What are your Tips & Must Haves - 2nd Safari - Namibia

[henandhunt]

will be heading to Kaokoland, Namibia for my 2nd safari.

What are your biggest tips and MUST HAVE safari gear items that you wouldn't think to leave home without?
- prefer sticks over a tripod for your rifle?
- best hunting boots you prefer for safari hunts?
- what are you packing in your gear bag when you're out on a hunt? what to leave behind at camp?
- best shooting bags you prefer for African hunts?

 

[MRBlack]

I believe The Nitro Express Podcast had a recent episode similar to your question called “Safari Kit”.

 

[joker2400]

Sticks>tripod

I go with light. Wore barefoot style Merrill trail running shoes on my Buffalo hunt

Gear bag has very little. Power bank and phone cable, water bottle, range finder, and binos.

Spotting scope seems wildly unnecessary.

I don’t do long range shooting on animals so I have no opinion on shooting bags

 

[henandhunt]

I believe The Nitro Express Podcast had a recent episode similar to your question called “Safari Kit”.

Thanks - will search for this and give a listen

 

[henandhunt]

Sticks>tripod

I go with light. Wore barefoot style Merrill trail running shoes on my Buffalo hunt

Gear bag has very little. Power bank and phone cable, water bottle, range finder, and binos.

Spotting scope seems wildly unnecessary.

I don’t do long range shooting on animals so I have no opinion on shooting bags

I figured the same on the spotting scope - just thought to ask since I'm still newer and on 2nd safari.

Thanks for the tips and shoe brand as well.

 

[375Fox]

I like quad sticks over tripod but it depends what you practice with. For a close tracking hunt quiet boots really matter. For this hunt in Namibia, just comfortable hiking boots that breathe and protect your toes on rocks are good. Definitely no need for a spotting scope. Just binoculars and I like bringing a range finder. The biggest items I don’t want to forget are chapstick and electrolyte drink mix.

 

[joker2400]

I like quad sticks over tripod but it depends what you practice with. For a close tracking hunt quiet boots really matter. For this hunt in Namibia, just comfortable hiking boots that breathe and protect your toes on rocks are good. Definitely no need for a spotting scope. Just binoculars and I like bringing a range finder. The biggest items I don’t want to forget are chapstick and electrolyte drink mix.

Yes, sun protection is a must. Chapstick and a good hat

 

[henandhunt]

I like quad sticks over tripod but it depends what you practice with. For a close tracking hunt quiet boots really matter. For this hunt in Namibia, just comfortable hiking boots that breathe and protect your toes on rocks are good. Definitely no need for a spotting scope. Just binoculars and I like bringing a range finder. The biggest items I don’t want to forget are chapstick and electrolyte drink mix.

Thanks! I know you have been to Namibia 4 times, so you have the experience!
I got crispi hiking boots a few years back but I haven't broken them in.

I thought about investing in a pair of Jim Green footwear.

any brand on the quad sticks? I may have seen you mention these:
https://ravenrocksprecision.com/4-stable-sticks-bush-light-shooting-sticks/
maybe it was someone else, but I just jotted those down to look into...

 

[Doug3006]

1. Quad sticks are a revelation! I used them in April on my Erongo, Namibia safari. See if your PH uses them. If so, buy a set and practice at home. You can use your PHs and avoid carrying them to Africa.
2. Kaokoland is a bit rougher country than Erongo, so my go-to boots (GoRuck MACVs) might be too light. Again, ask your outfitter what his clients use…the ones who don’t get blisters , turn an ankle, and finish the safari without foot problems. Whatever you choose, break ‘em in!
3. Take a small gear bag for the truck. Mine always has a small, hiker’s first aid kit. Your PH should have a more robust one, but no need to dip into it for the incidentals like band-aids and such. A spare bandana (one in your pocket too), wet wipes, a quarter-full roll of toilet paper (don’t depend on the PH to save your ass…in any event!), a small travelers roll of duct tape, headlamp, and multi-tool.
4. The best pair of binoculars you can afford. There’s a lot to look at…not just game. I’d go with a full sized 10x40’s. No spotting scope needed.
5. Shooting bags? Do you mean a range bag, or sand bag rests. I don’t think you need either.

 

[375Fox]

Thanks! I know you have been to Namibia 4 times, so you have the experience!
I got crispi hiking boots a few years back but I haven't broken them in.

I thought about investing in a pair of Jim Green footwear.

any brand on the quad sticks? I may have seen you mention these:
https://ravenrocksprecision.com/4-stable-sticks-bush-light-shooting-sticks/
maybe it was someone else, but I just jotted those down to look into...

Yes I really like the 4 stable sticks. I find them the lightest and most maneuverable of the different quad sticks. I like the aluminum version but the carbon version is lighter and quieter. They take some practice though.
I’ve got a lot of pairs of boots/shoes for Africa. I’ve wasted a lot of money trying to figure out and I still haven’t. I took merrell hiking boots to Namibia. The Crispi’s would be fine too. On a close tracking hunt finding boots that are quiet is most important. On a hunt like this having boots that protect your toes and the soles of your feet on uneven rocks are most important. The shots will generally be 100+ yards so the extra crunch from foam midsoles isn’t such a big deal.

 

[Green Chile]

Crispi boots are too heavy/loud. You need support, lightweight and silence in a boot/shoe. Can you stop mid-step and hold it? You will have to do that many times. Personally, I combine the binos and RF into one unit...many examples of that but top glass is worth it. Sell something if you have to get it. A cooling neck gaiter/wrap can be quite practical. You don't need a knife or backpack. A tracker can carry the water. Take a little cloth to wipe your optics/glasses/sunglasses...that's very helpful. You don't need a whole box of ammo on your belt. Fill your gun and put 5 on your belt. I do that and put 1 more in my pocket and have never run dry. Just top off back at the truck or camp each time you shoot.

 

[Red Leg]

Less of everything.

 

[towserthemouser]

Dude wipes......

 

[375 Ruger Fan]

Yes, sun protection is a must. Chapstick and a good hat

Namibia is the driest, sunniest place to hunt. Your PH will have sticks. Travel light and enjoy.

 

[Sika98k]

Broad brimmed hat, sunscreen and chapstick. Quad sticks are,imho, far superior to a tripod. As has previously mentioned a cartridge wallet for 5 rounds, a full magazine and another in you pocket.
Footwear.. I have become fond of the local footwear made by Swakopmund Vellies, they have various outlets.
These boots are Kudu leather, super light, quiet and very comfortable to wear. Treat yourself to a few new pairs of merino wool socks.

 

[Green Chile]

I've never seen those boots before...photo of the soles please? Is that full leather or are the sides behind the laces canvas?

 

[Sika98k]

I've never seen those boots before...photo of the soles please? Is that full leather or are the sides behind the laces canvas?

They are full leather. The sole is nice and grippy. Dry weather only boots. There is no lining of any sort.

 

[BeeMaa]

I know you've been a member for over a year but allow me to say...Welcome to AH.

Quad sticks, far superior to tripod sticks IMO. I have Viper Flex but whatever you prefer. Mine fit in my rifle case.

Boots - Comfortable, broken-in and quiet. I have military style boots (Rocky S2V) that are uninsulated, no steel toe and non-waterproof. Make sure you can walk long distances.

Clothes - Darker earth tones in natural fabrics like cotton, linen and wool. They wash and iron clothes and the ironing could be hell on a brand-new set of KUIU pants. Wide brim dark colored hat. You don't need much more than what you are wearing and pack one more set. Maybe 3x socks & undergarments.

Our daily hunting bag is pretty light. Bino's have RF built in, some extra ammo, ChapStick, bottle of water and our phones for pictures.

Travel light. You will most certainly overpack. Do a mock pack and be honest with what you REALLY need. It's not much.

Good luck on the hunt and let us know how it goes.

 

[375Fox]

Broad brimmed hat, sunscreen and chapstick. Quad sticks are,imho, far superior to a tripod. As has previously mentioned a cartridge wallet for 5 rounds, a full magazine and another in you pocket.
Footwear.. I have become fond of the local footwear made by Swakopmund Vellies, they have various outlets.
These boots are Kudu leather, super light, quiet and very comfortable to wear. Treat yourself to a few new pairs of merino wool socks. View attachment 694679

I have a similar pair from a different maker. They’ve become my favorite boot for tracking hunts. Very quiet and the wide sole spreads your weight on sand. This hunt though I think something with a toe cap and hard sole is important. It’s like Mars or the moon in places.

 

[375Fox]

Namibia is the driest, sunniest place to hunt. Your PH will have sticks. Travel light and enjoy.

View attachment 694678

Kaokoland is considerably warmer than Windhoek.