Suggestions on things to take for first Cape buffalo hunt- Zimbabwe

[Reza7700]

You are in for a great experience. They are one of my favorite outfitters to hunt with. You probably already have everything you need. Don’t spend too much. I wear long pants every day hunting and long sleeve somedays and short sleeve other days. For a long day, long sleeves are nice because they help protect against Sun, thorns, and tsetses. If you are just going out for an afternoon where tsetses aren’t supposed to be bad, I wear short sleeve. Last time I had 2 lightweight carhartt brown long sleeve cotton shirts and 2 green champion Tee shirts but I’m not particular about a brand. You’ll get a CMS green tag safari shirt on day 1 if you gave them your size already. For long pants I really like the LL bean tropic weight pants in gray. They hold up to thorns very well. I’d also recommend a bug net with a drawstring for when you sit. I also really like wearing a neck gaiter combined with ball cap. It’s easier to wear than a bug when walking but keeps the mopane bees out of your nose and ears, also stops sunburn.

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Awesome. Thanks!

 

[Reza7700]

What concession will you be hunting?

I believe it is Dande

 

[Reza7700]

The CMS guys in Zim said camouflage is fine, just don't go head to toe in military surplus camo. Lots of them where i.e. Kuiu camo.
My kit list from last Zim trip (CMA - Dande)

KIT

Viperflex sticks (I prefer my quad sticks to their tripods)

Ear muffs and spare batteries

8x30 binos and chest harness

Belt pack (Green nylon) (for ear muffs and water bottle)

Torch and head torch

Leatherman multi tool

Sunscreen, insect repellent and bite cream

Kindle, chargers, books

US $ for tips, lots of 5s and 10s

CLOTHING

Cotton waistcoat

Green cotton shirts x3

Cotton shorts x2

Cotton trousers

Fleece jacket

Courteney boots

Leather gaiters

Meindl trailers

Crocs (for camp, slip on when go for a pee at night to avoid scorpions, thorns etc)

Caps and Tilley hat

Mosquito net

Great list. Thanks!

 

[Reza7700]

I used these in Namibia:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0CKSSBKVZ/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?smid=A2Q6XV9HQ2RH17&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00M9FP57M/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?smid=ALE8FWGASUNUU&psc=1

Good products for the price. Will be going with me in two months to Zimbabwe and SA. Very excited for you going with CMS for buff. One day…

Great. Thanks!

 

[Green Chile]

The 5.11 line of clothing has good khaki and light green colors. It's also breathable and comfortable. The thorns will get it but I expect some of that. Take quality socks and be prepared to change them mid-day for best results. I also keep a pack of wet wipes in the truck for random clean up and bathroom breaks. Ball caps are ok but will fry your ears and neck. Consider the line of Shelta hats for lightweight but good coverage.

 

[Tanks]

It definitely won’t hurt anything but I haven’t seen much need for treating clothes with permethrin outside South Africa. Generally concession areas that burn frequently don’t have many ticks. I can’t recall seeing any in dande.

I don't know if it helps with Tsetse flies, really had a lot at Zambezi valley.

 

[Tanks]

I just wore what I had. Browns olives tans. One piece I brought with unexpected use was a big silk handkerchief. By day 5 I thought nothing of tying it over my head and ears like Grandma used to wear. The mopane flies are different.

Yep, they are.

 

[Russ16]

I'm looking forward to your report with interest. I'm heading to Dande with CMS in August for the first time.

I plan to use this hat which is great in the sun and packs very easily. https://www.kuiu.com/products/gila-pro-airmesh-boonie-olive

Right now I'm planning on my dark colored Kuhl pants and Jim Green boots.

 

[festuscat]

Avon skin so soft - Bug B Gone for tsetse flies. For Mopane flies - Tanks has the right idea.

 

[thriller]

french press and coffee grounds unless you like instant.

 

[BAY]

Lots of bullets and as stated by the color sergeant in "Zulu" "a bayonet, with some guts behind it" might not be a back fall back, lol

Henry .45 caliber miracle

 

[Art Lambart II]

I like the pants from Duluth Trading Company. I prefer cargo pants in their firehose flex fabric.

 

[Flipper Dude]

Don’t overthink it. Put on your boots and hunting clothes for the flight. Bring two more sets like it.

Jacket
Shaving kit with meds
Flashlight
Pocket knife
Passport, paperwork, money
Rifle and ammo.

That’s all ya need.

Ok, ok. You probably don’t need the pocketknife.

 

[375Fox]

I don't know if it helps with Tsetse flies, really had a lot at Zambezi valley.

I think the only thing that helps is lighter colors and air conditioning. I was wearing brown. My PH was wearing green. He got the brunt of it compared to me. When I hunted dande in 2024 the government had a lot of tsetse fly control nets up. It lowered the numbers a lot, but they increased as you approached Chewore. The permethrin might kill them the next day but I don’t think will have much affect stopping them biting you unfortunately.

 

[Schüler Jumbo]

Eye drops & chapstick.

 

[Tanks]

Don’t overthink it. Put on your boots and hunting clothes for the flight. Bring two more sets like it.

Jacket
Shaving kit with meds
Flashlight
Pocket knife
Passport, paperwork, money
Rifle and ammo.

That’s all ya need.

Ok, ok. You probably don’t need the pocketknife.

I should emphasize a first-aid kit. Yes, camps are supposed to have them but not always get resupplied. At Dande East while skinning my elephant one of the skinners cut his hand to the bone. No bandages etc. left at camp as they had used all and forgotten to ask to resupply. My kit came in handy.

 

[dogcat1]

TAKE a good, go with the flow attitude. Your PH will put you on a buffalo. Make sure you do your part - shoot well and shoot often.
You do not need a knife. You need good shoes/boots with soft soles. You don't need a watch. You need 8x30 binos and know how to use them. You need 2 boxes of ammo. You do not need a culling belt.
You need to listen to your PH. All of your previous hunting experience in the USA or Canada is not worth dick in Africa.
Do not read too many books on Africa hunting. Do listen to your PH.
Take tip money for the trackers and camp staff. Do not take a leatherman or knife or trinkets for the black guys. Cash is king.... They don't need "stuff".

 

[Maaax]

However much cash you decide on taking, double it. I ran into a couple of unexpected situations and was glad that I myself did this. Gary

 

[revturbo9967]

I brought lots of hand soap and anti bacterial wipes. Never really thought my hands ever got fully clean with the condition of the water, so I scrubbed with the wipes.

 

[fourfive8]

What to take? Comfortable, broken in footwear. Cotton or poly/cotton pants and shirts. Hat of your choice. Light jacket. Practice posing in front of mirror before you go so you can look like the cover of a safari outfitting catalog.

My number one advice that is often overlooked - gaiters as shown in pic.

Practice shooting a rifle, action and caliber similar to to the one you will be using. Practice shooting off sticks. Practice reloading rifle while running. In other words, don’t forget to take some skill with you.