Previously:
My last safaris were in 2021. Zimbabwe after a Buff and LDE, bad PH and an unwanted change from LDE to hippo. From Zimbabwe to RSA for 5 PG, ended up taking 2 of 4 additional trophy fee animals and 1 of 2 bonus animals for lodge meat. Amount of ammo taken was 60 rounds of 375H&H. Used 10 rounds for checking my scope in Zimbabwe 5 rounds upon arrival and another 5 rounds when I had thought I knocked my scope of. Used 2 rounds of the buff and 2 rounds on the hippo. In RSA I used 5 rounds to check my scope, ~14(?) total rounds on PG.
This was a 28 day trip with 20 hunting days, 2 countries.
Fast Forward:
My planned trip in 2025 is for ~35(?) days total / 20-24 hunting days, still in progress. Three different provinces/states in RSA, with 4 different outfitters, for 1 buff, and ~15 +/- PG of various size, 3 weapons: 458WM, 30-06, 22 Hornet.
Ammo break down:
458WM: 20 rounds: 8 to 10 rounds reserved for hunting, rest for fun shoot. Depending on total ammo weight may add 10 more rounds.
30-06: 40 rounds: 30 soft & 10 solid/FMJ
22 Hornet: 50 rounds: 30 HV soft, 10 HV, 10 LV solid/FMJ. May increase the quantity to 60 rounds with an additional 10 solids, 5 each HV & LV. Depending on ammo weight of 11 pounds max.
This may seem like a lot of ammo; but This Is Africa and one of the PHs and I have a fun shoot scheduled. Plus there is always a chance to add opportunity animal(s), especially if they are extra ordinary, or offered the opportunity to hunt bonus animal(s) for lodge meat.
With the 458WM and 30-06 possibly being readily available for purchase if I didn't bring enough isn't a problem. The real problem would be the 22 Hornet, that ammo may not be readily available and I definitely need to coordinate with my various outfitters on the availability for purchase in case I need to purchase this ammo locally.
The Take Away: BE PREPARED!!
Base the quantity of needed ammo one needs to have for a successful and enjoyable hunt for the total number of hunt days allocated for one's trip.
And Remember....This Is Africa....and one may encounter one or more exceptional animals, that may or may not be on their animal(s) of opportunity list(s).
IMHO, Should one only be fully focused on one specific animal species. A preverbial one and done; Just blows my mind. Not a bad thing. But one is in Africa. Take advantage of the opportunities to hunt more animal species within one's budget, while hunting that one designated species. After one's success, then consider a photo safari or other activities after the hunt.