What am I missing?

[sjones42347]

Im getting ready to head to SA on July 5th. Will be a 7 day hunt in the Free State province. I am not taking any rifles as I will be renting there. Wanting to start getting everything ready and just want to see what I am missing or any suggestions on additional items that might be needed. I will be taking 3 days worth of clothes (pants, base layer shirt, top shirt), a jacket, gloves, hat, 2 pairs of hiking boots (will wear 1 on the plane and have the other in carry on), binoculars. Of course will be taking toiletries and chargers. The package I booked is already paid (plus about $1k extra). I am unsure how much cash to carry, and wether or not it should all be in USD or if I should take some rand also. Any input will be appreciated

 

[gcbailey]

I didn't, but would take a measuring tape next time. Even if I didn't hunt a world record, curiosity always leads me to wanting to know how big a skull or horns are.

 

[Ontario Hunter]

Sounds like you have things pretty well in hand. Don't forget they are on a different power grid. You'll need converter. If your outfitter takes cards, $1K to $1500 US should be plenty. AAA store sells a very comfortable money belt at affordable price. I also take three changes of clothes: wear one on the plane, one change in carryon, and one in checked bag with boots. Might want to bring ear protection for the range ... at least. Maybe not needed if the rental rifle wears a suppressor (and many do over there). Throw in some antacids and bug dope. You may need some protection against ticks in that area that time of year. Consult your outfitter. Should be zero mosquitos. Take precautionary measures if allergic to bee stings. You might run into them. Might be useful to have temporary international data roaming. Up to you. Take some sunscreen though I doubt you will need it. See if your outfitter needs you to bring anything over for him. Ammo and components might not be possible if you're not bringing a gun.

 

[375Fox]

It’s difficult to tell you what you are missing without a full packing list but make sure you have a proper outlet adapter for your chargers and chapstick. A converter is not needed for most electronics like cell phones or laptops. For cash, I’d only carry USD in 100s, new bills 2013 and 2017 editions. If you want to get a small amount of rand from local bank maybe $100 worth that’d probably be a good idea too but don’t over do it. The staff have their methods of converting tips in USD to rand and 100s are easier to exchange and for you to carry.

 

[Justbryan]

Permethrin spray your clothes before the trip. Search here on AH for ideas but I hate ticks and have battled them even in the cold. I suggest small amount of US dollars and use ATM for cash withdraw of Rand once you arrive. Tips in Rand for staff.

Also small headlamp, reading material, prescriptions in original containers, sunglasses, sunscreen, small gifts for staff, ear plugs, voltage converter or adapter, gaiters, etc.

 

[Fatback]

I always take sunscreen.

 

[EPIC SAFARIS]

Did you get all your vaccination shots and/or malaria medicine if applicable in the area you will be hunting?

Have a good camera - or at least a good cell camera on your phone. And enjoy the sunsets while you are there.

Also, hope you are going to enjoy some other aspects of Africa while you are there - Capetown and Vic Falls/Livingston are two great spots to spend a few nights. It's a long way to travel from Texas so it could be worth a few extra stops to see some sights before returning home.

 

[Ontario Hunter]

Buying rand from US banks usually requires that they order it so plan ahead of time. Currency changers in the airports are generally gigantic ripoffs. Avoid if possible! I had no problems using smaller US notes in the airports. I did have some theft using my credit card in Joberg airport but they only made a couple of small purchases before my card was flagged. That was a pain. It's a good idea to have a backup card along. Don't forget to let the card company know you're about to embark so they don't put a block on your card once it is suddenly used on the other side of the world.

 

[Ontario Hunter]

Malaria should not be an issue there. Ask the outfitter how he wants tips handled. Very important!

 

[sjones42347]

Did you get all your vaccination shots and/or malaria medicine if applicable in the area you will be hunting?

Have a good camera - or at least a good cell camera on your phone. And enjoy the sunsets while you are there.

Also, hope you are going to enjoy some other aspects of Africa while you are there - Capetown and Vic Falls/Livingston are two great spots to spend a few nights. It's a long way to travel from Texas so it could be worth a few extra stops to see some sights before returning home.

we are spending 2 days in Cape Town which I am lookign forward to

 

[Beck]

Sunscreen, ibuprofen, neck gator, extra pair of sunglasses, good baseball cap... can't think of anything else right now

 

[Green Chile]

A lot of operators would prefer you to tip in USD not Rand. New bills as stated due to their counterfeit and black market currency issues. Sunscreen with a combination of bug repellent is good to have. Don't forget your meds and I recommend taking an Immodium AD when you arrive to settle your stomach to new food/water. Ball caps are ok but you will get a lot of sun without a wide brimmed hat so consider a cooling neck gaiter or wrap (also good for dusty conditions). I don't wear camo in Africa but instead use darker colors (green, brown) or khaki colors. Your socks will take a beating but get cleaned daily. I like the Darn Tough socks or SmartWool socks. A pack of wipes can be pretty handy for toiletry or getting cleaned up after loading animals in the field. A rechargeable headlamp that can fit in your pocket or pack is handy several times each trip. Take color copies of your passport and copies of your 4457s. Keep all of that paperwork together with your stamped (and signed!) gun permits. Also, I would put your binos in your carry on bag instead of checking them. Besides that, take a good book or an iPad for the plane and you're good to go! Don't forget to take notes on your daily activities and plenty of photos.

 

[Ontario Hunter]

A lot of operators would prefer you to tip in USD not Rand. New bills as stated due to their counterfeit and black market currency issues. Sunscreen with a combination of bug repellent is good to have. Don't forget your meds and I recommend taking an Immodium AD when you arrive to settle your stomach to new food/water. Ball caps are ok but you will get a lot of sun without a wide brimmed hat so consider a cooling neck gaiter or wrap (also good for dusty conditions). I don't wear camo in Africa but instead use darker colors (green, brown) or khaki colors. Your socks will take a beating but get cleaned daily. I like the Darn Tough socks or SmartWool socks. A pack of wipes can be pretty handy for toiletry or getting cleaned up after loading animals in the field. A rechargeable headlamp that can fit in your pocket or pack is handy several times each trip. Take color copies of your passport and copies of your 4457s. Keep all of that paperwork together with your stamped (and signed!) gun permits. Also, I would put your binos in your carry on bag instead of checking them. Besides that, take a good book or an iPad for the plane and you're good to go! Don't forget to take notes on your daily activities and plenty of photos.

He's hunting RSA with rented rifle so gun paperwork not necessary. My RSA outfitter only gives us bottled water to drink. Never had a problem with my guts but I guess it's always good to be prepared. Ball cap is a lot easier to manage on the plane than fancy Stuart Grager safari hat. Good advice there. Ball cap is all I ever wear when hunting. 10x42 binoculars are sufficient for sure and don't take up much room in carryon. I made a belt holster for my binoculars. Prefer not to be wrapped up in shoulder harness. Not enough ventilation. I use a good quality Browning Wasatch daypack for carryon. It usually gets thrown in the truck for daily hunts but almost always stays there. It has extra ammo and clothing. I don't use headlamp. Never been out after dark in Africa except once. But probably not a bad idea to bring one along. You should have some kind of eyewear for sure. Africa bush thorns are dangerous! I wear prescription glasses with tough polycarbonate lenses. Be advised South African beer is dangerously good tasting. Don't overdo it or next day in the field won't be fun. It can get frosty that time of year so bring gloves. I have lightly insulated glomitts if needed. Cannot manage my gun without bare trigger finger. Buckskin gloves would probably be sufficient.

Schedule some counseling for after your return ... or you'll be getting back on the next plane to Africa. Withdrawal is rough! Lucky you will still have North American hunting season ahead of you. That might get you over the hump.

 

[SETH RINGER]

ONLY THING YOU ARE MISSING IS THE MEMORY OF HARVESTING GAME WITH YOUR OWN GUN.