Minnesotan going to Africa.....first time

[Hogpatrol]

to AH. As other have posted, especially for a first timer, use Travel Express or Gracy Travel. They aren't absolutely necessary but can be a lifesaver if airline schedules change or something else along the way goes south, like a missing bag. The only gotcha on your trip is the length. Depending on one's age and physical condition, three days of traveling for a five day hunt could be a burnout. Most take off ten days or longer. As far as packing, overpacking is the norm for the first time. Don't worry about it, just be prepared to possibly pay excess baggage fees. Can't help on the silencer but I'm sure someone will chime in on taking them. Any other questions, the answers are here for the asking.
Best of luck on your hunt, enjoy the planning and practice, practice, practice.

 

[Philip Glass]

Hi all. First time trip. I booked for a Kudu, Gemsbok. Zebra and Impala. Of course the shopping cart isn't full until the hunt is done. 7 day trip, 5 full days of hunting.

I'll be asking a lot of questions on what to bring (and what not to bring). We leave March 11, 2023.

I'm bringing my own rifle and factory ammunition. Leaving from Sioux Falls, South
Dakota to South Africa. Most of my questions will be about packing. Later on I'll ask about bringing trophies back. I am thinking mostly of European mounts but that could change.

I would appreciate any advice in advance on travelling with a rifle and ammunition from the United
States and back. I have a suppressor on my rifle that I really want to bring with and back again. Any experience anyone ? Thanks.

Stormy

You will find many posts on here that will answer your questions. I have some safari packing videos on the planning section here and on my YouTube channel. I hope it helps.
suppressor is no problem. Just get a separate 4457 for it and have a copy of your tax stamp as well.
keep planning!
Philip

 

[AfricaHunting.com]

Welcome to AH Stormy Kromer! Have fun exploring the site.

 

[cls]

Welcome to AH, enjoy the planning, 2023 will be here in no time.

 

[fgr2318]

Welcome!
Enjoy the planning process, that's part of the fun.

 

[Art Lambart II]

Congrats on booking your first safari and welcome to AH. I would start vetting Outfitters here on AH and start planning your second safari because safaris are like Lays potato chips "One is not enough".

I can also tell you have good taste in hats.

 

[Randy F]

Welcome aboard and congrats on chugging the koolaid!!

 

[Velo Dog]

Hello Stormy Kromer,

Khomas Highland Hunting Safaris of Namibia, welcomes you to the greatest forum on earth.

Best Regards,
Velo Dog.

 

[VertigoBE]

Welcome to AH!

I'm sure you'll find all your questions answered in no time! And you'll be back soon to plan your second safari

What have you hunted previously in life?

 

[Shootist43]

Welcome aboard Stormy Kromer. Where do you live in MN? We have a number of AH members that live there. Lots of friendly folks with good advice. Will you be hunting alone or with a buddy? What caliber rifle do you plan on using? Has anyone talked to you about shooting off "sticks?"

 

[PHOENIX PHIL]

Hello all. I woke up this morning, did chores and took the wife to the sports show in Sioux Falls, SD. Minding my own business we came across a vendor at a booth that I met a few years back. He's a friend of a friend and has a camp in South Africa.

We talked a bit and next thing I know we have a hunt booked for March 2023.

I'll be here a bit asking some simple questions. Looking forward to it and thanks for your patience.






s

Welcome to AH! Everyone has a first time to Africa, so don't be afraid to ask questions.

 

[TheSayHeyKid]

I sure hope you got that Sioux Falls - Johannesburg direct flight. HAHA!

 

[Ridgewalker]

Stormy Kromer, welcome to the AH forum! March seems like it could be really hot in RSA?
Be sure to read the section on Safari Planning Guide near the top center of the page.

Here is the link:

Safari planning guide

www.africahunting.com

 

[Nyati]

 

[LWPhunt]

Ditto on all said. Planning is the best part. Nerve racking on occasion, yes, but embrace it.
Take your guns, legacy kind of stuff. even when things go weird, there are ways to move the needle and you won't lose a gun.
Addiction, absolutely, it will make most other hunting pale in comparison.
People are genuine and super to be around.

If your a respectable shot and have a decent gun, don't go overboard, same stuff there as here, shot placement kills them all.

Packing, light and lighter, they do laundry, it's not a fashion show, be comfy and on occasion durable. Some of the brush in SA has nasty thorns.

my first trip was in Mid March, we loved it, hot, great hunting, what I thought africa hunting would be like. another trip in June mornings were cold, frost, ice on the waterer's, sunny but way different. But equally as enjoyable.

Have a blast.

 

[R.M.C.]

Welcome!!! Planning and packing is the second best part lol this is the place to plan for sure!!

 

[Stormy Kromer]

Thanks all. I'll be digging into more specific questions over the next year I'm sure. I'll try to address some of your above queries. I live on a farm in the southwest part of MN. I have hunted elk, deer, antelope, black bear and caribou in the US for over 30 years (I'm 56). I have one rifle, a .300 Win Mag and shoot factory Federal Premium 180 Accu bonds for everything. I have just ordered a suppressor and was told I'd have it in 6 months. The PH told me it was no problem in South Africa, but be prepared when returning to the US with it.

I'll be expecting the heat. For the past several years I've been elk hunting in Wyoming in early September and have hunted in 90 plus degrees every time. Drink lots of water.

4 animals in the base package that I booked. Kudu, Gemsbok, Zebra and Impala. The option to expand is always there, but for a first time trip with 5 days of hunting this seems like enough. I'm after representative species and have realistic expectations. I've been on over a dozen guided hunts in the US, I'm sure this is going to be much different, but in the end hunting is hunting and I'll be happy to harvest a typical animal based on the PH's guidance.

I'll be flying out of Sioux Falls, then to Minneapolis, Atlanta and SA. I' m looking forward to going in March. March is a long month in Minnesota.

Taxidermy is still an unknown. I'll post separate threads with my questions as they arrive. Any suggestions or advice is more than welcome. Thanks everyone.

 

[Rare Breed]

Hi all. First time trip. I booked for a Kudu, Gemsbok. Zebra and Impala. Of course the shopping cart isn't full until the hunt is done. 7 day trip, 5 full days of hunting.

I'll be asking a lot of questions on what to bring (and what not to bring). We leave March 11, 2023.

I'm bringing my own rifle and factory ammunition. Leaving from Sioux Falls, South
Dakota to South Africa. Most of my questions will be about packing. Later on I'll ask about bringing trophies back. I am thinking mostly of European mounts but that could change.

I would appreciate any advice in advance on travelling with a rifle and ammunition from the United
States and back. I have a suppressor on my rifle that I really want to bring with and back again. Any experience anyone ? Thanks.

Stormy

Phillip Glass packing videos awesome. Just search on AH for them

Packing For Safari - My Video

Packing for Safari - My Video Here is a video we put together about packing for Safari. Hope you enjoy!

www.africahunting.com

 

[fte45]

Welcome and look forward to your participation!