Suggestions on things to take for first Cape buffalo hunt- Zimbabwe

In 500 NE, or similar, most any bullet of normal weight will work if shot placement is correct with luck and there is minimal margin for error. But with the Hornady DGX it also depends on if old or new DGX version. The new, bonded DGX is a big improvement over the old, non-bonded version. But it is not the best bullet for the job by a wide margin, not even in the top tier of choices, IMO. No matter, for the life of me, why anyone insists on using a convenient, easily available or low cost bullet for hunting big game, especially DG, when the bullet is the only thing that interacts with the animal. The hat or sunglasses you’re wearing don’t, the pants or shirt or boots don’t, the rifle doesn’t, the scope doesn’t, the price/class of the plane ticket to get there doesn’t, the class or cost of the hotels used during the trip doesn’t, the cost of the luggage doesn’t… it is the bullet!
 
fourfive8 said:
In 500 NE, or similar, most any bullet of normal weight will work if shot placement is correct with luck and there is minimal margin for error. But with the Hornady DGX it also depends on if old or new DGX version. The new, bonded DGX is a big improvement over the old, non-bonded version. But it is not the best bullet for the job by a wide margin, not even in the top tier of choices, IMO. No matter, for the life of me, why anyone insists on using a convenient, easily available or low cost bullet for hunting big game, especially DG, when the bullet is the only thing that interacts with the animal. The hat or sunglasses you’re wearing don’t, the pants or shirt or boots don’t, the rifle doesn’t, the scope doesn’t, the price/class of the plane ticket to get there doesn’t, the class or cost of the hotels used during the trip doesn’t, the cost of the luggage doesn’t… it is the bullet!
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The watch.

You forgot about the watch

It’s a wonder you ain’t been killed. :cool:
 
Your going to have such a great hunt and can’t wait to see some pics from it.

You won’t go wrong with Jim Greens I love my barefoot African ranger’s.

For the non cammo Cabela’s does have the red head like it’s not bad, also tag safaris has some more affordable solid color clothing in canvas that won’t get shredded from the throne and brush as well.

Here is a generic packing list I live by when prepping for any hunts then plus and minus a few items. You’ve already got some great help in the post above.

1. light Jacket for morning and evenings
2. Three pairs of hunting clothes shirts and pants
3. Sunblock
4. Bug Spray
5. Sunglasses
6. Low top boot/running shoes. I use Jim Green boots or Palladium Pampa Hi shoes for wet conditions hunts.
7. Bore snake to clean barrel at end of hunt
8. Oil wipes to wipe bolt and action
9. Ear plugs
10. Baseball cap
11. Neck gaiter/buff
12. Gun sock/ soft case for when traveling long distances in the truck or on charter plane
13. Battery pack to charge with
14. Flashlight
15. Camera
16. Pelican case for camera in truck
17. SD cards
18. Spare Flash flight and camera batteries
19. Book to read on flights
20. Power inverters for(destination)
21. Truck treat’s (gum, candy, etc.) for everyone on the truck and camp
22. Gloves for thorn brush (leather is best)
23. Camp shoes I use sneaker or crocs
24. Camp/travel clothes, typically pair of shorts or hunting pants, along with tee shirt that can be used to hunt in for back up I wear solid color hunting clothing, so it works to travel in.


25. In reach/sat phone for staying connected to home and work. What’s App is a great app for when you have WIFI as well.




26. ammo pouch or belt to keep ammo on you and not rattling in pockets Leather or a canves elastic material


27. trophy shipping tags from your taxidermist with your info their info and broker info on them. Take 4 tags per animal you plan on hunting and I would take a couple extra.




28. Binoculars 10x42 with range works great in 99% of Africa safari areas in heavy thick brush areas maybe a 8x32 would be better but 10x42 is a great go to with ranging capabilities.
 
fourfive8 said:
IMO. No matter, for the life of me, why anyone insists on using a convenient, easily available or low cost bullet for hunting big game, especially DG, when the bullet is the only thing that interacts with the animal. The hat or sunglasses you’re wearing don’t, the pants or shirt or boots don’t, the rifle doesn’t, the scope doesn’t, the price/class of the plane ticket to get there doesn’t, the class or cost of the hotels used during the trip doesn’t, the cost of the luggage doesn’t… it is the bullet!
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You are right, it is the bullet. DGX examples:

Other side of entry, PH's (6'1") hand for scale.
full

Lungs
full


Another buffalo lung

1771946205198.jpeg


1771946229419.jpeg


When something works great, I am not going to change. I did develop a load for Cutting Edge solids for elephants, because I wasn't happy with its metlat angle. To be honest, I might have developed a raptor load, but I wanted to keep the bullet weight at 570 grains.

I'll be at Namibia this coming September with my new Rigby for buffalo and Zebra. I will use DGX for the .500 for buffalo and ye,s the DGX for the .450/400 for the Zebra.
 
An important part of any hunt, especially a dangerous game one, is mental preparation. The attached article is from when I used to write for Sports Afield. After it was published, I had an interesting experience. I was at the Safari Press booth at the DSC show signing copies of my Perfect Shot book. A very fit-looking military-type fellow came up to me and asked me if I had written this article. I told him I had. He introduced himself and said he was a navy seal and that he had been a member of the team that accounted for Bin Laden. He said that what I had written was an important and essential part of their training for that mission!
 

Attachments

Tanks said:
Here is my list of stuff I take for Africa. Also, includes a preparation list. Just minor changes pending on location at times. Yes, I am a list maker.

full


full



full
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The hot sauce, is that telling yourself to come along? :D

Edit: saw you were referring to literal hot sauce :D
 
I was in Zimbabwe last July, almost exactly a year ago. I was very glad that I brought a down jacket with hood for early morning rides atop the Land Cruuser. I wish I brought gloves for the same reason.
A backpack is useful for storing the jacket once it gets warm.
My buddy had exactly the same jacket and gave it to the PH who said that they were too expensive for him to afford one.
We were in the Matetsi. There are no ticks, mosquitoes or tsetse flies. I treated all my clothes with Permethrin and brought head nets that were not needed as well as malaria preventative and doxycycline that I didn’t need.
IMG_2411.jpeg
 
VertigoBE said:
The hot sauce, is that telling yourself to come along? :D

Edit: saw you were referring to literal hot sauce :D
Click to expand...
I'm glad I was not the only one to make a spread sheet. I had to send it to my hunting buddy as well. He couldn't pack a bag for a nap...
 
What I wear/take top to bottom when hunting with CMS in particular:

1. Wide brimmed Fedora style hat.
2. Long sleeve shirts with roll up sleeves. I've hunted with Buzz enough that I have plenty but the brand is TAG, and I have ones I've purchased, color is some form of dark green.
3. After trying everything years ago I settled on Carhartt cargo pocket pants, long and short. Color some form of green. In the left cargo pocket goes my iPhone for photos and a spray bottle of Bullfrog Mosquito Repellant/Sunscreen. In the right cargo pocket goes a bottle of water with a packet of Propel added to it.
4. Some kind of belt to hold my pants up. Suspenders would work equally well and I've used them from time to time.
5. Underwear of course
6. Socks, green, and I favor KUIU with their extra padding.
7. Boots for me because I've got weak ankles and need the support. Courtneys are my favorite with an insole that rolls my ankles inward just a bit. Really helps. Any boots you hunt with will be fine and maybe even sneakers (based on the terrain-ask your PH). I don't wear gaiters unless I'm wearing shorts.
8. I almost always have a pair of binos slung under my left arm pit although I almost never use them.
9. A gun belt with whatever ammo I need for the rifle I'm using.
10. Very sharp belt knife. You are in the outdoors.
11. Minimal cleaning equipment for both calibers.
12. Moleskin, just in case.
13. Camp shoes.
14. A light sweater or jacket that isn't noisy.

What I don't use/take:

1. Permethrin. Hell no. Read the label. Might as well stand next to a nuclear reactor that has lost containment. And yes I've had a tick on my ball sack that I didn't see till I got home (hunting in South Africa).
2. Malaria pills. I bring them, the kind that work once you've gotten malaria, but I've never taken them. Bullfrog keeps the mozzies off me so no bites no malaria.
3. And yes I did NOT get ANY COVID vaccines. Live my life dangerously, hard to kill. Still alive and disease free.
4. Camera. Why? I have my iPhone and more importantly I have a videographer on the hunt who will take much better videos and pictures than I can.

Then anything else you might take on any extended trip.

You will have a FANTASTIC time. Soak it in. Don't set any expectations. Take what Africa gives you. You will be rewarded.

And yes you don't want to use DGX bullets or this might happen. And the trackers might not appreciate the level of work they have to do. Tongue in cheek of course.

Note: this a a long video. I use Woodleigh RNSN and Solids in my doubles and Hornady DGX in my backup/plains game 375 H&H.

 
Sourdough said:
What I wear/take top to bottom when hunting with CMS in particular:

1. Wide brimmed Fedora style hat.
2. Long sleeve shirts with roll up sleeves. I've hunted with Buzz enough that I have plenty but the brand is TAG, and I have ones I've purchased, color is some form of dark green.
3. After trying everything years ago I settled on Carhartt cargo pocket pants, long and short. Color some form of green. In the left cargo pocket goes my iPhone for photos and a spray bottle of Bullfrog Mosquito Repellant/Sunscreen. In the right cargo pocket goes a bottle of water with a packet of Propel added to it.
4. Some kind of belt to hold my pants up. Suspenders would work equally well and I've used them from time to time.
5. Underwear of course
6. Socks, green, and I favor KUIU with their extra padding.
7. Boots for me because I've got weak ankles and need the support. Courtneys are my favorite with an insole that rolls my ankles inward just a bit. Really helps. Any boots you hunt with will be fine and maybe even sneakers (based on the terrain-ask your PH). I don't wear gaiters unless I'm wearing shorts.
8. I almost always have a pair of binos slung under my left arm pit although I almost never use them.
9. A gun belt with whatever ammo I need for the rifle I'm using.
10. Very sharp belt knife. You are in the outdoors.
11. Minimal cleaning equipment for both calibers.
12. Moleskin, just in case.
13. Camp shoes.
14. A light sweater or jacket that isn't noisy.

What I don't use/take:

1. Permethrin. Hell no. Read the label. Might as well stand next to a nuclear reactor that has lost containment. And yes I've had a tick on my ball sack that I didn't see till I got home (hunting in South Africa).
2. Malaria pills. I bring them, the kind that work once you've gotten malaria, but I've never taken them. Bullfrog keeps the mozzies off me so no bites no malaria.
3. And yes I did NOT get ANY COVID vaccines. Live my life dangerously, hard to kill. Still alive and disease free.
4. Camera. Why? I have my iPhone and more importantly I have a videographer on the hunt who will take much better videos and pictures than I can.

Then anything else you might take on any extended trip.

You will have a FANTASTIC time. Soak it in. Don't set any expectations. Take what Africa gives you. You will be rewarded.

And yes you don't want to use DGX bullets or this might happen. And the trackers might not appreciate the level of work they have to do. Tongue in cheek of course.

Note: this a a long video. I use Woodleigh RNSN and Solids in my doubles and Hornady DGX in my backup/plains game 375 H&H.

Click to expand...

Nice hunt and video. Thanks for sharing.
The bushbuck and kudu were especially nice bonus trophies.
 
SETH RINGER said:
TABASCO SAUCE, NEVER LEAVE HOME WITHOUT IT.
Click to expand...

Funny story, some of the peppers for Tabasco are grown in the Zambezi Valley near Chirundu town. It is practically in Nyakasanga safari area.So your Tabasco has a huge number of air miles only to end up right back where it started. The farmer also runs the Chirundu Safari Camp. Leave your chili sauce behind and enjoy some local sauces. I enjoy Nyami Nyami and Dr Trouble. Chilli power garlic is good too.
 
Reza7700 said:
Just a few weeks away from first my Cape buffalo and Africa hunt in Zimbabwe with CMS. Can't believe it's almost here. I know I have to buy a couple of light safari outfits, long pants I guess and short sleeve shirts. I think camo is not allowed. Any particular online stores sell these? I looked at Cabela and didn't see much. Would appreciate any other items you guys would suggest that I need to take. I'm not taking a firearm and will be renting there. I did get Jim Green boots! Thanks in advance.

Reza
Click to expand...
Oh Reza! No gun on a DG hunt? I've failed. But seriously, it is an urban (or should we call it bush?) legend that camo is not allowed in Zim. It is true that military style camo is illegal and most of us do not wear camo on travel days. Why this keeps getting circulated I have no idea.
Here is my latest packing video that I did just before a Zim safari this year. (I'm off again in a month) I hope this helps. Have a great safari!

 
Nhoro said:
Funny story, some of the peppers for Tabasco are grown in the Zambezi Valley near Chirundu town. It is practically in Nyakasanga safari area.So your Tabasco has a huge number of air miles only to end up right back where it started. The farmer also runs the Chirundu Safari Camp. Leave your chili sauce behind and enjoy some local sauces. I enjoy Nyami Nyami and Dr Trouble. Chilli power garlic is good too.
Click to expand...
Love the idea of trying and buying the best local, rum , hot sauce, meat marinate sauce or rub !
All recommendations accepted
Sorry to hijack the post
 
Hornedfrogbbq said:
Riddle me this - Regarding airtags - how does it help you really to know where your gun case is other than you know it did or did not get on your flight...or is that what it's for?
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In my case when I saw that my checked bag didn’t make it on the plane i got a message off to my PH. By the time I got there he had sourced some 458 Lott ammo so I could still use my rifle on my buffalo hunt.
 
Use the "best" bullets. The bullet is the only part of you preparation that can make or break your safari as far as I am concerned. It may also get you back home in one piece. My advice is don't compromise on the bullet for cape buffalo. ( Many of you like the TSX line of bullets. Yes, they are good if they don't tumble.) Choose from the few best bullets. I would not recommend anything less than the CEB and NorthFork range for cape buffalo. Why would anyone choose less? Happy Hunting.
 
Brian said:
Use the "best" bullets. The bullet is the only part of you preparation that can make or break your safari as far as I am concerned. It may also get you back home in one piece. My advice is don't compromise on the bullet for cape buffalo. ( Many of you like the TSX line of bullets. Yes, they are good if they don't tumble.) Choose from the few best bullets. I would not recommend anything less than the CEB and NorthFork range for cape buffalo. Why would anyone choose less? Happy Hunting.
Click to expand...
Man, you can’t just walk in and drop that turd in the punch bowl and walk away.

Let’s hear your $.02 :cool:
 
If you're taking two rifles make sure one of them is in a caliber that uses easily obtainable ammunition in case yours is lost in transit. Also that rifle should be Buffalo capable, that is one of the reasons the 375 H&H is so popular. It can be used on both plains game and Buffalo.
 
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