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

['68boy]

If you use pet flea and tick shampoo you won't be bothered by those rascals

 

[Hedge774]

TABASCO SAUCE, NEVER LEAVE HOME WITHOUT IT.

And Lowrey's! (I take a big tub of Tony's and leave it with the cook!)

 

[deewayne2003]

TABASCO SAUCE, NEVER LEAVE HOME WITHOUT IT.

I brought Tobasco to the Omay as I do everywhere else, only to find D&Y already had it.

Seriously though, I would suggest long sleeve hunting shirts that can be rolled up and held in place. The sun can be brutal so I would suggest some type of sun hat as well as a cap.

Electrolyte powder for the bottled water, enough for you and the PH.

 

[Hedge774]

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.

Dude Wipes!!!

 

[Hedge774]

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

Flexpedition pants

 

[Rare Breed]

Just a few weeks away from first my Cape buffalo and Africa hunt in Zimbabwe with CMS. Can't believe it's almost here. I know I have to buy a couple of light safari outfits, long pants I guess and short sleeve shirts. I think camo is not allowed. Any particular online stores sell these? I looked at Cabela and didn't see much. Would appreciate any other items you guys would suggest that I need to take. I'm not taking a firearm and will be renting there. I did get Jim Green boots! Thanks in advance.

Reza

Go buy a $5 head net from Walmart to keep the mopani bees off your face when you stop and/or eat in the bush

 

[Hedge774]

It may seem to be overthinking things a bit, but I totally second using a spreadsheet to organize before your safari. My buddy told me that he would have had a hard time without the one I made. It's OK to be a planner on this one. You're not going to a Buckee's for souvenirs. This is a trip most will never have the chance to prepare for. Oh, and enjoy every single second of it...

 

[OneOldToad]

Here is my list of stuff I take for Africa. Also, includes a preparation list. Just minor changes pending on location at times. Yes, I am a list maker.

Nice list..... i cannot go on a trip without a good list

 

[Green Chile]

Take more photos than you think you will want...photos of camp life and things you see on the road...birds and small creatures....staff photos...your tracker working out the sign...You won't regret that.

 

[Wildwillalaska]

Do your VISA in advance online, application and payment. The tablets at the airport may or may not work, and same for the credit card reader. Super easy, just do it ahead of time.

Things I think will serve best, showing up with a great attitude firstly, with lots of excitement, coachable willingness to learn the program, proper amount for tips, and lots of candy.

I was just in the Omay North in October, it was a slight bit warm, well over 110 many days, in the shade. Luckily it was super dry so wasn’t near as bad as I feared. Headed back to Zim again in April, just can’t seem to stay away.

I treated clothes with permitherin, and brought bug dope, was super stoked to learn both were unnecessary. I brought, wore and loved my normal hot weather Kuiu button down shirts in their vias camo and solid colors. If it was a cooler time of year, would have likely brought one of the same in long sleeve. Even if the group provides evening cocktails around the fire, I like to show up with a bottle or two to share, so I hit duty free on layover to get some quality adult beverage to share.

 

[eyedok]

Wow, ya’s lists are insane, i take a couple $15 brown pants from Tractor Supply, couple green fishing shirts from Academy, guns/ammo, bino’s, medicine and get on the plane, my wife handles all the paperwork, takes me about 15 min to pack, i do lots of shooting before -off sticks, after running, every imaginable way i may take a shot

 

[Hedge774]

Wow, ya’s lists are insane, i take a couple $15 brown pants from Tractor Supply, couple green fishing shirts from Academy, guns/ammo, bino’s, medicine and get on the plane, my wife handles all the paperwork, takes me about 15 min to pack, i do lots of shooting before -off sticks, after running, every imaginable way i may take a shot

I put tooth flossers on my list...used em!

 

[375 Ruger Fan]

@Reza7700 , am I reading your original post correctly? You are going around the beginning of March, buffalo hunting in Zim. That seems quite early to me.

 

[Flipper Dude]

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.

Ya never know. Might need a stapler

And a PH to use it.

 

[Doug3006]

A small travel sized fan made falling asleep possible when I was in Dande several years ago. It was over 100 degrees every day. The evenings were warm. I’d clip my fan to the top of the mosquito net and fall asleep before it ran out of juice. I’d recharge the batteries during the day and was good to go the next evening. Get one and several rechargeable AAs and you’ll be glad you did!

 

[Altitude sickness]

If you’re concerned about the flies. The best bug suit ever made was the “Bug Tamer” you can still find them on the ubiquitous online resale outlet. They are light and the breeze gets through nicely. It’s got a thicker cargo style net covered by more typical bug net. The concept is the thicker weave cargo net holds the mesh off of your skin far enough that the flys proboscis cannot reach your skin. They work very well.

Unfortunately, they’re not practical for walking in. They snag too easily, but for riding in the vehicle, they’re gold.

Shannon's Bug Tamer Jacket Camo Mesh Hunting Outdoors Anti Mosquito 2XL Face Net | eBay

The Shannon's Bug Tamer Jacket in 2XL is designed for outdoor enthusiasts who want protection from mosquitoes while hunting or enjoying other outdoor activities. Made of polyester with a camouflage pattern, this jacket features a hood for added coverage. With its multi-color design and...

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[Altitude sickness]

 

[Lancaster]

On the prep front I think, apart from practicing off the same sticks you will use there I would say study shot placement books and videos (via Kevin Robertson's The Perfect Shot and YouTube are great sources)

The animals aren't always standing broadside clear of cover, they are often head on or at a slight angle and partially obscured by vegetation, especially in Dande!

 

[Dhutson]

Check out Tag Safari https://tagsafari.com/ they have everything you need. Good stuff and made in Africa.

 

[Sika98k]

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.

View attachment 745245

Which would be better ? Practicing reloading your rifle running forwards or backwards ?