PH / HELPER GIFTS

[Ryanelson]

I am going back to Africa in June. I would like to get my PH and the skinners a gift. Any suggestions! I thought about those new rope lights with a battery pack for them to do pics after dark.

 

[Osama Mahdi]

I will tells you some not common gift items.
If the skinners has kids, then get a backpack with school supplies, soccer ball, or any balls and girl toys.

If the PH has a wife, get perfume, body wash, lotions, skin care products, and chocolate ( good quality items) let your wife buy them and tell the PH wife that your wife brought them.
Kind regards

 

[Red Leg]

Money

 

[375Fox]

It’s going to sound harsh, but don’t. Ask your PH if there is anything from the US you can bring him. Bringing them exactly what they want for them or their family that’s difficult to acquire there is a much more appreciated gesture. For the trackers and camp staff bring nice secondhand items you’d otherwise donate. Don’t spend money on gifts. Hoodies, Tee shirts, gloves, hats, etc. It’s appreciated and they will usually keep them. They likely already have the knife they want to use and have sold more than a few others given as gifts. Unfortunately anything of value will likely get sold at a fraction of what you paid. Bring some secondhand clothing items for camp staff and some specific items your PH asks for, but otherwise just bring cash.

 

[375Fox]

If you search for the word “gifts” and check title only it will bring up a lot of other discussions on this.

 

[Mekaniks]

Cash is King....Don't overthink it.

 

[Mark A Ouellette]

Any gifts should be in addition to cash tips for services.

I just returned from a safari with PH Johnny Russell of Dalton and York Safaris. Months prior to the safari I asked Dalton what gifts the trackers would appreciate.
- Water bladder packs, i.e. Camelback type items
- Rechargable headlamp

I gave the trackers the water bladders on the day I entered camp. All three carried them for the next 10 days I was there.
At the end of day 10, my last safari day, I handed each generous cash tips. In addition I gave each a rechargable headlamps that cost less than $10 each from Amazon. The were giddy about the headlamps!

Once again, my gifts were in addition to my cash tips because they were gifts.

 

[Ryanelson]

Just to clarify. I am talking about in addition to money!

 

[PARA45]

I believe it all depends on where you are going, all of the above are suitable gifts. I would also add that if you are going to let say South Africa, cold weather items will be welcome, like beanie, gloves, etc. I took cigarettes for the trackers, and lotions for the kitchen ladies. My PH and owner (my last safari PH) received a KUIU vest, and pair of KUIU pants. The owner had a baby, and I brought some clothing gifts for their baby. They also have an orphanage that they sponsor, and I brought a box of No.2 pencils, coloring pencils, and a couple of soccer balls. At the end of the safari, I left my shooting sticks, and some of the 375 H&H ammo I had. I also tipped them all.

 

[Tra3]

+1 cash money.
+1 Headlamps, flashlights and extra batteries.
3m safety glasses. They are inexpensive and you can get different lens shades. They are nice for a ride on the back of a truck .

Various forms of tobacco and/or hard candy. Most people across the world enjoy a piece of hard candy when taking moments rest. It is nice to feel like you can share something small in one of those moments.

 

[Hogpatrol]

Aside money, the lights that clip on to the bill of a baseball cap and are rechargeable with cell phone plugs. I always check with the PHs for their needs. One just wanted Lifesaver mint candy. Got a bag of spearmint and wintergreen. Seems they aren't available in RSA.