Top 10 First Safari Mistakes

[Philip Glass]

Here is a video I did recently! I hope this gets some good discussion going.

 

[Hunter-Habib]

1. Not listening to your white hunter
2. Not using enough gun
3. Using too much gun
4. Initiating a Cape buffalo hunt with a solid bullet
5. Thinking way too much about how to stop charges rather than training to make the initial shot correct
6. Purchasing a brand new weapon right before the Safari and not practicing enough with it
7. Not getting into the habit of walking long distances while carrying your own rifle
8. Carrying a huge sheath knife rather than a practical folding knife or (even better) a multi tool
9. Using vintage ammunition (yes, I mean a few of you who actually think that it’s a good idea to bring 1960s era .458 Winchester Magnum ammunition on a Cape buffalo hunt in 2026)
10. Wearing polyester clothing in the heat of Africa

 

[Sideshow]

11. Using footwear that you haven’t broken in! Recon that would be 7.2 in @Hunter-Habib above list.

 

[R.N.L]

Great video I found it very informative

 

[Sideshow]

By the way @Philip Glass nice video thanks lol didn’t expect your no1 to be that
Mind chucking in a link for your video on choosing the right outfitter. Thanks

 

[Hogpatrol]

1. Not listening to your white hunter
2. Not using enough gun
3. Using too much gun
4. Initiating a Cape buffalo hunt with a solid bullet
5. Thinking way too much about how to stop charges rather than training to make the initial shot correct
6. Purchasing a brand new weapon right before the Safari and not practicing enough with it
7. Not getting into the habit of walking long distances while carrying your own rifle
8. Carrying a huge sheath knife rather than a practical folding knife or (even better) a multi tool
9. Using vintage ammunition (yes, I mean a few of you who actually think that it’s a good idea to bring 1960s era .458 Winchester Magnum ammunition on a Cape buffalo hunt in 2026)
10. Wearing polyester clothing in the heat of Africa

Almost every YouTube safari, has #s 3, 6, 8, and 10. I don't know whether to laugh or cry at some of these "hunters". Even for monetary gain, It never ceases to amaze me that people want their ineptitude filmed and publicly displayed.

 

[Moody808]

Great video Philip, very informative and well done. Not going to lie though, that beautiful double was very distracting!

 

[DaleGribble82]

Here is a video I did recently! I hope this gets some good discussion going.

I watched this video last night. As a hunter that has not been on safari yet I found it very informative. This will definitely help me with planning a safari when the time comes for me. Thanks for the insight.

 

[uplander01]

#2---Not practicing your shooting off Sticks-IMO the most important aspect of ability to shoot in the field!!!!!
Having a huge powerful scope on your rifle at the highest setting, never been in a hunting situation in 5 safaris that a 4-6 power scope would not have been enough.

 

[deewayne2003]

Great advice Philip, I know I overpacked for the Omay..... Brought rain gear and poofy cold weather jacket.

 

[Scott CWO]

Another good tip after you have some experience or know what free-range animals you want is to research areas and not just outfitters and PHs. XYZ Outfitters could be one of the best operators but if their area doesn’t have the species or quality I am looking for, I’m not going there.

Another thing to determine, even for a first safari is if you’re okay hunting game ranches or if you’re only interested in completely free-range, wild concessions.

 

[analog_peninsula]

@Philip Glass You did a nice, no BS job on that video.

 

[Beck]

I have been on five Safaris, and I always overpack. I'd prefer to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it.

 

[Rumrunner]

Great information. I really wish I would have received this kind of advice a year before my first safari. This reinforces some of what I learned and gives me new considerations. Greatly appreciated.

 

[Rare Breed]

As with all @

Here is a video I did recently! I hope this gets some good discussion going.

As with all @Philip Glass videos this one is excellent and so very true! Philip my friend you always are giving back to all of us and it is always so greatly appreciated!!!

 

[Hedge774]

#11 Thinking, "I'm in plenty good enough shape. Africa is all flat and easy walking anyway."
It's not, and your PH probably has calves that look like baobab trees...

 

[meigsbucks]

Another greatly informative video Philip.

 

[Mekaniks]

Very Good Philip. Thank you for sharing

 

[mark-hunter]

Almost every YouTube safari, has #s 3, 6, 8, and 10. I don't know whether to laugh or cry at some of these "hunters

I am in no 8 group. Except I dont carry a knife on the belt. I carry in back pack.

When jackal that I thought was dead - woke up in the back of truck and wanted to bight me, knife had proven to be perfect tool for the situation, especially with its full size.
Some experienced hunters on the forum have sheeted knife on the belt, for potential self defense

 

[mark-hunter]

I think the biggest mistake of hunter going to Africa for first time is not being informed.
Some are surprised to see fences, when they get there for example.
From that fact, other mistakes happen.
Today we have internet and this forum, good supply of books available on order, and today much easier to get information.

I still see here from time to time, unhappy hunters, but analyzing complaints many times it seams they had wrong expectations.

I wonder how did hunters prepare for their first trip in old days?

Apparently, Roosevelt corresponded to all prominent and relevant African hands of the time, a year in advance, before his famous safari.

But did all first time safari hunters do the same? Very hard to imagine.