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Thinking about your first hunt in Africa?
You’ve done the dreaming, now it’s time to prepare for the real thing.
After hosting countless first-timers here at Kalahari Safari, we’ve put together 10 pointers that will help you get the most out of your trip — from booking the right outfitter to making the most of every moment in the bush.
Your First African Safari – Advice From the Kalahari
At Kalahari Safari, we enjoy hosting first-time hunters.
There’s an energy that comes with it — the build-up, the research, the planning. We’ve seen people spend years preparing and asking the right questions on AfricaHunting.com.
That’s where it should start: do your homework.
1. Book With the Right Outfitter
You’ll be spending a lot of time together, so make sure you get along with your outfitter and PH.
If they’re not the same person, get to know your guide. Respect goes both ways, and a solid working relationship makes a big difference in the field.
2. Get Solid With Shooting Sticks
Most shots in Africa are taken from sticks. Don’t wait until you arrive to figure them out.
Practise at home until you can get on target quickly and shoot steady. Bring the rifle you shoot best — not the biggest one you own.
3. Pack for Conditions, Not the Calendar
Africa can be cold in the mornings and hot by midday. Pack layers, long pants, and gaiters.
Forget breaking in new boots on safari — bring worn-in, comfortable ones. Blisters will ruin a hunt faster than bad weather.
4. Stay Flexible
Come with a wish list, but be ready to change plans. The bush is unpredictable. Sometimes the best trophy is the one you didn’t plan on hunting.
Adaptability is one of the best tools you can bring.
5. Sort Out Your Travel Documents Early
Check passport validity, airline firearms policies, and any visa requirements well in advance.
Have printed copies of your firearm serial numbers and import permits.
6. Know the Shot Placement for African Game
It’s often different from deer or elk back home. Study diagrams before you arrive — a few inches can make all the difference.
7. Bring a Small Daypack
Enough for water, ammo, sunscreen, and basic gear — but don’t overload it. The trackers carry a lot, but your essentials should be on you.
8. Take Care of Your Rifle
Dust, sand, and thorns can be tough on equipment. Bring a basic cleaning kit and keep your rifle protected during travel and in the field.
9. Come With the Right Expectation
Yes, everyone wants a great trophy, but don’t make the hunt only about inches.
Your first African safari is also about the people you meet, the time around the fire, the tracking, the misses, and the close calls.
Trophies are measured in memories as much as in horns.
10. Be Physically Prepared
African hunting often involves long walks in sand, climbing over rocky ground, and hours of tracking in the sun.
You don’t need to be an athlete, but a reasonable level of fitness will help you enjoy the hunt and perform better when the moment comes.
Pro Tips for First-Timers
Final Word
A first hunt in Africa isn’t something you tick off and forget — most hunters are planning their next trip before they even leave.
Prepare well, ask the right questions, and when you get here, trust your team and enjoy the hunt.
Now you are ready! Go and enjoy.
Janneman
Kalahari Safari
www.kalahari-safari.com
You’ve done the dreaming, now it’s time to prepare for the real thing.
After hosting countless first-timers here at Kalahari Safari, we’ve put together 10 pointers that will help you get the most out of your trip — from booking the right outfitter to making the most of every moment in the bush.
Your First African Safari – Advice From the Kalahari
At Kalahari Safari, we enjoy hosting first-time hunters.
There’s an energy that comes with it — the build-up, the research, the planning. We’ve seen people spend years preparing and asking the right questions on AfricaHunting.com.
That’s where it should start: do your homework.
1. Book With the Right Outfitter
You’ll be spending a lot of time together, so make sure you get along with your outfitter and PH.
If they’re not the same person, get to know your guide. Respect goes both ways, and a solid working relationship makes a big difference in the field.
2. Get Solid With Shooting Sticks
Most shots in Africa are taken from sticks. Don’t wait until you arrive to figure them out.
Practise at home until you can get on target quickly and shoot steady. Bring the rifle you shoot best — not the biggest one you own.
3. Pack for Conditions, Not the Calendar
Africa can be cold in the mornings and hot by midday. Pack layers, long pants, and gaiters.
Forget breaking in new boots on safari — bring worn-in, comfortable ones. Blisters will ruin a hunt faster than bad weather.
4. Stay Flexible
Come with a wish list, but be ready to change plans. The bush is unpredictable. Sometimes the best trophy is the one you didn’t plan on hunting.
Adaptability is one of the best tools you can bring.
5. Sort Out Your Travel Documents Early
Check passport validity, airline firearms policies, and any visa requirements well in advance.
Have printed copies of your firearm serial numbers and import permits.
6. Know the Shot Placement for African Game
It’s often different from deer or elk back home. Study diagrams before you arrive — a few inches can make all the difference.
7. Bring a Small Daypack
Enough for water, ammo, sunscreen, and basic gear — but don’t overload it. The trackers carry a lot, but your essentials should be on you.
8. Take Care of Your Rifle
Dust, sand, and thorns can be tough on equipment. Bring a basic cleaning kit and keep your rifle protected during travel and in the field.
9. Come With the Right Expectation
Yes, everyone wants a great trophy, but don’t make the hunt only about inches.
Your first African safari is also about the people you meet, the time around the fire, the tracking, the misses, and the close calls.
Trophies are measured in memories as much as in horns.
10. Be Physically Prepared
African hunting often involves long walks in sand, climbing over rocky ground, and hours of tracking in the sun.
You don’t need to be an athlete, but a reasonable level of fitness will help you enjoy the hunt and perform better when the moment comes.
Pro Tips for First-Timers
- Do your homework — research outfitters, ask questions, read reviews.
- Get along with your PH — personality matters.
- Practise from sticks until it feels natural.
- Bring the rifle you shoot best, not the biggest.
- Pack for all conditions — layer up, long pants, gaiters.
- Wear broken-in boots — comfort beats style every time.
- Be adaptable — take opportunities as they come.
- Check travel documents early — no last-minute surprises.
- Learn African shot placement — study before you hunt.
- Carry a light daypack — only the essentials.
- Protect your rifle — dust and sand are unforgiving.
- Focus on the whole experience — not just the tape measure.
- Stay reasonably fit — it makes the hunt more enjoyable.
Final Word
A first hunt in Africa isn’t something you tick off and forget — most hunters are planning their next trip before they even leave.
Prepare well, ask the right questions, and when you get here, trust your team and enjoy the hunt.
Now you are ready! Go and enjoy.
Janneman
Kalahari Safari
www.kalahari-safari.com
