high velocity calibers (.270 Winchester, 7MM Magnum, .300 Winchester and the like), use the heaviest bullets available.
On that note, the popular with my fellow Americans, 7MM Remington Magnum is a decent “plains game” caliber.
And, 175 grainers are a good game getter.
But, cartridges like the .30-06 and 220 grain round nose soft, the 9.3x62 Mauser with 286 grain round nose, are better, especially when shooting larger species like zebra, water buck and especially eland
9.
Bring the best quality binoculars of at least 8 power or better yet, 10 power that you can afford.
Africa is beautiful and the small, pocket size binoculars will not be as satisfactory for enjoying all there is to see there, especially when glassing from a high spot out in the magnificent bush.
10.
Walk a lot in your hunting shoes at home.
You will be happy you did.

Click to expand...

Excellent advice!

I am really enjoying the input from the experienced hunters of The Dark Continent. My thoughts and observations are from the mind and wide eyes of a rookie! I'm sure many are incomplete at best and some probably even wrong but they are relevant to my one experience. Please keep them coming!

Even if it’s blazing hot in direct sun while butchering an elephant, the locals of the Zambezi valley will still wear winter toboggan hats as a fashion statement.

Take more tip money than you think, there are lots of hands out.

C.W. Richter said:

You're going to build a Braai (Afrikaans-endemic to S. Africa or camps run by S. Africans elsewhere.) 'Hard to pass up building a smoker grill (a la the African-Americans down South!) They're just fantastic and dual-purpose. You must've been in the Limpopo to witness the smuggling. 'Have witnessed it many times hunting atop cliffs on the other side of the River in Zim. More of a curiosity to witness. You encountered the beautiful Euphorbia "Candelabra" plant or forests (all over Limpopo!) IF you learn the language, it will open doors you've never imagined... View attachment 774238

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Learning the language has been on my mind..