Recommended gun

[375Fox]

If 375 H&H wasn’t clear enough another vote for 375 H&H. Easy to learn to shoot, well suited for a scope, proven on dangerous game, large amount of factory ammo choices, spare ammo will always be available in Africa, good trajectory for up to 300 yards, legal for dangerous game in every country, many more benefits. Get a 375 H&H.

 

[Red Leg]

If you are planning to just hunt plains game, then a 180 or 200 gr bullet from a .30 something is just about ideal. If you hope to add a buffalo later, then the .375 with a quality 300 gr SP (Swift A-Frame is the current standard) is perfect. A 300 or 350 gr solid from the same rifle will kill any elephant on the planet as well. If you are planning to become a dedicated buffalo and elephant hunter, then perhaps a .40 something makes sense.

 

[Ontario Hunter]

Two rifles is not a bad plan. I take 404 Jeffery and 30-06 to Africa in one compact gun case. Quic Detach scopes travel in my carryon backpack. Each has its own leather tube for protection.

 

[John Wasmuth]

9,3x62 or .375 H and H.

 

[CarsonG]

Incredible pictures and thank you for the advice! .375 H&H will definitely be my next purchase. As to the question about what other high caliber guns I own. I have a 7mm mag but it’s turning into more of a sentimental piece, I want something different for my trip.

 

[Red Leg]

I think people get enamored with the whole "African battery" thing, because it made sense when safaris were one to three months in duration. That battery, like a double rifle, is part of the nostalgia of Africa. If I ever land by ship in Mombasa before heading into Tanzania for a month, I'll do the same. But for a week or two, I never bring two guns. I have learned to truly hate schlepping extra unnecessary stuff half way around the world. I also don't bring two rifles to Europe, Canada, or South America. If I am hunting buffalo and plains game, I bring a .375. If I am hunting only plains game I bring something else. Last trip to Zambia it was a .275 (7x57). Get a .375.

To illustrate the versatility, a Suni and Cape Buffalo taken with a Blaser R8 in .375 in Mozambigue. 300 gr solid for the Suni and 300 gr SP for the buff.

 

[WAB]

I think people get enamored with the whole "African battery" thing, because it made sense when safaris were one to three months in duration. That battery, like a double rifle, is part of the nostalgia of Africa. If I ever land by ship in Mombasa before heading into Tanzania for a month, I'll do the same. But for a week or two, I never bring two guns. I have learned to truly hate schlepping extra unnecessary stuff half way around the world. I also don't bring two rifles to Europe, Canada, or South America. If I am hunting buffalo and plains game, I bring a .375. If I am hunting only plains game I bring something else. Last trip to Zambia it was a .275 (7x57). Get a .375.

To illustrate the versatility, a Suni and Cape Buffalo taken with a Blaser R8 in .375 in Mozambigue. 300 gr solid for the Suni and 300 gr SP for the buff.

When I was over for a month and my wife and I were both hunting, I brought three rifles. In hindsight it was one too many. However, never underestimate the fun that can be had with a shotgun. I tote a .28 ga as I can get more fun in under the weight limit with a .28.

 

[Kevin Peacocke]

375H&H for sure. Remember that you can load lighter bullets if you wish, but really 300 grain bullets will bo it all. It isn’t harsh to shoot either. Get a really nice rifle that fits you, like the Kimber Caprivi, or a step up and spoil yourself with a Heym Martini Express.

 

[Tra3]

+1 for the .375. I’ve taken from dik-dik to elephant with that caliber.

If you are a dedicated hunter, then you probably know that there is never just one rifle. Think of the first one as a starting point. But, don’t spend so much money on rifles that it limits your ability to spend on hunting!

 

[Wishfulthinker580]

But, don’t spend so much money on rifles that it limits your ability to spend on hunting!

This is key.

 

[Hillcountry63]

375 H&H

 

[BeeMaa]

Does it need to be said again?

375H&H

 

[thriller]

While you do not need more than a 375 I prefer a larger bullet on large dangerous game and having an extra rifle that can do it all like a 375 to pair with your larger rifle offers some redundancy in case of equipment failure. While not necessary this setup works well for me.

 

[Safari Dave]

I take two rifles if I travel more than 100 miles, unless I know I can borrow another if something goes wrong.

 

[Mtn_Infantry]

.375 H&H - it’s a one gun, do anything and everything deal. It’s also very effective outside of Africa.

If you plan to do a bunch of Buffalo or Elephant Hunts then there are some other options, but the 375 is legal and effective on them, as well as down to the Tiny Ten like Dik-Dik and Blue Duiker without issues.

I personally will never not travel to Africa without a .375 or access to one. Opportunities arise last minute where having something 375 or larger can be a great blessing.