Safari Planning Timeline
Hunting Safari Planning and Preparation
An opportunity to travel to Africa for a hunting safari is a dream come true for many game hunting enthusiasts! Preparation is key, and believe it or not, this preparation kicks in for a year or more before heading off on your dream hunting adventure! Need some help on what to do, and when to do it? Then read on, you’re at the right place!
Once you have completed some research and have confirmed that your chosen African outfitter is legit, above board, and able to offer you the African hunting trip of a lifetime, book your chosen game hunting safari and sit back, counting the days until the magic happens! A guideline to remember is that the more popular the species, the further in advance you will need to confirm your booking. Some species have limited numbers or specific permit requirements that may be long and tedious to acquire, so take this into account when planning your African hunting trip.
As with all hunting destinations worldwide, some months are more popular in which to hunt. For the southern hemisphere, this would be the winter months of June, July, and August, during the winter season.
Use this guideline When planning and preparing for your hunting safari in Africa
This timeline gives you a guide as to when, what and how to prioritize what needs to be completed to ensure a successful African Hunting Trip.
- As the old saying goes, the early bird catches the worm. In this case, the earlier you can purchase your flights, the better. Peak hunting season in the southern hemisphere falls over the winter months of June, July, and August and the flights over this time do tend to fill up faster than over other times.
- Africa itself is a lovely destination and not only for hunting. Should you be interested in any pre- or post-hunt tours, excursions, extra accommodation, domestic flights, and so forth, rather confirm them sooner than later. This is especially true when traveling with non-hunters or family who will be keen to experience true African hospitality.
- Hunting in Africa is not for the faint-hearted – or unfit. No hunter has ever gone to Africa and said, “I wish I hadn’t spent so much time working on my fitness regime!” Start working on your fitness levels by defining your fitness goals and objectives. Remember, should you wound an animal during a hunt, there are many times that it will be tracked on foot across miles of unforgiving terrain and bush, so brush up on that fitness and start walking!
- Start researching your chosen game animals for your upcoming Africa hunting trip.
- Reconfirm the hunting safari details, dates, and payment methods with your chosen African outfitter.
- Before you realize it (and hopefully many miles of walking later!), it will be less than 6 months until you depart for your hunting safari in Africa. Now is the time to confirm your passport and see whether it is still valid, has sufficient pages in it, and apply for a new one, should it be required. Should you be visiting numerous countries, ensure that there is sufficient space within the passport. apply for a new passport at your local Post Office or apply for additional pages for your existing passport through the US Department of State’s website at: http://travel.state.gov/passport/forms/ds4085/ds4085_2662.html
- Do you require a visa for your hunting adventure? If you are not sure, you can visit the following website for further information: http://travel.state.gov
- Shot placement. Need we say more? Conduct some research relating to the shot placement on the various game you are targeting. By the time you depart for Africa, you should have the anatomy of each animal, from every possible angle and shot placement, down pat! Your PH is sure to ask you if you’ve been preparing and this will help you have the necessary confidence you need to take that shot when needed, without hesitation.
- Speaking about hesitation, this is not the time to start hesitating about anything medically related. A visit to your local healthcare practitioner or physician to administer any inoculations or immunizations that are needed should start around now.
- By now, your fitness level should have vastly increased, with numerous walks per week. For ladies, some weight training carrying weights while walking might assist in strengthening those arm muscles in preparation for long walks carrying a heavy rifle. Speaking of rifles, ensure that you have proof of ownership of all your firearms, with CBP Form 4457.
- Now is a good time to break in those new boots that you plan on taking when hunting in Africa! Nobody needs blisters the size of a buffalo’s butt while on a hunting safari! Not only are they painful and difficult to treat when boots are needed daily on the hunt, but bad blisters can seriously affect the satisfaction rating of your hunting adventure. Moral of the story? Wear in those boots, as well as any new clothing items you plan on taking with you.
- Arrange the letter of invitation from the outfitter, as well as apply for the CITES permits for the hunting safari, should they be required. They are available through the US Fish & Wildlife Department. Confirm with the outfitter whether they require any additional documentation from your side – rather safe than sorry! Confirm payment methods as well as timelines and keep communication channels open.
- Sometimes deepest, darkest Africa is just that…deep and dark – and you may be traveling to an area that is seen as unsafe or unstable. Notify your government of your intended trip, for US citizens you can register with the State Department on the following website: https://travelregistration.state.gov/
- Choose and confirm a custom’s broker if required.
- Visit your local healthcare centre or doctor and get prescriptions and medication for your chronic conditions, as well as any other common ailments that might befall you while away. Stock up on anti-diarrheal medication, anti-nausea medication, a broad-spectrum antibiotic, and creams for common cuts, abrasions, and infections. Remember to travel with your medication in its original containers, along with a copy of the prescription.
- Spend some time researching your hunting destinations. Information relating to conditions, topography, climate, as well as the hunting destination itself can only assist you. Should you have any relevant questions, speak to your African outfitter.
- Walk, walk, walk! Those boots were made for walking! Get some miles in and ensure your footwear is comfortable for your upcoming hunting safari in Africa.
- Take some time out from the hustle and bustle and get some time in at the range, utilizing the firearm(s) you plan to use when hunting in Africa, or, if you are even more fortunate, take the time out to get some fresh air and enjoy a hunting adventure.
- Expect the unexpected – Now is the time to confirm and buy travel insurance. This is a necessity and not a nice to have. There are many different plans and levels of travel insurance options available, see which suits your needs best and purchase it.
- Stock your DIY first aid kit. Nothing is more frustrating on an Africa hunting trip than common little niggles, like a headache or stuffy nose. Pack your first aid kit to deal with common ailments, including items such as band-aids, antiseptic creams, bandages, headache tablets, and so forth. Don’t forget to pack the mosquito and tick repellent! Remember to include good quality sunscreen for daily use, as Africa’s harsh rays can well burn you, even on cloudy, overcast days.
- Now is the time to order tags from your taxidermist.
- Should you have observers or non-hunters traveling with you, reach out to your African outfitter for possible excursions or activities that they can enjoy while you are hunting. This may not always be possible and is dependent on the hunting destination itself. Some outfitters do offer game drives after the day’s hunting as well, check with yours.
- Your hunt is coming ever closer! Are you fit enough to keep up with your PH and tracking team as you search through the tall grasses of the African bushveld in search of the perfect game hunting trophy? Keep the walking up, with a good couple of miles at a time.
- Now is not the time for the nerves to kick in! Build some confidence and visit the range for some practice or enjoy a quick hunting safari.
- Depending on the outfitter, payment may be due, if not already confirmed.
- Order foreign exchange or traveler’s cheques, the time is getting short!
- The time is getting short and you may have some questions popping into your head about the African hunting safari in Africa, or even starting to feel anxious. This is normal, especially on your first trip. Stay calm, enjoy the build-up, and study that shot placement! We don’t want a case of hesitation should you perhaps be facing an aggressive, bad-tempered member of the Big 5!
- Double check that your visa requirements and passport are in order.
- Consider your luggage requirements, including locks for your gun case and suitcases. When packing for your trip, remember to keep all medication in your travel luggage, along with the prescriptions. Ensure that you have good, durable locks for all your bags.
- Recheck your packing lists one final time and use these lists when packing. The last thing you need is to forget a vital item when hunting in Africa, as the closest shop may be many hours’ drive away. A reminder to pack that first aid kit as well as all chronic medication!
- Your hunting package should include laundering, so don’t pack too many clothing items, but don’t forget comfortable clothing for traveling.
- Reconfirm your flights, both locally and internationally a day or two before departure and book a transfer to the airport if required.
- Make a copy of all important documents and leave them with a family member, or a good friend if you are lucky enough to have your family sharing your hunting safari in Africa with you! These documents will include items such as your passport and visa copies, your letter of invitation from the African outfitter, CITES permits, travel insurance copies, and so forth.
- Collect your foreign currency or traveler’s cheques.
- Do an online check-in for your flights the day before departure.
D-Day will see the last-minute scurry and checking of items, documents, and gear (even though you have used your packing list and checked it multiple times!).
Nerves may kick in as you head for the hunting adventure of a lifetime! Ensure that you have the contact details and information of your African outfitter close at hand for your arrival in Africa, should you require it.
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