I'm going to Africa!!!

[Bambistew]

Tipping is all personal prefrence. Some people think you don't need to tip as much if you are hunting with the owner of the property. Its really up to you. If you have a great time give them a good tip, if it sucks don't tip. On average most people tip about 10-15% of the day rate to the PH and another $100 to be split by the camp staff.

 

[JohnCushman]

Thanks, Bambistew

Moosie...what in the hell was the trophy fee on that??!!

 

[mixedbag]

Thats the same place I've been talking with.I'm thinking about 2012 myself.The plane is my big hangup,but I'll have to deal with that to ever see Africa.Did you get his free demo dvd?Seems like alot of action.Have to watch having an itchy finger out there or it will get expensive quick.I want to do a day of fishing when I'm there too.I'd probably only make it out once;yeah right

 

[MTGunner]

John, we tipped a $100 a day for PH and camp staff. Gave the tip to the PH and let him distribute it as he saw fit. The one thing that we will take for our trip this year will be good knives and diamond sharpening sticks to distribute to the tracker, skinner and other helpers. The cutlery that was used to skin our plains game animals on our first trip was dreadfully poor. The job was accomplished with more experience than good knives. We will also take clothing for the women and children. This seems to be very welcome. I involved myself in the skinning process, to the dismay of the PH/outfitter. He kept saying, "Oh Mr. Myers" this is not what you are here for. My reply was that this is part of the hunt for me. Anyway, time does fly and you will be winging you way to RSA only too soon. Enjoy your hunt. MTG

 

[JohnCushman]

My DVD is on the way, mixedbag. My buddy that I'm going with has been in contact with Lammie for over a year and is totally satisfied with the place and the PH and everything, so I'm deferring to his judgment.

Thanks for the into, MTG. I might pick up a few extra swingblades or something to put in the luggage.

 

[TOM IN TENNESSEE]

Looked at my hunting journals.....yep, I been to Africa!!
No shots of any kind or malaria preventitive needed in most of RSA or most of Namibia.
Arrange to transfer extra money to your outfitter before you go because you won't stop with three animals!
Most bowhunting places will have Gemsbok (Oryx) and Kudu....just ensure their trophy fees are not overpriced---they want you to kill more than you booked.
Explain your Trophy size requirements ahead of time----some will encourage you to shoot any thing as "representative"
All the African game meat I've eaten, and I have eaten a wide variety---from Dik Dik to Ele---was quite good except for an unaged Zebra and Giraffe filet.
Tips----ummmm....vary widely depending on what and where you are hunting...most RSA outfitters and others, suggest a "staff" tip total to be split. I usually designate an amout for trackers, skinners and cook out of total staff tip. PH tips are at your discreation but I always make it at least equal to daily rate.....hell, I tipped one $2K with a $1K daily... more because of what he didn't let me shoot than what I shot---yeah, he found me better.
Most of RSA, you don't need to take candy for the kids and T-shirts for the camp area. Ain't there! Trackers and skinners seem to love new caps! Other countries, yep, I have taken everything from first aid kits to underwear! Dang kids chased us 2 miles in TAN because I threw then some candy in a village.
Boots/Shoes---I wear Courtney ankle high tyre tracks I bought in ZIM years ago....but about anything will work in bow hunting areas of RSA---from sneakers up.
Don't forget the seasons are upside down! Can get damn cold in parts of RSA in our spring and summer.
Take sunblock! Some coughing drops, diahreah med in cse you don't adjust to food. I wear a broad brimmed hat when sun is beating down.Take some bug repellant----Africas equivalent to seed tics are bad!
Register your camera, binocs and anything expensive you are taking with US Customs before you go!
PS----you really ought to move this to AFRICA forum

 

[JohnCushman]

Thanks for all the good pointers