Gifts for camp staff, trackers

[ChooChoo404]

I like to take small stuff for staff/trackers. Suggestions?

 

[375Fox]

It’s a heavily debated topic. I like taking small gifts too but I won’t pay for them. I’ll bring new baseball caps and shirts I’ve gotten from work or various events. I’ll bring old knives or old backpacks. Just keep in mind most of what you buy will likely get sold at a fraction of what you paid. Adding the cash to their tips that you would have spent is a better gesture.

 

[375Fox]

There are many similar threads

Thread 'Small gifts for PH and tracker'

Jun 27, 2024

Going on my first Safari in 12 days. Do you normally take a small gift for PH and tracker? If so what are so ideas?

• jimbo1972
• Replies: 96
• Forum: Before & after the hunt

• 

 

[Mekaniks]

Knives. candy, soccer balls for kids, ect are always popular…..
just don’t consider gifts as part of their cash tip….

 

[gcbailey]

There's going to be a very wide range of opinions on this subject. 'd recommend talking with your PH for ideas/ guidelines.

 

[ChooChoo404]

My bad. Need to get into the habit of checking first.

 

[BJH65]

Perhaps ask your PH what kind of gifts to bring if you desire to. I brought candy for my PH’s kids, some trail cams for my PH and Mora knives for the trackers, camp staff and assistant PH’s. These were gifts and not tips. I see no harm in it whatsoever but it’s certainly not necessary or required. I always ask if there’s anything I can bring legally that they may need that perhaps isn’t easily obtainable for them but again this isn’t set in stone or even a guideline.

 

[Mark Biggerstaff]

What I have learned is pack lighter and forget the gifts. I take plenty candy for the truck and hunt. Cash tip more instead of spending on gifts that will be sold. Cash is more important to camp staff

 

[Sika98k]

I always bring some gloves. For some reason I always seem to be gifted them ‍. I usually pop a couple of Mora knives in my baggage also. They are great knives, orange handle and sheath.
I would also bring clothes that are “end of life” Acacia and hook thorns tend to tear things up. I simply leave them in my room on leaving. Whether they get used or not I don’t know.
Of course cash is most appreciated.

 

[thriller]

I like to take small stuff for staff/trackers. Suggestions?

They love money as a gift

 

[Andrew62]

What I have learned is pack lighter and forget the gifts. I take plenty candy for the truck and hunt. Cash tip more instead of spending on gifts that will be sold. Cash is more important to camp staff

I’m with Mark, I pack as light as I can and take cash for tips.

 

[JimP]

The problem with asking the PH is that if this is your first time hunt then I doubt that you'll know your PH until you either meet him at the lodge or airport.

You can always ask the outfitter who your contract is with.

On my first safari we stopped at a Walmart type of department store and stocked up on all kinds of things for a local school and the help. From school supplies to first aide kits along with plenty of soccer balls. One of the biggest hits with the kids were tennis balls. We also stocked up on candy but be aware that they don't have the greatest dental plans over there.

 

[M70375!]

I'm taking a pack of new tee shirts and some extra new caps that companies are always giving me, good way to get rid of them.

 

[Sideshow]

The problem with asking the PH is that if this is your first time hunt then I doubt that you'll know your PH until you either meet him at the lodge or airport.

You can always ask the outfitter who your contract is with.

On my first safari we stopped at a Walmart type of department store and stocked up on all kinds of things for a local school and the help. From school supplies to first aide kits along with plenty of soccer balls. One of the biggest hits with the kids were tennis balls. We also stocked up on candy but be aware that they don't have the greatest dental plans over there.

Thanks you beat me too it with the dental plans!

 

[JimP]

Thanks you beat me too it with the dental plans!

I made a mistake by handing my tracker a Snickers bar, then my PH mentioned it aI swapped it out for a Twixt bar. Still not very good for someone with bad teeth but he did enjoy it.

 

[Sideshow]

Seen it with clients handing out pens to kids. But no paper!
With footballs I’d also add a puncher repair kit. When coming through Malawi rubber plantations, the kids used to cover a condom in rubber and use them as footballs

 

[autofire]

Used clothes are perfect.
I go to thrift stores and buy full set of clothing i.e. dickie/canvas long pants, shorts, tshirts,dickie/canvas long sleeve shirts, fleece or denim jackets/hoodies, socks and if possible shoes. Last year 6 full sets- camp staff beyond thankful.
This year only taking for 2 trackers because too many total staff members .
Have to pay airlink for cost for extra bag, but just well worth the $.

 

[Ridge Runner]

Cold weather items. Hot hands / body warmers, warm gloves, bakalav/ fleece face mask, durable midweight and heay coats, thick socks....it gets cold riding on the back of the bakki/truck after working up a sweat from stalking, tracking, gutting game.

Before any negative comments: YES! warm clothing was the biggest hit at all my outfitter locations for everyone.

Those handy Walmart small sewing kits along with a packet of various size of buttons went over well with the ladies.

Sweets, aka candy, can be purchased in country so unless you are hunting in an area far out from any town I wouldn’t worry about gifting candy.

Paper and pencils are a big hit with kids, and parents, as the kids can draw or use these items for school. But again these items can also be purchased locally.

Cigarettes are another valued item if your trackers and skinners smoke.

Knives, the preferred from my experiences, the replacement blade types along with a couple of packs of replacement blades or lock back folding knives. I don’t remember the brand name but the diamond knife sharpeners that go into the handle are also appreciated.

Batteries and good pocket or headlamp flashlights are another of those in country purchase items that are appreciated, especially if your night hunting.

 

[375Fox]

Cold weather items. Hot hands / body warmers, warm gloves, bakalav/ fleece face mask, durable midweight and heay coats, thick socks....it gets cold riding on the back of the bakki/truck after working up a sweat from stalking, tracking, gutting game.

Before any negative comments: YES! warm clothing was the biggest hit at all my outfitter locations for everyone.

Those handy Walmart small sewing kits along with a packet of various size of buttons went over well with the ladies.

Sweets, aka candy, can be purchased in country so unless you are hunting in an area far out from any town I wouldn’t worry about gifting candy.

Paper and pencils are a big hit with kids, and parents, as the kids can draw or use these items for school. But again these items can also be purchased locally.

Cigarettes are another valued item if your trackers and skinners smoke.

Knives, the preferred from my experiences, the replacement blade types along with a couple of packs of replacement blades or lock back folding knives. I don’t remember the brand name but the diamond knife sharpeners that go into the handle are also appreciated.

Batteries and good pocket or headlamp flashlights are another of those in country purchase items that are appreciated, especially if your night hunting.

I’ve brought a lot of jackets, hoodies, gloves, etc I would have donated at home otherwise but I wouldn’t buy them for camp staff or trackers. They are easily available secondhand in town. There have actually been court cases of African countries taking US to court to try and stop places like Goodwill and Salvation Army flooding their markets with secondhand clothing. I’d consider what you can buy for $5 vs what they can buy for $5 before spending any money.

 

[ChooChoo404]

Good info thanks!