First time big game hunt

[ChallengerRT]

Hello all, first time posting so forgive me if its not 100%. My brother and I are going to Africa here in October of 2026. Hunts booked and we just wanted to take some time and ask people who have already done what were about to do for some pointers. My brother is going for a giraffe and im tackling an elephant. So we would love feedback/ info on what we are to expect and what we should bring/prepare for. I have questions on the guns I have mostly which one everyone would prefer, to the type of weather we might expect. We are pennsylvania hunters so needless to say this is a huge change for us. So any and all feedback is welcome thanks

 

[375Fox]

Where will you be going? These are two of the best resources I can think of for a new African hunter to better understand rifles and bullets for African hunting. If you like these podcasts he has several on elephant hunting with Kevin Robertson as well.

 

[gillettehunter]

Perhaps give us a few more details about what you have booked. What country? What outfitter? What concession? Tuskless? Trophy bull?
Much of southern Africa, where you elephant hunt, is starting to get warm in Oct. Often drives the animals to known water holes. Quite frankly you probably need to spend some time reading hunt reports here and the other network. That will answer a lot of your questions. Especially if you can find reports on the area and PH your hunting with. Good luck.
Bruce

 

[mdwest]

Where will you be going? These are two of the best resources I can think of for a new African hunter to better understand rifles and bullets for African hunting. If you like these podcasts he has several on elephant hunting with Kevin Robertson as well.

Completely concur with this.. you arent going to find a better resource than Kevin Robertson.. thats great stuff..

 

[Flipper Dude]

I’m curious. What would make a man want to go to Africa and START WITH A FREAKING ELEPHANT!?? Good on you!

 

[tarbe]

If you are booked, are you asking these questions of your Outfitter/PH?

I hope so! They ought to know best, considering they understand (hopefully!) the hunting area, climate, etc.

Our advice here will be somewhat generic. Not necessarily bad, but likely not always the best!

 

[Mekaniks]

 

[Betterinthebush]

First hunt is ele. Respect.

 

[Don Hinton]

Welcome to the most intense hunt of your life
Don

 

[Hogpatrol]

From a fellow Pennsy hunter, welcome aboard. WOW, elephant on the first hunt? Good on ya.

 

[Rare Breed]

Where will you be going? These are two of the best resources I can think of for a new African hunter to better understand rifles and bullets for African hunting. If you like these podcasts he has several on elephant hunting with Kevin Robertson as well.

For the elephant hunter there is absolutely no better teaching aid than Buzz Carlton’s Hunting the Africa Elephant CD. Yes as much as I love Kevin Robertsons work nothing beats Buzz video on hunting and shot placement on elephant

 

[Cls.44]

Welcome! I'll also be taking my first African trip in 2026 for elephant (tuskless), and hearing of another person in the same boat makes me feel a little less nuts lol.

 

[ChallengerRT]

Hey all thanks for all the responses. So me and my brother will be tackling his giraffe in south Africa. And my elephant according to the outfitter is in Zimbabwe. We are using warthog safaris..Just felt warm and welcome when dealing with them. I am after a bull elephant tusk isn't a factor atleast to me. I just emphasized an old bull. The research I have done has been very informative but nothing beats real world expertise. My brother and I don't come from money or anything this was something that I was able to make happen for the both of us so I figured might as well get what we are both really wanting, and mine is the elephant. I have 2 firearms I have been practicing with religiously and that's a 416 rigby bolt action cz550 model and my weatherby 460 weatherby magnum. I'd love to hear everyone experience with hunting the elephant and my brother would love anything you have on giraffe thanks and I'll try and answer more questions as I get the responses

 

[Andrew62]

Good on you for booking your first safari, it's quite an experience.

As to the rifle, take whichever you most enjoy shooting! Your shot will be between 15-40 yards, be sure you're sighted in for that distance.

Don't forget to take an electric converter so you can charge up your electronics!

 

[ChallengerRT]

Good on you for booking your first safari, it's quite an experience.

As to the rifle, take whichever you most enjoy shooting! Your shot will be between 15-40 yards, be sure you're sighted in for that distance.

Don't forget to take an electric converter so you can charge up your electronics!

Already had the thought to do so but thank you for confirming my thoughts. This is all new territory for us two. So we definitely wanna be prepared

 

[ChallengerRT]

First hunt is ele. Respect.

Thanks im so excited

 

[Delloro]

Hello all, first time posting so forgive me if its not 100%. My brother and I are going to Africa here in October of 2026. Hunts booked and we just wanted to take some time and ask people who have already done what were about to do for some pointers. ... I'm tackling an elephant.

Have you considered using a rifle instead?