Most Unique Souvenirs

[Jason Miller]

It was my first trip and I wasn’t sure about the legality of it. I should’ve done it and played ignorant. Which I was!

Sounds to me as if its time to go back ;-)

 

[Hunt anything]

Sounds to me as if its time to go back ;-)

Without a doubt, been working on it since I stepped foot on the charter on my way home!

 

[Doug Hamilton]

What I neglected to bring back, but should have done and very much regret now, is not having brought back one of the trackers' self-made axes, that they use to build blinds and clear roads.

I got one of those on my first safari in 1983. It is still just about the most treasured souvenir that I have ever brought back from anywhere I have traveled, other than taxidermy.

 

[Doug Hamilton]

I got one of those on my first safari in 1983. It is still just about the most treasured souvenir that I have ever brought back from anywhere I have traveled, other than taxidermy.

On that safari, I had seen what looked like a "knobkerrie" (sp ?) club with s piece of leaf spring from an old car, fashioned into an axe blade. It was being used around the camp for cutting firewood and such. I asked the PH about it and if he thought I could buy it from the staff. He said, "Oh, you can't buy it from them. I got it when I was up in the North end of the country. So it belongs to me, and I just gave it to you."

So it is not just a souvenir, it is a treasured gift. But if I hadn't gotten one that way I would still have bought one on that trip or another one later on. It is a great conversation starter when we have guests.

 

[Rare Breed]

On that safari, I had seen what looked like a "knobkerrie" (sp ?) club with s piece of leaf spring from an old car, fashioned into an axe blade. It was being used around the camp for cutting firewood and such. I asked the PH about it and if he thought I could buy it from the staff. He said, "Oh, you can't buy it from them. I got it when I was up in the North end of the country. So it belongs to me, and I just gave it to you."

So it is not just a souvenir, it is a treasured gift. But if I hadn't gotten one that way I would still have bought one on that trip or another one later on. It is a great conversation starter when we have guests.

I so can relate to you Doug!!!!! I felt the exact same way when Lon Denny gave me mine! One of my most treasured possessions!!!

 

[Mekaniks]

On that safari, I had seen what looked like a "knobkerrie" (sp ?) club with s piece of leaf spring from an old car, fashioned into an axe blade. It was being used around the camp for cutting firewood and such. I asked the PH about it and if he thought I could buy it from the staff. He said, "Oh, you can't buy it from them. I got it when I was up in the North end of the country. So it belongs to me, and I just gave it to you."

So it is not just a souvenir, it is a treasured gift. But if I hadn't gotten one that way I would still have bought one on that trip or another one later on. It is a great conversation starter when we have guests.

That’s cool. Do you have a picture?

 

[Hogpatrol]

I found an old RSA license plate by the side of the road and brought it back. I guess it was expired. In the bush, picked up a spent .303 cartridge with a diamond in the head stamp. Was told it was from the Kimberly ammo plant made during WW2. I gave it to the PH/farm owner. He said his grandfather probably used it for game.

 

[jpr9954]

I brought back some South African election posters hanging on side of road after election finished. EFF and ANC signs.

I should have done the same. I arrived a day after the election. As a one-time aspiring political scientists, I love stuff like that.

 

[Bearbait1]

I was fishing on the beach in east cape, Baja and a guy came along selling beautiful carvings. He lold me that he did the carving, his father went up in the mountains to cut the special wood and his wife did the staining and finishing. I bought a jumping sailfish and when I got it home I noticed the “made in the Phillipines” sticker on the bottom!

 

[deewayne2003]

I found their axes to be of more utility compared to what you typically get in the USA; the dark handled one was actually used on my elephant.

 

[Ridge Runner]

I was fishing on the beach in east cape, Baja and a guy came along selling beautiful carvings. He lold me that he did the carving, his father went up in the mountains to cut the special wood and his wife did the staining and finishing. I bought a jumping sailfish and when I got it home I noticed the “made in the Phillipines” sticker on the bottom!

We ran into this in South America. Lamacrillyc.

The GI were causing a high demand for Llama wool sweaters. The Chaplain in and another officer went into the village to pick up some souvenirs before our redeployment to the states.

When asked by the accompnying officer, is the real llama? the local said yes. The accompanying officer pointed to the chaplain's cross. The local said Yes, it is Llamacrillyc. The accompanying officer was sold 4 llamacrillyc sweater for $15.00USD in stead of the normal 3 for $15.00USD.

 

[Doug Hamilton]

That’s cool. Do you have a picture?

If I ever figure out how to send a picture I'll send it. My daughter with all be able to help. I am somewhat technologically challenged!

 

[Mekaniks]

If I ever figure out how to send a picture I'll send it. My daughter with all be able to help. I am somewhat technologically challenged!

That’s cool. I would like to see it. Post it in this thread if she can. I get it

 

[DPHunter4570]

Went on my first trip to SA this year, we brought back some neat things. A carved buffalo horn with all of the big 5 carved on it, some handmade salad spoons with porcupine quill handle tips, and a small carved elephant.

 

[fourfive8]

All good suggestions. Local blacksmith made spears, axes and hatchets are great souvenirs. In RSA, ask around about older Zulu iklwa stabbing spears- they are relatively short so easier to transport. If in Bushman areas of Botswana and Namibia for sure look for bow, poison arrow and quiver sets made there. Locally made woven bowls and small baskets are cool. One of the Bushman trackers in Botswana made me a short knobkerrie/throwing stick. As @Hogpatrol mentioned about old cases... I found an old 375 HH case in the middle of nowhere in Zimbabwe. I also try to get at least one of each denomination of local currency.