I am going to Africa for the first time with Limcroma in 2018. Needless to say I am very excited, almost to excited. I have read this forum non stop and began to retread the Capstick books. How does everyone pass the time before your hunt. I have a few hunts planned for 2017 including going to Mexico for my goulds turkey to complete the Royal slam. I should also draw my Arizona elk tag for 2017. However, non of these hunts have got me as excited as the safari. I love hunting but this is truly a hint that I have planned for 20 years. Just need some words of advice
You've already started to pass the time in a worthwhile manner by reading the Capstick books. I would continue with that, adding books by Hemingway (
The Green Hills of Africa and
The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber), and
Horn of the Hunter by Ruark. You should also consider reading some field guides to the animals you will be hunting - not only will it make your hunt more interesting, but your PH will be impressed that you have taken the time to learn something about your quarry (don't be the guy with the list who shoots one animal and then say's "what's next" before even touching the animal).
The Safari Companion by Richard Estes is excellent, but there are others.
African Experience by Boddington has lots of good information.
I would suggest that getting Kevin Robertson's books -
The Perfect Shot - both the mini version and the full size version (especially) should be required reading. There are also videos which provide similar information and can be fun to watch.
You also shouldn't ignore the fiction side of things (in addition to Hemingway). The Courtney saga by Wilbur Smith is first rate, as is
Something of Value by Ruark (about the Mau Mau uprising).
If you are interested in rifles,
African Rifles and Cartridges by John Taylor is a classic.
I envy you - my first time was long ago, and I too was excited. Fortunately, I've been almost as excited on every return!