Hi- just returned from my first safari, thought I’d share a few lessons learned
- rifle permit through Henrys Rifle was worth it
- booked flights on my own without issues. If you have a connection in the US on your return , you have to get your bags, and rifle. Then go through customs and recheck your bags via TSA and the airlines. This takes at least 2 hours. Everyone with less connection time was automatically rebooked on another flight.
- pack your ammo separately from your rifle. There’s a lot of debate on this and though I had no connections in South Africa, I was asked upon arrival and departure
- I was stopped 6 times at police check traveling from Jo’burg to Limpopo. Bring some $5 and $10 for potential bribes. And be calm with police, corruption is part of the culture. (My PH handled the conversation, not me)
- make sure you have a copy of your SAP rifle permit at departure and anytime you’re traveling with your firearm
- no need for all the cotton clothes. It was 95-98 degrees and synthetics were king. Nobody’s stuff was ironed. I didn’t care if it got snagged up.
- my goretex hikers worked just fine. I opted for the boots with a thousand miles on them and was fine.
- practice off sticks beforehand, give yourself 5 seconds to execute shots. You’ll be glad you did
- check the weather before you go and don’t overpack
- I took 80 rounds of ammo, that’s twice what you need
- bring small bills for tips for trackers, skinners, cooks and camp staff. It’s easier for them to covert to Rands or send home
- bring a small gun kit. I brought a bore snake, CLP, patches and qtips. Was happy I did as it was dusty
- was advised to leave binoculars at home, I didn’t and was glad I had them
- after the first day I pulled my sling off as it kept getting hung up on brush. Had to do it again I’d leave my pretty leather sling at home and pack a light web sling
- brought some liquid IV powder packets for water bottles. Nice to have
- bring a RSA power converter
- you don’t need backpack in field. I packed a small kit in bino case- baby wipes (never needed them put nice insurance), chap stick, Tylenol, extra liquid IV, small tube of sunscreen.
- keep extra ammo on belt or rifle butt
- sunglasses were nice
- download WhatsApp and have your wife do the same. It’s easier than adjusting your cell plan
- Verizon had a data plan for $5 a day. I rarely had cell coverage but it was a nice backup
- use padlock on every hole on guncase
- everyone in S Africa smokes but nobody smokes cigars. Bring enough for the trip as I couldn’t find any there
- Lastly, visit Kruger if you can. I ended up spending 3 days there after tagging out early. It was amazing
Hope this helps!
- rifle permit through Henrys Rifle was worth it
- booked flights on my own without issues. If you have a connection in the US on your return , you have to get your bags, and rifle. Then go through customs and recheck your bags via TSA and the airlines. This takes at least 2 hours. Everyone with less connection time was automatically rebooked on another flight.
- pack your ammo separately from your rifle. There’s a lot of debate on this and though I had no connections in South Africa, I was asked upon arrival and departure
- I was stopped 6 times at police check traveling from Jo’burg to Limpopo. Bring some $5 and $10 for potential bribes. And be calm with police, corruption is part of the culture. (My PH handled the conversation, not me)
- make sure you have a copy of your SAP rifle permit at departure and anytime you’re traveling with your firearm
- no need for all the cotton clothes. It was 95-98 degrees and synthetics were king. Nobody’s stuff was ironed. I didn’t care if it got snagged up.
- my goretex hikers worked just fine. I opted for the boots with a thousand miles on them and was fine.
- practice off sticks beforehand, give yourself 5 seconds to execute shots. You’ll be glad you did
- check the weather before you go and don’t overpack
- I took 80 rounds of ammo, that’s twice what you need
- bring small bills for tips for trackers, skinners, cooks and camp staff. It’s easier for them to covert to Rands or send home
- bring a small gun kit. I brought a bore snake, CLP, patches and qtips. Was happy I did as it was dusty
- was advised to leave binoculars at home, I didn’t and was glad I had them
- after the first day I pulled my sling off as it kept getting hung up on brush. Had to do it again I’d leave my pretty leather sling at home and pack a light web sling
- brought some liquid IV powder packets for water bottles. Nice to have
- bring a RSA power converter
- you don’t need backpack in field. I packed a small kit in bino case- baby wipes (never needed them put nice insurance), chap stick, Tylenol, extra liquid IV, small tube of sunscreen.
- keep extra ammo on belt or rifle butt
- sunglasses were nice
- download WhatsApp and have your wife do the same. It’s easier than adjusting your cell plan
- Verizon had a data plan for $5 a day. I rarely had cell coverage but it was a nice backup
- use padlock on every hole on guncase
- everyone in S Africa smokes but nobody smokes cigars. Bring enough for the trip as I couldn’t find any there
- Lastly, visit Kruger if you can. I ended up spending 3 days there after tagging out early. It was amazing
Hope this helps!
