ZIMBABWE: Oct 24 - The adventure of a lifetime

[Niklas]

I will eventually post about my experience (once it truly has started) but I have realized, with only a couple of weeks left, that I have some questions/need for input already in advance from the knowledgeable people on AH. I have hunted in Africa before but never in Zimbabwe nor for dangerous game.

Short summary of what we have planned, so far:

Timing:12 day hunt in Zimbabwe starting the 19th of October
Outfitter: Dalton & York Safaris
PH: Dalton Tink
Primary focus: Buffalo, Hippo, Tuskless
Hunting areas: Chewore and Omay

I have to start off by saying that it has been an absolute pleasure to plan and work out the details with Dalton during the past 18 months! Like everyone else, I did my due diligence and had great help from this forum to find the Outfitter/PH that would best fit my needs and preferences. Dalton has always replied back promptly (bear in mind that he is in the bush for a living) and has be extremely solution oriented everytime he or I have had a “great new idea”.

Some thoughts/topics/questions that I bet a lot of you have input on:

- Being a first time visitor to Zimbabwe - What should I prepare for / expect?
- Want usually gets forgotten or overlooked in terms of what one packs for the trip?
- First time DG hunt, Do’s and Dont’s?

More to come…

 

[Altitude sickness]

Take trinkets to give the staff, trackers etc. All of Daltons trackers smoke. But never around the hunter. They are very polite with smoking. Take a few cartons of cigarettes.

Be ready to walk all day if needed.

 

[375Fox]

Good luck. I think you’ll really enjoy this type of hunt. It’s easier to say than do but don’t overthink it and trust your PH once there. Zimbabwe is a very easy country to travel to. My thoughts would be
1. Bring $30 USD cash for visa on entry
2. Discuss back up shots first day with PH so no surprises
3. Bring electrolyte drink mix to stay ahead on being hydrated. It can get easy to fall behind. Especially with October heat and a lot of miles walked in sun.
4. Bring quiet footwear. Hiking shoes are really loud for stalking close. Anything with a foam midsole really amplifies noise like crunching leaves.
5. I always bring superglue in case soles of shoes start to fall off, chapstick, a bug net, and a neck gaiter both for sun and mopane flies getting in your ears.

 

[Altitude sickness]

Great call on the electrolytes powder.

On a few of our stalks Dalton would pour some electrolytes into our waters. Take some electrolytes in individual packets. Dalton would appreciate you replenishing his supply.

 

[godwincp]

I always take a small battery operated fan - helps keep you somewhat cooler at night. It will be HOT!

 

[Altitude sickness]

Chewore south has solar powered fans for your tent

 

[deewayne2003]

I hunted with D&Y this July for tuskless had a great time, my suggestions are......

1. Cigarettes - Zim has the cheapest cigarettes in the world, you can buy them for $2 pack at the local stores, so I wouldn't bother carrying them over; the PH's told me that you can buy some cigarettes for as cheap as $6 per carton in the cities.

2. Electrolytes - as others have said they are important and my PH was happy I brought them; personally I prefer the Pedialyte packets.

3. I brought a case of Rice Crispy treats and Kirkland granola bars with dark chocolate and handed them out every morning to the trackers and rangers, they were a big hit.

4. In the remote areas you are going, clothing is in short supply so t-shirts, caps, hoodies - will always be appreciated.

5. I brought a bunch of soccer balls - I gave one each to the trackers for their kids and we gave the rest to the local school and the kids loved it. I thought this was a better option than candy; the children will use the soccer balls until they are thread bare and worn out, while candy makes them happy for only a little while. Just make sure you bring the needles needed to inflate the soccer balls!

6. Heat control - If you are not familiar with a brand of underwear called SAXX I suggest you invest in some, they will keep you cooler. https://www.saxxunderwear.com/products/sxpp2w_dac?nosto_source=cmp&nosto=477700687

7. Make sure you bring a wide brimmed hat that is made to keep the sun off your face and head.

8. Currency - US dollars are the currency of choice; $100 bills must be the newest blue version and try and get them in as pristine condition as possible. Also bring smaller denomination bills with you for tips, purchasing from locals, paying fees, ect.

9. Purchase a hand made axe! - You can get these from one of the trackers or a villager; just ask Dalton and he'll make it happen. These axes cost between $15-$30 depending on size and craftsmanship; I bought 4 of them to take home and have discarded my Estwing hunting axe.

 

[Flipper Dude]

It’s a small thing, but those Frog Togg chilly pads work pretty good for a neck drape or a midday nap in October. I’ll be there in 2 weeks.

Should be one less dugga boy and tuskless for you to choose from.

 

[Doubleplay]

Get ready for the heat(electrolytes, hat, clothing) and make sure you have lightweight broken in boots for walking a lot.
Good Luck.