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

[Africa1]

I just returned from a Buffalo hunt in Northern S.A... I was charged by MY buffalo's Askari and stopped him at 8 feet with a double tap on the Blazer 470 N.E. Yes, I ended up with TWO buffalo and a happy ending! Absolutely thrilling! I wanted to go as light as possible. I used the P. H's selection of firearms for the buffalo and some other game I choose after the buffalo hunt. This was my second hunt in S.A. Other than a comfortable, light pair of low boots...I just wore what I would have if I had been turkey hunting back East, less the face covering. There is too much hype on the PROPER gear to go to Africa hunting. Go light, go comfortable and know your PH will supply you with anything else if needed. Have FUN! Soak up AFRICA the sights, smells and experience. Bring your phone for pictures. This is what I did AND toured Victoria Falls afterwards with my wife. We had the time of our lives! P.S. The ONE thing I would spend my money on is a quality pair of binoculars. 8x or 10x42's. Just my opinion. Your PH will have a fine pair himself. If you want to dude-up for Africa...go for it! But it's not necessary.

 

[ftrovato]

Chapstick, polarized sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, good walking shoes with
gators, comfortable cloths & the below pictured ammo belt configuration.

Most importantly, bring a great deal of LUCK with you too!

 

[henandhunt]

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.

THIS! Thank you! This is what I was looking for
Learn from those that have been and have all the things I didn’t quite think about!

I think my PH said they’ll have sticks but I need to clarify then if they’re quad sticks. I’d prefer to not travel with them but I need to get some practice under my belt. Only thing is I’m a female 5’5” so my thought was if I bring my own sticks that are sized to me that may help me too and ensure confidence in my shooting that I don’t have to worry about sizing.
The
I’ve got a pair of Vortex binos 10x42

Yes and that’s what I meant by bags.
I wasn’t sure if you ever shoot prone and need to bring at least one just in case in the truck.

 

[henandhunt]

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

Thanks for the tips and on the boots! I’ll have to check them out as I’m a size 7 female and that converts to size 5 men’s.

The cartridge wallet is not something I was familiar with before your and another’s recommendation, so I’ll look that up and snag one!

 

[henandhunt]

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.

Appreciate the brand recos on both the sticks and boots! Will research both.
Are you saying not to invest in Kuiu?
I’m mainly a waterfowl hunter so a lot of my hunting clothes have patterns and I had looked into Kuiu for snagging a few items. It will be August so I do believe the weather will be cooler/colder in the mornings so figured possibly my wax jacket (solid) and then layers and pants.

I tend to be an over-packer so always a good reminder..pack and cut in half

 

[Green Chile]

On the Kuiu, I tend to bring some of their shorts and t-shirts but no camo patterns. Some of their summer pants are also very comfortable in Africa.

 

[samson7x]

Appreciate the brand recos on both the sticks and boots! Will research both.
Are you saying not to invest in Kuiu?
I’m mainly a waterfowl hunter so a lot of my hunting clothes have patterns and I had looked into Kuiu for snagging a few items. It will be August so I do believe the weather will be cooler/colder in the mornings so figured possibly my wax jacket (solid) and then layers and pants.

I tend to be an over-packer so always a good reminder..pack and cut in half

If you're in the market for pants, the Kuiu kutana is a winner. I wear them in all seasons and layer accordingly. Very durable with vents for when it's hot or high exertion. Take a look at them.

 

[Hogpatrol]

Less of everything.

This ^^^^^to the tenth power. My first, I had enough for a Teddy Roosevelt safari. Been whittled down to gun case, carry on size checked bag for ammo and return and one of these:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09CLN8J6N?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_1

 

[samson7x]

This ^^^^^to the tenth power. My first, I had enough for a Teddy Roosevelt safari. Been whittled down to gun case, carry on size checked bag for ammo and return and one of these:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09CLN8J6N?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_1

Yep, I have a carry on and backpack. Travel light.

 

[Green Chile]

Some of the best travel luggage I have found for hunters is from Red Oxx. Check them out...very good quality.

 

[thriller]

Twombly: Might as well take dope and beer instead.
Grimes: What?
Twombly: Ammo, dude. Take ammo.

 

[henandhunt]

If you're in the market for pants, the Kuiu kutana is a winner. I wear them in all seasons and layer accordingly. Very durable with vents for when it's hot or high exertion. Take a look at them.

yes, am in the market for new pants, solids and that's why I was going to look at Kuiu as I had heard good things. Thanks for the tip!

 

[Matfarnsworth]

I am really liking my Jim green boots. Support but quiet and a substantial savings over other boots. Amazon carries them so return for size changes are simple.

Dude wipes.

Sunglasses

Lense wipes. Leica from Walmart. Super cheap.

 

[henandhunt]

This ^^^^^to the tenth power. My first, I had enough for a Teddy Roosevelt safari. Been whittled down to gun case, carry on size checked bag for ammo and return and one of these:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09CLN8J6N?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_1

what do most use to travel with their ammo? what type of box/bag cause it must lock.

 

[BryceM]

On my person I carry a rifle with a sling, 10x42 range finding binos with a shoulder harness type attachment, a wide-brim hat, sunglasses, a belt holder with 6 extra rounds, 3+1 (or just 3, depending) in the rifle, maybe a water bottle, a small disposable-blade knife, and my phone. If it’s late, sometimes a small headlamp. This is for ranch style hunting where a long stalk is 4-5 km. In the cruiser I’ll leave a jacket, small bag with extra ammo, sunscreen, and a spare battery for the binos.

Here in the US, where I’m responsible for everything, there’s a pack with enough goodies in it to cover most contingencies. I’ve had a “quick look” over the ridge turn into a walk of several miles followed by a dead elk, a middle of the night solo pack out, and not showing up for work the next day.

 

[henandhunt]

I am really liking my Jim green boots. Support but quiet and a substantial savings over other boots. Amazon carries them so return for size changes are simple.

Dude wipes.

Sunglasses

Lense wipes. Leica from Walmart. Super cheap.

had no idea Amazon was carrying Jim Green. gotta love that Amazon return! I'm always buying and returning so much easier than going INTO stores for items when you can just buy, decide, keep/return.

 

[Hogpatrol]

what do most use to travel with their ammo? what type of box/bag cause it must lock.

I use Pelican 1200 but others mentioned in a lot of threads work just as well.

 

[Bearbait1]

there is lots of rock in kaokoland. Im glad I took boots with stiff soles. Who are you hunting with in Kaokoland?

 

[Green Chile]

I use Pelican 1200 but others mentioned in a lot of threads work just as well.

I've tried various ones but settled on the Pelican 1200 a couple of seasons ago. No regrets. Mine is yellow and easy to pick out.

 

[Rimbaud]

Benadryl, and some eye wash for irritants - just in case. I had allergic reaction to kudu. Cohiba Siglos. Sunglasses.