Visiting an African country, whether to hunt or to tour, takes a little preparation. Seasons here are the opposite of Europe and North America: we mainly hunt in the southern winter, when temperatures are moderate to cool. Packing your bag is a key part of the trip, and has to be done wisely. Flying means travelling light.
Your checked baggage will limit you to a rifle case as one piece and a suitcase, wheelie or duffel as the second. Usually you can transport ammunition in your checked suitcase, but be prepared for carriers that want it in a separate item (we recommend a steel ammo can). Always carry ammunition in factory boxes, in checked luggage, and keep it to 10 lb (5 kg) or less.
In your carry-on
- Camera and / or video camera
- One pair of hunting trousers (khaki or green)
- One dark hunting shirt and two T-shirts
- A dark fleece jacket
- One pair of well broken-in, lightweight leather boots
- A set of underwear, and ALL prescription drugs
- Samples of the recommended medication (see Health)
- Sunglasses and a cap
- Passport
- Binoculars: 10×40 for plains game and leopard, 8×30 for buffalo
In your checked bag
- Two further sets of hunting clothes (daily laundry is included in every camp)
- Possibly a second pair of well broken-in, lightweight leather boots
- A hat, sunscreen (SPF 30 or better), lip balm, insect repellent, cartridge pouch, rain jacket (such as Gore-Tex) and a hooded fleece for mornings
- A good compact flashlight with spare batteries, and needle and thread for repairs
- A canteen with strap for South Africa and Namibia; a 3-litre hydration pack for buffalo and elephant in Tanzania
- A soft rifle case for the vehicle (optional; we have some for you to use)
- Cough drops, plus cough syrup for leopard hunts
- Ear plugs and paper targets for zeroing your rifle (optional)
- Leather gloves, a bug jacket for Tanzania, cotton buds, a whistle for your pocket
- A pocket knife: your tracker and PH will do all field dressing
Liquids and gels are prohibited in carry-on baggage.
Clothing notes
Nylon shoes and boots are routinely punctured by thorns, and wool collects burrs and thorn branches, so neither is recommended. One set of casual clothes for airline travel, plus a spare casual shirt, will suffice for a hunting safari. We offer a selection of shirts and jackets in the colours most suitable for an African safari; if you give us your size in advance, your order will be ready when you arrive.