So the difficult challenges are out of the way: You’ve decided on the destination for your African hunting adventure, and it’s all systems to ensure an unforgettable game hunting safari! But what now? How do you prepare and ensure that you are ready for all the challenges and rewards that you are sure to face while hunting in Africa? And more importantly, how do you ensure that you don’t forget something vitally important while preparing for your dream African hunting safari?
Remember, that preparation is key, and the better prepared you are for your upcoming game hunting adventure, the better. While you may want to pack everything including the kitchen sink, sometimes it is a case of less is more, and although there aren’t drug stores on every corner of the bush, most outfitters offer daily laundry services, so don’t overpack in terms of clothing options!
[DYNAMIC-BLOGTABLEOFCONTENT]
Paperwork and Passports
When an African hunting adventure calls, there is a certain amount of paperwork that does need to be completed. Ensure that you tick all the boxes to ensure a hassle-free hunting safari. While your flights may be booked and your African hunting safari confirmed, nobody is going anywhere without all the paperwork in place.
- Confirm with your African outfitter concerning any documentation that may be required from your side, including any permits, licenses, and information that may be needed.
- Ensure that your passport is updated, with sufficient space and pages as required by your home country, especially when traveling to multiple destinations.
- In need of a visa? Ensure that you have all the necessary documentation in place.
- Do you require vaccination or inoculations? Remember to start arranging these timeously, as some vaccinations may require more than one shot. Check with your African outfitter about what may be required.
- Carry a copy of your travel and medical insurance with you. Should a situation arise, you will easily be able to find the required information.
- Copies of passports, visas, and other important documents.
Rifles & Requirements
Should you be traveling with your own firearm (s), ensure that all the necessary paperwork is completed and that you are aware of any local laws and regulations in the country you will be traveling to. Should you be traveling from the US, a US Customs Form 4457 will be required.
Read more about firearms and hunting permit requirements.
Medical Considerations
When it comes to medical requirements, a visit to your local healthcare provider would be a good consideration, with a check-up confirming that all is in order and that you are in perfect health for the upcoming African hunting trip.
For peace of mind, and to ensure that you are indeed adequately prepared for your game hunting safari request:
- A general antibiotic – The last thing you need is to catch something on the plane on the way to Africa and be man down and feeling like death warmed up for your entire hunting adventure.
- Chronic Medication – Ensure that you have sufficient chronic medication for your travels.
- If you are traveling to or within a Malaria area, ensure that you have the relevant medication and take it as prescribed, which in many cases is before departure for the malaria area.
A reminder to keep all your medication in its original packaging and carry a copy of the prescription with you.
Checklists for A Hunt in Africa
Basic Checklist
- Toiletries: Deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, facecloth, lotion, razor, etc.
- Should you wear contact lenses, pack a spare set and a pair of glasses, along with a spare bottle of contact lens solution.
- While on the topic of glasses, be sure to invest in a good quality pair of sunglasses – the glare of the African sun can be quite harsh.
- Pack sunscreen as well, as the last thing you want to have to deal with is sunstroke or bad sunburn during your hunting adventure. Just a hint, that even when it is overcast, wear the sunblock. The strength of the sun is quite deceiving and even in overcast weather, you can burn.
- Remember the lip balm – Sunburnt lips are not a joke, be sure to apply it regularly.
- For asthma sufferers, be sure to pack a pump, as well as a spare one in case of emergency.
- For those with allergies, don’t forget to pack an epi-pen, extra cortisone tablets, or whatever medication is used to treat your allergies.
- Diabetics, ensure that you have sufficient insulin, as well as some spare. Again, to reconfirm you may well be traveling far from any pharmacy or medical facility. Rather safe than sorry!
- Bug spray and insect repellent – This is one item that you don’t ever want to forget! Although most hunting safaris take place in the cooler winter months, bugs and mosquitoes can still visit you. Imagine trying to concentrate on the perfect shot placement on your hyena while mosquitoes zoom past you, ready for their evening snack!
- Lastly, ladies, do not forget to pack your feminine hygiene products. The hunting lodge and concession are likely not situated anywhere near a drugstore or supermarket, so come prepared. Read more handy hints on what to pack in a recent blog entitled “Tips for Women on an African hunting safari.”
First Aid Kit
Game hunting in Africa is not for the faint-hearted or the unprepared. Hunting is known to create its fair share of cuts, scrapes, and bruises, and while your African outfitter will be prepared for a serious medical situation, they will not supply you with basic medical gear, for minor ailments such as headaches and so forth.
Therefore, it is recommended to include a basic first-aid kit with items such as:
- Tweezers and scissors
- Band-aids of different sizes
- Bandage
- Antiseptic cream
- Disinfectant cream
- Cortisone cream or tablets
- Eye drops
- Medication for vomiting and nausea
- Medication for diarrhea
- Headache tablets
- Pain Medication
Clothing Items to Pack when hunting in Africa
Weather conditions can vary greatly during your African hunt, depending on the destination to which you are traveling. For example, if you are heading to Namibia and close to the exquisite Namib desert, the weather during the day is warm and pleasant, but can drop substantially at night, leaving hunters questioning their packing skills and their lack of adequately warm clothing!
The best way to pack and dress is to layer clothing, which will see hunters removing one layer after the other as the sun rises and the African landscape warms up. Mornings can be icy, especially if you are out in the hunting vehicle, checking for tracks or bait areas. As soon as the sun goes down, so does the temperature, so pack sufficient warm clothing options.
While most African outfitters do offer laundry services, confirm whether this is the case with yours, and if not, pack some hand-washing powder to launder the clothes. The days are quite sunny and warm, even in winter, and your clothes will dry relatively quickly if hung in the sun. Just remember to bring them inside before the sun sets and you sit with damp clothing again!
A suggestion would be to consider packing the following items for your African hunting safari:
- Beanie – for those cold winter mornings on the back of the vehicle, a beanie is a necessity!
- Gloves – Don’t underestimate the cold conditions during the winter months in southern Africa, keep your hands warm with a decent pair of gloves.
- Long Johns – Although they may not be listed as the fashion garment of the century, long johns are a great addition to any winter hunting safari and when the temperature drops, you will be very happy you packed them!
- Hat or Cap – When the beanie disappears and the sun appears, a hat is a good option for sun protection, but don’t forget the sunblock. A hat with a wide brim works extremely well as it also protects the neck. Heatstroke can happen quickly, so ensure that you are well-hydrated and wearing adequate sun protection in the form of a hat and sunblock.
- Bandana or Buff – Great for keeping sweat out of the face.
- Thick Jacket – Again, the early mornings and evenings can be extremely cold and although it would be nice, you cannot camp around the fire all the time!
- Light rain jacket or poncho – Believe it or not, it does rain in Africa and there is nothing like a wet hunter to put a damper on a game hunt in Africa!
- Shorts – Shorts are perfect for summer conditions unless you are planning on walking through long grasses or thorny areas. In that case, long pants may be a better option as the garment doesn’t only protect you from the vegetation, but also from critters like ticks, insects, and other bugs.
- Long-sleeved shirts – Wearing long-sleeved shirts not only protects hunters from the harsh sun, but also from sharp thorns or bushes, as well as insect bites, ticks, and fleas.
- 2 x Pairs Waterproof Boots – Well-worn boots are a must, along with thick socks. Remember to change socks regularly, as foot odor attracts bugs!
- Casual Clothing for around camp – Pack 1-2 sets of casual clothing to wear around camp, such as shorts, a T-shirt, a tracksuit, or jeans. Remember a thicker top for when the temperature drops!
Other Items to Pack on an African Hunt
- A good quality pair of binoculars for glassing for animals
- Rifle and ammunition, if taking your own
- Rifle cleaning kit, if required
- Telescopic sight(s)
- Leatherman or knife or multi-tool
- Flashlight and/or headlamp, along with spare batteries
- Charger for your mobile phone or other devices, along with relevant adapter(s)
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I bring a rain jacket on my African hunting safari?
Yes, the weather in Africa, like everywhere else worldwide, can at times be quite unpredictable. Pack a lightweight rain jacket or poncho to protect you from adverse weather. While the peak hunting period in southern Africa runs from June to August and is usually dry, never take anything for granted. As the Boy Scouts always say, “ Be prepared!”
What is the best color of clothing to pack when hunting in Africa?
A popular choice of colors would be dark or olive green, as this blends in with African landscapes. Avoid white or black garments as these can be seen from very far distances.
What is the minimum amount of clothing to pack for a hunt in Africa?
Should your African outfitter offer daily laundry services, an option would be to pack 3 full outfits, along with other necessary items.
How cold does it get in South Africa in winter?
South African winters, depending on where you are in the country, can get quite cold indeed. Temperatures of 28°F overnight are quite common and in areas such as the Kalahari can reach well below freezing. Ensure that you have adequate warm clothing packed, along with a beanie, gloves, and a thick jacket.
Will my clothing be laundered while on an African hunt?
Most hunting packages include daily laundry options, which assist hunters in bringing the bare minimum in terms of clothing for their hunt in Africa. Confirm with your African outfitter as to their specific laundry services.
What kind of weather can I expect on my African hunting safari?
When packing for hunting trips in Africa it is best to pack for all seasons, as you may experience great fluctuations in temperature. As an example, in the famous Kalahari Desert (falling within Namibia, South Africa, and Botswana), temperatures can drop well below 30°F at night during the winter and reach up to a warm 89°F during the day, ensuring pleasant hunting conditions.
Hunters should be prepared for this range of conditions by packing clothing that can be layered.
Hunting in Africa: Preparation is Key
While visiting the Dark Continent may be both exhilarating and nerve-wracking, follow this suggested list to assist with packing for your first hunt in Africa. This is just a general guideline, and requirements may differ in specific areas, with further items that may be added, but gives a good grounding for any African hunting safari.
Read more about preparing for a hunt in Africa in a recent blog entitled “Planning an Africa hunting trip? Here’s your Handy Guide.”
Author: B. Hershensohnn