In just a short 37 day from now I will be on a plane with Longbow in hand, headed to South Africa for the first time. Does anyone have tips or know of things I should watch out for? Even little things to take that I may not think of.

Thanks Again Rob

The biggest thing you don't eat to forget is me. Lol never been there. Have fun

Make sure you review the kill zone with your PH. Not really the same as NA animals.

Bowmania

drink bottled water -brush teeth with bottled water

Enjoy your trip. I did hear the vitals are lower on most animals there.

Just got back from South Africa last Sunday, and like Bowmania said, the vitals are a little different. They are more forward than North American animals. My PH explained this and had a reference book to show the kill areas on African game. It's a small soft cover book called, " The Perfect Shot Mini Edition for Africa II by Kevin Robertson. In fact, I just ordered on off of Amazon this morning as I plan on going back again next year. Good luck, I guarantee you'll enjoy it!!

Maybe Blackhawk will chime in if he sees this, as he and Steve Gorr discuss shot placement in one of Steve's videos. Good luck, take lots of photos for the rest of us back here and have a safe trip!

Bring zig zag for rolling cigarettes for the trackers. When I was there they were rolling with paper with words on it like news paper.

Don't worry to much about shot placement, straight up the leg is good. If you have the chance to shoot something you might want take it as you might not ever get back for another chance.

The most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the experience.

Take lots of pictures. A lightweight tripod is very convenient. Take just a few sets of clothing, use cotton, and bring WARM clothes and even long underwear as the summer weather in July can be a lot colder than you would think, and in the blinds can be colder yet. I never regretted the long underwear, fleece pullover and/or vests. Traveling AM and PM in the cold temps can be brutal as the cars are open. Bring gloves and a stocking cap. I am dead serious about this Write a journal. Even though it would seem that you will remember everything, it easily all starts to blend together. Learn as much about each animal as you can: usual environment, range,mating and grazing habits, etc. If you can, bring a bird book and use it. Even lighter weight if it is available is to put a Birds of RSA on your smart phone. I do know that one for American birds is available. Decide (if you can) whether you REALLY want to spend the money to bring all the usual animal parts back with you: skulls, horns, skins, capes, scrotums? The cost of processing and shipping has been escalating quickly. Good pictures and cash still in the bank for another trip or for some special taxidermy outweighs a pile of backskins and unwrapped hides sitting in the closet. Believe me, I know. If you like trinkets, carvings etc then plan on buying as much as you can carry. There are remarkable craftsmen at every turn and you will never see prices like that again. Enjoy every minute. It may at first look like a poor version of Animal Planet videos,but you are REALLY there. It will take a day or two to realize that. Enjoy the people that you meet there and learn about them and their world. It is different from yours, for sure

Practice shooting out of a blind. Sometimes judging distances and shooting thru a window can take a little practice to get comfortable especially when you may be taking a thousand dollar+ shot. Good luck but most of all like cch said enjoy the experience.

I have no clue, so when you come back hope you share some photos and info.

Take Hershey bars for the trackers. Consider a Zebra hunt...that Zebra rug I see everyday takes me back to Africa in an instant. Work out your Taxidermy in advance and have a plan of intended game. If you have room for an extra suitcase, fill it with clothes, t-shirts and leave it behind.

Most important....let your tracker enter the blind first....if he comes running out fast, it is a good Black Mamba indicator. Wear sunglasses...stupid as it is, I ran into a spitting Cobra and had to detour. When walking through the bush, I always liked being 3rd in line...never 2nd....always figured the snakes would get the lead guys...enjoy!

Helpful advice about snakes, but hopefully it will be cold enough in August (their winter) to keep 'em down. We went in August and didn't see any. We ate the tenderloins and sirloins of the wildebeast and the kudu that we harvested. They were outstanding. God Bless

I went in August and saw several snakes. I saw a black mamba before my tracker did. And yes the vitals are a lil more forward

First time people go to Africa they dress up wrong and sometimes strange. Sun and thorny bushes can be shit in the day, no shorts and t-shirts are recommended. The nights can be freezing cold, no insulation in the walls, like sleeping in a garage in the winter. Its smart to bring water every day. I have never been inside a blind, don't know anything about that life. Snakes are not any problem at this time of year, don't run, give them time to move away. http://www.shakariconnection.com/african-hunter-shot- placement.html

All I can say is have a great time I did. Arvin.

Speaking about newspaper cigs. One morning one of this ask for fire on a 3 layers of newspaper cig. I was thinking this is a gentle way to ask for cigs. This was in the apartheid time and a lot was different. I gave him some marlboros "thanks" but still wanted fire on the newspaper thing. Later the same day we was attacked by a crazy ostris, his smoking habits did not slow him down in front of the ostris.

Going in Sept for the first time, 19 - 27th. Won a hunt, going for impala, blesbok, and blue wildebeest. Might add a warthog. Taking the takedown. Hope I see no mambas or spitting cobras up close. Hope my trackers don't smoke, I hate that crap stinking up everything. But they probably will so I better accept it. Zigzags and Hershey bars, eh? OK.

Qtips sunscreen gloves warm hat warm jacket Small pack small bino small light. Kill zone is straight up leg (study it)You dont need much for safari as far as gear goes. Keep trophy fee list with you and have an idea of what makes book. I passed a 6.5" steenbok and am still kicking myself?? Bring extra$ is cheaper to take an extra animal now than to come back. First trip is best! Im jealous ????. They have tick bite fever there so keep some deet with you, they dont have tick numbers like we do in newengland but tick fever hits hard and fast trust me on this one. Dont measure or comparr your trophies to anyone elses itll spoil the trip ( just like in greenhills of africa, ive seen it happen). Post pics when youre back!

I've been twice but I'm far from an expert but here's my thoughts. It's a long flight so dress comfortable. I think most people take to many clothes, remember they wash your clothes every day. If your hunting from blinds you really don't need camo. I took two pairs of shorts and one pair of zip off pants along with two dark colored t-shirts. If your stalking then you'll need long pants and long sleeve shirts. One pair of hiking style boots and comfortable shoes for camp. I had one light jacket and one sweater for the cool mornings. Take the best camera you can afford and a video camera and take lots of pictures. If I go again I probably wouldn't bring back any trophies, just lots of pictures. As others have said the kill zones are a little farther forward than our critters. Don't forget to buy lots of souvenirs and most importantly have fun.

ENJOY EVERY SECOND OF IT!! You only get to experience Africa for the first time once!!

I'd say the biggest thing is don't over pack. I've been 3 times and over packed on every trip. Most places do laundry every day, so you can literally get by with 2 or 3 sets of clothes pretty easily. Also, check into getting a couple plug in converters so you can charge your phone, camera, ect.

Like other mentioned, study shot placement! Almost all animal's sweet spots over there are what we'd consider a shoulder shot here in the US.

Others told me this before I went, and I listened but it didn't go with it from the start and due regret it now, but don't just stick to a "list". If something cool pops up at a waterhole and it's within your budget, shoot the dang thing because you may not get another chance at it! Its ok to have a list of what you want, but don't miss the chance at an opportunity on something that may not fall on your list if its given and you want to shoot it.

You'll have a blast and be trying to figure out how to get back over there before you ever leave!!!

I passed this fella up and regret it still, but I'd spent my allotment already when I shot my sable. Guess that gives me another excuse to go back!

All the above mentioned tips are excellent!

Watch out for the ticks! I got tick bite fever when I was over there...not fun! Use deet or whatever works the best to keep them away!

Not sure if you are bringing a firearm, but may want to consider it if you have your heart set on shooting a particular animal and they are not cooperating for bow hunting. When I was there, I really wanted to shoot an impala, but it was nearly impossible to get within bow range. So instead of spending 2 weeks trying with my bow, I got one with my rifle and spent time shooting other animals with my bow. It's YOUR hunt...make it what YOU want it to be!!!

I guess the only animal on the planet one can kill by a belly hit are american deer. The most common problem when hunting down there are hitting too far back.

Thanks everyone and keep them typing them in. I am taking only my Terry Foltz Huron Longbow with 2 sets of limbs, and right about 2.5 doz arrows. I am set to hunt Kudu, Eland, Impala, 2 Blue Wildebeest (one bull one cow), Warthog, and as many Jackal and Guinea Fowl I want to send arrows at. This has been a dream of mine since I was kneehigh to a grasshopper! I thank you all again for your help and look forward to more.

I was told before my first and only trip to Africa that I would spend the rest of my life remembering my trip or planning my next one. That is oh so true.

My suggestions. My trip via South African Airways was a little over 18 hours non stop. After passing through TSA get your hands on some water. Hydrating is vital to help make jet lag even a little bit more bearable. A neck pillow can make catching a nap much nicer.

On another note. I got to spen most of one day doing a combination stalk and walk about. There I am in full camo. The ph has on wash faded kaki shirt and shorts (almost white) and the two trackers who walked in front of us wore blue coveralls and smoked those newspaper cigarettes. The rest of the trip I was in shorts and a brown tee shirt.

Wow! That's gonna be great!

Remember hunting in Africa are in many ways a shopping trip. Look for quality not quantity, it all add up fast, taxidermist, shipping and more. Skull mounts are nice, one don't need big shoulder mounts of everything.

I go to South Africa about every 18 months to review turfgrass production, but have not hunted there. People are really nice and great food is cheap. Some of the best sea food anywhere, and good steaks too.

this is a timely thread for me also, I'm leaving 10 days behind you Gillow. my first trip, probably not my last!

The "porters" at the Joburg airport will swarm you in order to get a tip for moving luggage. A few will try to run off with your stuff. I've never seen such poverty, even in Tijuana, so some items for the kids, candy bars, even tennis shoes are greatly appreciated. One tracker told me his life's dream was to own a radio. Also, it will take at least a week for feeling to return to your rear end after the 22 hour flight.

Been to RSA & Namibia 4 times. Don't fret the flight. Watch a couple movies, sleep 6-8 hours, and read some in your book and then you're there! No big deal. Take lots of fives & tens - everyone has their hand out. Don't worry about shooting too much - life throws curves - you may never get back. Photograph everything & everyone. Don't walk in front of the tracker. Enjoy - nothing like it!

does it make should I do any Money Exchange from US Dollar to the Rand?

Flights don't bother me. Flown to Italy, Hawaii, Europe a few times. I take a couple Benedryl and am usually asleep before the plane takes off. Take enough with you for the whole flight, and when there if something tends to keep you awake. I take a backpack carry-on and maybe one other bag. This time, my bow only and backpack. No need for a luggage porter. Good advice on the handouts - I'm not rich so I won't be contributing to the economy to as great a degree as many hunters who go there. But a lot of it will be given as tips I'm sure - cooks, laundry, etc. guides, trackers. Taking a good African animal Id book, that I have studied thoroughly in the months prior. Also taking a well conditioned body to be able to RUN so I can if necessary keep up with trackers or stay out of reach of mambas. sheesh!

I'm sure you will have a great adventure. When I was younger, I was enamored with guys like Hill, Dougherty and then Bear hunting with the bow in Africa. I always thought I would enjoy it too. Never did it due to raising kids, and then kinda lost the want- to. Listen to the ones that have been there and I'll wait to hear the story when you get back. Be safe and alert.

George, you're never too old to go...we had a guy in the archery club I'm a member of go when he was 91. I'm 64 and never really had the desire to hunt Africa. Well, just got back last Sunday and had a blast. In fact, plans are already in the works to go back next year. Even my wife, who only shoots styrofoam and has no desire to hunt, wants to give it a try. I might have created a monster.

Carry enough small bills for tips. It's hard to exchange large bills without getting ripped off or end up with a wad of their money that no one wants. Carry your camera equipment in your carry on, our bags were delayed in Jo burg and when they arrived several items were missing. Only bad thing about the trip otherwise it was great.

I will treat all of my hunting clothes with permethrin next time for the ticks. Both my wife and I got something from them that was not fun. You can exchange for Rands at the airport but won't need very much. Everyone loves the US dollar.

Have a great time. I look forward to hearing about it.

There are 3 different ticks. After one get the fever from one type one are immune. I am immune against two, first time I did not know what it was and I ended up i coma for 3 days, totally 6 days at hospital. Last time I got it I cure it by eating 2-3 tablets. Just a little headache. One normally get it after one are back home and doctors dont understand what it is. Read about it and ask for the right tablets if one start getting symptoms. They will ask for blood samples and other things, there are no time for that.

Thanks to everyone!! you helped me pull together some Ideas and look forward to sharing pics and stories when I get back!!!

Rob

Lots of great advice above. The guys I hunt and shoot 3D with have gone for the last 3 years and are going back this month. They say on the impala.....shoot where you think it's going to go. Fast, fast animal. Good luck, shoot straight and post lots of pictures and have fun........ Marsha

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