South African hunt Spring 2026

[TheJeremiahSmith]

Through an unforseen turn of events, I wrote into a hunting podcast/YouTube channel for advice on hunting Africa and was actually invited to hunt in Africa with the host. I had told him I was a novice to this, but wanted to try living out one of my chief adventures. He has been very kind with advice and even chatting just to get to know me, and I'm beyond grateful I get this chance. The gentleman has a successful podcast, written multiple books, and has written and edited for outdoor magazines. He has a wealth of knowledge, and even though I'm 31, in many ways I feel like I'm 13 again preparing for this hunt.

So I'll be hunting in the Limpopo region of South Africa in March or April 2026. He has connected me with the PH and Outfitter, who has been kind enough to connect with me on WhatsApp so I can ask questions as needed. A lot of information was covered in what the PH sent me, but I'll be completely honest about the fact I'm just a good ol' boy from Indiana. I've never traveled outside the United States, and i don't want to embarass myself and my companion or give a bad impression of Americans at large. So I have a few questions I hope the community here can help me with as I continue researching and preparing, but what are some of the cultural things I should know? Are there big time no-no's and things I should be sure to avoid? I am a polite person by nature and am easy going and easy to get along with. I'm a heavy equipment operator in construction by trade and get along with other blue collar people. But are there things I can do to make sure I get along well with the people there? And are there any mistakes you've heard or seen that I could avoid?

I'm always kind to everyone, and honestly going with the gentleman I am, I'm going to be pretty much just wanting to shut up, learn, and listen to his and the PH's stories. I don't have many to contribute of my own, but I'm just thrilled to be going. This is a trip of a lifetime for me, and I can't begin to express how lucky I feel to be going.

As a side note, I'll be hunting Plains Game and looking at trying to get 3 or 4 animals. My preference list is Nyala, Gemsbok, Impala, Blue Wildebeest, and Burchell's Zebra in that order depending on what's available. My most affordable seems to be Wildebeest, Impala, and the Zebra. I'll be bringing my Savage 110 Classic .30-06 with 165 gr Hornady Superperformance CX bullets and my Winchester 1917 Custom .375 h&h with Hornady Outfitter 250 gr CX bullets as well. Still shopping for good hunting clothes, binoculars, knife, etc. to take, as I don't think my usual stuff for hunting Indiana Whitetail will carry over well.

Again, any advice will help and be very much appreciated. Thanks in advance!

 

[375Fox]

If you are going with an experienced African hunter I’d rely on him for questions for your first trip. Too much information isn’t always a good thing. I find most African PHs have a lot better people skills than most guides in the US and are good hosts. If you are there to hunt and enjoy yourself and you’ll be a good client. There is no need to worry about embarrassing yourself.

Biggest advice I’d give is don’t get too much mounted from the first trip. The photos become more important than the taxidermy after a few years and the money is better spent on your next hunt.

 

[whisk(e)y hunter]

Congrats! Have fun, trust your outfitter/guide, practice shooting from sticks, and get some shoes you’ll be comfortable hiking/walking in and you’ll be set

 

[Mekaniks]

Don't overthink it....

Practice with your rifle....not just at the range, do some hunting that builds confidence and muscle memory...

Go have fun....

 

[Brod]

What a refreshing and humble post. Don't overthink and you will do just fine.

There's no need to waste money on new gear for the hunt you described as your Indiana whitetail gear will do just fine. Get a lot of practice shooting off of sticks. Utilize this site's search feature for any questions you have then ask away. This is a very friendly and helpful group.

We are all envious of you: the first African hunt. Be forewarned, it's very addictive.

 

[Ryan]

You're doing fine, I agree don't overthink it and practice off of sticks. I guarantee you your PH works with a wide variety of people so from how you present yourself I think you'll be fine. For what you're after I'd leave the 375 at home. A 30-06 with 165 gr monometal bullets like the CX bullets will cover that list just fine, but your call. While I own my share of nice knives I wouldn't stress anything new for this hunt, the skinners will be taking care of your animals. Honestly, I just bring whatever pocket knife I need for Every Day Carry. Comfortable clothes is your call, shorts if you like them, but not a requirement. Go for dark earth tones. Khaki tends to be too light.